HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.04.08 Council Minutes
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COUNCIL MINUTES
PRE-MEETING
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Soderberg at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Also Present:
Soderberg, McKnight, Pritzlaff, Wilson
Fogarty
Cindy Kirchoff, City Attorney; Peter Herlofsky, City
Administrator; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Brian Lindquist,
Police Chief; Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director; Kevin
Schorzman, Interim City Engineer; Todd Reiten, Director
Municipal Services; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant
2. APPROVE AGENDA
MOTION by McKnight, second by Wilson to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
4. COUNCIL REVIEW OF AGENDA
Councilmember McKnight asked about the appointments to the Fire Department. One of
the appointments was due to a retirement, and the other two are re-appointments.
Councilmember McKnight asked if the closed circuit camera system was included in the
City Hall budget. This is included in the City Hall budget. Staff anticipates the cost will
be over $50,000.
Councilmember Wilson asked what is prompting getting a new wheel loader. The
skidster is operated in the shop to pick up cardboard. The purchase of a front end loader
would make this much easier.
Councilmember Wilson asked if there were any issues with the garbage truck purchased
in 2000. Staff explained they are following a 7-year maintenance schedule. To purchase
a truck now, it would take until October to receive it. The old truck will be traded in.
Councilmember Wilson noted the contract with Global Synergy, the EDA consultant, is
ending. He asked for a summary of cost and achievements. They assisted with
developing the Economic Development plan.
Council Minutes (Pre-Meeting)
February 4, 2008
Page 2
Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about the conference for the Human Resources Director.
He asked staff to keep in mind to keep conferences in-state.
Councilmember Pritzlaff noted the closed circuit security cameras would also be installed
at the Police Station, Central Maintenance Facility, and both liquor stores and asked if
they were included in the budget. The Police department has cameras in their budget.
The majority ofthe cameras in the liquor store will be reused. The cameras will now be
owned by the City.
Regarding the wheel loader and the garbage truck, Councilmember Wilson asked if the
City has to put money down. No money is put down. The truck is ordered and when
received, it is paid for.
Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about the payment to Hamline University in the amount
of $1 ,250. This is the budgeted training class for the Director of Municipal Services.
Halfwas paid in 2007 and the other half in 2008. This is equivalent to the leadership
course other staff members have taken. Councilmember Pritzlaff also asked about a
payment to LaMettry's Collision in the amount of$1,444.76. This was to repair a dented
truck.
5. STAFF COMMENTS
City Administrator Herlofsky had provided Council with some examples of evaluation
forms for the City Attorney and City Administrator. Council decided to use the City
Administrator evaluation form from last year and will leave the City Attorney evaluation
up to the City Administrator.
6. ADJOURN
MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by McKnight to adjourn at 6:48 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
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7
Cynthia Muller
Executive Assistant
COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Soderberg at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Soderberg led the audience and Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Also Present:
Audience:
Soderberg, McKnight, Pritzlaff, Wilson
Fogarty
Cindy Kirchoff, City Attorney; Peter Herlofsky, City
Administrator; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Randy Distad,
Parks and Recreation Director; Kevin Schorzman, Interim City
Engineer; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant
Bradley Dow, Randy Bock, Shannon Walsh, Michael Bischel
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Mayor Soderberg removed item 5b) Introduce New Fire Fighters from the agenda, and
moved item 5c) Congressman John Kline to the beginning ofthe meeting.
MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Congressman John Kline gave Council an update on the last legislative session.
b) Introduce New Employee - Parks and Recreation
Randy Bock was introduced as the new Parks and Facilities Maintenance Worker.
6. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a) Response to Mr. Mike Bischel
Mr. Bischel has already paid three bills, had a concern with the fourth bill, and
staffhas not invoiced him for a fifth bill. Staff recommended requiring Mr.
Bischel to pay the fourth bill in the amount of$989.82 and to not send the
additional billing of$736.85.
Councilmember Pritzlaffwas concerned because after the Planning Commission
denied the plat, the applicant brought it back to the City with changes. The City
did not ask Mr. Bischel to make changes. At that point the plan should have been
given back to Mr. Bischel and not reviewed as the Planning Commission did not
ask for any changes. On the other side, the applicant took a risk by making
changes and bringing it back in for review.
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Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 2
Councilmember McKnight stated the plat was accepted to review, not to approve.
Mr. Mike Bischel, regarding 808 2nd Street, stated he reviewed the invoices and
his major concern is the billable rate. Lee Mann $324,000/year billable rate, Dave
Sanocki $253,000/year billable rate, Emily Reisinger $ 197,000/year billable rate,
Eric Rose $183,000/year billable rate. This elevates the cost. There is $13.16 for
mileage to go to 808 2nd Street from City Hall. That is 5.52 miles. He cannot get
5.52 miles, much less a half mile. The government pays $.42/mile. From June
25, 2007 - August 24, 2007, the preliminary plat was submitted, he attended
several meetings, met with the City Attorney and all that work cost $1298 for two
months of work. He came back to meet with the City Engineer and for a month
the cost was $819. On the plat he moved the street 1 ft. as requested by the City
Planners as a possible solution. After the street was moved, he received an
invoice for almost $1,000. There was two months of work, multiple people
looking at the plat for $1200. He was trying to follow the dollar amounts and it
did not make sense. There is a $700 bill which the City will not invoice. He
moved the street 1 ft, the Planning Commission would not discuss it, it was sent
to the Council and not discussed, and it cost him $1700. Where is the
accountability? He was encouraged by the Planning staff that moving the street I
ft. was a good solution. He attended the workshop with Council and the Planning
Commission and no feedback was given. He was moving things and trying to
meet every letter of the law, and no feedback. Ifthe City cut out the $700 bill and
does not think twice about it, Mr. Bischel felt there was more fat to cut. He has
not received anything from Engineering telling him what they did for that amount
oftime. Ifhe works for someone and gives them an invoice, he needs to know
what was done. Plats and lot splits are complex to go through. Mr. Bischel felt
there should be a minimum amount charged for processing a plat. Ifthe cost goes
over that, then it should be charged. He was struggling with the $900 and the
$700, and the past bills. When there are billable rates in the $300,000 range, that
is not accountability.
Mayor Soderberg stated Mr. Bischel's circumstance did make the City look at the
process and one suggestion he made was to identify an amount up front so
developers know coming in there are review charges and what they are. This is
being refined. The guidance Mr. Bischel was looking for on his project, could not
be given during a workshop as it would have been illegal. A workshop is to talk
about policy and Council cannot talk about specifics of a single project. Council
was looking at a broad picture of the types of redevelopments that might occur in
the downtown. Council gave guidance to the Planning Commission as to what
they are looking for and they have acted on that. The Planning Commission did
deny the plat at the November 13, 2007 meeting and the charges Mr. Bischel
incurred are subsequent to that denial. Once that denial occurred, the Planning
Commission sent it to the Council and in the interim there was a request to have it
reconsidered, and the Planning Commission chose not to. The Planning
Commission's recommendation came to the Council, and Council understood
there were some changes made, but the Planning Commission recommended
Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 3
denial and there was nothing to persuade the Council to do anything but support
the Planning Commission's recommendation.
Councilmember Pritzlaff stated at the workshop there was a lot of discussion
about whether it would be a public or a private street that would serve the
property. He recalled the outcome of the workshop was that the City did not want
to split properties in the downtown and create private streets. Once the Planning
Commission denied the plat, there should not have been any more action taken.
There was a risk in bringing this to the City after it was denied.
Councilmember Wilson stated Mr. Bischel did bring up one good point regarding
the mileage. That fact has Councilmember Wilson concerned enough to table this
for further review.
Councilmember McKnight supported staff s recommendation, but to also look at
the mileage.
MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by McKnight to send the bill to Mr. Bischel as
presented, but in the future staff should stop the process after denial, and to
review the mileage. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Bischel clarified that after all his comments, staffwill be looking at the
mileage, a $12 item. We are not looking at billable rates. No one seems to be
concerned that a billable rate of $320,000/year is excessive. He follows a dollar
closer than Council does. Because of that he has been successful at what he does,
because he can give people a really good value for their money. He was not
feeling the value today. He did not feel the value in what Council was bringing
forward. Regarding the denial by the Planning Commission and forwarding it to
Council, Mr. Bischel felt Council could have looked at it and opened it up for
discussion even after the City Attorney pointed out Mr. Bischel was in attendance.
Councilmember Pritzlaff stated at the pre-meeting he told Council he would be in
favor if the applicant is not present, to put it on the consent agenda. However,
nothing in the packet had changed his mind and he left it on consent. The
Planning Commission did their work, forwarded it to the Council, and Council
reviewed it in the packet. Mr. Bischel stated if the Planning Commission
forwards something to Council, he felt there should be some discussion and not
put on consent. Ifthings go on consent, Council is not needed. If someone takes
the time to show up wanting to discuss something, it should be discussed.
Ms. Shannon Walsh, 816 2nd Street, was in attendance to follow-up on her e-mail to
Council dated January 15, 2008 regarding the property at 808 2nd Street. After contacting
City staff, she learned it was the owner's intent to have internal remodeling and
expansion and to continue triplex use. She contacted the City Planner on January 7 and
14, 2008 to communicate the property was in violation of five requirements of non-
conforming use as defined by City Code 10-4-2. Starting with reason four, non-
conforming use of this property ceased as of January 1,2008, as a triplex unit has been
Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 4
vacant since December 2006. Reason five, repairs to the structure exceeded the code
threshold of normal and incidental maintenance. She also reported a number of code
violations at this property. On January 15, 2008 the City Planner responded that the
Development Committee and the City Attorney had decided to allow the triplex usage
citing the reason ofthe plat review process for this property. City code states in the event
that any non-conforming use ceases for whatever reason for a period of one year, such
non-conforming use shall not be resumed. The non-conforming use of the rental ofthree
units ceased on January 1, 2008, when one unit began its 13th month of vacancy. Another
unit will reach the 13th month vacancy in March 2008. Both units are currently
uninhabitable. Other code violations identified in her January 7, 2008 e-mail to the City
Planner included parking on the lawn, debris everywhere on the property, and outdoor
storage of a refrigerator with the door still on it, all violations ofthe City code and all
remain unaddressed and unabated. The property at 808 2nd Street has been illegal and
non-conforming use since the law changed in February 2002 outlawing multi-family
units in R-2 zoning. Code states that a zoning certificate must be obtained within one
year by the owner of any non-conforming use as evidence that the use lawfully existed
prior to the adaptation of the provision which made the use non-conforming. On August
27,2003, 18 months after the code changed, Mr. Kevin Carroll responded to her request
regarding the zoning certificate, saying no certificate existed. As there is no evidence
that this property has been a lawful non-conforming use as required by code, and the
City's assertion that this property is a legal non-conforming use, is without the code
required evidence. In her e-mail on January 15, 2008, she questioned whether repairs to
the non-conforming structure could remain under the 50% fair market value as required
by code. The code requires that if replaced, it shall conform to the requirements of the
title. Again, title does not allow triplexes in R-2. The property owner indicated on his
building permit that he was planning an interior remodel, including new roof, new siding,
new windows. The permit did not address the necessary plumbing and electrical work,
nor did it give a cost estimate. She felt the scope ofthe project does exceed its 50%
value. The two units that need to be rebuilt have been gutted down to bare studs, will
need new flooring as the old flooring has been removed, wallboard, bathrooms, kitchen
fixtures, cabinets, countertops, and interior doors. This plus the proposed remodel of
roof, siding and windows. Code states that normal maintenance of a non-conforming
structure is acceptable including non-structural repairs and incidental maintenance. The
complete gutting and proposed remodel of 2/3 ofthe non-conforming structure clearly
exceeds non-structural and incidental maintenance. City code 10-1-4- states no structure
shall be located, constructed, reconstructed, moved, converted or enlarged, nor shall any
structure or land be used or designated to be used except in full compliance with all
provisions ofthis title and after the lawful issuance of all building permits and
certificates. This non-conforming use of the property has expired because it lacks the
required zoning certificate, it has ceased non-conforming use, work done exceeds non-
structural and incidental maintenance and she suspects the cost to repair the unit exceeds
50% of its value. In addition to code, she would also like to cite precedent. Since 2004,
five properties on 2nd Street have been extensively reconstructed and brought up to
current City code with such things as expanded or newly constructed garages, paved
parking surfaces and landscaping. All ofthese properties are compliant with R-2 zoning,
have been completely rebuilt and not just partially reconstructed unlike what is being
Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 5
proposed at 808 2nd Street. She fails to see the reason why this property owner is being
given special consideration and is allowed to circumvent code, when other similar
projects on the street have not been given the same opportunity. On February 1, 2008,
she received a notice for a public hearing on 808 2nd Street for a proposed expansion
which requires a variance. Code 4-2-1 states a non-conforming use may be continued,
but may not be extended, expanded or changed, unless to a conforming use in accordance
with the provisions of this title. Triplexes are not allowed under this title, however,
overlooking that fact, there are other changes that would need to occur at this property in
order to bring it into code compliance including changes to the current parking situation.
She requested the Council exercise their authority to bring the property into full
compliance of code under title 10.
Mr. Bischel stated there is debris around the property. There is hail damage to the
building so he is replacing the roof, siding and windows. There are no structural
alterations to the building. The refrigerator and debris will be removed tomorrow. The
triplex has been there since 1880. The current request going to the Planning Commission
is for a fire escape for the building. It is not an expansion of the square footage. It is
exterior. As far as Ms. Walsh monitoring the interior ofthe building, that is trespassing,
and he asked her not to trespass on his property. Mayor Soderberg noted staffwill
respond to Ms. Walsh's request and copy him on the response.
Councilmember Pritzlaff stated Council has gone back and forth regarding a code
enforcement officer. It seems violations have recently been coming to Council. He was
struggling with when a complaint comes forward, why are we not dealing with that code
violation. Certain complaints are coming that will force the City to have a code
enforcement officer. He does not want to do that, but the resident has stated legitimate
codes that are not being followed. As a City we need to look at our codes and follow
them. Ifwe have to have a code enforcement officer, that individual should work for the
Council, not a department in the City. He would like to think residents can take care of
their properties to the extent that neighbors are not forcing the City to get involved.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by McKnight, second by Wilson to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a) Approved Council Minutes (1122/08 Regular)
b) Approved Temporary On-Sale Liquor License - Administration
c) Approved School and Conference - Parks and Recreation
d) Approved School and Conference - Human Resources
e) Approved Change Order Hunter Lift Station - Engineering
f) Approved Appointment Recommendation Assistant Fire Chief - Human
Resources
g) Approved Appointment Recommendation Captain - Human Resources
h) Approved Appointment Recommendation Lieutenant - Human Resources
i) Authorized RFP Closed Circuit Security System - Finance/Human Resources
j) Approved Capital Outlay - Municipal Services
k) Adopted RESOLUTION R7-08 Authorized Advertisement for Bids - Municipal
Services
Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 6
I) Adopted RESOLUTION R8-08 Approved Assessment Agreement - Engineering
m) Approved Bills
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. AWARD OF CONTRACT
10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a) City Hall Project Budget Update - Finance
Staff presented an updated City Hall construction budget. It includes information
from 2004 - 2006 which included planning and architectural fees as well as 2007
expenses. This shows what has been spent as of the end of 2007 on the new City
Hall construction project. Expenses are within budget and there is 75% of the
construction contract remaining. The proceeds from the bonds were invested in
cash flow investments. The interest on those investments as been diverted back to
the project. Through the end of2007, there was $200,000 in interest and mark to
market adjustments. The transfer ofthe land purchase to the EDA also occurred
this year for the Blaha building which will be the site ofthe parking lot.
Councilmember McKnight noted in engineering expenditures, $29,000 more was
spent than estimated. Staff explained Bonestroo was used to deal with some civil
engineering issues with elevations which saved money in change orders.
Councilmember McKnight asked when the furniture would be purchased. City
Administrator Herlofsky stated they hope to move in around June. Staff is touring
other City Halls and bids will be taken within the next 60-90 days. Finance
Director Roland noted in the past Wold's services have been used at an additional
fee to put together the furniture package. There is an internal committee of staff
to put the furniture bid together.
b) Preliminary December 2007 Financial Report - Finance
Staff noted $725,000 was added to the general fund balance due to under
spending and exceeding revenues. A 1 % under spend amounts to $80,000. The
building permit revenues exceeded budget. Charges for services are larger than
the original budget due to charges for services to the surrounding townships for
fire contracts. The interest income is larger due to a positive mark to market
requirement. Staff requested they consider changing the revised 2007 budget for
four reasons:
1. In 2007 when staff budgeted for the DCC, the operation and capital costs
were combined into one number, $302,310. $244,000 was for operation costs, the
remaining $58,500 was for capital items purchased for the DCC. When the
capital items were purchased, the joint powers agreement provided for individual
Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 7
debt for each of the 13 cities. Staff requested to move the money already in the
budget from the general fund to the debt service fund to pay for the bonds.
2. The 2007 budget reflected some personnel who did not spend their time
entirely at the arena, but at the arena, the pool, and the building maintenance area.
Because ofthese changes, the pool and the Rambling River Center are in a deficit
of $23,000. Staff asked for an increase in the transfer from the general fund to
eliminate the deficit.
3. The ice arena fund did not receive the $50,000 transfer from the liquor
store in 2007 because there was no profit at the liquor store in 2006. As a result,
there was not a full recovery in the arena in 2007. There was a $9,000 swing and
there is still a deficit in the ice arena which a transfer would alleviate at year end.
4. As part of the fire contract with the townships, the City charges for
depreciation on fire equipment. In 2007 the 2nd fire station came on line for
depreciation amounting to $50,000 for that building. More money was billed on
the fire contract than anticipated. Staff requested Council authorize a transfer
from the general fund to a debt service fund of $50,000 to support the bonds that
built fire station 2. This money would come from the proceeds of the township
fire contracts.
The actual change to the general fund would be $105,000, so instead of adding
$725,000 to the bottom line, $622,000 would be added. This would bring the
fund balance as a percentage of annual expenditures from 21 % at the end of 2006,
to 25.6% at the end of2007.
MOTION by Wilson, second by Pritzlaffto adopt RESOLUTION R9-08
revising the general fund budget for year ended December 31, 2007. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
c) Adopt Resolution - Approve Final Draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan -
Planning
City Planner Smick presented the final draft ofthe 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Parks and Recreation Director Distad presented the 2030 Parks and Recreation
Master Plan. Included in the master plan are parks, trails, facilities and open
spaces.
There are eight planning parameters for the Comprehensive Plan:
1. By 2030 Farmington's population will be 32,700 with 12,500 homes and a
net density of3.25 units per acre.
2. The Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed every 2-3 years.
3. There is currently a 3-4 year supply of vacant lots totaling 879 lots.
4. Farmington will grow into the residential MUSA of914.49 acres.
5. The City will meet its affordable housing requirement of 492 units by
adding 210 acres of medium-high density.
Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 8
6. The City will request MUSA for 106 acres of commercial and 316 acres of
industrial.
7. The City has submitted 15 Comprehensive Plans in two years. The plan
will be sent to surrounding jurisdictions for comment.
8. The City will continue to consult with the Metropolitan Council sector rep.
Staff is requesting MUSA for 1,053 acres for residential, commercial 1 06 acres
and 316 acres for industrial. For residential, Council has already approved
Fountain Valley, Devney and Winkler properties, Fairhill, and the Spruce Street
corridor. This makes the 1,053 acres. The industrial is to the west of Pilot Knob
Road and north ofCR50. Commercial is along the west side of Pilot Knob and
various areas along CR50. There will be an area of industrial along Fairgreen
Avenue.
City Planner Smick explained the Thoroughfare Plan showing the east-west
corridors to Cedar Avenue. 208th Street will go through the industrial park area
and turns into 202nd Street (CR50) and continues to 35W. There is a local
collector on the east side of Pilot Knob which is 203rd Street. On the west side of
Pilot Knob it becomes 200th Street which is the alignment of CR64. On Cedar
Avenue there could be the possibility of two intersections close together.
Farmington has over 500 commuters to Eagan. There are 250 commuters coming
to Farmington. Staff proposed a park and ride lot at the Police Station, at 208th
and Pilot Knob, at City Center, and at Fairhill on TH3.
Upon Council approval, staffwill be sending the Comprehensive Plan to
surrounding jurisdictions for comments. They have six months for review.
During this time, the Planning Commission will discuss action steps and prepare
work plan processes. The deadline for comments is August 12,2008. The final
plan will then be sent to the Met Council for a 60-day review. Approval should
come in December 2008.
City Administrator Herlofsky noted the Comprehensive Plan was done by City
Planner Smick and Assistant City Planner Wippler. The City can be very proud
of this plan.
Councilmember Pritzlaff thanked staff for the work they did. It saved the City a
great deal of money. There was so much to read, he would have liked Council to
receive the document the same time as the Planning Commission to allow for
more time to read it. Regarding the park and ride system, the nearest one is 157th
Street and Pilot Knob Road station and he asked that be added. Councilmember
Pritzlaffhas a concern with the close proximity of200th Street and 202nd Street on
Cedar Avenue. From 140th Street to 170th Street in Apple Valley they want to
eliminate several intersections which is 3 miles. If the county wants to eliminate
that many intersections to a major thoroughfare, why would there be a plan
Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 9
showing these two intersections so close. The City wanted to open Spruce Street
to TH3, but the county said it was too close to Elm Street.
Councilmember Wilson thanked staff for all their work and commented on how
well organized the meetings were. Internal communication, communication with
the Council and public was great.
Councilmember McKnight agreed with talking with Lakeville regarding the
intersections of 200th Street and 202nd Street. He thanked staff and the Planning
Commission for all their work.
MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson to approve the final draft of the
Farmington 2030 Comprehensive Plan 2008 Update and authorize its distribution
of adjacent jurisdictions. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by
McKnight, second by Pritzlaffto approve the Final Draft ofthe Local Surface
Water Management Plan and authorize its distribution to the Vermillion River
Watershed Joint Powers Organization. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Amend Ordinance - City Boulevard Trees - Planning
The boulevard tree route includes major collector streets on the City's
Thoroughfare Plan that are allowed to be planted with boulevard trees. The City
boulevard includes the area between property lines on either side of all streets,
avenues, or ways within the City. Lot frontage trees will now identify the trees in
new developments developers must propose on the landscape plan. They should
be set back 10ft. into the private property. Boulevard trees will continue to
include the existing trees in boulevards throughout the City as well as trees
proposed by developers on the landscape plan and installed by them on the City
approved boulevard tree routes. Regarding replacement of trees, the City shall be
responsible for removing existing boulevard trees that have died or sustained
severe damage. The City will replace trees on designated boulevard tree routes.
It is at the homeowner's discretion to replace any boulevard tree on their private
property. The tree cannot be replaced in the boulevard. The City will inspect and
trim existing boulevard trees. The homeowners will be responsible for trimming
lot frontage trees in new developments. Utilities will continue to be installed
within the lOft front yard drainage and utility easement or under the sidewalk.
The City employs a Natural Resources Specialist to maintain trees, so the
Reforestation Advisory Commission can be dissolved.
Councilmember Wilson felt Council was taking away City liability by doing this,
but there could be some frustrated residents.
Mayor Soderberg suggested in replacement of trees it creates a hardship on the
existing developments. If a boulevard tree is removed, he would like the wording
to allow a homeowner to replace the tree in the boulevard in existing
developments. This would be at the homeowner's expense. In new developments
Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 10
trees should be placed in the lot frontage. The City would be responsible for
trimming boulevard trees.
Councilmember Wilson noted with utilities going through the front yard there is
not a lot of room. Staffhas discussed with utility companies reducing the 10 ft
easement for utilities in the front yards and they will not change it. City
Administrator Herlofsky noted if developers are aware of this, they may layout
their plan differently. Councilmember Wilson urged staff to talk more with the
utility companies. Staffwill change the wording in the ordinance and bring it
back to Council.
12. NEW BUSINESS
a) Municipal State Aid Designation 195th Street - Engineering
The funding for the TH3 roundabout project would come from MSA funds. In
order to use MSA funds the highway has to be located in the City. The City is in
the process of annexing this portion ofTH3. Unless the roads that tie into the
roundabout are designated as state aid roads, state funding cannot be used. Staff
proposed to revoke the MSA designation on Flagstaff Avenue from 208th Street
south to CSAH 50. In conjunction with the balance of miles left to designate in
the City, that will bring our total up to enough that 195th Street can be designated
as a MSA route from Akin Road to TH3 to allow the City to use the MSA
funding. MOTION by Wilson, second by McKnight to adopt RESOLUTION
R12-08 revoking the Municipal State Aid designation for the portion of Flagstaff
Avenue between 21th Street and 208th Street and designating 195th Street from
Akin Road to TH3 as a Municipal State Aid street. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
b) 2008/2009 Holiday Hours - Administration
Staff noted December 26,2008 and January 2,2009 are Fridays and proposed
closing City Hall those days. Employees would take vacation time or a floating
holiday. Council had a concern with making employees use vacation time and
felt City Hall should be open those days.
13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Councilmember Wilson:
night.
There will be a caucus held for the major parties tomorrow
Councilmember Pritzlaff: Residents have contacted him regarding the house on ih
Street and Elm Street. The siding was removed over a weekend and during the week the
City stopped the work as a demolition permit was required. The owner has not applied
for a permit, so Councilmember Pritzlaff asked staffto contact the City Attorney as to
what the City can do.
Mayor Soderberg: He attended the Metropolitan Council State ofthe Region
presentation by Peter Bell.
Council Minutes (Regular)
February 4, 2008
Page 11
He received an e-mail from the League of Minnesota Cities regarding the House of
Representatives Property Tax Relief and Local Sales Tax Division. On February 6 and 7,
2008 they will be on the road to talk to residents about property taxes. The closest
meeting is at the Eagan City Hall from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. on February 6,2008.
He attended a Going Green Summit by the High Performance Partnership in Rosemount.
Randy Distad and Lena Larson also attended. He felt there were some things the City
could look at such as rain gardens and how we manage storm water.
14. ADJOURN
MOTION by McKnight, second by Pritzlaffto adjourn at 9:49 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
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Cynthia Muller
Executive Assistant