SUNFISH LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING – JANUARY 5, 2021
7:00 P.M. – ONLINE MEETING
Attendants:
Mayor: Dan O’Leary
Councilmembers: Mike Hovey, Steven Bulach and Shari Hansen
City Attorney: Tim Kuntz
City Planner: Tom Ramler-Olson
City Engineer: Jeff Sandberg
City Treasurer: Ann Lanoue
Building Inspector: Mike Andrejka
City Forester: Jim Nayes
Police Chief: Brian Sturgeon
City Clerk: Cathy Iago
and Members of the General Public.
Councilmember JoAnne Wahlstrom absent.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor O’Leary called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He extended condolences to Planning Commission Chair Tom Hendrickson and his family on the loss of his father due to COVID-19. He further advised that Councilmember Wahlstrom had suffered a fall on New Year’s Eve and was currently in the hospital.
2. APPROVE AGENDA: Mayor O’Leary asked if there were any additions or corrections to the agenda.
Clerk Iago asked that the “Oath of Office” be added to the agenda prior to consideration of the Consent Agenda. She also asked that Items 5.a.7 Appoint Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) Representative and 5.a.8 Appoint LMRWO Representative be removed from the agenda. She explained that she was unable to contact NOC to ask if an appointment was required at this time and that she was advised the LMRWMO representative Patti O’Leary was currently searching for an alternate person to serve. She recommended that both items could be added to a future agenda.
The Mayor asked if there were any further changes and there was no response.
Councilmember Hovey moved to adopt the agenda as amended, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (4-0)
OATH OF OFFICE: Clerk Iago administered the Oath of Office to Mayor O’Leary and Councilmembers Bulach and Hansen and congratulated them on their newly-elected positions.
3. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor O’Leary asked if there were any questions or comments relating to any items on the Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Hovey noted that the Financials were the preliminary fiscal year end figures and asked when the final figures would be available.
Treasurer Lanoue stated that financials would be finalized by the end of March when they must be sent to the State Auditor.
Chief Sturgeon explained that it was a quiet month in the City with only two (2) False Alarms and one (1) Fire Alarm. He stated he worked with the City Forester to inform a resident that he was required to obtain a burning permit prior to conducting a burn on his property. He noted that West St. Paul Police had received the first COVID vaccine shots and that Dakota County had been doing an excellent job in distributing the vaccine and providing updates to the Police Department. He noted that the COVID case numbers for Sunfish Lake residents were included with the Inver Grove Heights tallies, so he was unable to present an accurate number of cases within the City to Council.
The Chief reported that someone had rummaged through a vehicle in Sunfish Lake and only took cigarettes; he noted that this is a common occurrence in West St. Paul, however it is unusual in Sunfish Lake. He asked that residents be sure to lock their cars.
The Mayor asked if there were any further comments or questions and there was no response.
Councilmember Hansen moved approval of the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (4-0)
a. Regular Council Meeting Minutes of December 1, 2020
b. List of Bills
c. Monthly Financial Statements
d. Receive Building Inspector Report
e. Receive Forester Report
f. Receive Public Safety Report
4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: The Mayor asked if there were any comments from the public and there was no response.
5. ADOPTION OF 2021 STANDARD CITY BUSINESS PPROCEDURES: a. 1. Appointment of Acting Mayor: Mayor O’Leary referred to the memorandum from the City Attorney dated January 5, 2021 which advised that State Statutes require Council appoint a member to serve as Acting Mayor in the absence of the Mayor at the first meeting each year.
The Mayor recommended the appointment of Councilmember Hovey as the senior member of the Council to serve as Acting Mayor in his absence in 2021.
Councilmember Hansen moved to ratify the appointment of Councilmember Hovey to serve as Acting Mayor in the absence of the Mayor in 2021, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (4-0)
2. Memo and Resolution Designating Official Depositories for City Monies: Mayor O’Leary referred to the memorandum from the City Attorney dated January 5, 2021 which explained that each year the City designates official depositories for City funds.
Treasurer Lanoue stated that the depositories had not changed from last year and that staff sees no issues with them.
The Mayor asked if there were any further comments and there was no response.
Councilmember Hovey moved to adopt Resolution No. 21-01 titled, RESOLUTION DESIGNATING FUND DEPOSITORIES FOR THE CITY OF SUNFISH LAKE, seconded by Councilmember Hansen and carried. (4-0)
3. Memo and Resolution Designating Official Newspaper: Mayor O’Leary referred to the memorandum from the City Attorney dated January 5, 2021 stating that Council must designate an official newspaper annually for publication of legal notices and public hearings.
Clerk Iago explained that the St. Paul Pioneer Press had requested to serve as the official newspaper and that the rates had only slightly increased from $0.43 per line to $0.45 per line. She recommended Council appoint the Pioneer Press as the official newspaper.
The Mayor asked if there were any questions or comments and there was no response.
Councilmember Hansen moved to adopt Resolution No. 21-02 titled, RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS REVIEW NEWSPAPER AS THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR THE CITY OF SUNFISH LAKE for 2021, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (4-0)
4. Appointment of Planning Commissioners and Chair: Mayor O’Leary recommended that Tom Hendrickson be reappointed as Chair of the Planning Commission for 2021 and further recommended that Shannon Nelson be reappointed to serve a three-year term commencing January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023.
Councilmember Bulach moved to ratify the Mayor’s reappoint of Commissioner Tom Hendrickson to serve as Chair of the Planning Commission for 2021 and to appoint Shannon Nelson serve a three-year term commencing in January 1, 2021 thru December 31, 2023, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (4-0)
5. Appoint Weed Control Manager: Mayor O’Leary recommended the appointment of City Forester Jim Nayes, dba/Living Sculpture Tree and Shrub Care, Inc. as the Weed Control Manager for 2021.
Councilmember Hansen moved to ratify the appointment of City Forester Jim Nayes, dba/Living Sculpture Tree and Shrub Care, Inc. as the Weed Control Manager for 2021, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (4-0)
6. Appointment of NDC4 Cable Commission Representatives: Mayor O’Leary explained that Councilmember Wahlstrom and resident Mike Kampmeyer currently serve as the representatives to the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (NDC4) and recommended their reappointment for two-year terms beginning January, 2021 through December, 2022.
Councilmember Hovey moved to confirm the appointment of Councilmember Wahlstrom as the Council representative and Mike Kampmeyer to serve as the citizen representative to the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (NDC4) for a two-year term commencing January, 2021 through December, 2022, seconded by Councilmember Hansen and carried. (4-0)
6. PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNER’S REPORT: a. Planner’s Report: Planner Ramler-Olsen referred to his report dated January 5, 2021 and explained that the December, 2020 and January, 2021 Planning Commission meetings were cancelled due to lack of agenda items.
The Planner stated that a building permit was issued for construction of a new home at 245 Salem Church Road, which was approved by Council in October, 2020. He advised that he attended the “Green Step Cities” webinar with a presentation by Councilmember Hansen relating to “Construction, Demolition, and Building Reuse” and that it was very informative. He also noted that he had improved his familiarity with the Sunfish Lake Zoning Ordinance through planning work, interacting with residents during inquiries and other research as described in his report.
Planner Ramler-Olson stated he received an inquiry from Ben Richter from Detail Homes who was working on the residence at 245 Salem Church Road. He explained that Mr. Richter asked about the process for installing temporary parking on the site to keep vehicles related to construction activity off the road. He noted that he was unable to identify any type of application or process that would review this type of request and, in talking with staff, he found that it was uncommon for a contractor to submit this type of request. He referred to a drawing that Mr. Richter had submitted that showed the location of the proposed parking. He also referred Council to photos that were provided showing the lot in question and the amount of barrier between the lot and adjacent neighbors. He requested Council input as to how staff should process this type of request. He pointed out that staff supports off-road temporary parking for the purposes of construction, but that the process should include conditions to mitigate adverse impacts to the property and neighbors. He reviewed the proposed conditions listed in his report and asked Council if the process should be formalized with an actual application as part of the submission process and should it include a fee and review process, and also if it should be included in the Zoning Code.
Councilmember Bulach explained that he lives close to the site and noted that the corner location would be hazardous for on-street parking. He asked if the vehicles would be allowed to park on the secondary septic location area until spring. He commented that there may already be concerns from the adjacent neighbors and suggested that staff contact them as soon as possible to discuss their concerns. He stated that in his opinion the parking should definitely be kept off-street if possible.
Planner Ramler-Olson stated he was not familiar with septic system regulations and deferred to the City Engineer to respond to parking on the secondary septic location. He further stated that he would consider how to approach the neighbors to address their concerns.
Mayor O’Leary suggested that it would be wise to be pro-active and for staff to contact the neighbors as soon as Council has finished discussion of this matter. He noted that staff should advise the neighbors that Council determined it would be extremely dangerous to allow parking on the road in this area. He asked the City Attorney for his opinion as to whether or not this should be informally included as part of the application process and reviewed when the building permit is issued and if the regulations should be included in the City Zoning Ordinance.
Attorney Kuntz explained that conditions for management of the site rests with the City and that Council may decide if the process should be included with the Building Permit application process rather than formally placed in the Zoning Ordinance.
Councilmember Hansen agreed that it made sense to include this request as part of the Building Permit application as that would make it more flexible for individual sites.
Councilmember Hovey also agreed with placing this as part of the Building Permit process and noted that properties in the City all have unique qualities and configurations.
Councilmember Bulach also agreed.
Mayor O’Leary suggested that the Planner and Engineer further discuss the matter and draft a policy and an application process for temporary parking in conjunction with construction sites. He encouraged staff to call neighbors in advance of the construction beginning and he recommended that contacting the neighbors should be included as part of the procedural document.
Inspector Andrejka explained that he had experience with septic inspections and he noted that any type of vehicle traffic could damage the septic area and that it would not be appropriate to allow parking on the secondary septic site location.
Mayor O’Leary suggested that the area for on-site parking could be determined by staff during their pre-construction “on-site” visit.
There was discussion relating to the location of the port-a-potty shown in the photos due to its visibility and concerns relating to snowplowing. Council asked the Planner to discuss with the contractor the relocation of the outhouse due to its visual impact adjacent to the road and snowplowing concerns.
Engineer Sandberg commended the builder for coming forward with this issue since this had not been done in the past. He agreed that any on-site traffic should not be over the septic locations and noted that staff had created conditions for allowing parking on this site. He suggested that if neighbors are still concerned with the parking on-site, it may be possible to request the contractor install a temporary privacy fence during construction to screen the vehicles. He asked for Council direction on this matter.
Mayor O’Leary stated that in his opinion Council relies on the expertise of staff. He noted that on this property the adjacent neighbors would be visually impacted and it may be appropriate to request a temporary fence for screening.
Council concurred that staff should contact the neighbors and prepare conditions for temporary on-site parking.
Councilmember Bulach suggested that staff contact Mr. Brackey, the neighbor to the west of the site, and inform him of the request and Council concerns relating to on-street parking. He explained that Mr. Brackey’s driveway is rather dangerous and on-street parking may hinder his sightlines. He further suggested that staff suggest Mr. Brackey contact them with any problems that arise during construction. He noted that construction started today and that the neighbors should be contacted as soon as possible.
Planner Ramler-Olson explained that it was brought to his attention that two properties, 115 and 310 Salem Church Road, had campers/RVs parked in the front yard area. He stated that he visited both properties and that he reviewed the Zoning Ordinance to determine if storage of these vehicles in the front yard violates the ordinance. He referred to Section 1202 – Definitions in the City Code that defined Park Space (Off-Street) and Recreational Vehicle, Section 1216.12 – Exterior Storage and Section 1218.02- Required Fencing, Screening and Landscaping. He noted that the standards listed suggest that RVS/campers/trailers are allowed to be stored in the front yard of residential properties for a cumulative amount of time not to exceed 2 hours within a 15-day period. If they are stored within the front yard of a residential property, they must be properly screened form the property boundaries. He further explained that there are additional standards for proper surfacing of areas, buffer requirements between parking area and property lines, and landscaping requirements within the buffer between the parking area and neighboring residential properties and the public right-of-way.
The Planner stated that he drafted a letter informing the property owners of their code violations, what the standards are, and the amount of time allowed for abating the violation. He noted that some of the language was generic and could be tailored to the particular instance after staff receives input from Council on how to proceed. He noted that the City Engineer had also reviewed the proposed letter and “softened” the language so that residents were encouraged to be pro-active.
Councilmember Bulach explained that he had contacted staff regarding the RV parking and noted that the property at 310 Salem Church Road was a first-time offender, however, the property at 115 Salem Church Road was before Council regarding this same issue one year ago.
The Planner stated that the letter allowed a 14-day time period for abatement of the violation.
Councilmember Hansen stated that in her opinion the letter was fine, not overly harsh, but she asked what happens next if the property owner does not comply and how can the site be monitored.
Mayor O’Leary asked the City Attorney if a citation could be issued if the property owner fails to adhere to the regulations and the Attorney responded yes.
Chief Sturgeon explained that his staff could monitor the site for violations.
Councilmember Bulach pointed out that one of the adjacent lots has screening from the vehicle, however, the RV can be seen from Salem Church Road.
Planner Ramler-Olson explained that one section of the ordinance relating to screening includes language which states that screening be provided along the boundary of the residential property. He suggested that the front property line could be considered the boundary of the property.
Attorney Kuntz agreed that when storage of this type of vehicle abuts property zoned to residential use, screening along any boundary that abuts the property would be required.
Mayor O’Leary suggested that it might be appropriate to amend the ordinance to ensure it is clearly stated by including specific language such as, “If the RV/camper vehicle is visible from any City street it must be appropriately screened.” He asked the City Attorney if this would apply to all properties or if any property would be grandfathered in.
Attorney Kuntz stated that the language would apply to all properties within the City and explained that non-conforming use laws are not subject to permanent use.
Mayor O’Leary asked the Planner if the information in his report was a synopsis of the ordinance language and the Planner responded yes.
After a brief discussion, Council suggested that further discussion of the ordinance amendment be deferred until the next regular meeting in order to allow staff more time to review the current ordinance language and determine if a change should be incorporated into the code.
Mayor O’Leary commented that there had been discussions with staff relating to inconsistences in the code that need to be “cleaned-up”.
Planner Ramler-Olson asked if Council would authorize staff sending the letter to the two properties identified.
Council directed staff to send the letters discussed with language tailored to the individual property owners as necessary.
Mayor O’Leary asked if there was any further discussion and there was no response.
Council thanked the Planner for his report.
7. ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Sandberg explained that WSB held a seminar for City Engineers and that the seminar was informative and well attended. He noted that the engineering GeoTechnical group of WSB attended the seminar and discussed the fact that it was a good idea to take 2-inch core samples of a roadway prior to beginning improvements.
The Engineer referred to his Section 3. A Public Works Activities Undertaken in the Month of December of his report and explained that he contacted the GeoTechnical Group and asked them to take core samples on Sunnyside Lane, Zehnder Road and Angell Road as part of the 2021 CIP projects. He advised that the sample results would cost $1,400 and would be split between the three (3) projects as part of their overall costs. He noted that samples were taken on Grieve Glen Lane in 2019.
The Engineer explained that the samples taken from Sunnyside Lane and Zehnder Road showed the asphalt to be in very poor condition below the 2-inch sample and, therefore, staff recommends removing the asphalt and changing to a reconstruction project versus a mill and overlay. He advised that it would not be appropriate to discuss the improvement projects this evening as he would have to amend the feasibility report and suggested that these projects be placed on the February 2, 2021 meeting for discussion. He further stated that staff was waiting for the benefit analysis for Grieve Glen Lane and recommended that discussion of that project be delayed until March. He stated that he was not concerned that the delays would have a negative impact on the construction schedule.
Mayor O’Leary asked if the Engineer anticipated the costs to double with the change to a reconstruction project on the roads.
Engineer Sandberg stated the costs would increase substantially, however; most likely they would not double in cost.
There was discussion regarding the impact on the assessments for these projects and if the City would have sufficient funds to cover the additional costs.
Treasurer Lanoue stated that staff would work with Ehlers, the financial consultants, to determine options for funding the projects.
Engineer Sandberg pointed out that the assessments could be spread over a number of years and that reconstruction of these streets would last approximately 20 years versus 7-8 years with the mill and overlay. He suggested that the City could initiate benefit analyses for these two projects at $6,500 each for discussion next month.
The Mayor asked the City Attorney for an opinion as to whether or not the benefit analyses would be necessary.
Attorney Kuntz responded that they may not be necessary, however, in his opinion they may be appropriate to have available when discussing the financial aspects of the project.
Mayor O’Leary asked if Council had any questions on this item and there was no response.
Mayor O’Leary moved to authorize staff to spend $6,500 for each additional benefit analysis for Sunnyside Lane and Zehnder Road, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (4-0)
Councilmember Bulach asked if these projects could be delayed a few years if the costs are too high.
Engineer Sandberg responded yes and explained that it was his opinion that the core samples were necessary to view the conditions prior to beginning the projects.
Mayor O’Leary commented that he would be inclined to proceed with the projects this year versus waiting in case the costs increase. He thanked the Engineer for obtaining the core samples and suggested that the City should consider obtaining core samples for all future improvement projects.
1. Engineering Activities Undertaken in December: A. Sunnyside Lane and Zehnder Road Feasibility Studies: and B. Angell Road and Grieve Glen Lane Benefits Analysis’s: Engineer Sandberg explained that Sunnyside Lane and Zehnder Road would be discussed at the February 2 Council meeting and that Angell Road and Grieve Glen would be discussed at the March Council meeting.
2. Building and Site review in the Month of December: A. Staff conducted three (3) site reviews in December: 1) 100 Windy Hill Road – A minor subdivision/CUP request; 2150 Charlton Road – Staff continues to work with the homeowner on as-built issues, and, 3) 245 Salem Church Road – Staff reviewed the updated landscape plan.
3. Public Works Activities Undertaken in the Month of December: A. This item was discussed earlier.
B. Snow clearing/road salting and sanding occurred during a least two (2) separate events in December. Staff received no complaints prior to sending this report and received one complaint today regarding icy conditions on Salem Church Road. Engineer Sandberg stated he would contact the snowplowing contractor to register the complaint.
Mayor O’Leary asked if the contractor had pretreated the roads prior to the December events and, if so, why the treatment did not appear to work.
Engineer Sandberg explained that the roads were treated, however, the treatment may be affected by weather conditions.
Mayor O’Leary asked if the snowplowing contract was on the City website.
Councilmember Hovey explained that it would have been included as part of the Council packet when it was approved.
The Mayor asked that the contract be put on the website and suggested that it could be linked to an article listing who to contact with concerns about icy conditions or plowing. He asked the City Attorney if it was legal to place it on the website.
Attorney Kuntz responded that it was legal since it is a public document.
4. Anticipated Engineering and Public Works Activities for January: A. Staff will work with the City snowplow contractor to keep roads clear and safe. He reminded residents to email their concerns for slippery areas that need attention to the contractor at
Council thanked the Engineer for his report.
8. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS: a. Consider Approval of 2021 Community Waste Abatement & Grant Agreement with Dakota County: Clerk Iago presented the 2021 Recycling Grant Agreement between the City and Dakota County. She explained that the agreement is submitted for approval annually. She stated that the only change to the contract relates to the five (5) cities relinquishing the financial duties to the City of West St. Paul Finance Director. She explained that it was determined it would be easier for all expenditures and payments to be routed through one City vs each of the cities undertaking the task individually. She recommended approval of the grant agreement as presented.
Councilmember Hansen moved to approve the Community Waste Abatement 2021 Grant Agreement between the City of Sunfish Lake and Dakota County, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (4-0)
b. Discuss Addendums to Employment Agreements and Independent Contractor Agreements Between the City of Sunfish Lake and the City Clerk/Administrator, City Treasurer and City Forester: Councilmember Hovey explained that he and Councilmember Bulach met to discuss salary compensation for City employees and that they determined all the employees were doing a great job and had saved the City money over the past few years. He stated that he and Councilmember Bulach recommend a 4 percent salary increase for the City Clerk/Administrator, City Treasurer and City Forester.
Mayor O’Leary asked if there were any questions and there was no response.
Mayor O’Leary moved to approve a four (4) percent salary increase for 2021 for the City Clerk/Administrator, City Treasurer and City Forester as recommended, seconded by Councilmember Hansen and carried. (4-0)
c. Consider Resolution Approving Addendum No.14 to Employment Agreement between the City and Catherine Iago for City Clerk Services and Addendum No. 12 to Independent Contractor Agreement between the City and Iago Consulting, LLC for Administrative Services; Addendum No.8 to Employment Agreement Between the City and Ann Lanoue for City Treasurer Services; and Addendum No.12 to Independent Contractor Agreement between the City and Living Sculpture Tree and Shrub Care, Inc. for City Forester Services: Mayor O’Leary referred to the memorandum from Attorney Kuntz dated January 4, 2021 regarding the proposed resolution approving the employment agreement addendums for the City Clerk/Administrator, City Treasurer and City Forester and the proposed four (4) percent salary increase for 2021 for these employees. He asked if there were any questions and there was no response.
Mayor O’Leary moved to adopt Resolution No. 21-03 titled RESOLUTION APPROVING ADDENDUM NO. 14 TO EMPLOYMENTAGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND CATHERINE IAGO FOR CITY CLERK SERVICES AND ADDENDUM NO. 8 TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND ANN LANOUE FOR CITY TREASURER SERVICES AND ADDENDUM NO. 12 TO INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND LIVING SCULPTURE TREE AND SHRUB CARE, INC. FOR CITY FORESTER SERVICES AND ADDENDUM NO. 12 TO INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND IAGO CONSULTING, LLC FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (4-0)
d. Discuss Vacant Property on Upper 55th Street: Chief Sturgeon referred to his memorandum dated December 21, 2020 regarding the property located at 32 55th Street West and explained that the City had encountered significant issues with illegal dumping and homeless persons or squatters living in the dilapidated structure. He stated that officers had also found various types of drug paraphernalia located in and near the unsecured building. He referred to the photos attached to his report and stated that several other photos were placed on a CD and sent to Council and staff for documentation purposes.
The Chief explained that at this time he was seeking direction from Council on how to proceed with cleanup of this property.
Mayor O’Leary thanked the Chief and stated that it was his opinion that the City needs to take some action to clean up the site. He explained that he had contacted the Building Official who sent him information relating to property that is considered a safety hazard. He suggested that the City consider sending a letter to the property owner requesting that the owner take responsibility to remove the unsafe building and clean up the property or that the City would do so and charge the costs to the property owner. He noted that the installation of cameras to identify offenders had not worked and that the Forester has had to clean up debris from the site on several occasions. He pointed out that the City had given the property more than enough time to either sell the property or clean up the site.
Councilmember Bulach agreed that something needs to be done. He noted that this is similar to the cleanup that was necessary on the Dobranz property; he explained that he solicited bids for the cleanup at the Dobranz property and that he would also be willing to do so for this site. He further suggested that the Mendota Heights Fire Department may be interested in conducting a controlled burn as a training exercise.
Chief Sturgeon agreed that removal of the building and site cleanup would deter the use of the property for dumping or drug use.
Mayor O’Leary explained that he knows the property owner and suggested that he attempt to contact this person to discuss the matter. He asked if it would be better to obtain the bids for cleanup prior to contacting the property owner.
Attorney Kuntz stated that in his opinion it would be helpful to provide the property owner as much information as possible on the options available. He commented that he was unsure if the Mendota Heights Fire Department would be interested in a training operation at the site and it may be wise to contact them prior to contacting the property owner.
Councilmember Bulach stated he would contact the Fire Chief in Mendota Heights and also solicit bids and provide the information to the Mayor. Council agreed that something needs to be done on the property to alleviate the problems.
Councilmember Hovey stated that he would prefer this matter did not drag out for a substantial amount of time. He suggested the cleanup should be completed by September, 2021 and Council concurred.
Attorney Kuntz explained that it may take longer than September since the property contains a hazardous structure and there are time guidelines relating to notifications that must be sent to the property owner.
After a brief discussion, Council directed Councilmember Bulach to contact the Mendota Heights Fire Department regarding a controlled burn, to obtain bids for cleanup and provide this information to the Mayor who would then contact the property owner to discuss these options. Council further determined that if the property owner was not amenable to undertaking the site cleanup and pay the costs, the Mayor was directed to notify the City Attorney to begin the legal process for notification to the property owner that the City would undertake the site cleanup and charge the costs to the property owner.
e. Deer Management Report: Chief Sturgeon referred to his report dated January 5, 2021 and explained that there were seven (7) Metro Bowhunters and four (4) Sunfish Lake residents who participated in the 2020 Deer Management Program. He explained that the Metro Bowhunters harvested five (5) antlerless deer and the four (4) Sunfish Lake residents harvested four (4) deer; two (2) bucks and two (2) antlerless deer. He noted that the deer taken were tested for Chronic Wasting Disease and all were negative. He explained that the weather this year was not conducive to hunting, however, the deer removal was beneficial to the program.
f. Other: Mayor O’Leary asked if there was any further business and there was no response.
9. ADJOURN: Mayor O’Leary moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
____________________________ ________________________________
Catherine Iago, City Clerk Dan O’Leary, Mayor
We are a small community proud of our heritage and committed to the preservation of our pristine, rural character. We cherish our privacy, yet know we are part of a thriving Dakota County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area. With these partnerships in mind, we strive to preserve that unique spirit which is Sunfish Lake, Minnesota.