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1978-10-17 Council minutesPage 985 October 17, 1978 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, October 17, 1978 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights was held at 7:30 P.M. at the City Hall, 750 South Plaza Drive, Mendota Heights, Minnesota Mayor Lockwood called the meeting to order at 7:36 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Lockwood, Councilmen Losleben, Mertensotto and Wahl. Councilman Huber had notified the Council that he would be late. APPROVAL OF Councilman Wahl moved approval of the minutes of the MINUTES August 29th meeting. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Councilman Huber arrived at 7:38 o'clock P.M. IVY FALLS CREEK Mayor Lockwood spoke briefly, stating that the Comprehensive DRAINAGEWAY Study was ordered in June or July of 1978 and that maps are HEARING now ready for public review. He then turned the meeting over to Engineer Kishel and City Administrator Johnson. Administrator Johnson noted that rigid methods of improvements must be followed. Residents had received a notice regarding the first phase which stated that the cost would be about $200,000. Mr. Johnson drew five conclusions from the August 22 hearing: 1.) Much erosion and deterioration was caused by the development going on in West St. Paul; 2.) the Department of Natural Resources did not look with favor on pipe installation; 3.) Somerset Country Club suggested additional control devices be considered within the golf course; 4.) more study is needed, especially the Comprehensive Study; 5.) the Feasibility Heating was to be continued to October 17th. These conclusions were those of the City Administrator, and not necessarily those of the Council or audience. He noted that the Comprehensive Study was completed on October 4th and Engineer Kishel proceeded to explain the study. Mr. Kishel explained that there are 399 acres in Mendota Heights and 367 acres in West St. Paul that drain into the Ivy Falls creek. After a heavy rainfall,all excess water spills onto the Somerset Country Club Golf Course. He indicated that the major drainage areas are: a.) golf course system; b.) Ivy Falls Creek System; c.) Ivy Hill Park reach; d.) Ivy Hills First Addition reach. The estimated costs for the work proposed for these areas are as follow: Golf Course system, $99,000; Ivy Falls Creek system, $507,000; Ivy Hill Park reach, $200,000; Ivy Falls First Addition reach, $72,000, for a total estimated cost of $878,000. He noted that this figure includes overhead, fees and contingencies but does not include easement or land acquisition costs. Mr. Kishel recommended that top priority must be placed on completing upstream segments first. This would act to reduce downstream degradation as soon as possible. Each segment should be completed as a unit before another segment is started. His suggested construction Page 986 October 17, 1978 order of priorities is as follows: 1.) golf course sustem, that portion between Delaware and Dodd; 2.) the area between Dodd Road and Laura Court; 3.) Ivy Falls First Addition reach; 4.) Ivy Hill Park reach; 5.) additional segments downstream from Sylvandale Road. He recommended that Mendota Heights should continue to negotiate with West St. Paul regarding cost sharing for anticipated construction, that plans for extending the twin 48 inch pipes upstream from Laura Court be abandoned, that the City pursue permit applications from the Department of Natural Resources. Administrator Johnson then suggested possible assessment rates, based on $1,000,000 in possible construction costs, as follow: if the project is 100% assessed the estimated rate would be 7.64 per square foot; if 50% assessed, approximately 3.8 per square foot; if 25% assessed, approximately 2 per square foot. He suggested that another alternative method might be establishing a storm sewer taxing district. Mayor Lockwood asked for questions and comments from the audience and Council. Mr. Amos Martin, 700 Woodridge Drive, urged the Council not to give up easily on getting financial help from West St. Paul. Councilman Huber suggested that the portion of the proposed project relating to construction on the golf course be done as the first portion of the project and that it be done as soon as possible. He stated that after the golf course construction is completed it will be easier to assess the number of gabion structures needed from Dodd to Laura Court. Councilman Losleben stated that if the Council is really going to be honest, they are talking about lots of time before the project can really be started. He also questioned the golf course representatives reaction to being assessed on an equal basis, since undeveloped land is not as much of a problem (surface water drainage) as is developed land. Councilman Huber stated that he proposes that the square foot rate be the same. Councilman Losleben asked whether Councilman Huber proposes that the project be broken down into individual assessment areas, i.e., the portion to be completed first being assessed upon completion, then completing another portion and assessing that district. Councilman Huber stated that the rates for the districts depend on whether the easements are costly in the district. He suggested that some easement costs should go on G.O. Mr. Bill Gydesen, 561 Winston Court, stated that he was disappointed with the small turnout at this meeting since several hundred people came to the original hearing. He also asked whether an assessment district can include West St. Paul. He further stated that he would like to see the first stage consist of improvements from Dodd to Delaware Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 987 October 17, 1978 Mr. Bill Wolston, 648 Sunset Lane, asked whether there is a sanitary sewer problem now which requires repair, whether there has been any appreciable damage since the golf course repair of their drainage system, and how much of the cost would go to repair rather than to prevention of flooding. He also expressed concern over easement acquisition and related costs. Mr. Wolston stated that he favors Councilman Huber's approach to the improvement project. Mr. John Hartmann, 560 Miriam Street, asked if the Council has considered litigation against West St. Paul for cost participation. Mr. Michael Kluznik, 1057 Chippewa, stated that when the northeast area storm sewer project was completed two years ago, the residents assumed there would be no more such assessments. He asked whether there will be any more such projects if this project is completed and the problem is solved. Mr. Gydesen suggested doing the improvement to the first gabion beyond Dodd Road, increasing the capacity of the Ivy Hill park pond, and putting the total cost on general obligation taxes. Mr. Wolston stated that he does not think the entire project will ever be completed but that something should be done about the problems his area creates, i.e., future improvements in the Maple Park area. There was considerable Council discussion on what area should constitute stage one. There being no further questions or comments from the audience, Councilman Huber moved that the hearing be closed. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. The hearing was closed at 10:05 o'clock P.M. Councilman Mertensotto moved to adopt the feasibility study for stage one construction between Laura Court and Delaware and order plans and specifications, and further that the project be completed in two phases, phase one being from Dodd to Delaware and phase two being from Dodd to Laura Court. Councilman Huber seconded the motion. After considerable discussion, Councilman Mertensotte withdrew the motion. Councilman Huber withdrew the second. Councilman Losleben moved that the project from Delaware Avenue to Laura Court be ordered and that this be considered the first Stage of the project. The motion died for lack of a second. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 RECESS MISCELLANEOUS DEPARTMENT REPORTS NSP CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Ayes: 3 Nays: 2 Mertensotto Huber Page 988 October 17, 1978 Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-109, "RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND STORM SEWER SYSTEM TO SERVE IVY FALLS CREEK AND ADJACENT AREAS AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREFORE (IMPROVEMENT NO. 77, PROJECT NO. 14," directing the Engineer to prepare the plans for that portion between Dodd and Delaware as soon as possible. Councilman Huber seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved that the City Attorney be authorized to acquire all necessary land and easements relative to the drainage project, including going to condemnation proceedings if necessary. Councilman Huber seconded the motion. It was directed that no work commence on the project until easement acquisitions have been completed. Mayor Lockwood called a recess at 10:22 P.M. The meeting was reconvened at 10:35 P.M. The Council received a memo from the Police Chief in response to a request from the Minnesota Institute of Traffic Safety requesting use of Rogers Lake for a winter driving course. Discussion was tabled pending receipt of responses from the Wagon Wheel Trail and Rogers Lake associations. The Council acknowledged receipt of the Police and Fire Department monthly reports for September. The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from NSP requesting an extension on their conditional use permit. Councilman Wahl moved that the conditional use permit be extended to June, 1979. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. EIDE SUBDIVISION, Mr. Dave Alley was present to explain the proposed plat for CASE NO. 78-13 the Eide Estates. After discussion, Mr. Alley was directed to meet with the City Engineer to iron out several problems and details. Further discussion was tabled to November 9th. ACCOUNTING The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from the City PROCEDURES Administrator regarding increased financial accounting procedures. Mr. Johnson expanded on the memo and recommended that the City Accountant be requested to appear at a future meeting to discuss the details. There was some discussion relative to the possibility of using computer accounting, and as a result, the Administrator was directed to invite the City Accountant and a representative of LOGIS to attend the November 9th meeting for a joint discussion. MISCELLANEOUS SALARY NEGOTIATIONS CROWN POINT IMPROVEMENTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE Ayes: 4 Nays: 1 Losleben Ayes: 4 Nays: 1 Losleben MEDALLION INDUSTRIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 989 October 17, 1978 Administrator Johnson advised the Council that Donald Runge has turned down the Code Enforcement Officer position. Administrator Johnson stated that he has received a letter from the M.A.M.A. negotiating group, asking if the City wishes to be a part of the group for 1979 Police Negotiations. Mayor Lockwood indicated that he would like to talk to the union steward from the Police Department before a decision is made on M.A..:M.A. representation. Further discussion was tabled to November 9th. City Engineer Kishel advised the Council that Lametti and Sons has requested an extension on the completion time for Crown Point public improvements, from October 31 to December 31. He recommended approval of the request. Councilman Huber moved that an extension of completion time to December 31, 1978 be granted. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Councilman Wahl indicated that he has had contact with personnel from the company doing the heating installation for the Public Works Garage and that he was told there is some question of whether-natural gas NniillcbedaVailabIe*torthe Public Works Garage. After some discussion, staff was directed to look into the matter. The Council concensus was that reconsideration should be given to the NSP conditional use permit extension in view of the foregoing information. Mayor Lockwood moved that the Council reconsider its previous action granting an extension to the NSP conditional use permit. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood moved to table consideration of the NSP conditional use permit extension to November 9th. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. On the recommendation of the City Engineer, Councilman Huber moved approval of Change Order No. 1 to the Improvement 78, Project 5 construction contract to extend the sanitary sewer line to the lot at Lexington and Mendota Heights Road, increasing the project cost by $15,797. Mr. Kishel indicated that the developer has been advised and has no objection. Councilman Huber moved apptoval of Change Order No. 1 to the contract for Improvement No. 78, Project No. 5. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE EQUIPMENT Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ELECTION JUDGES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 990 October 17, 1978 The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from the Public Works Inspector regarding equipment purchases for the Public Works Garage. The equipment requested is as follows: installation of fuel tanks and fueling system, at $4,811.00; installation of hydraulic hoist system, $3,000; installation of air compressors, $501.05; lubrication equipment, Grayco brand, $4,985.52; installation of lubrication equipment, $1,421.05. Mr. Pearson recommended that purchase orders be issued for the foregoing equipment and installation. Councilman Mertensotto moved approval of the recommended equipment purchases and installation as contained in the Public Works Inspector's memo. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Public Works Inspector Pearson recommended authorization to purchase office equipment for the Public Works Garage at a maximum total expenditure of $1,300. Mayor Lockwood moved that the Public Works Inspector be authorized to purchase office equipment at a maximum total expenditure of $1,300. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Councilman Huber moved approval of the list of Election Personnel for the 1978 General and City Election. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. LIST OF CLAIMS Councilman Huber moved theradoption of the following motion: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LICENSES 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, October 17, 1978, having been audited by the City Council, be and are hereby allowed and the Mayor and City Treasurer be and are hereby authorized and directed to issue City checks in payment of said claims. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Councilman Wahl moved approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: Page 991 October 17, 1978 Charpentier-Madigan, Inc. Bretoi Builders Dale Sorenson Company Excavating License General Contractor License Plumbing License Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lockwood moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:57 o'clock P.M. Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: 2r t4L-J Robert G. Lockwood Mayor