HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.05.23 Work Session Packet
AGENDA
Work Session Meeting
5:00 PM - Monday, June 5, 2023
Farmington City Hall
Page
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVE AGENDA
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Amend Fee Schedule for Small Antenna Installations
Direct Staff to take the necessary steps to add language to the 2023
Fee Schedule which will allow for negotiated lease rates for small
installations meeting the criteria suggested above.
Agenda Item: Amend Fee Schedule for Small Antenna Installations - Pdf
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Cardboard Recycling Bins
Approve the removal of all cardboard recycling bins near the
Maintenance Facility.
Agenda Item: Cardboard Recycling Bins - Pdf
13 - 19
4. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE UPDATE
5. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
6. ADJOURN
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WORK SESSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator
From: John Powell, Public Works Director
Department: Engineering
Subject: Amend Fee Schedule for Small Antenna Installations
Meeting: Work Session - Jun 05 2023
INTRODUCTION:
On November 14, 2022, the City Council discussed the proposed 2023 Fee Schedule. It was noted
that the City’s Antenna Lease Rate is a set rate and does not differentiate between larger and smaller
installations. City staff has gathered additional information and recommends that language be added
to the fee schedule to allow the City to negotiate a reduced lease rate for smaller installations.
DISCUSSION:
Earlier this year, the City was notified by Sprint / T-Mobile that they are terminating their antenna
lease on the Daisy Knoll tower. The 2022 revenue to the City from this one lease was over $47,000;
they have recently initiated the physical decommissioning of this installation. Allowing for a
negotiated lease rate for smaller installations could help replace at least some of this lost revenue.
JTN Communication, a company based here in Farmington, has provided some information on what
may be involved with a smaller antenna installation. Images showing the typical antenna size,
mounting examples, and ground cabinet space needs are area attached. Based on a review of this
and other information, Staff finds that this type of smaller installation would be much less intrusive to
the maintenance and operation of water storage facilities and justifies a reduced lease rate. We
suggest the following criteria to qualify for a negotiated antenna lease rate:
1. A ground lease area no greater than 30 square feet.
2. No alteration of the tank exterior coating for antenna mounting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
While the antenna lease rate for a smaller installation would likely be a fraction of the City’s standard
fee, it will provide some additional revenue.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Direct Staff to take the necessary steps to add language to the 2023 Fee Schedule which will allow
for negotiated lease rates for small installations meeting the criteria suggested above.
ATTACHMENTS:
2023 Fee Schedule excerpt
CC Work Session minutes 111422
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Antenna Size
Mounting Example 1
Mounting Example 2
Cabinet Example
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17
WATER TOWER COMMUNICATION
DEVICES
2023 Amount
Lease Administration Fee
$500
This fee must be paid prior to any research or site
meetings. The fee covers staff time or outside costs to
review plans and specifications. Surety may be required
for any approved work.
Lease rates noted are the initial rate indicated in any new lease agreements and the rate will increase by 5%
annually on January 1 st, regardless of the date that the lease is signed or type of equipment.
Base Lease Rate $4,124.80
($49,497.59
annually)
This lease rate covers up to 3 antennas and 300 sq. ft.
of space at the base of the tower.
Additional Antenna Lease Rate $1,374.98
($16,499.70
annually)
This rate will be added to the base lease rate,
beginning with the 4th antenna array, for each
additional antenna array.
Additional Space Rental Lease Rate $7.62/month/sq. ft.
($91.44/year/sq. ft.)
This charge will apply if the installation occupies more
than a total of 300 sq. ft. at the base of the tower.
Square footage will be calculated based on a
rectangular area described by adding 3 ft. to the
maximum width and length, or by the actual size of
easement requested, whichever is larger. This will not
include access easements, or line easements from the
tower to the enclosure/equipment.
MISCELLANEOUS 2023 Amount
Ag Preserve Filing $75
Candidate Filing $5 10,000 - 100,000 population
Code Enforcement Cost Recovery $75 Re‐Inspection/
Administrative Fee
Plus Cost of Abatement
Private Hauler – Commercial
Dumpster Annual Fee
$100
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City of Farmington
City Council Work Session Minutes
November 14, 2022
1. Call to Order
Mayor Hoyt called the work session to order at 5:15 p.m.
Present: Hoyt, Bernhjelm, Lien, Porter, Wilson
Also Present: Joel Jamnik,City Attorney; Lynn Gorski,City Administrator; Chris Regis, Finance
Director;John Powell, City Engineer;Justin Elvestad, Fire Chief; Kellee Omlid,
Parks and Recreation Director;Cynthia Muller,Administrative Assistant
2. Approve Agenda
MOTION by Wilson, second by Porter to approve the agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
3. Discussion Items
a. Discuss Gambling Permit Ordinance
At the November 7, 2022, City Council meeting, two gambling premise permit
applications from Farmington Youth Hockey Association (FYHA) were tabled to
discuss the gambling ordinance at this work session. Mayor Hoyt asked council to
discuss whether there should be additional oversight within the ordinance and
consider if there is an opportunity for all non-profits to utilize charitable gambling.
Some cities regulate the number of premise permits allowed. Does council think this
warrants discussion? Should we consider directing staff to do additional research?
We have 11 establishments within Farmington that have onsite gambling. FYHA has
two more permit applications for 8 out of 11 establishments.
Councilmember Wilson asked, in 1998 council stated the goal is for 50%of the
profits be given back to the community. Council has never asked to see the books.
Would council normally do that? City Attorney Jamnik stated we have a
requirement that a report should be filed. At the time the ordinance passed,
regional and state organizations were using gambling. We didn't have that issue, so
there was no need to check. Cities are entitled to verify and do periodic checks. It is
a matter of staff following up. Councilmember Wilson asked if council felt we need
to have equity of opportunity for other organizations, what is the appropriate
balance? City Attorney Jamnik noted that is a policy decision when you do not have
an application pending. Mayor Hoyt confirmed if council decides to change the
gambling ordinance, it would not affect the permit applications in hand.
Councilmember Bernhjelm asked where this is stemming from. Mayor Hoyt stated
he received a phone call from another group that was not able to conduct gambling
at a business. Councilmember Bernhjelm asked if this is an issue in terms of rolling
applications and being approved as they come up. We have never had competing
interest in a location. Mayor Hoyt stated the gambling board requires a certain
amount of work from us. Where does that purview start and stop? Councilmember
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Council Work Session Minutes
November 14,2022
Page 2
Wilson was concerned that there is competition between organizations to find
locations. Mayor Hoyt stated once a premise permit is issued, unless there is a
reason to pull the organization's gambling license, local authority cannot deny a
permit. City Attorney Jamnik confirmed that is correct. It's a screen to okay the site
for gambling. The business decides who they want to go with. It's a relationship
between the owner of the site and the gambling organization.
Councilmember Porter stated she believes in free market. Mayor Hoyt asked if
council feels we have a responsibility to ensure any non-profit has an opportunity
for fair trade in the city? Councilmember Bernhjelm stated they already can.
Councilmember Wilson stated any further regulation would stifle that. City Attorney
Jamnik noted charitable gambling is a regulated industry. Councilmember Lien
stated gambling has been a monopoly for years. City Attorney Jamnik stated any
issues get resolved through the gambling control board. Councilmembers agreed it
is a business decision and council should not get involved.
Fire Chief Elvestad stated with the relief association moving out of the business, that
is a significant loss for the fire department. Mayor Hoyt stated each organization
has an obligation to conduct themselves in a way to ensure there is future
opportunity for them. Council reached a consensus to not change anything with the
gambling ordinance.
Mr. Eric Stahl, Farmington Lanes, stated prior to the Fire Relief Association having
pull tabs,funds went outside of Farmington. We sought out FYHA because we want
the money staying in Farmington.
Councilmember Porter asked about obtaining reports. Councilmember Bernhjelm
stated staff should get current on that.
Mr. Stahl stated FYHA didn't approach them, they approached FYHA. We chose to
part ways with the Fire Relief Association.
Mr.Jeff Flynn, Wrestling Board, stated there is an impression that FYHA has a
monopoly. The Wrestling Board just lost Las Enchiladas and are down to only the
Long Branch. FYHA has eight businesses in Farmington. FYHA is doing a good job
with marketing. He asked if we could find a way to partner within the community
with FYHA.
Ms. Amy Holmes, FYHA, stated they do give back 75%of proceeds to the
community. She could see no reason not to support wrestling. We are a non-profit
and do it well. We are not out soliciting. Other sports do not have gambling. It's
not a monopoly if five organizations hold a gambling permit. Mr.Tim Galloway,
FYHA, asked why do businesses leave other partnerships and seek out FYHA? Ms.
Holmes stated FYHA has a paid gambling manager. Mr. Ryan Bjorkstrand, FYHA,
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Council Work Session Minutes
November 14,2022
Page 3
stated we built a reputation years ago and are trying to keep that. Mr. Gus Groslie,
FYHA, stated most of us have kids in multiple sports. All organized non-profits need
money. Hockey is the most expensive. Council reached a consensus to not get
involved between businesses and organizations.
b) Discuss Tabled Resolution Approving Gambling Premise Permits for Farmington
Youth Hockey Association
These permits will be on the November 21, 2022, council agenda for approval.
c) 2023 Draft Fee Schedule
City council and staff reviewed proposed changes to the 2023 fee schedule.
Fire—False alarm rate increase is due to commercial alarms requiring more
resources. There has been an increase in residential false alarms, but we are
sending more response to commercial calls. Equipment increase is to keep up with
maintenance costs. The fee for open burning is consistent with other departments.
Service testing is someone pulling an alarm to see if it works and causes a nuisance.
Mayor Hoyt asked that any changes in fees should be looked at in a way that it
covers the budget. If we are deficient in a line item in one year, next year make sure
the increase covers it.
Parks and Rec—The Rambling River Center membership fee does not cover costs.
We also increased the fee for room rentals. If we get the grant funding to remodel,
rentals could be a significant source of revenue. We will get$400 additional with a
1 membership increase. If a resident volunteers, their membership is free. Council
noted we have not increased fees in awhile. A modest increase is better than a
significant increase. We have a lot of programs we can finance through a subsidy
and cautioned levying for programs.
Arena advertising increased $10/year to cover maintenance costs. Ice rental
increased $15/year. We showed a loss so we are increasing everything at the arena.
Also increased turf rental by$10. Rates go from 6/1/23 to 5/31/24. This will allow
us to break even. Council noted ice is in high demand. Make the rate to a point
where we do not have this conversation anymore. We have put a significant
investment in the arena. Rates need to go up. Staff was directed to increase arena
rates to cover costs.
Park development fee was increased to $25,686/acre. Outdoor fields have a $1
increase/participant fee. Farmington is the only city with park development fees
and we cannot lose it. Council asked for the dollar amount on an annual basis and if
we are ahead of our neighbors.
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Council Work Session Minutes
November 14,2022
Page 4
Building permits—Solar panels were added to better identify them. Permit reprints
were increased by half of the current fee. Council suggested looking at a flat fee vs
building valuation. We are missing revenue with remodel work.
Engineering— Utility rate increase of 5%was recommended by the Water Board and
they also proposed a utility rate study be done in 2023. It would be paid for out of
the sewer, water and storm water funds at an estimated cost of$30,000. There is
also a 5% increase in sewer and storm water rates and a 3%increase in development
fees. The water tower antenna base rate is increased by 5%. This increase is
included in the lease schedule. The sanitary sewer trunk fee and water trunk fee are
increased by 3%. Council noted we have gone several years without an increase,
and we projected increases over time.
Mr. Ben Blomgren,JTN Communications, commented on the fact the antenna rates
have a significant difference in purpose and scale. They have smaller antennas and
occupy a smaller footprint. Our rate is 7-8 times more expensive than market rate.
His company is based in Farmington and they provide rural internet service. Council
directed staff to pull the antenna rates and compare them with neighboring cities
and review national vs local carriers. Staff noted local or national antennas take up
space on the tower. You have to consider cables coming out, etc. We could have
another tier for antennas. Mr. Blomgren noted there is one attachment per tank vs
one antenna per tank.
On December 5, 2022,there will be a public hearing at the council meeting for the
fee schedule. City Attorney Jamnik stated we can change the fee schedule any time
other than for development fees and liquor fees.
4. City Administrator Update
Upcoming December meetings:
December 1—Boards and Commissions Annual Reception
December 5—Council Work Session and Meeting
December 12—Boards and Commissions Interviews
December 19—Council Meeting
5. Adjourn
MOTION by Wilson, second by Bernhjelm to adjourn at 7:07 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia -MuCler
Cynthia Muller
Administrative Assistant
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WORK SESSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator
From: John Powell, Public Works Director
Department: Engineering
Subject: Cardboard Recycling Bins
Meeting: Work Session - Jun 05 2023
INTRODUCTION:
Earlier this year, the City removed the cardboard recycling bins on the west side of the 2nd Street/Oak
Street intersection. They were on private property, and the property owner requested they be
removed. The City has seven remaining cardboard recycling bins located northwest of the
Maintenance Staff’s is it time, Staff consuming issues which ongoing to Due Facility. are
recommendation to also remove the remaining bins.
DISCUSSION:
The City currently has seven bins open to the public near the Maintenance Facility for disposal of
cardboard. Despite being emptied on a daily basis during the week, by Monday morning they are
frequently overfilled with cardboard debris placed outside of t he bins. DSI indicates they are not able
to empty the bins over the weekend. Public Works Staff routinely must pick up debris outside of the
bins, including many items which have blown into nearby boulevards and ponds. Attached are images
documenting the overfilling of the recycling bins over the past several weeks.
The City has taken steps to reduce the overfilling of these bins, including:
• An additional bin was placed at this site a couple of months ago bringing the total number of
bins to seven.
• Considered options for providing additional capacity such as the installation of a compactor,
but this was not pursued for safety reasons.
• Using addresses taken off debris laying outside of the bins, Code Enforcement has
contacted residents and other property owners. About 40% of the addresses contacted were
located outside of the City of Farmington.
• News items pertaining to Cardboard Dumpster Usage Reminders and Business Recycling
Reminders have been placed on the City website.
Via communication with Violet Penman, the City’s Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator, she
indicates that Hastings is the only other nearby city that she is aware of that offers cardboard
dumpsters for free public disposal. She also indicates that Farmington residents also have other
options for cardboard disposal:
Curbside recycling is weekly throughout Farmington, and cardboard is accepted in curbside bins.
Excess cardboard can be neatly bundled and placed next to the bin for pickup with no extra charge.
• Recycle Minnesota in Lakeville accepts cardboard for free.
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• Alpha Services in Rosemount accepts cardboard for free.
• The Recycling Zone in Eagan accepts cardboard for free.
Violet further offered the following background:
Dakota County requires that all businesses have recycling service, with an option to self-haul
recycling to a recycling facility. Thus, businesses should have a recycling cart or dumpster as part of
their recycling service that they can use for proper disposal of cardboard. The cardboard dumpsters
are not a recycling facility and, thus, businesses cannot argue that they "self -haul recycling to a
recycling facility."
Dakota County Ordinance 110, Section 16.02, A4 also states that all businesses must "Ensure that
the collection schedule and container capacity are sufficient to contain all the recyclables collected..."
and Section 16.05, A2 states: "Property owners, managers, and event sponsors shall... Provide a
collection schedule and containers adequate to meet the requirements of this o rdinance."
Residents and businesses have multiple options for disposing of any excess cardboard. We also
need to consider that vehicles parked at the recycling bins will interfere with City Staff traffic in this
area that will be generated due to the new fueling facility. We also do not want to provide vehicles a
reason for parking for extended periods near the fueling facility. We have found that even during
snow removal operations, vehicles have been parked at the recycling bins for drop off which has
interfered with snow removal efforts.
BUDGET IMPACT:
DSI will remove the bins at no cost to the City.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the removal of all cardboard recycling bins near the Maintenance Facility.
ATTACHMENTS:
Bin Location Map
Images Cardboard
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