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1979-01-02 Council minutesPage 1023 January 2, 1979 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, January 2, 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 the City Hall, 750 South Plaza Drive, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. City Administrator Johnson administered the Oath of Office to Robert G. Lockwood, who was re-elected to the Office of Mayor, and to John Hartmann and Elizabeth Witt, who were elected to the Office of Council Members. Mayor Lockwood called the meeting to order at 7:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Lockwood, Council members Losleben, Mertensotto, Witt, and Hartmann. STREET VACATION HEARING Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Lockwood opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on street right-of-way vacation in the undeveloped portion of Friendly Hills Rearra4gement. The petition for street vacation was received and discussed at the December 5, 1978 council meeting. Joe Doty, from August Construction was present. Councilman Losleben asked if the vacation notice included any street right- of-way in City parks. Mr. Doty answered that no streets in parks are to be vacated as they are owned by the City and the City is the only one who could vacate them. No one appeared objecting to the street vacation. Councilman Mertensotto moved to close the hearing at 7:43 o'clock P.M. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. The hearing was closed. Councilman Mertensotto moved to adopt Resolution 79-01, "RESOLUTION TO VACATE STREETS IN FRIENDLY HILLS REARRANGE- MENT". Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. FINAL PLAT Approval of the final plat for Delaware Crossing was APPROVAL, DELAWARE requested at this time by Joe Doty. It was reported by CROSSING Administrator Johnson that the Police and Fire Departments had reviewed the street names and had no objections. Public Works Inspector Pearson felt it was ready for app- roval. Outlots B and C are to be the park contribution, with no money involved. Outlot A goes back to Rauenhorst. At this time the Developer's Agreement is not executed and a letter of credit for $7,500 is needed. Also needed is a deed for Outlots B and C. Mr. Doty questioned escrow Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 VOLUNTEER FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Page 1024 January 2, 1979 funds and was told that it is required in the event any clean-up work is necessary. Councilman Losleben moved to adopt Resolution No. 79-02, "RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR DELAWARE CROSSING," subjeot7to receipt of the deed for Outlots B and C, the letter of credit for $7,500, and the executed Developer's Agreement. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Mr. Doty stated that he plans to build homes on Lots 4, 5, 6 and 7. They are building homes, not selling empty lots. He then asked about the possibility of erecting a temporary sign to direct construction workers to the site. It was felt by the Council that a four by eight foot sign on Delaware Avenue indicating access to August Construction -- Delaware Crossing homesites, would be satisfactory. Administrator Johnson checked the ordinance book and found that this would be within ordinance requirements. A letter was received from the Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association requesting pension payments of $8.00 per month, per year of service, to be retroactive to January 1, 1979, rather than whenever it passes, possibly in March or April. Councilman Mertensotto asked who the actuary was. Administrator Johnson stated that the report was prepared by Hewitt and Associates and wss on file in the office. Councilman Mertensotto moved adoption of Resolution No. 79-03, "RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 78-128, BY ESTABLISHING A RETROACTIVE DATE OF JANUARY 1, 1979." Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. The minutes of the Park Board meeting from December 26, 1978 were received and acknowledged. Councilman Losleben questioned Councilwoman Witt about 80 acres of land owned by the School District. He felt that the taxpayers are supporting this land and getting nothing for it. He suggested letting the people of Mendota Heights use this 80 acres. It was noted by the Council that the term of two Planning Commission members and three Park Commission members will expire on January 31, 1979. It was also pointed out that someone will be needed to fill Elizabeth Witt's unexpired term on the Park and Recreation Commission. Mayor Lockwood stated that he had not contacted anyone yet. Councilwoman Witt felt Jerry Murphy should be continued as a consultant. Page 1025 January 2, 1979 ACTING Mayor Lockwood moved that Councilman Charles Mertensotto MAYOR be appointed Acting Mayor for 1979. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 HEALTH Mayor Lockwood moved that Dr. Thaddeus Chao be appointed OFFICER City Health Officer for 1979. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 OFFICIAL. The Council acknowledged receipt of letters from the Dakota NEWSPAPER County Tribune and the Sun Newspaper requesting designation as the official City newspaper for 1979. Mayor Lockwood moved that the Sun Newspaper be designated as the official City newspaper for 1979, effective January 2, 1979. Councilwoman Witt .seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 1979 SALARY City Administrator Johnson proposed a resolution adopting SCHEDULE 1979 salary schedules, to go along with the Presidential guidelines. The rate increase would be 7%. Mention. was also made of recognition and reward for meritorious service to be reviewed during 1979, to determine whether further adjustments should be made. Councilman Mertensotto moved to adopt Resolution No. 79-04,"RESOLUTION ADOPTING 1979 SALARY SCHEDULE". Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 VOLUNTEER FIREMEN PAY RAISE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 It was pointed out that the City needs to increase the manpower in the Volunteer Fire Department. Councilman Mertensotto suggested establishing the Volunteer Fire Department rate of pay at $5.00 per hour as of January 1, 1979. This would bring it up from $4.00 per hour. Administrator Johnson stated that there are 3 or 4 sep- arate categories in the Fire Department and the raise should be 50 for each individual step. Councilman Mertensotto made a motion to increase all individual steps 50 per hour. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Wilfred Dehrer, secretary of the Fire Department, questioned the f111 rate. Administrator Johnson explained the rate to him and said that we have to stay under the levy limit. TREASURER The matter of City Treasurer was continued from December APPOINTMENT 19th. City Attorney reported that it was his opinion that there would be no disqualifying conflict between the Financial Advisor and City Treasurer. There is a potential, but no actual conflict. Councilmen Mertensotto and Losleben Ayes: 3 Nays: 2, Mertensotto & Losleben APPOINTMENT TO FIRE DEPARTMENT Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COUNTY COURT CHANGE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 FINAL PAYMENT Imp 77- Pr9j 1, MAYFIELD HEIGHTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS Page 1026 January 2, 1979 both felt more comfortable with a Deputy Treasurer. Councilwoman Witt stated that she had no qualms about Larry Shaughnessy's appointment as City Treasurer. City Administrator Johnson then read from "Handbook For Statutory Cities", regarding a treasurer. Somebody must be responsible for the City's money. Mayor Lockwood felt that the City should appoint Larry Shaughnessy and if a conflict develops, then make a change. Councilman Mertensotto felt we should get an Attorney General's opinion. Attorney Winthrop stated that may take 2-3 months. Mertensotto then suggested retaining Mr. Shaughnessy as a Financial Advisor whose functions included Treasurer duties. Councilwoman Witt moved to appoint Larry Shaughnessy as City Treasurer for 1979. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. A memo was received recommending the appointment of Mr. Ted Husnik, 620 W. Marie Avenue, to the Volunteer Fire Department. Councilman Losleben moved to appoint Mr. Husnik to the Fire Department. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. A memo was received from Police Chief Thul in opposition to the change in Dakota County Court location, from West St. Paul to South St. Paul. Mayor Lockwood supported Chief Thul's position and moved that the City Council support the position as recorded in Chief Thul's letter to William Healy, dated December 26, 1978. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Improvement Project 77-1, Mayfield Heights, has been satisfactorily completed and Councilman Losleben moved to adopt Resolution No. 79-05,"RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT (IMPROVEMENT 77, PROJECT 1)." Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. City Administrator Johnson explained why there was a delay in presenting the 1979 budget. Since the City is joining LOGIS, it will take a little time until everything is set up, but staff is working on this steadily. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 1027 January 2, 1979 Mayo': Lockwood brought up the question of a Code Enforcement Officer. Administrator Johnson said that at this time there is no one qualified and also mentioned the possibility of a contractual arrangement with Eagan. Mayor Lockwood felt that, in view of the difficulties the City has experienced in hiring a qualified person, the Council should consider hiring someone who is not currently certified by the State, but who would be working on certification. Councilman Hartmann asked when the City will move into the new Public Works Garage and was told that it would be very shortly, probably sometime in February. Councilman Mertensotto mentioned that Arnie Siebell had called him and that there was to be a meeting on January 3, at 8:00 P.M. at the Fire Hall to discuss the cost of adding an addition on the rear of the Fire Station on the second story for a meeting and training area. Councilman Mertensotto also mentioned having received a call about a month ago from Father Arms from St. Peter's Church. Father Arms explained that there was a problem with the traffic from the Church's exits and entrances and the lack of visibility approaching the driveways on Highway 13. He asked what could be done' to help this problem. Mayor Lockwood suggested that we study the existing speed limit and also check on the possibility of additional warning signs. Another possibility. was to consider removal of obstructions in the ditch area. Councilman Losleben moved that the City CounOil request the Highway' Department, District 9, to consider sight access at St. Peter's Church or to offer other possible alternatives to the traffic problem. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Councilwoman Witt mentioned that there was to*be a meeting on January 3 at 7:30 P.M. for Gil Radabaugh's retirement party. Councilman Losleben requested the Council to vacate the remainder of street right-of-way in Friendly Hills Park. City Attorney Winthrop is to attend to it, but he noted that a public hearing will be required along with a published notice of hearing. Councilman Losleben also mentioned that he received a phone call from Brian Birch, who was upset about the resolution that was passed granting a conditional use permit to the Birch Company. Another item Councilman Losleben mentioned concerned the adverse decision of the DNR regarding I-35E across Blackhawk Lake in 'Eagan. He felt that the mayors of the communities involved shoul get together and decide whether to undertake remedial action. Mayor Lockwood said he would be happy to meet with the other mayors. MSA TECHNICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 1028 January 2, 1979 MSA Technical Services Agreement were presented by Engineer Kishel and were ready for signatures. Councilman Losleben moved to adopt Resolution No. 79-06, "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO SIGN AGREEMENT FORM NO. Mn/DOT 30780". Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Mn/DOT AGENCY Councilman Mertensotto moved to adopt Resolution No. 79-07, AGREEMENT "RESOLUTIONAUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO SIGN AGREEMENT FORM NO. 30774". Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MSA 5 YEAR Engineer Kishel explained the MSA 5 Year Construction CONSTRUCTION Plan. Councilwoman Witt questioned the inclusion of PROGRAM Lexington Avenue. Administrator Johnson stated that it is a county road and a municipal state aid street. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Mendota Heights State Aid Streets 5 year Construction Program, dated December 31, 1978. Councilmanaidbrellin seconded the motion. City Engineer Kishel submitted Plans and Specifications on the lower holding pond of Somerset Golf Course, adjacent to Dodd Road. After much discussion between Engineer Kishel and Councilman Losleben, it was moved by Councilman Mertensotto that Engineer Kishel be authorized to advertise for bids for this project on January 23, 1979, at 2:00 o'clock P.M. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. The City Council acknowledged receipt of the Engineerigg Status Report for December, 1978. DEPOSITORIES OF Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the following depositories FUNDS of City funds for 1979: Cherokee State Bank of St. Paul Dakota County State Bank of Mendota Heights Minnesota State Bank of St. Paul Signal Hills State Bank of West St. Paul Minnesota Federal Savings and Loan of Mendota Heights First National Bank of St. Paul Northwestern National Bank of St. Paul American National Bank and Trust Company of St. Paul Midwest Federal Savings and Loan Association of West St. Paul Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PLEDGE SECURITIES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 1029 January 2, 1979 The list of pledge securities was read by Administrator Johnson. Councilman Losleben moved approval of the collateral pledge. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. LIST OF CLAIMS Councilman Losleben moved approval of the list of claims. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LICENSES Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: Birdsall Construction, Inc. General Contracting Scott Construction Corp. General Contracting Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 RUBBISH HAULER Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the list of rubbish LICENSES haulers licenses, granting licenses to: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CIGARETTE LICENSES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Casanova Bros. Trucking RubbishHHauler Beermann Services Rubbish Hauler Emil Oerhlein Trucking Rubbish Hauler Marv's Disposal Rubbish Hauler Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the Cigarette Sales licenses, granting licenses to: Mendakota Country Club Cigarette Sales Par 3 Golf, Inc. Cigarette Sales Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Mertensotto moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:30 o'clock P.M. 07 09,14t.) Mary hn DeLaRosa, Deput City Clerk ATTEST: Robert G. Lockwood, Mayor •