Loading...
1974-08-20 Council minutesPage 415 August 20, 1974 •CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, August 20, 1974 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 8:00 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Huber, Councilmen Lockwood, Losleben, Wahl and Gutzmer. ABATEMENTS A representative of the County Assessor was present to request approval of the following tax abatements. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilman Wahl moved that an abatement be granted to Henry LeTendre for Parcel No. 26100-A, reducing the assessed value from 9,534 to 8,167 for taxes payable in 1973. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Mayor Huber moved that an abatement be granted to R.L. Bertholf for Parcel No. 26928, reducing the assessed value from 25,480 to 22,760 for taxes payable in 1973. Councilman Gutzmer seconded the motion. Councilman Lockwood moved that an abatement be granted to Donald A. Kimmel for Parcel No. 26900, reducing the assessed value from 1,720 to 1,290 for taxes payable in 1973. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Councilman Wahl requested that the County Assessor's office submit a letter clarifying the tax increase on the Kimmel property for the past five years. BID AWARD, City Administrator Johnson summarized the tabulation of bids MARIE AVENUE received for the Marie Avenue improvements, Dodd Road to IMPROVEMENTS Victoria Avenue. Engineer Kishel explained that all of the necessary easements, and the DNR approval have not yet been received. In view of this, Engineer Kishel recommended that the bid award be delayed. Mayor Huber moved that the bid award for Marie Avenue improvements, Dodd Road to Victoria Avenue, be tabled until the special meeting on August 27. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 FEASIBILITY HEARING -- HUNTER LANE AREA IMPROVEMENTS Page 416 August 20, 1974 Mayor Huber opened the meeting for the purpose of a feasibilit hearing on proposed sanitary sewer and street improvements to serve the Orchard Place, Hunter Lane and Culligan Lane area. Mayor Huber turned the meeting over to the City Administrator for a history of the proposed project. Administrator Johnson stated that hearing notices had been published in the official newspaper and mailed to the affected property owners. He cautioned the residents that the costs of the project might rise greatly from the estimated cost because if the project is ordered in it will not be completed until the fall of 1975 and will not be assessed until 1976. He related a history of the proposed improvements, outlining for the audience the proposed improvement area and the proposed assessing system. He stated that an area assessment of .015 per square foot is proposed to be assessed against all of the property within the assessment district. Abutting property owners are proposed to be assessed the area assessment plus an estimated $15.00 front foot sanitary sewer assessment. In addition, properties abutting Orchard Place, Hunter Lane and Culligan Lane will be assessed for street restoration. He stated that Lexington Avenue street construction would be paid for by General Obligation. Mayor Huber asked for questions and comments from the audience. Mr. Thomas Bernier, 1813 So. Lexington, asked if properties with double frontage would be assessed on both sides. Mr. Vladis Mikelsons, 1787 So. Lexington, asked if the Lexington Avenue right-of-way will be increased. Dr. Sam Hunter, 1175 Orchard Place, asked if there is a time limit for hooking up to the sewer after it has been constructed. Mr. Raymond Lundgren, 1190 Culligan Lane, asked if curb and gutters are proposed. Mr. Roger Jenni, 1203 W. Mendota Road, asked if there would be a street charge for the frontage road. Mr. Lawrence Culligan, 1221 Highway 110, asked if any additional lift stations would be needed in this area other than the one that is proposed. Mr. Herbert Bruber, owner of property on Lexington and Marie, objected to the proposed improvements, stating that when he purchased the lot it was 15,000 square feet and that the Marie Avenue construction will take 10 feet from one side, while this project would take an additional 7 feet from the other side of his lot. He does not feel that the lot will be of adequate building size after the proposed improvements, Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 RECESS HUNTER LANE AREA IMPROVEMENTS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page 417 August 20, 1974 and that it will then not be saleable either. Mayor Huber stated that anyone wishing to make formal objection to the project may submit a letter to the Council or file a written objection on a list provided by the City Clerk. There being no further comments or objections from the audience, Councilman Gutzmer moved that the hearing be closed. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. The hearing was closed at 9:22 o'clock P.M. Mayor Huber called a recess at 9:23 o'clock P.M. The Council readjourned at 9:40 o'clock P.M. On the basis that very few objections were received from the audience, and so many residents were present, Councilman Lockwood moved the adoption of Resolution No. 74 -8( "RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF ORCHARD PLACE, HUNTER LAI AND CULLIGAN LANE AREA STREET AND SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREFOR." Mayor Huber seconded the motion. PLANNING The Council briefly discussed the application for subdivision COMMISSION CASE of approximately 2.85 acres of property into 5 lots. NO. 74 -6, GENZ Administrator Johnson pointed out that such items as park contribution, lift station location and cul -de -sac location still need to be resolved. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MENDOTA WATER COMPANY After a brief discussion, Councilman Lockwood moved approval of the preliminary plat for subdivision of the property into 5 lots, and directed that the City Administrator and City Engineer work with Mr. Genz to resolve the engineering details. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson outlined for the Council his memo on the Mendota Water Company rate increase request and the necessary system improvements. Mr. Johnson recommended that the Water Company be allowed a 6 -month temporary rate increase with the understanding that the necessary improvements be made during the six -month time period. Several members of the audience expressed their objections to the suggested temporary increase. Councilman Losieben pointe out that the Franchise Agreement specifies that the City has the right to require that system improvements be made within thirty days and suggested that the Water Company be put on notice to make the necessary repairs and improvements. Administrator Johnson pointed out that the staff has not yet Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT REPORTS JAMES RILEY BUILDING PERMIT Page 418 August 20, 1974 determined what repairs are needed because the extent of the deficiencies is not completely known. It was the concensus of the Council that the service provided by the Water Company is not satisfactory and that the system deficiencies must be corrected as quickly as possible. It was the concensus that the rate increase request will be considered after some response from the Water Company in planning and correcting the deficiencies. After a lengthy discussion of the matter, Councilman Losleben moved the following: WHEREAS, City officials have received complaints about water service in the Friendly Hills Addition; and WHEREAS, City officials have documented evidence indicating extremely low flow volumes, water pipes filled with foreign materials, and poor maintenance practices; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights that the City Council hereby notifies the Mendota Water Company in accordance with Section 5 of the Franchise Ordinance that such deficiencies be corrected within thirty days; BE IT further resolved that the Water Company shall immediately make plans for corrective measures to the satisfaction of the City Council. Mayor Huber seconded the motion. The Council directed City Administrator Johnson to submit a letter to the Mendota Water Company advising them of the Council action. Councilman Gutzmer left the meeting at 11:10 o'clock P.M. The Council acknowledged receipt of the following communicationE an excerpt from the City of Maplewood Newsletter; a memo from the League of Minnesota Municipalities regarding 1974/75 membership dues; a letter from Mr. John McGirl regarding the Mendota Water Company increase request; and a brochure from the Metropolitan Council outlining outdoor recreation sites in the metropolitan area. The Council acknowledged receipt of the July, 1974 Fire Department monthly report. Continued from August 6. Mr. James Riley was present to request a building permit to construct a single family residence on 12 acres of property located south and west of Ivy Falls. Mayor Huber pointed out that easements for First Avenue would have to be submitted by Mr. Riley and Mr. Jerry Logan prior to construction of the residence. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS Page 419 August 20, 1974 After a brief discussion, Councilman Wahl moved the adoption of Resolution Number 74-81, "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMIT." Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Councilman Wahl brought up the matter of a Halloween party for Mendota Heights children. He suggested that plans for such a party be initiated in the near future so that the plans would be solidified by Halloween. He also volunteered his services in planning and working on a Halloween party. MUNICIPAL A discussion of municipal liquor operations was tabled pending LIQUOR receipt of an opinion from the City Attorney on the necessity of a referendum. SPACE STUDY Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Administrator Johnson reviewed the various proposals received for a municipal facilities study and recommended that the space study be prepared by Midwest Planning and Research. Councilman Losleben moved that the Space Study proposal submitted by Midwest Planning and Research be accepted and that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement. Mayor Huber seconded the motion. 1975 BUDGET Administrator Johnson gave the Council a brief verbal review of the progress of the 1975 budget proposal. Mayor Huber left the meeting at 12:20 o'clock A.M. DISPATCHING Councilman Wahl moved that the police and fire dispatching SERVICE service agreement submitted by the City of West St. Paul, in AGREEMENT the amount of $9,112, for dispatching services during 1975 be approved and that the Administrator and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement. Acting Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS City Engineer Kishel distributed to the Council a preliminary assessment roll for the Rogers Lake Level Control project. 1974 STREET Councilman Wahl moved the adoption of Resolution No. 74-82, OILING "RESOLUTION CALLING FOR HEARING ON ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR 1974 STREET OILING IMPROVEMENTS," Improvement No. 74, Project No. the hearing to be held on September 17. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 PILOT KNOB PARK Administrator Johnson stated that the Metropolitan Airports SITE Commission has made an offer of $27,500 for the acquisition Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 PUBLIC WORKS TRUCK PURCHASE Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 SWAN LANE Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Page 420 August 20, 1974 of the Pilot Knob Park site, and recommended that the offer be accepted. Councilman Losleben moved that the MAC offer of $27,500 for the acquisition of the Pilot Knob Park site be accepted. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson outlined his memo regarding the purchase of a one-ton pick-up truck, with utility body, for the Public Works Department. Acting Mayor Lockwood moved that the Administrator be authoriz to solicit informal bids on the purchase of a one-ton utility pick-up truck. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson outlined his memo regarding the petition to re-name Swan Lane as Swan Drive. He pointed out that the name "Swan Lane" is recorded on all of the available platted and mapped documents and that he could find no evidence that "Swan Drive" has ever been an official name for the street. He pointed out that the confusion over the naming of the street may have been the result of the placement of an incorrectly named sign several years ago. After considering and discussing the matter briefly, Acting Mayor Lockwood moved that there be no official change in the naming of Swan Lane, that the name is to remain Swan Lane on all official records, documents and signs. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. ACQUISITION OF Administrator Johnson stated that he has had some discussion PROPERTY with Mr. Wilfred Dehrer regarding the possible purchase of 7 acres of property on Marie Avenue immediately east of I-35E, and that Mr. Dehrer would be willing to sell the property to the City for the County Auditor's value of $12,000. Mr. Johnson recommended that the Council authorize an appraisal of the property with intent to purchase it. Councilman Losleben moved that the Administrator be authorized to make preparation for the purchase of the 7 acres of property. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 ELECTION Councilman Wahl moved the approval of the list of Election JUDGES Judges for the September 10 Primary Election and authorized waiving the provisions of Minnesota Election Laws, Ch. 203.21 which requires appointment of judges of election at least Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 INVESTMENTS Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS STREET SCARIFYING. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 LIST OF CLAIMS Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 LICENSES Page 421 August 20, 1974 • twenty-five days prior to the date of election. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Acting Mayor Lockwood moved that the Clerk-Treasurer be authorized to redeem certificates in the amount of $177,696.37 from the Consolidated Fund and $170,000 from Fund 12 and to invest the following: $182,000 in the Consolidated Fund in time savings certificates and $174,350 in Fund 12 in time savings certificates with the Cherokee State Bank; $250,000 in Fund 22 in time savings certificates and $250,000 in Fund 22 in time savings certificates with the Mid-America State Bank of Mendota Heights. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Public Works Inspector Pearson explained to the Council his memo on the Mendota Water Company deficiencies. Public Works Inspector Pearson outlined his memo on the street scarifying project, pointing out the problems which would be involved in scarifying Mayfield Heights Road and recommended that it be dropped from the scarifying project this year and considered for blacktopping next year. Councilman Losleben moved that Mayfield Heights Road be deleted from the street scarifying project. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben moved the Council to adopt 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, August 20, 1974, 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. Acting Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Acting Mayor Lockwood moved the approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: Brede Incorporated Aluminum Window and Door Mart Hinding and Company Southtown Plumbing Sign License General Contractor Licens Heating License Plumbing License Page 422 August 20, 1974 Hanson Homes, Inc. General Contractor Licen. Johnny Masonry, Inc. Masonry License Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Wahl moved that the meeting be adjourned. Acting Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 1:23 o'clock A.M. ATTEST: Robert G. Lockwood Acting Mayor dabaugh Treasu