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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.17.96 Work Session Minutes MINUTES COUNCIL MEETING SPECIAL WORKSHOP/RETREAT FEBRUARY 17, 1996 1. Mayor Kuchera called the meeting to order at 8:00 A.M. at the Farmington Area Senior Center. Members Present: Kuchera, Galler, Gamer, Fitch, Ristow. Members Absent: None. Also Present: Interim Administrator Finstuen, Staff Members Tooker, Henricks, Kaldunski, Siebenaler, and Lillejord, various members of City Boards and Commissions. 2. The schedule for the workshop was set to allow each Board and Commission the opportunity to review pertinent issues with the Council and other commission members. Water Board Marvin Wier was present representing the Water Board. He gave a brief history of the Water Board and an overview of their functions. Key points were made as follows: . The successful completion of the City wide water meter installation project has resulted in a reduction of waste and overall water usage. It was noted that this trend may not continue as residents become accustomed to water meter rates. It was also noted that the City may have to increase its water allocation permit from the DNR which will result in a higher annual fee. . The proposed water reservoir was discussed and the potential location sites were noted. The height and capacity of the water storage reservoir were reviewed as well as the various permits which will be required for its construction. It was noted that a decision as to the aesthetic appearance of the tower should be made, since the structure will be in existence for an extensive period of time. Other issues included the use of the area surrounding the water reservoir, which included parks, well house, equipment storage, or the possible location for a fire station. . There are currently 3 active well sites within the City and the need for additional sites is definite. When fully developed, the City will need approximately 12 wells. Six of these 12 sites have already been set aside through development agreements. . On behalf of the Water Board, Mr. Wier requested that the Board be included in planning and development issues since they had a direct impact on water usage issues. Planning Commission Counci1member Galler introduced the Planning Commission members present and gave an overview of the various issues with which the Commission is currently dealing. '.' City Planner Tooker presented information on existing development and zoning in relation to the Comprehensive Plan update which is underway. He described the various land areas which are currently served by MUSA and available for development and those which will need MUSA designation. Materials were distributed which indicated that the need for buildable residential lots was limited by MUSA to approximately a 3 year supply. In order to continue developing at the current rate, approximately 1000 acres of land needs to be added to the City'S MUSA boundaries. Concerns were raised that expanding MUSA would encourage even more rapid development and require infrastructure improvements beyond the financial capability of the City. The response to these concerns was the explanation that the City needed to do long range planning, and that by having MUSA available, the City Minutes - 2/17/96 - Special - Page 2 could control development and provide for an orderly, systematic expansion of development and infrastructure. The capacity of the Empire Wastewater Treatment plant was discussed in relation to the increased development. It was noted that the plant had been expanded recently and another expansion is being planned. It was also noted that the construction of the prairie Waterway had reduced I/I and decreased the flows to the treatment plant. Planning Commission Chair Schlawin explained the Commission's desire to focus on long term planning of development. He referred to developments which have come into existence rapidly over the last six months due to concerns on the part of builders about the lack of lots on which to build. He compared the quality of a quickly platted development's design and planning with that of East Farmington, which took almost three years to plan and develop and resulted in a better plat for residents. He also reaffirmed the need for long range planning so that the Planning Commission can do the job which they were appointed to do. Mr. Schlawin also asked for an explanation of the 300 units per year ceiling placed on new home building. councilmember Galler explained that the 300 units was used as a budgeting and staffing tool in order to continue to provide adequate services to residents. It was the consensus of the Council and Planning Commission would be beneficial to continue discussion of these issues. Metropolitan Livable Communities Act requirements should be joint meeting for discussion.. that a joint meeting/workshop It was noted that the added to the agenda for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission PARAC Member Paul Gerten presented park and recreation area needs within the City. He outlined the existing parks and the facilities available in each. Mr. Gerten brought forth the following topics: . A proposed large community park which would include amenities such as a picnic shelter, athletic fields, playground equipment and skating rinks. . The continuation of the expansion of the City's trail system for which the land had been acquired, but funding was needed for improvement. . The repair/reconstruction of the municipal swimming pool and construction of a larger, more fully developed kiddie pool. pools can be a money making venture. the possible expansion or He stated that kiddie . The need for additional team rooms at the Ice Arena due to the expansion of the girls' hockey program. Grant funds had been applied for but denied this year, however, the application would resubmitted next year. . Funding issues. All of the improvements and expansions to the Parks system were desirable for the enjoyment of the increasing community population; however, there were limited funding options available. The PARAC feels that a $1.8 million bonding referendum was needed. Current residential growth has increased the number of requests from residents for park improvements and it would seem that these same residents would be willing to vote for a referendum to provide financing ~or those improvements. The possibility of combining a park bonding referendum with a Public Works facility referendum was discussed. It was the consensus that it would be beneficial to hire a consultant to determine the advisability of combining the two issues on one vote~ . ~ . Minutes - 2/17/96 Special - Page 3 . User fees and hiring of personnel to coordinate youth sports activities were discussed. A joint position with the School District was discussed as a possibility. Raising user fees was suggested, with some sort of financial aid so that all young people could take part in sports activities, regardless of ability to pay all of the participation fee. . Adding members to the PARAC. It was felt that if those members were from the townships it would be worth considering, otherwise there did not appear to be a need for additional members. The necessity to establish a monetary relationship in connection with township participation in the decision making process of the City. Heritage Preservation Commission The HPC members present took turns giving an overview of the various aspects of the Historic Context Study which was completed by Consultant Robert vogel. Highlights were noted as follows: . Historic Sites in City - P.H. Feely Elevator, woolgrowers Building at 5th and pine Streets, Akin House, Fairground Horticultural Building, Marigold Foods. Additional buildings were noted, as well as historic farm sites. It was pointed out that many of the historical sites were gone and it was important to preserve the remaining ones. . The need for a survey establishing historical sites, as well as developing means of informing people about the histories of buildings, was discussed. . Overview of Farmington's commerce and industry history. Railroad and farming were responsible for the beginning of Farmington, in addition to its location in the center of the County. As railroad importance diminished, private automobiles took over. Expansion and progress, particularly in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Decline beginning in the 1960s. . History day held one year ago at which time people brought in historical pictures and oral history. Time should be spent collecting City history. Farmington has had library and newspaper for over 100 years, however, the records of these newspapers are not available at the Farmington Branch Library and they should be. Cost of the readers is prohibitive. . People drive away from Farmington for work, but come back to live in a "safe hometown". . While other communities are trying to create or recreate their downtowns, Farmington's still exists and should be preserved. Important to preserve historic churches. Locate old graveyards which exist on farmsteads. . Tourism _ Dakota County Fair, Rambling River Park. Noted the Kuchera Tourist Park from the past. 3. MOTION by Ristow, second by Gamer to adjourn at 12:05 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Submitted by, Karen Finstuen Interim City Administrator