Loading...
1974-01-15 Council minutesPage322 January 15, 1974 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, January 15, 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. Acting Mayor Lockwood called the meeting to order at 8:00 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Acting Mayor Lockwood, Councilmen Losleben, Wahl and Gutzmer. Mayor Huber had notified the Council that he would be out of town. HEARING -- MARIE AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS, DODD ROAD TO VICTORIA AVENUE Acting Mayor Lockwood opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on the proposed construction of Marie Avenue from Dodd Road to Victoria Avenue. He then turned the meeting over to City Administrator Johnson for an explanation of the proposed project. Mr. Johnson gave a brief history and presentation of the proposed project, stating that notices had been sent to all owners of property which would be affected by the proposed project and that notices had also been published in the West St. Paul Sun Newspaper in accordance with State Statutes. The proposed project includes street, curb and gutters, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water improvements, with the following estimated costs: sanitary sewer, $30,000; storm sewer, $30,000; water, $55,000; streets and curb and gutters, $430,000. Mr. Johnson stated that the street is proposed to be built according to MSA standards, with a 44 foot driving surface and concrete curb and gutters. He also explained the MSA road system in Mendota Heights and the theory of MSA road systems. Mr. Johnson also outlined the reason that the street construction is being proposed. Financial Advisor Larry Shaughnessy explained the proposed financing of the project. He stated that the cost estimates are based on mid-1973 cost figures. Acting Mayor Lockwood asked for questions and comments from the audience. Mr. Richard Sherlock, 1822 Valley Curve, asked why the proposed width of the east segment of Marie Avenue is 36 feet when the Council proposes 44 feet for the section from Dodd to Victoria. Mr. Joseph Stefani, 1920 Valley Curve, suggested that the Council consider alternate construction, such as completing Marie Avenue to Wachtler Avenue and completing Wachtler Avenue. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 RECESS MARIE AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS, DODD ROAD TO VICTORIA AVENUE Page 323 January 15, 1974 Dr. Richard Meierotto, 1794 South Lexington, stated his objection to having any construction done in the valley and cautioned the Council to consider the value of aesthetics. Mr. John Phillips, 1835 Hunter Lane, expressed his desire for construction of this segment of Marie Avenue, stating that an east-west thoroughfare has been needed for twenty years. He stated that this would provide a safe roadway for children to bicycle on as well as providing an east-west thoroughfare for persons who do not want to cope with highway speeds. Mrs. Neil Sher, 1694 Lilac Lane, requested that a pathway or trail along the roadway be provided for pedestrian access to the park area. Mr. David Fogelson, 1800 Valley Curve, stated that the valley is a recreational area and that the valley should be preserved. Mr. Clarence Lindberg, 1808 Valley Curve, aske d how the drainage will be handled. Mr. John Spanjers, 1824 Valley Curve, stated that there is a culvert in the creek for park construction and asked if that would remain in place after Marie Avenue construction. He requested that the culvert be removed before spring so that his lot does not flood. Mrs. Peg Fogelson, 1800 Valley Curve, stated that the project should be delayed a few years. Mrs. Carol McQuay, 976 Kay, stated that she is in favor of the proposed construction and that her family has waited for this project for several years. Councilman Losleben indicated his desire to provide pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle access along this roadway. There being no further questions or comments from the audience, Acting Mayor Lockwood moved that the hearing be closed. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Acting Mayor Lockwood called a recess at 9:36 P.M. The meeting was readjourned at 9:46 P.M. Councilman Gutzmer moved the adoption of Resolution Number 74-09, "RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS, STORM SEWER, AND OF AN EXTENSION TO THE VILLAGE'S WATER AND SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS FOR Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMUNICATIONS FIRE PROTECTION CONTRACTS Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 MSA ALLOTTMENT FLOOD PLAIN REGULATIONS MARIE AVENUE AND ORDERING THEREFORE." Acting Mayor Page 324 January 15, 1974 BETWEEN DODD ROAD AND VICTORIA AVENUE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS Lockwood seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben moved that the Engineer and City Administrator be directed to provide plans for pedestrian ways and non-motorized vehicle access along the roadway in the final plans and specifications. Councilman Gutzmer seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged receipt of correspondence from Dakota County Administrator Anderson regarding the appointment of a County Civil Defense Director and commending Police Chief Martin Baldwin for his assistance in selecting the new Director. Councilman Gutzmer moved that the Acting Mayor and Clerk-Treasurer be authorized to execute the Fire Service Contract Amendment with Sunfish Lake. Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Councilman Wahl moved that the Acting Mayor and Clerk-Treasurer be authorized to executethe Fire Service Contract Amendment with Mendota. Acting Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. City Administrator Johnson outlined for the Council the 1973 MSA allottment, indicating that the allottment for 1973 is $53,600, while the allottment for 1972 was $42,200. The Council acknowledged receipt of a notice of hearing on flood plain regulations for the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District. Administrator Johnson stated that there is nothing in the rules and regulations which would be adverse to anything the city might plan for the watershed district area in the future and suggested that no action be taken by the City on the adoption of flood plain regulations. Attorney Winthrop stated that there is no reason for the city to adopt anything on this matter, but rather that the city can use the rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Managers of the Watershed District. SALARY NEGOTIATIONS - POLICE DEPARTMENT Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Page 325 January 15, 1974 City Administrator Johnson stated that the League of Minnesota Municipalities negotiator, Cy Smythe, has negotiated a 1974 salary rate of $1,085 for top patrolman, and that the union has agreed to this rate: there will be no increase in fringe benefits. The salary increments for each position on the patrolman scale will be increased by $78.00 per month. He requested that the Council authorize the Mayor an d Clerk to execute the labor contract after it has be en checked by the League of Minnesota Municipalities and signed by the Union officials, so that the police officers can receive the salary adjustment on January 31 Councilman Gutzmer moved that the Mayor and Clerk- Treasurer be authorized to sign the 1974 police contract with Local No. 320, authorizing a salary of $1,085 per month for top patrolman. Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. DEFERRED Administrator Johnson and City Attorney Winthrop COMPENSATION explained to the Council the purpose and theory of a deferred compensation plan for city employees. Mr. Johnson requested that he and Attorney Winthrop be authorized to prepare a deferred compensation plan for Mendota Heights city employees. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 WEST ST. PAUL FIRE RESPONSE AIR CONDITIONING LICENSE METROPOLITAN TRANSIT COMMISSION MENDOTA HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL PARK Acting Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption of Resolution No. 74-10, "RESOLUTION RELATING TO DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CITY EMPLOYEES." Councilman Losleben seconded the motion. Administrator Johnson briefly outlined for the Council the Mendota Heights Fire Department involvement in the containment of the recent fire in West St. Paul. Councilman Wahl requested that the City Attorney make a provision in the Licensing Ordinance to include licensing for Air Conditioning installation. Councilman Losleben reported on a MTC meeting he and Councilman Wahl had attended on January 9. He suggested that the city request mailing packet surveys from the MTC to be sent to area residents requesting their feelings on the need or desire for bus routes within Mendota Heights. City Engineer Kishel submitted to the Council final plans and specifications for Mendota Heights Industrial Park improvements, Improvement No. 73, Project No. 3, and requested that the plans and specifications be approved by the Council so that they can be submitted to the Minnesota Highway Department for approval. Page 326 January 15, 1974 Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution Number 74-11, "RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MENDOTA HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL PARK." Councilman Gutzmer seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 LIST OF CLAIMS Councilman Wahl moved the Council to adopt the following motion: RESOLVED that the claims submitted to the Council for payment, a summary of which is set forth on the list attached hereto and identified as List of Claims submitted for payment, January 15, 1974, 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. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CIGARETTE LICENSES Acting Mayor Lockwood moved the approval of the list of Cigarette Licenses, granting licenses to: Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 LICENSES Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Hannigan's Kwik Shop Somerset Country Club McNamara's Gulf Cigarette License Cigarette License Cigarette License Councilman Gutzmer seconded the motion. Councilman Losleben moved approval of the list of licenses, granting licenses to: Northland Concrete Co. Masonry License Dick Timmers Excavating Excavating License Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. PUBLIC WORKS Continued from January 8. After a lengthy discussion INSPECTOR of the proposed Public Works Inspector position, Councilman Losleben moved the adoption of Resolution Number 74-12, "RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR POSITION." Councilman Wahl seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 ADJOURN Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Page 327 January 15, 1974 There being no further business to come before the Council, Acting Mayor Lockwood moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Gutzmer seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 12:22 o'clock A.M. ATTEST: Robert G. Lockwood Acting Mayor Clerk- dahau gh reasurer