SUNFISH LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING – JUNE 2, 2015

7:00 P.M. - ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Attendants:

Mayor: Molly Park

Councilmembers: Mike Hovey, Cathy DeCourcy, JoAnne Wahlstrom, and Steven Bulach.

City Attorney: Tim Kuntz

City Engineer: Don Sterna

City Treasurer: Ann Lanoue
City Planner: Michelle Barness
City Forester: Jim Nayes
Building Inspector: Mike Andrejka
Police Chief: Manila Shaver
City Clerk: Cathy Iago
and Members of the General Public.

1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Park opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

2. APPROVE AGENDA: Mayor Park asked if there were any additions or corrections to the agenda.

Councilmember Hovey asked that the Deer Hunt be added under Item 8.b. Other and Mayor Park asked that information relating to Acorn Drive be added as Item 8.c.

The Mayor asked if there were any other additions and there was no response.

Councilmember DeCourcy moved approval of the Agenda as amended, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried. (5-0)

3. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Park asked if there were any questions or comments relating to any items on the Consent Agenda and there was no response.

Councilmember Bulach moved approval of the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (5-0)

1. Regular Council meeting minutes of May 5, 2015.

2. List of Bills

3. Monthly Financials
   
   

   4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Mayor Park asked if there were any comments from the public.
   
   Richard Williams, citizen representative to the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO), was present to discuss upcoming issues for Sunfish Lake. He advised that previously the focus of the group related to water quantity and now the focus has changed to water quality. He pointed out that the majority of properties in the City have well and septic and that Dakota County manages the pumping of the septic systems and insures that the systems are adequate prior to the sale of property. He also noted that the County manages the pumping reminder schedule to insure that the residential systems are pumped every three (3) years.
   
   Mr. Williams explained that there are items used that have an effect on the septic systems, such as antibacterial soaps or heavy duty paper towels. He also advised that residents could test their toilet paper to insure it breaks down in the septic system.
   
   Councilmember Wahlstrom asked about the use of products that assist in breaking down the solids.
   
   Mr. Williams agreed that products used to break down solids could be useful and pointed out that residents should. He be careful about food products placed in their garbage disposal. He suggested that this information be placed in the City newsletter and offered to compose an article for the publication.
   
   Mayor Park suggested that the information could also be placed on the City website and thanked Mr. Williams for his report.
   
   

   5. PRESENTATIONS: a. Donation to Mendota Heights Fire Department: Mayor Park introduced Mendota Heights Fire Chief Maczko and Day Captain Tom Mattaini who were present to receive a donation from the City. She explained that resident Mike Costello, who hosted the Sunfish Lake Holiday Party had suggested that any excess funds from the party be donated to the fire department for their use. She advised that Councilmember DeCourcy had presented a check in the amount of $500 to the fire department on behalf of the residents. She commented the volunteer firefighters for their service to the City.
   
   Chief Maczko extended his thanks to the City and stated that all the funds would remain within the City to be used for fire prevention purposes.
   
   Mayor Park also thanked the Chief, Captain Mattaini and the members of the FireWise Committee for their efforts to make the FireWise drive-thru with the fire trucks such a huge success. She commented that it was a wonderful experience for all the participants. She explained that the fire department reviewed properties for access issues with the large trucks and also identified property fire numbers that needed updates.
   
   Chief Maczko thanked everyone who participated in the event and noted that this type of review was to identify access issues not only to save homes, but to save lives. He pointed out that water must be brought in to Sunfish Lake to fight fires since the City operates on well systems and he supported the use of fire sprinkler systems in new home construction. He noted that the sprinkler systems can put fires more quickly and can be installed as part of the plumbing in homes.
   
   The Chief thanked the City for allowing the volunteer firefighters to conduct a training exercise at the St. Anne’s Church residence.
   
   Captain Mattaini commented that the training in the vacant home was invaluable, especially for new firefighters to learn in a controlled environment.
   
   Councilmember Wahlstrom explained that she took numerous photos of the event and that she would send copies of the photos to the participating fire units. She commended those present for their organization of the event and their thoughtfulness to those who wished to view the training exercise.
   
   Engineer Sterna asked if there was anything he should be aware of relating to roadways within the City that was apparent during the FireWise event.
   
   Chief Maczko stated that the only issue related to replacement of the fire number signs to identify properties and offered to send the list of addresses to City staff. He commented that the public roads appear to be in good condition. He noted that some gated properties within the community do not have opticom units that may be used to open the gates, nor were keys available to access the gates during an emergency. He indicated he could contact these residents to determine how to access the properties.
   
   b. Report on Robert Street Transitway Study, Joe Morneau: Mayor Park introduced Dakota County Transit Specialist Joe Morneau who was present to review the report on the Robert Street Transitway Study. She explained that the Transitway Committee was established in 2012 and that representatives from Dakota County cities, MnDOT, Metropolitan Council and Ramsey Counties’’ Regional Railroad Authorities participated. She noted the committee was chaired by Dakota County Commissioner Kathleen Gaylord and that the study was the first step in the local and federal development process to apply for federal funding for the project.
   
   Mr. Morneau explained that the goal of the study was to provide improvement operation and service quality in high ridership corridors and that the Alternatives Analysis (AA) was to identify single route and mode for implementation. He advised that Robert Street is currently undergoing a major improvement in West St. Paul and that the study area was from downtown St. Paul along the corridor through northern Dakota County ending in Rosemount. He advised that the focus was to identify an alignment and the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for major improvement.
   
   Mr. Morneau stated that the committee developed five (5) broad goals; 1) Mobility and access; 2) Rider Benefits; 3) Cost Effectiveness; 4) Opportunities to facilitate land use, and 5) Impacts to the environment. He explained the committee evaluated all major corridors in the study area and identified three (3) alternatives for final evaluation; 1) Bus Rapid Transit improvement; 2) Streetcar in traffic lane and 3) TH 52 in shoulder lane. He noted that improvements to Bus Route Transit (BRT) along Robert Street would include exclusive operating lands and fewer stops, while the light rail or street car transit would be more costly. He advised that the technical recommendation proposed was the use of the Robert Street Arterial BRT from the Union Depot in St Paul to the Northern Service Center and that further study be done on the Robert Street Streetcar and the TH 52 Express Service. He noted that the need may grow for the TH52 Express Service with future population increases in Rosemount.
   
   Mr. Morneau stated that the Steering Commission determined that the need may arise for additional land use planning to leverage transit investments and more study may be required in a few years in conjunction with changes in comprehensive plans and capital investments. He advised that the Steering Committee recommendation was to conclude the Alternative Analysis (AA) with two (2) alternatives, Robert Street Arterial Bus Rapid Transit and Robert Street Streetcar, to be carried forward for future consideration.
   
   Mayor Park questioned if the recent renovation of the Lafayette Bridge would accommodate light-rail to the Dakota County cities.
   
   Mr. Morneau explained that the design of the bridge piers would facilitate another bridge alignment for light-rail, however, the construction was removed from the process due to the cost.
   
   Councilmember DeCourcy asked if there was any way to speed up the improvements on Robert Street.
   
   Mr. Morneau explained that the improvements at this time are not related to the study and are part of a Federal grant to the City of West St. Paul. He advised that the project discussed by the committee would not occur for at least three years and that if the project does occur, it would have minimal impact on traffic with no design changes to Robert Street. He commented that if the streetcar was preferred in the future, the improvements would be more intensive on Robert Street.

   Richard Williams asked if any Federal funding would be available for the projects and if so, would design standards have to be met.
   
   Mr. Morneau stated that the Bus Rapid Transit improvements could be funded locally, however, the streetcar improvements would require the cities to compete for Federal funding.
   
   Mayor Park asked what action would be needed from Council this evening.
   
   Clerk Iago explained that she had prepared a resolution from the sample provided by Mr. Morneau for Council action to adopt the study and support the recommendations of the steering committee; she read the title of the resolution.
   
   The Mayor asked if there were any further questions and there was no response. She thanked Mr. Morneau for his presentation.
   
   Councilmember Wahlstrom moved to adopt Resolution No. 15-13 titled, RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE EVALUATION PROCESS CONDUCTED BY THE ROBERT STREET TRANSITWAY ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS (AA) AND ITS CONCLUSIONS AND THAT THE CITY OF SUNFISH LAKE SUPPORTS THE DECISION BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE TO CONCUDE THE ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS (AA) WITH TWO ALTERNATIVES THAT WILL BE CARRIED FORWARD FOR CONSIDERATION IN FURTHER STUDY AT A LATER DATE, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (5-0)
   
   

   6. PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNER’S REPORT: a. Major Site & Building Plan Review and Variance, Salem Church Road, Tom and Michelle Schlehuber: Planner Barness explained that the applicants are requesting approval of a Major Site and Building Plan review and a Variance to allow the construction of a replacement garage with a second floor living pace on the property located at 325 Salem Church Road. She advised that the property is located between Salem Church Road and Sunfish Lake and is subject to both the R-1, Single Family Residential District and the Shoreland Overlay District standards of the Zoning Ordinance.

   The Planner explained that the applicants propose to replace the existing attached garage that is 864 sq. ft. with an attached structure measuring 1,250 sq. ft. She advised that the structure would be accessed from the south and would accommodate three vehicles. The living area above the garage would include two bedrooms, a recreation room, a bathroom and laundry area. She noted that the applicants wish to re-locate the garage entrance from the west side to the south side of the structure and to modify the driveway to allow for a circular driveway. She stated that the existing home conforms to all setbacks. She further stated that the proposed looped driveway must meet the 200 ft. setback from the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM), however, due to an inlet on the south boundary of the lake, the proposed driveway measures 168 ft. from the inlet and would require a variance. She explained that the applicants had submitted an alternate plan for the driveway that removes the loop and proposes changes to the sidewalk and grading.
   
   Planner Barness stated that the proposed building materials conform to the design standards and match the existing materials on the home. She explained that the lighting must conform to the foot candle measurements upon installation.
   The Planner stated that the City Engineer had requested more information in his report submitted prior to the Planning Commission meeting and the Commission had included a condition of approval that required the applicants address his request prior to the Council review of the application. She presented the “final” Engineer report dated May 29, 2015 that address the condition of the Planning Commission and recommended approval with minor conditions. She noted that if the looped driveway plan was approved, the Engineer noted that some grading changes would be required.
   
   Planner Barness stated that only one large Oak tree is slated for removal on both plans submitted and that no comments were received from the City Forester. She advised that the Engineer’s requirements relating to grading, stormwater management and documentation of site conditions, as well as information relating to the well pump and septic expansion are listed in the conditions of approval of the Major Site & Building Plan.
   
   Councilmember Wahlstrom asked if the application would meet all setbacks if the looped driveway was not installed and the Planner responded yes.
   
   Mayor Park asked if the driveway would be widened if the looped portion is not approved,
   
   Bob Moser, contractor for the applicants, stated that there would be no room to widen the driveway due to the slopes.
   
   Councilmember Bulach asked if the turning radius of the looped driveway was increased for emergency vehicle access.
   
   Mr. Moser explained the looped driveway was minimal and designed for typical vehicle traffic rather than emergency vehicles.
   
   The Planner reviewed the information relating to the variance requested relating to factors to determine “practical difficulties” that would prohibit reasonable use of the property, use of the property in a reasonable manner, or alters the essential character of the locality. She explained that the applicants believe that practical difficulties result from the unique configuration of the lot in that it contains an inlet which is not navigable. The applicants also noted that due to the containment of the inlet, limited area exists upon the site for the proposed driveway. She stated that the circular driveway proposed can be found on other properties in the City, however, compliance with the 200 ft. shoreland setback would not deny the property owners reasonable use of their property. She commented that although there are other homes on the lake that have circular driveways, she was unsure if variances were granted for their installation and setting precedence may also be a consideration. She further stated that the 200 ft. shoreland setback is most commonly applied to vertical buildings or structure and in this case, a driveway that is anticipated to be minimally visible from the navigable area on the lake is proposed. She explained that approval of the driveway is not anticipated to alter the character of the area and would not result in the loss of any trees. She also explained that the City’s DNR Hydrologist recommend that as a condition of variance approval, the City mitigate potential impacts by placing plantings on the shoreland side of the proposed driveway and the applicants are willing to do so. She commented that other properties nearby have homes and driveways closer to the lake and that the proposed driveway would not impact view sheds for those properties.
   
   Planner Barness explained that Planning Commission found the access to be tight during their site visit to the property and that they recommended approval of the requested variance with a 4-1 vote, based on the findings as listed in the Planner’s report dated May 20, 2015. She advised that the applicants expressed their willingness to reduce the impacts of the looped driveway be installing a rain garden to treat stormwater runoff and agreed to include additional screening near the driveway or shoreline as recommended by the DNR Hydrologist. She further noted that the neighbors to the west of the property requested additional screening to block headlights form vehicles and the applicants also agreed to this condition. She indicated that the Fire Chief commented this evening that it is nice when there is adequate access for emergency vehicles to set-up on residential properties, though it is unclear whether the proposed loop driveway is designed to accommodate fire trucks. She also pointed out that the driveway would actually be setback 400 ft. from the navigable waters of the lake, but it may still have some impact on neighbors.
   
   The Planner advised that there were other looped driveways on the lake properties, but that she was unsure if they meet setback requirements or were “grandfathered in” prior to adoption of the current setback standards. She reviewed both the prepared findings of fact for approval or denial for Council consideration.
   
   Mayor Park stated in her opinion the plans for the home expansion would be a wonderful addition to the community. She questioned if the other properties with looped driveways meet setback requirements.
   
   Councilmember Hovey asked if Council could approve the building plan if the variance is delayed and explained that staff would have time to research whether or not there are other properties that have a looped driveway on the lakeside of their property.
   
   

   The Planner asked the applicants if they wished to proceed with approval of the building plans.
   
   Tom Schlehuber commented that there are eight (8) other properties on the lake with a looped driveway and that those homes are much closer to the lake.
   
   Councilmember DeCourcy commented that she received calls from neighbors across the lake form the property who do not support the looped driveway and stated she would not support the request due to the neighbors’ concerns.
   
   Mr. Schlehuber pointed out that the driveway should not be visible to neighbors across the lake since it is 400 ft. from navigable waters. He noted that the inlet area is dry.
   
   Councilmember Wahlstrom commented that the inlet area is still considered part of the lake for measurement.
   
   Mayor Park pointed out that the fingerling of water protrudes onto their property but questioned if there are actual measurements for the high water mark in that area.
   
   Engineer Sterna explained that the estimates for the high water mark are based on storm events. He noted that Sunfish Lake has an overflow outlet. He stated he would have to review the contours for the property.
   
   Mayor Park asked what would occur during a high water event with the additional impervious surface on the property.
   
   Engineer Sterna stated he would have to review the flood elevations. He explained that the lake level would rise and spread over the property, however, he stated that Sunfish Lake does have an outlet for the overflow.
   
   The Mayor stated she would prefer to have an accurate measurement. The Engineer explained that he has an aerial survey of the lake and could obtain a measurement within 3 to 4 inches of the actual number.
   
   Mr. Moser explained that he had an accurate measurement from the OHWM. He pointed out that the parcel is unique and showed the limited buildable area on the property on the site plan. He noted that he had DNR records dating back to 2006 and advised that the only time the area was wet was in 2014. He pointed out that the installation of a rain garden would provide better treatment of the water prior to entering the lake than currently exists and further noted that the looped driveway would not be a vertical improvement and should not impact view sheds. He explained that the applicants had safety concerns associated with the driveway accessibility and determined that relocating the loop to the southern portion of the lot would have a more negative impact due to grading and tree removal. He also pointed out that after submitting a purchase agreement for the home and drawing out the plans, the applicants realized that the home was constructed in a different location on the lot than originally surveyed and that the variance would be necessary due to a 60 ft. difference in the location of the home. He explained that the Planning Commission experienced the restrictive driveway on their site visit and he noted that a fire truck would not be able to navigate the driveway in its current configuration.
   
   Councilmember Wahlstrom asked how it would affect the turn around with large screening in place.
   
   Mr. Moser explained that the screening would be placed on the lake side of the looped drive and should not affect visuals from the lake since the navigable waters are 400 ft. from the placement of the driveway.
   
   Mayor Park questioned how successful the screening would be years after it is installed.
   
   Forester Nayes explained that evergreens are usually installed for buffering and that upright Yews or Balsam Firs should grow well under the large Oak trees.
   
   Councilmember DeCourcy commented that evergreens do not grow well in wet areas.
   
   Mr. Schlehuber responded that the buffering would not be installed in the wet zone.
   
   Councilmember DeCourcy questioned why the applicants would want to place large screening in the area that would limit their view of the lake.

   Mr. Schlehuber stated that a 4 ft. buffer would be sufficient to diffuse car headlights and they would still have a view of the lake.
   
   Tom Hall, 329 Salem Church Road, stated he supported the looped driveway in the front of the home rather than the rear to reduce the impact to his property. He indicated that screening closer to the fence line of his property was discussed so that his view of the lake was not impaired; he commented that he was sure the details could be worked out with the applicants.
   
   Mr. Schlehuber agreed that Yews could be planted on the lakeside of the driveway and evergreens on the other side to block the headlights from Mr. Hall’s property. He pointed out that the looped driveway would not be for parking vehicles, only for accessibility. He noted that his current home has a looped driveway and it was very convenient since last year an ambulance was at his home on two occasions.
   
   Councilmember Wahlstrom commented that in her opinion the looped driveway had been thoroughly discussed and she asked for discussion of the alternate driveway plan.
   
   Mr. Moser explained that the alternate plan would meet all setback requirements and would require some minor modifications to the sidewalk to enter the front of the home.
   
   Mayor Park asked if there was a slight turnaround in the driveway at this time. Mr. Moser responded that there is “bump out” section near the driveway that could be used, however, he noted that when there are two or more vehicles parked it is difficult to access. He also noted that there is a portion of the driveway that is narrow and steep off both sides and difficult to navigate.

   
   Councilmember Wahlstrom asked if that would be the case with either driveway configuration. Mr. Moser responded that it would not be as difficult to maneuver with the looped driveway as two cars would not have to pass each other.
   
   Councilmember Bulach commented that in his opinion variance requests associated with the lake are more difficult due to the views. He questioned if the existing building could be moved so as not to infringe on the setback or if the looped driveway could be reconfigured to remain within the setback requirements. He commented that in his opinion the building plan for the expansion looks wonderful, but it does not appear that the variance has sufficient support from Council.
   
   Mr. Moser asked if the variance could be tabled to allow Council the opportunity to visit the site and review the placement of the looped driveway as it relates to the lake.
   
   Mr. Schlehuber agreed that it would be appropriate for everyone to view the site to see the practical difficulties of the lot and that he would stake out the area where the driveway would be located for their review. He noted that the more vehicles that arrived for the visit the more it would be shown how difficult it is to access the site.

   
   Mayor Park stated she would prefer to have information on how many homes on the lake have driveways between the home and the lake and that she wished to have an official measure of the looped driveway from navigable waters, as opposed to just the OHWM. She commented that in her opinion it is important to have the data for future reference when this type of request is submitted. She asked if Council could take action on the building portion of the site plan.
   
   The Planner pointed out that approval of the site plan would be based on one of the two alternatives submitted and that if Council did not wish to take action on the variance this evening, the applicants may end up deciding to revise the site plan once a decision is made.
   
   Attorney Kuntz asked the time frame associated with the 60 day rules for action on the application. He further explained that Council could visit the site, however, they must schedule a special meeting to do so. He suggested they could meet prior to the regular meeting in July.
   
   Planner Barness responded that June 20 would be the deadline and that if the Council wished to table the request, she would prepare a letter extending the time period another 60 days.
   
   Councilmember Hovey asked if the City would be redefining the lake boundaries with the official OHWM information.
   
   Attorney Kuntz stated that in his opinion that was not part of the discussion this evening. He advised that Council discussed conducting a site visit and obtaining data from the City Engineer.
   
   Mr. Moser offered the information he had compiled on flood impacts for Council consideration.
   Attorney Kuntz suggested that Council may wish to conduct the site visit within the next week or two in the event that they require any additional information prior to making a decision at the July meeting and to allow staff time to compile information.
   
   There was discussion regarding what dates would be appropriate for conducting the site visit, however, no date was determined.
   
   Attorney Kuntz advised that Council should continue to pursue an appropriate date and noted that the City Clerk requires 3 days advanced notice to post the special meeting once a date is chosen. He further advised that Council action is required to table the application and to direct the Planner to send a 60-day extension notice to the applicants.
   
   Mayor Park asked if there was any further discussion and there was no response.
   
   Councilmember Hovey moved to table the application for the property at 325 Salem Church Road, Tom and Michelle Schlehuber, to the July 7, 2015 Council meeting and to direct the Planner to send a 60-day extension notice to the applicants, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried. (5-0)
   
   Council took a brief recess at 9:00 p.m. and reconvened at 9:10 p.m.
   

   b. Planning Report: Planner Barness referred Council to the report dated May 27, 2015 and explained that the Planning Commission had toured the building materials at Menards in West St. Paul to evaluate various exterior building materials. She explained that several of the new materials reviewed had not been on the market long enough to be tested for durability and after discussion of the new items, the Planning Commission did not recommend any change to the language in the current ordinance. She indicated that this would allow the City to continue to consider alternative exterior materials that are of comparable grade and quality to the listed materials on a case by case basis. She stated that the Building Inspector discussed categorizing three (3) grades of exterior material materials that could be designated as the following; 1) Builders Grade; 2) Architectural Grade; and, 3) Engineers Grade. She explained that the inspector would compiled a list of materials under each “grade”, with the builder’s grade being the lowest and the engineers grade the highest. She pointed out that staff would also ask for samples of any proposed exterior materials as part of the application process if these materials are not included in the current ordinance so that they may be reviewed and compared for approval.
   
   The Planner stated that the June Planning Commission meeting was cancelled due to lack of applications. She advised that she would be returning from maternity leave in July and would research and prepare information relating to the use of solar panels and other energy options for the July Planning meeting and for Council review in August.
   
   Planner Barness stated that staff had conducted the pre-construction site visit at St. Anne’s Church and provided technical assistance for a request at 27 Sunnyside Lane for a Major Site Plan review and potential shoreland variance.
   
   Council thanked the Planner for her report.

   
   7. STAFF REPORTS: a. Building Inspector: Building Inspector Mike Andrejka stated that he issued one (1) and closed one (1) permit in May.

   
   Mayor Park thanked Inspector Andrejka for his tutorial information at the Planning Commission tour at the Menards store in West St. Paul. She explained that he offered to prepare the narrative for the three tiered building materials list for discussion at the Planning meeting and for Council review.
   
   Council thanked the Inspector for his report.
   
   b. CITY Engineer: City Engineering Activities Undertaken in the Month of May: A. 2016-2020 CIP Update: Engineer Sterna referred Council to his report dated May 29, 2015 and explained that a copy of the CIP report was distributed to Council for their review and comments at the July meeting. He explained that Council comments would be received at the July meeting and incorporated into the final update of the document for adoption at the August Council meeting. He noted that this is done annually as part of the upcoming year budget discussion. He advised that he had moved the reconstruction project on the east end of Salem Church Road to 2017 and the proposed overlay of Roanoke Road to 2017. He stated that the overlay improvement on Grieve Glen Lane, Sunnyside Lane and the remaining portion of Angell Road, Zehnder Road and a portion of 55^th Street West are scheduled in 2019. He explained that he had discussion with staff in Inver Grove Heights relating to cost sharing for a possible reconstruction project on 60^th Street.

   The Engineer commented that the costs for maintaining Charlton Road have been steadily increasing and Council may wish to consider improvements on the sections of the road where heavier traffic occurs.
   
   Mayor Park advised that she was informed a group of residents residing on Charlton Road may come forward with a petition for improvement of the road with bituminous surfacing. She also advised that Ibby Hammett, who resides on Charlton Road, had expressed the fact that she does not favor paving the road.
   
   B. Charlton Road Guardrail Repair: The Engineer stated he received an estimate of approximately $1,850 to repair the cable guardrail on the road at the 90 degree bend. He indicated that he would request Council action for an amount not to exceed $2,000 to accomplish the repair.
   
   Mayor Park asked if there was any discussion and there was no response.
   
   Councilmember Hovey moved to authorize the expenditure not to exceed $2,000 for the guardrail repair on Charlton Road, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (5-0)
   
   C. Angell Road Culvert Repairs: Engineer Sterna stated that the culverts were inspected and the middle culvert of the three (3) installed had the most pipe deflection. He explained that staff had been working with the contractor and determined that patching and soil compaction would be completed at this time. He advised that the City has a two-year warranty on the work and staff would continue to monitor the condition of all three culverts over the summer.
   
   D. Building and Site Reviews: The Engineer referred to the site and building plan review conducted for 325 Salem Church Road and the pre-construction site visit for 2035 Charlton Road as outlined in his report and offered to respond to any questions.
   
   Public Works Activities Undertaken in the Month of May: A. Bituminous Patching: Pine bend Paving completed the repairs to the area identified by staff in the City.
   
   B. Charlton Road Dust Control: A dust control agenda was applied to the surface of the road in early May at a cost of $1,750.
   
   C. Charlton Road/Highway 110 Stop Sign Repair: The sign at this intersection was repaired by MnDOT staff in early May.
   
   D. Salem Church Road/Windy Hill Court Stop Sign Repair: Pine Ben Paving repaired the stop sign at this intersection while completing street patching in the area this May.
   
   Anticipated Engineer/Public Works Activities’ for the Month of June: A. 2015 Infrastructure Management Report: Engineer Sterna stated the field work is completed and staff will be finalizing the 2015 Infrastructure report in June. He noted the information would also be incorporated into the 2016-2020 CIP that will be ready for preliminary discussion at the July Council meeting.
   
   B. City of Sunfish Lake Bench Mark Report: The Engineer stated that staff will be completing the survey bench mark system report this month and a final report will be presented that may be added to the City website for residents and builders use.

   
   C. 2016-2020 CIP Finalization: Engineer Sterna stated he would be finalizing the draft 2016-2020 CIP based on input from the Council either at the June meeting or prior to the July meeting. He stated the goal is up approve the CIP updates at the August Council meeting to help establish infrastructure priorities and assist with budgeting for next year.
   
   The Engineer advised that he had been contacted by MnDOT regarding a possible connection to Sunfish Lake of the bike trail that is on the south side of Highway 110 to the City of Mendota Heights.
   
   Councilmember Hovey questioned how the trail would be connected across the busy highway.
   
   

   Engineer Sterna stated that in his opinion the connection could occur at the stop light on Delaware Avenue, however, there are no formal plans at this time.
   
   Councilmember DeCourcy stated she would prefer the trail not connect and remain on the Mendota Heights portion of the road.
   
   Engineer Sterna stated he will be on vacation June 12 through 29 and would provide a contact number for Council and staff.
   Council thanked the Engineer for his report.
   
   

   c. CITY FORESTER: Forester Nayes reported he issued seven (7) burning permits were issued in April. He stated that the Arbor Day Newsletter Green Festival was held on Saturday May 2 at 5900 Zehnder Road and was well attended.
   
   The Forester explained he attended the Composting Ordinance Seminar on May 5 that reviewed the new rules passed by the state legislature. He advised that in his opinion the City would not be required to add any of the new regulations to the current ordinances.
   
   Forester Nayes commended resident and volunteer firefighter Tom Mattaini for coordinating the May 16th Firewise Fire Truck Drive Through event with the Firewise Committee. He noted that event was broken up into sections of the City and completed in 3 hours. He explained that Mayor Park was an active participant on one of the trucks visiting the southwest section of the City and provided refreshments for the volunteers on each truck. He commented that the firefighters and committee members took notes for emergency planning purposes and possible follow-up in areas where there were accessibility or other concerns.
   
   The Forester displayed the Harmon Park sign that he removed from the park area per request of Council.
   
   Council thanked the Forester for his report.
   
   

1. PUBLIC SAFETY: Chief Shaver reviewed the public safety report dated May 29, 2015 and explained that false alarm calls were below last year’s total. He described the calls for service listed in his report and offered to respond to questions.
   
   Council thanked the Chief for his report.
   

8. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS: a. Consider Relocating July Council Meeting to Bethel Baptist Church: Clerk Iago explained that due to the upcoming parking lot construction at St. Anne’s Church it may be necessary to relocate the July Council meeting to Bethel Baptist Church. She explained that she contacted the church staff and they agreed that the church could be used for the July meeting at no cost to the City, although Council may wish to consider a small donation to the church. She advised that she would keep in contact with the staff at St. Anne’s to obtain progress reports and that she would send appropriate notices to Council, staff and the City website if necessary. She asked for Council authorization to post appropriate notices of the location change if necessary.

Councilmember Bulach moved to authorize the Clerk to post notice of the meeting location change if deemed necessary, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (5-0)

b. Other Business: 2015 Deer Management Program: Councilmember Hovey asked for authorization to meet with the Forester and Investigator Matt Muellner to review and prepare documentation for the proposed 2015 Deer Management Program.

Mayor Park asked if there were any questions and there was no response.

Councilmember Wahlstrom moved to authorize Councilmember Hovey to meet with appropriate staff and preparation documentation for the proposed 2015 Deer Management Program, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (Ayes: 4-Wahlstrom, Hovey, Bulach and Park; Nays: 1-DeCourcy)

Acorn Drive Clean-up Update: Mayor Park distributed an email she sent to Dr. Harding regarding the status of the property at 6 Acorn Drive and the City’s request for information relating to his plan for clean-up of the site. She noted that Chief Shaver sent an officer to the site to notify the current contractor to cease operations until Dr. Harding could be contacted to verify that the contractor had permission to do work at the property. She advised she had discussed appropriate actions to be taken with the City Attorney.

Attorney Kuntz reviewed the information in the email that outlined the amount of debris that remains to be cleaned up at the site and that the City would be grateful if he would finish the job in a timely manner. He stated that the request asked Dr. Harding to identify a contractor that has permission to remove the debris and that the task be accomplished within 30 days or prior to the next Council meeting.

Councilmember Bulach stated he asked two (2) contractors for quotes and walked the site with both of them; he presented photos of the debris piles that remain on site.
Dr. Chesney, 5 Acorn Drive, explained that several more brush piles had been made since the contractors walked the site and commented that the City should advise the property owner that the cleanup should be completed by July 7.

Mayor Park explained that the contractor hired to cut the trees stated he was combining piles of debris to be chipped at the site.

Councilmember Wahlstrom commented that in her opinion the photo of the raccoon that appeared in the City newsletter was gruesome and should not have been included in the document. She indicated that there should be more appropriate items placed in the publication.

Mayor Park thanked her for her input and stated she would pass the comment to the editor of the newsletter. She asked if there was any further business and there was no response.

9. ADJOURN: Councilmember Hovey moved for adjournment at 9:30 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (5-0)



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Catherine Iago, City Clerk Molly Park, Mayor