Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK - September 24, 2013ANL6 Y O F OW 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESU[A 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV City Council Workshop Tuesday, September 24, 2013 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order — 5:30 p.m. 2. Community Tour —Bus Leaves promptly at 5:30 p.m. 3. Presentation from Community Center Advisory Commission & Andover YMCA 4. Bunker Lake Blvd. NW Reconstruction from Crane St. NW to Jefferson St. NW /11 -25, Project Presentation by Anoka County Highway Department - Engineering 5. Discuss Lights /13- 10/Martin St. NW & Jay St. NW — Engineering 0 6. Discuss City Code 12 -12 Permitted, Conditional and Prohibited Uses — Planning 7. 2014 -2018 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Development Discussion —Administration 8. 2014 Special Revenue, Debt Service, Capital Projects, Enterprise & Internal Service Funds Budget Distribution 9. 2014 Budget Development Discussion — General Fund Focus — Administration 10. 2013 General Fund Budget Progress Report— Administration 11. August 2013 City Investments Review — Administration 12. Other Business 13. Adjournment u Is ANDOVE^ ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING —SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, September 24, 2013, 5:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Mike Knight, Sheri Bukkila, Julie Trude and Tony Howard Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Public Works Director /City Engineer, David Berkowitz Community Development Director, Dave Carlberg Others 0 COMMUNITY TOUR Mr. Berkowitz explained the new right turn lane along Hanson Boulevard to Jay Street would be open once the stripping was complete. He explained that the turn lanes were extended as part of the Wal -Mart project. Mr. Dickinson pointed out the location for Measurement Specialties Inc. and a proposed AT &T cell tower location within Andover Station North. Councilmember Trude stated any cell tower building constructed in this area would need to match the existing structures. Mr. Carlberg explained all the single family lots in the EDA's Parkside at Andover Station development have been sold. The City is currently working with Mr. Povlitski for the approximately 7 acres that had not been included in the Wal -Mart sale. The City has received a request for this property to rezone it to residential and construct single family homes similar to those in Parkside at Andover Station. He stated the City is also expecting to close on the property for the Cherrywood Advancing Living project October 4`h. He stated Wal -Mart has moved their expected opening to November 13ffi. Mr. Dickinson pointed out the landscaping that Wal -Mart had done as part of their project. He stated the new Pizza Ranch location is scheduled to open in early December and they start the hiring process the first week of November. Interviews will be held at City Hall. Mr. Carlberg stated Christian Brothers is now open. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 2 Mr. Berkowitz explained Bunker Lake Boulevard east of the County Highway Building would be reconstructed in 2015 and the City would be reviewing preliminary design plans during the workshop meeting. He expressed concerns about the right in/rightout proposed at Butternut Street. He recommended the City request a' /a access point for this intersection. Mr. Berkowitz stated there would be trees removed with the Bunker Lake Boulevard project but the City may be able to work with the County on minimizing the impacts between the trail and the road. Councilmember Trude stated a minimum of a % access at Butternut Street is essential for emergency vehicle access. There are likely several medical calls from this area and a right in/right out would be difficult for emergency vehicles. The Council walked and viewed the trails, trees, and proposed impacts along Bunker Lake Boulevard. At the Magnolia Street cul -de -sac Mr. Berkowitz pointed out the difficulty of busses and large vehicles to make turns in smaller cul -de -sacs and requested the Council consider this when developers make requests. He explained the proposed Bunker Lake Boulevard reconstruction project would not impact Lions Park. The City will be looking at fixing the fall zones next year at Lions Park as part of the Parks Maintenance Operations. Mr. Berkowitz pointed out the new 3/ Martin Street access along Bunker Lake Boulevard. He explained the access for that area was paid for by Wal -Mart as part of their project. He also explained the light fixtures and poles within Andover Station would be replaced next year. Mr. Carlberg explained Target would be adding landscaping along their back dock access along Martin Street to provide visual and sound screening for residents. Mr. Berkowitz stated the 2014 -2018 CIP includes an overlay project for Station Parkway NW. The proposed sidewalk along Quinn Street will be looked at as well. The challenges with the Quinn Street section of sidewalk includes the slope of the area and the location of the utilities. Mr. Dickinson pointed out there were homes in the City that were owned by banks but in need of repairs. He stated the Council would be asked to review and support and abatement process that would allow the City to have these repairs done and assessed to the property in a timely manner. Staff would have a list of what would be considered hazardous homes available for review next month, but along the trip pointed out an example property along 139`" Avenue. © Councilmember Trude suggested the City look at a sidewalk section from Yukon Street to the park along the south side of Bunker Lake Boulevard. This section would not have the challenges other sections would have. © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 3 Mr. Berkowitz explained where the trail would be along Bunker Lake Boulevard west of Round Lake Boulevard. He explained the bank conservation project in the City of Anoka that had been started along the Rum River. The Council viewed Pine Hills Park and the 40 -Acre Park improvements. Councilmember Trade suggested benches be added at the Pine Hills Park. Mr. Berkowitz explained the outfield at Pine Hills Park would need to be worked up and reseeded. This would likely delay the availability of the field next year. Councilmember Howard stated the turf at the 40 -Acre Park is looking good. He suggested the City look at adding a swing gate at the access to keep people off the turf until it has been fully established. Mr. Berkowitz explained there would be additional pine trees added to screen the lights from the neighboring residential areas. Coaches will have keys that will allow them to shut off the lights after games but in the event that these are not turned off, City staff will have remote access via their mobile devices. Councilmember Howard suggested the City invite QCTV to the park for added exposure. Councilmember Bukkila stated she would like to have the smaller trail stop signs removed. Mr. Berkowitz stated that could be done. The Community Tour ended at 7:02 p.m. and the City Council recessed. The City Council meeting reconvened at 7:10 p.m. PRESENTA TION FR OM COMMUNITY CENTER ADVISORY COMMISSION & ANDOVER YMCA Mr. Erick Sutherland, Andover Community Recreational Center Facility Manager, provided a PowerPoint presentation updating the Council on current programs offered in conjunction with the YMCA, the Community Centers partnerships with the Anoka County Library and Subway, and the new on -line registration. He also reviewed the Community Center budget. Ms. Jessica Krueger, YMCA Youth Development Director, reviewed the YMCA's focus on © youth and family and getting them active including the Youth Center, Kids Stuff program, YMCA Summer Programs, and Youth Sports programs. Councilmember Howard asked if there were programs available for parents and children © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 4 together. Ms. Krueger stated the YMCA was implementing youth fitness programs, a once a month family night, and a dance class for parents and children. The Youth Center has created a leadership program. This program is eligible for volunteer hours toward school requirements. Ms. Susannah Peterson, YMCA Director of Healthy Living, reviewed the group fitness, personnel training, and aquatics programs offered through the YMCA. She also discussed the relationships the YMCA has with Allina and Health Partners. Ms. Krueger stated Subway launched a lunch program providing lunches for families involved in the summer programs. Parents are able to order lunch for their children when they are dropped off and Subway would deliver those lunches to the children. Mayor Gamache asked if Subway had the revenue numbers they were expecting. Mr. Sutherland stated Subway had seen the revenues they expected and the new location is not affecting the location across the street. He reviewed the Andover Skate School program, the © Soccer programs and the Basketball camps /clinics that were through the Community Center. Councilmember Trude asked if the on -line registration is secure for those entering payment information. Mr. Sutherland stated the Community Center is working with a reputable company and the on- line registration is secure. He stated the Andover Hockey Association has been pressuring the Community Center for additional rinks. The Community Center has looked at expansion opportunities but if the Council does not want to pursue this at this time then he would not have staff working on this project. Mr. Dickinson stated the YMCA in Minneapolis is currently in the process of prioritizing their projects but they would want to do a fund raising campaign prior to any expansions. They are looking at potentially starting this process in 2015/2016. The City would start the process of a possible expansion at that time. Mayor Gamache asked if the Community Center still had an agreement with the National Sports Center in Blaine. Mr. Sutherland stated they still had an agreement with the National Sports Center. He proposed the Community Center/YMCA Year in Review meeting be moved to March so a more complete picture © could be provided to the Council. It was the consensus of the Council to move the Community Center/YMCA meeting to March. © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 5 B UNKER LAKE BOULEVARD NW RECONSTR UCTION FROM CRANE STREET NW TO JEFFERSON STREET NW / 11 -25, PROJECT PRESENTATION BY ANOKA COUNTY HIGHWAYDEPARTMENT Curt Kobilaresik, Anoka County Highway Department, presented the latest design plan proposal, including project layout, bridge study, and park impacts, for the reconstruction of Bunker Lake Boulevard NW from Crane Street NW to Jefferson Street NW. He stated the project is not expected to start until 2015 /2016 and they are in the process of gathering information and input at this time so they would be prepared for the public open house. Councilmember Trude asked when the County had conducted the traffic counts for the proposed project. Mr. Kobilaresik stated the traffic study had been done in 2010 and the traffic count at that time had been approximately 15,000 with a projected traffic count of approximately 33,000 in 2030. The design proposed is an urban design with concrete curb and gutter. The County would work to manage the current drainage that is working. He stated full accesses are planned for the intersections of Sycamore Street, Prairie Road, Goldenrod Street and Jefferson Street. He stated © the access to the Bunker Hills Regional Parke would be realigned with Goldenrod Street in order to improve safety. Councilmember Trude stated the City would like to see a 3/ access to a full access point at Butternut Street. It would not be feasible for emergency vehicles to do a "U -turn" in order to access the neighborhood. She suggested the County look at changing the access at Wintergreen Street or the access at Sycamore Street changed to a right - in/right -out. Mr. Kobilaresik stated the County would not change the access on Sycamore Street because they would not promote people having to cross the railroad tracks twice in order to go east. He stated the County, as part of the project, would do a traffic study in order to determine the appropriate length of turn lanes and optimal full access points. As part of the project an environmental assessment would also be done. He stated the County would work with BNSF in order to match the grades at the crossing but this would be done during final design. The County would also review a proposed pedestrian tunnel near Shadowbrook East and trail connectivity. Mayor Gamache asked if there would be any pedestrian crossings along Bunker Lake Boulevard. Mr. Kobilaresik stated there would be no pedestrian crossings along the roadway. Councilmember Trude stated it would be important to provide safe crossing for those that want © to go to the Bunker Hills Regional Park. Mr. Kobilaresik stated this would be reviewed and considered by the County as the project moves forward. © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 6 Mayor Gamache expressed concerns about the removal of trees along the current trails. Mr. Kobilaresik stated the County would look at reducing the impact on the trees and utilize as much of the existing trail system as possible. There will be trails along both the north and south side of Bunker Lake Boulevard up to the railroad crossing. The trail will then continue on the north side only. The trails are expected to be a major topic at the public meeting. He stated the requested bridge over the railroad crossing was estimated at $9 -$10 million. Anoka County does not have these funds available and they were not included in the federal grant received for the project. At this time the County has determined the bridge would be cost prohibitive and would not be part of this project. Mr. Berkowitz asked what the life expectancy for the roadway would be. Mr. Kobilaresik stated the life expectancy would be about 20 years. The County may be able to reevaluate the need for a bridge over the railroad crossing during the next reconstruction phase. Councilmember Trade stated the proposed bridge had features that the City did not currently have including wide drive lanes, shoulders, medians, and pedestrian trails. She asked if these © things could be eliminated or the size reduced in order to lower the cost of the bridge to $5 -$6 million. She suggested removing the access at Sycamore Street and having those residents exit out though Prairie Road so that a turn lane would not have to be established. This could potentially lower the cost. Mr. Kobilaresik stated the consultant for the project would continue to look at options and determine if there are alternatives to reducing the cost of the bridge. The City would still be expected to pay for a portion of this structure. He stated due to the significant amount of funds needed for the bridge it would be difficult to move forward. Mr. Dickinson asked if the City Council is willing to give up residential access for a bridge. He also expressed concerns about where the funding for this type of project would come from. Councilmember Trade stated the County could view this as a safety issue for their employees since many of them have to cross the railroad tracks in order to get to work. If it were a safety issue for the County then they could pay more than 50% of the costs. An overpass in this location would be a better safety feature than 4 -lanes. Mr. Kobilaresik stated the County looks at converting a roadway to 4 -lanes once traffic counts increase to 8,000 to 12,000. He continued to state that the park impacts are not established at this time. The project is still in the preliminary phase so the exact impacts have not been determined. © After the public meeting then the County will look at making decisions on the exact location of the roadway and the impacts to the parks. The County will come back to the City for further discussion and input and to review the traffic and environmental studies early next year. © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 7 Councilmember Trude suggested that the trees that need to be removed be done so in the winter in order to reduce the potential for oak wilt spread. It was the consensus of the Council to request the County review the intersection at Butternut Street and change this to a'/ or full access and to request the County impact as few trees as possible along City trails. Mr. Kobilaresik stated the public meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2013 at the Anoka County Highway Department. The City Council recessed at 8:45 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 8:48 p.m. Councilmember Bukkila did not return to the meeting. DISCUSS LIGHTS / 13 -10 /MARTIN STREET NW & JAY STREET NW Mr. Berkowitz explained that decorative lights on Martin and Jay Streets are in need of replacement due to ballast failures, water in the globes and general age of the lights. It was noted original installation was in 2000. He presented the proposal from Connexus Energy to replace all of the fixtures and another proposal to paint the base and poles. Mr. Berkowitz stated the 2013 -2017 Capital Improvement Plan identified a replacement cost of $45,000 and after including labor to remove the existing fixtures and the LED light costs, the cost for replacement is $117,710. The cost for pole painting is around $10,000. It was noted that if approved, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) would fund both the fixture replacement and pole painting. It was the consensus of the City Council to move this project forward. DISCUSS CITY CODE 12 -12 PERMITTED, CONDITIONAL, AND PROHIBITED USES Mr. Carlberg stated the City Council is asked to continue its discussion of City Code 12-12 - Permitted, Conditional, and Prohibited Uses. It was noted staff has segregated the table into residential and commercial /industrial categories desired by the Council. Mr. Carlberg presented a revised definition for Bed and Breakfast. Councilmember Trude stated the proposed definition does not state the property needed to be owner occupied. © Councilmember Howard asked if the definition restricted people from buying homes and renting out the rooms. Mr. Carlberg stated if a person bought a house and rented it then they would have to apply for a rental license from the City. The definition being presented for a bed and breakfast required that Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —September 24, 2013 Page 8 a meal be provided and this would not be the case in a situation where a person was renting a room long term. Councilmember Howard suggested the phrase "owner occupied" be included in the proposed definition. Councilmember Trude suggested changing the wording to "a week or less ". It was the consensus of the Council to adopt the proposed definition for bed and breakfast. Mr. Carlberg presented a revised definition for business /technical schools and colleges. Councilmember Trude stated these types of schools are different and should not be combined in one definition. Mr. Carlberg suggested leaving the schools separated, use the definition for educational institution or facility as presented, and set these as conditional uses in all zones. This would allow the Council to review all school proposals to be reviewed by the Council to ensure all the © requirements are met including adequate outdoor space. He stated other cities treat schools such as Sylvan Learning Center as a retail trade and service. Mayor Gamache stated he would agree with leaving the schools separated as they are and have them listed as conditional uses in all zones. Mr. Carlberg stated some cities do not allow traditional schools in the commercial and industrial zones because they do not want tax - exempt property in these areas. He recommended changing these zones from a conditional use to an interim use. It was the consensus of the Council to adopt the definition for educational institution or facility and to have colleges and vocational schools listed separately and to list these as conditional uses in all zones except commercial and industrial. Mr. Carlberg stated clubs and lodges, line 21, are currently a conditional use in residential zones. He presented a definition to the Council for consideration. He recommended leaving this as a conditional use in residential zones. Councilmember Trude suggested changing the use to conditional in the General Business zones. It was the consensus of the Council to adopt the definition presented for clubs and lodges. Mr. Carlberg presented a definition for commercial greenhouse, line 25. He clarified this was more for rural areas and agricultural uses. The idea behind this category is selling what is grown on the property as a principle use. ® Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 9 Councilmember Trude suggested adding the definition for seasonal temporary garden centers because these are not defined and the City approves these every year. Mr. Carlberg stated the definitions for family and group family day care facilities are defined to comply with state law. Councilmember Trude clarified electrical charging stations would be removed. Mr. Carlberg stated this is correct. He stated the City currently has the land uses in a chart format but cities have the land uses listed. Councilmember Howard stated he would like to see the City utilize the table format at this time but he would like to have it interactive on the City's website. Mr. Carlberg stated the City had received a request pertaining to home occupations. Ms. McKee is currently operating a home occupation but due to circumstances she will be relocating to a rental home. She is requesting the City look at allowing her to continue to operate her home occupation in the rental property. The City Code currently states that a home occupation must be owner occupied. In the case of a rental property the owner of the property would not be the same as the person operating the business. Councilmember Trude stated the rental property would be considered her domicile and she lives where the business would be operated. She suggested the City change the wording in the code to domicile. Mr. Carlberg stated the owner of the property would have to sign off on the use as well. It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to move forward with amending the City Code to reflect domicile rather than owner occupied 2 014-2 018 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION Mr. Dickinson presented the draft 2014 -2018 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and asked the Council to review the draft to confirm that the Council's priorities are being met. It was noted the current schedule indicates the 2014 -2018 CIP is to be adopted by the Council at its October 15, 2013 meeting following a public hearing. He stated the trail segments highlighted had been discussed on the bus tour. Councilmember Trude suggested the trail segment from Yukon Street to Hidden Creek North Park be reviewed. There would be less grading and retaining wall problems with this section. Mr. Dickinson stated the Crooked Lake outdoor ice rink would be maintained this year with minor improvements. The City will continue to look at alternative replacement locations. ® Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 10 Mayor Gamache stated that any funds that would have been used for the Crooked Lake outdoor rink could be used at the 40 -Acre Park. Mr. Dickinson stated there would likely not be enough space for an outdoor rink at the 40acre park, but there might be enough space available at Pine Hills Park. Councilmember Trade and Mayor Gamache questioned if the Fox Meadows Park improvement were a good investment, should those dollars be spent elsewhere. Mr. Dickinson stated the lights on Tower Drive would be looked at and information brought back to a future Council meeting. He stated the replacement Jetvac truck would be discussed in 2014. Councilmember Trade asked if the Recycling Center was complete. Mr. Dickinson stated there is still some work to be done on the structure. The Recycling Center will be closed at 8:00 p.m. everyday in an effort to reduce illegal dumping. The City is expected to look into potential expansion options for the Community Center/YMCA in 2015. © 2014 SPECL4L REVENUE, DEBT SERVICE, CAPITAL PROJECTS, ENTERPRISE & INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS BUDGET DISTRIBUTION Mr. Dickinson reviewed that the Council had adopted the Preliminary 2014 General Fund Budget at its September 3, 2013, meeting that proposes a total property tax levy of $10,980,675; however, the Council has the right to reduce or keep constant this levy until the final certification date of December 27, 2013. It was noted the proposed levy will result in a 3.29% increase in the gross tax levy. He reviewed the Debt Service Funds, Capital Project Funds, and Reserve Funds. Councilmember Trade asked if there are any legal issues going on that are not covered by League insurance. Mr. Dickinson stated at this time everything outstanding is covered by insurance. 2014 BUDGETDEVELOPMENTDISCUSSION— GENERAL FUND FOCUS Mr. Dickinson explained that City Departments have submitted their proposed 2014 Annual Operating Budgets, which are continually being reviewed by Administration/Finance for adherence to the Council's 2014 Budget Development Guidelines. He presented the 2014 Budget Development Guidelines that were adopted by the Council at its April 2, 2013, meeting and reviewed the revenue comparison and expenditure comparison charts. ® Councilmember Trade stated after the community bus tour she could see a need for an additional maintenance employee. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 11 Mr. Dickinson stated he will continue utilizing more temporary employees during the peak times. The new staff person is intended for keeping up with the current service levels. Councilmember Trude asked what the City Administrator would recommend for the tax levy. Mr. Dickinson stated if revenues are greater than expected then the City could look at reducing the proposed tax levy to I% but he recommended at this time the City look at a 2% tax levy increase. Councilmember Knight recommended the City set a goal of a 1.5% tax levy. Mr. Dickinson stated revenues would need to improve before he would recommend a tax levy below 2 %. Councilmember Trude stated Council salaries should be reviewed because these have not been reviewed since 2002. Mr. Dickinson recommended the Council consider adding a per diem for special meetings as an © option. Councilmember Trude stated the Council had approved a per diem of $40 per meeting last summer for EDA meetings. Mr. Dickinson stated staff would look into this and report back to the Council. Councilmember Trude recommended the City check public opinion for voting on the funds required for the 40 -Acre Park and the Community Center. Mr. Dickinson stated a community survey could be conducted in 2014 regarding the Community Center expansion and other items. 2013 GENERAL FUND BUDGET PROGRESS REPORT Mr. Dickinson explained the 2013 General Fund Budget contains total revenues of $9,356,581 and total expenditures of $9,640,429, with a decrease in fund balance being planned. AUGUST2013 CITYINVESTMENTS REVIEW Mr. Dickinson presented a summary of the Investment Maturities Summary, the Investment Detail © Report, and the Money Market Funds Report for August 2013. He explained the City is moving away from local government investments to US agencies and also staying in the 5 -year or less time frame for investments. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2013 Page 12 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Howard, Seconded by Councilmember Trude, to adjourn. Motion carried 4 ayes, 1 absent (Bukkila). The meeting adjourned at 10:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tina Borg, Recording Secretary H H