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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.16.05 Council Minutes COUNCIL MINUTES PRE-MEETING May 16, 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 McKnight, second by Wilson to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS 4. COUNCIL REVIEW OF AGENDA Councilmember McKnight asked how often the pictometry software is updated. City Administrator Urbia replied the county will update the software every two years. Human Resources Director Wendlandt stated the county is just implementing the program and the City is receiving the latest update. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about the Sale of Bonds for the Ash Street project. The memo states funding is necessary for the acquisition of equipment. He asked what equipment is needed. Finance Director Roland stated there are two separate bond issues. There is no equipment for Ash Street. It is the Ash Street bonds and then the equipment certificates that are part of the budget. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about the Solid Waste Exemptions. He noted we are working toward zero exemptions. Some reasons were lack of trash and taking it somewhere else. If these people use spring clean-up day and take it to their neighbors, they are getting the service for free. Staff noted this is why they will be developing specific criteria for residents to meet to obtain this exemption. City Attorney Jamnik stated the City's ordinance is consistent with state law. MN statutes provide for mandatory collection ordinances. If there is an environmentally safe alternative the legislature provided an out for people who wanted to haul their own or compost. Even if we have zero exemptions, we still need to offer it. Council Minutes (Pre-Meeting) May 16, 2005 Page 2 Mayor Soderberg suggested moving the Award of Contract for the Fiber Optic to the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Wilson noted one issue was partnering with the school district on this. However, working with a vendor on our own made more sense. Human Resources Director Wendlandt stated this is more cost effective. The City will still be partnering with the school on county projects and they are looking at future projects. Councilmember McKnight asked about the Middle Creek East 3rd Addition and the issue of trails in the backyards. Parks and Recreation Director Distad stated the developer was at the Planning Commission meeting and did not oppose the trails. The idea is to put the trails behind the lots so it creates a buffer between the property line and the wetland so people do not encroach into the buffer area. The trail will swing out to save some large oak trees. Councilmember McKnight noted for the future he is not a big fan of trails in the backyards. Councilmember Wilson stated this is the product of Middle Creek Estates and the homeowners wanting the trail moved and the Park and Rec Commission agreed to move it to the other side. Mayor Soderberg proposed to move the ordinance regarding definitions for bus and truck terminals to the Consent Agenda. City Attorney Jamnik deleted the City Administrator Review follow-up from the agenda as the materials are not ready and he wanted to give Council an opportunity to review them before the meeting. Also, the newspaper sent a letter indicating they believe a follow-up to the goal setting would not be authorized as a closed meeting. Attorney Jamnik wanted to research this issue and propose an alternative means. Councilmember Wilson commented on the item regarding the City Facilities Master Planning Services and thought there would be more information. Councilmember McKnight stated this is similar to the amount of information received for other proposals. Councilmember Fogarty noted this came from the goal setting workshop and from the Community Center Steering Committee that we needed to evaluate the longevity ofthese buildings to determine if we should be investing large amounts of money into old buildings that might be replaced. City Administrator Urbia noted this is not included in the budget. 5. STAFF COMMENTS a) Schedule Budget Goals Workshop Council set the workshop for June 1, 2005 at 5 :00 p.m. 6. ADJOURN MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Soderberg to adjourn at 6:52 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, ~ ;ff?~ ~thia Muller Executive Assistant COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR May 16, 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; Lee Smick, City Planner; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant Randy Oswald, Bruce Rydeen, Jamie Thompson, Bev Preece, Samuelson Family, Andrew Hodacker, Jerome & Marilyn Wacker, Gretchen Hanson, Taylor Wicks, Kallie Flor, David Ripley, Ashleigh Handorff, Emily Hanna, Chris Malt, Lisa Maroney, Mike Vertein, Jim Allen, Kari Bowman, Nate Rowan, Nick Hince, Allison Hogan, Cameron Brass, Russ Sinkler, B.J. Battig Mayor Soderberg noted this is National Law Enforcement Recognition Week. He asked everyone to join him for a moment of silence for Sergeant Vick. 4. APPROVE AGENDA Councilmember Wilson pulled item 7r) Approve City Facilities Master Planning Services for a brief discussion. City Attorney Jamnik deleted item 14. Executive Session - City Administrator Review Follow-up as the items are not ready. City Administrator Urbia noted there are two supplemental items - 7r) Approve City Facilities Master Planning Services and additional information for item lOa) SOO MHz and Joint Dispatch Policy. Mayor Soderberg moved items 9a) Award Fiber Optic Contract, 10e) Adopt Resolution and Ordinance - Middle Creek East 3rd Addition Amendment to the Planned Unit Development, Rezone, and Preliminary and Final Plat Review and 109) Adopt Ordinance - Include Definition for Bus and Truck Terminal and Include as a Conditional Use in the Industrial Park Zoning District to the Consent Agenda. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 2 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Retiree Recognition - Police Department Detective Sergeant Jerry Wacker was recognized by the Council for 25 years of service. Mr. Wacker stated it has been an honor to work for the City for this length of time. He worked with many good people in the police department, fire department, ambulance, City staff and he will miss the people very much. He is looking forward to beginning some new things. To the students in the audience he said the term "servant" is an honorable thing. It is an honorable thing to be a public servant. There have been difficult times and good times, but overall it has been well worth the run. He is glad he chose that route to go. Each Councilmember thanked Mr. Wacker for his service to the City. b) Introduce New Employee - Community Development Mr. Tony Whippier was introduced as the new Assistant City Planner. c) Introduce New Employee - Solid Waste This was tabled to the June 6, 2005 meeting. d) Boy Scout Presentation - Administration Ms. Bev Preece, Chair of the Heritage Preservation Commission, presented a history ofthe Middle Creek Historic Cemetery. Billy Samuelson, of Boy Scout Troop 119, approached the HPC regarding improving the trail to the cemetery for his Eagle Scout proj ect. Ms. Preece thanked Billy and all the scouts for their excellent work. Billy Samuelson gave a powerpoint presentation showing the work that was done including cleaning up the area along the trail, making improvements to the trail, installing a fence to mark the beginning ofthe trail and at the entrance to the cemetery, and installing an information sign at the cemetery listing who is buried there. He thanked everyone who helped him with his proj ect. e) Heritage Preservation Award - Administration Mr. Edgar Samuelson, on behalf of the Heritage Preservation Commission, presented Billy Samuelson with the 2005 Heritage Preservation Award. 6. CITIZEN COMMENTS Ms. Bev Preece, Chair of the Heritage Preservation Commission, reminded everyone the HPC will sponsor a walking tour of downtown Farmington as part ofthe community's observation of National Historic Preservation Month. The tour will be held May 24, 2005 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and will be lead by Mr. Robert Vogel, HPC Consultant. The tour will begin at City Hall and end at the Exchange Bank Building. The community is invited to participate. 7. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Wilson, second by Pritzlaffto approve the Consent Agenda as follows: a) Approved Council Minutes (5/2/05 Regular) b) Approved 2005 Park Improvements - Parks and Recreation Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 3 c) Adopted RESOLUTION RSO-05 - Accepting Donation - Parks and Recreation Mayor Soderberg acknowledged the Farmington Home and Garden Show for making a $1,000 donation to the Rambling River Center. d) Approved Solid Waste Exemptions - Parks and Recreation e) Adopted RESOLUTION RSI-05 - Traffic Safety Grant - Police Department f) Approved Pictometry Software - Human Resources/IT g) Adopted RESOLUTIONS RS2-05 and RS3-05 - Authorizing Sale of Bonds - Finance h) Received Information April 2005 Financial Report - Finance i) Approved Capital Outlay Adjustments - Finance j) Received Information Flagstaff Feasibility Report Update - Engineering k) Adopted RESOLUTION RS4-05 - Approving Charleswood Crossing Development Contract - Engineering 1) Adopted RESOLUTION RS5-05 - Approving Parkview Ponds Development Contract - Engineering m) Approved Lease Amendment - Verizon Wireless - Engineering n) Ash Street Project - Easement Acquisition - Engineering Councilmember Pritzlaff thanked Assistant City Engineer Tim Gross and the residents for acquiring the easements. There were 50 easements needed and there is one left. The cost for the easements was $46,113. 0) Approved Installation of Parkview Ponds Trunk Sewer - Engineering p) Approved Joint RESOLUTIONS RS6-05, RS7-05, RS8-05 with Empire Township (Regan, Frandrup, American Legion Properties) - Community Development q) Received Information City Administrator Evaluation Summary Report - City Attorney s) Approved Bills 9. a) Approved Fiber Optic Contract - Human Resources/IT 10. e) Adopted RESOLUTIONS R64-05 and R65-05 and ORDINANCE 005-529 Approving Middle Creek East 3rd Addition Amendment to the Planned Unit Development, Rezone, and Preliminary and Final Plat Review - Community Development g) Adopted ORDINANCE 005-530 Approving Definition for Bus and Truck Terminal and Include as a Conditional Use in the Industrial Park Zoning District- Community Development APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. r) Approve City Facilities Master Planning Services - Administration Councilmember Wilson noted it is a new expenditure of $15,000. He asked with the city facilities master plan are we evaluating the scope of all facilities, or is it limited to the ice arena, Rambling River Center, outdoor pool, and 1 st Street maintenance shed. City Administrator Urbia stated there are other buildings that we know will not be renovated. This is to look at what equipment is stored in these buildings now and project future equipment needs so plans can be made for future needs. This same information was obtained for City Hall. The three park buildings came out of the Community Center process. We need to decide whether Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 4 to keep the buildings or move out of them. Councilmember Wilson stated then this is something that will guide us for the next five years for the CIP. Staff agreed. MOTION by Wilson, second by Pritzlaffto approve the City Facilities Master Planning proposal. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS a) Approve Issuance of Capital Improvement Bonds - Fire Station - Finance This type of bond was approved for issuance by cities in 2003. Prior to that counties had the ability to identify through a five-year CIP process, projects which could be built with the issuance of capital improvement bonds without referendum. Cities were required to have a voter referendum should they choose to build facilities such as fire stations, police stations, city hall with the use of G.O. bonds. Certain government units were allowed to use bonds to build facilities that would be leased back. These were lease revenue bonds. However, when this type of bonding became available in 2003 it was good for cities because most of the time public buildings that were really needed, could be turned down by voters, but yet the building was needed. In 2003 the legislature made a change to allow bonding authority by Cities to plan for and finance the acquisition and betterment of public lands, buildings, and other improvements for the purpose of a city hall, public safety facility, and public works facility. The law requires that a Capital Improvement Plan be prepared that covers at least five years. The plan must set forth: - the estimated schedule, timing and details of specific capital improvements - estimated cost of the capital improvements identified - the need for the improvements; and - the sources of revenues needed to pay for the improvements It is not a requirement of the plan that every item be funded by capital improvement bonds. The bond sale is proposed for June 20,2005. The CIP was approved by the Council in December. The CIP identifies $60,897,537 worth of projects. Of that $47,279,000 in bonds will be issued over a five-year period of time. This includes the fire station identified for 2005, the City Hall project identified for 2007, and various road reconstruction and pavement management projects as well as projects supported by the enterprise funds. The fire station is a $2.176 million project. The City proposes to issue $2.28 million in bonds. The principal and interest payments are estimated to start at $179,000 in 2007 and total $3,579,000 by 2026. These will be 20-year bonds. The CIP is requested to be updated every year. A proposed debt service schedule is included in the CIP. Interest rates are between 3.45% - 5% over the 20-year period. MOTION by McKnight, second by Fogarty to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to adopt RESOLUTION R59-05 approving the issuance of Capital Improvement Bonds for the fire station. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 5 9. AWARD OF CONTRACT 10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS a) Adopt Resolution - 800MHz and Joint Dispatch Policy - Administration The County has received over $6 million in grant funding to implement the 800 MHz public safety communication subsystem. The Joint Dispatch policy is looking at consolidating six 911 dispatch points into one. Mr. B.J. Battig of Dakota County presented an overview of the 800 MHz and Joint Dispatch policies. The primary focus for the 800 MHz system is to deliver interoperable communications for the public safety sector. Currently each entity operates on separate VHF channels. This system would allow everyone to operate on the same system. The cost is $10-11 million which will be paid for by the County. The connection fee is $1.2 million which would be paid by the County. For each additional dispatch center there is a connection fee and the necessary hardware to connect and operating costs. The County would build the dispatch center and any rent would be charged back to the Joint Powers entity. For Farmington to move from the current system to the joint dispatch there is an $11,000 savings in the first year and $60,000 in savings for five years. For Farmington the biggest savings will come in the capital expenses because we share with Lakeville. The system would not be ready until March - May 2007. Councilmember Wilson was very supportive of this program. Councilmember McKnight asked Police Chief Siebenaler how this joint dispatch center would impact the residents and the officers. Police Chief Siebenaler replied the police and fire have worked under contracted dispatch services with Lakeville for about 20 years, prior to that with Apple Valley and prior to that out of the Sheriffs office in Hastings. This center is being described as best in class of service. This should be invisible to the residents of Farmington. They should not have a clue they are talking to someone at a remote location just as they don't now. It will give us a broader capacity in the number of dispatchers and the depth of service and give a greater capacity to respond to large scale emergencies. Officers are now dispatched in a number of ways. The primary way is through a mobile computer in the squad car. The radio has become secondary. It does not matter whether that computer is located in the same building you are working in or located 100 miles away. Police Chief Siebenaler stated the Council is being asked to approve the transition to 800 MHz which it supports fully. The second piece is the Joint Dispatch component where Council is being asked to continue the process in forming a joint dispatch. Mayor Soderberg noted discussions have been for the highest and best service. The relationship between Farmington and Lakeville has been a model for that. Lakeville Police Chief Strachan agreed the relationship between the two cities is the closest in the county. Cost and technology are important, but quality is huge to them. That is why they are comfortable moving forward with this. This is not Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 6 a workforce reduction effort. He gave examples of how the new technology will work. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked if Police Chief Siebenaler could elaborate on the amount of money. Police Chief Siebenaler replied one of the models reviewed in funding the operation would have been a large increase in annual cost of about 50%. These numbers represent a very small increase in annual cost to the City for operations. This is due to the discussions held at technical, policy and managerial meetings held throughout the county. Instead of $240,000 as one proposal was, they are looking at $196,000 which is a little over what is paid now. Lakeville Police Chief Strachan added the original proposals included things like pure population. If you go by that, we lose and we subsidize the rest ofthe County. Both Police Chiefs and City Administrators made sure that formula did not go ahead as we would have paid a lot more. Councilmember Fogarty thanked everyone involved and having both Chief's helped as they know the ground work. Mayor Soderberg agreed it was good to have both cities involved. We should be pleased the structure we have for ALF is being used as a model. City Administrator Urbia noted Council should also give direction to Dakota County concerning the City's Public Works license. The recommendation is to turn this over to the 800 MHz system at the appropriate time. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson adopting RESOLUTION R60-05 approving participation in a county wide Joint Dispatch Center. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by McKnight, second by Fogarty adopting RESOLUTION R61-05 approving participation in a countywide 800 MHz Public Safety Radio Subsystem. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by McKnight, second by Wilson to turn the public works license over at staff's direction. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. b) Consider Proposal for Community Center - Parks and Recreation The Community Center Feasibility Study Final Report was accepted at the May 2, 2005 Council meeting. A proposal has been submitted by Bonestroo, Rosene and Anderlik to complete the next steps which include identifying potential sites, exploring potential partnerships, and developing a concept site plan for a Community Center based on the identified program spaces in the feasibility study. Bonestroo proposes attending and facilitating four workshops with a Community Center Committee. They will explore partnerships with several entities including the school district, Dakota County Fairgrounds, Allina clinics, Dakota County library system and private health clubs. As part of the partnering relationship, Mr. Jeff King from Ballard King and Associates will become a member of their team to facilitate exploring those partnerships. They also propose to look at sites. Staff has discussed four different sites with Bonestroo. The concept plan will be based on programs established in the feasibility study final report. Bonestroo will develop the concept plan based on input and feedback obtained from the Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 7 committee during the workshops. Two preliminary options will be developed. The program space will be validated with the committee after exploring potential partnerships and will include the findings of the Ballard King report and survey. Bonestroo is proposing to use their hourly base in accordance with their City contract. They propose the services will cost $26,600. Staff proposes the Community Center Committee would consist of two City Councilmembers, two Park and Recreation Commission members, two Rambling River Center Advisory Board members and two Farmington school district representatives with one representative being a School Board member and the other representative being a staff member. A variety of different City staff would be involved throughout the process. The cost of the study would come out of the park improvement fund. Staff asked the Council to approve the hiring of Bonestroo to complete the next steps in the Community Center study and to appoint two Councilmembers to the Community Center Committee. Councilmember McKnight was concerned that the park improvement fund was the source of funding. Earlier tonight they approved the 2005 park improvements and that did not include everything staff wanted to see in the parks. He supports the project, but was concerned with the source of funding. Parks and Recreation Director Distad noted there were two development agreements approved tonight that will result in another $100,000 in park dedication cash in lieu, in addition there will be another $60,000 in park development fees that will come from those developments. There is also the Farmington Business Park which provides for $58,000 cash in lieu with $8,000 in park development fees. There is also the Middle Creek 3rd Addition which will provide another $80,000 in cash. Finance Director Roland stated it is important to note that funding will pay for the actual park improvements. Funding for this project will come from the other sources of income that come into this fund such as the transfers from the liquor operations. When developments make payments for park facilities into the park improvement fund they need to make sure that is where those improvement funds go. Councilmember McKnight noted the transfers from the liquor operations could also pay for the same things the developer contributes to. Councilmember Pritzlaffhad the same concern with funding. He asked if the partnerships had already been discussed with those groups. Staff replied those are identified partners staff would like to explore a partnership with for the Community Center. Each brings different aspects they might want in a Community Center. The next step would be discussing partnerships with these groups. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked if the partnerships would contribute to the cost. Staff replied it would be at the City's expense to look at these partnerships. Councilmember Wilson stated if staff is comfortable with this amount of money coming from the budget, he was also comfortable with it. He wanted the expenditure to be very deliberative and thoughtful and not rushed. He asked how reliable the information would be as far as partnerships in the future. Staff replied the location information would always be good, as they will look at soil Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 8 conditions and roadways. As far as partnerships, it is a timing issue. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked if the cost of the Community Center would change from one year to the next and how much. Staff replied the construction cost would only go up. That will be given in the estimate. Mayor Soderberg supported getting this done, but the timeline does not have to be rushed for August. If this goes to a referendum, he wants as many people to have a chance to vote on this as possible and we will get the best turnout at a general election. This gives plenty of time to develop partnerships. The task force did a great job, but he wants as many voters to be involved in the voting as possible. Councilmember McKnight supported the referendum at the 2006 election. This facility has to be considered with the entire budget. He wanted to get through a budget process first. Councilmember Wilson stated he would also like to see a referendum at the 2006 general election. He would also like time to evaluate the CIP. Staff noted if they identify potential partnerships and they need to take time to work on it, they will do that. Councilmember Pritzlaff agreed with these comments and wanted to go through a budget process and review the CIP. He was concerned with having more than one referendum in 2006, does that give one or the other a chance to fail. Having it in November of2005, there may not be as many voters, but felt it would be better than to hold it in February 2006. If it is done in the fall we would be close to the numbers expected in 2006. Councilmember Fogarty was not interested in closing any doors. She sat through all the committees and task forces and this is community driven. There is a huge concern in the community that if we stop we would be responsible for the failure of it. She wanted more information and to hear from the public, but this has been community driven. She is concerned with the thought of closing doors and options. Mayor Soderberg stated he did not disagree it has been community driven and he is not suggesting stopping. The timing of a referendum would take some magnificent things to change. We have to look at the cost of this in light of other things the City has to do including other facilities. Years ago a facilities task force identified five priorities for the City - a Central Maintenance Facility, Police Department, City Hall, Fire Department and a Community Center in that order. Those were the priorities set by a facilities task force that was primarily composed of the public. That order has been skewed a little and we need to weigh this in the balance with other priorities. There are some financial questions as well. Weare looking at a $21 million bond. He asked how that bond counts toward the 2% debt limit of $25 million. Finance Director Roland did not have the answer now. It is staff s intent to identify the potential costs at the budget workshop and give Council an idea what that does to the debt and the levy. Councilmember Wilson thought in contrast to stalling, the City Hall Task Force made recommendations and that is a priority that is above a Community Center. That is a train that did stop. He would like to see how that lines up. He felt a Community Center would be a tremendous benefit. He was concerned with the tax impact of the City's budget, the school district, the referendum voters approved in February, and any possible operating referendums from the school Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 9 district. Councilmember Fogarty stated it is a concern to build a City Hall and a Community Center in the same year. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Pritzlaffto approve the hiring ofBRAA to complete the next steps in the Community Center study. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by McKnight to appoint Councilmembers Fogarty and Wilson to the Community Center Study Committee. Voting for: Soderberg, McKnight, Pritzlaff. Abstain: Fogarty, Wilson. MOTION CARRIED. c) Review and Approve Responses to Comments and Final AUAR and Mitigation Plan - Giles-Murphy Property - Community Development The property is located in the central portion of the City. The property comprises 350 acres. Ms. Sherri Buss, Bonestroo, presented highlights of the AUAR. Six agencies provided comments. Most of the comments received revolved around storm water. The site has very high ground water. The agencies want the City to use infiltration as the main method of dealing with storm water. This will be difficult to do with this area. Comments also discussed the ongoing concerns with traffic on TH3. There needs to be some long-term thinking between the City, Empire Township and MnDOT. There was a comment about whether the sewer line that is proposed to go across Parkview Ponds and serve this development needs to be part ofthis environmental review. Staffhas worked this out with the Met Council that this is not the case, but that Giles-Murphy will not be able to hook up to this system until all the environmental review is finished. If approved, the AUAR will be mailed out on May 18, 2005. The agencies have 10 days for any major objections. The final AUAR would be approved on June 6, 2005 at which point the development can move forward. Staff noted they have a combination of different best management practices to deal with the agencies Issues. Councilmember Wilson felt the City needs to partner with Empire, Rosemount, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights on the TH3 issue and other issues. Ms. Buss noted the AUAR they are doing in Inver Grove Heights says TH3 needs to be at least four lanes in the next 15-20 years. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson approving the Final AUAR and Mitigation Plan Farmington Giles/Murphy Area. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. d) Adopt Resolution - Approve Bristol Square 5th Addition Preliminary and Final Plat - Community Development Mr. Jim Allen proposes to plat 53 multi-family townhome units in the Bristol Square 5th Addition, which is the final phase of Bristol Square. This was approved in 1998, but there have been lot line changes and a change in the number oftownhomes. The Planning Commission had concerns with lingering issues such as landscaping, seeding, and planting of trees. Mr. Allen is working on these issues. There has been a change in the building elevations since 1998. Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 10 In 1998 there were changes in the roof line elevations, now the roof lines are the same elevation. There is also a change in the windows. A new builder has purchased this area. All the units have been sold. The Planning Commission had concerns with the changes in building elevations and design. They did recommend approvalofthe development. Councilmember McKnight asked if staff had a timeline for completing the issues from the 1 st and 2nd Additions. City Planner Smick replied they don't, however, the developer will be seeding the area as soon as the rain stops. The letters of credit and development contracts do not require set timelines. There are time requirements for sodding, but nothing in the development contracts. The developer has also purchased 23 trees which will be planted within the next week. Counci1member Fogarty asked about the closest park to the area. Parks and Recreation Director Distad replied Tamarack Park. However, ifMUSA is given to the Winkler property, that would be the next closest park. There are provisions for private parks in this addition, however there would be more green space rather than having playground equipment. There will be a trail from this development through the Hometown Addition to Tamarack Park. Councilmember Fogarty felt the townhome developments have very little park space and a high concentration of people and she felt that seemed to be going in the wrong direction. Staff noted the standard is there should be no resident further than a half mile from a park. Tamarack Park is within a half mile. Councilmember Wilson was also concerned with the delay in the landscaping items. He then asked if the park dedication requirements are similar with townhomes as with other developments. Parks and Recreation Director Distad replied they are similar. Up to 25% of the private parkland can be credited towards their park dedication. The main portion would be cash in lieu to the City. Councilmember Wilson asked about the timeframe for the development. City Planner Smick replied the plat was submitted on March 21,2005, so staffhas until May 21,2005 to make a decision. Preliminary plat has a 120 day review. Councilmember Wilson wanted to continue this item, as he wanted to see some higher design standards. He requested staff to determine cost impacts for adding brick on the garages, enhanced definition between units, etc. He wanted to keep up with the standard set in the first addition. City Attorney J amnik stated the item can be tabled for any reason within the timeframe. Council's ability to impose a different design standard will be extremely limited. There is an ordinance establishing design standards and criteria that if a developer meets, the Planning Commission and Council have limited discretion to reject an application that meets those established criteria. Councilmember Fogarty stated Council can request the developer to make changes, but they cannot make him. Mr. Jim Allen spoke regarding the landscaping issues. The trail was installed last fall and they want to install the sprinkling system before they plant the trees. They will re-seed and mulch the area. Councilmember Pritzlaff stated there was a resident that spoke up about this issue and wondered for the future if a resident has to speak up before a project is completed. Mr. Allen replied before the Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 11 resident spoke up, the trees had been purchased. The resident was right and they just need to get it done. Mr. Bill Johnson, MW Johnson Construction, stated the first home he ever built was in Farmington in 1971. Stanek's still live there. He sold the house and lot for $23,000. The biggest challenge builders and developers have today is to try to get people in their first home. Park Place was a wonderful neighborhood. The first house and lot sold was for $90,000. Today they are selling for $230,000. To get people into their first house is really tough. MW Johnson picked up this project from Mr. Allen, because the townhomes were not selling. He had a price point that people could not afford. Everyone talks about affordable housing, but at the same time they want all these things that drive the price up. They are here to build a good product and they want repeat business. He wants to make sure the kids that graduate from Farmington can afford to live in Farmington. It is their obligation as builders to build affordable housing. The first house he built is probably worth $300,000 today. Councilmember Wilson stated he will request this not be delayed because of Mr. Johnson's statement regarding keeping the price affordable. Mr. Johnson stated his job is to help people. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked how much it would cost to do brick halfway up on the garage sides and how much would it add to the value. Mr. Johnson replied it would cost about $1,000 per home. It would not increase the value. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about curb appeal. Mr. Johnson stated that is two different things. To the person buying it, it has to have the right curb appeal. Councilmember Pritzlaff then asked about the design in the rear of the townhomes. Mr. Johnson stated the difference from Mr. Allen's townhomes is there is a break between the first and second floors, where Mr. Allen's was straight up and down. Mr. Allen broke it up by putting in the triangle windows. Mr. Johnson gave them more square footage. MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight adopting RESOLUTION R63-05 approving the Bristol Square 5th Addition Preliminary and Final Plat with contingencies. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. f) Adopt Resolution - Tamarack Ridge 4th Addition Final Plat - Community Development Mr. Jim Ostensen proposes to develop 4.2 acres of commercially zoned property east ofTH3. 209th Street runs along the south and CSAH 66 is to the north. Within the development is a loop for Cascade Drive. This is a public roadway. There is a private townhome development next to this development. Lot 1 will be for Roundbank. There will be four drive-thru's. Next door is a proposed retail center. This will be 25,750 sq. ft. Mr. Blaine Eggum of Valley Mining is the builder. There will be a private street along the back connecting with 209th Street. They propose to bring the townhome development roadway straight into the development and remove a portion of the road. Mr. Deanovic has been working with Mr. Eggum on the reconstruction ofthe road. There will be a fence installed on the townhome property for screening between residential and commercial. They are proposing 12 retail spaces and possibly a drive-thru at one end. Some Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 12 residents were concerned with additional traffic on 209th Street. Staffwill review this situation as needed. Councilmember Wilson asked about the width of the drive-thru. Staff replied it is 12 ft. one-way. The garbage will be in a different area. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked if the drive-thru would have to be used as an access for fire trucks and if that would be a problem. Staff replied fire trucks would not have to use this area. Mayor Soderberg noted regarding Roundbank, there is a driveway to the east edge of the property directly across from the private street. As you come into the entrance, he asked ifthe parking area would be closed off. Staff replied yes, the traffic would be one-way. Staff is still looking at the location for garbage pickup and will make sure the garbage trucks will not have to back up. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Pritzlaff adopting RESOLUTION R66-05 approving the Final Plat and authorizing signing ofthe Final Plat Tamarack Ridge 4th Addition. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. h) Adopt Ordinance - Text Amendment Regarding Signs for Non-Residential Uses in the A-I District - Community Development The City Code currently does not allow for any signage in the A-1 district. Christian Life Church is interested in redesigning their sign. At one point they proposed a pylon sign. After reviewing the future situation in the area staff proposed a sign 10 ftin height and 100 sq. ft. in size. The church has revised their request to a monument sign. Their request for LED lighting will be reviewed in the future. Staff proposed to include in the A-I zoning district and for permitted non-residential uses one free standing monument sign allowed per street frontage. Each sign shall not exceed 100 sq. ft in sign area and 10 ft. in height. Regarding the LED lighting, Councilmember Fogarty suggested determining the height of the lettering so it is readable. Staff will be reviewing that as well as how long it will be on, rolling, flashing lights, etc. MOTION by Wilson, second by McKnight adopting ORDINANCE 005-531 revising Section 10-6-3 of the Sign code to allow signs for Permitted Non-residential Uses in the A-I zoning district. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. i) MUSA Review Committee Recommendation - Community Development At the end ofthe committee's process last year, some properties on the east side of town were not recommended for MUSA because of the City's sewer capacity. The committee reconvened on April 20, 2005 at which time staff informed them how much acreage could be served by the existing system. The committee recommended that parcels F, G, 3, and 4 on the MUSA map be granted MUSA. Property F is the Devney property, 3 is part of the same parcel, but it is located in Empire Township. Property G is the Winkler property and 4 is part ofthat parcel, but in Empire Township. The Planning Commission also recommended these Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 13 parcels receive MUSA. Parcels 3 and 4 will receive MUSA immediately upon annexation. Councilmember Wilson asked Community Development Director Carroll to point out the Christiansen property, which is the proposed site for the new high school and major roadways in the area. Staff showed the property is along the western border of Farmington and the eastern border of Lakeville. The area in Lakeville is in urban reserve which means they have not planned for development there until at least 2020. There is a small pocket shown for 2010 development. Hwy 50 is to the south and Flagstaff is to the east. The next closest major roads would be Cedar Avenue to the west in Lakeville and Pilot Knob Road to the east. There are no major east-west roads north ofthe Christiansen site that are currently paved. 195th Street is to the north. This currently has a T intersection at Flagstaff. The Christiansen property is shown as PI and P2 on the MUSA map. When the Christiansen's became involved in the MUSAprocess last year, they had the entire parcel involved and as the process continued it became apparent the school district was interested in purchasing some of the property, but not all of it. The site was divided into P1 and P2. PI is the school district portion. Councilmember Fogarty commented on Property S, the Adelman property. She noted they have been at several MUSA Committee meetings and they are very interested in developing their property. It is zoned R-3 for residential. The MUSA Committee keeps turning them down because it does not meet the criteria of transportation routes, or provide for industrial/commercial development. One member pointed out this is one of the last pieces right on the railroad tracks and maybe lends itself to industrial/commercial development. She felt this should be re-zoned in the future. Mayor Soderberg felt it made sense to capitalize on the property being next to the railroad. He asked if it can be rezoned. City Attorney J amnik stated the Planning Commission can consider a Comp Plan change and a rezone. The owner does not need to petition to do this. Councilmember Pritzlaff also agreed with this. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson adopting RESOLUTION R67-05 to include properties identified as F, G, 3 and 4 in the MUSA area. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. j) Adopt Resolution and Ordinance - Executive Estates Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezone - Community Development Ms. Judith Empey, owner and Mr. Colin Garvey, developer have jointly submitted an application for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and rezone for this property. 225th Street runs along the south, TH3 is to the west, TH50 is to the north. This property was annexed into the City on November 10, 2004. They are proposing 98 single-family lots. The property is going from non-designated to low density. The property would be rezoned from A-1 to R-l. The Planning Commission recommended approval. MOTION by McKnight, second by Wilson adopting RESOLUTION R68-05 amending the 2020 Comprehensive Plan designating the property from non-designated to low density subject to Met Council approval. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Wilson, second Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 14 by Fogarty adopting ORDINANCE 005-532 approving the rezoning ofthe Executive Estates property from A-I to R-l. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 12. NEWBUSINESS 13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Councilmember Wilson: Attended the chair celebration at the Rambling River Center. He could not thank the Dakota Dreamcatchers 4H Club enough for the work they did. He congratulated Billy Samuelson on his work on the cemetery. He congratulated Mayor Soderberg on the State of the City Address. He attended the Chamber lunch with Governor Pawlenty and Representative Garofalo. A resident brought to his attention about televising the pre-Council meetings. One reason behind not televising those meetings was to encourage residents to come before the Council in a more comfortable setting. So far there have been two residents attending the meetings. He was open to the idea of televising those meetings and wanted to know what the rest of Council thought. Councilmember Fogarty wanted to keep them off-camera. She felt it was important to have a time for residents to address Council without having the cameras. A lot of what we do during that time is paperwork. She specifically wanted that time so people could come to the Council without feeling any pressure. Councilmember McKnight agreed with Councilmember Fogarty and felt we could re-evaluate the situation at the end ofthe year. Councilmember Pritzlaff also agreed with Councilmember Fogarty. Mayor Soderberg agreed it is more like a work session. Councilmember Wilson stated he would like to have more Council Workshops. He felt we do not have those enough. He was not a big fan of having increased meetings, but the ones we have had have been extremely productive. He suggested looking at one for the fourth week of May. He realized the budget workshop is coming up. Mayor Soderberg asked if there was a specific topic he wanted to have a workshop on, as they are done on an as needed basis. Councilmember Wilson replied the sign issue could generate some discussion, but agreed to wait. Councilmember Pritzlaff: Congratulated Mayor Soderberg on his State ofthe City Address. He also attended the chair celebration at the Rambling River Center and the lunch with Governor Pawlenty and Representative Garofalo. He provided pictures ofthe event to the Council. City Administrator Urbia: May 19,2005, 7:30 a.m. is the Coffee with the Council. Councilmembers Fogarty and Wilson will attend. The Dakota County Mayor/Managers meeting will be on Friday at 7:00 a.m. in Eagan. They will provide an update on the Hipp projects and a list of additional projects. Council Minutes (Regular) May 16, 2005 Page 15 Mayor Soderberg: The Park and Recreation Commission Chair, Randy Oswald, has requested a joint meeting with the Council and Mayor Soderberg agreed. Staffwill work on scheduling the meeting. The State of the City Address was presented to the Chamber and then taped at City Hall. The schedule is available on the website. He thanked Administrative Services Director Shadick, Mark Moore, Jeanne Stanek, City Administrator Urbia and all of staff for their assistance. It would not have turned out as well as it did without staff. Winston Churchill said it is the people that have the heart of the lion, I am the lucky one chosen to roar. He attended the chair celebration at the Rambling River Center. He presented a key to the City to the Dakota Dreamcatchers 4H Club for their remarkable work. He received an e-mail, as well as all of Council, from a resident with a number of questions regarding the site for the high school. He would have to refer the Akin letter to staff and the City Attorney. He felt it would be good to compile a response together as a Council. He asked staff to work on this so a formal response could be given at the next meeting. Councilmember McKnight felt the letter should be answered individually by each Councilmember. Councilmember Fogarty stated she is not capable of answering all these questions, as she does not have all the information. Councilmember McKnight stated he will answer his individually. Mayor Soderberg felt there was no harm answering individually, but some of the questions could relate to policy and it would be nice to let the public know where the Council is. Councilmember Wilson stated the questions are so well worded and so well thought out, it would be good information to disseminate to residents as a Council. There are questions he felt he could not fairly answer. Councilmember Pritzlaff noted some questions could be personal opinion. Those could be answered individually and the technical questions could be handled by staff. Councilmember Fogarty suggested referring the technical questions to staff and answering the rest on their own. Councilmember Wilson felt that could be tricky. City Administrator Urbia will bring the letter to staff tomorrow and get back to Council. Mayor Soderberg stated Council can answer the questions that would be their own personal opinion, and staff can help with the technical questions. 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - City Administrator Review Follow-up This item was deleted for further review. 15. ADJOURN MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to adjourn at 10:22 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, ~...~~ /Y7~ ~thia Muller Executive Assistant