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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.09.20 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK SESSION MARCH 9, 2020 Acting Mayor Craig called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call Present-Bernhjelm, Craig, Donnelly and Hoyt Absent-Larson Water Board Members-Weirke and Snobeck Also Present-Administrator McKnight, Public Works Director Gehler, Police Chief Rutherford, Fire Chief Elvestad, Planning Manager Wippler, Finance Director Malecha and Community Development Director Kienberger Agenda Motion by Hoyt, second by Bernhjelm, to approve the agenda as presented. APIF, motion carried. Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors Presentation Khayree Duckett of the Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors made a presentation on the state of the Farmington housing market to the city council. A variety of information was received and discussed. Councilmember Craig asked why housing prices are lower in Farmington compared to neighboring cities. Duckett stated it costs less to develop in Farmington in terms of land costs, etc. Concept Plan Related to the Highway 3 Corridor Plan Public Works Director Gehler discussed with the city council a proposed development along the Highway 3 corridor. The concept incorporates improvements to promote greater safety for access in the area and aligns with the Highway 3 Corridor Plan completed in 2019 and the Highway 3 Access Management Study completed in 2004. March 9, 2020 Work Session Minutes - 1- Planning Manager Wippler shared that Holiday has submitted an application that will be considered by the Planning Commission in March on the Carbones site. Gehler reviewed current land use and sewer issues in the area. The options presented by MnDOT to Holiday were reviewed which included turn lanes on Highway 3. The city has discussed the backage road concept with Holiday and they are receptive to the idea. Wippler stated that staff has been meeting with property owners in the area and for the most part, they are receptive to the backage road concept. One property owner has expressed concerns about selling their property. Community Development Director Kienberger stated many issues are coming together in one area. Councilmember Hoyt asked about concerns that may exist in property acquisition. Staff stated that they do not have major concerns. The consensus of the city council was to continue to move forward with the backage road concept and plan for this project in upcoming capital improvement plans. Siting,Timing and Feasibility Study of a New Water Tower Public Works Director Gehler reviewed the status of the city's water system and the planned construction of a new water tower. The state departments that oversee our water system and how we project future needs was reviewed. The ten-state standards on how we design our water system was reviewed. The projected storage recommendation was reviewed along with projected water demands. Councilmember Craig questioned the maximum daily demand number in 2020. Gehler stated they the number is based off averages in the planning process. Councilmember Donnelly asked for clarification on how the wells fit into our water system. Gehler explained how the wells add to our water supply. Gehler reviewed our water system volume needs today and in the future sharing that our system is short today and part of the reason we need a new water tower. Gehler reviewed information on new towers and the recommendation to build an elevated storage tank of the composite variety. March 9,2020 Work Session Minutes -2- Gehler reviewed the work we have done with Empire Township in a potential partnership on a new tower. Brian Hildegardner representing the township stated the township was looking at emergency service concerns along with future water demands. Craig asked how the partnership would work. Gehler stated it is easier for one entity to own and sell to the other. Water Board Member Snobeck asked what happens if the city needs all of the capacity. Gehler stated that would need to be defined in the agreement that is worked out between the two entities. Gehler reviewed the two potential sites that the city is looking at for a new tower, compared, and contrasted the two. Councilmember Bernhjelm thanked staff for the refresher on this issue. Councilmember Hoyt asked if land acquisition costs are included in the estimates. Gehler stated they are. Hoyt asked if we could share a tower to only provide emergency services to the township. Gehler stated we could similar to what Farmington has with Lakeville. There are financial issues that will need to be considered. Hoyt expressed concerns about the city taking on the capital costs of a new tower which may provide a competitive advantage to develop in the township as opposed to the city. Bernhjelm stated we have to do something regardless wants to do what is in the best long-term interest of the city. Snobeck stated he sees the advantage of the township helping to pay for part of the city infrastructure. Donnelly expressed concerns about the location of the tower,the build it and they will come approach, land acquisition concerns, he would like to see more growth in the area before we build a new tower,the use of the rainy fund to pay for the tower, he prefers the Daisy Knoll site and wants the city to be very cautious with this decision. Hoyt asked how long the city has been deficient with the water supple. Gehler stated since 2007. March 9,2020 Work Session Minutes -3- Hoyt shared that he prefers to look at this again in one year. Gehler shared that we have 400 lots that are ready for development this year. Donnelly stated he understands the need is there but once we build it, the clock starts on gaining the new system. Craig agreed that we should wait a year. There are economic concerns to consider and one year will not hurt the city. Gehler stated that we would look at the issue again in the spring of 2021 with a potential fall 2021 construction. City Administrator Update Administrator McKnight shared with the city council the Dakota Broadband Board (DBB) draft Indefesable Right to Use Agreement that was recently approved by the DBB Board. This agreement grants the DBB the right to use, manage and maintain the city's fiber and fiber facilities within certain fiber optics cable segments. The vote by the DBB Board was not unanimous and McKnight wanted to provide an opportunity for the city council to ask any questions or share any concerns. The agreement is a technical document, not a policy document. Providing access, management and control of city fiber to the DBB is not a concern to city staff. The city council expressed no concerns with the agreement and will consider it after the County Board takes action on this issue in April. Adjourn Motion by Bernhjelm, second by Hoyt, to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m. APIF, motion carried. Respectfully Submitted fo 7,1P CI la David McKnight, City Administrator March 9, 2020 Work Session Minutes -4-