Loading...
1975-07-15 Council minutesPage 557 July 15, 1975 CITY OF MENpOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, July 15, 1975 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 Huber called the meeting to order at 8:10.o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Huber, Councilmen Gutzmer, Lockwood, Losleben and Wahl. APPROVE Councilman Wahl moved approval of the minutes of the MINUTES July 1 meeting. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Losleben moved approval of the minutes of the July 8 meeting. Councilman Lockwood seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 HEARING -- Administrator Johnson stated that the hearing on the MENDOTA HEIGHTS assessment roll for the Mendota Heights Industrial Park INDUSTRIAL PARK improvements held on July 1 was continued for a discussion IMPROVEMENTS of an adjustment of assessment for three properties. He pointed out that easements acquired in 1965 included conditions to the easement agreements stipulating that there would be no future assessments. The properties involved are the Tempco, Northwest Plastics (Schaak Electronics) and Richline properties. Mayor Huber pointed out that the agreements established a maximum assessing limitation and that the limitation has not been reached, so the assessments for the three properties should be adjusted to reflect only the balance of assessments attributable as a result of the maximum limitations established in the easement agreements. The Council concurred with this recommendation. Mayor Huber asked for questions and comments from the audience. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 There being no questions or comments from the audience, Councilman Wahl moved that the hearing be closed. Councilman Gutzmer seconded the motion. The hearing was closed at 8:20 o'clock P.M. Councilman Lockwood moved the adoption of Resolution No. 75-58, "RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR MENDOTA HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 73, PROJECT NO. 3)" Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Page 558 July 15, 1975 1974 STREET The Counciliacknowledged receipt of a letter from IMPROVEMENT Mr. Russell Richardson, 1910 Knob Road, in objection to his PROJECT assessment for street improvements. The Council briefly discussed the objection and determined that the assessment is correct in view of the benefit received. Engineer Kishel pointed out that the assessment for the Russell Wahl property at 631 Callahan Place, is incorrect and should be adjusted from $734.66 to $770.47. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 RECESS FURLONG AREA IMPROVEMENTS After a brief discussion, Councilman Gutzmer moved the correction of the Wahl asessment and the adoption of Resolution No. 75-59, "RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR 1974 STREET IMPROVEMENTS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 74, PROJECT NO. 5)." Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Mayor Huber called a recess at 8:25 o'clock P.M. The meeting readjourned at 8:30 o'clock P.M. The Council acknowledged receipt of a petition in opposition to proposed Furlong area sewer and water improvements and a memo from the City Planner regarding the proposed improvements. The Council also acknowledged receipt of letters from Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Biessener and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Perron in favor of the proposed improvements. Administrator Johnson read the memo for the audience. Public Works Inspector Pearson stated that he and a County sanitation employee, John Curry, made a field trip of the area to determine what type of problems exist. He stated that he did see evidence that some septic systems are full and talked to several residents who • complained of having to have their systems pumped at two-month intervals. No evidence of sewage flowing onto the ground was found. He pointed out that the exact percentage of problems and the incidence of pumping onto the street is not known. The Council discussed the proposed improvements and several Council members pointed out that in view of the opposing petition, high costs, and apparent lack of majority interest in improvements, it would be premature to initiate the improvemeni project at this time. No action was taken on the proposed projeci RECESS Mayor Huber called a recess at 9:00 o'clock P.M. The meeting was readjourned at 9:05 o'clock P.M. CLEMENT/VANDALL Mayor Huber outlined the proposed improvements to serve the AREA IMPROVEMENTS Clement/Vandall area. The proposal includes construction of thirty foot width streets on the east and west streets, curb and gutters on First Avenue, thirty foot width construction on a portion of Clement and a portion of Vandall, and eighteen foot construction on the balance of the north-south streets. The proposal also includes partial storm sewer construction. He also outlined the proposed ponding area, bike and pedestrian path. Page 559 July 15, 1975 Mayor Huber,pointed out that the Council must work out extensive plans for access into the park for the residents in the area and that the ponding area location is important to encourage wildlife, so this must be given much consideration. Councilman Lockwood stated that he objects to the inclusion of curb and gutters on First Avenue and cannot support the project as outlined. After discussion, Mayor Huber moved the adoption of Resolution No. 75-60, "RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF STREET AND STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE THE CLEMENT/VANDALL AREA (IMPROVEMENT NO. 74, PROJECT NO. 8.)" Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 1 Lockwood RECESS Mayor Huber called a recess at 9:17 o'clock P.M. The meeting readjourned at 9:22 o'clock P.M. DELAWARE AVENUE PEDESTRIAN WAY The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from Dakota County Highway Engineer Gabiou regarding an increase in the estimated cost for construction Of the Delaware Avenue pedway. The new estimate is $41,544.64 (without consideration of easement costs) as compared to the original $30,000 estimate. Administrator Johnson stated that he advised the County that the City would be reluctant to have the Public Works Inspector acquire right-of-way for the City that may not be used. Mr. Gabiou had advised Mr. Johnson that he could not justify putting the project up for bid until the right-of-way is acquired. Administrator Johnson pointed out that the agreement states that the three governmental units who signed the agreement have the right to refuse to accept the bid within thirty days - after bid opening. After a lengthy discussion, the Council concurred that the Public Works Inspector should proceed with right-of-way and easement negotiations and that the Administrator should recommend to the Dakota County Highway Engineer that he proceed with the bidding procedure. PARK AND RECREATION The Council acknowledged receipt of the June 25, 1975 Park COMMISSION and Recreation Commission minutes. Several members of the Counci noted that the terminology in the minutes did not reflect the correct advisory status of the Commission. The Council directed the City Administrator to remind the Park and Recreation Commission of the Commission's advisory status, and the correct reflection in future minutes that the Commission actions are to be recommendations to the Council. DEPARTMENT The Council acknowledged receipt of the Police and Fire REPORTS Department monthly reports for June, 1975. NORTHEAST AREA The Council briefly discussed the drainage problems and street PROPOSED conditions in the northeast area of the City. It was pointed IMPROVEMENTS out by several Council members that on several occasions the drainage problems could have caused serious safety hazards. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL PROPERTY - ACQUISITION CIVIL DEFENSE ORDINANCE Ayes: S Nays: 0 Page 560 July 15, 1975 As a resultpf the discusSion, Mayor Huber moved the adoption of Resolution No. 75-61, "RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT ON IMPROVEMENTS." Councilman Gutzmer seconded the motion. The Council discussed at length the recommendation to establish a Detective/Fire Marshall position. The matter was continued from July 1. Administrator Johnson again stated that the position would provide expertise in areas which are not now receiving proper consideration. Councilman Losleben indicated that he would favor the establishment of a Public Safety Director position rather than the proposed position. Councilman Gutzmer stated that he is in favor of the position since it would give the City a day-time fire marshall to perform inspection and plan checking duties and to attend the schools necessary in order to bring more expertise to the Department as well as to provide detective services in the Police Department. The position could provide the technical assistance necessary for both departments and which is not now possible. Administrator Johnson stated that he would like some direction from the Council so that budgeting for the position can be considered. It was the concensus of the Council that the position should be considered further during the budget preparation process. Administrator Johnson stated that he has met with Mr. Jerry McGough to again discuss the acquisition of property adjacent to the Ivy Falls Park. Mr. Johnson stated that Mr. McGough is now asking $37,800 for the property rather than $35,000 since the Council has stated it will not waive the park donation requirement for the plat. Mayor Huber again pointed out that the Council is firm on the price of $28,000 (the Ivy Falls residents stated they will contribute $7,000 towards the property acquisition). Administrator Johnson stated also that he is to meet with Mr. Tom Curley during the week to negotiate for the acquisition of property in Curley's Valley View, and that Richard Allen has been given an earnest money contract for signature for purchase of his lot. After a brief discussion, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 132 (codified as Ordinance No. 111), "AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A CITY CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY." Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. LABOR NEGOTIATIONS Administrator Johnson recommended that the City Council authorize Cy Sheehy (Labor Relations Associates) and the Metropolitan Area Managers Association to represent the City in 1976 Public Works contract negotiations. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 T.H. 13 RECONSTRUCTION Ayes: 5. Nays: 0 ENGINEERING STATUS REPORT CULLEN AVENUE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MUNICIPAL FACILITIES STUDY COMMITTEE LIST OF CLAIMS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LICENSES Page 561 July 15, 1975 After a brie,f discussion, Councilman Lockwood moved that the City engage the services of the Metropolitan Area Managers Association and Labor Relations Associates for 1976 Public Works contract negotiations. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. After a brief discussion, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 75-62,. "RESOLUTION APPROVING M.H.D. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS," for the reconstruction of a portion of T.H. 13. Councilman Lockwood seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of the June, 1975 Engineering Status Report. The Council acknowledged receipt of a feasibility report for the proposed extension of Cullen Avenue. Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution No. 75-63, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING ENGINEER'S REPORT AND CALLING FOR HEARING ON. PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXTENSION OF CULLEN AVENUE FROM THERESA STREET TO TEXINGTON AVENUE," the hearing to be held on August 12. Councilman Gutzmer seconded the motion. The Council briefly discussed the chairmanship and composition of the Municipal Facilities Study Committee. Councilman Losleben moved 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, July 15, 1975, having been audited by the City Council, be and are hereby allowed and the Mayor and Clerk-Treasurer are hereby authorized and directed to issue City checks in payment of said claims. Councilman Gutzmer seconded the motion. Councilman Wahl moved the approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: Carlson Sewer Compahy, Inc. Excavating License Rauchwarter, Inc. Excavating License Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNICATIONS ADJOURN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ATTEST: Page 562 July 15, 1975 Weierke Trenching and Excavating Herman Skog Builder Thomas L. Norman Company Clapp-Thomssen Company Scott Construction Corporation Inc. Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Company Egan & Sons Company Katz Plumbing & Heating Company, Inc. Cronstroms Heating & Air Conditioning Company, Inc. Northland Concrete Company Johnny Masonry, Inc. Conner Plumbing Company Clyde Wiley Plumbing Katz Plumbing & Heating Company, Inc. Thompson Plumbing Company Mayor Huber seconded the motion. Excavating License General Contractor General Contractor General General General Contractor Contractor Contractor Heating License Heating License Heating License Heating License Masonry License Masonry License Plumbing License Plumbing License Plumbing License Plumbing License License License License License License The Council acknowledged receipt of a letter from James Riley regarding construction of utility improvements for the Ivy Falls West Addition. There being no further business to come before the Council, MayorHuber moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:33 o'c idjI Donald L. Huber Mayor dabaugh