Loading...
1977-03-15 Council minutesPage 803 March 15, 1977 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 15, 1977 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, was held at 8:00 o'clock P.M. at the City Hall, 750 South Plaza Drive, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Mayor Lockwood called the meeting to order at 8:00 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Lockwood, Councilmen Losleben, Mertensotto and Wahl. Councilman Schaberg had notified the Council that he would be unable to attend. APPROVE MINUTES Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 BID AWARD -- SQUAD CARS Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 HEARING -- MAYFIELD HEIGHTS AREA PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Councilman Wahl moved approval of the minutes of the March 1 meeting. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from the City Administrator and tabulation of bids received on the purchase of two 1977 squad cars. It was noted that the only bidder, as a result of the formal bidding procedure, was Fury Motors of South St. Paul. After a brief discussion, Councilman Wahl moved that the Fury Motors bid in the amount of $10,688.00 for two 1977 squad cars (without trade-ins) be accepted and authorized purchase of the vehicles. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Mayor Lockwood opened the meeting for the purpose of a continuation of the hearing on proposed Mayfield Heights area improvements. The Council acknowledged receipt of correspondence regarding the proposed project from the following: Thomas Kieffer, 1075 Douglas Road; Mrs. Michael Lobell, 1065 Overlook Road; R.A. Nelson, 1768 Douglas Court; Kenneth L. Cook, 1050 Douglas Road; Mr. & Mrs. Allen Carlson, 1750 South Lexington; Mr. & Mrs. Edward Joseph, 1758 South Lexington; Mr. & Mrs. Paul Dahlgren, 1736 South Lexington; Helen J. Ziegler, 1016 Douglas Road; Stanley Karon, 1764 Douglas Court; Mr. & Mrs. John Simplot, 1040 Douglas Road; Edward J. Paster, 1081 Douglas Road; Marion Clemens, 1040 Sibley Highway; Donald Mains, 1071 Overlook Road; Ronald J. Goldman, 1742 South Lexington; Michael Posnansky, 1041 Douglas Road; Thomas Nonnemacher, 968 Carmel Court; Jim Handl, 312 Minnesota Avenue, and Thomas Casey, 645 W. Wheelock Parkway. Page 804 March 15, 1977 The Council acknowledged receipt of a supplemental feasibility study from the City Engineer. Councilman Mertensotto briefly outlined the March 1 hearing for the Council and audience. Mayor Lockwood asked the Engineer to review the supplemental report for the Council and audience. Engineer Kishel stated that based on Council direction and suggestions made at the March 1 meeting he has prepared a supplemental report. As the result of one of the suggestions, underground pipe dwon Douglas Court south of James Road has been included in the proposed construction. He noted that one of the major differences of opinion at the hearing was the proportion of proposed storm sewer assessments for the various sections of the drainage district. Based on this consideration, the supplemental report modifies the original report by dividing the originally proposed drainage district into two separate districts: one applying to storm sewers serving the Mayfield Heights Lane and Mayfield Heights Road north of Mayfield Heights Lane, the other applying to storm sewers serving Highland Heights South and Tilsen's Highland Heights. Two possible assessment methods were considered in the report. Method A indicates that it would be possible to provide storm;sewers for Mayfield Heights Lane only, installing the system on Mayfield Heights Lane and on the portion of Mayfield Heights Road north of Mayfield Heights Lane to T.H. 13. The estimated cost is $18,600, or approximately $._Q636per square foot. The installation of drainage improvements in Highland Heights would require a holding pond and overflow pipe on Mayfield Heights Roa. to Mayfield Heights Lane. The estimated cost of such improvements using Method A is $45,700.00 for an estimated assessment rate of $0.618 per square foot. Mr. Kishel suggested that the proposed assessment rate be the same for both portions of the district if this method is used. Mr. Kishel outlined Method B, stating that this method considers the fact that the responsibility for surface water flawing from the Highland Heights area does not terminate at the holding pond. He stated that the cost of pipeline construction on Mayfield Heights Road must be borne by the Highland Heights drainage district as well as the properties on Mayfield Heights Road and Mayfield Heights Road. The estimated costs to be charged to Mayfield Heights area properties based on this method would be $14,600, or an estimated cost of $0.05 per square foot. The estimated cost to the Highland Heights area would be approximately $52,300.00 or approximately $0.071 per square foot. Mayor Lockwood asked for questions or comments from the audience. Mr. Michael Posnansky, 1041 Douglas Road, stated that he feels that the project will benefit the Mayfield Heights residents and objected to having to bear a portion of the assessments equal to or greater than the Mayfield Heights residents. Mayor Lockwood pointed out that the owners of homes on high ground have no right to continue to allow runoff from their property to flow onto lower properties without ever paying for Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PRESENTATION OF AWARD Page 805 March 15, 1977 control of the water. Mr. Stanley Karon, 1764 Douglas Court, stated that the lots on Mayfield Heights Lane were recently acquired by people who do not now live in Mendota Heights, and those people had petitioned for the improvements. He stated that he feels it is unfair for Highland Heights residents to be assessed for the drainage improvements when they would not see any direct benefit from the project and the Mayfield Heights Lane people would receive a definite benefit while paying a similar rate. He stated that the lots on Mayfield Heights Lane are low lOts and probably were very inexpensive and that the project, to be assessed against the more expensive Highland Heights lots as well, will increase the value of the Mayfield Heights Lane properties. He felt that the Mayfield Heights Lane property owners should have to pay all or a considerably larger portion of the drainage improvement costs. He stated that he adamantly opposes the proposed project on that basis and would not support the project if he must bear any portion of the assessment. Mr. Clifford Bolin, 1680 Mayfield Heights Road, stated that the Mayfield Heights Lane lots are not marshy areas, the cul-de-sac is in a marshy area, but the lots are facing west and are on a rise. He stated that the majority of the water problem is caused by runoff from the Highland Heights area. Mr. Posnansky stated that if a proposed assessment rate were more equitable in his opinion, he would not object to the project. There being no further questions or comments from the audience, Councilman Mertensotto moved that the hearing be closed. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. The hearing was closed at 9:05 o'clock P.M. Mayor Lockwood advised the audience thatthe Council will discuss and hopefully make a decision on the matter at the April 5 meeting. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lockwood presented a Certificate of Appreciation to City Administrator Orvil Johnson in recognition of his twenty-five years in city management. RECESS Mayor Lockwood called a recess at 9:15 o'clock P.M. The meeting was readjourned at 10:05 o'clock P.M. DEPARTMENT REPORTS The Council acknowledged receipt of the Police and Fire Department monthly reports for February. COMMISSION REPORTS The Council acknowledged receipt of the minutes of the February 24 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. BRIDGE REPAIR Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 HIGHWAY MATTERS MISCELLANEOUS PERSONNEL Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 GAS FRANCHISE ORDINANCE Page 806 March 15, 1977 The Council acknowledged receipt of Department of Transportation preliminary plans relating to the proposed location and construction of the Happy Hollow bridge. Councilman Mertensotto moved 77-20, "RESOLUTION APPROVING PRELIMINARY PLANS." Councilman Losleben seconded the adoption of Resolution No. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the motion. Mr. Donald Huber was present to outline a recent meeting with representatives of the Department of Transportation. He stated that consideration should be given to several items relating to freeway construction in Mendota Heights. He stated that the Department has requested that the City and other municipalities submit a list of priorities. He further stated that he and the City Administrator had indicated to the Department of Transportation representatives that the TH49/110 walkway is a top priority item. He urged the Council to keep the walkway and freeway construction as top priority items. He indicated that he will work up a preliminary draft of the priority list with the City Administrator and Planner and that the draft will be submitted to the Council for review. He further noted that the City officials should develop a position statement on 1-494 construction, attend a public hearing on the 1-494 draft E.I.S. statement, and emphasize a desire for construction of the 1-494/35/55 interchange based on the Internate Study Committee recommendation. He urged the Council to oppose the completion of I-35E prior to completion of 1-494, expressing the fear that TH 110 will also be upgraded to carry additional traffic from TH 55 and I-35E. The Council acknowledged receipt of an excerpt from the Dakota County Tribune on County metro taxes. The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from the Administrato: and Police Chief, recommending that Officer Lawrence Bridger's compensation be increased to the top patrolman rate, in view of his experience, qualifications and job performance. After a brief discussion, Mayor Lockwood moved that Officer Bridger's salary be increased to $1,400.00 per month retroactive to February 1, 1977. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. After a brief discussion, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 142, "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING PERMISSION TO NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY, A MINNESOTA CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, TO ERECT A GAS PLANT, AND TO USE THE STREETS, ALLEYS AND PUBLIC GROUNDS OF SAID CITY FOR THE PURPOSE Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 ELECTRIC FRANCHISE ORDINANCE Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 TELEPHONE CONTRACT Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 MUNICIPAL MATTERS OF CONCERN HUNTING AND TRAPPING ORDINANCE Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Page 807 March 15, 1977 OF INSTALLING, ENLARGING, OPERATING, REPAIRING, AND MAINTAINING IN THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA, THE NECESSARY GAS PIPES, MAINS, AND APPURTENANCES FOR THE FURNISHING OF GAS TO SAID CITY AND ITS INHABITANTS, AND OTHERS, AND TRANSMITTING GAS INTO AND THROUGH SAID CITY." Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 143, "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY, A MINNESOTA CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT:,. OPERATE, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN, IN THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA, AN ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION LINES, INCLUDING NECESSARY POLES, POLE LINES, AND FIXTURES AND APPURTENANCES, FOR THE FURNISHING OF ELECTRIC ENERGY TO THE CITY AND ITS INHABITANTS, AND OTHERS, AND TO USE THE STREETS, ALLEYS, PUBLIC WAYS AND PUBLIC GROUNDS OF SAID CITY FOR SUCH PURPOSES." Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson outlined his memo regarding a Northwestern Bell Service Contract for installation of a Com Key 718 phone system in the new City offices. After a brief discusion, Councilman Losleben moved that the Mayor be authorized to execute the Northwestern Bell Telephone Service Contract for the Com Key 718 system. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from the City Administrator listing the municipal matters of concern based on importance determined at the February 16 Council meeting. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 144, "AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING TRAPPING AND HUNTING IN THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS." Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. FEASIBILITY REPORT, Engineer Kishel explained the feasibility report on proposed EMERSON AVENUE Emerson Avenue resurfacing between Delaware Avenue and Dodd RESURFACING Road. The Council briefly discussed the report and directed the staff to determine the balance on current Somerset Country Club assessments and to contact representatives of the Country Club regarding the proposed improvements. PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo from Councilman Wahl regarding the location of the proposed public works garage. After a brief discussion, the Council directed that a copy of the report be submitted to the City Planner for review and comment. PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Page 808 March 15, 1977 The Council acknowledged receipt of a memo and specifications from the Public Works Inspector for the purchase of public works equipment, including a 3/4 ton pick-up truck, vibratory roller and compressor. He advised the Council that he believes that each item can be purchased for under $5,000 and recommended that informal bids be solicited. Mr. Pearson advised the Council that informal bids had been solicited and received for the pick-up and that the bid submitted by Southview Chevrolet in the amount of $4,922 was the lowest bid. Councilman Losleben moved that the Southview Chevrolet bid of $4,922 for a 1977 3/4 ton pick-up truck be accepted and that the Public Works Inspector be authorized to submit the forms necessary for the purchase of the vehicle. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. LIST OF CLAIMS Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption of the following motion: Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 LICENSES Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 ADJOURN Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 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, March 15, 1977, 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 Wahl seconded the motion. Councilman Wahl moved that a General Contractor License be granted to John H. Palmer-Construction Company. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Mertensotto moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 12:05 o'clock A.M. ATTEST: t2i cterri,-L. Robert G Lockwood Mayor dabaugh Clerk- reasurer