HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.02.05 Council Minutes
COUNCIL MINUTES
PRE-MEETING
May 2, 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
Joel Jamnik, City Attorney; David Urbia, City Administrator;
Robin Roland, Finance Director; Kevin Carroll, Community
Development Director; Dan Siebenaler, Police Chief; Randy
Distad, Parks and Recreation Director; Lee Mann, Director of
Public Works/City Engineer; Lisa Shadick, Administrative
Services Director; Brenda Wendlandt, Human Resources Director;
Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant
2. APPROVE AGENDA
MOTION by Wilson, second by Pritzlaffto approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
4. COUNCIL REVIEW OF AGENDA
Councilmember Wilson pulled item 7k) Approve Street Lighting Contract. He would
like to see what the light looks like. City Engineer Mann replied it would be similar to
those on Main Street. He also pulled item 71) Approve Easement Acquisition - Ash
Street Project. He asked how many easements are left to obtain. Staff noted there are
three left. Regarding the new fire station Councilmember Wilson asked if the fire trucks
will be leaving and entering from 19ih Street. Staff replied this is correct.
Councilmember Wilson asked if there was protocol regarding vehicles not sounding the
siren at certain times of the day. Police Chief Siebenaler replied the area along Municipal
Drive is generally considered a no siren area. When vehicles reach 197th Street, sirens
can be sounded. This is not a written rule. There may be some opportunity to reduce the
use of a siren in the area but residents should not count on it. Mayor Soderberg noted fire
trucks will depart southbound to 19ih Street, but will return through the driveway on
Municipal Drive.
Councilmember Pritzlaffpulled item 7h) Capital Outlay - Human Resources/IT. He was
happy to see it came in $4600 less than budget. He also pulled item 7n) Approve
Employment Agreement and wanted to table this item to the next meeting.
Councilmember McKnight asked about item 7i) Farmington Business Park Development
Contract. He wanted to know if the developer could begin work once the contract is
signed. Staff replied they need to pay the fees, submit a letter of credit and make sure
they have approved plans. City Engineer Mann noted in the contract under Surface
Water Management Fee there is a credit for the purchase of the pond built last year for
Council Minutes (Pre-Meeting)
May 2, 2005
Page 2
the Southeast Trunk Utility and Pond project. Staff proposed a change to the credit of
$31,500, which is still below the total fee. The credit will now be $253,539 with a net
result of the fee to be $65,488.
5. STAFF COMMENTS
Administrative Services Director Shadick prepared a letter to Representative Garofalo
asking him to support a tax credit bill for historic rehabilitation as directed by the
Heritage Preservation Commission. City Administrator Urbia suggested sending this
letter to Senator Pariseau also. Councilmember Wilson suggested asking Representative
Garofalo to be a co-author on this bill. Council will contact him.
City Administrator Urbia stated a joint meeting with the Council and School Board is
scheduled for May 4 at 5:30 p.m. There is also a breakfast meeting May 6 at 7:30 a.m.
Staff is proposing another meeting for May 6 in the afternoon to discuss land site issues.
Dr. Meeks, Superintendent, proposed instead ofthe 5:30 joint meeting, that a smaller
group meet at 5:00 on May 4 with their sub-committee on properties. He also proposed
to cancel the breakfast and meet on May 6 in the afternoon. Community Development
Director Carroll noted staffwas going to bring a guest to the meeting on May 6 and was
concerned with the short notice to meet on May 4. Councilmember Wilson liked the fact
that smaller groups were meeting and was willing to cancel the May 4 meeting, but did
not want to slow down the dialogue. He would like to have some meetings with the
entire Council and School Board. Staff noted the May 4 meeting was being postponed
and would be rescheduled. Councilmember Pritzlaff stated it was mentioned about not
televising the joint meetings and he was concerned with that. Residents are staying
informed by watching these meetings and that would keep the residents out of the loop.
Councilmember Fogarty replied members were concerned it was hampering the
communication and turning it into a formal meeting, which is not what they wanted.
Council agreed the next joint meeting would be televised and televising further meetings
would be discussed at that time. Staffwill arrange a meeting with the school.
Councilmembers will be attending a lunch meeting with Governor Pawlenty on May 10,
2005. There will be a meeting onjoint dispatch Thursday, May 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00.
City Administrator Urbia will set up a meeting with Lakeville and Farmington City
Administrators and Mayors regarding the joint dispatch policy.
Mayor Soderberg wanted to wait to take testimony tonight regarding the Community
Center feasibility study, but wanted to wait until the next meeting to make any further
decisions.
6. ADJOURN
MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to adjourn at 6:58 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
~~ ?r7~
~thi; Muller
Executive Assistant
COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR
May 2, 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
Joel Jamnik, City Attorney; David Urbia, City Administrator;
Robin Roland, Finance Director; Kevin Carroll, Community
Development Director; Dan Siebenaler, Police Chief; Randy
Distad, Parks and Recreation Director; Lee Mann, Director of
Public Works/City Engineer; Lisa Shadick, Administrative
Services Director; Brenda Wendlandt, Human Resources Director;
Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant
Dawn Johnson, Randy Oswald, Bev Preece, Jeff Ibinger, Kelley
Stack, Jamie Thompson, Kristie Todd, Paula Higgins, Benno
Klotz, Bill Fitch, Mike Higgins, Jordan Dibb, Michelle Wood,
Tami Zakosh, Jeff Krueger, Robin Hanson, Bill Patterson
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Councilmember McKnight pulled item 7i) Adopt Resolution Farmington Business Park
Development Contract for discussion.
Councilmember Pritzlaff pulled item 7n) Approve Employment Agreement.
MOTION by Wilson, second by Pritzlaffto approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Acknowledge Retirement - Police Department
Detective Sergeant Jerry Wacker has announced his retirement. Police Chief
Siebenaler stated no one in the City has offered greater service to the City in
many ways. His retirement is a great loss to the City. Council expressed their
thanks for his service.
b) Proclaim Heritage Preservation Month - Administration
MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson to proclaim May 2005 as Historic
Preservation Month. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
c) Proclaim Senior Center Week - Parks and Recreation
Council proclaimed May 8-14, 2005 as National Senior Center Week.
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 2
d) Card for Benno Klotz
Council presented a card and certificate to Benno Klotz, Solid Waste Supervisor.
6. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Ms. Bev Preece, Spruce Place, stated the Heritage Preservation Commission will sponsor
a walking tour of downtown Farmington as part of the community's observation of
National Historic Preservation Month. The walk is planned for May 24,2005 from 6:30
p.m. - 8:30 p.m. beginning at City Hall and ending at the Exchange Bank Building. The
entire community is invited to participate. She also invited everyone to the Rambling
River Center Open House May 9,2005, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Mr. Bill Fitch, 5816 Upper 183rd Street, wanted to clarify some things as the newspaper
article stated people were wondering how he obtained his numbers. Regarding the 2004
budget difference, he obtained those numbers from the $657,000 that was requested at the
February 22 meeting plus the transfers Council had approved before which was in the
area of$300,000 which was approved in a budget workshop in June 2004. Adding those
together, it comes close to $950,000. Ifhe is off on those numbers, he looked forward to
exactly how those numbers came out. The second item in question was regarding the
City's general fund reserve. At $1.1 million that fund is not fully funded according to the
35% - 40% we should have against the budget in that fund. Ifhe is wrong, he would like
to have someone point it out. Last, the newspaper made an assumption he was criticizing
City staff. He was criticizing the process and the government's inability to be able to do
a better job forecasting the future and the future dollars ofthe years that we are currently
in. His big concern was there are a lot ofprojects this year Council will be asked to
spend money on. Ifwe cannot get closer on our financial estimates, it is also at the state
level and other levels of government, there seems to be a lot of discrepancies with dollars
towards the end of the year. We have to figure out how to do a better job forecasting.
Going into 2005 he raised some concerns with where we are going based on what
happened in 2004. That took up a good part of a budget increase in order to do some
very fine things in 2005. He is still concerned half ofthose things will not be able to
come through due to budgetary concerns late in the third quarter. He wanted the
government to be able to react in a timely manner. If Council has any direction that his
numbers are way off, he would be glad to hear it. Otherwise it would be acceptable for
staff to reply in a month and thanked staff for their quick response last time.
Ms. Michelle Leonard, 727 Tamarack Trail, also with the Farmington Independent spoke
regarding item 7n) Approve Employment Agreement. She read a letter for the Council
inquiring whether a written summary of City Administrator Urbia's performance review
has been completed and if so when it will be provided to the public. The open meeting
does permit governing bodies to close meetings for labor negotiations and for
performance reviews. The law also requires a detailed summary ofthe negotiations be
provided in writing at the next public meeting. City Administrator Urbia's review was
held on April 4, 2005 and continued to April 18, 2005. As such, she would like to see
this summary as soon as possible. City Attorney Jamnik will follow-up.
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 3
a) Response to Charleswood Residents - Community Development
Councilmember Wilson noted staff commented at the last meeting regarding
revisiting the sign code for garage sales. He would like more discussion on this
issue so residents are clear there is a 2 sq. ft. limit for garage sale signs and they
need to be placed on private property. He asked if Council wanted staff to look at
options or leave as is. Councilmember Pritzlaff noted on Sunday on Pilot Knob
between 203rd Street and 182nd Street there were numerous signs. If something is
done with garage sale signs, something would have to be done with open house
signs. There were just as many ofthem. He wondered if the open house signs
would be included with garage sale signs. He also wanted to look at whether it
takes staff members to pull signs. Rather than pulling them down, he suggested
locating the owner and giving them a citation. Councilmember McKnight
received a call from a resident that has had garage sales for many years. Ifwe are
going to have the ordinance we need to enforce it, but if it takes up too much staff
time, why have the ordinance. He did not have a problem with stafflooking at the
garage sale sign issue, but if we are not going to have enforcement it does not
make sense to have the ordinance. Councilmember Fogarty realized gara~e sales
are temporary and as far as open houses there are numerous signs on 190t and
Pilot Knob. She did not want to discourage people from moving here. Mayor
Soderberg stated he favored a more liberal approach to signs, including the A-
frame signs. We do need to look at some adjustments. Community Development
Director Carroll stated there will be a Planning Commission meeting on May 10
where A-frame signs will be discussed. They can expand the discussion to talk
about other types of signs. Garage sale signs are not prohibited if they are a
certain size and located in the right place. There are provisions in the sign code
that allow real estate signs and open house signs. He also noted the sign situation
on Pilot Knob Road on Sunday. There were also signs for a business outside of
Farmington. Today the signs were gone. He suspected the signs would be set out
on Friday night and picked up on Sunday night for weekend advertising. Staff
has discussed contacting companies like that and informing them those signs are
not authorized under the sign code. This would save having to write citations and
pick up signs. Staff is not available to look at every sign all the time. It is also
not appropriate to disregard sign violations when we see them. It does make the
city look cluttered. Most signs are gone by Monday morning. It is the other signs
that are problematic. Mayor Soderberg stated Council will wait for comments
from the Planning Commission. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked if staff will pull
signs as they see them. Community Development Director Carroll replied staff is
currently doing this around other duties. The plan is to try to address the more
serious violators. Councilmember Pritzlaff felt there was a fairness issue as some
people could have signs offthe main roads and their signs would not be pulled.
Staff agreed and ultimately they will have to have some direction from Council.
Councilmember Wilson suggested putting something in the newsletter. The
current issue has gone to print, but will be placed in the next issue.
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 4
7. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by McKnight, second by Fogarty to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a) Approved Council Minutes (4/18/05 Regular)
b) Adopted RESOLUTION R44-05 Accepting Donation - Parks and Recreation
c) Adopted RESOLUTION R45-05 Accepting Donation - Parks and Recreation
d) Approved CLG Grant - Heritage Landmark Designations - Administration
e) Authorized Disposal of City Property - Police Department
f) Approved Appointment Recommendation - Human Resources
g) Approved Appointment Recommendation - Human Resources
h) Received Information Capital Outlay - Human Resources/IT
j) Approved Assessment Agreement - Southeast Trunk Utility Project -
Engineering
k) Approved Street Lighting Contract - Ash Street Project - Engineering
1) Approved Easement Acquisition - Ash Street Project - Engineering
m) Received Information School and Conference - Police Department
0) Approved Bills
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
i) Adopt Resolution - Farmington Business Park Development Contract -
Engineering
Staffhas had further discussions with the developer and proposed to amend the
surface water management fee credit to $253,539 which would result in a net
surface water management fee to be paid with the plat of $65,488. Mayor
Soderberg noted the developer is willing to pay cash in lieu of land in satisfaction
ofland and the Park and Recreation Commission has approved this. MOTION
by Wilson, second by Pritzlaff to approve the Farmington Business Park
Development Contract with the amendments. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
n) Approve Employment Agreement - Administration
Councilmember Pritzlaffwanted to table this until May 16, 2005.
Councilmember Fogarty suggested tabling this until June 6, 2005. Mayor
Soderberg noted this item had been discussed in Executive Session. He was in
favoring of approving the agreement rather than tabling it. Councilmember
McKnight supported tabling the item. Councilmember Wilson preferred to act on
it now. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Fogarty to table this item to June 6,
2005. Voting for: Soderberg, Fogarty, McKnight, Pritzlaff. Voting against:
Wilson. MOTION CARRIED.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. AWARD OF CONTRACT
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 5
10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a) Community Center Feasibility Study Final Report - Parks and Recreation
On August 2, 2004 the Council approved a request by the Parks and Recreation
Commission to do a Community Center Feasibility Study. The Commission
determined the representation for the Steering Committee. Parks and Recreation
Director Distad recognized the members of the Steering Committee and the Parks
and Recreation Commission. He then outlined the process the committee used.
Mr. Jeff King, of Ballard King, presented the outcome of the feasibility report.
There were 594 surveys returned. The goal was 300. The report showed the
market conditions are very favorable for a Community Center. This would
provide an opportunity to streamline some City services and expand other
services. Mr. King recommended the City proceed with the next steps which
include retaining an architect to obtain a detailed cost estimate of the project,
develop a conceptual design, evaluate potential sites and explore partnership
opportunities.
Councilmember Fogarty thanked the Steering Committee and staff for their time
and hard work. Councilmember McKnight had some questions regarding
financing. As far as the survey he asked how much people would be comfortable
paying in terms of a single and family resident compared to the amount used in
projecting numbers. Mr. King stated there were two factors that influenced an
increase in the operations proforma. There was a reference in the survey to 2004.
We are not operating a facility in 2004 or 2005, it will be in the future. The
numbers were raised in consideration of the fact that it would be open in the
future. He used the same reasoning for the one-time membership fee. The
numbers used in projecting cost of construction and support are based on another
project they have been working on. The average construction cost is $200/sq. ft.
Councilmember McKnight noted there was a slide showing the operational
support and how that reduced over the first five years. He asked if that number
would continue to drop. Mr. King noted there are a lot of factors. Typically these
types of facilities will continue to increase in revenues on the low side the first
four years and on the up side at seven years, then they flatten out unless there is
an increase in fees or population. The prospects look good for that trend to
continue beyond five years.
Councilmember Wilson appreciated it takes into consideration all interest groups.
On the programming side, he likes how this looks. His concerns are on the
financing side. He asked if the operational exposure includes consolidation of
some facilities such as the Rambling River Center and the pool. Staff replied they
were exploring the possibility of closing the outdoor pool and they would also
have to look at the Rambling River Center if these services were provided in the
Community Center. Currently the City subsidizes these facilities by $213,000.
The proforma shows $120,000 to subsidize the Community Center.
Councilmember Wilson noted the negative is related to the building itself. The
voters approved a bond referendum that does have a tax impact. He felt Council
has to look at the tax impact. The survey showed 70% of residents would favor
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 6
some level of tax increase. Councilmember Wilson agreed there is the possibility
of forming partnerships.
Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about the 500 surveys that were returned. He
noted Mr. King stated this was a very good turnout. With a population of 18,000
- 19,000 he would like more assurance from the residents. Mr. King replied to do
a 300 person sample gives a confidence level of95%, same with 600 people or
900 people. The only thing that changes with more surveys is the margin of error
starts to reduce.
Councilmember Wilson asked if the data would still be reliable if there was a
referendum on the ballot in November 2006. Mr. King replied the shelflife ofthe
survey is 18 months, which would be within that timeframe. Staff might want to
revisit the operation piece at that time to reflect something that would open in
2008.
Mayor Soderberg agreed this is a very detailed report and thanked the participants
for their time. He envisioned a referendum with a general election, rather than an
off year. This gives more time to work on some of the next steps. He wanted as
many people as possible to cast their vote on this issue. Mr. King commented it
would be great to give the voters a complete package. The numbers in the report
are construction and operating costs only. It does not include land. Mayor
Soderberg asked if it was the consensus ofthe Council to look at a general
election. Council agreed if it got to that point.
Ms. Robin Hanson, 18880 Elgin Avenue, stated she was torn with Council's
discussion of a 2006 referendum. There was a huge concern with slowing the
momentum. This would be another 18 months to 2 years that families do not
benefit from. She felt there were opportunities happening now and the City needs
to be able to respond quickly as opposed to reactively. She strongly encouraged
Council to take the next step and keep the possibility that a 2005 referendum
might make sense. There may be opportunities with the school now or other
private vendors. The fairgrounds are also reviewing their needs and there is new
development coming in. She asked Council to do due diligence so that if an
opportunity arises they are ready to go. She felt they could lose momentum and
may lose opportunities if we look at 2006.
Councilmember Pritzlaff asked if holding the referendum to the same year the
school has their referendum, there would be two referendums on the ballot. Does
that create a chance that one may fail? Mayor Soderberg understood his concern,
but off-year elections have a very low turnout. Staffwill provide further detailed
analysis as to how this impacts the budget at the next meeting.
Staff asked Council to accept the final report of the feasibility study and provide
direction as far as the next steps such as retaining Bonestroo for architectural
services related to developing a more detailed construction budget and
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 7
preliminary design and site plan. Part of that presentation would include looking
at where this would fit in the debt profile and how it would layer with the other
debt that the school district has as a market rate debt as opposed to a tax capacity
rate debt. The City's proposed referendum would eventually be on market value
as opposed to how normal property taxes are evaluated. Market rate puts the
emphasis more on residential households than commercial and industrial
properties. Staff can provide proforma information as to where this would fit.
Ms. Michelle Wood, 19694 Emerson Court, stated she served on the Steering
Committee and wanted to encourage the Council to move forward rather than
setting this back. The community wants something. To wait until 2006, the
community might wonder what is going on or forget about it.
MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by McKnight to accept the Community Center
Feasibility Study Final Report. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by
Fogarty, second by Wilson to direct staff to move forward with the study by
working with Bonestroo to submit a proposal at the May 16, 2005 meeting.
Councilmember McKnight stated he was uncertain with approving things when
they do not know how much it will cost and will find out later how to pay for it.
However he needs this information to make a decision. He liked bringing in
architects now to firm up the cost. He asked if they can look at costs for this year
and next year. His second priority would be starting the work on partnerships.
Staffwill bring the costs to hire Bonestroo to the May 16,2005 meeting for
Council approval. Bonestroo has experience in doing community centers,
analysis and looking at sites. Through the process staff would like to identify a
couple sites that would work based on criteria that needs to be set. Staff envisions
forming a smaller committee to work through the next steps. A recommendation
about forming this committee would also be brought to Council on May 16, 2005.
The timeline for potential partnerships, sites, costs, etc. was August 1. Staff
would like to discuss this with Council at the next meeting. Mayor Soderberg
was concerned with the August 1 deadline to establish a partnership.
Councilmember Fogarty felt people would step up or step down quickly on this
issue. Councilmember Wilson asked ifthere was a deadline to file information
with Dakota County if there were to be a 2005 referendum. Attorney Jamnik
stated there was a 49 day notification period for the ballot. This would be a
special election. Any date can be set. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
b) Approve Joint Resolution - Canton Court Annexation - Community
Development
When working on the plat for the Farmington Business Park it became apparent
that Canton Court which is the access for some of the businesses along Canton
Court is in Castle Rock Township. When the property was annexed it became
clear that a number of city properties would be using this township road to obtain
access to Hwy 50. An internal road will be constructed in the Farmington
Business Park that would connect to Canton Court. Staff discussed the issue of
the road being in the township with Castle Rock and discussed Canton Court
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 8
becoming a City street rather than a township street. One option would be for
Canton Court to remain in the township. An agreement would be needed
regarding maintaining Canton Court. Because of the number of properties and the
percentage of the area surrounding Canton Court that is in the City, staff and the
township agreed it should become a City property. One way is to deed the land
under the road to the City. Even ifthe City owns the property, it does not make it
part of the City unless the property is annexed. Staff prepared a joint resolution
which Castle Rock has approved consenting to the property becoming part of the
City. The City made some agreements in exchange. One was that the City would
continue to maintain Canton Court for the benefit of the businesses that abut the
road. In addition, staff agreed that three township properties on the east side of
Canton Court would be able to maintain their current driveway access onto
Canton Court and that during whatever period of time they would not be charged
or assessed for any of the costs of maintaining Canton Court or improving it, if
required. Staff agreed that if the properties were ever interested in becoming part
of the City and petitioned for annexation the City reserved the right to require a
payment be made by those properties to represent their share of any costs the City
may have incurred in the meantime for improving Canton Court for resurfacing or
expansion. MOTION by McKnight, second by Fogarty accepting the Quit Claim
Deed regarding Canton Court, transferring ownership thereof from Castle Rock
Township to the City of Farmington. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION
by Fogarty, second by Wilson to approve the Joint RESOLUTION R47-05
between Castle Rock Township and the City of Farmington regarding the
annexation of Canton Court. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Request for Feasibility Study - ISD 192 - Engineering
The school submitted a request to move forward with the feasibility report for the
infrastructure associated with the new high school site on Flagstaff. The school
will be conducting the traffic study with assistance from the City. The issue
regarding paving Flagstaffbetween 195th Street and the border is still open for
discussion. Staffwill be meeting with the school and engineering consultants to
discuss the feasibility report and define the scope of what the school is looking
for. Staffwill bring the cost ofthe report to the next meeting. The estimated
timeframe for completion should be 3-6 months. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked
if the school can do anything with the site until this is completed. City Engineer
Mann replied there are several steps that need to be completed as far as the site
development is concerned. One thing that needs to be determined is what will be
the timing ofthe school site construction versus infrastructure construction. Staff
does not know yet how this fits with other issues such as the comp plan and
rezomng.
Councilmember McKnight appreciated the school and staff working this out.
MOTION by McKnight, second by Wilson to adopt RESOLUTION R48-05
approving the request for the feasibility study from ISD 192. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Pritzlaffto rescind the earlier
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 9
authorized traffic study for Flagstaff Avenue. Staffwill continue to work with the
school district on their traffic study. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
12. NEW BUSINESS
a) Adopt Resolution - Accepting Plans and Specifications and Authorize
Advertisement for Bids for Fire Station Project - Wold Architects
Mr. John McNamara, Wold Architects, presented the final documents for the new
fire station. The next step is to receive bids. The site is at the intersection of
197th Street and Pilot Knob Road. The building would be 9800 sq. ft. The entry
would be from Municipal Drive and the exit onto 197th Street. The station would
contain three apparatus bays, an administrative area, a training facility, a small
kitchen, work room, tool room and a fire hose tower. There would be a
mezzanine over the training and kitchen areas for storage, as well as mechanical
rooms. The original plan suggested a simplified sleeping area for ALF
Ambulance. Further discussions indicated the need for a more private area. This
will be placed in the bid documents as an add alternate. The exterior will be
similar to the police and maintenance facilities. The projected construction
budget is $1,755,000 for construction. Soft costs are projected at $421,200, for a
total project cost of$2,176,540 which was set at the pre-design stage. This
includes a contingency of$25,000 and an overall project contingency of $93,000.
The bid opening will be May 31,2005. Construction will start in June with
completion in late December early January and occupancy in mid-January.
Staff will review the CIP document at the May 16, 2005 meeting to meet the
statutory requirements for bonding. The bonds can be issued 30 days after the
public hearing. MOTION by Wilson, second by Pritzlaff adopting
RESOLUTION R49-05 accepting the final design and authorizing advertisement
for construction bids. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Councilmember Fogarty: Thanked the residents who participated in the pond clean-
up day. She attended an EFP AC meeting where they had 19 agenda items. She will
provide Council with an update. Regarding the meeting with the school on Friday, she
suggested to Chair McKnight that the school add one more board member.
Councilmember McKnight: He had asked for Council's input to give staff direction on
continued support of Rambling River Days. Staff will be meeting with representatives
from the celebration tomorrow. Councilmember Wilson stated he is also volunteering for
the celebration and felt it is a good community celebration to have. Councilmember
McKnight hoped for the continued level of support from staff as they have in the past. If
there is some additional support needed, he suggested staff discuss this with the
Rambling River Days representatives. Police Chief Siebenaler stated the Police
Department is a large portion of the City's contribution for personnel services for
Rambling River Days. It is not a specific line item, but he did include $7500 in the
budget for Dew Days. He felt they will have to return to previous year's level of service
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 10
to guarantee safety. While other departments may not have it as a specific line item,
public works and solid waste have it built in to their budget. If there are significant
increases in the requested activities, staff may have to ask Council for additional
consideration or limitation. A street dance will cost $750 for police officers. In addition
officers would work in tactical groups to ensure peace and quiet in the later evening. In
addition there are the bed races and the dew run. All require services. Last year there
were three officers in the daytime, and 8 officers in the evening plus a couple driving
sober cabs. Officers were sent home too early last year. The parade is a significant
investment as there is an officer at each major intersection. Mayor Soderberg would like
to see a line item set aside for the City celebration. Police Chief Siebenaler stated 10% of
his overtime budget is spent in two days for the celebration. Councilmember Fogarty felt
if more dollars need to be set aside in the future, it is a great celebration and the City gets
back ten-fold what we put into it.
Councilmember Pritzlaff: Thanked the volunteers for the pond clean-up. He attended
the Arbor Day celebration on Saturday. On May 8, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. the owners of
Bugaloo's will be on TV. He was on a ride-along with two patrol officers and they were
very professional and it was an eye-opening experience. He will be touring the Ash
Street project tomorrow.
City Administrator Urbia: The May 4 meeting with the school at 5:30 has been
postponed. A smaller group will meet on Friday, and he will confirm a time. There is a
5:00 p.m. meeting on May 4 for the school's sub-committee on land. Councilmembers
Fogarty and McKnight will also attend. Thursday at 9:00 a.m. there will be a
performance partnership meeting for joint dispatch. He will also set up a meeting with
Lakeville on this topic. The Friday breakfast meeting with the school has been cancelled.
Parks and Recreation
Director Distad: 375 volunteers registered for the pond clean-up day and
they pulled 3.69 tons of garbage out of the ponds and parks. He thanked staff members,
Kellee Omlid, Lena Larson, Missie Kohlbeck and Jen Collova for arranging this event.
He also thanked the Councilmembers for attending.
City Engineer Mann: Pond clean-up day is part ofthe City's NPDES storm water
pollution prevent plan BMP's. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, through those
activities we are meeting the requirements for the MPCA and NPDES permit. He hoped
to increase the numbers each year.
Mayor Soderberg: He also commented on the great turn-out for pond clean-up
day. It shows dedication and effort by the residents to make Farmington a beautiful
place. On Friday he assisted fourth graders plant trees at Meadowview Park for Arbor
Day. He also judged the fourth grade posters. He received an e-mail from
Representative Garofalo regarding an amendment offered in the house taxes committee
on transportation. This bill prohibits permits from any park and ride facility in the state.
It passed the committee unanimously and Representative Garofalo expects this to become
law. This is good for the short-term, however, there is still the problem of parking
Council Minutes (Regular)
May 2, 2005
Page 11
capacity and routes need to be added. The City has taken an active interest in being part
of the solution for this situation. May 9,2005 there will be a dedication ofthe new chairs
at the Rambling River Center. May 11,2005 will be the State of the City address.
14. ADJOURN
MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
9r--d~ 7J.-?L-e~
Cynthia Muller
Executive Assistant