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1978-01-17 Council minutesPage 928 January 17, 1978 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, January 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 o'clock P.M. at the City Hall, 750 South Plaza Drive, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Acting Mayor Mertensotto called the meeting to order at 7:38 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Acting Mayor Mertensotto, Councilmen Schaberg and Losleben. Mayor Lockwood and Councilman Wahl had notified the Council that they would be late. FEASIBILITY HEARING Acting Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of WATER SYSTEM a public hearing on proposed water system improvements, and IMPROVEMENTS turned the meeting over to City Administrator Johnson for a review of the proposed improvements. Mayor Lockwood arrived at 7:42 o'clock P.M. Administrator Johnson explained the existing municipal mater system and the proposed construction of a municipal water storage tank and 16-inch water distribution lines on Wentworth Avenue, between Dodd and Delaware, and on Mendota Heights Road from Lexington Avenue to Dodd Road, and along Dodd Road from Mendota Heights Road to Lake Drive. He pointed out that the water system was planned many years ago and the tank has been part of the overall plan for many years. At the present time the City's entire water distribution system depends on a six million gallon reservoir located in West St. Paul with a major connection point at Emerson and Delaware. Water mains have been extended into the south and west portions of the City as far as six miles from the West St. Paul reservoir, and there is a need for a water tank in the south part of the City in order to provide continuity of service, fire reserve, residual pressure improvement during heavy useage and to provide normal reserve during a major power outage. He also noted that one additional reason for the proposed tank construction is that the St. Paul Water Department has indicated it will not approve the extension of any of the City water lines until the City provides for water storage. If the project is approved, it is proposed to locate the 1.5 to 2.0 million gallon tank at the northwest quadrant of Lexington Avenue and Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Johnson explained the three-part financing proposal as follows: an assessment of $1,250 per acre for all properties aoned "B" or "I"; a $200 water availability charge for all future residential units; and a 10% surcharge on water bills. It is proposed that properties abutting Wentworth Avenue from Dodd to Delaware, Mendota Heights Road from Lexington to Dodd and Dodd Road from Mendota Heights Road to Lake Drive be assessed at a rate equivalent to installation of a 6 inch line, or an estimated $12 to $13 per foot. Mr. Johnson pointed out that if the project is approved, it is anticipated that Page 929 January 17, 1978 construction will begin this year, with the mains being installed sometime in 1978, and the assessment hearing would be held in 1979. He noted that it has been past practice to charge an interest rate of 7% on levied assessments and that the assessments would be payable over a 19 year period. Acting Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the audience. The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from John Bergstedt 1611 Delaware Avenue, opposing any assessment for the proposed improvements; and a letter from Mr. William Strub, in favor of the proposed improvement project. Mr. Tom Garrett, 620 W. Wentworth, asked when the water system master plan was adopted. He stated that he can understand the desire for system improvements but cannot understand why the watermain is proposed for Wentworth when all abutting properties are served by individual wells. He objected to the watermain extension on Wentworth if the extension is proposed only because it conforms with the master plan. Councilman Wahl arrived at 8:10 o'clock P.M. Mr. S.W. Dennison, 800 South Plaza Drive, stated that he feels the master plan is probably antiquated and should be reviewed and updated before the water system improvements are considered. Mr. Richard Sheehy, Mendota Plaza Company, stated that it seems unfair that he was assessed for the watermain which has served his property for the past five to six years, and now propose to assess his property for this proposed project without assessing residential areas.. Mr. Tom Curley, 1751 South Lexington, stated that when the trunk sewer was put in, all properties paid their fair share and he feels everyone should be assessed, rather than placing the burden on commercial and business districts. It was pointed out that the Council has adopted Ordinances which require a 10% surcharge on all water bills and a $200 WAC charge for all future residential construction, and by this means the entire City will pay a share of the system improvement costs. Mr. John Murphy, 650 W. Wentworth, objected to the proposed improvements. Mr. Bill Duerr, or Textron Corporation (Townsend/Richline), requested a copy of the map showing the proposed improvements and asked if there is any written notification from St. Paul refusing to approve water line extensions. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 930 January 17, 1978 There being no further questions or comments from the audience, Acting Mayor Mertensotto advised the audience that the Council will accept written statements regarding the proposed project and that such statements should be submitted to the City Clerk within ten days. Councilman Losleben moved that the hearing be closed. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. The hearing was closed at 9:00 o'clock P.M. Acting Mayor Mertensotto turned the meeting over to Mayor Lockwood. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Mertensotto moved approval of the minutes of the January 3 meeting with corrections. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMISSION Mayor Lockwood stated that he has spoken to Ray Wheeler and APPOINTMENTS Maddy Shipman regarding reappointment to the Planning Commission Mrs. Shipman expressed a desire to continue on the Commission. Mr. Wheeler requested that he be replaced but stated that-he would agree to serve until a replacement is appointed. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 EMERSON AVENUE STREET VACATION Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 After a brief discussion, Mayor Lockwood moved that Madelyn Shipman and Ray Wheeler be reappointed to the Planning Commission, the terms to expire on January 31, 1981. Councilman Schaberg seconded the motion. Councilman Schaberg moved that Mary Mills, Garold Murphy and Gerald Finn be reappointed to the Park and Recreation Commission the terms to expire on January 31, 1981. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged and discussed reports from the City Planner and City Engineer in response to a petition requesting the vacation of Emerson Avenue between Dodd Road and Clement Avenue. It was noted that the petition was signed only be property owners on the north side of Emerson, there were no signatures from owners of property on the south side. The Council pointed out that approval of the street vacation would result in the landlocking of the properties on the south side of Emerson. As a result of the discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved that the application for vacation be denied based on the following: 1.) several parcels of property would be landlocked 2.) the Council would not object to reconsideration of the petition on the condition that owners of property on the south side of Emerson join in the petition; 3I,-submission of a good development plan for the south properties. Councilman Schaberg seconded the motion. PLEDGED SECURITIES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 931 January 17, 1978 City Attorney Winthrop reported that he has researched the requirements for securities pledged against City depository accounts and as a result has determined that the pledged securities discussed on January 3rd are adequate and legal according to State Statutes. Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the proposed 1978 depositories of City funds. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. FEASIBILITY STUDY, The Council acknowledged and discussed the feasibility study for CROWN POINT proposed Crown Point Addition public improvements. After some discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-09, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING ENGINEER'S REPORT AND CALLING FOR HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE CROWN POINT ADDITION AND ADJACENT AREAS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 77, PROJECT NO. 12)," the hearing to be held on February 21. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 78-10, "RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR CROWN POINT ADDITION IMPROVEMENTS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 77, PROJECT NO. 12)," Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 DEPARTMENT REPORTS The Council acknowledged receipt of the Police and Fire Department monthly reports for December, 1977. PERSONNEL Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 The Council acknowledged receipt of memos from Mayor Lockwood and Councilman Schaberg regarding a proposal to grant an additional week of vacation to the City Administrator as 2art of his 1978 compensation arrangement. It was the concensus of the Council that approval of the additional vacation time would set an undesireable precedent. After a lengthy discussion, Councilman Schaberg moved that the City Administrator's salary for 1978 be established at $2,425 per month. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. MISCELLANEOUS The Council acknowledged receipt of a summary of non-ag tax levies prepared by the City Administrator. Attorney Winthrop stated that he has reviewed the proposed Public Works Garage architect contract and that changes must be made prior to its execution. WAC ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS FEASIBILITY STUDY Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 SOUTH RIDGE ADDITION IMPROVEMENTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 EIRCTION PROCESS RECOMMENDATIONS LIST OF CLAIMS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 932 January 17, 1978 Councilman Wahl moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 153, "An Ordinance Amending Oddinance No :i51," (WAC Ordinance.) Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson distributed copies of a list of proposed 1978 project and policy matters to be considered by the Council. Administrator Johnson advised the Council that there is currently no sewer available to the Public Works garage site. He recommended preparation of a feasibility report for said sanitary sewer extension. After a brief discussion, Mayor Lockwood moved that the City Engineer be directed to prepare a feasibility report on a proposed extension of the sanitary sewer system to serve the Public Works garage site. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. The Council acknowledted and reviewed the final plans and specifications for public improvements to serve the South Ridge Addition. The Council members expressed concern over the access way to the park property and directed staff to prepare plans for steps or surfacing of the walkway. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 7g-11, "RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR SOUTH RIDGE ADDITION IMPROVEMENTS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 77, PROJECT NO. 9)". Councilman Schaberg seconded the motion. Discussion on the City Clerk's recommendations for changes in various election processes was tabled until January 31. Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of the following motion: RESOLVED, that the claims submitted tothe 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, having been audited by the City Council, be and are hereby allowed and the Mayor and Clerk-Treasurer of the City of Mendota Heights are hereby authorized and directed to issue City checks in payment of said claims. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Page 933 January 17, 1978 RUBBISH HAULER Councilman Losleben moved approval of the list of Rubbish LICENSES Hauler Licenses, granting a license to Casanova Bfothers Trucking. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CIGARETTE LICENSES Eayor Lockwood moved that Cigarette Licenses be granted to the fmllowing: Country Club Skelly, Fischer's Gas and Adrian's Service. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LICENSES Councilman Wahl moved approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ADJOURN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ozmun-Pederson, Inc. General Contractor License B.R. Moline Masonry, Inc. Masonry Contractor License Councilman Schaberg seconded the motion. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Mertensotto moved that the meeting be adjourned to 7:30 P.M., January 31, 1978. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P.M., Tuesday, January 31. Time of Adjournment: 11:02 o'clock P.M. ATTEST: Ka leen M. Swanson City Clerk gat.eAt-2 oey-du-g 04, Robert G. Lockwood Mayor