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1984-02-21 Council minutesPage No. 1970 February 21, 1984 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, February 21, 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. in 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, Losleben, Mertensotto and Witt. ADOPTION OF Councilwoman Witt moved the adoption of the agenda for the AGENDA meeting, with the addition of a memo on Salem Church Road and a memo on TH 110 Signal System Modification. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF Councilwoman Witt moved approval of the minutes of the February MINUTES 7th meeting. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR 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 Fire department monthly report for January. 2. Acknowledgement of the Treasurer's monthly report for January. 3. Acknowledgement of a memo on the purchase of office chairs. 4. Acknowledgement of a memo from Administrator Frazell relative to the resignation of the Assistant Fire Chief, along with a memo of resignation from Assistant Fire Chief Lange, in resignation from his position as an active volunteer fireman, along with the Assistant Fire Chief position. 5. Acknowledgement of a memo from Administrator Frazell and a letter from the United States Postal Service notifying the City that they are looking for a site for a vehicle maintenance facility. 6. Acknowledgement of a copy of a letter from the Metropolitan Airports Commission to the Friendly Hills Civic Association relative to the proposed Eagan horseracing track. 7. Approval of the List of COntractor licenses, granting contractor licenses to the following: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 FIRE STATION BIDS Page No. 1971 February 21, 1984 Arneson Heating Service Co. Arneson Heating Service Co. Berens Construction Co. Dahn Builders, Inc. Danelke Excavating Eagan Excavating G.P. & Son Remodeling Co. Joseph E. Johnson & Son Northwest Service Station Red Rock Heating Rouse Mechanical, Inc. Rouse Mechanical, Inc. Turner Tree Technology Western Remodelers 8. Approval of Rubbish Haulers licenses Troje's Trash Pickup, Inc. Heating & A/C Gas Piping General Contractor Masonry Excavating Excavating General Contractor General Contractor Excavating Heating & A/C Heating & A/C Gas Piping Tree Removal General Contractor to City Clean-Up and 9. Approval of the List of Claims dated February 21, 1984, and totalling $80,440.90. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Frazell and a handout recommendation on award of fire station bids from Trossen-Wright Architects. Mr. Bruce Caulfield, from Trossen- Wright was present for the discussion and reviewed the bids. He stated that it is the recommendation of the architects to stay within the designated budget and complete the building to the extent possible within that budget. This would include the basic building size, with a 76 foot apparatus room and three additional alternates of 4 foot 8 inches each, which would result in a 90 foot apparatus room, along with alternates for completion of the administration area and sleeping area, installation of the sprinkler system, and installation of a Co-Ra-Vac heating system. He stated that the total construction cost for the base bid and the alter- nates described would total $641,287. He stated that it is proposed to heat the building entirely with gas, and that the Co- Ra-Vac radiant heater would be installed in the bay area, provid- ing a separate heating system for the bay area from that installed in the remainder of the structure. There were several questions from the Council regarding the proposed Co-Ra-Vac heating system, including questions on the efficiency, the operational costs, design criteria, in particular load factor minimums, and whether it would be adaptable for an alternate fuel system. Mr. Caulfield stated that bid received from Klamm Mechanical contractors included the lowest cost for the alternate (Co-Ra- Vac heating system), and this resulted in Klamm Mechanical contractors being the lowest bidder for the mechanical work. He stated that if the Council is not in favor of the addition of alternate M-lb for the Co-Ra-Vac heating system, the different Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TAX ANTICIPATION CERTIFICATES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ABATEMENTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page No. 1972 February 21,,:1984 contractor will become the lowest bidder. Administrator Frazell informed the Council that the construction costs include an additional expense of $4,100 because of increased architectural fees for increase in contract rates for the add - alternates. As the result of the discussion, Councilman Losleben moved to table the award of bids for construction of the fire station to March 6th, pending clarification on the several concerns on the Co -Ra -Vac heating system. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Treasurer Shaughnessy reviewed a tabulation of bids received for the sale of $550,000 Tax Anticipation Certificates. The bids were as follows: Norwest Banks, $33,495, for an interest rate of 6.09 %; First National Bank of Mpls, $34,650, for an interest rate of 6.30 %; American National Bank and Trust Company, $33,745, for an interest rate of 6.135 %; First National Bank of St. Paul, $33,220, for an interest rate of 6.040%. Mr. Shaughnessy recommended that the award be made to the lowest bidder, First National Bank of St. Paul. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 84 -12, "RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $550,000 TAX ANTICIPATION CERTIFICATES OF 1984 ". Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Assessor Bill Peterson was present to request Council approval of abatements for three properties: Parcel No. 27- 44950 - 010 -02, 1859 Faro Lane; Parcel No. 27- 16400 - 133 -00, the east 100 feet of Lot 13, Caroline's Lakeview Addition; and Parcel No. 2744955- 070 -03 1926 Twin Circle Drive. After discussion, Councilman Losleben moved that abatements be granted to: Thomas Strassener, for Parcel No. 27- 44950- 010 -02, reducing the assessed value from $23,569 to $14,824 for taxes payable 1983, and from $31,560 to $18,930 for taxes payable 1984. Alois and Adeline Wagner, for Parcel No. 27- 16400 - 133 -00, reducing the assessed value from $7,380 to $2,800 for taxes payable 1983, and from $7,400 to $2,800 for taxes payable 1984. Charles and Alice Wold, for Parcel No. 27- 44955 - 070 -03, reducing the assessed value from $30,688 to $28,672 for taxes payable 1984. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. LEXINGTON HEIGHTS APARTMENTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT, MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD/TH 149 YIELD INTERSECTION Page No. 1973 February 21, 1984 The Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director Danielson relative to a request for building permit approval for the middle apartment in the Lexington Heights apartment complex. Mr. James Riley, the developer, was present for the discussion. Public Works Director Danielson reviewed the developer's agreement for the project. Administrator Frazell reviewed the park contri- bution requirement. After discussion, Mayor Lockwood moved to authorize the Mayor to execute a developer's agreement for the Lexington Heights apartment complex, along with authorization for issuance of a building permit for the first building of the Lexington Heights apartment complex. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Mr. Riley requested that the Council authorize staff to issue the building permits for the final two structures as plans are submitted, rather than return to the Council. He stated that he would like to begin grading for the second structure next week. In response to a question from Councilman Mertensotto, Mr. Riley stated that he will bring the final plat in for approval at the next Council meeting. Councilman Mertensotto moved to authorize the issuance of a found- ation permit for the second building in the Lexington Heights apart- ment complex, subject to approval of the Code Enforcement Officer. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from Public Works Director Danielson relative to a proposed construction agreement with Mn/DOT relative to cost sharing for Mendota Heights Road construction east of TH 149 and for installation of a trunk city watermain under the new construction. Mr. Danielson stated that in response to Council concerns over financing expressed at the February 7th Council meeting, he had contacted Mn/DOT represen- tatives on the matter. He stated that Mn/DOT expressed a willing- ness to modify the agreement so that the City can make payments for the project over the time of construction, with a down payment of $40,000 and quarterly installments on the balance of construction costs through September, 1985. He stated that in order to accom- plish Mn/DOT approval of the progress payment schedule, it will be necessary for the City to submit a letter to Mn/DOT District 9, stating hardship financing conditions. Public Works Director Danielson was directed to submit a letter to Mn/DOT regarding the financing and to return at a March Council meeting with a new construction agreement reflecting a progress payment schedule. The Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from Public Works Director Danielson relative to a recommendation for installation of a Yield sign on Avanti Drive, at the intersection of Summit Lane. Councilman Mertensotto expressed concern over the recommend- Ayes: 4 Nays: 1, Mertensotto FIRE STATION SITE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE REPAIR Page No. 1974 February 21, 1984 ation, stating that there is a downgrade which would make stopping on Avanti extremely difficult under slippery conditions. He seriously questioned the need for a Yield sign on Avanti, rather than on Sununit Lane. He felt that a Yield sign on Avanti would give drivers on Summit Lane a false sense of security, and that perhaps a different type of dangerous intersection sign might be more appropriate. After discussion, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 206, "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1113", establishing Avanti Drive as a Yield street at Summit Lane. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Frazell, along with a letter from Sherman Winthrop relative to City acquisition of a portion of the Perkegwin property located on Dodd Road for the fire station site. The Council noted two stipulations placed on the sale by Perkegwin relating to potential City use of the area to be dedicated by Perkegwin for park purposes as part of the platting of the remainder of the property, and a density transfer for the remainder of the property. Administrator Frazell recommend- ed that the Council authorize staff to meet with representatives of Perkegwin to work out final details for the sale and authorize the retention of Paul Hauge as legal counsel for the transaction. Mayor Lockwood moved to authorize the retention of Paul Hauge as legal,counsel in negotiations for acquisition of the Perkegwin property, and to direct the City Administrator to meet with representatives of Perkegwin to negotiate final details for site acquisition. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Frazell relative to proposed waterway modification and repairs to Fire Unit #2286 (Squirt). Fire Chief Noack and several members of the Department were present for the discussion. Council reviewed a number of options for servicing, including that servicing be done at General Safety Products, in North Branch, that the work be contracted with the St. Paul Fire Department, that the Mendota Heights mechanic perform the work, and that the vehicle be sent back to the snorkel factory in St. Joseph, Missouri. The recommend- ation from the Fire Chief and Administrator was for Council to authorize return of the vehicle to Missouri for completion of the work. In response to a question from Councilman Mertensotto, Chief Noack stated that General Safety is not equipped to check out the hydraulic systems or certify the waterway, but that the manufacturer in St. Joseph does. Councilman Mertensotto expressed concern that sustained mileage and extended speeds for a trip to St. Joseph • might create other problems which could cause a breakdown of the vehicle at some point during the trip. He also asked Chief Noack MISCELLANEOUS EAGAN RACE TRACK DIVINE REDEEMER AMBULANCE SERVICE Page No. 1975 February 21, 1984 to review the disadvantages of equipment repairs at General Safety. Administrator Frazell stated that he was originally extremely skeptical about the idea of returning the vehicle to the manufacturer, but after study has now come to the belief that the City ought to take the opportunity for factory testing of the waterway and hydraulics. Several members of the Council expressed questions, including who would be liable for damages in the event of an accident, how long the modification would take, whether the Fire Department has received a precautionary letter from the manufacturer that there should be a test on the system, what would be warranteed by General Safety if the work is completed there, and whether the City will soon be required to certify this and other fire units. After discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved to authorize repair of the Squirt unit #2286 at General Safety Products in North Branch. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben indicated that he would like to see what is required for re-certification on the vehicle. Mayor Lockwood was concerned that if the unit were sent to Missouri, for repair, modification and certification, the City might be required again in a year or two to re-certify the equipment. It was the concensus of the Council that a clarification of the potential re-certification need, cost for certification at Missouri, and several other items must be made before action can be taken. Mayor Lockwood withdrew his second to the motion. Councilman Mertensotto withdrew the motion. Fire Chief Noack asked whether the Council would have any interest in joint purchasing through the City of St. Paul and/or the seven county fire group. Administrator Frazell was directed to look into the potential for entering into joint purchasing agreements. The Council received and reviewed a memo from Administrator Frazell relative to an informational meeting by Bennett, Ringrose, Wolsfeld, Incorporated, on the draft EIS for the Eagan racetrack. It was the concensus of the Council that the informational meeting should be conducted at Somerset School at 8:00 P.M., on February 28th. The Council directed staff to contact the Friendly, Hills Civic Association and to disseminate information on the meeting to as many other civic associations as possible. The Council briefly reviewed the race track draft EIS. Council- man Losleben noted several items in the document, and indicated that he felt that the race track is not the best alternative indicated by the document. Administrator Frazell reviewed his memo relative to payment of the Divine Redeemer ambulance service subsidy for 1984. There were several questions and concerns expressed by the Council on the matter. Ayes: 4 Nays: 1, Hartmann HOME OCCUPATIONS Page No. 1976 February 21, 1984 Councilman Losleben moved to authorize approval of the $8,507.51 subsidy for 1984. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Administrator Frazell was directed to contact City Coordinator Jim Cosgrove, from the City of South St. Paul, to get a status report on his discussions with Divine Redeemer. He was also directed to prepare comments for preparation of a letter to Divine Redeemer Hospital asking what the City receives for the subsidy it provides. The Council reviewed and discussed a memo from City Administrator Frazell relative to regulation of home occupations. Administrator Frazell was directed to study the matter further and pursue the possibility of issuing conditional use permits for home occupations. MUNICIPAL LOBBYING The Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Frazell relative to municipal lobbying, and took no action on the matter. SALEM CHURCH ROAD PERSONNEL Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS BOARD OF REVIEW Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MEED PROGRAM Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 The Council acknowledged a memo from City Administrator Frazell along with a letter from the Dakota County Engineering department regarding questions on the need for a bridge on Salem Church Road if the road is turned back to the City of Sunfish Lake under the County turnback program. Administrator Frazell was directed to respond to Dakota County, stating that the City Council has no comment on the matter. Mayor Lockwood moved that Leonard Kanitz be appointed to permanent status as Leadperson in the Road and Bridge department, effective March 12. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben moved that Michael Maczko be given permanent status as Road and Bridge Maintenance Person, effective March 12. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged a memo relative to the liquor licensing issue, and directed the City Clerk to proceed with alternative #1. Mayor Lockwood moved that the annual Board of Review be conducted at 7:30 P.M., on June llth. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved to authorize the appropriate City officials to execute an agreement with Dakota County for City participation in the MEED Program. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. TH 110 SIGNALS Page No. 1977 February 21, 1984 The Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director Danielson relative to the installation of a Master Controller on the signals at TH 110/149. He indicated that Mn/DOT has advised him that they will not install Opticom at I-35E under this project unless the City executes an agreement for install- ation of the Master Controller. The Council directed Public Works Director Danielson to invite Mn/DOT to discuss the matter at the March 6th meeting. MISCELLANEOUS The Council briefly discussed the inclusion of Comprehensive Plan review in the work schedule for 1984. ADJOURN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Hartmann moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:16 o'clock P.M. Kath1een M. Swanson ty Clerk ATTEST: Robert G. Lockwood Mayor