HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.20.01 Council Minutes
COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR
August 20, 2001
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ristow at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ristow led the audience and Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Also Present:
Ristow, Cordes, Soderberg, Strachan, Verch
None
City Attorney Jamnik, Interim City Administrator Roland, City
Management Team
4. APPROYEAGENDA
MOTION by Strachan, second by Soderberg to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Introduction of New Employee-Public Works
Mr. Ron Ley was introduced as the new Mechanic. He began employment on
June 25, 2001.
b) Introduction of New Employee - Community Development
Mr. Ken Lewis was introduced as the new Building Inspector. He began
employment on July 30, 2001.
6. CITIZEN COMMENTS
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Item 7a) Council Minutes (8/6/01 Regular) was pulled so Councilmember Verch could
abstain from voting as he was absent from that meeting. MOTION by Soderberg,
second by Cordes approving Council Minutes (8/6/01 Regular). Voting for: Ristow,
Cordes, Soderberg, Strachan. Abstain: Verch. MOTION CARRIED.
Item 7c) Appointment Recommendation - Parks and Recreation was pulled by
Councilmember Cordes for discussion. She wanted the item tabled until the new City
Administrator started. She felt the department was being restructured by approving this
position. Councilmember Verch stated we are creating a new position and we have never
done that before? He stated he has confidence in the staff. Councilmember Soderberg
asked if the Forester/Gardener was a new position. Interim City Administrator Roland
stated it was approved in the 2001 budget as an additional position. It is supported and
funded by the 2001 budget. Staff proceeded in the hiring process with internal candidates
as with all other positions. As the new City Administrator starts September 4, 2001,
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20, 2001
Page 2
Councilmember Cordes felt this item should be tabled until the September 17,2001
Council Meeting to give City Administrator Shukle time to review the situation. Interim
City Administrator Roland stated staffhas spoken with Mr. Shukle and advised him of
the position and the process and issues involved. He was supportive of it. Mayor Ristow
stated he also spoke to Mr. Shukle and at that time Mr. Shukle stated he would prefer to
wait. Mayor Ristow said there was an article in the newspaper regarding the budget, and
it talked about new positions and that more discussion was needed. Mayor Ristow stated
he did not recall having those discussions. Interim City Administrator Roland stated she
did not recall saying that. Mayor Ristow stated this needed to be discussed more because
of the budget cuts. MOTION by Cordes, second by Ristow to deny the appointment
recommendation - Parks and Recreation. Councilmember Strachan asked if delaying this
appointment would have an adverse affect on the department. Parks and Recreation
Director Bell replied it would mean the position would not be filled for 4 more weeks.
The position has been vacant since July 1, 2001. Councilmember Cordes stated when
you say vacant, that means there has been no other person in the position. Parks and
Recreation Director Bell stated a park maintenance worker was authorized in the 2001
budget. There used to be a shared position between solid waste and parks and recreation.
The person filling that position went to the solid waste division. The parks part of it has
been vacant. Councilmember Cordes asked what staff has been doing since July 1, 2001.
Parks and Recreation Director Bell replied they have been using summer staff, but they
will be losing summer help and will be short staffed for the next month. Councilmember
Strachan stated he is supportive of staff. However, if it would make Council more
comfortable to table this item, he would agree with that, as long as it is a structure issue
and not a personality issue. Voting for: Ristow, Cordes, Soderberg, Strachan. Voting
against: Verch. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION by Soderberg, second by Strachan to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
b) Accepted Donation - Pollution Prevention Day - Parks and Recreation
d) Approved Akin Road Project Right-of-way Acquisition - Engineering
(Supplemental)
e) Received Information Capital Outlay - Liquor Operations - Finance
f) Approved Civil Penalty Alcohol Compliance Violation - Police Department
g) Adopted RESOLUTION R73-01 Accepting Grant - Fire Department
h) Adopted RESOLUTION R74-01 2001 Sealcoat Project - Engineering
i) Received Information Park Improvements - Parks and Recreation
j) Received Information School and Conference - Administration
k) Received Information School and Conference - Fire Department
I) Received Information School and Conference - Community Development
m) Set September 4,2001 Public Hearing - Farmington Heritage Landmark
Designation - Administration
n) Approved Bills
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20, 2001
Page 3
9. AWARD OF CONTRACT
a) Akin Road Project - Engineering
Bids were received for the Akin Road Project. McNamara Contracting Inc has
submitted the low bid for $1,077,177.50. Dakota Electric submitted a quotation
for $56,000 for their portion of the street lighting and XCEL Energy submitted a
quotation of $3,930 for their portion of the street lighting. The total construction
cost of the project based on the bid and quotations is $1,137,107.50. The total
estimated project cost including contingencies and legal, engineering and
administrative costs is $1,588,600. MOTION by Cordes, second by Verch
adopting RESOLUTION R7S-01 accepting the base bid of McNamara
Contracting Inc. and awarding the contract. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION by Cordes, second by Verch adopting RESOLUTION R76-01
authorizing the contracts for the installation of the street lighting for the project by
XCEL Energy and Dakota Electric Association. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a) Consider Resolution - Riverbend PUD Schematic Plan Amendment -
Community Development
Astra Genstar Partnership proposes to amend the approved Riverbend Schematic
PUD from 272 single-family units to 140 single-family units retaining the R-2
PUD zoning designation. The property was redesignated from R-l and F-3 to R-2
PUD on February 5, 2001. The Planning Commission recommended approval of
the amendment at their August 14,2001 meeting. Residents attending that
meeting wanted the proposed park located along the westerly property line
adjacent to Dakota County Estates to provide an additional buffer to the proposed
development. Staff will bring this request to the Parks and Recreation
Commission. A major concern by the City Council for approval of the project at
the preliminary plat stage was that Upper 18200 and Upper 183rd are local streets
constructed at 32 feet in width and were not built to minor collector standards of
38 feet in width. Because of the potential for increased volumes of traffic, on-
street parking would mostly be restricted to one side of the street and pedestrian
safety might be compromised because of the lack of sidewalks on the existing
streets that are normally required along one side of collector streets. The
Developer asked the Traffic Engineer how many units the development would
need to be reduced to in order to not exceed local street volumes. According to
the Traffic Engineer, the development would need to be reduced to a total of 150-
160 units to eliminate the need for minor collectors in Dakota County Estates.
Therefore, the Developer proposed reducing the number of units in Riverbend by
approximately one-half. The Developer proposes four accesses from its property,
two to the west through Dakota County Estates at Upper 182nd Street and Upper
183rd Street. Two southerly accesses are proposed through Meadow Creek
subdivision. The estimated daily traffic volumes are: 180th Street - 350; Upper
18200 Street - 165; 183rd Street - 80; Upper 183rd Street - 440.
Mr. James Munro, 18863 Embers Avenue, asked if that includes 1 car per house?
Staff replied it is average trips per household.
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20,2001
Page 4
The Developer proposes 75-foot wide lots with the average price range of
$170,000 - $200,000.Water access is available through Dakota County Estates. A
60-foot wide gas line easement runs from the southwest corner of the site to the
northeast near the central portion of the easterly half of the site. Councilmember
Verch stated he would like speed bumps on Upper 1820d and Upper 183rd for
speed control. Staff will discuss this with the Traffic Engineer and bring back to
Council past information on speed bumps. MOTION by Soderberg, second by
Cordes adopting RESOLUTION R77-01 approving the Riverbend PUD
Amendment. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Item 11 a) was moved ahead to accommodate the audience.
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Consider Resolution - Meadow Creek Preliminary Plat - Community
Development
At the August 6, 2001 Council Meeting, the Council made a recommendation to
continue the Meadow Creek Preliminary Plat to this meeting. The Developer was
asked to propose an alternative solution to the traffic impact concerns. The
Developer and staff held a neighborhood meeting once a revision was proposed.
The revisions consist of proposing Eaglewood Trail as a continuous street through
the Meadow Creek development, beginning at Embers A venue on the east and
terminating at 195th Street to the south. Eaglewood Trail would be classified as a
minor collector at this location. Staff recommended the right-of-way be widened
to 70 feet in the Meadow Creek development to allow for a sidewalk along the
proposed minor collector. The revision to 187th Street consisted of terminating
the street at Eaglewood Trail rather than requiring 187th Street to be a continuous
route to 195th Street to the south. 187th Street will intersect with Eaglewood Trail
in the Meadow Creek development. The Traffic Engineer proposed 187th Street
from Embers Avenue to Eaglewood Trail remain classified as a local street. From
Embers A venue to Pilot Knob Road, the Traffic Engineer recommends that 187th
Street be classified as a minor collector.
In the original concept, 187th Street showed a projected traffic daily volume of
2,030. In the revised concept, the traffic count has been reduced to 1,300
projected daily volume. Eaglewood Trail originally showed a daily volume of
170. The revised concept shows a daily volume of 870. The Traffic Engineer
proposed 40 trips per day north and south on Embers A venue south of Eaglewood
Trail, while 395 trips per day will be generated north and south between
Eaglewood Trail and 187th Street. It is projected that 520 trips per day will run
east and west along 187th Street between Embers A venue and Pilot Knob Road
and 250 trips per day both north and south of 187th Street on Embers Avenue.
At the neighborhood meeting, residents were concerned with construction traffic
and proposed routes used to reach the Meadow Creek development. These issues
will be concluded before the grading and construction plans are approved and any
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20, 2001
Page 5
grading commences on the site. Residents also asked if a crosswalk could be
located on 187th Street near Lake Julia Park. The Traffic Engineer stated the City
only installs crosswalks at intersections of streets, and as there is not an
intersection at this location, he recommended against the crosswalk. He did
recommend placing park signs reminding vehicles to slow down near the park.
The residents also asked if the reclassification of 187th Street as a minor collector
would make it easier to gain stop signs. The Traffic Engineer stated the
reclassification carries more political clout to assist in making a positive
recommendation to approving a stop sign on a minor collector if it meets
warrants. Residents asked if east/west collectors such as 195th Street were
extended and connected to TH3, would this reduce some of the traffic on 187th
Street and Eaglewood Trail? The Traffic Engineer stated as more roads are built,
traffic counts would be reduced due to additional routes.
The Developer proposed to plat 178 single-family lots on 159.35 acres in the first
phase of Meadow Creek. The condition to plat approval concerning the need for
a variance to the cul-de-sac length has been dismissed because the cul-de-sac has
been eliminated due to the reconfiguration of Eaglewood Trail as a continuous
roadway through the development. Approval of the Meadow Creek Preliminary
Plat is contingent upon the following items:
1. The Developer seeks a variance to the minimum lot width for two lots on
the preliminary plat before approval of the final plat.
2. Any required revisions to easements and all engineering comments from
the June 27, 2001 memo that are relevant to the preliminary plat need to be
addressed on the plat.
3. Require corrections and improvements to the grading and drainage
problems in Prairie Creek 4th Addition and restore the affected properties.
4. Require the review of the storm water and pond design as recommended
by engineering.
5. Preserve the treeline along the northern border of the development.
Councilmember Soderberg stated he understands the need to designate a local
street as a minor collector, but it has a negative impact. As far as stop signs,
designating a minor collector protects the traffic flow so it is not impeded. Staff
replied if 187th is designated as a minor collector, and Embers Avenue already is a
minor collector, there would be a four-way stop sign. Councilmember Soderberg
asked based on projected traffic flows, if it meets warrants to place a stop sign at
that intersection. Staff replied the Traffic Engineer is not stating that at this time.
As development continues, it will be reviewed.
Mr. James Munro, 18863 Embers Avenue, stated there is already tons of traffic on
Embers Avenue. He stated he was not notified of the neighborhood meeting.
Staff stated the property owners along 187th Street and Eaglewood Way were
notified. When he moved in, his street was a cul-de-sac. He watches kids getting
potentially run over every day. They cannot get to the park, which is incomplete.
How do you slow traffic down to 30 mph? Cars are constantly passing on
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20, 2001
Page 6
Embers. Police Chief Siebenaler stated a speed analysis was done one year ago.
There were no significant issues. The police have received a number of requests
for a radar display board and have placed it on Embers a number of times. Mayor
Ristow stated Elk River Trail will take some of the traffic. Mr. Munro stated he is
tired of calling the police and yelling at people. What can be done about the
speed? Councilmember Strachan stated Embers is classified as a collector street.
If the issue is speed, there has to be a balance of traffic calming devices.
Councilmember Strachan also has the same concern with Eaglewood Trail. He
asked if it would be possible to change the design in the next phase so it is not a
straight route? City Engineer Mann replied the entire layout would change. The
area to the east of Meadow Creek could be reviewed as a way to calm the traffic.
It will be discussed with the developer. Mr. Munro also asked that the trees not
be taken down, and make a nice trail along the trees.
Mr. Mike Olson, Progress Land, stated the area lies south of a drainage ditch.
Taking out trees is limited to the trail which will be constructed where the trees
are. The trees are not affecting the lots. What kind of boulevard would it be with
box elder and willow trees? It is a planning issue to think about species of trees
and long term effect. Willow and box elder are not wanted along the trail. Parks
and Recreation Director Bell stated when Dakota County Estates was developed,
the ditch was dug and piles left along the south side. There is growth in the piles.
We are not anti-tree. We had a Forester position on the agenda earlier tonight.
We look at the type of trees, and if they are not good, new trees will be planted.
Ms. Sherri Shultheis, 18891 Embers Avenue, stated she paid more for her lot
because of the trees, and the City tore half of them down and they have not been
compensated. Their lawn has been torn up for three years. The drainage has been
fixed, but it took three years. She is not thrilled about having a stop sign in front
of her house. There is a lot of speeding construction traffic.
Mr. Jim Rauscher, 18877 Embers A venue, feels the residents have been blind
sided by the change in the plat. They did not know about the neighborhood
meeting. No one on Embers A venue was contacted. It has not been taken into
consideration all the traffic already on Embers A venue because of the
development to the south. It is time for 187th to eat more of the traffic. The
redevelopment of the plat is crazy. The first plat looked fine to him. How did it
get changed and how can Embers A venue residents change it? Mayor Ristow
stated there was only one route - 187th Street. The residents asked the City to
reconsider and look at other routes. Mr. Rauscher stated traffic will go on Embers
Avenue. He will not live on that street if this happens and perhaps not in this
City. He knew it was a wider street, that there would be a development to the
south, and that his backyard would be torn up. Mayor Ristow stated before you
bought your house, if there had not been problems in litigation with drainage
these houses would have been there already. What do we tell them now? No,
when it is already in the Comprehensive Plan? Mr. Rauscher stated all he wanted
to know was how did the plat get changed from two weeks ago to today, and how
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20, 2001
Page 7
do they get it changed again? Embers already is a freeway. The City wants
Embers to eat all of this traffic. Embers residents want the plat redone again,
because they were not notified of the neighborhood meeting. Mr. Rauscher asked
how many homes will be built in the first phase. Staffreplied 170. Mr. Rauscher
stated they already have 170 homes from the development to the south with the
traffic on Embers Avenue. Mr. Rauscher stated he would like to be involved in
changing the plat again.
Ms. Michelle Hesse, 18821 Embers Avenue, thanked the police for patrolling
their neighborhood. She is also concerned with the traffic situation. Cars are
passing and she is concerned about the kids. She wanted to know if it would take
someone being hit by a car before something is done. She agreed with
Councilmember Verch on the speed bumps. She does not think stop signs will
work. Patrol cars are a great idea, but that does not help. If the speed bumps are
approved, can the plows plow the snow without being damaged? Mayor Ristow
stated speed bumps are difficult to plow and ice and snow will compact. The
street sweeper can leave debris before and after the speed bumps. Ms. Hesse
asked if a recent traffic study could be done on Embers Avenue? Mayor Ristow
replied if Council requests it. Ms. Hesse stated another route (195th Street) was
going to be constructed for traffic to go down Embers and head south. Would that
cause more problems for Embers? Staff stated 195th Street construction has
already begun. Ms. Hesse stated there is a lot of speeding traffic including
construction traffic.
Mr. John Kommann, 18886 Eaglewood Trail, asked if Eaglewood would be
considered a minor collector from 195th to Embers. Mayor Ristow replied yes.
Councilmember Strachan stated a minor collector is a classification used to
support additional traffic control. In the future, if a stop sign is needed at
Dunbury, this would help support that. Mr. Kommann stated in front of his
house, Eaglewood Trail is only 34 feet wide. Is it designed to handle the expected
traffic? Staff stated existing plans show it as 38 feet in width with a 60 foot right-
of-way. Mr. Kommann stated when he built four years ago, he had his choice of
lots. He chose his lot because he could see 187th would be busy. He would like
to see the plat designed differently. City Engineer Mann stated streets are
measured face-of-curb to face-of-curb, so there is some of the curb included in the
width of the street.
Ms. Stacy Johnson, 18882 Embers Avenue, stated her house was supposed to
have some drainage going to the pond. This was supposed to be fixed before any
other houses were built. She wanted to know, is this happening, when is it
happening, and why isn't it happening. City Engineer Mann replied Progress
Land is in the process of designing the whole site. They will be fixing the
drainage issues along Meadow Creek.
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20,2001
Page 8
Mr. Mark Yerges, 18793 Embers Avenue, stated the new plat does not change
much from the previous one concerning 187th Street. The numbers may look
different, but everyone is still going north to work. There will be 2,000 cars using
187th. Residents to the west of Embers are still going to take the brunt of traffic.
Unless there is a north/south route to the east and then going west to Pilot Knob,
how far does it develop to the east until there is another main north/south route?
Everyone cannot go through the neighborhoods to Pilot Knob.
Ms. Joanne Payne, 20192 Akin Road, stated this is just like a replay of Akin
Road. When Pilot Knob went through, there was not supposed to be the amount
of traffic on Akin Road. Addressing Council, she said these residents are here
telling you their concerns just like we did on Akin Road, and effectively, nothing
has changed. She appreciates the job Councilmember Soderberg does trying to
defend the people here, but he should not back down. There is nothing wrong
with voting no against any of this. All of Council will be up for re-election. If
Council does not start listening to the residents, people will be voting against
Council and they will not be holding their offices. If that is not an incentive to
start listening to what residents are saying, then maybe Council does not need to
be up there.
Mr. Mike Olson, Progress Land, stated it sounds like additional development in
the area is not wanted. This is not about traffic counts coming onto Embers,
because where else can it go? The north/south collector needed is not going to
happen all at once, because it is under separate ownership. It will happen in
increments. The sooner these developments are approved so they can all piece
together to create the north/south collector, the sooner this problem is solved.
What would be gained by redesigning the interior of the plat? The traffic will still
end up on Embers. Progress Land has made a very strong effort to mitigate the
traffic. There are only 2 stub streets to adjacent land.
Mayor Ristow stated he is not looking at political threats. He is here to represent
everyone in Farmington. It is a balancing act. With the latest comment, we have
to look at rules and regulations as a whole. When plans are identified in the
comprehensive plan, if they meet standards and are denied, the City would be set
up for lawsuits. We are not here to object and say we are not listening. I do not
know what connection Councilmember Soderberg has with Mrs. Payne, but we all
listen truthfully. We do what we feel is right.
Mr. Jim Rauscher, had a comment regarding the change between the first and
second plats. He said it was stated earlier that it would not change the traffic on
Embers A venue. That is dead wrong, it would change the traffic on Embers
tremendously. There is a ton of traffic there now, we do not need an additional
half of this other development just because some residents got together and said
let's put it on these residents and we were not notified. Mayor Ristow stated that
was not said at the neighborhood meeting. The residents were very concerned.
They asked if the traffic could be divided up in different areas. According to our
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20, 2001
Page 9
Traffic Engineer, it was divided up equally. Mr. Rauscher stated the Embers
Avenue residents were not notified.
Ms. Christine Erickson, 5245 187th Street, stated the original plat for Prairie Creek
for 187th was supposed to loop around. They have traffic they did not expect.
They want their neighborhoods to stay local streets. Construction traffic goes too
fast. Mayor Ristow stated once the construction trucks are in there, the majority
will stay in the development while the work is progressing. There is a 60-day
limit to act on a plat. Community Development Director Olson stated there is 60
days for approval with the Planning Commission, and 60 days with the Council.
If not approved by then, it is approved by default.
Mr. James Munro, asked about Lake Julia Park. The ballfield was started last fall
and is in the same stage now. Did the City run out of money, did the people in
that area not pay enough taxes to get a decent park? Parks and Recreation
Director Bell stated the park has been seeded twice and because of the drought, it
will be seeded again this fall. The backstop has been ordered for the ballfield. A
basketball court is ordered. To get contractors in this time of year is tough, but
completion is anticipated this fall. Mr. Munro stated other developments have
their parks and trails and he was wondering what is the holdup in their
neighborhood. Parks and Recreation Bell replied your neighborhood is getting its
fair share. Weare spreading our money around as much as we can. The Parks
and Recreation Commission is very much aware of the situation with the parks.
Mr. Munro stated he sees the trails going between the other houses and does not
see much in their neighborhood that adds value to their house. Except maybe
Autumn Glen because the houses are more expensive. Mayor Ristow stated the
Parks and Recreation Commission meets the 4th Wednesday of the month. He
suggested Mr. Munro bring his concerns to them.
Councilmember Soderberg stated, talking about land rights issues, this land owner
has a right to do with his land as he sees fit, just like everyone of you has a right
to do with your land as you see fit if done in accordance with the law. Everyone
of us is concerned with the traffic through these developments and the speed. It is
your neighbors that are speeding. One resident said when he turns on 187th, he
speeds through someone else's neighborhood. Why doesn't he show the same
consideration that he would demand of everyone else? If everyone of us would
slow down a little bit then every neighborhood would be a better place to live in.
This developer has a right to do what he wants with his property as long as it is in
accordance with the law. There was only one exit out of this whole development
for 300 houses. They did a good job splitting it up so there are at least two exits
and six proposed. Embers Avenue is designed as a minor collector and to handle
the traffic. Weare trying to disperse traffic as much as we can. While no one
likes to have development and everything that goes with it, he would support the
plat the way it is. For the record, he has no connection with Mrs. Payne other
than as a constituent. Mayor Ristow stated we all looked at Akin Road and voted
equally.
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20, 2001
Page 10
Councilmember Strachan stated growth is difficult and any traffic is too much
traffic. We have to make it as well planned as we can. There will be increased
traffic on Embers and Council is committed to addressing that. He would like to
see as part of the motion Eaglewood Trail and 187th to the east in the next phase
be broken up so it is not a straight shot. Councilmember Soderberg asked if that
could be accepted as Council direction to staff. City Attorney Jamnik agreed.
MOTION by Soderberg, second by Cordes adopting RESOLUTION R78-01
approving the Meadow Creek Preliminary Plat with contingencies. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
b) Approve Lease Contract Public Facilities
Backup generators are necessary at the new Central Maintenance Facility and
Police Station. These generators are necessary to provide 24-hour coverage in
case ofloss of power. The Police Station will have a 200kW generator and the
Central Maintenance Facility, a 400kW generator. Based on the cost analysis, the
operating lease appears to be the best option. Complete maintenance
responsibility is born by the Energy Alternatives, a subsidiary of Dakota Electric,
and they are responsible for any no-start penalties. The lease of these generators
incorporates them in Dakota Electric's Peak Shaving program. This program
requires the City to revert to generator power upon request from Dakota Electric
during peak electrical usage periods. The reduction of electric costs is retained by
Dakota Electric and offsets the monthly lease amount charged to the City. The
annual lease payments of $30,035 for the generators will be included in the
operational costs for the two new facilities starting in 2003. MOTION by Verch,
second by Soderberg approving the Power Plus Lease Contract with Energy
Alternatives for a 200kW generator at the Police Station and a 400kW generator
at the Central Maintenance Facility. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
12. NEW BUSINESS
a) Storm Water Pond Maintenance Program - Engineering
The storm water pond maintenance/dredging program is identified in the 2001-
2005 Capital Improvement Program. The purpose of the SWUMP is to identify
and correct ponds that are losing capacity due to silt and sediment accumulation.
A second purpose is to identify structures that are either damaged or filled with
sediment and debris, and then repair or clean them. Inlet and discharge structures
from the storm sewer system are covered with grates to prevent animals and
debris from entering the storm sewer. This program will also make existing
ponds more erosion resistant and aesthetically pleasing through the planting of
naturally occurring wetland trees and grasses and the use of non-traditional pond
maintenance practices. Staff and the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation
District have identified the pond west of Pilot Knob Road between 187th Street
and Elk River TraillEuclid Path as a candidate for this year's program. Dakota
County SWCD currently has a 50% cost-share grant program available for
Council Minutes (Regular)
August 20, 2001
Page 11
projects that preserve or restore natural resources in non-agricultural areas of
Dakota County with available funds of up to $5,000. A recommended future goal
of the SWUMP is to incorporate algae control for storm water ponds. Total costs
for the landscaping of the pond along CSAH 31 is estimated at $6,000 including
materials and planting costs, a portion of which will be funded through the cost-
share program. The total dredging cost is $51,425. MOTION by Verch, second
by Soderberg to implement the Storm Water Utility Maintenance Program.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Community Development
Director Olson: There is a MUSA Committee meeting on August 22, 2001.
Parks and Recreation
Director Bell: There was some vandalism to the new picnic shelter and
dock in East Farmington. There was also an incident at the pool. If any neighbors see
anything happening in the parks that should not be, they should call the police.
Mayor Ristow: The 11 th Annual Ramble and Amble was held at Dakota
City. Staff and residents participated. $39,192 was raised.
14. ADJOURN
MOTION by Cordes, second by Strachan to adjourn at 10:20 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
ff~~ J?7~
Cynthia Muller
Executive Assistant