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1983-08-02 Council minutesPage No. 1862 August 2, 1983 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, August 2, 1983 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, was held at Tt30 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, Losleben, Merten- sotto and Witt. CONSENT CALENDAR Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 STREET VACATION HEARING Councilman Losleben 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 Code Enforcement monthly report for July. 2. Acknowledgement of the minutes of the July 26th Planning Commission meeting. 3. Approval of the List of Claims dated August 2, 1983, and totalling $91,645.22. 4. Acknowledgement of a League of Minnesota Cities Action Alert on a potential reduction in State Aids. 5. Approval of the List of Licenses, granting licenses to: Diversified Masonry Fischer Sand & Aggregate Co. Gilbert Construction Co. Junek Excavating Co. Wm. F. Kopp Construction Rum River Construction, Inc. Simon Brothers Cement Co. James R. Tri Builders Vollhaber Heating Vollhaber Heating J.R. Walker & Sons,Inc. R & R Construction Masonry License Excavator's License Masonry License Excavator's License General Contractor General Contractor Masonry License General Contractor Gas Piping Heating & A/C License Excavator's License General Contractor Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on an application for vacation of Kingsbury Trail, Kingsbury Court, and Alma Lane, all platted in the Snelling View Replat. Mr. Einck indicated that the street vacations were necessary in order to complete the platting process for Page No. 1863 August 2, 1983 the proposed Kingsley Estate Addition. Mayor Lockwood asked for questions and comments from the audience. Mr. Valdes Mikelsons, 1787 South Lexington Avenue, asked whether the vacation, as proposed, would result in landlocking of property to the south. He stated that the southerly property is approximately 900 feet long and 130 feet wide and that there would be no access to the rear of the property if Kingsley Court is vacated. Public Works Director Danielson stated that at the Planning Commission hearing on the preliminary plat for Kingsley Estates, the matter of access to the southerly property was addressed by City Planner Howard Dahlgren who suggested that a 30 foot easement be dedicated along the south boundary of the proposed Kingsley Estates. He stated that in reviewing the matter at the Planning Commission meeting and subsequently, it appears as though the property to the south could accommodate access through its own property. He stated that Mr. Einck has indicated that he would be willing to dedicate a 30 foot easement for right-of-way along the south property line of the proposed Kingsley Estates Addition. Mr. Einck indicated that he has agreed to dedicate such an easement either at the time of platting or at a later date to service the south property, if such an easement is necessary. He also stated that the potential for the granting of an easement is addressed in the by-laws of the incorporation. Mayor Lockwood pointed out that whatever the case is, Mr. Mikelsons is depending upon someone else to provide him access for any possible future development of his property. Council- man Mertensotto advised Mr. Mikelsons that the best the Council could do would be to ask the developer to grant a 30 foot right- of-way easement as he has indicated willingness to do. There being no further questions to come before the Council, Councilman Mertensotto moved that the hearing be closed at 8:05 o'clock P.M. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 83-62, "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING VACATION OF CERTAIN STREETS IN THE PLATS OF SNELLING VIEW AND SNELLING VIEW REPLAT". Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Mertensotto moved that the Dodd Construction Company request for final plat approval for the proposed Kingsley Estates Addition be continued to August 16th, to allow the developer and southerly landowner to work out right-of-way matters. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 FIREMEN'S PENSION PLAN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE NO. 83-22, SCHWARTZ, WETLANDS PERMIT Ayes: 4 Nays: 1, Losleben CASE NO. 83-23, NORMAN, VARIANCE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page No. 1864 August 2, 1983 Financial Advisor Shaughnessy reviewed his memo relative to proposed Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association retirement plan changes. After discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 83-63, "RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION." Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 83-64, "RESOLUTION SUPPORTING FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION BENEFIT PLAN". Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Mr. and Mrs. James Schwartz were present to request approval of a wetland variance for Lot 1, Block 4, Furlong Addition, to allow installation of a private on-site septic system within the 150 foot setback requirement in a wetlands area. Mr. Schwartz indicated that he plans to build a geodesic home on the site and that the septic system, according to his soil testing firm, would best be placed within the setback requirement, 60 to 70 feet from the shore of Augusta Lake. Councilman Mertensotto pointed out to the applicants that when the public sanitary sewer system is extended past their property at some future date, they will be required to connect to the system within one year. Financial Advisor Shaughnessy and Councilmember Losleben also cautioned Mr. Schwartz about potential aircraft noise problems on the site, and suggested that additional acoustical materials within the structure may be wise. After discussion, Mayor Lockwood moved to approve a wetlands system setback variance to allow construction of an on-site san- itary sewer system 75 feet from the wetlands area, subject to the granting of a 100 foot wide easement along the easterly side of the property and a 50 foot easement on the north line of the property for future utility purposes. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Mr. Tom Norman was present the established front yard of a new home 47 feet from Block 3, Jefferson Heights to request approval of a variance from setback variance to allow construction the front property line at Lot 9, Addition. After discussion, Councilwoman Witt moved to approve the grant- ing of a front yard setback variance for Lot 9, Block 3, Jefferson Heights Addition to allow construction of a new home at the same setback as the property to the west of the subject site, approx- imately 47 feet from the front property line. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Page No. 1865 August 2, 1983 CASE NO. 83-24, Mr. John Salisbury was present to request approval of a,10 foot SALISBURY, VARIANCE rear yard setback variance at 1450 Wachtler Avenue to allow construction of a swimming pool 20 feet from the rear property line. Mayor Lockwood moved approval of a variance to allow construction of a swimming pool 20 feet from the rear property line at 1450 Wachtler Avenue as requested. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PERSONNEL The City Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from three City employees to the Administrator and Council relative to wage disparities. The clerical staff members who submitted the memo, present in the audience, answered several questions for the Council. MORTGAGE REVENUE BOND FINANCING Councilman Losleben acknowledged that the Council does not see what types of activities the City personnel conduct, yet have directed the Administrator to keep costs down. He thanked the personnel for bringing the matter to the Council's attention. Mayor Lockwood stated that the oral comments and memo are timely because budget discussions will commence in the very near future and discussions on the said wage disparities would be appro- priately held as part of the budgeting process. He stated that the Council will be looking favorably on salaries that would be more appropriate, but that it is impossible to resolve the matter at this meeting. He suggested that perhaps temporary adjustments might be in order. Councilman Mertensotto asked several questions regarding the salary schedule for the new receptionist in relation to salaries for the other clerical personnel. He also asked the staff members present what type of action they are looking for from the Council. After further discussion, the Council directed the City Administrator to prepare a recommendation to be discussed along with budgeting on August 16th. Mr. James Riley, President of the Condor Corporation, and Mr. Jerry Hertel from Juran and Moody, were present to present preliminary information on a proposal for mortgage revenue bond financing for a 189 unit rental apartment building proposed to be located at Wagon Wheel Trail and Lexington Avenue. Mr. Hertel reviewed the requirements for housing, advising that the financing would be exempt for investment purposes but the fac- ilities would not be exempt from real estate taxes. He stated that under the Federal Mortgage Revenue Bond Financing program 80% of the project can be at market rate and 20% must be iden- tified for low income. He stated that in order to satisfy the requirement, the developer proposes to identify 20% of the project, all one bedroom units, as meeting the low income requirement, with a monthly rental of $495. He indicated that the maximum income which would qualify for the low income requirement is $25,000 per year and that most probably the units would be rented by young, technical professionals. Mr. Hertel MISCELLANEOUS AIRPORT NOISE Page No.1866 August 2, 1983 stated that as part of the revenue financing project, it would be necessary to amend the housing plan and prepare a housing program. In response to a request from Councilman Mertensotto, Mr. Hertel indicated that he would prepare a copy of a sample housing plan which was adopted by the City of Maple Grove for a similar project financed through revenue bond financing. Financial Advisor Shaughnessy advised the Council that financing for housing under the City's industrial revenue financing guidelines have not been addressed because at the time these guidelines were prepared, the housing was not allowed under the Federal IRB guidelines. Mr. Riley briefly reviewed drawings of the proposed three building complex. After discussion, the Council directed that the matter be referred to City Planner Howard Dahlgren for a planning report on the development, in particular on the social impact of the development. The Council also directed Financial Advisor Shaughnessy to be the liason between the developer and the City and asked that he be prepared to address the matter on August 16th TheCouncil acknowledged and briefly discussed a notice of public hearing and planning reports from the City of Eagan relative to a proposal to locate a Class A race track facility in Eagan near the border with Mendota Heights. The Council directed staff to request the City of Eagan to supply Mendota Heights with copies of all reports on the subject. Mr. Stu Henning, a member of the audience, asked the Council what action the City of Mendota Heights has taken or may take with regard to the impact of increased air traffic and air traffic noise over the community. After discussion, the Council directed, the City Administrator to request copies of FAA Course Rules for 1982 and current Course Rules so that a communication on increased air traffic noise may be directed to the Metropolitan Airports Commission. FEDERAL REVENUE Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 83-65, SHARING "RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING PROPOSED USE HEARING," the hearing to be conducted on September 6th. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Ayes : 5 Nays: 0 BUDGET The Council acknowledged a memo from the City Administrator regarding a schedule of discussions on 1984 budget proposals. As the result of the discussion it was the concensus of the Council that budget proposals be considered on August 16th and August 23rd. Page No. 1867 August 2, 1983 LEADERSHIP The Council briefly discussed the summary of the recent TRAINING Leadership Training seminar and indicated that follow-up should be conducted in the near future, and that the objectives stated in the summary should be considered along with Capital Improvement Program budgeting. FIRE STATION Administrator Johnson updated the Council on the status of discussions over acquisition of a fire station site. Council- man Losleben indicated his objection to the philosophy that the Warnke property be entirely purchased and developed or that the fire station be placed entirely on the contiguous property. MISCELLANEOUS Councilman Mertensotto asked about the status of the dangerous intersection report, and indicated his concerns over the safety at the intersection of Mendota Heights Road and Lexing- ton Avenue. It was noted that the matter would be brought to the Council at the August 16th meeting. RIVERWOOD PLACE The Council acknowledged a memo and tabulation of bids received WATERMAIN EXTENSION for a proposed watermain extension to serve Riverwood Place (Strub and Associates). Engineer Kishel reviewed his memo and recommended that a bid award be made to the low bidder. Mr. Strub, present in the audience, stated that he has received quotations for a private well system, and indicated to the Council that the cost for public installation of water would be considerably in excess of the $14,000 bid for a private system. He indicated that because of cost, he would much prefer install- ation of an on-site system. After considerable discussion on the matter, the City Engineer was directed to study whether the proposed watermain extension would provide some future benefit to properties across the street from the Strub property or whether the St. Paul Water Department would allow a variance from their regulations to allow internal looping between buildings. Staff was further dir- ected to work with Mr. Strub on the matter and to report to the Council on August 16th. KINGSLEY ESTATES The Council acknowledged and briefly discussed a feasibility FEASIBILITY STUDY report prepared by the City Engineer relative to proposed public improvements to serve the Kingsley Estates Addition. After the brief discussion, Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption of Resolution No. 83-66, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING REPORT AND AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE THE KINGSLEY ESTATES AND ADJACENT AREAS". Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PERSONNEL The Council acknowledged a memo from the Public Works Director and Public Works Supervisor recommending the appointment of Len Kanitz as Street Department Leadman. Councilman Losleben moved that Len Kanitz be appointed to the Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MAC UTILITIES Ayes : 5 Nays : 0 ADJOURN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ATTEST: Page No. 186.8 August 2, 1983 Street Department Leadman positon. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Councilwoman Witt moved to authorize staff to advertise for applications for the vacant Public Works Maintenance person position. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from Public Works Director Danielson regarding proposed assessments for the MAC utility extension project. Mr. Danielson recommended that a public hearing be conducted on the proposed MAC assess- ments on September 6th. Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution NO. 83- 67, "RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL AND CALLING FOR HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS FOR METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION PROPERTY AND ADJACENT AREA IMPROVEMENTS ( IMPROVEMENT NO. 82, PROJECT NO. 2)", the hearing to be conducted on September 6th. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Losleben moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:18 o'clock P.M. £4d cLzL Robert G. Lockwood Mayqr 1"ftri../..e..r...n. 711 Ka leen M. Swanson City Clerk