HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.11.19 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY11, 2019
Mayor Larson called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Present-Larson, Craig, Donnelly and Hoyt
Absent-Bernhjelm
Also Present-Administrator McKnight, Public Works Director Gehler, Community Development
Director Kienberger, Police Chief Rutherford, Parks and Recreation Director Distad and Finance
Director Malecha.
Agenda
Motion by Donnelly, second by Craig,to approve the agenda. APIF, motion carried.
Park Land Donation
Parks and Recreation Director Distad shared that staff has been working with the developer of
the Sapphire Lake development on the possible donation of park land.
Distad shared a map that showed the area of required park donation and the additional
donation that is being discussed with the developer. City staff is looking at the possibility of a
larger park in the area with this land and park land in future developments.
Councilmember Donnelly asked about water that flows through this area. A map showing the
creek that runs through the property was reviewed. Councilmember Craig asked about the
bridge required to cross the creek. Staff shared it depends where the crossing occurs.
The city council consensus was to continue to work with the developer on this park land
donation.
Encroachments
Public Works Director Gehler shared that the city has the opportunity to acquire properties that
were part of the Mystic Meadows subdivision and intended for storm water management.
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These outlots were anticipated to be deeded to the city upon project completion, but due to
the economic instability of that time, are not available through the tax forfeiture process.
The city currently has holds on nine outlots in Mystic Meadows through April 3, 2019 to acquire
them without them going to public sale. City staff reviewed the three options that are available
for to acquire the land,they include a conditional use deed, conservation purchase and outright
purchase.
Varying levels of encroachments are occurring on the outlots but the city currently has little
recourse in correcting the encroachments as they are currently private property. During the
time the properties have been in tax forfeiture,the encroachments have continued to increase.
City staff reviewed the inventory of Lake Ann encroachments that were documented in 2018.
Community Development Director Kienberger reviewed the five current options that are
available:
1. Do Nothing
2. Acquire the properties and perform complete enforcement of all encroachments
3. Acquire the properties and enforcement the encroachments on a case by case basis for
maintenance needs
4. Acquire the properties and offer the adjacent property owners the option to purchase
the encroachment area
5. Acquire the properties and work with adjacent property owners to form an HOA and
work to transfer the encroachment area to the HOA
The city council and city staff had an in-depth conversation on the options available, the pitfalls
that exist with each option and the timeline to make decisions. There appeared to be support
to at least acquire the properties but this discussion will continue at the March work session.
Financial Plan/Gaps
Administrator McKnight presented the current draft of the 2030 financial plan. The plan was
reviewed and a number of financial gaps or shortfalls were reviewed. There is an estimated
million-dollar shortfall in the areas of pavement management,trail maintenance, emerald ash
borer, building maintenance and park improvements.
The city council and city staff will continue to work on this issue.
City Administrator Update
Fire Department Paid Administrative Events
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Administrator McKnight reviewed the current fire department policy on paid administrative
events. McKnight shared that over the past few years we have increased the types of events
that firefighters are paid to attend. This policy formalizes those events and makes it clear to
the department which events are paid. This policy has evolved over the past few years and is
bring shared with the city council as an FYI.
The city council was in support of this policy and asked the city administrator and fire chief to
look at other work that should be moved to the paid items.
Water Tower Graphics
Public Works Director Gehler shared three updated options on the water tower graphics. The
city council supported the option that included an all blue base and moving Farmington up from
the colors in the example.
Utility Bill Video
Public Works Director Gehler played the video sharing information on utility bill increases that
will occur with bills that go out in April with the city council. The city council thanked staff for
their work on this information.
Adjourn
Motion by Craig, second by Donnelly,to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m. APIF, motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted
David McKnight, City Administrator
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