HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC March 22, 1984
~ 01 ANDOVER
*
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - MARCH 22, 1984
*Due to Political Caucuses on March 20, 1984,
the Third Tuesday Regular Monthly Meeting is
moved to Thursday, March 22, 1984.
AGENDA
1- Call to Order - 7:30 P.M.
2. Resident Forum
3. Agenda Approval
4. Discussion Items
a. Creekside Addition-Sketch Plan
b. Northern Natural Gas-Franchise Ordinance
c. Ordinance No.8 Amendment-Residential Completions
d. Sketch Plan - J. Lund
e. Large Lot Development/Urban Area
f.
S. Non-Discussion Items
a.
b.
6. Reports of Commissions, Committees, Staff
a. Community Schools
b. Fire Department
c. Administration - Benefit policy
d.
7. Approval of Minutes
8. Approval of Claims
9. Adjournment
~ 01 ANDOVER
M E M 0 RAN 0 U M
TO: AND COUNCIL
COPIES TO: ATTORNEY STAFF
FROM: CITY CLERK/A. ADMIN I
DATE: MARCH 20, 1984
REFERENCE: AGENDA COMMENTS - REGULAR MEETING/MARCH 22
Item NO. 3 - Agenda Approval
Please add Item No. 4e - Lge Lots/Sewer Area
Item No. 4a - Creekside Addition/Sketch Plan
Attached are copies of the Sketch Plan and comments from the City
Engineer. The Developer will have to be advised that the Plat Name
will have to be changed inasmuch as we already have a Creekside
Addition (the Plat was proposed by Jerry Green, however, was not
finalized).
Item No. 4b - Northern Natural Gas Franchise
Enclosed is a copy of the proposed Franchise for which an ordinance
must be adopted. Attorney Hawkins has reviewed this and is recommending
approval. Also enclosed is a copy of the Grow Township Franchise
adopted in 1956. This will be Ordinance No. 67.
Item No. 4c - Ordinance No. 8 - Residential Completions
Enclosed is a proposed Ordinance covering the setting of a time limit
for the exterior completion of residential dwellings and for the
finish grading. Also attached is a memo from me covering the need
for such an ordinance. As you will note from the P&Z recommendation,
they did not feel there was a compelling reason for such an ordinance.
Complaints and experience have indicated such an ordinance is necessary.
Item No. 4d - Sketch Plan/J. Lund
Enclosed is a proposed sketch plan to be developed by James Lund.
The City Engineer has reviewed it and his comments are included.
Conceptual approval is needed prior to submission to the Planning
and Zoning Commission.
Item No. 4e - Large Lot Development/Urban Area
We have a developer proposing to subdivide lots in the Urban Area
with acreages in excess of 5 acres. Our ordinances do not prevent
such development, however, a consideration must be that of continuing
sewer extensions. The area is zoned for GB and LI.
Agenda Information
March 22 Regular Meeting
Page 2
Item No. 6a - Community Schools
Melanie DeLuca will be present to briefly discuss the Summer Program
with you and give a report on the Community Schools Activities.
Item No. 6b - Fire Department
No information has been received to-date.
Item NO. 6c - Administration - Benefit policy.
The Sick Leave section of the pOlicy has not yet been adopted. Additional
information was requested on disability before a decision was made on
the total number of days of sick leave and the pay-out on sick leave.
I will have full information available for you on the disability insurance,
both from Hennepin County and Prudential/AnOka County.
Item NO. 7 - Approval of Minutes
December 20, 27, January 3, 17, 31, February 7, 21, March 6
Enclosures
~ 01 ANDOVER
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - MARCH 22, 1984
MINUTES
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by
Mayor Jerry Windschitl on March 22, 1984, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685
Crosstown Boulevard NW, Anoka, Minnesota.
Councilmen present: Elling, Knight, Lachinski, Orttel
Councilmen absent: None
Also present: City Attorney, William G. Hawkins; City Engineer, James
Schrantz; City Clerk/A. Administrator, P. K. Lindquist;
and others
RESIDENT FORUM
Chuck Hubbard, 2849 l42nd Lane, Green Acres - is a civil engineer and not a traffic
engineer, but in 100k1ng through reference materials, he has'some ideas about the
stop signs along Crocus. He read the State guidelines for the use of stop and yield
signs, then stating he felt that the problem in the area should be solved with more
traffic control measures and stricter law enforcement. He asked if the City has had
a study of this type done by a qualified traffic engineer. Mayor Windschitl reported
the Sheriff's Department, City Engineer, and others have studied the situation.
Mr. Hubbard - asked for a copy of the report by the Sheriff's Department, questioning
whether a deputy has the qualifications of a traffic engineer who is specialized in
that fie ld. He stated the number of stop signs is a definite inconvenience for those
who live back there. He asked when the next meeting will be to discuss adding another
stop sign in the area. Councilman Lachinski stated the Road Committee meeting will
need to be rescheduled, but additional stop signs for that area have not been recommended
at this time. However, there are some people there who have asked for a stop sign at
141st and Flora.
Mr. Hubbard - felt it is inappropriate to have the two signs presently there, that other
speed control measures should be used such as stricter law enforcement or speed limit
signs posted as a reminder. Mayor Windschitl explained the difficulty the deputies
have had enforcing the speed limit. The problems have been two children have been
struck by vehicles, a school bus reported to be tearing through there, etc. It also
appears that since the two stop signs have been installed that the speed has come
down appreciably.
Mr. Hubbard - couldn't agree that they help, thinking the signs present a false sense
of secur1ty for the residents because many of the cars simply do not stop at the signs.
He thought the problem should be looked at professionally. Mayor Windschitl stated
this problem has been looked at by many people, feeling the City has exhausted all
possible remedies to the situation. Councilman Elling also noted the frustration of
a resident along 141st who has had people run into his yard three times this year
already because of excess speed. Councilman Knight summarized the problem is one of
safety and of free traffic flow, and the two sides don't seem to be able to come to
an agreement. If the City is to error, it is better to error on the side of safety.
Mr. Hubbard - again stated he felt it is a false sense of security. Discussion
continued with Mr. Hubbard about the attempts the City has made to control the situation
in the area, the problems, alternatives, etc. Mr. Hubbard felt that a lowered speed
limit to 20 or 25 mph would be more acceptable. But he also felt it is the responsi-
bility of the parents in that area to keep the children out of the street. Counc ilman
Lachinski announced this item can be reviewed at the Road Committee meeting to be held
on May 10.
Regular City Council Meeting
March 22, 1984 - Minutes
Page 2
AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Elling, that we approve the Agenda as written with the
Addltion of Item 4e, Large Lot Development/Urban Area; 4f, Holasek/Hamilton Land
Acquisition (Closed Session); Item 6d, Building Department Discussion; and Sa, Board
of Realtors' Proclamation. Motion carried unanimously.
CREEKSIDE ADDITION - SKETCH PLAN
Jim Perry, 13085 Eldorado Street NE, Blaine - presently owns approximately 40 acres east
of Prairie Road, and is consider1ng developing it with a partner. It has been brought
to his addition that the lot off Andover Boulevard will need a variance. They have
had soil borings done last summer at Hilex and 143rd.
Council discussed the memo from Mr. Schrantz, especially on how the elevations affect
the buildability of several lots. Mr. Schrantz had a map showing the floodway and flood
fringe areas around Coon Creek. He stated the floodway area cannot be altered in any
way, but the flood fringe area can be filled. It appears that four lots as shown on
the sketch plan would not be buildable -- Lots 3, 4, 7, and 8.
Mr. Perry indicated he had another sketch plan showing ten lots which he did not bring
with him tonight, but he didn't know if that would solve the problem.
Council generally had no problem with the concept proposed of Lot 1, Block 1, off
Andover Boulevard. They advised Mr. Perry to work with Mr. Schrantz and design a plat
where all lots would be buildable, that is have 39,000 square feet above the flood
elevations and meet the water table requirements. There must be at least five feet
of soil above the highest known water table or model to put the septic system in. It
was agreed the sketch plan could then be proposed to the Planning Commission.
NORTHERN NATURAL GAS - FRANCHISE ORDINANCE
Attorney Hawkins explained the City's authority to regulate is somewhat restrictive,
but the franchise being proposed is to update the one that was with the Township of
Grow. He reviewed the ordinance and found it to be adequate. It is nonexclusive.
Councilman Elling had trouble with Section 3, noting the difficulties other cities
have had with utility companies.
Because of Councilman Elling's knowledge in this area, it was agreed to have him review
the ordinance and suggest changes and corrections to it and then have Mr. Hawkins look
at it. The Council can then give preliminary approval and forward it to Northern
Natural Gas for their approval, after which the Council can give final approval.
ORDINANCE NO. 8 AMENDMENT - RESIDENTIAL COMPLETIONS
Council discussion with the Building Inspector was that elevations around the house are
required when the plans are submitted. Violations of this amendment would be a mis-
deamor. Attorney Hawkins also advised that those buildings that have not yet been
taken care of since last year's storm can be declared a hazard and repairs ordered;
and if it is not done, there are steps the City can take to go in to either take it
down or have it repaired.
Mr. Almgren stated by giving a year's time to complete the exterior of residential
dwellings and to finish the grading, no matter what time of the year the building permit
is pulled, there will be time to finish. He has talked to several contractors about
the proposal, and none of them had a problem with it.
MOTION by Knight, Seconded by Elling, the adoption of the Ordinance Amendment to
Urd1nance 8 as presented with the addition "all existing buildings shall comply with
the requirement within one year from the date of adoption." Motion carried unanimously.
Regular City Council Meeting
March 22, 1984 - Minutes
Page 3
BUILDING DEPARTMENT DISCUSSION/COMMERCIAL SITE PLAN
Council reviewed Mr. Almgren's request to set up a procedure for application for
site plans on commercial sites.
MOTION by Lachinski, Seconded by Orttel, approving the Site Plan application presented
by the Building Inspector for commércial buildings. Motion carried unanimously.
"-
SKETCH PLAN - J. LUND ,
Jim Merrilla reviewed the sketch plan for a development of 197 acres located west of
Verdin by Jim Lund. It is proposed for 61 two and a half acre lots. There are
restraints and protected wetlands in the central area, County Ditch No.6 passes through
the southwest corner of the property, and the 100-year flood plain for County Ditch 6
extends across the Rroperty in the southerly portion. They are working with the DNR
and will be preparing a report showing that the flood plain can be altered somewhat
without altering the intent of the floodplain line. In the northwestern portion of
the plat there are two existing streets, 168th and 167th, that extend from Round Lake
Boulevard toward this properwbut end 300 to 400 feet from the property. They have
proposed four cul de sacs in the project between l66th and 168th because of the contours
and the difficulty of developing the property with the protected wetlands on both sides.
He also showed the comparison between making those through streets or cul de sacs as
proposed as to the amount of fill needed for each, removal of trees, etc.
Council discussed the street layout, noting two of the cul de sacs in the center of
the plat exceed the 500-foot maximum length allowed by ordinance. Mr. Schrantz explained
it would be difficult to extend 168th to the west to meet the existing 168th because of
very poor soils conditions, the existing driveway, and the pond dredged out in the area.
Council also noted that there would be no connecting street between 167th and 168th
for three-fourtb 'of a mile, suggesting the possibility of extending Crocus north to
168th or granting an easement along the western boundary between the two streets. The
question raised was who would pay for the connection of 167th and 168th, and it was
suggested that through some negotiation it might be arranged to have some surface such
as gravel constructed so that when the plat is completed 167th would be a through street.
This could be done in lieu of requiring an intersecting street between 167th and l68th.
Council generally felt that six cul de sacs in the plat are too many and asked that the
cul de sacs on Zion be made a through street instead. They agreed to leave the Wren
cul de sacs remain as is even though a variance will be needed for the length. After
some discussion about the poor soils conditions off 168th to the west, the consensus
was to leave the curve in 168th to 167th as shown, letting 167th continue '0.:; the through
street through the plat. But 168th would be constructed to the property line of the
plat to allow for its extension in the future. Crocus Street can remain as shown in
the sketch plan.
Discussion was then on the parkland proposed, with the Council suggesting the Park Board
may want to take less land and ask for the remainder in park dedication fees which cou ld
be used to complete the park. They also questioned not having street access to the park.
Mr. Schrantz was also asked to look further into negotiating to have a 350-foot gravel
road constructed between 167th in the plat and the existing 167th to the west in lieu
of doing 168th or a north/south street between 167th and 168th.
Recess at 9:05; reconvene at 9:18 p.m.
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Melanie DeLuca asked for the Council's reaction on a program she is considering to
utilize the Senior Citizens Center. To get some exposure to the Center, she suggested
holding an ice cream social and bingo to celebrate Older Americans in the month of May.
Regular City Council Meeting
March 22, 1984 - Minutes
Page 4
(Community Schools, Continued)
She proposed putting it in the District newsletter and in the Andover newsletter. From
there she hopes to generate some interest for using the facility more, possibly establish-
ing a senior citizen committee. Council was very agreeable to the proposal, suggesting
the possibility of devising transportation to the event for those who need it.
Ms. DeLuca also explained a proposal to establish a Crime Prevention Project in the
City of Andover, a project modeled after other programs done elsewhere in the school
district but adapted specially for Andover. She reviewed the goals, strategies, and
sponsors of the project, as well as expounding on the role of the key communicators,
meetings, neighborhood watch force, citizen traffic complaints, follow-up, and
communication. She reviewed the breakdown of tentative costs and options, suggesting the
City would be broken down into approximately 100 watch groups. With one neighborhood
meeting per week, it would take approximately three years to cover the City. The City's
cost for a coordinator would be approximately $6,000 per year with the remainder of the
costs proposed to be picked up by the school district or Sheriff's Department.
Ms. DeLuca stated the school district has given preliminary approval to those costs, and
the Sheriff's Department is agreeable, as similiar programs are done in other cities.
In further discussion with the Council, Ms. DeLuca stated the participation by the
school district is the same as what is done for other communities, miscellaneous costs
to include mailings, etc. Priorities for going into neighborhoods could be on a first-
come, first-serve basis, or by Council decision, or on the basis of need.
General consensus of the Council was very favorable, feeling the project would have a
very positive effect on the City. Councilman Knight was asked to meet with the Clerk to
determine how much funding the City could contribute for 1984 and budget for future
ye ar s . It was felt that once the funds were determined, the groundwork could be laid
during the summer months with neighborhood meetings beginning in the fall. There may
be a complication with the City being divided into two school districts, and Ms. DeLuca
stated she would contact District 15 to see if they would be willing to participate in
any way. If not, Council thought it may be possible for the City to pick up that
additional cost, feeling it would not be very substantial.
It was agreed to place the matter on the next Council agenda for further discussion.
LARGE LOT DEVELOPMENT/URBAN AREA
Mr. Almgren reported an owner of more than 35 acres in the northeast intersection of
Hanson and Bunker Lake Boulevards is proposing to subdivide the land into about fi~e
lots. Also, the City's zoning lines would cut through some of the lots; and the City's
ordinance allows this to happen.
Council discussion was that with this type of development no road alignment, utilities,
or design is considered, noting the problems with that type of development in the City.
Attorney Hawkins stated the State law allows cities to control subdivisions of 20 acres
or less, but he didn't know if Andover had adopted that provision. He was asked to
check into this further as to changing the ordinance or whether the State Statute would
supersede the City's ordinance in this instance, and whether it could apply only to
nonresidential subdivisions.
Mr. Almgren also reported there is a potential buyer for the corner lot who is considering
putting in a 10,000 square-foot metal building to have a mattress factory with over-the-
counter sales. Another issue is whether or not the City wants to place some type of
guidelines on the construction of commercial buildings. He was asked to research and make
a proposal of visual standards for commercial buildings.
Regular City Council Meeting
March 22, 1984 - Minutes
Page 5
(Large Lot Development/Urban area, Continued)
Discussion noted the question of when utilities will be brought to that area needs to
be addressed. It was suggested the Capital Improvements Committee look at this further
and make a recommendation. It was also commented that the possibility of moving the
County fair to that corner would also have an affect on the area.
No further Council action was taken at this time.
BOARD OF REALTORS' PROCLAMATION
Mayor Windschitl read and signed the proclamation submitted by the Anoka Board of
Realtors designating the week of April 8 to 14 to be Private Property Week.
HAZARDOUS WASTE DISCUSSIONS
Mayor Windschitl reported all the signatures have been obtained on the EPA/PCA-
Generators' document, and it is now final. The document will be open for about 30
days to allow for any of the remaining generators that were identified to come forward
to participate. He understood that Hickok has already begun work on the project. Mayor
Windschitl had the signed copies of the Generators' document and the exhibits and provided
them to the Council.
The Clerk also reported that the representative of Schriptek is getting all the information
together and will come back asking for another trailer on the site. Council discussion
was the permit allows only one trailer;'on the site. The general feeling was that more
than one trailer would not be allowed and that they should be advised of that. There is
no provision for having more than one trailer on a site under the City's ordinances.
ENGINEER'S REPORT
It was again noted the Road Committee meeting is scheduled for May 10 and that the
Crocus Street issue can be looked at again at that time.
Mr. Schrantz reported the Park Board authorized him to spend up to $1500 for a trailer to
haul the Toro tractor around. One of the community service people repaired the Case
tractor that can now also be used in the parks. After checking into trailers, he felt
that a tandum trailer to haul both pieces would be the most efficient but would cost
$3,400 new. They have found someone in the City who is willing to construct a tandum
trailer with electric brakes to haul both pieces of equipment for $1750. Council
generally had no problem with the proposal of $1750 if the money is available.
MOTION by Lachinski, Seconded by Knight, authorizing expenditure of $1750 to construct a
ut1l1ty trailer for the Park Department/Public Works Department providing that the funds
come from the Park budget and is approved by the Park Committee. Moti on carried
unanimous ly.
Mr. Schrantz also reported there is $5,000 in the budget for summer help, and he is
wanting to hire Mr. Koltes again at $4 an hour for three months during the summer, for a
total cost of approximately $3,000. They are wanting to hire him again because of his
experience in sewer work and because he proved to be a very responsible, dependable worker
last summer. However, he does not qualify for the MEED program. Mr. Schrantz stated he
is also wanting to hire some MEED employees, who are county employees being paid $4 an
hour by the county. Plus the county picks up the Workers' Comp costs. But the City can
supplement that cost, and he is looking at one specific mechanic under the MEED program
whom he felt could be hired for $1 over the county wage, making a total of $5 an hour
for the employee but at a cost of $1 per hour to the City plus a portion of the Workers'
Comp expenses. But the other MEED employees he would probably not pay more than what the
county already pays. Mr. Schrantz stated they have received quite a few hours of work
from community service people and several major items have been accomplished.
Regular City Council Meeting
March 22, 1984 - Minutes
Page 6
(Engineer's Report, Continued)
Council generally felt that Mr. Schrantz should try to get as many MEED employees as
are needed and expressed no opposition to Mr. Schrantz's proposal.
Frank Stone asked for the Council's opinion regarding a policy of public works employees
working on their own cars inside the public works building. After a brief discussion,
the Council stated by allowing them to work on their own cars inside the public works
building raises the question of liability and is not in the best interest of the City.
Mayor Windschitl then recessed the meeting to allow the Council to go into closed
session with the City Attorney on the Holasek/Hamilton settlement for the Hanson
Boulevard easement acquisition. 10:38. The meeting was reconvened at 11:03.
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Knight, that we approve payment of Checks 7690 through
//23 with the exception of Check 7708 for a total sum of $22,697.02. Motion carried
unanimous ly.
MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Orttel, that approval of Check 7708 paid to the order of
Kordlak Realty, appraisal fee for the Windschitl property, in the amount of $411.52.
VOTE ON MOTION: YES-Elling, Knight, Lachinski, Orttel; PRESENT-Windschitl
Motion carried
MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Knight, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Meet i ng adj ourned at 11: 18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
'Y~~~2\'~~L
Marc 11 a A. Peach
Recording Secretary