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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.04.01 Council Minutes COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR September 4, 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. SWEARING IN OF CITY ADMINISTRATOR Mr. Ed Shukle was sworn in as City Administrator by Mayor Ristow. Mr. Shukle started employment effective September 4,2001. 3. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Ristow, Cordes, Soderberg, Strachan, Verch None City Attorney Jamnik, City Administrator Shukle, City Management Team 4. APPROVE A GENDA MOTION by Soderberg, second by Cordes to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Award Presentation - Safe and Sober - Police Department Mr. Bob O'Brien and Ms. Susan Palmer from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety awarded a laser speed detector to the Police Department. This award was a result of active participation in a recent Safe and Sober seatbelt enforcement campaign, and for the day to day work the officers do. MOTION by Strachan, second by Soderberg adopting RESOLUTION R79-01 accepting the Laser Speed Gun from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, Safe and Sober Campaign. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. b) Proclaim Pollution Prevention Week - Parks and Recreation MOTION by Cordes, second by Verch proclaiming the week of September 9-15, 2001 to be Pollution Prevention Week in Farmington. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. c) Community Survey Presentation - Administration Mr. Bill Morris and Mr. Peter Leatherman from Decision Resources presented the results of the Community Survey. Approximately 400 households were called between April 19, 2001 and May 9, 2001. The highlights of the survey are as follows: Council Minutes (Regular) September 4,2001 Page 2 Quality of Life was rated Excellent/Good by 93% of those surveyed. 10% have always lived in Farmington. The small town feel was what residents liked most about Farmington, which is a very unique response. The most serious issue facing the community was rapid growth. 68% felt the City is moving in the right direction, and 90% would recommend Farmington to others. There is about the right amount of community characteristics, however residents felt there are too few entertainment/dining establishments and service/retail businesses. 40% had a personal tie to their region of the City, while 40% felt a personal tie to the entire community. The residents felt a strong sense of community. Regarding public safety, 92% felt very or reasonably safe and stated there is about the right amount of patrolling. 60% felt homes and yards are in good condition and appearance. As far as the number of major corridors, 44% felt it was a somewhat serious concern, and 16% felt it was very serious, which means this issue should be reviewed in the future. City services received overwhelming positive ratings across the board. 69% stated the value of City services is good, but 47% oppose a tax increase to maintain the services. 49% felt property taxes are about average. 41 % stated they have a fair amount of knowledge about the work of the Mayor and Council, and 49% approve of their job performance. 33% have had some first hand contact with City staff, and 50% gave staff a good job performance rating. Regarding the Police Department, 34% had contact with the police, and of those 87% indicated it was favorable. 68% were aware the police were on duty around the clock; 58% felt there were an adequate amount of officers; and 41 % would support a tax increase for more officers. The greatest public safety problem was juvenile crime at 42%. Enforcement of codes and ordinances was rated about right by 81 %. Of those surveyed, 25% own snowmobiles. 52% would support a ban on snowmobiling in residential areas, and 47% would oppose a ban. Regarding the sprinkling policy, 80% were aware of it; 85% agree with it; and 60% felt enforcement was about right. 83% felt City services kept pace with residents needs. 71 % felt there was adequate opportunity for zoning input. Development was rated by 60% as well planned for the future. The rate of development was rated as too fast by 50%, while 46% felt it was about right. 73% go to Apple Valley for shopping, and 47% do shopping on a weekly basis. Regarding retail/leisure business needs, 35% would like a family sit-down restaurant. 69% gave a satisfactory rating to in-city travel time. Their average commute time is 20 minutes. 29% would support a tax increase for public transit, and 27% oppose it. Regarding Parks and Recreation, 74% said they were somewhat or very well informed on park facilities and programs. 70-80% received parks and recreation information from the Independent or the Update, while 41 % call City Hall. Ease of reaching staff, courtesy, and ease of transaction was rated at 90%. 86% have used the community parks and 82% gave them a favorable rating. Trails were used by 81% with a 75% favorable rating. The pool, senior center, and arena received equal usage and favorable ratings, which is the highest across the metro area. Most residents would oppose a tax increase for a recreational facility. 47% use the recreation programs, and 87% felt the recreation opportunities met their needs. As an information source for the City government, 46% use the Independent, and 20% use the Update. 71% felt they Council Minutes (Regular) September 4,2001 Page 3 were somewhat well informed about City government. 78% knew they received the City Newsletter, and 98% felt it was very or somewhat effective. City Council meetings were viewed by 37%. Regarding computer capability, 75% stated they have access to a modem; 26% have accessed the City's website, and 38% were unaware of the website. 6. CITIZEN COMMENTS Mr. Craig Stibbe, 20060 Akin Road, before the Akin Road project was started, residents said there was going to be a serious accident if something was not done, and there was. Stop signs are needed, as children have to cross the road to get to the school bus. The speed limit has been lowered to 40 mph during construction and he would like to keep it there. If there are a dozen meetings or no meetings, the City will do what it wants to do. If the City wants a fast road into town, he will use it as a fast road to do his business out of town. Mr. Nicholas Roberts, 5597 180th Street, distributed pictures and information to help preserve trees in future developments, especially Middle Creek. He obtained a tree preservation ordinance from Bumsville. He would like Council to pass an ordinance to preserve the trees in future developments. He realizes the need to build houses, but we also need to preserve what we have. Ms. Amber Garland, 20195 Doffing Avenue, expressed her concern about affordable housing. The price of rent has escalated so much, that there is a lack of affordable housing. She heard of a house on 4th Street and Main that cannot be sold because of toxic chemicals and was wondering if there were funds available to be used to clean up the property and then sell it for affordable housing. She also heard 1000 houses were proposed to be built in Empire Township and was wondering if a percentage of those houses could be used for affordable housing. a) Park Construction Update - Lake Julia Park - Parks and Recreation At the August 20, 2001 Council Meeting, Mr. James Munro had requested the City start developing Lake Julia Park. A summary of what has been done and future plans was sent to him. Mr. James Munro, 18863 Embers Avenue, wanted to clarify a statement Councilmember Soderberg made at the last meeting. Mr. Munro said he has a tendency to speed through his neighborhood, not that he actually did speed. Councilmember Soderberg said he did not identify Mr. Munro in particular. Mr. Munro said the reason for the residents being at the last meeting was for the speed on Embers Avenue and a concern about the traffic. Council is not doing anything to control the speed on Embers. Rerouting the street was discussed to make it easier for 187th, but has the speed been discussed. Staff replied speed studies take a week or two to gather the data. Information will be brought to Council at the next meeting or the one after. Mr. Munro said it is the neighbors that are speeding and construction workers. It makes no difference who it is, the point is people are going too fast on Embers. If there is a speed study, what is the solution? He then Council Minutes (Regular) September 4,2001 Page 4 asked for the name of the person who designs the streets. Mayor Ristow stated a response will be brought back to the next meeting or the meeting after. Mr. Munro stated Council discussed several times not passing the plat for Meadow Creek, but in the end it did pass. Mayor Ristow stated it met all the requirements for development. Ms. Deb Johnson, 18675 Embers Avenue, stated since Embers has been opened, the trucks do not slow down. If the people on 187th have a concern, let them voice it, but why should she be opened up for construction traffic at 7 a.m. on a Saturday. They have a speed monitor on 187th, why not on Embers? She wanted Council to know that residents are voters, and Council will be up for re-election. When watering bans were in effect, flyers were posted downtown, squad cars are sent out when watering is done when it's not supposed to be. Why couldn't the residents be sent a flyer regarding upcoming construction on their street? Mr. James Munro, 18863 Embers Avenue, stated there are more tickets being given for watering on the wrong day, than speeding on Embers. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Item 7a) Approve Council Minutes (8/22/01 Special) was pulled so Councilmembers Strachan and Verch could abstain from voting as they were absent from that meeting. MOTION by Soderberg, second by Cordes approving Council Minutes (8/20/01 Regular). APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Cordes, second Soderberg approving Council Minutes (8/22/01 Special). Voting for: Ristow, Cordes, Soderberg. Abstain: Strachan, Verch. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Soderberg, second by Cordes to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: b) Adopted RESOLUTIONS R80-01 and R81-01 Approving Private Development Project Closeouts - Engineering c) Received Information City Participation in County Auction - Administration d) Approved Bills APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS a) Consider Resolution - Designating Farmington Heritage Landmarks- Administration The Heritage Preservation Commission has determined that the following three properties meet the eligibility criteria for designation as Farmington Heritage Landmarks: Farmington State Bank Building, 320 Third Street Masonic Temple Building, 324-328 Third Street Hamilton Clay House, 621 Oak Street Mr. Bob Vogel, HPC Consultant, stated this is the local equivalent of the National Register of Historic Places. The City must consider the effects of any action taken on the properties. It also creates a partnership between the owners and the Council Minutes (Regular) September 4,2001 Page 5 City. Letters of agreement were received from property owners of the Farmington State Bank building and the Masonic Temple building. Ms. Jeanine Hill, 621 Oak Street, stated she is very excited about the designation and wants to support it in any way she can. Mr. Marty Clough, 312 7th Street, stated heritage continues to change throughout time. The Hamilton Clay House has a lot of history and beauty that you do not see anywhere else. It is vitally important that Council gives strong support to this project. MOTION by Verch, second by Soderberg to close the Public Hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Soderberg, second by Verch adopting RESOLUTION R82-01 designating the Farmington State Bank Building, 320 Third Street, as a Farmington Heritage Landmark. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Soderberg, second by Verch adopting RESOLUTION R 83-01 designating the Masonic Temple, 324-328 Third Street, as a Farmington Heritage Landmark. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Soderberg, second by Verch adopting RESOLUTION R84-01 designating the Hamilton Clay House, 621 Oak Street as a Farmington Heritage Landmark. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 9. AWARD OF CONTRACT 10. PETITIONS, REQUESTSAND COMMUNICATIONS a) Middle Creek 4th Addition Development Contract - Engineering The Development Contract for Middle Creek 4th Addition was brought to Council. The conditions of approval for the development contract are: a) The Developer enter into this Agreement. b) The Developer provide the necessary security in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. c) The Developer record the plat with the County Recorder within 75 days after City Council approval of the final plat. MOTION by Cordes, second by Strachan adopting RESOLUTION R 85-01 approving the execution of the Middle Creek 4th Addition Development Contract and authorizing its signing contingent upon the above conditions and approval by the Engineering Division. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. b) Akin Road Speed Study Results - Engineering MnDOT has completed the first speed study for Akin Road. The recommendation based on the results of the speed study is to keep the speed limit at 50 mph at this time. MnDOT will be conducting another study after the improvements to Akin Road are completed. Currently, there is a 40 mph speed limit due to construction and it is temporary during the construction phase. Councilmember Soderberg stated it troubles him that improving the conditions on Council Minutes (Regular) September 4, 2001 Page 6 the road would probably make the speed limit come back the same or higher. The stop sign at 195ih will be installed permanently. Councilmember Strachan asked if the second study says 50 mph is fine, can Council pass a resolution for 40 mph? City Engineer Mann replied once a stretch of highway is designated as an urban district, it does need to be forwarded to MnDOT for review. Councilmember Cordes asked if it could be designated as an urban district now? Councilmember Strachan agreed that staff could look into that now. City Administrator Shukle stated we should do anything we can to mitigate problems. Councilmember Soderberg stated it makes sense to change the speed limit while it is under construction and the placement of stop signs. City Engineer Mann stated there are guidelines as to when and how areas are designated as urban districts. Staff will prepare a report for urban designation. c) Reschedule Council/Planning Commission Workshop - Community Development County staff has requested the Joint Workshop scheduled for September 19,2001 to discuss the status of East-West Corridor Study be changed to September 26, 2001. Council approved the change. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 12. NEW BUSINESS a) Adopt 2002 Preliminary Budget and Tax Levy - Finance State statute requires a preliminary tax levy be certified to the County by September 17, 2001. Once the proposed tax levy is adopted, the Council may lower the levy, but cannot increase it. The Tax Levy proposed as part of the budget is $3,607,016 and includes $1,006,937 for debt service and $55,000 for the Fire levy. The State Department of Revenue has notified the City that our Levy Limit for pay 2002 is $4,593,182. The proposed tax levy is $986,166 under the City's statutory levy limit. The requirements to hold a Truth in Taxation public hearing has been eliminated for payable 2002. If Council desires to hold a Truth in Taxation public hearing, staff proposed it be held on December 3, 2001 as part of the regular Council Meeting. The Council could then adopt the 2002 Budget and Tax Levy immediately after the hearing. Staffhas been working with a proforma for the last 5 years. The growth and expenditures have been predicted to grow at 10% for the last five years. Councilmember Cordes stated she is not supportive of this budget, but in fairness to the new Administrator and the fact we need to meet deadlines, she will support the preliminary budget, but it can be changed. MOTION by Soderberg, second by Strachan adopting RESOLUTION R86-01 certifying the 2002 Preliminary Tax Levy of$3,607,016 to Dakota County and establishing December 3,2001 as the City of Farmington's Truth in Taxation hearing for Tax Levy collectible 2002. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Councilmember Strachan: Welcomed City Administrator Shukle. Council Minutes (Regular) September 4, 2001 Page 7 Councilmember Soderberg: Welcomed City Administrator Shukle. Regarding Embers Avenue and the new development to the east, as was done with 195th and Akin Road, he would like to look at the Traffic Engineer's numbers for Eaglewood Trail and 187th to see if stop signs might be warranted at those intersections. If they are, the City should be proactive in placing them in anticipation of the increased traffic. This is only a suggestion. City Engineer Mann stated staff is working on traffic counts on Embers as well as looking at speed surveys. Staff is also researching speed bumps and will bring it back at the next meeting. Police Chief Siebenaler stated the new speed trailer has been placed on Embers Avenue four or five times in the last six weeks. This is one of many streets with the same concern. Councilmember Cordes: Welcomed City Administrator Shukle. Councilmember Verch: Welcomed City Administrator Shukle and thanked Finance Director Roland and staff for carrying the burden. City Administrator Shukle: Thanked Council for this opportunity and is looking forward to getting started. He is very excited to be here and it is a great City. From what the community survey said, people are very happy with what is going on and he is glad to be part of it. Finance Director Roland and staff have done a fabulous job of picking up the pieces from where John Erar left off when he vacated the position, and have kept him informed and sent him information. He looks forward to working with everyone. Finance Director Roland: Thanked Council for the privilege of acting as Interim City Administrator. She appreciated Council's confidence and support, and welcomed City Administrator Shukle. Mayor Ristow: Knob. There is a breakfast open house for Anchor Bank on Pilot 14. ADJOURN MOTION by Cordes, second by Strachan to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, C2~.~ )-r7~ 7'-~ .(> Cynthia Muller Executive Assistant