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1979-12-18 Council minutesPage No. 1200 December 18, 1979 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, December 18, 1979 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 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, Councilman Hartmann, Losleben and Mertensotto, Councilwoman Witt. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPANSION Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the minutes of the November 20th meeting as corrected. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the minutes of the December 4th meeting. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Fire Chief Siebell; Assistant Chief Weinzettel, Five Marshal Lange and Captain Connolly were present to discuss proposed Fire Department facilities expansion, Captain Lange stated that the Department building committee prepared the several different plans which were distributed with the agenda packet. He pointed out that tbereaetwo main problems which need to be addressed -- the condition of the existing facility, and the need for second station in the north end of the City. He also stated that locating a facility in the northern part of the City might have a beneficial effect on the recruitment of new firemen. Captain Lange stated that the committee is only in the beginins, phase of consideration now and needs some direction from the Council. The Council discussed the several plans as well as a memo from the City Administrator. As part of the considerations, the Council also discussed the formation of a committee to study various alternatives and 'assem6Ya a proposed development plan. As the result of the discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 79-123, "RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FIRE FACILITIES STUDY COMMITTEE," the committee to consist of the following: six volunteer firemen, including Fire Chief Siebell, Captain Gene Lange and four members selected by the Department; six at-large members to be appointed by the Mayor; one Council member, the City Administrator and the Financial Advisor. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Councilman Hartmann moved that Councilman Mertensotto be appointed to serve on the Fire Facilities Study Committee. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Page 1201 December 18, 1979 FIRE FACILITIES FUND Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption of Resolution No. 79-124, "RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FIRE FACILITIES FUND.// Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 POLICE SERVICE The Council acknowledged a memo from Police Chief Thul regarding AGREEMENTS the appointment of two additional patrolmqn. Chief Thul advised the Council that he has contacted the City's insurance agent and been advised that riders can be attached to the existing policies for coverage on patrolmen while they are outside of the City limits. He stated that there would be only a nominal charge for the added coverage and that the added insurance cost would be charged to Lilydale and Mendota. Chief Thul stated that the proposed agreement with Lilydale is almost identical to that signed by the Mendota City officials, except that the Lilydale contract will include provisions for the transfer of one Lilydale squad car to Mendota Heights, paymentby.Lil'dale for a new squad car in 1981, and payment for all vehicle operating costs by Lilydale. Councilman Mertensotto advised the Council that he had received a call from a resident who was concerned that police service in Mendota Heights might be diluted if the City contracts to serve Lilydale and Mendota also. Chief Thul stated that both of the service contracts include provisions that state that service to Mendota Heights is a priority and that allow for the re-call of officers from Lilydale or Mendota when an emergency arises in Mendota Heights. He stated that the appointment of two additional officers will allow for the scheduling of two officers for each shift, or in other words, two officers will be on duty for 24 hours per day. Chief Thul stated that service in Mendota Heights should increase as the result of the service agreements. After discussion, Councilman Losleben moved that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the contract for police protection for the City of Mendota. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Losleben moved that the Mayor and City Clerk be author- ized to execute the contract for police protection for the City of Lilydale. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved to approve the employment of Larria Mack and Donn Anderson as Police Patrolmen, effective January 1, 1980, at the rate of $1,639 per month. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. PARK. COMMISSION Pa?tle 1202 December 18, 1979 Park Commission Chairwoman Mary Mills was present to discuss a memo from the Park Commission "on park and recreation needs and an :.associated need for a park bond referendum. She requested Council direction in the matter. Mrs. Mills stated that there are several problems facing the Commission now and in the future, including development of a trail system, renovation of Rogers Lake Park, and the need for acquisition and development of two additional park sites as was expressed in the proposed comprehensive plan, Mrs. Mills stated that she does not know why the Council is considering both the fire and park issues together and suggested that the issues should be split. She stated that the Commission is interested in having a professional plan prepared to give them direction on how the parks should be developed and a time -table for development. Councilman Mertensotto stated that the Council appears to agree with the Park and Recreation Commission that both of the proposed new park sites should be acquired at some time but that other needs must also be addressed at this time. He stated that the fire department facility expansion is the number one priority. He pointed out that the Council knows and understands the Park Commission concerns but that an overly ambitious bond issue program might lose because of current economic conditions. He suggested that if the City expends $20,000 for a professional park development plan and the issue is defeated, the money would be lost and the plan would need costly updating in the future. Several Council members expressed concern that the Wachtler property is ripe for development and an option on the property should be acquired soon. Councilman Mertensotto suggested that the City should acquire an option on the property and put the acquisition on a bond issue ballot in 1980. Mrs. Mills stated that there is a need to develop the property after it is acquired, that buying the site and not developing it will not satisfy the park needs. Councilman Losleben pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan li survey indicates that the residents see a need for developing a connecting park system but also a desire for small, neighborhood parks. He suggested that the Commission should not consider development of the site until after its purchase. Mrs. Mills asked what would constitute a small park: if 12 people were queried, 6 would say that a particular park is small and 6 would say that the same park is big. Mrs. Mills stated that the Park Commission needs advise from a professional planner. She pointed out that the Commission's function is advisory, that they have ad- vised the Council on many occasions on Rogers Lake Park, trails and park site acquisition and development and have been given no direction or action. She advised the Council that Eagan has received a considerable amount of grant money through applications processed by their Park Coordinator. She suggested that perhaps the City should look at employing someone in a similar position. Councilwoman Witt agreed that extensive . planning for the parks is needed, and that many things needing attention have never been addressed by the Council. She felt that the Council should take some action on park matters rather than setting the issues aside. After discussion, City Attorney Winthrop was directed to negotiate EQUIPMENT Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LAND USE PLAN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNICATIONS 1978 AUDIT DEPARTMENT REPORTS COMMUNICATIONS Page 1203 December 18, 1979 an option for purchase of the Wachtler property, either including or excluding the homesi.te.. Mayor Lockwood was directed to contact City Planner Dah.lgren to determine what expertise is available in his firm in the areas of park and playground planning. City Administrator Johnson was directed to contact the Eagan City Administrator to discuss the merits of a Park Coordinator position and to get information on Eagan's success with its grant application procedures. Public Works Supervisor Ploumen was present to review and discuss the specifications for the purchase of two dump trucks for the Public Works Department. There were several comments and changes directed by the Council including the following: include a provision for trade -in of the existing equipment; include shoulder harnesses; change warranty provisions so that the warranty begins when the vehicle becomes available to the City for actual use. After discussion, Councilman Losleben moved approval ofe;the specifications for Public Works Department Equipment Contracts No. 1 and No. 2, and authorization for advertisement for bids to be received on January 18th. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Councilwoman Witt moved approval of the distribution of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan to the Metropolitan Council and adjacent communities. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from the St. Paul Water Department advising of a water rate increase to become effective on January lst. The Council acknowledged a letter from Mr. Roger Katzenmaier regarding billing for the 1978 audit examination. The Council expressed concern over the billing amount and dissatisfaction with the lack of cost breakdown. The Council directed that the auditor be requested to submit a detailed analysis of 1978 audit preparation costs by application and that the audit bitting payment be withheld until the analysis is received and reviewed by the Council. The Council also directed that the auditor submit an estimate of costs for preparation of the 1979 audit report. The Council acknowledged receipt of the Police and Fire Department monthly reports for November. Administrator Johnson distributed copies of an Association of Metropolitan Municipalities annual meeting notice. Councilman Losleben indicated that he would attend the meeting. TREASURER'S REPORT The Council acknowledged receipt of the Treasurer's report for November. BUILDING PERMIT REQUEST COMMISSION MATTERS 1979 AUDIT Page 1204 December 18, 1979 The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from the Code Enforcement Officer recommending approval of building permits for construction of balconies on the Dodd Construction Ivy Keep || townhouses. Mr. George Millar, a representative of Dodd Construction, was present for the discussion. It was noted by the Council that no comments or approvals had been received from the interested homeowners associations. Staff was directed to contact the homeowners associations for their reactions to the proposed balconies. Action on the matter was tabled pending receipt of additional information from staff. The Council acknowledged receipt of a roster of Park and Recreation Commission membership. The Council acknowledged a proposed resolution dicecting preparation of the 1979 audit. No action was taken on the matter. FEASIBILITY STUDY, The Council acknowledged and briefly discussed a feasibility VALLEY VIEW OAKS study for proposed improvements to serve the Valley View Oaks Addition. Administrator Johnson advised the Council of several problems involved in construction of the proposed improvements and the application of the proposed Critical Areas Ordinance. MISCELLANEOUS The Council acknowledged receipt of the engineering status report for November. HIGHWAYS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PERSONNEL Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Mertensotto advised the Council that he had been contacted by a resident questioning the legality of the collecting of sales tax on water bills (by the Mendota Water Company\, Attorney Winthrop was directed to research the matter and advise the Council on any action which should be taken. The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo and proposed resolution on design/development of intersections of T.H. 35E and 1-494 with city streets. After discussion, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 79-125, "RESOLUTION FOR CITY REQUESTS OF MN/DOT RELATIVE TO THE INTERSECTION DESIGN OF TH 35E AND 1-40 WITH CITY STREETS.// Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Public Works Director Danielson briefly updated the Council on discussions between staff, Mn/DOT, and property owners relative to concerns on Pilot Knob Road upgrading which will be necessitated by the future construction of 1-494. On the recommendation of the Public Works Director, Mayor Lockwood moved that Douglas Haas be employed in a temporary drafting position for the first quarter of 1980 at the rate of $4,50 per hour. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. MEETING CHANGE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LIST OF CLAIMS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LICENSES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 BUDGET 1980 SALARY SCHEDULE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 1205 December 18, 1479 Mayor Lockwood moved that the regular maeti:ng scheduled for January 1st Ee rescheduled to January 8th. Councilman Loslaben moved approval of the list of claims, with the exception of the ola}m�yubm|tted by Wilkerson, Guthmann and Johnson. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Councilman Hartmann moved approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: Smith Construction Company, Inc. Northland Concrete & Masonry Co. Krech Brothers Construction Western Remodelers Aquarius Heating & Plumbing, Inc Donaho Roofing General Contractor License Cement/Masonry License General Contractor License General Contractor License . Plumbing License General Contractor License Councilwoman Kitt seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson distributed copies of the proposed 1980 Budget document and briefly reviewed portions of the document . for the Council. Mr. Johnson also briefly summarized the status of the 1979 receipts and expenditures. On the recommendation of the City Administrator, Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the following schedule of salaries for 1980 for non-union employees: Public Works Supervisor Public WorkS Director Code Enforcement Officer Police Sergeant Detective/Fire Marshal Police Chief Accounting Clerk Receptionist/Clerk-Typist Secretary City Clerk Administrator Fire Chief Assistant Chief Police Clerk $1,735 per month 2,160 per month 1,575 per month 2,805 per month 2,125 per month 2,330 per month 1,110 per month 745 per month 950 per month 1,400 per month 2,785 per month 231 per month 127 per month 760 per month Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Page 1206 December 18, 1979 ADJOURN T40.re.4049 ao.fwrtW 404.141As,“q.c9,1900t4q.t4P. C9L-MCQT Councilman aartmann moyed that the meefi*.lieadjOurned:,-. Councilman Losleaen seconded the mo-aon.. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT; 10:50 o'clock_ P.A.. K 4. Are..e(Lrr..<..4........w leen Mn Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: Robert G. Lockwood Mayor