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1981-02-17 Council minutesPage 1423 February 17, 1981 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, February 17, 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 and Mertensotto, Councilwoman Witt. APPROVAL OF Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the minutes of the January 20th MINUTES meeting as corrected. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 HEARING -- CASE NO. 80-26, BREAM Councilman Hartmann moved approval of the minutes of the February 3rd meeting.' Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on an application from Bream Homes for a conditional use permit for a proposed planned unit development and the proposed rezoning of a parcel of property located on the':.west side of T.H. 149 and adjacent to the south boundary of the Mendakota Country Club property. Several representatives of Bream Homes, including their consultant, Mr. Jim Hill, were present for the discussion. Mr. Hill stated that it is proposed to construct a residential PUD consisting of 180 dwelling units, 120 townhouses and 60 condominiums on the 67 acre site. He reviewed a drawing of the proposal, including a double entry roadway from Dodd Road and the proposed 6.6 acre parcel of property to be dedicated for park purposes. He described the proposed private recreation amenities. Mr. Hill stated that the property is zoned R-1 and that the density under that zoning would allow 170 units. He further stated that the developer is asking that 31/2 acres of the site be rezoned to R7-2 to allow the condominiums. Mr. Hill explained the proposed drainage system and looped roadway within the property. Mr. Hill stated that the townhouses will be 1400 to 2000 square feet each and will have double garages with 41/2 parking spaces per unit. It is proposed that the condominiums, which are proposed for construction in two to four years, will be two story structures with a single garage per unit. Page 1424 February 17, 1981 Councilman Mertensotto asked how much of the total gross area of the land will be public right-of-way and how much of the land under water is included in the land calculation for density. He did not feel that the property is large enough to accommodate the 170 single family structures that Mr. Hill calculated as the density for R-1. zoning. Mayor Lockwood asked what happened to the 123 unit proposal which was before the Planning Commission in January of 1980. He also suggested that the Council must consider whether the land under water should be included as part of the net land area. Councilman Mertensotto calculated that approximately 40 single family structures could be constructed on the parcel under existing zoning and pointed out that the application exceeds that figure by 40 units. Councilman Losleben asked why the Council should consider granting a greater density than 140 units. Mr. Hill stated that the market for single family detached dwellings has been getting smaller each year and that the concept is being traded off for attached housing. He stated that the proposed concept for construction of 180 units can provide a project which would be less expensive than single family detached housing.would cost in Mendota Heights and that the developer would have the possibility to control costs whilestill providing amenities and good housing. He stated that the developer is trying to keep the land costs down and still provide larger dwelling units. Councilman Losleben suggested that if the City wants to reduce housing costs the Council should reduce the density and then finance a project. He pointed out that, the developer is not reducing the costs for someone wanting to start out because the proposed price range would be too high. Mayor Lockwood pointed out that the proposal submitted by the developer in January of 1980 included the possibility for lower housing costs for 11 duplexes as well as a mix of single family and townhouse units. Mr. Harvey Bream stated that land is one of the prime factors in the cost of housing -- that in 1970 land was approximately 10% of the cost of housing whereas today a lot costs in excess of 25% of the value of a house. He stated that the cost of land is a very cost effective factor in the price of housing. He stated that he is not thinking about building for the low income market but is trying to maintain the type of construction his firm has done in the past. He pointed out that clustering becomes a factor when one considers that an NSP easement runs through the site. Mr. Bream stated that just because he is estimating a sale price of $125,000 does not mean that he will not try to keep the price around $115,000 if he can. Councilman Losleben pointed out that the easement is not a valid factor since it existed before the developer became involved in the site. He pointed to the existing traffic Page 1425 February 17, 1981 problems at the T.H. 149/110 intersection and stated that increasing the allowable density for the site would only increase traffic problems at an already bad intersection. Councilman Mertensotto noted a recent denial for an increase in density on another site in the City and pointed out that the denial occurred because there was no overriding reason to increase the density. Be stated that the proposed 6 acre park contribution must be taken out of the density calculation, and that the developer is asking for a very high density. He wondered how the Council could justify approval of the proposed density where no hardship exists and deny similar requests for other large,undeveloped sites in the future. Councilman Losleben felt that either the density should remain as the current zoning allows or be drastically changed to meet other needs, such as elderly housing. He felt that the proposal should include housing affordable by people who reside in Mendota Heights but cannot sell their homes to buy something smaller (to accommodate their existing needs) at a price they can afford.' Mr. Bream stated that the proposed plan reflects a definite reduction in housing size for people who own large homes in Mendota Heights, in the IvY Falls area for instance, and are interested in smaller homes but are not ready.to go down in size to 600 or 900 square feet of living space. He felt that thereis'aneXisting-marketinMendota Heights for the type of proposal he is presenting. Mayor Lockwood stated that the property should be developed according to the density for which. it is zoned or throw away existing ordinance's. Coundilman Mertensotto stated that if the Council wishes to approve the proposal, the policy on density should be changed in the comprehensive plan. Attorney Winthrop, who advised that he has an interest in the property, stated that the Council has already conceptually agreed to rezone a portion of the parcel for the proposed Wilder senior citizen high-rise which was denied by HUD. He pointed out that the City Planner does not feel that development of the site in detached single family structures would be a good use. He suggested that the Council should make its decision :hazed on the questions of whether this is a good plan, whether it makes good economic sense and whether it is good for the community. He pointed out that the City cannot tell the developer to construct low-income housing because there is an economic factor. Councilman Mertensotto felt that the development concept is good but that there is no justification to increase the density to 180 units. He also noted that there is only one access point and all the traffic from one point would create problems. He asked whether the developer has considered providing access through the Ride Addition. Mayor Lockwood asked for questions and comments from the audience. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ABATEMENTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 1426 February 17, 1981 Mr. John Moy, 796 Hokah, stated that he came to the meeting because he had heard that a high-rise would be built across from him but acknowledged that his concern has been resolved as the result of the discussion. Mr. Dale Johnson, 2215 Dodd Road, stated that the plan is sound, but the density is too high. He also shared the Council's concern over access to Dodd Road, objected .to rezoning because of the density indrease, and stated that if a. plan is approved the Council should look for a solution to the traffic problems. There being no further questions from the audience, Councilman Mertensotto moved that the hearing be continued to March 3rd and that staff be directed to prepare a report addressing the proposed uses for the 6.6A site proposed as a park contribution, the density; and the impact of traffic and single access onto Dodd Road, also considering a possible connection through the Eide Estates. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. County Assessor Jake O'Toole was present to request approval of abatements for two Parcels of property in Mendota Heights. Mr. O'Toole advised.the Council that the parcel owned by Par 3 Inc. is subject to a Supreme Court decision which requires the abatement. Mayor Lockwood moved approval of an abatement for Parcel ...No. 27-03800-010-42, owned by Par 3 Golf, Inc., reducing the assessed value from 23,392 to 19,213 for taxes payable in 1979, and from 25,732 to 22,526 for taxes payable in 1980. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Councilwoman Witt moved approval of an abatement for Parcel No. 27-03900-040-15, owned by Burton I. Anderson, reducing the assessed valuation from $28,652 to $25,628,1 Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged a tabulation of real estate taxes payable in 1981 on residential structures ranging in value from $30,000 to $200,000. BID AWARD -- FRIENDLY The Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works HILLS WATER CONVERSION Director Danielson tabulating bids received for the conversion of the Friendy Hills Water System from the Mendota Water Company to the St. Paul Water Department. ) On the recommendation of the Public Works Director, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 81-09, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR FRIENDLY HILLS WATER SYSTEM CONVERSION (IMPROVEMENT NO. 78, PROJECT NO. 4)," awarding the bid to the low bidder, William Murr Page 1427 February 17, 1981 Plumbing, for the bid amount of $55,562.00 (net). Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 DEPARTMENT REPORTS The Council acknowledged receipt of the Fire Department monthly report for January. ANNUAL REPORTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Fire Chief SiebellatidCaPtain. GeneLange were present to expand on the 1980 Fire Department annual report and answer Council questions. Councilman Mertensotto wondered why the number of calls had substantially increased in 1980. Councilman Hartmann asked whether there had been any increase in fire calls to the north end due to older housing. Councilman Losleben suggested that Captain Lange prepare a five-year manpower plan reflecting retirements, etc. Police Chief Thul was present to orally review the 1980 Police Department annual report. Chief Thul expanded on the portions of the report relating to servicing of Mendota and Lilydale and training. Chief Thul advised the Council that One of the City's two radar units is nearly inoperable and obsolete. He requested approval to purchase a new radar unit at the approximate. cost of $2,495. Treasurer Shaughnessy advised the Council that either all or the majority of the purchase price can be supported by the Equipment Certificate Fund. Councilman Losleben moved to authorize an expenditure of up to $2,500 for a radar unit, the cost to be supported by the Equipment Certificate Fund. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. POLICE RESERVE Police Chief Thul briefly reviewed his memo recommending the APPOINTMENT appointment of Charlotte Gabbert to the Police Reserve unit. Councilman Losleben moved approval of the appointment of Charlotte Gabbert as a Police Reserve Officer. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 DEPARTMENT REPORT The Council acknowledged receipt of the January Public Works Director's monthly report. WASTE CONTROL COMMISSION Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 The Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from the Public Works Director recommending approval of two agreements with the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission. Councilman Losleben moved approval of Interceptor Maintenance Agreement No. 130. :MayorLockwood seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 1-494 BRIDGE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0. Page 1428' February 17, 1981 Councilman Hartmann moved approval of Joint Use Rental Agreement No. 155'. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 81-10, "RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND 'SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR . 1-494 BRIDGE." Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. VICTORIA TOWNHOMES Engineer Kishel reviewed for the Council the plans and IMPROVEMENTS ' specifications for the installation of sanitary sewer, water and storm sewer improvement's to serve the Victoria Townhomes. He recommended approval of the plans and authorization to advertise for bids. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS MILL: RATES POLICIES AND PROJECTS • Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption. of Resolution No. 81-11, "RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SANITARY SEWER, WATER AND STREET AND CURB AND' GUTTER IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE VICTORIA TOWNHOMES ADDITION '(IMPROVEMENT NO. 81, PROJECT NO. 1)," bids'to be accepted at 2:00 P.M. on March 19th. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. City Attorney Winthrop advised the Council on the status of the Van Landschoot case against the City. He advised that Mr. Van Landschoot has proposed a settlement under which he would drop his appeal if the City would grant a permit for construction of a residence on the westerly portion of the lot, therein granting a variance from the wetlands setback and from the requirement for frontage on a 60 foot street. It was the concensus of the Council that the proposal by Mr. Van Landschoot is unacceptable. Administrator Johnson distributed copies of a comparison of Mill levies for Mendota Heights and four C.the±3Dakota7:C9nnty communities for the period from 1972 through 1981. He pointed out that while Mendota Heights has increased its. mii1levy only 8.49% over the 9 year period (1.149 mill increase) three of the other four communities had increased at ,5.,:eubstantially greater rate. Councilmen Losleben and Mertensotto felt that a comparison using the increase in the Cost of government per person for each of the communities over the same time period would be more valid. The Council acknowledged the tabulation of policies and projects included with the agenda, and discussed the top two project priorities for 1981. MISCELLANEOUS Page. 17, 1981 Treasurer Shaughnessy, responding to the first project priority, advised the Council.ofrecent'diScussions with MAC. He advised that in the most recent contact, .the end result of the discussion was that he would have a final draft plan to review with MAC in the next two weeks. He stated that what is needed at this point is an application from MAC for the rezoning of the property to industrial 'as an indication of their interest. He stated that if the several unresolved items are soon resolved, he would propose a public hearing and formation of the district in July. The Council again expressed its support of tax increment financing as proposed and directed that staff proceed with the matter. Administrator Johnson asked for Council concensus or direction on how to proceed with the fire station construction matter. He advised the Council of a staff suggestion that perhaps the City should accept the proposed Bream park contribution of 6.6Acres, if a developmen-tproposal is approved, trade the Civic Center site to the park department for the Bream site, and earmark the site fora municipal uomplex. The Council discussed at length the fire station issue, and as a result, reached the concensus to construct an 8 bay fire station in the south portion' of the City, using tax increment financing revenues, while continuing to search for a site for a satellite station in the north area of the City. The Council also agreed in concept to the trading of the potential Bream park contribtion land for aTortion of the Civic Center site. It was the concensus of the Council that the balance of the policies and projects be considered for discussion on March 3rd. Administrator Johnson advised the Council that the City will receive a $2,900 refund on its workers compensation policy for 1980. MISCELLANEOUS The Council acknowledged receipt of the December 30th financial statement. IMPROVEMENT BONDS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 On the recommendation of Financial Advisor Shaughnessy, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 81-12, "RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC SALE OF $625,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 1981," rescinding a resolution dated October 21, 1980 providing for the sale of $400,000 temporary bonds, and the bids to be opened on March 17th. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Page 1430' February 17, 1981 MISCELLANEOUS The Council acknowledged receipt of the Treasurer's statement for January. LIST OF CLAIMS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LICENSES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ADJOURN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Losleben moved approval of the list of claims dated February 17, 1981 and totalling $129,327.62. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben moved that a General Contractor License be granted to John David Construction Company. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilwoman Witt moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 12:12 o'clock A.M. /Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk )eedult-tfo,cLit Robert G. Lockwood Mayor