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1978-12-19 Council minutesPage 1016 December 19, 1978 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, December 19, 1978 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 7:40 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Lockwood, Councilmen Huber, Losleben, Mertensotto and Wahl. GROUP HEALTH BID AWARD Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 City Administrator Johnson handed out rate comparison sheets, stating that 10 bids were received, ranging from a low bid of $17,000 to a high bid of $38,00.0, The Major Medallion bids from Blue Cross-Blue Shield were rejected as they do not appear appear comparable to present coverage. A bid from Crown Life was also rejected because of the restrictions on major medical. Administrator Johnson stated that he talked to the Village of Shorewood, who has used Wisconsin Life for the past 7 years and they are very satisfied with their services and coverages. He recommended that we award the bid to Wisconsin Life. .. — Councilman Losleben moved to accept the low bid of $21,955.20 annaully, or $1,829.60monthly, from Wisconsin Life. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. ETRVATED WATER .:CityEngineer Kishel stated that this was a continuation STORAGE TANK from December.5th, and the apparent low bidder•on the 1.5 million gallon tank and the 2.0 million gallon tank was Pittsburgh- Des Moines Steel Company. Councilman Huber expressed a desire for the Construction of a 1.5 million gallon tank and to use the excess money toward construction of a major trunk water line across Wentworth Avenue. Councilman Losleben disagreed with that idea,saying that if the money is there for a 2.0 million gallon tank, then we should go ahead and construct it. Financial Advisor Shaughnessy stated that we borrowed money for a water improvement system and must use 85% of that money. within 3 years. Councilman Wahl stated that he could not justify a 2.0 MG tank. Mayor Lockwood felt comfortable with the feeling that no other tower would be built in Mendota Heights. Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption of a resolution accepting the engineer's :recoMmendation of the 1.5 million gallon capacity flu- ted column storage tank, awarding the contract to the low bidder, Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel Company. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Page 1017 December 19, 1978 Councilman Mertensotto opposed a 1.5 mg tank, stating that he felt it would be false economy. Councilman Losleben also opposed a 1.5 mg tank. He would like to see a 2 mg tank as a safety factor. It was pointed out that in Engineer Kishel's report, that St. Paul Water feels that a 1.5 mg tank will be sufficient for Mendota Heights. Mayor Lockwood also mentioned thai it would cost $327,000 more for a 2 mg tank. Ayes: 2 Nays: 3 Huber, Mertensotto, Losleben Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-133, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS -ANDAWARDINGCONTRACT:FOR 2.0 MILLION GALLON FLUTED WATER STORAGE TANK," awarding the bid to the PittSburgh-Des Moines Steel Company for their low bid of $1,303,800. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: Lockwood Wahl EIDE PRELIMINARY Mr. Eide was not present at the meeting, but Mr. Gerald Frisch, PLAT attorney, and Mr. James Hennessy were in attendance. Mr. Frisch's concern was on the extension of roadway from Wagon Wheel Trail, betweenA.ots 3:and 4-,:'northerly to property owned by Mr. Hennessy. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Vote on Amendment: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Vote on Motion: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Mertensotto moved to accept the road easement to tie lots 37. and 38 to the balance of the Eide Subdivision at no cost to the City, with the understanding that in the future should the alignment prove to not be in the best interest of the owner, that the City consider realignment. Councilman Huber seconded the motion. City Attorney Winthrop stated that the 10 foot sewer easement requested by Mr. Hennessy is a private agreement between the Eides and Hennessys and should not be a part of the Council discussion. After additional discussion, Mayor Lockwoodmoved to approve the preliminaryplat subject to the.60 foot easement over the Hennessy property. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Councilman Huber moved to amend the motion, to recommend approval of the preliminary plat for Eide Estates, deleting the requirement for the street right-of-way easement at this time. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Page 1018 December 19, 1978 Engineer Kishel pointed out that the Council should keep in mind that there should be some input from the Dakota County Surveyor's office, regarding this matter. BRIAN BIRCH This item was continued from November 21, 1978. Mr. CONDITIONAL USE Birch had phoned the City office on December 19, to PERMIT ask for a postponement of his case until January 2, 1979. Mr. Birch was not present at the meeting and after a brief discussion, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-134, "RESOLUTION APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR BIRCH COMPANY". Councilman Huber seconded the motion, which has eleven conditions that must be met by the private land Ayes: 5 owner. Nays: 0 HIAWATHA AVENUE DRAINAGE PROBLEM Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Public Works Inspector Pearson breifly went over his memo relating the problems of drainage on Hiawatha Avenue, in the area of Simard, Miriam and Chippewa. Mr. Robert Reedstrom, who lives on Hiawatha, was present and wondered what could be done to alleviate this prob- lem. He had brought this problem to the City's attention in July, 1978. Engineer Kishel explained that there was no easy solution. The property owners could petition for storm sewers, or they could fill their yards to drain to the street where the water should drain to Highway 13, or the property owners on the north side of Simard could grade their property to drain to Simard where the water would flow to Chippewa and then to Cherokee Park in St. Paul. Mr. Reedstrom stated that a basement is being dug at the present time in this area and wondered if this will increase their problem. The best solution seems to be for the owners of all property north of Miriam Street to petition for storm sewers or for the City Council to direct that a feasibility study be made and hearing be held for the establishment of a public improvement storm sewer program. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-135, "RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE ENGINEER TO PREPARE A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR HIAWATHA AVENUE DRAINAGE PROBLEM". Such a study is to be coordinated with the City Attorney, as relates to the Morin Assessment contest. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. VALLEY PARK BRIDGE FOOTINGS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MWCC AGREEMENTS #130 and #155 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNICATIONS Page 1019 December 19, 1978 Public Works Inspector Pearson gave a brief rundown on the bids that were received from three contractors for the footings and miscellaneous work for the Valley Park Bridge. He was not totally satisfied with the bids, but did recommend that the Council authorize Staff to award construction of the footings and installation of the bridge only, to Orfei and Sons for $8,970.00. Mayor Lockwood moved that Orfei and Sons be granted the award for this work and Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Inspector Pearson briefed the Council on Interceptor Maintenance Agreement No. 130 and recommended that this agreement be signed. Councilman Huber moved that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the Interceptor Maintenance Agreement No. 130. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Inspector Pearson explained Joint Use Rental Agreement No. 155, with the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission, stating that it pertains to .23 miles of sewer between Diamond Jim's complex and the Head House. He stated that no cleaning was involved here, only checking, possibly only once a year. We are reimbursed $200 in maintenance costs per year for this. Councilman Mertensotto felt that we should be more involved in this and do more maintenance work, thereby being reimbursed more than $200 per year. After a brief discussion, Mayor Lockwood moved approval of Joint Use Rental Agreement #155, at the annual rate of $200 per year. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. At this time Mayor Lockwood acknowledged Mrs. Kathy Ridder. Mrs. Ridder was present to thank the Council and City for their recommendations of her to the vacant position on the Metropolitan Council as representative of District 15. She stated that the deadline for this position had been extended until January 15th. Councilman Mertensotto suggested that Administrator Johnson send a -copy of our letter of:support recommending Mrs. Kathy Ridder to the Mayors of Lilydale, Sunfish Lake, Eagan, Mendota, Inver Grove Heights, and South St. Paul, asking them for their support of Kathy Ridder for the vacant seat on the Metro Council. Mrs. Ridder stated that she would get the addresses of these mayors in order to enable staff to send them our letter of support. A letter from Northern States Power Company was acknowledged. Also acknowledged was a letter from St. Paul Wa ter, advising of a water rate increase, as of January 1, 1979. A handout letter from Wallace Burow was also acknowledged. DEPARTMENT REPORTS EIDE PETITION FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 UNITED PROPERTIES INDUSTRIAL DEVELOP- MENT REVENUE BOND Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ANNUAL AUDIT Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 1020 December 19, 1978 The Council acknowledged receipt of the Police and Fire Department monthly reports. The Council acknowledged receipt of Timothy Eide's petition of December 13, 1978, - Councilman Losleben moved to adopt a Resolution No. 78- 136, "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN EIDE ESTATES ". Councilman Huber seconded the motion. Mr. Ken Stensby, President of United Properties, was present. He explained that they are proposing to build a 31,500 square foot office on a 3 acre site on the northeast corner of Mendota Heights Road and Pilot Knob Road. He was present to request a "comfort resolution" granting pre- liminary approval to the project. It would be financed under a $1,110,000 Industrial Revenue Bond. Councilman Mertensotto moved to adopt a Resolution No. 78 -137, "RESOLUTION RECITING A PROPOSAL FOR A COMMERCIAL FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT GIVING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO THE PROJECT PURSUANT TO THE MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ACT AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF SAID PROJECT TO THE COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA AND AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND MATERIALS IN CONNECTION WITH SAID PROJECT ". This was subject to the City Attorney's review and Attorney Winthrop gave his approval of the Resolution. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved to adopt Resolution No. 78 -138, "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ANNUAL CITY AUDIT ". Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. The firm of Wilkerson, Guthmann and Johnson was authorized and directed to conduct an audit examination in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood reported on two items of business. One was Carmen Tuminelly and Eagle Ridge. The other item was in regard to Labor Negotiations. He talked to two people on this matter. One was Gary Busch and the other person was from St. Paul Employers Association, representing small businesses in the Twin Cities, and the welfare department in Dakota County. The'ue0iit k -d •r'e6 6a' hefMayo and 'silty Admizrristr-atJordt©eproceed -witlA ja' Alec6mmenfat o%3- TREASURER APPOINTMENT BANK DEPOSITORY Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 1021 December 19, 1978 Administrator Johnson recommended that Financial Advisor Larry Shaughnessy be appointed Treasurer as of January 1, 1979. Councilman Mertensotto asked whether there might be a conflict o interest. Mr. Shaughnessy said that if there were a conflict he would be the first one to advise the Council of it. The Council directed the City Attorney to study the matter and report back to the Council. Administrator Johnson stated that he had been advised by the City Treasurer and Financial Advisor that there is a need for an additional bank depository. They recommended that the First National Bank of St. Paul be named as a depository and Administrator Johnson concurred. This would be effective December 20, 1978. Councilman Mertensotto felt that we should also have other additional large banks as depositories. Councilman Mertensotto moved that the First National Bank of St. Paul, Northwestern National Bank of St. Paul and American National Bank of St. Paul be named as additional depositories. Councilman Huber seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben reported on a demonstration that he had observed in Eagan recently. Demonstrated was a hydraulic cutter and spreader for rescue operations. He was under the impression that the Fire Department had extra money in the 1978 budget and felt that this would be a valuable additonn to the City's rescue equipment. Administrator Joh nson stated that there was no extra money. This piece of equipment would cost in the neighborhood of $5,000 to $7,500 and, if purchased, should have the cost spread over a 3 year period, not in one year. It could be purchased with equipment bonds. Councilman Huber thanked the Council for being allowed to come back for the last several months to serve on the Council. Councilman Wahl also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Council for the past 7 years. Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-139, "RESOLUTION COMMENDING RUSSELL WAHL FOR EXEMPLARY ELECTED SERVICE." Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78- 140, "RESOLUTION EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO DONALD L. HUBER FOR CITY COUNCIL SERVICE." Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Engineer Kishel reported on the Highway 13/Mayfield Heights Road meeting that he and Public Works Inspector Pearson attended, along with the Mn/DOT representatives, relative to drainage problems in Lilydale. This item is to be considered by the new council members in 1979. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 1022 December 19, 1978 City Attorney Winthrop handed out an Ordinance amending Ordinance 201. Subject Ordinance establishes revised water rates for the Mendota Water Company. Councilman Losleben moved adoption of Ordinance #160, amending Ordinance 201. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Councilman Wahl moved to adopt Ordinance #161, amending Ordinance #913, by establishing new park closing time,, 10 P. Councilman Huber seconded the motion. LIST OF CLAIMS Councilman Losleben moved approval of the list of claims. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LICENSE APPROVAL Councilman HUBB1r moved to approve licenses, granting licenses to: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 RUBBISH HAULERS LICENSE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ADJOURN Laubach Construction, Inc. General McNearney Construction General Burton Development General Delory Company Excavating Councilman 0143:01: seconded the motion. Councilman Mbe] moved to approve the Rubbish Haulers licenses, granting licenses to: Poor Richards, Inc. Triangle Services Ben Oerhlein & Sons Action Disposal System, Inc. James Nitti & Sons J. J. Remackel & Sons A. A. Rubbish Service Councilman gq:akik seconded the motion. Rubbish Hauler Rubbish Hauler Rubbish Hauler Rubbish Hauler Rubbish Hauler Rubbish Hauler Rubbish Hauler There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Wahl moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Huber seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:37 o'clock P.M. 4 A.-414-act—, Mar Ann DeLaRosa Deputy City Clerk ATTEST: Regvzi„-t— et,t4,4J_ei Robert G. Lockwood Mayor