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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK July 27, 2004 9\NDÒVE~ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Special City Council Workshop Miscellaneous Business Items Tuesday, July 27,2004 Conference Room A & B 1. Callto Order - 6:00 pm 2. Review Select Companies Concept Plan - Planning 3. Planned Unit Development Ordinance - Planning 4. Sidewalk Maintenance - Public Works 5. Discuss Lift Station #4 Issues - Engineering 6. Discuss Improvements on Hanson Boulevard NW and the Intersection of Andover Boulevard NW & Hanson Boulevard NW - Engineering 7. Community Center Progress Report - Administration 8. Community Center Oversight Advisory Board - Administration 9. Other Business 10. Adjournment ~NÓÒVË~ OJnQJUtuL ð'-Il-òt..{- SPECIAL ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP - JULY 27, 2004 MINUTES The Special Workshop of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, on Ju1y 27,2004, at 6:02 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Mayor Mike Gamache, Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel, and Julie Trude Councilmembers absent: None. Also present: Interim City Administrator/City Finance Director, Jim Dickinson City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz Community Development Director, Will Neumeister Public Works Director, Frank Stone Others APPROVE AGENDA Interim City Administrator/City Finance Director Dickinson advised that he had a few additional items to discuss under agenda item #9 "Other Business." The Agenda was approved as amended. REVIEW SELECT COMPANIES CONCEPT PLAN Mr. Neumeister stated that Select Companies' concept plan was previously shown to the Council at a workshop on July 29, 2003. He indicated the basic request has not changed; however, small changes have been made and Select Companies would like to show their latest plans to the Council. Provided the Council is in agreement with Select Companies' basic concept, staff would begin writing a rural cluster ordinance allowing this type of development. He advised the developer has done a similar rural cluster development in Lake Elmo. If the Council determines the concept is acceptable, the developer would work on the preliminary plat over the fall and winter months and be ready for construction of streets and utilities next summer, Mike Gair, McCombs Frank Roos Associates, Inc., presented drawings of the proposed concept plan, and indicated the parcel is approximately 325 acres with a north/south dimension of 1.25 miles running along Hanson Boulevard. He stated the concept plan includes an element that speaks to the preservation of open space, including a 60+ acre park and 90+ acres of conservation area. This element complements the City's comprehensive plan and provides benefits that accrue to the City and its residents. He indicated that he was the principal planner of The Lakes in Blaine and noted that the goal of cluster development is to use open space to the benefit of the public. Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - July 27, 2004 Page 2 Mr. Gair stated the communal waste water system infrastructure is owned privately. As a result, it does not represent a burden to the City to maintain. Mr. Neumeister requested information regarding residential lot sizes. Mr. Gair stated the proposal calls for lots that are 90' wide and approximately 150' deep. These are larger lots intended to accommodate larger homes. Mr. Neumeister stated that a PUD and a cluster development ordinance are required to make the proposed concept plan work. Councilmember Trude asked who the property owners are adjacent to the parcel. Mr. Gair presented an aerial photo of the site and noted there is an existing ditch on the north side of the parcel. Mr, Neumeister noted that the Emmerich property currently has sewer being brought in. Councilmember Orttel asked if the communal system could be hooked up to the City in the future. He also expressed concern that we are opening up the City to urban development by setting a precedent if we allow this proposed plan. Councilmember Knight questioned the ability of Hanson Boulevard to handle the increased traffic because no expansion is currently planned for Hanson Boulevard. Councilmember Trude concurred. City Engineer Berkowitz advised the City is currently working with the County to make improvements to Hanson Boulevard and the plan caIls for making Hanson Boulevard four lanes all the way up to Oak Grove. Councilmember Jacobson asked if the City desires to have urban development in a rural area. Mr. Neumeister stated that with a cluster development ordinance or a PUD, the City has the ability to limit developments of the type proposed by Select Companies. Under a PUD, the developer has to demonstrate the benefits accruing to the City and its residents. Mr, Dickinson noted that the developer is attempting to set the bar high for future developments of this type. Councilmember Jacobson asked if the conservation area is deeded to the City. Mr. Gair replied that the language in the cluster development ordinance would outline how the property is deeded; typically, the property is dedicated. Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes -July 27,2004 Page 3 Mayor Gamache requested clarification of how a cluster development ordinance and/or PUD would restrict similar developments in the City, Mr. Neumeister stated the developer is required to demonstrate how their proposal would contribute to the betterment of the City and its residents and how their variance from typical standards is a benefit to the City. A PUD gives the City Council ultimate discretion in allowing these developments. Mr. Gair stated that tangible objective measurements can be put into the development agreement specifically outlining these benefits. Councilmember Jacobson stated he would like a legal opinion regarding this because it seems very subjective. Councilmember Knight asked how much fill would be required on the parcel. Joel Larson, Select Companies, stated that 18" is required and would be obtained fÌ'om the mined out area, He noted the parcel consists of fairly uniform grade sand that can be easily excavated. Councilmember Orttel noted the Star Tribune recently ran a story about this type of development. He stated that we are going to end up with development further north than we ever thought we'd see in the City. Councilmember Jacobson asked about the timeframe for development. Mr. Larson stated the FEMA study is in the process of being fmalized and they hope to start development next year. Councilmember Jacobson asked if a homeowner's association would be put in place and expressed concern about covenants not being enforced as homes are bought and sold in the development. Mr. Neumeister stated that the July 29, 2003 Council minutes reflect the Council's desire to explore this type of development and to obtain further information regarding the proposal. He indicated it may be worthwhile for the City Council to tour The Lakes development in Blaine and then revisit the proposal by.Select Companies, î1u.. Q.Q\.A.>~ Ql1l.~ ·+h..L~ h_Rd. ~u..cl -/sif' 0..0b~''''·d- -HV:U--lL-'{)...D U,\ð lI~'V,¡iJ~~ 'j01 '\-I.-.M ~ "4 '-ti..:t-, @" ~ L~ù..L LJJ1 u-i.'-'-¥, ~c.m~ æw~ . ü..J'N..~ - n-o-t OunCl em er Trude indicated' e iggest issue is density and its impact on lC, schools and the City infrastructure. Councilmember Knight stated it is important to obtain input from the residents adjacent to the proposed development. Councilmember Trude concurred and indicated it is also important to look at the overall potential for this region and the overall planning. Mr. Larson stated the developer needs density to help pay for the parks. Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - July 27, 2004 Page 4 Mr. Neumeisterreiterated that a cluster development ordinance and PUD is the means by which this type of development is accomplished. In addition, a PUD Zoning District is another alternative to explore. With a PUD Zoning District, the parcel is rezoned to fit the criteria for development. He stated that staff could explore a PUD Zoning District further and bring the issue back to the Council at its next workshop. Councilmember Trude requested further information regarding communal systems. Mr, Gair stated that the technology for communal systems has significantly advanced over the years. The designer they use is North American Wetlands Company, headed by Curt Sparks, formerly with the EP A. Mr. Gair stated that Mr. Sparks' team designed communal systems in Elk River and Lake Elmo and currently has two projects underway. They are considered the experts in this area. In addition, Mr, Sparks' company uses a subcompany to perform maintenance and upkeep of the systems, Councilmember Orttel stated the proposed concept plan looks good, but needs some additional work. Mr. Dickinson asked the Council if they are primarily concerned about cluster development or are their concerns specifically related to communal septic systems. He indicated that further information regarding communal systems can be provided to the City Council and noted that any communal system has to be approved by the PCA, Councilmember Knight expressed his belief that cluster development is a political issue and felt that many legal questions remain unanswered. Councilmember Jacobson stated the proposal looks great but felt we have to look at the bigger picture, and indicated that it looks like spot zoning. Mr. Dickinson advised that staff will ask for further legal opinions regarding the proposal and asked the City Council if they desired a neighborhood meeting on the proposal. Councilmember Jacobson replied that a neighborhood meeting would be premature; the remaining councilmembers concurred. Councilmember Knight concurred that this looks like spot zoning and expressed concern that there would be PUDs in place for all future developments in the City. Mr. Neumeister stated that the City of Plymouth currently uses PUDs for its developments and has been using the PUD concept for 30 years. He noted the City of Plymouth evaluates each PUD and offered to provide the Council with further information regarding Plymouth's use ofPUDs. Mr. Gair remarked that the City of Blaine was faced with the same issues as Andover and agreed there are land use planning and policy planning issues involved here. -- - . -> Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - July 27, 2004 Page 5 Council consensus was to direct staff to come back to the Council at its next workshop with further legal analysis of cluster developments. Mr, Dickinson reiterated that it is important for the City to set the bar high the fIrst time a cluster development is placed in the City. Mr. Gair thanked the Council for their time. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE Mr. Neumeister stated that earlier this year, staff reviewed the Planned Unit Development ordinance and found it is inadequate for use in reviewing new requests for PUD approval. He stated that staff reviewed other cities' PUD ordinances and concluded that a new PUD ordinance should be patterned after one that is simple and straightforward. He noted the most important part of the proposed amendment is that it requires developers to demonstrate how each proposed alteration from typical zoning requirements contributes toward making a better project than could be achieved if a particular zoning provision were applied. For example, it may be desirable to reduce a front yard setback for back-to-back lots to preserve trees that can act as a buffer between the rear yards. At 7: 15 p.m., the Special City Council Workshop was interrupted by a process server who served documents on Mayor Gamache and Councilmembers Knight, Jacobson and Trude. Mr. Neumeister advised that at the Planning Commission's request, the current density ranges from the Comprehensive Plan are referenced in the proposed ordinance and no density bonus is proposed as part of the ordinance. Mr. Neumeister referenced, as an example, the Miller's Woods proposal, noting that the new concept plan uses a PUD allowing for wetland preservation, preservation of trees on the site, buffer edges, a park plan and further landscaped areas. He noted that the revised Miller's Woods plan provides the same number oflots as the original version, but is vastly improved by using a PUD. Mr. Neumeister advised that the revised ordinance is more succinctly written, resulting in a two page document versus the previous six page version. He stated the revised ordinance provides discretion to the City Council to dictate what goes in to each PUD, e.g., three car garages. Mr. Dickinson stated that the PUD allows you to work with each developer on an individual basis to achieve higher standards for the City and moves away from the need for multiple variances. He remarked that it results in a "contractual plat." Bill Sykora, Andover resident, asked ifPUDs are being considered for R-I Districts. Mr. Sykora also asked who pays for any failures in a communal system. Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - July 27, 2004 Page 6 Councilmember Knight stated that a company such as North American Wetlands Company would be retained to maintain a communal system. Mr. Neumeister stated that Section 13-3-2 of the ordinance states that PUD regulations may be allowed by the City Council to be applied and/or utilized for all developments, including single and two-family homes (both urban and rural). He noted that the Select Companies proposal discussed earlier is workable via a PUD; however, if the Council wants to establish a PUD Zoning District, another document would be required. He stated that a separate zoning district can get a bit cumbersome but is workable. Councilmember Orttel stated that density in permanent rural areas is not addressed in the revised PUD ordinance. Councilmember Jacobson stated that the revised ordinance does not appear to delineate how a developer must demonstrate amenities that are offered in a PUD and that benefit the City, Mr. Neumeister replied that Section 13-3-11 provides design qualities that will be sought in any PUD review. Councilmember Orttel stated his desire to see "public amenities" described in more detail in the ordinance. Councilmember Jacobson concurred and stated the developer should be required to demonstrate some benefit to the general public. Mayor Gamache stated the PUD ordinance should state that the City Council has the sole discretion to review a plat for public amenities. Mr. Neumeister reiterated that the City Council has ultimate authority for land use planning. He advised that Section 13-3-6 provides that standards and provisions relating to an original zoning district shall apply, un1ess otherwise approved as part of a PUD. All standards may be modified or waived provided the applicant demonstrates harmony with the purpose of a PUD. In addition, findings necessary for approval of a PUD are outlined in Section 13-3-9. Councilmember Trude requested further review of the PUD ordinance by the City Attorney to make certain the ordinance provides the City Council with ultimate discretion in approving PUDs. Councilmember Knight asked if the City is required to state its reasons for denying a PUD and expressed concern about arbitrary and capricious standards. Council consensus was to direct staff to revise the language in the PUD ordinance pursuant to input from legal counsel and to provide the revised language to the City Council at its August 4 meeting. SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE ~ -. - Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes-July 27, 2004 Page 7 Mr. Stone stated that due to the steady increase in streets, cul-de-sacs and trails, the Public Works Department's ability to maintain the City's current service level is injeopardy. He stated all of the routes are getting too large for the operators to complete within a normal timeftame of 8-9 hours. He noted that last winter, the normal timeframe was in the area of 10-11 hours to complete every plow cycle and that is expected to increase this coming season. He advised that Safety Councils recommend that plow operators not drive more than a I2-hour shift for safety purposes. In the past, operators have worked up to 16 hours with short breaks if at all possible. He stated the question is what level of service the City wants to provide and in what timeftame. Public Works Director Stone stated he is seeking direction from the City Council on this issue and to consider a City ordinance which requires owner/occupants of any property adjacent to a public sidewalk to remove snow, ice or other debris from the sidewalk. He indicated there are approximately 17 miles of trails and sidewalks in the city; trails are plowed as time permits and schools are a fust priority, He requested the Council to consider increasing staff and equipment so all streets, cul-de-sacs, trails and sidewalks can be plowed at the same time as has been done in the past, and noted there has not been an increase in staff in the last six years. He stated that two full- time positions and one large plow truck would be required. He indicated that many cities contract their plowing services; however, the City is then at the mercy of the contractor as to start and fInish times and some contractors are not always customer friendly due to damage from their equipment. Mayor Gamache asked if the budget allows for two additional full-time positions and one large plow truck. Mr. Dickinson replied that one position currently in the budget has not been filled, so this position is already funded, He indicated that an acceptable level of service requires the addition of one full-time position and one plow truck. He stated that the budget is in the process of being fmalized and felt that the additional employee and equipment could be accomplished in the budget. Councilmember Jacobson stated he prefers to rely on City staff to do all plowing. Council consensus was to fund appropriate staff and equipment to continue to provide an acceptable level of service to residents of the City. Councilmember Knight thanked Public Works Director Stone and his staff for doing a good job. DISCUSS LIFT STATION #4 ISSUES City Engineer Berkowitz stated that improvements to Lift Station #4 are needed to handle the additional flow due to new development and to prevent pump failures that continue to occur from dust rags ("Swiffers") that are being disposed of in the sewer system. He stated that after further review, staff has been determined that a pump/grinder may not be needed and requested the City Council to order a feasibility report. ..~ Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - July 27, 2004 Page 8 Motion by Orttel, seconded by Knight, to order a feasibility report with respect to improvements at Lift Station #4. Motion carried unanimously. (Res. RI20-04) DISCUSS IMPROVEMENTS ON HANSON BOULEVARD NW AND THE INTERSECTION OF ANDOVER BOULEVARD NW & HANSON BOULEVARD NW Mr. Berkowitz advised that county road improvements related to the area surrounding the City HalUCommunity Center and intersection improvements at Andover Boulevard NW and Hanson Boulevard NW have been discussed for the last several months and staff continues to work with the County regarding these intersection improvements. With respect to the City HalUCommunity Center improvements, the City has received a letter from Mr. Doug Fischer (Anoka County Engineer) stating the type ofintersection improvements that the Anoka County Public Works Committee would approve for Hanson Boulevard NW at Bluebird Street NW and 154'" Avenue NW and Crosstown Boulevard NW at Tower Drive, City Hall entrance, Clocktower Commons entrance and Bluebird Street NW. With respect to the Hanson Boulevard NW and Andover Boulevard NW intersection, Commissioner Lang has advised that the County Commission may be interested in assisting the City with funding, if the City would advance fund the improvements. These improvements would include a traffic signal, 4 lane design with turn lanes and a concrete median (ultimate design) similar to the intersection of Hanson Boulevard and Crosstown Boulevard. City Engineer Berkowitz noted that the County has worked hard with city staff on the proposed improvements. Mr. Berkowitz stated that the City requested full access/signal on Hanson Boulevard at Bluebird Street; the County approved right-in, right-out (northbound) and left turn in, right-inlright-out (southbound). Mr. Dickinson advised that the abatement application would still be submitted and noted this would be considered a business subsidy if we get abatement. The business subsidy is at the County's sole discretion. He stated that staff will be meeting with the full County Board in August. Councilmember Orttel requested information regarding advance funding the improvements. Mr. Dickinson stated that state aid momes and reserves in the road & bridge fund would be used to make the improvements, and then the County would reimburse the City for their portion of the improvements over a set period of time. Council consensus was to move forward with the County road improvements and to continue working with the County to accomplish the improvements. COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRESS REPORT Mr. Dickinson provided an update to the Council on the community center and stated that he recently had a meeting with representatives from Valspar, whose CEO sits on the YMCA Board. Valspar has indicated a willingness to donate some of the paint for the community center and/or provide discounts on paint. He noted that the YMCA has taken the lead on this issue. He advised that with respect to the sod, one company has been contacted and is willing to donate some sod for the project. .... Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - July 27, 2004 Page 9 He indicated that 16,000 yards of sod is required. With respect to the tip-up panel, the color issue has been resolved and staff is working with Hanson Spancrete to resolve outstanding issues. He stated that hockey practice is scheduled to begin November 1 st and staff is working on finalizing the ice rental agreement. He announced that the project is currently on schedule and on budget, and noted that if the donation list is achieved, items that were previously deleted from the project may be able to be added back in. Mr, Dickinson advised that staff is working with the architect on the sound system. He stated that the city will purchase the bleachers which will be installed once the project is completed. He noted that Erick Sutherland, the new recreational facility manager, is currently working on all these issues. Councilmember Jacobson asked about the status of cash donations. Mr. Dickinson replied they currently have $800,000 in commitments. He stated staffwill need to revisit the capital campaign in the near future. Mr. Dickinson stated that the plans provide designated areas for lockers and team rooms and noted that a discrepancy has been discovered in the plans. He indicated the plans prepared by the architect provide a larger area for the school district than the construction manager has allowed; one area shows 1,300 square feet while another area shows 2,400 square feet. Mr. Tom Durand has stated he believes the smaller area is the area designated for the school districts. There is a $150,000 difference between the two spaces. Mr. Dickinson stated the school district has stated they are not willing to pay more. He will try to determine where the miscommunication occurred. The City will have to determine whether the hockey booster club will be willing to pay an additional $15,000 per year for the additional space. He advised that Brian Recker was able to document that the school district was in fact given the smaller space in the original plans. Council consensus was to direct staff to instruct the school district that they will be given the smaller space for no additional fee and to determine if the hockey booster club is willing to pay for the additional space. COMMUNITY CENTER OVERSIGHT ADVISORY BOARD Mr. Dickinson stated the Business Plan for the AndoverNMCA Community center calls for a five member Community Center Advisory Board and staff is requesting the Council provide direction to staff on recruitment of members. He indicated the advisory board would oversee facility operations from a policy-setting perspective, subject to the final approval of the governing body. It is contemplated that the board would include community representatives and one YMCA seat appointed by and responsible to the City Council. There was discussion regarding the role of the Advisory Board. Council consensus was to have 7 persons appointed by the City Council to serve on the Community Center Advisory Board, consisting of I YMCA representative, 1 hockey representative, I City Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes -July 27,2004 Page 10 Council representative, 1 communitylbusiness representative, 2 at-large members, and I park board representative. Council consensus was to stagger the terms of advisory board members, with the City Council representative rotating on the Advisory Board, and the Chairperson would be appointed by the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board would meet as needed. Mr. Dickinson stated that governance of the Advisory Board would be modeled after the National Sports Center, all subject to City Council approval. OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS A. Future Council Workshop Date Mr. Dickinson requested input from the Council on dates for a workshop in August. He reiterated that Mike Gair would like to take the Council on a tour of The Lakes in Blaine, as well as show the Council his plan for the Rural Reserve. In addition, he stated the Council has numerous outstanding issues to address prior to its September meeting, including the budget. As a result, it would be helpful to hold two workshop meetings in August. Council consensus was to schedule the tour of The Lakes in Blaine and a city tour on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 6:00 p.m.; an additional workshop to discuss outstanding issues, including the budget, will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. B. National Night Out Mr. Neumeister advised he has received word that there are currently 39 National Night Out parties scheduled in the city. He indicated that the city has purchased pencils and pens for the councilmembers to hand out at the parties. Staff will prepare a map showing the locations of the parties and asked if each councilmember could attend as many parties as possible. Mayor Gamache stated he supported having a staff member go with each councilmember and attend up to 5 parties. Mr. Neumeister requested that the councilmembers plan to arrive at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Maps will be available of the various party locations the afternoon of August 3rd. Mr. Dickinson advised that the Big Lake Police Department typically hosts a National Night Out event that includes a canine demonstration and fue truck demonstrations. He stated it is a very well attended event in Big Lake and Andover could consider hosting this type of event after construction of the Community Center is complete. C. Potential Project/Equipment Purchase Mr, Dickinson stated that City Staff is considering purchasing equipment to allow the City to go paperless and asked if the City Council is interested in pursuing this, He indicated this would require Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - July 27, 2004 Page 11 purchasing scanners (the process is now called laser fiche) and dedicating staff to completing the project, at a cost of approximately $50,000-$80,000. He noted this process would allow the City to do its own codification of the City Code, which is currently being outsourced. He advised that saved dollars would be used for the project under the Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Neumeister advised that the City needs archival document retrieval capability and the City is currently running out of room for storage of paper documents. Council consensus was to support the purchase of equipment allowing the City to go paperless and to include this project in the budget. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Orttel, Seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Hughes, Recording Secretary