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1978-11-09 Council minutesPage 992 November 9, 1978 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Thursday, November 9, 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 7:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Lockwood, Councilmen Losleben and Wahl. Councilmen Huber and Mertensotto had notified the Council that they would be out of town. ELECTION Councilman Wahl moved that the City Council, acting in its CANVASSING capacity as Election Canvassing Board, approve the results of the casting and canvass of votes in the November 7, 1978 General and City Election, as presented by the City Clerk, and as follow: Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES CASE NO. 78-13, EIDE MISCELLANEOUS Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Total Candidates for Mayor #1 #2 #3 #4 Robert G. Lockwood 869 667 464 686 2,825 Candidates for Council Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Total #1 #2 #3 #4 Bob Emery 360 283 194 348 1,185 John Hartmann 514 349 220 531 1,614 Elizabeth Witt 603 486 362 506 1,957 1477 1118 776 1385 47756 Robert G. Lockwood was declared Mayor for a two year term, January 1, 1979 through December 31, 1980; John Hartmann was declared Councilman for a four term, January 1, 1979 through December 31, 1982; Elizabeth Witt was declared Councilwoman for a four year term, January 1, 1979 thoough December 31, 1982. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Approval of the minutes of the September and October meetings was tabled to November 21. In response to the developer's request, discussion on the subdivision application was tabled to November 21. Mr. Walter Villaume, 681 Ivy Falls Court, and other Ivy Falls Court residents were present to request the Council members to make a field inspection of the erosion in the Ivy Falls Court area. The residents feel that perhaps their area should be included in the overall creekbed improvement and drainage project. N.S.P. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 ROGERS LAKE DRIVING COURSE Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Page 993 November 9, 1978 Councilman Losleben moved that the NSP conditional use permit for relocation of overhead electric transmission lines be extended to June 1, 1979. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Wagon Wheel Trail Association relative to the Minnesota Institute of Traffic Safety request to use a portion of Rogers Lake for a winter driving course. Councilman Losleben moved that the Institute of Traffic Safety request be denied based on the objection of the Wagon Wheel Trail Association. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Mr. Bill Collins, representing the, Institute of Traffic Safety, was present and explained the intended use as well as the Institute's programs, and requested that the motion be reconsidered. Mr. Collins volunteered to meet with the neighborhood associations to explain the proposal, and asked that action on his request be tabled until after he meets with the residents. Councilman Losleben withdrew his motion for denial. Councilman Wahl withdrew his second to the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved that further discussion on the Minnesota Institute of Traffic Safety request be tabled to December 5. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. The Council directed that the Park and Recreation Commission review the request and requested that Mr. Collins meet with the Commission on •November 21. BUROW Mayor Lockwood pointed out that questions regarding assessments SUBDIVISION and sewer and water availability must be resolved prior to a_ action on the proposed subdivision. He also questioned whether action should be deferrd until a full Council is present. Mr. Burow stated that he would have no objection to a continuation. As a result of the discussion, action on the application for subdivision was tabled to November 21. DEPARTMENT REPORTS The Council acknowledged receipt of the Fire Department monthly report for October. COMMISSION REPORTS The Council acknowledged receipt of the minutes of the October 17 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. PARK, SAFETY November 9, 1978 Page 994 The Council acknowledged receipt of a lettercfrom the Friendly Hills Civic Association requesting that signs be installed near the Friendly Hills park, that additional police patrolling be instituted and that "no parking after 10 P.M." signs be installed. Mayor Lockwood stated that the Park and Recreation Commission should be given the opportunity to consider earlier park closing hours and that input from the Police Department should also be requested. As the result of the discussion, the Police Department was directed to study the request in terms of signing and closing hours and that the Park Commission be directed to respond on park closing hours for all City parks. STOP SIGN PETITION The Council acknowledged receipt of a petition from residents of Freeway Road for a stop sign to be placed at the intersection of South Freeway Road and the T.H. 110 frontage road. Mr. Robert Carnes, 660 So. Freeway Road, stated that the people driving down South Freeway can't see traffic coming from the frontage road. He expressed the residents' concern about high school traffic and their interest in making the intersection safer than it is. Mr. Charles McDuff, 661 South Freeway Road, stated that he has been concerned about safety ever since the frontage road was constructed. He also asked about the status of the frontage road -- whether it is City or State owned. Mayor Lockwood advised the residents that requests such as this are normally turned over to the Police Department and Traffic Safety Engineer for study and recommendation, and he suggested that the Council proceed in that manner. Mr. Donald Scherfenberg, 698 South Freeway, stated that the Police Chief and Mn/DOT have informed the residents that one of the prerequisites for stop sign installation is incidence of accidents. He acknowledged that there had been no accidents at the intersection, however there have been many close calls. As the result of the discussion, the Council directed staff to prepare a report and recommendation. ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS Mr. Ted Willard, of LOGIS, and Mr. Roger Katzenmaier, City Auditor, were present to discuss accounting system alternatives. Administrator Johnson noted that the matter had been placed on the agenda because of Council interest in computer accounting and because of the mandated change to accrual accounting plus the retirement of the Treasurer at the end of the year. Mr. Willard explained that LOGIS is a municipal cooperative created in 1972. The services include utility billings, payroll, accounting services and others. Membership would require City Council authorization for the Mayor to exercise a Joint Powers Agreement. Charges would include the cost of on-going support to City staff members during use of the system, charges for future system development and charges for services. COMMUNICATIONS GREAT RIVER ROAD November 9, 1978 Page 995 Mr. Willard stated that the cost for the first year would be approximately $8000 to $9000, and approximately $17,000 per year thereafter, including all costs except City personnel costs. He pointed out that the system is set up for operation by clerical personnel and there would be no need to hire a computer person. He stated that the applicability of the system to Mendota Heights is the important question: is it what the City needs; is it affordable? He noted that the system has the capability of meeting all of the City requirements and then some. It will allow the City to move toward accrual accounting, will improve control and will enable the City to hold off the day when a degreed accountant will be necessary. He pointed out that LOGIS service charges are exempt from the levy limitations and that there would be a fixed cost for five years. Mr. Katzenmaier stated that the State has mandated accrual accounting for 1979, which for 1979 will take the form of accrual reporting. The City is currently on a strictly cash basis system at the minimum entry level. We are now required, by the State mandate, to gather substantially additional information to make accrual accounting statements. If the City, is to comply with the state requirements more accounting personnel will be required. He suggested two alternatives: hire someone to function at a higher level of accounting expertise with Jon Larson under his supervision; hire an assistant for Jon and give him additional training. He recommended that the City convert fo accrual reporting before thinking about converting to computer. He noted that the City is operating with entry level personnel and not enough staff time. Mayor Lockwood thanked Mr. Willard and Mr. Katzenmaier for their presentations. He stated that the kind of expertise needed for 1979 still has not been defined and that this should be the next stage in the discussion. The Council directed the City Administrator to meet with the Financial Advisor, Larry Shaughnessy, to discuss the various alternatives and to see what assistance Mr. Shaughnessy may provide in the future. The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Cable Communications Board regarding information available on Cable Communications development. The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter regarding a 911 Communication System hearing to be held on November 16th. It was noted that Police Chief Thul plans to attend the hearing. The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Mn/DOT regarding the recommended route of the Great River Road and a memo from Park Commission Chairperson Liz Witt in response to the letter. Mrs. Witt stated that the Park Commission feels that the route should remain on this side of the river rather than crossing the river at I-35E. Councilmen Losleben and Wahl felt that the proposed alignment, T.H. 13 between the Mendota Bridge and I-35E and then along Shepard and Warner Road is acceptable. Councilman Wahl pointed out that St. Peter's Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 COMMUNICATIONS METRO CLEAN AIR COMMITTEE TREE REMOVAL SUBSIDY Ayes: 2 Nays: 1 Wahl PERSONNEL Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS MSA STREET Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 November 9, 1978 Page 996 Church should be designated as a historic site along the route. Councilman Wahl moved the adoption of ResOlution No. 78-110, "RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF STATE HIGHWAY 13 THROUGH THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS AS PART OF THE FEDERAL "GREAT RIVER ROAD" SYSTEM," supporting the alignment proposed by the Department of Transportation, with St. Peter's Church as a designated historic site. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from the League of Minnesota Cities regarding the President's volunteer wage limitation program. Ms. Marge Christenson, of the Metro Clean Air Committee, was present to explain the requirements of the Clean AirAct. She requested that the City appoint a Council liaison to the Committee for an ongoing transfer of information. No action was taken on the appointment. The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo and proposed resolution from the City Administrator regarding abolishing subsidies for removal of diseased trees. Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-111, "RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 77-13, ABOLISHING THE SUBSIDY FOR REMOVAL OF DUTCH ELM DISEASED TREES." Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from the City Administrator recommending the probationary appointment of Kristi Johnson as Receptionist/Clerk-Typist. Councilman Losleben moved that Kristi Johnson be appointed Receptionsit/Clerk-Typist with a probationary period salary of $615 per month. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of an excerpt from the St. Paul Dispatch written by Stanley Karon, and regarding special assessments. Councilman Wahl moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-112, "RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 534 AND RE-ESTABLISHING MSA STREET 140-104 LOCATION AND DESIGNATION." Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Page 997 November 9, 1978 GROUP HEALTH On the recommendation of the City Administrator, INSURANCE Councilman Losleben moved that staff be authorized to adVertise . for bids for group health insurance, the bids to be accepted on December 14th. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 WATER TANK Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 PARK BRIDGES Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 ROLLING GREEN Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 SOUTH RIDGE Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 City Engineer Kishel reviewed the plans and specifications for the proposed elevated water storage tank. He recommended that bids be accepted on December 5, noting that bids will be requested for two types of structures, fluted and steroidal, and two sizes,Thmillion gallon and millinn gallon. Mayor Lockwood moved adoption of RESOLUTION NO. 78-113, "RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELEVATED WATER STORAGE TANK AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISING FOR BIDS," the bids to be accepted at 2:00 P.M. on December 5th. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Engineer Kishel reviewed the plans and specifications for bridge structures to be placed in Valley Park and requested approval of the plans and specifications and authorization to advertise for bids. He recommended that the normal bidding process be followed for the bridge construction, but that bids for construction of the footings and placement of the structure be on a negotiated bid basis. Councilman Losleben moved approval of the Engineer's recommendation, directing that staff establish the bid date. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. City Engineer Kishel explained that at the time the bid award was made for the Rolling Green public improvements, the bid for lift station construction seemed to high and he recommended that that portion of the bid be temporarily withheld. He stated that as the result of research he finds that the bid amount from Nodland Construction is not in fact excessive and recommended _ that the award be made to Nodland Construction, the low bidder. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-114, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR LIFT STATION CONSTRUCTION TO SERVE ROLLING GREEN ADDITION." Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Engineer Kishel stated that he has received a request for extension of the contract for construction of the South Ridge improvements because of the cement shortage. Councilman Wahl moved that the contract with Kenko Construction for South Ridge improvements be extended to June 15, 1979. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. MISCELLANEOUS BIRCH COMPANY Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 EQUIPMENT Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Page 998 November 9, 1978 The Council acknowledged receipt of the Engineering Status Report for October. City Engineer Kishel reviewed the Birch Company proposed drainage plan for the Council, stating that in general the location, grade and concept is not objectionable, but that he does not agree with the size and type of pipe proposed. He strongly recommended that nothing less than 12 inch corrigated metal pipe be allowed. He also stated that he cannot tell what the existing 20 foot slope easement grades are with respect to the contours proposed by Mr. Birch in his layout. He stated that the slopes should not be changed within the slope easement itself. Councilman Losleben stated that plastic pipe, Mr. Birch, will freeze and break at the depth would be installed. He also pointed out that be signed by a Civil (Registered) Engineer -- were signed by a structural engineer. as proposed by at which they the plans must the plans submitted Councilman Losleben moved that the hearing on the application for conditional use permit be closed. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben moved that the conditional use permit be granted on the basis of the drainage plan submitted on November 9, conditioned upon installation of 12 inch steel culvert with a manhole in the center and based on the conditions established by the Planning Commission, and submission of a performance bond in the amount of 150% of the estimated construction cost. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. After discussion, Mayor Lockwood withdrew his second to the motion. Councilman Losleben withdrew the motion. The Council directed staff to prepare a proposed resolution to include the conditions stipulated by the Planning Commission and installation of 12" steel pipe with a manhole in the center. The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from the Public Works Inspector Pearson regarding installation of burglar and fire alarm systems for the Public Works Garage. He explained the need for the systems and the cost of $2,167 plus $13.50 per month for operation. Councilman Losleben moved approval of the recommendation as outlined in the Public Works Inspector's memo. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Public Works Inspector Pearson outlined his memo recommending approval of an alternate fuel system fpr the Public Works Garage. Mr. Pearson stated that the Suburban as Company lease/purchase plan for an 11,000 gallon propane tank and accessories is the best proposal. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 BOND SALE Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 LIST OF CLAIMS Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 LICENSES Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 ADJOURN Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 ATTEST: Page 999 November 9, 1978 Councilman Wahl moved approval of the Public Works Inspector's recommendation, awarding the bid for an alternate fuel system to Suburban Natural Gas Company based on their lease/purchase plan proposal. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. On the recommendation of Financial Advisor Shaughnessy, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-115, "RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC SALE OF $1,100,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 1978, SERIES A," the bid opening to be held on December 5. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Councilman Wahl moved the adoption of the following motion: RESOLVED, that the claims submitted to the City Council for payment, a summary of which is set forth on the list attached hereto and identified as List of Claims submitted for payment, November 9, 1978, having been audited by the City Council, be and are hereby allowed and the Mayor and Treasurer of the City of Mendota Heights are hereby authorized and directed to issue City checks in payment of said claims. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: A. Binder & Son Amcon Corporation McQuillan Bros. Richfield Plumbing Langer Construction Company Richfield Plumbing Webster Company, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning License General Contractor Licen-e Plumbing License Excavating License Masonry License Plumbing License Excavating License Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Wahl moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:45 o'clock P.M. Robert G. Lockwood Mayor V2). -/' Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk