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1978-03-07 Council minutesPage 850 March 7, 1978 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 7, 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 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, Mertensotto and Schaberg. Councilman Wahl had notified the Council that he would be out of town. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 BID AWARD, SOUTH RIDGE ADDITION Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 EQUIPMENT BIDS Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 HEARING ON UTILITY EASEMENT VACATION Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the minutes of the February 21 meeting. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of a tabulation of bids received on public improvements to serve the South Ridge Addition Engineer Kishel recommended that the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Kenko, Inc. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-20, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE SOUTH RIDGE ADDITION (IMPROVEMENT NO. 77, PROJECT NO. 3)," awarding the bid to Kenko, Inc. in the amount of $306,777.70. )( Councilman Schaberg seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of a tabulation of bids received towards the purchase of a 3/4 ton pick-up truck and a one ton- dump truck, and an associated recommendation from Public Works Inspector Pearson Councilman Losleben moved that the bid be awarded to Southview Chevrolet for a total bid amount of $14,963.00, the equipment to be purchased from monies received through the 1977 Equipment Certificates. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood opened the meeting for the purpose af a public heaking on the proposed vacatinn of a portion of a utility and drainage easement over Lot 8, Block 3, Somerset Park No. 3, City Attorney Winthrop explained the proposed easement vacation, after which Mayor Lockwood asked for questions and comments from the audience. There being no questions or comments from the audience, Mayor Lockwood moved that the hearing be closed. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Page 851 March 7, 1978 The hearing was closed at 7:48 o'clock P.M. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-21, "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING VACATION OF UTILITY AND DRAINAGE EASEMENT." Councilman Schaberg seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 FEASIBILITY STUDY Administrator Johnson briefly reviewed discussions held at a FRIENDLY HILLS recent meeting with representatives August Construction Company REPLAT and Rauenhorst Corporation relative to proposed public improvements to serve the Friendly Hills Replat and adjacent areas. He also noted that the Park and Recreation Commission has reviewed the proposed park contribution and are satisfied with the proposal. Engineer Kishel recommended that the Council establish a date for a public hearing on the proposed project. It was the concensus of the Council that a special work meeting should be scheduled for review of the feasibility study. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 FINAL PLAT, SOUTH RIDGE ADDITION Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Councilman Losleben moved the adoptionof Resolution No. 78-22, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING ENGINEER'S REPORT AND CALLING FOR HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE FRIENDLY HILLS REPLAT AND ADJACENT AREAS," the hearing to be conducted on April 4 at 7:30 P.M. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Mr. Gene Kopp was present to request approval of the final plat of the South Ridge Addition. There was some discussion regarding the public pedestrian way between Lots 2 and 3 as shown on the plat, and it was the concensus that the pedestrian way is not practical and should not be required. Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-23, "RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF SOUTH RIDGE ADDITION," conditioned upon the deletion of the pedway easement between Lots 2 and 3. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. CROWN POINT Mr. William Strub was present to request approval of a revised ADDITION preliminary plat of the Crown Point Addition, deleting Lots 26 and 27 (owned by Mr. & Mrs. Arnie Siebell) from the plat. Mr. & Mrs. Siebell, who were present, explained that they have decided to withdraw from the plat because of the cost of public improvements proposed to be assessed against the lots. There was considerable discussion over difficulties which may be encountered when servicing the property with public improvement in the future as well as making provisions for access to the two lots at the present time. It was pointed out also that assessments would not be levied against the two lots until 1979 with the first payment due in 1980 at the earlies. Administrator Johnson explained a proposal to locate the pedway and service drive on highway right-of-way along the south side of the Siebell-prpperty. COMMUNICATIONS BIKEWAY GRANT Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMUNICATIONS Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CRAY RESEARCH Page 852 March 7, 1978 Mr. & Mrs. Siebell and Mr. Strub requested the Council to delay a decision on the proposed plat revision so that they could further discuss the matter. The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from Mr. John Boland, Metropolitan Council Chairman, regarding the City's Resolution No. 78-15 requesting infbrmation on I-35E. Mayor Lockwood read portions of the letter for the audience. The Council acknowledged receipt of letters from the Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Council regarding the status of the City's application for grant for construction of a bikeway along Lexington Avenue from T.H. 13 to Wagon Wheel Trail and Wagon Wheel Trail to Dodd Road. Administrator Johnson explained the communications, advising the Council that the City has received priority ranking and receive a grant of $95,000, or 75% of the proposed construction cost of $127,500. Mr. Johnson advised the Council that construction plans for the bikeway must be submitted to Mn/DOT by May 1, 1978. He_noted that the'City's portion of the construction cost would be approximately $30,000 and expressed concern over whether that amount should be expended for construction of the subject bikeway or reserved for construction of the proposed Marie Avenue pedway. Councilman Losleben moved that the matter be referred to the Park and Recreation Commission for a recommendation, with the direction that a recommendation be made prior to the next Council meeting, if possible, so that construction plans can be completed for the Lexington Trail if the trail is recommended for approval. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from United Properties regarding the 1-494 interchange from Pilot Knob Road. Councilman Losleben moved that the City Administrator be directed to send a written response to Kenneth Stensby of United Properties, advising him that the Council concurs with the position of United Properties and has been working towards the same end result for several years. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Mr. Jim Harris of Cray Research was present to update the Council on the status of the company's plans to construct a facility in the industrial park and to request approval of a foundation permit for the structure. In response to a question from the Council, Mr. Harris advised that the firm is still planning on financing the construction through industrial revenue bonds. Mr. Harris introduced Mr. Herb Ketcham, of Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Page 853 March 7, 1978 Architectural Alliance, the project architect. Mr. Ketcham presented and explained several drawings and models of the proposed structure, which is proposed to be a three story structure with stucco exterior and mirror glaze windows. Mr. Harris explained that the estimated cost of the structure is $1 million and that the Industrial Revenue Bonds would be limited to $1 million. Mr. Ketcham explained that the architectural firm plans on a "fast track" construction project and that he will be requesting a fragmented building permit. The current request is for a foundation permit. Councilman Mertensotto moved that a foundation permit be granted subject to the following conditions: approval of the plans by the Building Inspector prior to foundation permit issuance; submission of the building permit fee; Council review and approval of the building and landscape plans prior to issuance of a building permit. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. The Council expressed concern over erosion controls and applicability of the Wetlands Ordinance and directed staff to determine whether a Wetlands permit is required and whether Mississippi River Critical Area requirements apply to the property. Public Works Inspector Pearson advised the Council that he has met with representatives of Cray Research, Carew Properties and Northland Land Company relative to installation of public improvements to serve the property and explained the outcome of the discussion. He noted that a petition for feasibility study will be submitted by the affected properties in the near future. Administrator Johnson noted that an engineering escrow deposit will soon be submitted by both Northland and Carew properties. CROWN POINT Mr. William Strub and Mr. & Mrs. Arnie Siebell returned to the ADDITION meeting, advising the Council that they have come to an agreement -- the Siebells have decided not to withdraw from the Crown Point plat. As a result of this action, Mr. Strub withdrew his request for Council approval of the revised preliminary plat. COMMUNICATIONS Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from Mrs. Marsh Knuth, 740 Mohican Lane, President of the Friendly Hills Civic Association, requesting a review of the Mendota Water Company rates and initiation of a feasibility study relativE to immediate hook up to the St. Paul Water system. After a brief discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved that the Mendota Water Company officials be notified to submit a 1977 audit in accordance with franchise requirements, and a projection of 1978 income and expenditures, and that the Water Company officials be invited to attend the March 21st meeting to discuss and justify rates charged in 1977 and proposed to be charged in 1978. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. COMMUNICATIONS Page 854 March 7, 1978 The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from Karl Hohenstein notifying the Council of an increase in rent for the lower level of the garage building at 1898 Dodd Road from $125 per month to $155 per month. DEPARTMENT REPORT The Council acknowledged receipt of the Police • Department monthly report for February. COMMISSION REPORT The Council acknowledged receipt of the minutes of the February 23 Park and Recreation Commission minutes. CIVIL DEFENSE Civil Defense Director Richard Thul was present to explain and expand on his memo regarding Civil Defense warning sirens. He explained his recommendation to install four warning sirens, including the replacement of the existing siren, and also explained both warning siren sharing and cost sharing possibilities. He urged the Council to consider and approve the siren installation primarily for severe weather warning purposes. The Council had several questions and comments on the matter, however no action was taken. LABOR RELATIONS The Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from the City SERVICES Administrator regarding renewal of Labor Relations Services. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PERSONNEL Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Councilman Schaberg moved that the labor relations subscriber service for 1978 be approved at a cost of $750. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. On the recommendation of the City Administrator, Mayor Lockwood moved that Mrs. Pamela Giles be granted permanent employment status as Receptionist/Clerk-Typist and that her salary be increased to $625 per month, effective March 14, 1978. Councilman Schaberg seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson advised the Council on the status of the Code Enforcement Officer selection process, advising that he has met with each of the top candidates since the last Council meeting, and updating the Council on his discussions with the candidates. There was considerable discussion on the matter-, including discussion, on the 'proposed salary and a suggestion that the position should be re-advertised, soliciting applications from recent college graduates to train in such a position. Mayor Lockwood moved that a decision on the matter be tabled to March 21st. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. ANNUAL REPORT ENGINEERING FEE SCHEDULE Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS BURN SITE COMMUNICATIONS Page 855 March 7, 1978 City Clerk Swanson distributed copies of the 1977 annual report on general office activities and gave a brief verbal review of the report. City Administrator Johnson updated the Council on the status of his research on Court fines and prosecution costs and advised that further study into the matter is in process. At the request of the Council, City Engineer reviewed and explained the proposed elevated water tank engineering fee schedule. There was some discussion on basing engineering fees on a sliding saale, and Mr. Kishel responded to several questions on basic fees and engineering fees which are added costs, such as field inspections. As part of the discussion, Mr. Kishel stated that inasmuch as there will be alternate bids for a 11/2 MG tank and a 2 MG tank, and since there would be little additional engineering detail needed for the 2 MG tank, he would agree to charge an engineering fee based on the smaller tank regardless of which tank is approved. Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the engineering contract for elevated water tank construction, the fee being based on 31/2% of the construction cost, the fee to be the same for the 2 MG tank as for the 11/2 MG tank. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Adminibtrator Johnson advised the Council that the City's workmen's compensation insurance policy has been cancelled and that W.A. Lang Company is in the process of soliciting a new insurance carrier. The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from Public Works Supervisor Franzmeier and Tree Inspector Cheryl Walker regarding the City's burning site permit. As part of the memo, Mr. Franzmeier advised the Council of the proposed County program for wood chipping, a saw mill-and an emergency burn site in Eagan. The Council acknowledged receipt of an excerpt from the Citizens League News bulletin ,dated February 28, 1978, regarding the League's annual property tax survey. STREET SWEEPER The Council briefly discussed the proposed street sweeper purchase, however no action was taken on the matter. LIST OF CLAIMS Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of the following motion: RESOLVED, that the claims submited 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, March 7, 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. Councilman Schaberg seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 LICENSES Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 ADJOURN Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Page 856 March 7, 1978 Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: Carr Properties, Inc. Genz-Ryan Plumbing & Heating Markfort Construction Company Preferred Plumbing Anton Peterson & Sons Loop Mechanical Contractors General Contractor License Plumbing License General Contractor License Plumbing License General Contractor License Heating Contractor License Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lockwood moved that the meeting be adjourned to March 14th at 7:00 P.M. for a discussion of the feasibility study for proposed improvements to serve the Friendly Hills Replat. Councilman Schaberg seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 o'clock P.M. ReLvd-"z of0-4„Ira7t, Robert G. Lockwood Mayor u Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk