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1981-03-03 Council minutesPage 1431 March 3, 1981 CITY.OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 3, 1981 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, Councilmen Hartmann, Losleben, Mertensotto and Councilwoman Witt. HEARING - LAKERIDGE P.U.D. Mayor Lockwood opened the continued hearing on the Bream Homes application for conditional use permit and rezoning of property located on T.H.149 and adjacent to the Mendakota Country Club property. Mayor Lockwood advised the Council and audience that he has requested the developer to allow the City time to study the possibility of locating senior citizen housing and a City fire station, through tax increment financing, on the site. He also acknowledged and briefly reviewed a hand-out memo from Planner Dahlgren. Councilman Losleben stated that he has been in favor of single family development on the site but is changing his mind. He related several discussions with elderly community residents who have expressed the desire for senior citizen housing. He felt that a 40 to 50 unit senior citizen structure could be filled with Mendota Heights residents and expressed a desire to accommodate their housing needs. He suggested that the developer should be able to develop the 67 acre site with senior citizen housing and a fire station as well as residential development. Mr. Bream stated that the proposal suggested by Councilman Losleben will not work. The Council discussed the possibility of financing a senior citizen housing project via bond sales or as part of the tax increment financing process. Councilman Losleben was excused from the meeting at 7:50 P.M. Councilman Mertensotto wondered how a fire station could be located on the proposed Bream site since a station will require off-street parking. He also pointed out that if a park facility is located on the proposed park site, it would by its location primarily serve owners of property within the Bream development -- people who will be using the recreational facilities already planned for the development by Mr. Bream. He stated that it would not be wise simply to say that the City will carve out a 6 acre fire facility site without adequate study. Mr. Gary Gustafson, a member of the Park Commission, asked theCouncil to reflect on the portion of the minutes of the February 24th Park Commission meeting which relate to use of the site proposed by the developer as a park site. Page 1432 March 3, 1981 He stated that the Commission feels the City does not need any more small park sites, but that there is a need for large park sites for additional ball fields for adults. He also pointed out that there is no availability for off-street parking. He stated that the developer is providing for the recreational needs of the people within the development and that the City could better use a cash park contribution in lieu of land. Mayor Lockwood asked for questions and comments from the audience. Mr. John Moy, 796 Hokah, stated that he lives across from the proposed park site and that he does not like the idea of having a fire station located directly across from his home. He did feel that a park facility on the proposed site would be good and is needed. Mr. Moy also asked whether the developer or City had, prepared an environmental worksheet. Mr. Harvey Bream pointed out the platting liability experienced because of the NSP easement across the property. He stated that location of a fire station on the property would create an additional marketing liability, and the proposal for elderly housing which cannot be totally described at this point is an additional liability. Councilman Mertensotto agreed that an elderly high-rise would not be compatible with the proposed construction of homes in the $100,000 range. He pointed out that the developer has waited for City study of density, access, park and fire station considerations for two weeks and further, that the developer needs to know the Council's feelings on the fire station and park location in order to proceed with his plans. He pointed out that a senior citizen facility can be located somewhere else in the City, possibly on the existing fire station site. He felt that in view of the need to cross T.H. 149 to get to the shopping area, the siting on the Bream property might not be appropriate. The Council discussed the proposed second access through the Eide Estates to Wagon Wheel Trail and also the question of density. Mayor Lockwood stated that the Council had reached a reasonable agreement on density, 167 units, and on the access to Wagon Wheel. He felt that the City should not cause any undue delays for the developer, but suggested that another month should be allowed for additional study. Councilwoman Witt stated that she would like to have the land dedication as proposed, but not necessarily for a park site. She also felt that there should be no lengthy delays in making a decision. Page 1433 March 3, 1981 Mr. James Hill, consultant for the developer, asked for a firm decision from the Council within the next two weeks so that he can prepare plans to reflect what the Council wants in teems of park, senior citizen housing and fire station location. Councilman Mertensotto suggested that perhaps the northeasterly portion of the development would be more feasible for a fire station site than the southeasterly site would be. He suggested that if the northerly portion were used for the station and park, perhaps a buffer could be planted between the station and the development. He also suggested that the exception to the plat could be used as the fire station site. Mr. Gustafson stated that if the access to the development from T.H. 149 were aligned with Hokah, perhaps a control device could be installed at the intersection. Engineer Kishel stated that he has already contacted Mn/DOT in that regard and was advised that they do not believe the traffic generated by the development would warrant a signal. Mr. Howard Bream suggested that there seems to be a mis- conception of what the development is intended to be. He stated that the developer is trying to address the needs of the changing life style of young people and so-called "empty nesters" by providing maintenance-free housing He stated that the developer is not looking for an upper- income level bracket market. The developer would like to have a $90,000 to $125,000 price range in the condominiums. He pointed out that basic housing now begins in the $80,000 range. He stated that the developer will have architectural control on the entire development and thus the structures will blend aesthetically. He felt that the developer could live with the fire station concept in either the north or south corner of the development and could work with either the inclusion or exclusion of a City park. Mr. Gustafson stated that if the park site could be designed to accommodate two full-sized ball diamonds and adequate off-street parking, the Park Commission would be much more interested in accepting land rather than a cash park contributioi Councilman Mertensotto suggested that perhaps there could be some trade-off of land between the developer and Mendakota Country Club. Administrator Johnson stated that the developer proposes to contribute a 6.6 acre site to the city as the park contribution. He suggested that since the park site area is included in the density calculation (167 units), the developer is really giving up nothing by contributing the property. He stated that in normal platting processes, the developer must contribute 10% of the land area and calculate the density based on the balance of the property. Under a P.U.D. the developer retains the density for the park dedi- cation, in this case totalling roughly 20 units. He suggested Page 1434 March 3, 1981 that if the Council agrees that the developer is better off by contributing land in lieu of cash, then the Council should • ask for either more land or accept the 6.6 acres plus a • cash contribution. He recommended that the Council give staff and the developer some general criteria on how to proceed. It was the concensus of the Council that the proposed access through the Eide Estates should be pursued, that the density Of 167 units is_ appropriate, and that staff should pursue the question of how much land dedication should be required and where the park dedication should be located. Staff was directed to work with the developers as well as to determine size and location of the proposed park dedication, and to address the suggested trading of land between the developer and Mendakota Country Club. Councilman Mertensotto moved that the hearing be continued to March 17th. CouncilMan Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CASE NO. 81-1, CIRCLE Mayor Lockwood opened the meeting for the purpose of a public AIR FREIGHT hearing on an application from Circle Air Freight for a conditional use permit and variance. It was noted that Circle Air Freight was not represented at the meeting, nor was anyone in the audience present for the discussion. Councilman Mertensotto moved that the hearing on the Circle Air Freight Conditional Use Permit application be continued to March 17th in view of the lack of representation by the applicant this evening. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays:0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CASE NO. 81-2, MATTSON VARIANCE Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the minutes of the Feburary 17th meeting with corrections. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. The Council noted that Mr. Clarence Mattson was not present to discuss his application for sign variance for the Cherokee Service Station located at T.H. 110 and Lexington Avenue. Councilman Mertensotto moved that discussion on the matter be tabled until the applicant is present. • for the discussion. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. PLANNING COMMISSION Page 1435 March 3, 1981 The Council acknowledged receipt of the minutes of the February 24th Planning Commission meeting and the February 24th Park Commission meeting. DEPARTMENT REPORTS The Council acknowledged receipt of the Code Enforcement monthly report for February. SEWER RATES Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 LILYDALE LIFT STATION MAINTENANCE The Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from the City Administrator supplementing previous information relative to a proposed sewer charge increase. It was noted that the original proposal was for a 23% increase, while the new recommendation is for a 15.5% increase in the minimum quarterly charge and a 20% increase in the useage charge. The proposal, if approved, would increase minimum rates from $14.50 per quarter to $16.75 per quarter, and would increase useage from $0.50 per 100 cubic feet used in excess of 29 - 100 cubic feet to $0.60 per excess 100 cubic feet. After a brief discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 81-13, "RESOLUTION SETTING SEWER RENTAL CHARGES FOR SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS, MULTIPLE DWELLINGS, AMENITY STRUCTURES, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USERS." Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson advised the Council that the City is eligible to receive $5,564 in additional grant funds from the Metropolitan Council for preparation of the Comprehensive Plan. He recommended that the Council authorize execution of the Grant Agreement Amendment and adopt a resolution to request the additional grant entitlement. Councilman Hartmann moved the adoption of Resolution No. 81-14, "RESOLUTION REQUESTING 1980-81 LOCAL PLANNING ASSISTANCE ENTITLEMENT GRANT FUNDS FROM THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL," authorizing the City Administrator to execute and submit the Agreement Amendment to the Metropolitan Council. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson briefly reviewed his memo recommending authorization for execution of a contract with the City of Lilydale providing for Mendota Heights maintenance service at the Lilydale lift station. It was noted that the compensation to the City for the service will be $1,800 for services provided in 1981. Councilman Mertensotto asked whether a hold harmless agreement with Lilydale and whether the City's insurance policy will cover employees of Mendota Heights while they are working in Lilydale. Page 1436 March 3, 1981 After discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved approval of the agreement conditioned upon evidence that the City's current insurance policy will cover employees working outside of the City. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Ayes:4 Nays: 0 AIRPORT NOISE Administrator Johnson reviewed his memo relative to a proposed joint meeting with the City of Eagan on airport noise zoning. The Council concurred in the recommendation that a joint meeting be conducted in the City Council chambers at 7:30 P.M. on March 10th. WASTE MANAGEMENT The Council acknowledged a memo from Dakota County advising the City of a meeting to be held on March 10th to discuss the siting of four solid waste disposal areas within the County. Mayor Lockwood acknowledged that he has been appointed as the City representative on the Minnesota Waste Management Board and will respond to the communication. LEGISLATIVE The Council acknowledged a communication from the League CONFERENCE of Minnesota Cities relative to registration for the League Legislative Conference to be held on March 12th. Councilman Mertensotto indicated that he would attend the conference, and Councilwoman Witt indicated that she would attend a portionof the conference. FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MISCELLANEOUS Councilman Mertensotto advised the Council on the status of the proposed Firemen's Relief Association bylaws amendments. The Council authorized Councilman Mertensotto to express the Council's discontent with the proposed amendments as relate to pension and vesting provisions. Councilman Mertensotto stated that he will contact someone on the Fire Department to discuss with Mr. Herb Warneke the possible use of his property as a future fire station site. ROAD RESTRICTIONS Public Works Director Danielson advised the Council that the City's road restrictions will be in force on March 4th. MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD/ Public Works Director Danielson advised the Council that WAGON WHEEL TRAIL in a recent meeting with Mn/DOT representatives on M.S.A. WATERMAIN EXTENSIONS matters, the matter of watermain extensions along Wagon Wheel Trail and Mendota Heights Road was discussed. He stated that the City is in receipt of Mn/DOT drawings with the profile of I-35E and that Mn/DOT needs information on what the City needs to have done with watermain extensions on Wagon Wheel and Mendota Heights Road. He recommended that the Council authorize preparation of feasibility studies for watermain extensions to complete the looping of the system from Friendly Hills to the new water tank. Treasurer Shaughnessy advised the Council that the looping along Mendota Heights Road was included in the water tank bonding process. Ayes: 4 Nays:0 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CITY TOUR MISCELLANEOUS BEAUTY SHOP Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 LIST OF CLAIMS Ayes:4 Nays: 0 BOARD OF REVIEW Page 14317 March 3, 1981 After discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 81-15, "RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR WAGON WHEEL TRAIL WATERMAIN EXTENSION." Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 81-16, "RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD WATERMAIN EXTENSION. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Public Works Director Danielson advised the Council that he is beginning to prepare a tentative schedule for the annual Council tour of the City, tentatively set for April 25th. He asked that the Council members contact him with any suggestions for items they would like included in the tour. The Council asked whether any communications had been received from Pittsburgh Des-Moines Steel Company relative to the water tank modifications discussed several meetings ago. It was noted that no response had been received, and staff was directed to contact Pittsburgh-Des Moines to request a written response. The Council acknowledged a memo from the City Clerk recommending renewal of approval for a home beauty shop located at 670 Second Avenue. It was noted that the Owner, Mrs. Elizabeth Mulcahy, has submitted a favorable Cosmetology Board inspection report and that no problems relating to the operation had come to the attention of staff. After a brief discussion, Councilwoman Witt moved to approve the request for renewal of a home beauty shop operation at 670 Second Avenue for 1981, on the basis that the application continue to be submitted for annual Council approval. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the List of Claims dated March 3, 1981 and totalling $85,199.92. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. The Council received and concurred in a motice from the County Assessor establishing the annual Board of Review to be held at 7:30 P.M. on June 10th. LICENSES Councilman Hartmann moved approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 POLICIES AND PROJECTS Dakota Rhoads Masonry Suburban Cement Construction, Inc. Raymond Perron Construc- tion J.R. Walker & Sons, Inc. Hinding Co., Inc. Pierre Aircon Corporation Tillges Construction Co. Bostrom Sheet Metal Works, Inc. Page 1438 March 3, 1981 Concrete License Concrete License Excavating License Excavating License Gas Piping License Gas Piping License General Contractor License Heating & Air Conditioning License, ) Hinding Co., Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning License Pierre Aircon Corporation Heating & Air Conditioning License Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. With regard to continued discussion on policy matters, the Council discussed item 3C, regarding communication problems between the Council and Commissions and the conflicts in Planning Commission/Council voting on planning matters. Several suggestions were made to alleviate problems, including the possibility of appointing Council representatives to the Commission and possibly periodic joint meetings. With regard to projects, the Council discussed north end street and storm sewer needs, elderly housing via tax increment financing, engineering needs, municipal state aid street planning and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. It was the concensus of the Council that rezonings of property to implement the comprehensive plan should only be accomplished as the need arises, in conjunction with a proposed use. It was also the concensus that the Administrator should continue discussions with the City Engineer relative to the assessment of future engineering servicing needs. Public Works Director Danielson reviewed the status of the City's M.S.A. system. He advised that according to the MSA schedule, the City can add one mile to the system. Mr. Danielson reviewed the City's MSA fund status and the five year plan submitted to Mn/DOT several years ago which indicated construction scheduled, noting that the City is two years behind schedule for construction of the extension of the easterly portion of Marie Avenue and Lexington Avenue to T.H. 110. He stated that the City has a much greater need for the extension of Mendota Heights Road in view of the loss of Blue Gentian as an east/west connector after 1-494 is built. He advised that Mn/DOT ADJOURN Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 ATTEST: Page 1439 March 3, 1981 is going to build Mendota Heights Road from T.H. 149 easterly, with curb and gutter, and will not charge the City's MSA account. He advised that the feasibility study for the Mendota Heights Road extension, authorized by the Council some time ago, is being expanded to include the possibility of connecting Huber Drive and Mendota Heights Road about the time that Mendota Heights Road is constructed. Councilman Mertensotto asked when Wagon Wheel Trail will be turned over to the City. Administrator Johnson advised that the County is currently maintaining Wagon Wheel but the City is receiving MSA monies for the street. He advised that after the County finishes its thoroughfare study, the City will know the future status of Wagon Wheel. Councilman Mertensotto expressed concern over the extra traffic on Wagon Wheel which will be generated by the development of the Lakeridge plat, and felt that there will be a need for upgrading Wagon Wheel. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Hartmann moved that the meeting be adjourned to 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, March 10th. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:55 o'clock P.M. Robert G. Lockwood Mayor athleen M. Swanson City Clerk