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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.21.05 Council Minutes COUNCIL MINUTES PRE-MEETING MARCH 21, 2005 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, Fogarty, McKnight, Pritzlaff, Wilson None David Urbia, City Administrator; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Kevin Carroll, Community Development Director; Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director; Lee Mann, Director of Public Works/City Engineer; Lisa Shadick, Administrative Services Director; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant 2. APPROVE AGENDA MOTION by Wilson, second by McKnight to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS 4. COUNCIL REVIEW OF AGENDA Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about item 70) Ash Street Easement Acquisition. City Engineer Mann replied this is for property owners that have settled. There are two properties that have the agreements in the mail and four or five are outstanding out of a total of 42. The total budget impact so far is approximately $30,000. Councilmember Wilson stated there was an interest in moving item 109) to consent, but he had some questions. He wanted to see more park dedication over the 4.3. The operation of a lift station was discussed. Councilmember Wilson asked if there had been any concerns with the platting of Park view Ponds. Mayor Soderberg replied the biggest concern was residents from Embers Avenue being concerned with how the development would line up with Embers Avenue. Councilmember McKnight and Wilson wanted to see a presentation on this. It was not moved to Consent. Councilmember McKnight made a correction to the March 7, 2005 minutes, where he abstained from a vote. Councilmember Fogarty asked about the AUAR for the Giles/Murphy property. It mentioned about commercial being four stories and asked if the City could have buildings that tall. City Engineer Mann did not believe anything in the code prohibited four stories. The fire department would require equipment to deal with that height. He will also check with the FAA on height restrictions. Community Development Director Carroll noted the original concept plan did not show commercial in this area. This information was given directly from the developer to the engineer. The Planning Council Minutes (Pre-Meeting) March 21,2005 Page 2 Commission has not discussed this and staffhas not taken a position on this. It covers 3 acres out of 400 acres. Councilmember Fogarty noted there is a huge protected area for wetland classification in the northeastern part of the parkland dedication. She asked if that will cause problems with developing the park. Parks and Recreation Director Distad replied no, that would be a natural, open-space area. It would be encircled with a trail. The AUAR shows parkland dedication of 20 acres and Parkview Ponds is four acres. She had understood the park was supposed to link up and be a 35-acre park. She asked where we lost 10 acres. Parks and Recreation Director Distad replied the park is not shown in phase 1, but it is shown in phase 2. Staffwill work with the developer to acquire the 35 acres, whether through park dedication or fee acquisition. The plan for the 35-acre park was to build an athletic complex. Part of the 35 acres will come from the property to the east, the Iola Harris property. The Giles property and Harris property will be combined to create the 35 acres. Parkview Ponds will not connect to this park because the north- south road splits the area. Councilmember Pritzlaff also asked about the AUAR and infrastructure development. Staff explained how the infrastructure systems would be reviewed. As far as the extension of Diamond Path, he assumed the road would be built as development occurred. He asked if Diamond Path north of the river would be built into this project. Staff noted the project will start in the north and move south. Until the southern portion is developed that connection could not be made. As the area south of 195th is developed, Diamond Path will be built. Councilmember Pritzlaffthen asked about the location of sensitive receptors. Sherri Buss, Bonestroo, explained these are noise sensitive receptors for residential uses, not industrial or commercial uses. Mayor Soderberg will be moving several items to the Consent Agenda from PRe. City Administrator Urbia suggested moving item 10i) after lOa). 5. STAFF COMMENTS 6. ADJOURN MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to adjourn at 6:56 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, ~ ,p~ //-' //-- P?~ ynthia Muller Executive Assistant COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MARCH 21, 2005 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, Fogarty, McKnight, Pritzlaff, Wilson None Andrea Poehler, City Attorney; David Urbia, City Administrator; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Kevin Carroll, Community Development Director; Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director; Lee Mann, Director of Public Works/City Engineer; Lisa Shadick, Administrative Services Director; Lee Smick, City Planner; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant Katherine Koch-Laveen, John Anderson, Jon Fruchtman, Sherri Buss, Matt Corrigan, Derek Kuehn, Tom Gindorff, Chris Gindorff, John Kapustka, Tom Armstrong, Bob Kriha, Frederick Melo 4. APPROVE AGENDA City Administrator Urbia added item 10i) Review/Approve Draft AUAR for Farmington Giles/Murphy Property. He suggested moving this after lOa). Mayor Soderberg pulled item 7f) for discussion, and moved items lOb )d)e) to Consent Agenda. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Pritzlaffto approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Introduce New Employee - Solid Waste Mr. Todd Stephenson was introduced as the new Solid Waste employee. b) Introduce Promoted Employee - Public Works Mr. Jeff Jones was introduced as the new Maintenance Worker in Public Works. 6. CITIZEN COMMENTS Mr. Tom Gindorff, Boy Scout Troop 119, thanked Councilmember Pritzlafffor his participation in their March 14 troop meeting. They are working on obtaining their citizenship merit badge and one of the requirements is to interview a leader in the community. Councilmember Pritzlaff discussed issues with the Ash Street project and the Great River Energy project. Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 2 Mr. John Kapustka, 19482 Evening Star Way, has been keeping track ofthe high school site issue. He wanted to give an update and keep the community's interest. It appeared to him the school district is playing a game of chicken with the Council, Planners, staff and citizens regarding the Flagstaff Avenue site. Last Thursday, there was an Environmental Quality Board meeting to consider the school's request to move the Christensen property out of ag preserve. What was at stake was a vote to schedule a public hearing in Farmington so the EQB could hear arguments for and against changing the designation which would allow the district to build a high school in that location. Despite the recommendation ofEQB staff, Mr. John Larson, and despite the wishes of the Met Council and the Department of Agriculture, the motion failed 5 to 4, which means a 60 day review period expired today, which allows the school to proceed with their plans without a local public hearing. In the district's presentation, their attorney stated regardless whether there was a public hearing, regardless of whether the EQB approved or not, regardless of a potential one year delay or not, the school does not intend to find another site on their own. They do not care ifthere is overcrowding. Even ifthe comp plan is not changed, even ifthey cannot get the Christensen site rezoned, even if a conditional use permit is not granted, and even if they cannot get plat approval in time for the high school to be opened in the fall of 2008, they are holding kids hostage to overcrowding to get the Flagstaff Avenue site. He does not find that acceptable. There is a need for a high school and it needs a site. Mr. Kapustka presented a map showing the proposed location. Recently the City announced there will be a new north- south route from 160th Street southward between Pilot Knob Road and Hwy 3. This is an extension of Diamond Path. It will intersect 195th Street east of Akin Elementary. Further east is a potential site for a Community Center. Further east yet, is an area along Hwy 3 across from Southern Hills Golf Course. Mr. Kapustka feels this area would be a perfect location for the high school. The district will oppose that because it would require eminent domain. That is not a bad thing. It fits in so well with the 2020 comp plan and the current population base it is a great site. It is at the intersection of a planned four-lane road. 195t Street can be expanded to four lanes and also Hwy 3. It is within a half mile of Diamond Path. It is a great place for ball fields and soccer fields and perhaps these could be shared with the Community Center. It is a lot closer to the current population. We would not be wasting millions of dollars building roads from Flagstaff Avenue to make this safe for the traffic and we would not have kids sharing the road with farm machinery. Leadership will be needed from the Council with support from staff, the Planning Commission and the school district to have an open mind. He would like the City and school to work on this together and feels most people would support that. More than 14% of eligible voters voted in the last referendum. That is where we got the $112 million part of which is being spent to build a high school where it does not make sense. He challenged everyone to remember both the school district and the City are using our tax dollars for this. You and I are paying for this one way or the other, so we might as well end up with something we can all be proud of forever. Weare about to leave our mark on the landscape. He asked that we use common sense and do it right. Council Minutes (Regular) March 21, 2005 Page 3 a) Mr. John Ristow - Ash Street Project Mr. Jonathan Fruchtman was representing Mr. John Ristow, owner of two lots at 1014 7th Street that will be impacted by the Ash Street project specifically the proposed sidewalk and five trees on his property. There continues to be a high degree of concern by the affected property owners as to the affect ofthis sidewalk on their property. He provided a petition signed by eight landowners that will be affected other than Mr. Ristow who are opposed to the current plan regarding the sidewalk. As this Council is aware, there are five trees planted in a row, which are barrier trees on Mr. Ristow's property. He noted at a prior Council meeting, he reviewed a video tape, there was a statement these trees may be in the right-of- way. They believe this is incorrect. Mr. Ristow has secured a recent survey which indicates that all five trees are not on the right-of-way, but are in fact, on his property and the City would therefore, be required to compensate Mr. Ristow for the destruction of those trees. These trees are Colorado spruce trees, about 12 years old. They are large trees, approximately 14-20 ft. high. They form an important part ofthe value of Mr. Ristow's property. They do this by beautification, they do this as a place for wildlife and song birds to congregate and they do this by providing a privacy barrier to his property as well. The City has suggested that the trees can be moved. He believed there are various estimates the City has received for this. He thought the latest was $175 per tree. They think these are dramatically too low. In fact, Mr. Ristow has secured an estimate from a specialist who is very knowledgeable about moving Colorado spruces and he estimates the cost of moving these trees would be $6,000 and that includes a guarantee ifthe trees don't survive to repair them. What it doesn't include, and he believed what is not included in the estimates provided by the City, is that once these trees are moved that is not the end of the equation. The trees have to be cared for over a period of up to six years and this would require a significant expense by the City. Even with this type of care, even with fully professional moving by knowledgeable experts, the trees still are as likely as not, not to survive. They have a letter and an article, and will provide copies to the Council, from a Professor Gary R. Johnson of the University of Minnesota who is an expert regarding Colorado spruce, moving of Colorado spruce, likelihood of survival and what needs to be done to care for them. They think this is an expensive proposition to move the trees and to care for the trees and likely as not . will not be a successful proposition. Professor Johnson estimates that trees such as these, can add a value to a property of 9-27% of the total property value. Mr. Ristow has instructed him, ifhe cannot resolve this matter, they would prefer to resolve it, he knows the Council prefers not to use their eminent domain power and would prefer a resolution, but if they are unable to do that and the City proceeds with eminent domain, they will appeal and he thinks they ultimately will receive a significant reward and ultimately the expense to the City will be greater. They would like to see a win-win solution and they do not think all the solutions have been considered at this point. They think the current proposal is something all the parties will eventually lose in a way that is not necessary and in a way that is not cost effective for anyone. From reviewing the video tapes of the prior Council meetings, it is clear the City has a number of concerns. He believed one Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 4 ofthe proposals made by Councilmember Pritzlaff, or not a proposal but something he had raised, was that the sidewalk be placed on the curb. He thought that what might save the trees as well in this situation would be if the sidewalk, rather than placed on the curb, is if the boulevard were shortened from 6 ft. to 2 ft. If these were done, perhaps you could still maintain a 5 ft. sidewalk, not a larger sidewalk. He was here representing Mr. Ristow. He was not here representing other property owners. He thought Mr. Ristow has a unique situation with these trees that might not apply to other property owners, although they certainly have their concerns as well. If this was done for Mr. Ristow's property he did not think the value in a uniform straight sidewalk would be outweighed by the other values of saving the trees and saving the cost and saving the value to Mr. Ristow's property. That value and uniformity would be overcome. He thought if this was done, another concern stated by the Mayor and Council was safety of people using that sidewalk. If there was a shorter boulevard that would allow the trees not to have to be moved he thought there would be adequate safety with a shorter boulevard, but still a boulevard for individuals using that particular sidewalk. It is important to note that when moving these trees, as Professor Johnson indicates, 95% of the root system is destroyed. You simply cannot move mature trees like this safely, particularly Colorado spruce. Professor Johnson has done studies on this. In the article provided, he indicates there is a substantial to medium risk that these trees will be destroyed even though they were moved perfectly, professionally, and cared for well. The risk is still high. They think there are other ideas that have not been explored. Such as the idea he just suggested, does not involve moving the utility pole. It won't delay the project. He knew that had been a concern of the Council as well. It won't create the underground utilities to have to be moved. It would satisfy all concerned and it would be a plus for everyone. He thought the alternative is that Mr. Ristow feels, the trees are moved they will likely be destroyed and placed in a position closer to his home which will block the view and rather than being a privacy plus for his home, they will be obstructing the view. As such he feels there will be substantial damage and he is certainly interested in pursuing that, but we would much rather pursue a win-win solution and they think that can still be done. It is not too late. They think the situation with Mr. Ristow's property is a unique one and a unique solution can be found to save those trees and satisfy the reasonable concerns of the City of Farmington. Mayor Soderberg asked Mr. Fruchtman to provide his documentation to the City Administrator. Typically protocol is that staffwill respond to each of your points in writing. Councilmember Pritzlaff stated on behalf of Council he has done a lot of research on the property. Both Councilmembers Wilson and McKnight have been involved as well as the Mayor has also gone to the site. At this point in time, the last thing he proposed was to move the sidewalk back. Engineering will provide Mr. Fruchtman with figures and Councilmember Pritzlaff faxed three copies to Mr. Jerry Ristow in Florida. One has to do with the cost of moving poles. Even if we move that back, and with the widening of the sidewalk for safety, we are talking a minimum of $60,000, close to $85,000 possibly. With Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 5 those figures we have taken a turn of not being able to do that, also with the safety issue. When he spoke with Mr. Jerry Ristow, he did not specifically say, but he was more leaning toward not moving the trees, but possibly trimming them. Jerry Ristow told him to go to 203rd Street and look at the trees by a sidewalk that are trimmed. He did not know if that was an option Mr. Fruchtman was going to propose to Council to trim the trees. He told Jerry Ristow on the phone that they are sticking beyond the right-of-way. Although the trunks are on his property, the branches are sticking 4-5 ft. over the right-of-way. It is not something Jerry Ristow said, but Councilmember Pritzlaff questioned him as to do you want us to trim these without moving them. He mentioned another place in Farmington where they had been trimmed. Is that an option that he is looking at, is trimming the trees? Staffwill get back with some information Councilmember Pritzlaffhad gotten to Jerry Ristow on this. They had done some leg work that just doesn't seem like it will work out to where we don't do something like that. Councilmember Pritlzaff stated he would leave it up to City staffto respond to Mr. Fruchtman and get some information. He wanted to comment on some of the things he found out. Mr. Fruchtman asked to respond briefly. He thought the $60,000-$85,000 figures if all the sidewalks for that proj ect in that particular area were moved to the curb, he suggested Mr. Ristow's property is unique and these trees are unique. Perhaps this could be done for his property and not other properties and the expense would be substantially less. Overall they are suggesting, it is their belief, that the cost would be less to the City for that portion of that $60,000 attributable to Mr. Ristow's property, than it would be if something cannot be worked out and this matter has to proceed through litigation. Mr. Scott Thompson, 1021 ih Street, stated he was one that signed the petition. He thought the biggest win for everyone would be don't put the sidewalk in from Hwy 3 to 6th Street. He watches out the window all the time, and sees maybe three people walk down there a week if that. Even during the fair, no one parks on ih Street to walk down there, it is too far. They have the new entrance offHwy 3 where most people pull in and park ifthey will be parking on the fairgrounds or they park on 2nd through 4t\ or maybe to 6th Street, but very few park on 6th Street. To save the City money for fighting over the trees, save us some headaches that live there, the best solution is not to put the sidewalk in from Hwy 3 down to 6th Street. He thought it was something Council should consider. 7. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: a) Approved Council Minutes (3/7/05 Regular) (3/1/05 Special) b) Received Information February 2005 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes- Parks and Recreation c) Approved School and Conference - Parks and Recreation d) Received Information Capital Outlay - Parks and Recreation e) Adopted RESOLUTION R28-05 Accepting Donation - Parks and Recreation Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 6 Mayor Soderberg noted this donation was from Aquila for the Reuse-A-Shoe program. Parks and Recreation Director Distad explained how the program operates. The shoes are sent to Nike to be ground up for court resurfacing material. g) Received Information January and February 2005 Financial Report - Finance h) Received Information School and Conference - Finance i) Approved Appointment Recommendation Community Development - Human Resources Mayor Soderberg noted Ms. Tina Schwanz has been working as an intern and was promoted to Economic Development Specialist. This will go a long way toward achieving one of Council's goals. j) Authorized Advertisement for Bids - Public Works k) Acknowledged City Participation in Spring Auction - Administration 1) Approved School and Conference - Administration m) Approved Encroachment and Maintenance Agreement-Farmington Lanes- Administration n) Adopted ORDINANCE 005-526 Deleting BP (Business Park) Zoning District - Community Development 0) Approved Easement Acquisition - Ash Street Project - Engineering p) Authorized Appealing EQB Decision Concerning Power Line Routing - Community Development q) Approved Bills 10. b) Adopted RESOLUTION R29-05 Approving School District Speed Study Request - Engineering d) Acknowledged Receipt of Grant - Fire Department Mayor Soderberg noted this grant was received from the Department of Homeland Security. Fire Chief Kuchera and the Fire Department received the grant in excess of$110,000. He congratulated them for ajob well done. This will go a long way in providing equipment for the firefighters. Fire Chief Kuchera thanked Council and staff for their support in working with them to make this happen. It is not something that is over with. They will continue to apply for the grants on a yearly basis. e) Adopted RESOLUTION R30-05 Amending 2020 Comprehensive Plan from Restricted Development - Community Development APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. f) Adopt Resolution - Supporting Electronics Recycling Legislation - Parks and Recreation In reading the letter Mayor Soderberg received from Commissioner Harris requiring manufacturers to be responsible for their waste is not something he opposed. He had a problem with some of the sections of the actual legislation. Weare singling out one segment of industry and he asked ifthis is required oftire manufacturers, petroleum distillers, manufacturers of paints, appliances, chemical producers, batteries, all things identified as waste that have to go into our landfills or have to be recycled. He realizes the expansion of technology has created some challenges, this particular piece of legislation they are asked to endorse singles Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 7 out a manufacturer and he did not think how this will impact these manufacturers and the jobs and their ability to operate has been considered. He supported finding ways or the state seeks ways to find viable financing to eliminate CRT's from the waste stream, he has some problems with this particular legislation and could not support it. Councilmember Fogarty agreed. She is uncomfortable with the wording of the legislation. She agreed we need to make sure we address recycling. Farmington is being responsible in our curbside clean up day where these types of things can be taken care of. Mayor Soderberg asked if Council wanted to defeat this entirely or change the resolution to reflect their support of legislation that creates viable solutions for electronic waste before the prohibition. Change the resolution so we can convey we support working on this, but so it doesn't put our stamp of approval on this document. Councilmember Wilson preferred to vote on the resolution as is. Parks and Recreation Director Distad explained the state is trying to reduce the impact on government as far as being responsible for recycling and reusing the CRT's. So they are asking the manufacturers and retailers to help participate in this process so the burden doesn't fall entirely on the government to dispose or recycle CRT's. He realized there are a lot of regulations in the legislation. It will reduce the impact it will have on government once the legislation takes effect July 1,2005. Once it takes effect, they are no longer allowed to put any CRT's in the landfill. They have to go to recycle sites typically handled by government agencies. The CRT's from the curbside clean-up go to the Eco-Site in Eagan. Staffwas not familiar with the process they use, but it is run by the County. Mayor Soderberg was in favor of working with the manufacturers and retailers in finding ways to do this, but when it becomes legislation regulation, it is not asking them it is telling them you will pay and this is how much you will pay. He did not see any evidence that it has been asked of them to participate to find a solution. He agreed with partnerships, public-private partnerships to deal with the problem. There is a problem and he supports the legislature exploring that in a more amicable way. MOTION by McKnight, second by Pritzlaffto approve the resolution supporting electronics recycling legislation. Voting for: McKnight, Pritzlaff. Voting against: Soderberg, Fogarty, Wilson. MOTION FAILED. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9. AWARD OF CONTRACT Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 8 10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS a) Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) Presentation - Engineering Ms. Katie Galloway from the Friends of the Mississippi and Ms. Katherine Koch- Laveen, a team leader from the Farmington Group gave a presentation on the 2004 data from the Wetland Health Evaluation Program. i) Review/Approve Draft AUAR - Farmington Giles/Murphy Property- Community Development Ms. Sherri Buss, Bonestroo Engineering, gave a presentation on the AUAR. This is an environmental review that looks at the potential impacts of a proposed development on the environment. There are 30 categories they review. This sets up a mitigation plan that suggests specific tools that will be used to avoid or mitigate for any of the impacts identified. This project covers 350 acres. The proposal is mainly residential development. The area drains to Middle Creek which drains to the Vermillion River. There were no problems with service utilities. There are very high quality wetlands in the area. The highest quality wetland is a protect wetland, and that is located in the center of the development. The City has wetland buffer requirements. There are no wetland buffer requirements by the state. A protect wetland requires a 75 ft. buffer to protect it from storm water runoff, the next class down requires a 50 ft. buffer. The buffers are based on the quality of the wetland. The higher the quality of the wetland, the higher the buffer required. The developer will be required to have those buffers and pre-treat storm water before it enters the wetlands, and manage storm water impacts to protect them based on the quality of the wetlands. As far as transportation, Diamond Path will be built as development continues to the south. Based on the projected traffic in 2015 that is when the connection from Akin Road to 195th Street should be complete. If it is possible to make this connection sooner, it will be done sooner. The developer expects Diamond Path to be completed by 2007. The housing would not be done in that amount oftime. They will need this road for access to the development. Enforcement of silt fencing will be handled in the Development Contract. As far as storm water management, the AUAR looks at what the soils are like, how much water will be generated by the development versus what is there now, then looks at what the agency requirements are in terms of managing that and says they believe they can treat the water adequately before it gets to the river using particular methods. AUAR's do not require they show the practices they will use. Everything that is done during development will need to be built to make sure the areas will function properly after development. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson to approve the AUAR as is. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. c) 2004 Annual Report Parks and Recreation Department - Parks and Recreation In 2004 the City offered 71 programs and events which resulted in 9,847 participants. The Rambling River Center offered 111 programs and activities resulting in 5,450 participants. There were six fund raising opportunities which raised just under $6,000. Improvements completed in 2004 included remodeling Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 9 of the Rambling River Center which provided new staff offices and a fitness room. There will be an open house April 4, 2005. There is also a new receptionist area and round tables were purchased for congregate dining, there is new space for a computer lab and the center wall was opened up. Regarding park planning, Hoisington Koegler was hired to assist with development of park master plans. Plans for Meadowview and Tamarack parks were completed and approved. In late 2004 master plans for Middle Creek, Vermillion Grove, Silver Springs and Hill Dee parks were developed and approved. The comprehensive plan was amended to include a revised existing and proposed park and trail open space plan map showing future locations of parks and trails. A five-year capital plan was completed for park improvements and development. Project highlights were development of Tamarack and Meadowview parks. A couple sections of trails were added mainly in the Meadowview park and the 195th Street trail between Akin Road and Pilot Knob Road. As far as park maintenance, 15 fields are dragged on a weekly basis and 19 fields are dragged for the school district. During the baseball season fields are dragged 578 times. Regarding the solid waste division, half the people use 60 gallon containers. In 2004, 7,270 tons of solid waste were hauled to the Pine Bend landfill and another 200 tons were taken to the Newport facility. Curbside clean-up day was also offered. The City contracts recycling to Dick's Sanitation. The total tonnage of recycled waste is 1,307 tons. The City recycled 292 tons of cardboard. The City also picked up Christmas trees and used the mulch for trees. In the ice arena the dasher board system was replaced, painted the exterior and interior, installed a new sign at the front entrance and landscaping and moved the flag pole and lit it. Seven new advertisement signs were sold. The diving boards were replaced at the pool. Two furnaces and an air conditioner were replaced at the fire station. The HRA purchased the Blaha building and it is used for vehicle storage. The City is fortunate to have such hard-working and dedicated staff in the Parks and Recreation Department. Council also thanked the Parks and Recreation staff for their hard work. f) Review Ordinance A-Frame Signs - Community Development The code currently does not allow A-frame signs. There have been a number of these signs displayed recently. Staff would like to include these signs in the code to allow businesses to use them. The requirements for the signs are that the business shall be allowed to display a portable sign up to 2 ft wide and 3 ft high on the sidewalk adjacent to the business during regular business hours. The sign shall be placed in front of the business they promote and not restrict pedestrian flow, therefore there is a need for insurance. The City Attorney made some changes providing for the inclusion of allowable zoning districts, require the City approve the permit with additional terms and conditions including location, duration, and design ~d also that appeals be heard at the Planning Commission rather than the Council. The districts included are the B-1, 2, 3 and 4. Fees will be the same as for a sign permit. MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to adopt ORDINANCE 005-527 for a text amendment for Section 10-6-3(a) 1 subd (t) of the Zoning Code. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 10 g) Adopt Resolution - Parkview Ponds Final Plat - Community Development The plat consists of 147 single family lots on 88 acres. Lot sizes range from 10,000 sq. ft to 17,600 sq. ft. There are a number of storm water ponds proposed to lift the housing pads. This is within the special waters district. The developer has been working with the environmental agencies to make sure they meet the requirements ofthe trout stream. To the east is the north-south corridor which links Akin Road to 195th Street. There is a 50 ft. easement along this area for a powerline. The road connection to Embers Avenue will be 32 ft. wide with a 60 ft. right-of-way and will have a serpentine design to provide traffic calming. The Fire Marshal has requested a southerly access for emergency vehicles only. Manley Land Development has agreed to upgrade the farm road to provide this access. There will be a number of trails around the ponds and along the streets. Park and Rec has requested a parking lot for the park in the southeast corner. A wetland conservation permit is required and has been approved by the agency. Contingencies include: 1. Any engineering issues shall be addressed and approval of construction plans for grading, storm water and utilities by the Engineering Division shall be granted. 2. Any Parks & Recreation issues shall be addressed. 3. Execution of a Development Contract between the Developer and the City and submission of security, payment of all fees and costs and submission of all other documents required under the development contract. Councilmember Fogarty asked about block 2 lot 21 and ifthat would be a temporary access to 195th Street. City Planner Smick replied with the new Murphy/Giles development they are proposing the north-south road will be constructed in 2006. If the temporary construction access is needed, the developer would have to get a permit from the County. Staff will watch to make sure there are not too many homes constructed prior to the north-south road. Councilmember McKnight asked about traffic calming and stop signs. City Engineer Mann explained ways to promote traffic calming such as narrowing the roads and making them more serpentine. Stop signs would have to meet warrants. There would probably be stop signs at the cross streets and not on Embers Avenue. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked to have construction traffic minimized going through the development. Staff agreed that is a continuous conflict. There will be a lot of digging for the ponds, but the trucks would stay on site. As the north-south road is built, that will allow some access into the development. However, it is difficult to not have construction traffic through the neighborhood due to how the development is phased. Staff does not anticipate trucks going through neighborhoods to the north. Trucks will come down Pilot Knob Road or Akin Road and access the area through 195th Street. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson adopting RESOLUTION R31-05 approving the Parkview Ponds final plat with the above contingencies. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 11 h) 2005 Council/Management Retreat Presentation - Administration City Administrator Urbia presented highlights of the 2005 Council/Management Leadership, Planning and Team Building Retreat. Goals for 2005 were set during the retreat. Quarterly updates will be presented to Council. Mayor Soderberg stated this was a personal goal of his to accomplish the goal setting early in the year. The previous Council did a good job oflaying down some goals. At the retreat they built on goals set in the past. Councilmember McKnight agreed it was time well spent. He encouraged management to bring this presentation to their employees. He thanked staff for giving up a Saturday to meet with the Council. He wanted everyone to remember the on-going goals. A summary of on-going goals will be brought to the next Council meeting. Councilmember Wilson enjoyed the retreat and thanked the Mayor and City Administrator Urbia for coordinating this. He left the retreat feeling more confident about the wonderful staff the City has. Councilmember Pritzlaff agreed a lot of good came out of the retreat. He felt it built a closer relationship between Council and staff. Councilmember Fogarty thanked everyone for giving up their Saturday. She agreed the management team is amazing. She felt there is a cohesiveness among the Councilmembers. Mayor Soderberg thanked Council and staff. MOTION by Wilson, second by Pritzlaffto reaffirm the city's motto, mission statement, values statement and rules of conduct, approve the goals and report the progress on a quarterly basis at the Council meeting. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 12. NEW BUSINESS 13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Councilmember Fogarty: There is a teacher at North Trail Elementary, Ms. Courtney Dooley, who was inducted into the State Hall of Fame for her pitching when in high school. She has worked very hard on the autistic program at North Trail. Councilmember McKnight: Thanked Dakota Electric for the invitation to the Partners in Progress program. Councilmember Pritzlaff: The work he did with the Boy Scouts was on behalf ofthe Council and he enjoyed it. As a reminder to Council he turned in the review sheets for the City Administrator's performance review. The deadline was today. City Administrator Urbia: There will be a workshop Thursday at 5 :30. The LMC State of the Cities will be March 31. The school leadership breakfast is April 1 , 2005 at 7:30 a.m. The Joint Council/School Meeting will be held April 6, 2005. Council agreed Council Minutes (Regular) March 21,2005 Page 12 to do City Administrator Urbia's performance review following the April 4, 2005 Council Meeting. Parks and Recreation Director Distad: In May there will be a dedication ceremony for the new chairs for the Rambling River Center. Mayor Soderberg: Last Thursday he attended the Coffee with the Chamber. They had some questions about the City's goals and action steps. Last Friday he attended the Dakota County Mayor's/Managers meeting and there was a request for elected representation on the PSAP Committee. Meetings would be held every other Thursday beginning March 24,2005. There would be four meetings. This is regarding the joint powers for public safety dispatch. City Administrator Urbia will attend the March 24 meeting and Council will work on their schedules for the rest of the meetings. There was a meeting last Friday with the MVT A and Dakota County Physical Development and Apple Valley City Administrator Tom Lawell. City Administrator Urbia will provide a summary ofthe meeting to Council. 14. ADJOURN MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to adjourn at 10:03 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, /rld~ ynthia Muller Executive Assistant