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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC August 17, 2004 ~NÓÒVËRiÞ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755·5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Regular City Council Meeting - Tuesday, August 17,2004 Call to Order - Following EDA meeting scheduled at 6:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Resident Forum a. PresentationINorth Metro Harness Group - Administration Agenda Approval 1. Approval of Minutes (6/29/04 Workshop; 7/27/04 Workshop; 7/28/04 Special; 7/29/04 Special; 08/04/04 Special; 8/04/04 Regular; 8/04/04 Exec. Session) Consent Items 2. Approve Payment of Claims - Finance . 3. Approve No Parking Resolution/04·13IVMB Through Proposed Woodland Estates 6th Addition- Engineering 4. Declare Costs/Order Assessment Roll/03-5/City View Farm - Engineering 5, Appoint Election JudgesIPrimary Election - Clerk 6. Approve Dog Kennel License Renewals - Clerk 7. Approve Ordinance change for City Administrator - Administration 8. Appointment Recommendation/City Administrator - Administration 9, Approve Purchase Agreement/I 853 Crosstown Boulevard NW - Finance/Administration 10. Approve Conditional Use Permit/Sign for Andover Christian Church/I 6045 Nightingale St. - Planning 10. a. Extend Liquor LicenselTanner's - Clerk Discussion Items II, Receive Anoka County Sheriff's Department Monthly Report - Sheriff 12. Public Hearing/Consider Resolution Modifying Development Dist. No.1 and Tax Increment Financing Plan for TIF Dist. No. 1-4 - Finance/Planning 13. Approve Proposed By-Law Changes-Andover Firefighters Relief Association - Fire 14. Consider Sketch Plan/I5941 Hanson Boulevard - Planning Staff Items 15. Schedule EDA Meeting - Administration Mayor/Council Input Adjournment Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August]7, 2004 Page 13 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - A UGUST I 7, 2004 TABLE OF CONTENTS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE ,.........................................,.....................,...................,................1 RESIDENT FORUM............,...........................................................................................,.........1 PRESENT A TION/NORTH METRO HARNESS GROUP .......................................................2 AGENDA APPROV AL ......................,.......................................................................,...........,..2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES..............",..................",...............,........................,.......................,2 CONSENT ITEMS Approve Payment of Claims .................................................................................................4 Resolution R13l-04 approving No Parking Resolution/04-I3NMB Through Proposed Woodland Estates 6th Addition ..".,..............................,.......,...........................................4 Resolution RI32-04 declaring Costs/Order Assessment Ro11/03-5/City View Farm...........4 Appoint Election Judges/Primary Election RI33-04............................................................4 Approve Dog Kennel License Renewals ..............................................................................4 Approve Purchase Agreement/I 853 Crosstown Boulevard NW..........................................4 Extend Liquor License/Tanner' s............................................................................,..............4 APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT/SIGN FOR ANDOVER CHRISTIAN CHURCH/I 6045 NIGHTINGALE STREET Resolution R134-04 to approve ..........................................,..,...............................................4 RECEIVE ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Received ................................................................................................................................4 PUBLIC HEARING/CONSIDER RESOLUTION MODIFYING DEVELOPMENT DIST. NO.1 AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN FOR TIF DIST. NO 1-4 Motion to Open Public Hearing.....................,....................".................................................5 Motion to Continue Public Hearing..............................................................................,........ 7 APPROVE PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES -ANDOVER FIREFIGHTERS RELIEF ASSOCIATION Motion Approve................. .............."..............................................,..................................... 7 CONSIDER SKETCH PLAN/I 5941 HANSON BOULEVARD.............................................. 7 SCHEDULE EDA MEETING .............,.............................................".............................,........8 APPROVE ORDINANCE CHANGE FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR Motion to Approve Ord. 299 ......,........................,............................................,:...".....,........9 APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATION/CITY ADMINISTRA TOR.,...................................9 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT Dog Removal from City ...............................:........................................................................11 Letter from State Representative DeLaForest........................................................................II Finance Director Position .............................................................,........................................11 County Road Work ................................................................................................................11 Trail Plans..,.,............................... ........................................................................................ ..11 Budget for 2005 .." "..,.."..., ".......,.....,.,.." ,.......,......,." ........,....,..,..",..,..,.......,.."...,..,...,.".....12 Intergovernmental Committee Decision ..................... ...........................................,......,........12 ADJOURNMENT ......................................................................................................................12 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING...,4 UGUST 17, 2004 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, August 17,2004,7:04 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel, Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Attorney, William Hawkins City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz City Finance Director/Interim City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Community Development Director, Will Neumeister Others PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE RESIDENT FORUM Mr. Carroll Abbott - 2917 I42nd Lane NW, stated there are three items he wants to mention. The first is that there are a couple of potholes that should be repaired before the winter on 1 42nd Lane and 142nd A venue. He also wondered if the City newsletter is strictly for City business or could a resident write a letter to the editor. Mayor Gamache stated the newsletter is strictly a way for them to inform the residents of what is going on in the City. Councilmember Trude stated the newsletter is usually for City news only. Mr. Abbott stated another concern is people not picking up after their dogs. Mr. Don Ewin - 535 Andover Boulevard, stated he has a problem that he feels is caused by the expansion of homes in the City. He eXplained Coyotes have moved into the area around his place because of all of the houses built in the area. He has lost a lot of birds because of this. He explained they have always had coyotes because they are kind of territorial but because of the fact that they are running out of places to go, they seem to be congregating along Coon Creek on the north side. He stated there are times at night when they start howling and he cannot let any animals run around because they will be kilJed. He wondered if there way anything the City could do for him. Mayor Gamache asked if staff could look at what the possibilities are. Mr. Dickinson stated they would research this and he will talk to the DNR and see what they will allow the City to do. Ms. Renee Hogendorf - Stated she is at the meeting to get more information regarding the TIF District. Mayor Gamache stated this wilJ be discussed later in the meeting with a public hearing and she could explain her concerns then. - .. -. -----. - -,- . .- Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17. 2004 Page 2 PRESENTATION/NORTH METRO HARNESS GROUP Interim City Administrator Dickinson introduced Mr. John Derus from the North Metro Hamess Initiative LLC who made a presentation to the City Council on their proposal in Columbus Township, Mr. Jeff Helprin discussed the project with the Council. Councilmember Knight asked if this is going to be a full facility for eating even in the off season. Mr. HeIprin stated it would be a full facility. He stated in the off season there will be cards; this will not be a casino. Mr. Helprin explained what "unbanked" meant to the Council and residents. Mayor Gamache asked because there are already two approvals in the State, they do not need to have State approval. Mr. HeIprin stated they have gone through all of the proceedings and he believed they would have the full support from Columbus Township. He stated Canterbury is against them because they would like to have the monopoly. He explained they have moved this up to Anoka County because it is not being serviced by Canterbury. Councilmember Trude asked if they were asking the County for upgrades. Mr. HeIprin stated they are not. Mr. Derus stated there is no public money asked for in this proposal. Mr. HeIprin stated they hope to be up and running by next year. AGENDA APPROVAL Remove from Consent Items for discussion Items 10, (Approve Conditional Use Permit/Sign for Andover Christian Church/l 6045 Nightingale Street); and Item 7, (Approve Ordinance Change for City Administrator) and Item 8 (Appointment Recommendation/City Administrator). Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Trude, to approve the Agenda as amended above, Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 29. 2004. Workshop Meeting: Correct as written. July 27. 2004, Workshop Meeting: Correct as amended. July 28, 2004, Special Meeting: Correct as amended July 29. 2004, Special Meeting: Correct as amended August 4, 2004, Special Meeting: Correct as written Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17, 2004 Page 3 August 4, 2004, Regular Meeting: Correct as written August 4, 2004, Executive Session: Tabled Motion by Trude, Seconded by Jacobson, approval of the June 29, 2004, Workshop Minutes as written. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Trude stated she had a minor change to the July 27, 2004 minutes. She wanted to make sure the Council direction is clear, This talked about the possibility of a communal septic system in the northern areas of Andover and they had a long discussion and presentation. She knew the Council on page three, the staff member, Mr. Neumeister had talked about what he thought was their view on this and she wanted a sentence added because she thought they had wanted to make sure staff understood, The Council clarified they had only asked for information and there was no indication of support for this type of development." So it is still in very preliminary discussion. Motion by Trude, Seconded by Orttel, approval of July 27, 2004, Workshop Minutes as indicated above. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Trude stated she had a change to the first paragraph after call to order, the second sentence, she wanted to add "because of advice received from the attorneys representing the City on that issue." Motion by Trude, Seconded by Knight, approval of July 28, 2004, Special Minutes as indicated above. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Trude stated she wanted to add after the meeting was called to order "because of her position as an Andover City Council Member" at the end of the sentence, which is regarding the threat her family received. Motion by Trude, Seconded by Jacobson, approval of July 29,2004, Special Minutes as indicated above. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Trude, Seconded by Jacobson, approval of August 4,2004, Special Minutes as indicated above. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Trude, Seconded by Jacobson, approval of August 4, 2004 Regular Minutes as indicated above. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Trude suggested it go back to the secretary for a more complete transcript of the discussion of the Executive Session because there are some things that are missing. Mayor Gamache asked how full they have these minutes. Councilmember Orttel thought the minutes were usually pretty brief because they do eventually go public. Mr. Dickinson stated !hey could take !he comments and bring it back for Council review but Councilmember Orttel is correct and they do try to keep those minutes brief. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17, 2004 Page 4 Motion by Trude, Seconded by Knight, to table the Executive Session Minutes for further information. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT ITEMS Item 2 Approval of Claims Item 3 Approve No Parking Resolution/04-I3NMB Through Proposed Woodland Estates 6th Addition. (See Resolution RI3I-04) Item 4 Declare Costs/Order Assessment RoIV03-5/City View Farm (See Resolution R132-04) Item 5 Appoint Election JudgeslPrimary Election (See Resolution RI33-04) Item 6 Approve Dog Kennel License Renewals Item 9 Approve Purchase Agreement/1853 Crosstown Boulevard NW Item lOa Extend Liquor LicenseITanner's Motion by Knight, Seconded by Jacobson, approval of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT/SIGN FOR ANDOVER CHRISTIAN CHURCH/16045 NIGHTINGALE STREET (SEE RESOLUTION R_-04) The Andover Christian Church is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow an institutional sign in a residential district with an aggregate square fOOlage exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet. The sign will replace an existing sign on that site twelve (12) feet from the north property line and fourteen (14) feet from the west property line, Councilmember Jacobson stated he had this moved down because on the Resolution, the second page, fourth line down, states "aggregate square footage of one hundred square feet." This should be sixty square feet because that is what was talked about and what the sign diagram shows. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Andover Christian Church for a sixty foot sign. Motion carried unanimously. (See Resolution RI34-04) RECEIVE ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Sergeant Orlando, Anoka County Sheriffs Department, provided an update on law enforcement activities occurring within Andover. Councilmember Jacobson asked if they are still having patrols along Andover and Hanson Boulevard. Sergeant Orlando stated they are and they have assigned CSO's to direct traffic. They Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17, 2004 Page 5 have received complaints that this is actually making it worse but it is actually helping move traffic through. Councilmember Trude stated she has noticed a lot ofDWI's in Andover lately and it is alarming. Sergeant Orlando stated they have just been approved for another safe and sober grant and as part of the grant they are planning on doing a mock crash at the High School this spring to get the teenagers aware of what happens when you drink and drive. PUBLIC HEARING/CONSIDER RESOLUTION MODIFYING DEVELOPMENT DlST. NO.1 AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN FOR TIF DlST. NO 1-4. Community Development Director Neumeister explained staff held a meeting with the property owners in the area known as Hughs Industrial Park on June 22, 2004. Five property owners were present representing nine of the properties. Staff indicated that the process to set up the District must start over because of the lack of a quorum at a Council meeting in June. Councilmember Trude stated she thought there were a couple of residents who were upset and worried about what government could do to them. She asked for clarification regarding what is going to happen. Mr. Dickinson stated the two parcels that are residential would remain in the same zoning and they will not be taxed differently. He stated there is a disclosure issue if they decide to sell. He stated there would not be any immediate impact. Councilmember Trude asked how the road and communal septic system could go through. Mr. Diclånson stated the property owner would need to sell their property in order for those two things to happen and the communal septic system would have to be approved by the City Council. Councilmember Knight stated they have never taken the position offorcing this type of thing. Councilmember Jacobson stated if both residential areas were kept in, it would make the property worth more if sold in the future. Councilmember Orttel asked what happens to the industrial park if they do not go through with the nF District. Mr. Diclånson stated there would on1y be mild façade improvements. Mr. Diclånson explained Tax Increment Financing to the Residents of Andover, Councilmember Trude stated the property taxes do not increase but what the City is trying to do is improve the area. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Trude, to open the public hearing at 8:12 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Renee Hogendorf, 2875 161" Avenue NW, stated they have a number of concerns. She stated they do understand at this time their taxes will not increase and their property will not be rezoned but - . - ~ Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17, 2004 Page 6 what happens in subsequent years, they do not know. She stated in the future the City could come in and condemn them. She stated the other big concern besides money is the quality ofliving. She did not like the idea of having a septic system next to her along with light industrial noise and traffic. She would have to disclose this to a potential buyer. She explained they had a meeting with City staff a few weeks ago. Her concern is things are moving too fast. At this point she is opposed to being included in the TIP District. She wondered who would be paying the assessments for roads. Councilmember Trude stated it would be the benefiting properties and she would not be a benefiting property. Mrs. Mary Heyen, 2975 161 ", stated she agrees with most of what Ms. Hogendorf discussed except their property will be the one with the road and septic and they would be paying the assessments and their taxes would go up. Councilmember Orttel stated this would not happen unless they sold their land. Mr. Dickinson stated they do not need the property owners' consent to be placed in or not be included in a TIP District. It is up to the City Council. He stated the property would not need to be rezoned in order to sell; it could be rezoned after being sold. Councilmember Knight stated they would not condemn their property. Councilmember Trude stated this all started a few months ago with a commercial property owner wanting to fix up his business and the EDA told him to see if anyone else in the area wanted to fix up their property also. It was noted the septic pond would actually be a septic system used by the area. Mr. Neumeister stated if the Heyen property was taken out of the District, it would not allow the businesses in the area to expand. They need this property as a buffer and for the septic system and road into the area. Mr. Dickinson stated it is easier to take a parcel out of the District than to add one in later. Mr, Joe Braiban, stated he appeared before the City a couple of years ago trying to get the Council to approve his opening an auto business and the Council just talked briefly about maximizing an area and he was planning on maximizing an area with his used car business and he was told no way. All of a sudden they are talking about maximizing an area and he thinks along with his neighbors that there is something bigger behind this getting rezoned. He stated there are two people who stand to be losers and he is one of them. He showed on the map where he lives. He stated they have some ugly industrial area next to them and he does not want a septic pond behind his house. Councilmember Trude stated they are on1y trying to improve the existing property, not add new industrial property to it. She stated they are not trying to shove an industrial area into residential. Mr. Braiban stated the City is going to devalue someone's house to line someone's pocket and to add value to another. He stated they already have a lot of noise and problems wilh the induslriaI site being next to their homes; they do not need more noise. The Council discussed and explained the nF District and the reasons it should be created. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17, 2004 Page 7 Motion by Knight, Seconded by Jacobson, to continue the public hearing until the September 7, 2004 City Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Consensus of the Council was to remove Ms. Renee Hogendorf s property, 2875 16151 Avenue NW, from the nF District. APPROVE PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES - ANDOVER FIREFIGHTERS RELIEF ASSOCIATION Interim City Administrator Dickinson explained during the 2003-2004 Legislative session a change was made to the volunteer firefighter pension laws that make it necessary to amend the Andover Firefighters Relief Associalion By-Laws. Mr. Tom May, Board of Trustees, Relief Association, discussed the information with the Council. Councilmember Jacobson stated something did not read right. On the opening page there is one change proposed which will allow for on1y a one lump sum payment. If that is true, the proposed by- law change, Clause C and Clause D both talk about partial payments and investing after age fifty. How does this jive with the lump sum payment. Mr. May stated they can take a lump sum payment of their account; they do not provide for a monthly payment of their account. Mr. Dickinson explained what this change to the plan would a1\ow. Discussion ensued in regard to conflicting wording in the By-Laws. Motion by Orttel, Seconded by Trude, to approve all three ofthe proposed By Law changes. Motion carried unanimously. CONSIDER SKETCH PLANII594I HANSON BOULEVARD Community Development Director Neumeister stated the Council is asked to review a residential sketch plan of a development containing nine lots. Councilmember Jacobson asked ifthis were a normal cul-de-sac, how many lots they would get. Mr. Neumeister stated it is an eight lot development so it would be the same amount as requested. Councilmember Jacobson asked if they get the same number oflots out of this why have such a large cul-de-sac. Mr. Jason Osword stated the real reason is for amenity. There is not a whole lot of draw for a typical cul-de-sac and they wanted to do something different. There is an exisIing home which will stay. He stated the center island is a focal point which would be unique to the neighborhood. Councilmember Knight asked where the snow storage would be. Mr. Osword stated it would be in Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17, 2004 Page 8 the front yards, He stated this would be spread out proportionately. Mr, Berkowitz stated he talked to Mr. Stone and they would like to see storage in the center area. Councilmember Orttel wondered how much hard surface area they have in this configuration compared to a conventional cul-de-sac. Mr, Berkowitz stated they are looking at a two hundred foot wide right-of-way. Typically, their cul-de-sacs are 120; the radius is 46 II, feet back to the curb. He stated this is substantially larger and they will still have two way traffic through there. Councilmember Trude wondered why they would not want to make the cul-de-sac one way, Mr. Berkowitz stated another comment they had was to ensure a fire truck can meet the turning radius. Councilmember Trude thought the center island should be taken care of by everyone involved because she has seen similar cul-de-sac islands that do not get taken care of. Councilmember Jacobson wondered who would take care of the island because he did not want this to come back to the City for maintenance. Mr. Osword stated they had considered having a rock island but there were concerns about rocks getting thrown and concerns about who would mow the grass if grass was put in the island. He suggested having a dry river bed/prairie landscape which would need little or no maintenance. Councilmember Trude wondered if there were any non-confonning items with the existing home. Mr. Neumeister stated there were not. Mr. Osword stated the island would be about 5,300 square feet in size, Councilmember Trude wondered if the pond on the edge of one of the properties would be on site storage. Mr. Osword stated it would be, Mr. Berkowitz stated this already exists and they will work on tying it into the plans. . Councilmember Jacobson stated he was still concerned with the maintenance of the island and he suggested they look at the by-laws of the Association regarding this carefully. SCHEDULE EDA MEETING Interim City Administrator Dickinson explained the Council is requested to schedule an Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting on September 7, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Trude, to schedule an EDA meeting for September 7, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVE ORDINANCE CHANGE FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR Per the recommendation of City Attorney Bill Hawkins, the City Administrator Ordinance should be Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17, 2004 Page 9 changed to reflect the City Council's desire to have the position of City Administrator an "at will" position. Mayor Gamache asked if there were any changes to the supplemental information. Ms. Dana Peitso stated there were. Ms. Peitso explained the new changes to the Ordinance with the City Council. Mayor Gamache stated the question that came up and after discussion with the attorneys, he wanted to make sure he was doing his fiduciary duties. In their past Ordinance, it stated "The City Administrator shall be appointed for an indefInite period by a majority of the City Council and may be removed from office only by a majority of the City Council in accordance with rules and procedures set forth from the City personnel policy". This Ordinance was approved on March 17, 1998. The Ordinance was put into effect prior to Mr. Erar being hired. Under the section it refers to, it states that dismissals, suspensions and demotions, the City will discipline, suspend, demote or dismiss employees for just cause only. He asked the City Attorney if the contract they had with the City Administrator, superseded the Ordinance. Councilmember Trude questioned Mayor Gamache's motives for asking questions regarding the pending lawsuit and if he was helping the opposing side. Mayor Gamache stated he was not trying to help Mr. Erar; he was trying to protect the City from more lawsuits. Mayor Gamache asked what the attorney's judgment was regarding the change because he did not want to open up the City to anymore lawsuits. City Attorney Hawkins stated he was comfortable with the change and recommended it and thought it was needed to comply with the terms of the contract with Mr. Dickinson. Mayor Gamache agreed. Motion by Trude, Seconded by Jacobson, to approve the Ordinance change for the City Administrator. Motion carried unanimously. (Ordinance 299) APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATION/CITY ADMINISTRATOR At the August 4, 2004, Special City Council meeting, a motion was made to offer the position of City Administrator to James Dickinson, and to negotiate a contract with him for this position. Mr. Dickinson has been the interim City Administrator since May 2004. In addition, he has been the City of Andover Finance Director for the past 5 years and has a strong background in government spanning over fifteen years. Mr. Dickinson, City Attorney Bill Hawkins and Ms. Peitso have negotiated a contract for Mr. Dickinson that supports his interest in the City Administrator position and meets the City's financial requirements. The pay range for the City Administrator is $79,412 to $100,521 annually. The proposed starting salary is at the Step Level 3 rate of $91 ,474 annually. After successful completion of a 6-month probationary period, he would be eligible for the next step level. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 1'7, 2004 Page 10 Motion by Gamache, Seconded by Trude, to approve Mr. Dickinson as the City Administrator of Andover. Councilmember Jacobson stated it is his understanding that the item they are voting on is not what was in their packet; it was presented before the meeting with changes. City Attorney Hawkins reviewed the changes with the Council. Councilmember Trude asked if the contract presented was agreeable to the City Attorney. City Attorney Hawkins stated it was. Councilmember Knight stated in the original agreement, he got the impression that they were specifYing a forty hour week. Councilmember Orttel stated it specifically stated that there were a lot of extra hours involved and in recognition of that, there would be consideration for some compo time. Ms. Peitso stated this is in section nine, page five. Councilmember Jacobson asked why Mr. Dickinson needs to wait until September 8th. Ms. Peitso stated he needs to resign his current position and he is required to resign from that position to take this position and he will resign September 7, 2004. Councilmember Trude wondered if they could have this occur simultaneously. Ms. Peitso stated if Mr. Dickinson wished to resign without the two week notice, he could do this and it could be effective inunediate1y. Councilmember Orttel asked if they would have a Chief Finance Director until a new one could be found. Ms. Peitso stated they have an Assistant Finance Director who could assume the role until one could be hired. Councilmember Trude stated she would amend the agreement so it is effective inunediately with the acceptance of the resignation without the typical two week notice and for staff to be directed to close out the employees' compensation from that position. Motion carried unanimously, MA YOR/COUNCIL INPUT (Dog Removalfrom City) - Councilmember Jacobson asked what the result was of the motion from the last meeting to have the two dogs removed from the City. Mr. Dickinson stated they are doing a certified mailing on this with the help of the City Attorney. He stated he would let the City Council know what happens. (l.r-:tt:,rf?::??1 Sf::,!"!': Rp¡:?"('J::-:,::.t:7th.':":. l):-:r:7FnT{lJ:~} - r\:::::!':!h:"!:,:!'::h::::: T::d:: ::::t;-:t:",:!i ::::h:::: ::",;!".:,:h':::~::: 1ett:::: . .- Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17, 2004 Page 11 certified mailing on this with the help of the City Attorney. He stated he would let the City Council know what happens. (Letter from State Representative DeLaForest) - Councilmember Trude stated she received a letter from State Representative DeLaForest regarding a resident concern he received. She stated she would pass this onto staff. Mr. Berkowitz stated he received this and called the individual so it is taken care of. (Finance Director Position) - Councilmember Trude asked if they need to authorize some changes of position because of signing of checks and documents. Mr. Dickinson stated the current resolution has a name and his name is still on there. They removed the fonner City Administrator and added two others. At this point in time, until they appoint an official treasurer, he would still assume those responsibilities. (County Road Work) - Mayor Gamache stated he received a construction weekly from the Highway Department and for those who live on County Road 9/Round Lake Boulevard it sounds like the closure will remain in effect until September 3,2004. Mayor Gamache thought they were sticking to their timeline. Mr. Berkowitz stated this was correct. Councilmember Trude stated one the Prairie Road project she noticed pink tags on trees, which is tree removal. She noticed a pink tape around an oak tree on the rull that she thought was on the resident's property line. Mr. Berkowitz stated he met with the residents there and talked about the project in detail. Mayor Gamache stated he also received a letter from State Representative DeLaForest regarding the Hanson! Andover Boulevard intersection and would forward this to staff. Representative DeLaForest had some discussions with Mr. Doug Fisher and they are seriously considering installing stop lights there. (Frail Plans) - Councilmember Knight wondered where they are at on the trail. Mr. Berkowitz stated he is planning to meet with the residents regarding the trail. He stated they would not have time this year to get a project done, but if the residents agree, they could get a connection between Drake Street and Bluebird so people have access over to Hanson Boulevard because there is not a trail along there. With that they are looking at another trail connection that can facilitate foot traffic through there so students can get to school safely. (Budget for 2005) - Councilmember Jacobson asked when they will be receiving the budget. Mr. Dickinson stated they will be receiving trus within the week for the August 3151 meeting. (Intergovernmental Committee Decision) - Mr. Dickinson stated the Intergovernmental Cornmittee of Anoka County met today. Two items that were on their agenda were to receive a presentation on tax abate for NorthtoWD Mall and the request from the City of Andover for abatement for improvements on Hanson Boulevard and CroSStOWD Boulevard. He stated that application was denied on a three to one vote. He stated Commissioner McCauley did a great job trying to carry this Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - August 17, 2004 Page 12 for them. He was the one vote for them. He stated on a moral victory, they did indicate the thought of using this as a creative tool to try to make something happen. He stated they are not comfortable in using tax abatement as a tool for road improvements. They feel it is too much of a precedence setting issue. He stated they did indicate there is a public works committee that discussed this area and there are some agreed upon improvements and if the agreements are agreed upon by the Public Works Committee and the Highway Department they would entertain participating in the improvements, if they use a different vehicle. He stated they are willing to spend money in Andover on these particular improvements. Motioll by Orttel, Seconded by Knight, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary .. ~ ---. ~, .