HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.08.97 Work Session Minutes
MINUTES
JOINT COUNCIL/COMMISSIONS WORKSHOP
MARCH 8, 1997
1. Meeting called to order at 8:00 A.M..
Present: City Council - Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Strachan, Gamer.
Planning Commission - Schwing, Larson, Schlawin, Simones, Keagy.
Parks and Recreation - Richardson, Gerten, Rendino.
Water Board - Wier, Krueger.
HPC - Murphy, Tharaldson.
Sr. Center Advisory - Trygstad, Common, Graham, Weinhold, Anderson.
Chamber of Commerce - President Benson, several Chamber members.
Staff - Administrator Erar, Interim Engineer Mann, Parks and Recreation
Director Bell, Administrative Assistant Finstuen, Senior Center
Coordinator Kohlbeck.
2. Water Board Issues:
. Member Wier thanked former member Mike Chell, former Engineer Kaldunski, and City
Staff for their help in implementing and completing the process of water meter
installation.
. Repairs and landscaping have been completed at well houses. Water tower access
has been improved in preparation for antenna installation on tower.
. Interconnection between Farmington and Lakeville water systems has been
completed. Discussion of interconnection between Farmington and Empire Township.
. Construction of new water reservoir to be completed in 1998.
. Water Board and City will begin work on water conservation program.
3. Planning Commission Issues
. Sienna Development is proposing an increase in housing density in East
Farmington. Lots must retain 6000 square foot minimum lot size. Workshop should
be set to review the issue.
. Metropolitan Council staff has recommended approval of 714 acres of additional
MUSA. Council priority of developing from south to north along proposed route of
County Road 31 will be aided by new MUSA designation.
. Multiple and high density housing is being encouraged in order to meet Livable
Communities Act requirements.
. 350 new housing units per year will be sustained.
. The Comprehensive Plan must be updated by the end of 1998. Public meetings will
be held to gain public input.
. New growth and change creates need for additional staff. City reorganization was
approved by Council and addresses this need.
. The recent creation of a development manual should improve development process.
· Noisl? mitigation issue has delayed County Road 31 improvement. City and County
are requesting an exemption or variance from noise mitigation barrier
requirement. Construction will probably begin in the Fall of 1997. Funding
issues still need to be examined.
· City must respond to varying requests for housing options from large lot low
density to small lot high density.
· Joint Empire/Farmington Planning Board has not met since October, 1996. It is
believed this is a valuable tool and City should encourage regular meetings.
Castle Rock Township is also interested in beginning a similar group.
· The Commission expressed concern that the proposed appeal process could undermine
their authority. Variance appeals for fences could be dealt with through
enforcement of City code.
4. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Issues
· Paul Gerten presented PARAC issues. Main topic of discussion was the upcoming
referendum. Mr. Gerten provided a breakdown of the proposed improvements and
their related costs. Discussion of bonding, tax capacity rate increase, and
explanation of the two part question to be voted upon by public.
5. Heritage Preservation Commission Issues
· Robert Vogel, Preservation Planning Consultant, presented the Commission's 1996
Annual Report. The HPC is currently compiling an inventory of historic resources
and will soon be recommending historic properties for designation as heritage
preservation sites.
. Pat Murphy, HPC member, stated that a part of the City's Urich history" has
already been lost and hoped that these studies would protect historic buildings
and sites.
6. Senior Center Advisory Council Issues
. Members distributed copies of the Senior Center Bulletin.
. Discussed their desire to improve their publicity, programming and outreach.
Also noted the importance of welcoming seniors into the community.
. Mayor Ristow expressed his gratitude to Coordinator for her efforts.
. Acknowledged the many seniors who donated their time to the Center.
7. Chamber of Commerce
. President Bob Benson thanked Council and staff for working with the Chamber.
. Discussed retail district expansion - will it stay in the downtown area, parking
issues need to be addressed. Possible parking along 2nd Street. May need to
create a special taxing district.
. Small commercial nodes in new housing developments.
. Specific projects discussed were Eagle's Club, Chinese Restaurant, Exchange Bank
Building.
. Elm Street/City Center - need for crosswalk. Chamber is receiving feedback from
community that this is an urgent need. Elm Street will be reconstructed in 1999
and improvements can be made at that time. Chamber will bring possible
suggestions/solutions for Council to review.
. Railroad Issues - noise, increase in number of trains, possibility of train
blocking emergency vehicle route, possible overpass.
. Industrial Park - Phase II almost full, Phase III mini storage proposal, Phase IV
should proceed as soon as possible.
. Survey of store hours being conducted by Chamber.
. Aesthetics - banners, heritage type light fixtures, improved entrance signs,
retention/expansion of "old time feeling".
. Farmers Market - looking at possible sites, set for Thursday afternoons and
evenings, parking needs, City fees, need to have in place by July.
8. MOTION by Fitch, second by Gamer to adjourn at 1:20 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Finstuen
Administrative Assistant