Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP June 10, 1982 ~ o¿ ANDOVER SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JUNE 10, 1982 MINUTES A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jerry Windschitl on June 10, 1982, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Anoka, Minnesota. Councilmen present: Jacobson, Lachinski, Orttel, Peach Councilmen absent: None Also present: BRA Engineer, Robert Schunichk; City Staff Engineer, James Schrantz; City Clerk, P. K. Lindquist; and others PUBLIC HEARING - MSA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - MSA82-3/1S7th AVENUE BETWEEN PRAIRIE ROAD AND HOLLY Mayor Windschitl explained the funds used to construct the MSA improvements are given to the City by the State to be used for certain designated roads, and he explained the selection process for choosing the three roads for which public hearings are being held tonight. Engineer Robert Schunichk then explained all three projects being discussed this evening have been designated MSA streets and will be financed 100 percent by MSA funds. All of the storm sewer systems being designed are required as part of the street construction and will also qualify for MSA financing. All three projects are recommended to be 32-feet wide with concrete curb and gutter section, and parking will be prohibited on the street. The improvement also includes restoration of driveways and boulevards. Mr. Schunichk then reviewed the lS7th Avenue NW improvement between Prairie Road and Holly Street which has an estimated project cost of $130,470. There will be no major storm sewer system construction, explaining the reconstruction of the driveway in the southeast corner of the Prairie Road/1S7th intersection and the raising of the street approximately one foot above the existing grade to allow drainage to flow westward to the intersection and then southerly along Prairie Road into an existing storm sewer outlet. This will actually decrease the amount of water going down the southeast corner lot at this time. There will be no additional right of way purchase required for this road section. Pictures of the area will be taken prior to construction to determine which boulevard areas will be restored with sod and which with seed. The road will probably be a 40 mi1e-per-hour design and will be signed for 30 mph. The road is presently off center, and it is proposed that the alignment of the street be basically the same as the existing traveled portion. The add it i ona 1 width required will be shifted to the south to maintain the banks and trees existing on the north side. Some shrubbery will need to be removed, but the intent is to minimize the disruption to the banks and trees. The gravel on the road is now very contaminated, but they might be able to salvage some of it to be used in Nordeen's or to stockpile it at City Hall. The Hearing was then open for public testimony. Gary Lipski, 719 lS7th Avenue NW - speaking on behalf of himself and his brother of Parcel 6350. He stated there is a problem now with people going through at 45 to 50 mph on the gravel; and he was concerned that once the blacktop is in the speed at which people go through there will be more. He asked if there will be more enforcement in the area. He also asked the length of time it will take to complete the improvement project. Also, is there any water that will be going out Parcel 6350. He also asked that with the savings to the City of not having to grade the road any more will their taxes be lowered. (Council noted that the mill levy for the City did go down this year. Mr. Schrantz explained the procedure used by the State for setting speed limits, - ~._--- Special City Council Meeting June 10, 1982 - Minutes Page 2 (Public Hearing/157th Avenue, Continued) noting that if a study shows that a majority of the people are traveling 40 or 45 mph on the road, that is what the road will be posted for. But this improvement will not solve the speeding problem. Mr. Schunichk also stated that the existing drainage will be maintained. There will be no additional drainage for Lot 6350. The drainage will stay on the road in his area and be taken off the other side of the road. If the project is ordered this evening, it is expected the contract will be awarded some time in August with the project completed in November.) Dean Carlson, 524 lS7th - has some trees that have been there for about 20 years that are on the inside of the telephone and highline wires. He asked whether or not these would have to be removed. (Mr. Schunichk stated they are not planning to take out any trees at all and are trying to go out of their way to save trees on the project.) MOTION by Jacobson, Seconded by Peach, to close the public portion of the meeting on lS7th Avenue between Prairie and Holly Street. Motion carried unanimously. MOTION by Peach, Seconded by Lachinski, introducing a Resolution ordering the improvement of bituminous streets, Project Number MSA82-3 for lS7th Avenue NW between Prairie Road and Holly Street and directing the preparation of final plans and specifications, as presented in the draft by the City Clerk. (See Resolution R39-82) Motion carried unanimously. (Council verbally agreed the engineering firm designated for the project will be the firm of Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Associates, Inc.) Public Hearing closed at 7:56 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING - MSA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - MSA82-4/l73rd LANE BETWEEN ROUND LAKE AND TULIP Mr. Schunichk reviewed the project of an estimated cost of $131,700. He also reviewed the two drainage problem areas and proposed solutions. At the intersection of l73rd and Tulip, it is proposed to bring the storm drainage off the street on the west side of the two driveways, bring it around the corner, and construct a ditch on the north and south side of Tulip Street to take care of the drainage. A cu lvert wi 11 also be placed under l73rd at that intersection. The other drainage problem is on the eastern edge of the project. They are proposing to intercept the drainage on the road on the hill and convey it off the street into the ditch before it gets to the low area. They will maintain the drainage by putting in a new culvert under the road and carrying the water through an existing culvert under a driveway and through existing ditches. They have checked with the MSA people and the entire storm drainage system is eligible for MSA funding. There is about 700 feet of l73rd that was surfaced with bituminous several years ago, and they will try to save as much of it as possible. However, they are changing the grade in the area, so a good portion of it will have to be removed as the road is constructed. Discussion with the Council was on the two problem areas of storm drainage. Mr. Schrantz felt the proposals will improve the existing problem. The water will not be standing on the blacktop. By extending the ditches along Tulip, it will be large enough to hold the water in a 100-year storm. Mr. Schrantz also noted that the existing drainage ditches will be kept as is. The proposed road section will fit right into the existing road and they do not want to redo the ditches because they are well established and well maintained. It wi 11 be on center 1 i ne witt,i 11 one foot or so. Mr. Schunichk stated there might be one elm tree that may have to be removed, but they do not know of any other trees that would have to be removed. Special City Council Meeting June 10, 1982 - Minutes Page 3 (Public Hearing/173rd Lane, Continued) Discussion was on the City's policy of driveway replacement. That policy is one l6-foot wide driveway up to the property line will be included in the project costs. If the property owner desires a wider driveway or more than one, it will be done at his expense. Mr. Schunichk stâted the MSA policy is to re-establish the driveway and to restore whatever is disrupted beyond the right-of-way line. He will check the City's policy on this further. Mr. Schrantz also guessed in this area all the boulevards will be sodded. The Hearing was then open for public testimony. John Falconer, 3550 l73rd Lane, southwest corner lot - was concerned about the drainage prob 1 ems. Severa 1 years ago the Ci ty added some grave 1 to the road, which changed the drainage in the area from going into the ditch to going up his driveway. And during the spring thaw two years ago, the standing water came to within 30 feet of his garage. Nothing has been resolved about it even though he contacted the City three times about it. Whether or not this project is awarded, he would like to see an improvement on that corner. He'd also like to see the ditches go far enough on Tulip to handle the water so it is spread enough so it doesn't back up onto his property. He asked how deep the ditch will be along l73rd from the corner to just west of his driveway. There really is no ditch now. (The Engineers stated the ditch may be somewhat deeper than it is now. The road is coming up to match Tulip, so it may get about one-foot deep. They will also be improving the ditch along Tulip to spread the water out. They are also planning a culvert under l73rd to carry the water both north and south along Tulip. They felt the project will improve the drainage in that area.) Mr. Falconer - stated whether or not the project is done, he would like to see the dralnage problem improved. He also stated this street is a dividing line between the school distriçts of St. Francis and Anoka, and they get the bus traffic from both districts. He, explained of the problems caused by the busses, especially the excessive speed they come down the street and cutting off the corner of the street when coming in from Tulip. He asked if the City would talk to the Anoka bus company to see if the problem can be alleviated. He and many of the neighbors have tried but to no avail. (Council discussion was that the concrete curb should help in the cutting of the corner.) Mike Richert, 3530 l73rd Lane - wondered about the grade change and how it will affect his asphalt drlveway. (The Engineers noted the street will be four feet wider than what presently exists. Assuming the driveway is blacktopped to the property line, the City will blacktop to the property line so the two will match up.) LeRoy Clem, 3328 l73rd Lane - it was stated earlier that it is not intended to raise his driveway. Also, what is the weight of the road and will it be the City's responsibility for maintenance once it is completed? When is the completion date of the project, as he wants to put in a driveway before November. (The Engineers noted the road section will fit into the existing grade. A 7-ton road is being designed, and it will be the City's responsibility to maintain the road after it is completed. The City will work with him on the driveway, asking that Mr. Clem postpone putting in his driveway as long as possible.) Dennis Wanless, 3210 l73rd - has a three-stall garage and was concerned about where the curb would be lowered. (The Engineers stated they will be talking with all property owners as to the desired location and number of driveway cuts wanted. The curb will be lowered past the driveway sections for whatever width the property owner desires. If the driveway is wider than 16 feet, there may be some charge for the excess bituminous from the curb to the property line. It was also noted the City policy also only pays for one driveway. It was suggested the property owners could get bids from the contractor for any additional driveways desired.) Special City Council Meeting June 10, 1982 - Minutes Page 4 (Public Hearing/173rd Lane, Continued) Chet Malek, 3308 l73rd - was concerned about the trees. He also asked how the bus from the Anoka School District can be stopped from going 60 mph down the street. (The Engineers noted there will be less water on his property than before, and they do not intend to take out any trees. They will be filling up to some trees at the neighbor across the street. Mr. Schrantz suggested the residents get the number of the bus or busses that are speeding, let him know; and he will contact the bus company about the problem.) Robert Rolf, 3309 l73rd - asked what is going to be done to his trees. He understood the road will not be lowered. His driveway also has rock on it. (The Engineers stated the road will not be lowered appreciably, but it will be wider and lower in the middle. They will be taking drainage over the curb and will fill back to his trees to bring the drainage back to the road instead of underneath to the culvert. That culvert can be pulled out as part of the project and given back to the owner. The driveway can be blacktopped to the property line as a part of this project. The curb can be lowered past his other driveway. They again explained the proposed drainage plan in that area of intercepting the water fran the hill and carrying it off the road before it reaches the low spot.) Mr. Malek - asked on a 2S-foot driveway, would it be tapered down to 16 feet of would all 25 feet of it be put back. (Discussion noted the curb could be lowered for the entire 25 feet, but the blacktop going back to the property line for 16 feet width would be included in the project. After further discussion on this, the Engineers were directed to see how many driveways would be affected and to make a recommendation to the Council when the plans and specifications are completed.) Wayne Nevalinen, 3531 l73rd Lane - asked what type of curb will be used and if the ditch shown between 3531 and 3551 is the existing ditch or the proposed one. (Mr. Schinichk stated the curb will be 6 inches high and cannot be driven over. The ditch is the existing ditch.) Art Jaworski, 3230 l73rd - was concerned about the trees, assuming none would be removed from hlS property. He also has a second driveway and asked the procedure for that. He also wondered if the project would cover two eight-foot driveways rather than one l6-foot wide driveway. (Mr. Schinichk explained the engineer on the project will talk with all property owners prior to construction relative to driveway locations, etc. The driveway policy question will be addressed in the final plans and specifications.) Mr. Jaworski - stated over the years they have tried to stop people from speeding but lt doesn't help any. If the project is ordered, is there a possibility the area could be monitored. He also stated he is in favor of the project. (Discussion was that saturation radar has been effective in other areas of the City and could be used in this area as well. The possibility of placing a stop sign on Poppy was also mentioned. Mr. Schrantz suggested documenting the times when the speeding problem occurs and getting the Sheriff out there.) John Tendergrass, 3551 l73rd - asked if the speed limit will be posted at 30 mph. He asked what procedure would be used if the stop sign was desired on Poppy. (Mr. Schrantz stated it would be posted for 30 mph on both ends. It would not be possible to go as high as 40 mph because of the distances between the houses. Mayor Windschitl stated they could make a request at City Hall for a stop sign on Poppy, and the Sheriff Department will make an evaluation of the situation. Mr. Schrantz stated he and the peace officer would not make a recommendation for a stop sign on - l73rd and Poppy. Discussion again returned to the problem with the busses, with Mayor Windschitl noting the people in the district office have been very receptive to helping solve such complaints in the past. He felt that problem could be solved by working with the district office and with Kottkes' Bus Company.) Special City Council Meeting June 10, 1982 - Minutes Page 5 (Public Hearing/173rd Lane, Continued) MOTION by Jacobson, Seconded by Orttel, that we close the public meeting on the road construction of l73rd Lane NW between Tulip and Round Lake Boulevard. Motion carried unanimously. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Peach, a Resolution ordering the improvement of bitumlnous street for Project 82-4, 173rd Lane from Round Lake Boulevard to Tulip Street and directing the preparation of final plans and specifications by the firm of Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates, as presented by the engineering firm. (See Resolution R40-82) Motion carried unanimously. Public Hearing closed at 8:40 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING - MSA82-S/PRAIRIE ROAD BETWEEN ANDOVER BOULEVARD AND BRIDGE APPROACH Mr. Schinichk reviewed the proposed construction of Prairie Road between Andover Boulevard and the bridge approach at an estimated project cost of $52,750. The Hearing was then opened to public testimony. Tom Mellen, 14424 Prairie Road - felt there is going to be a drainage problem on that corner becuase it now drops off three to four feet. He wanted assurances he would not be flooded out after the improvement. He also asked if it will line up with Prairie Road across Andover Boulevard. (Mr. Schinichk explained the road water will be kept on the road with the curb and carried to the ditched portion of the road. The remainder of the drainage will remain as it presently exists. The centerline will line up with the centerline of the road to the north, although the width of the bituminous of Prairie Road north of Andover Boulevard is narrower because it is a rural section.) Mr. Mellen - asked why the portion of Prairie Road south of the bridge is not being improved. What is the weight restriction? Will he have a problem getting in and out of his property during construction? And would he be able to have the curb lowered for another driveway in the southern portion of his property? (The Engineers explained the reason the southern portion of Prairie Road is not being improved at this time is because of the lack of MSA funds. It will be a 9-ton road. They will make sure he can get in and out of his property, although they may have to temporarily move his driveway. Or they would inform him if the driveway will be blocked for a period of time so he can move the cars out. There would be no problem leaving the curb down if another driveway is desired.) Mr. Mellen - asked if there are any plans to open Foley Boulevard through the Bunker Hills park again. He understood it was closed originally because ,of the problems with snowmobiles, but he felt that problem no longer exists. (Discussion was that Hanson Boulevard Extension will be constructed this year, which might remove some of the truck traffic from Prairie Road. It was felt there is no intention of opening Foley again, and that the people did not agree with its closing to begin with as it is quite a handicap to those living in the City. Mayor Windschitl stated he would talk with Commissioner Fields to see what the opinion is on opening Foley Boulevard again.) Mr. Mellen - stated he had no problem with the contractor parking equipment on his property or providing temporary easement if they are required. He is concerned that when the trees are cut that he would be able to take the wood, noting that is part of the agreement he reached with the Attorney when the City purchased the easement from him. He is also concerned about possible snow drifting once the trees are gone. (Mr. Schrantz said the removal of the trees may affect the drifting, but he didn't know if additional trees could be planted under the project. The easement documents will be researched with the Attorney relative to Mr. Mellen's agreement to take the wood of the trees that are to be removed.) Special City Council Meeting June 10, 1982 - Minutes Page 6 (Public Hearing/Prairie Road, Continued) MOTION by Peach, Seconded by Orttel, that we close the public portion of the Hearlng on Prairie Road. Motion carried unanimously. MOTION by Jacobson, Seconded by Lachinski, a Resolution ordering improvement of bituminous street for MSA Project 82-5 for Prairie Road from Andover Boulevard to the existing blacktop, approximately 850 feet south of Andover Boulevard and naming the firm of Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates to be the engineer. (See Resolution R4l-82) Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Windschitl acknowledged the letter received from Jim Elmquist, 3454 l73rd Lane,expressing approval of the project. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Peach, to close the public hearing on Municipal State Ald projects for 1982. Motion carried unanimously. Recess at 8:55 p.m.; reconvene at 9:07 p.m. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Roger Noyes and Tom May ?f the Fire Department were also present. Mayor Windschitl congratulated those people involved in putting together the Program for the excellent work done. The Council then reviewed the CIP Plan as presented and made the following changes, corrections, and comments: Page 8: Storm Sewers, last sentence to read: These assessments are now calculated on the adjusted front footage or square footage basis. Page 8, State Aid Streets, change paragraph to read: The only assessment to abutting property owners of MSA streets in the urban and rural areas of the city is for costs relating to right-of-way acquisition and for that portion of the storm sewer improve- ment that may not be eligible for MSA funding. For MSA streets through commercial areas, the assessment is 50 percent of the project costs. Page 28: There was some discussion as to the proposal for the Red School House. Councilman Orttel didn't know how much time and money would be available from the City, noting the possibility of having it moved to the fairgrounds and restored. from what he has seen the last several years, it is unlikely anything will be done with the building if it is left in the City. Page 38: Add the projects ordered for construction year 1982. Page 44 through 47: It was questioned whether cable TV lines should be shown in the street standards. Page 56, chart on bottom of page: delete the column of "Approximately Increase in Mi 11 Levy as a result of GO Bonds" and add the ten-year amortization schedule of the referendum bond for Fire Department stations. Page 54: Correct figures in last column for the year 1986. There was then a lengthy discussion on the last four pages of the Plan, the proposed financing and suggested financing. It was explained the Committee's suggested financing shows totals less than the amounts requested so that the levy increase for payment of equipment bonds would average approximately 2.5 mills as shown on Page 58. It was suggested Page 57 indicate the schedule on Page 58 includes equipment bonds only and excludes the Fire Department referendum. That referendum, if passed, would begin at approximately the same time the existing Fire Department bonds would be retired. It was also suggested the amortization schedule of the referendum bond for the Fire Department stations be shown on this page. Special City Council Meeting June 10, 1982 - Minutes Page 7 (Capital Improvements Program, Continued) Discussion also noted that operation costs have not been taken into consideration when suggesting financing of the requests, as the Committee felt those items would have to be dealt with by the Council when finally approving individual department requests. It was felt this should be so noted in the Plan. Discussion was then on the Fire Department's request for land acquisition for the fire stations. Mayor Windschitl felt that such land can be required from a developer and thought some agreement could be reached with Good Value Homes even at this time for dedication of land for the main fire station on property they own south of the intersection of Crosstown and Bunker Lake Boulevards. Dedication of land for public purposes is permissible under City ordinances. Mr. May stated they were looking for at least three acres for the main station in that area for training purposes, a drive- through station, etc. It was also suggested that Page 57 show the difference between the amounts requested from the various departments and the amounts suggested by the Capital Improvements Committee and that the philosophy is the total payment schedule for bond equipment should not result in a mill levy increase of over 2.0 or 2.5 mills. Discussion was on the maximum mill levy the Council feels is appropriate for equipment bonds. The general consensus of the Council was the maximum levy would be 2.5 mills, and that the suggested financing be redone to reflect that on Pages 57 and 58, as Page 58 currently shows an approximately mill levy increase of 3.1 mills for the year 1986. Mr. May stated their 1982 budget request was cut way down to $6,700 in the general budget recognizing the budget constraints, but in anticipation of purchasing equipment with equipment bonds. While he appreciates trying to even out the bonding over the five-year period, the amount being shwon for the Fire Department for 1982 won't even purchase one truck. Council suggested combining the 1982 and 1983 requests for financing purposes though there is still a substantial cut in the overall Fire Department request. Discussion was also on the Department's plan to turn the existing station over to Public Works and move into a main station in the urban area and a northwestern sub- station feeling it would expand the Department's capabilities, provide faster response times, and provide better services for the residents overall. A truck would still remain at this station until such time as a northeastern substation would be constructed. It was agreed the Secretary will make the corrections in the proposed Capital Improve- ments Program prior to any official Council action. MOTION by Jacobson, Seconded by Peach, to adjourn, with the items not acted upon carried over until the regular meeting on Tuesday. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 10:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, I\~~ Ma cella A. Peach Reco 'g Secretary - -