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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK August 8, 2000 ~ {)./.l/ ~ C ~m CITY of ANDOVER SPECIAL ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP - AUGUST 8,2000 MINUTES A Special Workshop of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey on August 8, 2000, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Julie Johnson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel Councilmembers absent: None Also present: City Building Official, Dave Almgren City Planner, John Hinzman Community Development Director, Dave Carlberg Others PRESENTATION/COMMUNAL SEPTlCS Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission present: Chairperson Jay Squires, Maynard Apel, Dean Danninger and Tim Kirchoff. Ken Olson, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, gave a presentation on sewage treatment options for open space developments, reviewing what is sewage; why it is treated; the interdependent decisions to be made on treatment, ownership and management; the treatment options of municipal, on-site and combinations; on-site treatment options; individual and communal systems, the advantages and disadvantages of collection systems, on-site treatment choices of standard systems with trenches or mounds, pre-treatment, fmal treatment and separation technology; that alternatives are not necessarily better than the other choices and mayor may not be more expensive; the options of private versus public ownership and management of communal systems; the emphasis on management to reduce costs, lengthening the life of the system and improving performances and reliability; and the need to consider all criteria for selecting a treatment system, as there is no system that is the best for all situations. In Minnesota, there are communal systems that serve over 80 houses that have been functioning well for more than 15 years. The type of system depends greatly on the soil conditions plus decisions on pre-treatment and final treatment options. Minnesota has some of the strictest treatment standards in the country to preserve ground water and water quality. A good on-site system properly designed and taken care of actually treats sewage better than all the sewage treatment plants in Minnesota. Mr. Olson had some concerns with a homeowners' association taking care of operating and maintaining communal systems, feeling there is better control in public management. In discussing communal septic systems with the Council and Planning Coml1Ússion members, Mr. Olson stated there are more of them being developed in new cluster developments, in lake shore situations, and retrofitting existing towns. He also noted that it does not mean that only one optipn - ----- Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - August 8, 2000 Page 2 (Presentation/Communal Septics, Continued) must be used within a development, and he presented a scenario where three different on-site system options could be used within one cluster development. There is enough of a track record on the various on-site septic system options that they are comfortable with ordinance changes to allow them. With a good design and good management of the system, they can be a long-term solution to protect the health of the residents and the environment. A central water system with an on-site system is a safe system. The amount of space needed for a private well and on-site septic system should be a minimum of 1 Y2 acres. Any higher density presents too many risk factors. The density should be determined per acre less the roads and wetlands. Mr. Carlberg stated Todd Ganz of Merit Development had proposed a cluster development with a communal septic system along South Coon Creek Drive. Based on what they heard this evening, he asked if the Council wants to have Mr. Ganz pursue that development. The Council did not feel comfortable making a decision on the matter this evening. They suggested the item be added to the next agenda to schedule a follow-up workshop to discuss the implications of allowing the development of communal septic systems. The Council recessed at 7:10; reconvened at 7:21 p.m. DISCUSS SCHOOL ISSUES WITH ANOKA HENNEPIN lSD #11 SCHOOL BOARD and APPROVE FEASIBILITY REPORTIIP #00-18ÆXTENSION OF ANDOVER BL VD NW Present: District #11 School Board Chairman, Michael Sullivan; School Board members Ron Manning and Tom Heidemann; School District representatives Tom Durand, Dick Nybeck and Herm Tolle; SEH Engineer Todd Blank; City Staff Richard Fursman, Dave Carlberg and Scott Erickson; Others Mr. Fursman reviewed the seven items that the City Council agreed to by Resolution regarding the siting of a high school in Andover. First, to pursue the early termination of the Ag Preserve designation on the Eveland property is already in process and is not an issue. Second, after some very intensive negotiations with the Metropolitan Council, the necessary agreements are in place to provide sanitary sewer and water to the site. Third, there is no conflict with rezoning the property to allow for the school use. The fourth item, to construct a MSA road from Crosstown Boulevard to Round Lake Boulevard, the extension of Andover Boulevard, is an issue of discussion this evening. Fifth, the development of a controlled access across or under Crosstown Boulevard to provide access to the Sunshine Park complex is still the case unless another alternative is found. Sixth, the joint powers agreement between the City and the District regarding the use of athletic fields is still up in the air, though it has been agreed to in principle, Staff feels the Park and Recreation Commission should be drafting the agreement and that it be signed by the principal of the high school. No resolution to this issue is being considered tonight. The seventh issue is the City's support and assistance in the signalization of the intersection of Crosstown Boulevard and Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - August 8, 2000 Page 3 (Discuss School Issiues with Anoka Hennepin ISA #11 School Board/Feasibility Report/IP 00- 18/Extension of Andover Boulevard NW, Continued) Andover Boulevard. The question is how much the City, school district and county will contribute toward that signal. Mr. Fursman noted issues to consider this evening are how much of Andover Boulevard extension should be built in the next two years, how or who should handle the storm water ponds and wetlands replacement, who should be responsible for the signalization/intersection improvements, what are the assessments to the school and when will/can the Council make final decisions on the issues, Another outstanding issue is exploring the option on ball field development or an at -grade crossing to Sunshine Park versus an under/over pass. Mr. Blank reviewed the feasibility report for the extension of Andover Boulevard between Crosstown and Round Lake Boulevards, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, municipal water and a trail. Once past the high school site, two optional routes are being proposed for the street extension. Anoka County Highway Department has indicated that currently they would prefer the entrance onto Seventh A venue be at the southern route. When they upgrade Seventh A venue, they would be amenable to the entrance proposed on the northern route, which is the existing 149th Avenue. The proposed route avoids the flood plain along Coon Creek and avoids Mr. Erickson's trees along Crosstown Boulevard. From existing acquisition documents, the report uses 94 acres as the amount ofland being acquired for the school. Mr. Durand stated that number has been reduced, which would then mean a reduction in some of the calculations within the report. Mr. Blank agreed. He continued the nine-ton road would be 42 feet wide with turn lanes and with a 10-foot wide trail from Crosstown to Round Lake Boulevards plus along the west side of Crosstown Boulevard from Andover Boulevard to the edge of the school site. Each routing option has wetland and flood plain issues and will require right-of-way acquisition or dedication. The estimated wetland impact is the same on both options; but the flood plain impact would be considerably more on the southern route. The northern alignment is less expensive due to the amount of wetland, flood plain impact, mitigation, soil correction and right-of-way acquisition. It has curves and hills. The southern route has over one mile of straight away which might encourage high speeds. Storm sewer drainage would be to sediment ponds and into Coon Creek or some of the ditch systems out there. They would coordinate with the school district to get that drainage to Coon Creek or ponding. Sanitary sewer and watermain are currently available at Andover and Crosstown Boulevards and is proposed to extend to the west past the proposed entrance to the school. At that point, the sanitary sewer runs out of depth and would require a lift station to serve additional property to the west. There are about 75 developable acres outside the floor plain that could be served. A 12-inch watermain is proposed to be installed parallel to the sanitary sewer, which should eventually be looped as the opportunity arises. Mr. Blank reviewed the three options for a pedestrian crossing across Crosstown Boulevard. The most convenient location is mid-point between the northern boundary of the school and the existing 148th Avenue. A 12x10-foot box culvert underpass is estimated to cost $477,000. There are some Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - August 8, 2000 Page 4 (Discuss School Issiues with Anoka Hennepin ISA #1 1 School Board/Feasibility Report/IP 00- l8/Extension oj Andover Boulevard NW, Continued) security concerns with an underpass, so possibly some surveillance will be needed. Drainage is also an issue with an underpass. An overpass needs a vertical clearing of 17 feet and must be made attractive for pedestrians to use. It is the most difficult to construct and is estimated to cost $1,187,600. An at-grade crossing similar to the one at Coon Rapids High School with flashers, striping and signing would cost about $36,200. Mr. Blank went on to explain the upgrading of the intersection of Andover Boulevard at Crosstown Boulevard was also included in the feasibility report. Those improvements consist of the installation of a traffic signal plus widening the existing road north of Andover Boulevard to allow for left and right turn lanes. Those costs are estimated to be $447,400. Any impact to the flood plains will have to be approved by the Coon Creek Watershed and be mitigated at a one-to-one ratio. Any impact to the wetlands will have to be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers and would have to be mitigated at a two-to-one ratio. A number of soil borings were done along the project area as well as those done by the school district on their proposed site. Peat depths run from one to 11 feet and would have to be excavated and filled. Those soil correction costs are included in the total costs. Only a piece of the right-of-way exists along the northern route on 149th Avenue extending from Round Lake Boulevard approximately 2,600 feet east. A 90-foot easement is proposed through the school property to allow for turn lanes, and an 80-foot easement is proposed for the remainder of the roadway. Additional easement would be needed in the vicinity of 149th Avenue for the northern option. Also, the existing road on 149th may not be in the center of the right of way. Right-of-way acquisition costs have been included in the estimated cost of the project. Mr. Blank presented the estimated costs for the project including construction costs, contingencies and other indirect costs: $1,962,800 across the school site, which also includes the trail along Crosstown, the intersection improvements at Crosstown and Andover Boulevards and sanitary sewer and water across the site; $5,288,000 from Crosstown to Round Lake Boulevard for the northern route and $6,524,200 rrom Crosstown to Round Lake Boulevard for the southern route. It does not include improvements on Crosstown north of the intersection with Andover Boulevard. That would have to be done with the county. He understood the right of way for the road would be provided by the school district, but there are no acquisition costs for wetland mitigation. Those present discussed the various issues. Mr. Erickson stated the City would attempt to use state aid funds for the signal at Crosstown and Andover Boulevards, depending on the funding rrom the school district or county. It would have to meet warrants. The extension of Andover Boulevard would be designated state aid. Discussion was on the approximately 75 buildable acres that could potentially be served by a lift station. Mr. Blank estimated the cost of sanitary sewer and water to serve that area would be $580,000 to $650,000, depending on the alignment. That would have to be funded by the City now with costs collected with future assessments as the property develops. Mr. Blank also reviewed the estimated assessment to the school district for sanitary sewer and watermain area and lateral charges, 50 percent of the storm sewer costs, the trail adjacent to the Special Andover City Council Workshc Minutes - August S, 2000 Page 5 (Discuss School /ssiues with Anoka Hennepin /SA #/ / School Board/Feasibility Report//P / IS/Extension oj Andover Boulevard NW, Continued) I school site along the extension of Andover Boulevard and north along Crosstown Boulevard and I cost of the intersection improvements at Andover and Crosstown Boulevard. The cost, estimal at $2,056,700, does not include acquisition of land needed for mitigation which will have to worked out with the City. The rest would be eligible for state aid funds, though there are some iss\ with the signal unless it meets warrants, Mr. Durand again noted there would be some reducti I because the amount of land being purchased is less than 94 acres. They had not anticipated anythi beyond the right of way of the road and have not budgeted for additional costs for mitigation. At t point they are still on the time table to open the high school in the fall of2002. Mr. Erickson noted the City receives approximately $550,000 per year in state aid funds construction. To do the project the City would need to look at advance funds or bonding. 1 Council noted that doing the entire project at this time would mean tying up state aid funds for : to 10 years, recognizing there are other needs in the City as well. Mr. Erickson also noted tl Crosstown Boulevard north of Andover Boulevard is not designated county state aid; therefo municipal state aid funds cannot be used to widen that street. There may be other funding sour( or grants available if it meets the criteria. Councilmember Ortte1 stated the City does not have the funding to do the entire project now. suggested it be determined what needs to be done, the costs, the various funding sources and hm much the City needs to fund at this time. Mr. Fursman suggested the City and school district StaJ can come up with the financial calculations if the Council and School Board can agree on the extl of the project. He believed the school district would like the City to commit to building 1 extension of Andover Boulevard to their western boundary line to serve Mr. Eveland's new hou Beyond that, there is no issue with the school district n01 I Councilmember Orttel didn't feel the entire extension would need to be done now because ofl lack of funds and wondered if it would have to go as far west as the proposed school boundary. H not backing down on going all the way to Round Lake Boulevard at some point, but right now il :a matter of funding. Why would the City put the extra pipe in the ground that might not be used. 15+ years? Mr. Durand noted there is a great liability to the school district if the road does not to the western boundary because they must provide access to Mr. Eveland's property. Mr. Nybe stated the school district can work out the assessments for the sanitary sewer, watermain, streets a 'storm sewer, but it had not agreed to the trails and mitigation. Also, a lot of people will be using I Crosstown and Andover Boulevard intersection besides the school district; so he did not feel Ischoo1 district should have to pay for the entire improvement. They have paid for different legs 0 signals in the past. They only have a specific amount of money from the bond. Any extra dollf" that have to be put toward assessments must come out of the building itself. Councilmember Knight felt the issue of athletic fields versus crossing Crosstown Boulevard is issue that needs to be resolved, as that will impact the extent of the extension of Andover Bouleva He felt it made more sense to spend the money building athletic fields than constructing a turu Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - August 8, 2000 Page 6 (Discuss School Issiues with Anoka Hennepin ISA #II School Board/Feasibility Report/IP DO- 18/Extension of Andover Boulevard NW, Continued) under Crosstown Boulevard. Councilmember Jacobson felt the other at-grade crossings in the district are vel)' safe and that only $36,000 should be spent on a crossing. Mr. Marming stated one of the reasons this site was chosen is because of the items agreed to by the City, including an under or over pass. Nothing was stated about the possibility of an at-grade crossing, nor did he get the feeling that cost was an issue for the City for the crossing. Mayor McKelvey stated the City would still prefer that the land be purchased behind the school property to put in additional ball fields so no one would have to cross Crosstown Boulevard. The City feels that would be a much better solution and would also be less costly because there is a good possibility that much of the work can be done with volunteers. At this point, the City must also know its financial responsibility for the intersection improvements before making any decisions. Councilmember Knight again argued that philosophically, putting the money into ball fields instead of a crossing is more practical and safer. Councilmember Ortte1 clarified the City did not back out on the idea of building additional ball fields on the school site. The suggestion has been to put the money that was earmarked for the tunnel toward the ball fields instead. The City is still hoping to do that. Chairperson Sullivan stated this may be new information for the Board. When they discussed the issue, they believed an under or over pass was much safer than an at-grade crossing. They are willing to listen to new information that may suggest other alternatives that are even safer. Regarding the connection of Andover Boulevard to Round Lake Boulevard, he never got the impression it would be 20+ years before it would go through nor that it would be an issue to bring it to the western boundary of the school property. He felt something could be worked out to keep the ball fields on school property. Mr. Nybeck was strongly opposed to an at-grade crossing, feeling they are vel)' dangerous and hoped that would not be done at this school. He preferred to find other alternatives. Further discussion noted that it was estimated the purchase of additional land plus the construction of the additional ball fields would cost $800,000. The City has proposed putting the approximately $470,000 for a tunnel toward those fields, plus volunteer labor, leaving a difference of about $300,000. It was also noted the county has said a signal will not be needed immediately, so possibly that can be postponed for awhile. Mr. Manning stated his number one priority would be for the safety issue and agreed they should come up with ideas to work out a deal on the ballfields. He would prefer to have all the fields on the same site as the high school. He also commented that he wasn't sure if the school district should be looking at choosing either the north or south alignment options. He felt a stop light should be looked at further down the line and possibly those funds be diverted to get the ball fields. Mr. Heidemarm felt additional athletic fields would be the best way to go. The Council questioned whether it would be able to purchase additional land for the ball field because of the Ag Preserve designation. There is also the issue of wetlands and finding a location for the fields.Mr. Marming suggested Staff work together to come up with some figures to discuss - Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - August 8, 2000 Page 7 (Discuss School Issiues with Anoka Hennepin ISA #11 School Board/Feasibility Report/IP 00- 18/Extension of Andover Boulevard NW, Continued) regarding additional athletic fields. Mr. Durand hoped to work with the City to mitigate on less expensive land off site or on something the City owns. Mr. Erickson felt that is something that should be explored. Mr. Durand stated technically the school district cannot acquire additional land through the condemnation; however, he felt Mr. Eveland could be approached to sell additional land. Mr. Tolle was confident that if both the school district and City wished to acquire additional land for athletic fields, that it could be done. At this point, the Council generally agreed to extend Andover Boulevard to the western boundary of the school property. They also asked Staff to work with the school district Staff to determine the amount of money the City would be responsible for and possible funding sources. It was felt the county has some responsibility for the intersection improvement and should be approached. Staff was also asked to look at the possibility of acquiring additional land for ball fields to the west of the high school and at the issue of mitigation. Both the Board and the City Council felt time is of the essence. Mr. Fursman stated they will work with the school district Staff and bring back recommendations to the City Council and to the Board. Councilmember Orttel raised the issue of Mr. Eveland having to be out of his house in October, but he does not receive any money until he is off the property. Mr. Durand said the school district has hired a relocation company to work with that process. Mr. Tolle stated the school district is working with Mr. Eveland's attorney. They were ready to sign the final agreement when they heard the City may not be willing to extend the road to the western boundary line. If that were so, the school district would have a huge liability to Mr. Eveland in terms of damages because they have an obligation to provide access for him. They were waiting until tonight's meeting. Once that stipulation is signed, Mr. Eveland will have money in his pocket to do what he wants. There was some discussion on the north versus south alignment options west of the school site. Mr. Fursman understood the Council would not make a decision at this time, and any future extension of the road would be generated by future development which would, in turn, pay for most of it. The Council felt that more study is needed on the two alignment options. There was some concern with the northern option through the existing neighborhood. It was not known how the need for additional right of way through there would impact the existing housing along 149th. The exact alignment may change as the area develops, The cost of mitigation along the southern route is also not known. The Coon Creek Watershed should be approached to find out the extent of mitigation. It was felt that additional study should be done now and used in the future when needed. It was also pointed out that even if a decision is made now, it is no guarantee because a future Council may change it. Mr. Erickson suggested expanding the feasibility for more detail on both routes to help make a decision. The Council agreed. Motion by OrtteI, Seconded by Johnson, to allow Staff to work with SEH to expand the feasibility study. DISCUSSION: Mr. Erickson stated he will bring back a list of the additional tasks and costs associated with the expanded feasibility study. Motion carried unanimously. -- Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - August 8, 2000 Page 8 (Discuss School Issiues with Anoka Hennepin ISA #11 School Board/Feasibility Report/IP 00- 18/Extension of Andover Boulevard NW, Continued) (The School Board members and school district Stafflefi the meeting at this time.) Bob? . 14955 Ivywood Street NW - asked the Council to come out to look at the northern route option to see what they are talking about when they say it is not a good place for the road. The soil borings don't make sense to them. People driving over the hill win not slow down. He was impressed over how the Council is concerned with the way Mr. Eveland is treated. He hoped they will have the same concern for the residents along l49th. The Council generally agreed to meet with the neighborhood to tour the proposed alignment. A woman wanted to see the City maintain control over the designation of the road alignment, not give that power to the school district. She preferred the southern route, but hoped the Council would leave the option as open as possible. There may be other options from a traffic standpoint such as another connection to South Coon Creek Drive. In all probability the route will be out to Round Lake Bou1evard, but she hoped those options remain open and not locked into one alignment at this time. Mr. Fursman stated the school district will not dictate the alignment, but possibly they may be willing to amend the Resolution that they wou1d not hold the City to the extension to Round Lake Boulevard. Councilmember Orttel preferred the alignment be determined to lock it in as soon as possible for planning and so people are aware. Ken Slyzuk - reminded the City Council and Staff of the big responsibility they would have to keep the road clean if the northern alignment is chosen. He stated he win not have that responsibility put on his back. It would mean buying six acres of farm and putting him out of business along that northern route, which will not be cheap. He didn't think the Council had any idea what this will do to the road. He also invited the Council to the site to be shown first hand what he is talking about, because what it looks like on paper isn't what is really out there. They have a lot of entrances, which he didn't think would be allowed on a state aid road. If the City takes his field out of production, he said it better be ready to buy it. He won't pay taxes on a field he cannot use. He said he can't impress enough on the Council the problem they will create with that northern route. And if there is mud on the road, he felt he will be the one on the "chopping block". He'd prefer the southern route if a road has go to through, though he personally didn't see how the City canjustifY the costs to go through there. The road should be put someplace where it isn't quite so critical. The Council noted those are issues that need more detailed study and again agreed to view the site. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Johnson, to accept the Feasibility Report for Project No. 00-18, the extension of Andover Boulevard, as presented. (Resolution R166-00) Motion carried unanimously. ~ -, -- Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - August 8, 2000 Page 9 ACCEPT PETITION/ORDER FEASIBILITY REPORT/IPOO-30/13635AND 13625 GLADIOLA STREET NW/WATERMAlN Steve Turbenson. 13635 Gladiola Street NW - stated the watermain comes to the corner. At the moment he has no water. He anticipated water will go through the neighborhood next summer anyway. He'd prefer municipal water than having to dig another well. His neighbor also wants water. Mr. Erickson reported in order to serve these two parcels, the line will cross another one. He proposed the City carry those costs until there are other connections or until the project goes through. The Council agreed. Motion by Knight, Seconded by Johnson, the Resolution declaring adequacy of petition and ordering preparation of a feasibility report. (Resolution R167-00) Motion carried unanimously. ACCEPT FEASIBILITY REPORT/IPOO-30/13635 AND 13625 GLADIOLA STREET NW/WATERMAlN Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, to accept the feasibility report with the understanding that the City will carry $23,500 until the whole project is put in. (Resolution R168-00) Motion carried unanimously. SIZE OF ACCESSORY STRUCTURES Councilmember Jacobson noted he received a call ITom an individual in Shadowbrook regarding the size of an accessory building being constructed next door. The permit was approved and the size is correct according to the ordinance, which allows accessory buildings up to 75 percent of the house print. The accessory building appears quite large in that back yard. He suggested the Planning and Zoning Commission review that portion of the ordinance and make a recommendation on decreasing the size allowed or leaving it as is. The Council agreed. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Johnson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m, Respectfully submitted, ,--~~L Marcella A. Peach Recording Secretary --