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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP February 26, 1987 'j CITY of ANDOVER SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING-FEBRUARY 26, 1987-AGENDA 7:30 P.M. l. Call to order 2. Conceptual Plan for Commercial/Industrial Park 3. Water and Sewer budget 4. Bond Sale/Boisclair 5. South Section Watt's Garden Acres/MUSA Map 6. Authorization for Water Study Update 7. Approve Surveyor's Certification/Nightingale 3rd 8. Hire Public Works III 9 . 10. Adjournment I CITY of ANDOVER SPEPCIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - FEBRUARY 26, 1987 MINUTES A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jerry Windschit] on February 26, 1987, 7:34 p.m., at the Andover City Hal], 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmen present: Ell ing, Knight, Lachinski, Orttel Councilmen absent: None Also present: City Attorney, WIlliam G. Hawkins; TKDA Engineers, John Davidson and John Rodeberg; City Administrator, James Schrantz; and others CONCEPTUAL PLAN FOR COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL PARK Representatives from the MPCA, the EPA, and the DNR were also present. Mr. Rodeberg presented a conceptual plan for the redevelopment of the approximately 160 acres In the tax increment financing district along Bunker Lake Boulevard. Through a series of overlays, he reviewed the restrictions of the area includIng wetlands, soils problems, areas of pollution as designated by the EPA, zoning, property owners, present land uses, and proposed a typIcal road layout for an Industriai park. Mr. Rodeberg explained the road layout to avoid constructing over the desIgnated areas of po]lution, the row of lots along Bunker Lake Boulevard, and suggested continuIng the service road easement along Bunker Lake Boulevard with a north/south street comIng onto It through the Heidelberger property. They also proposed Jay Street extend northward and curve to Hanson Boulevard. And they proposed using the ponding north of Bunker Lake Boulevard as a buffer between the business and residential areas. Mr. Rodeberg continued that they are looking at diverting the storm drainage through the Hidden Creek 3rd Addition and eventualiy out to Coon Creek. One problem with the drainage is i t is not desirable to divert that water from the polluted area out through the DNR protected wetlands to the north. More study needs to be done on the storm draInage in that area. Jean Wong of the EPA reviewed the investigative work they have done In that area known as the South Andover Site. Th ou gh their report wi I I not be out unt i I May, he reported there is mostly organic pollution in the center along with some heavy metals. He thought there may be problems with heavy metals in the sediment in the pond on Mom's Auto Parts. Their concern is with the groundwater, noting three locatIons of organic compounds that are worrisome. Mr. Wong also stated they are also concerned with the possible contamination of the deeper aquifers in this area because there Is no impervious liner between the upper and lower drifts. The EPA has not addressed the soils issue yet because of the t! res st i I I on the site. I Special City Council MeetIng Fêbruarv 36. 1987 Page 2 (Conceptual Plan for Commercial/IndustrIal Park, Continued) Mr. Wong also reviewed a tentative time frame for the cleanup of that area. They hope to have the final remedial investigative report done by May, 1987, after which public meetings will be held on it. They wi I I then develop alternatIves and conduct a feasibility study to remedy the ground water problem, which should be completed by October, 1987. The EPA hopes to come up with a remedy by December, 1987, and start designing a ground water treatment in early 1988, with actual cleanup of the ground water In 1989. Mr. Wong stated they will do extensIve soils sampling and conduct searches for burled drums once the tIres, Junk cars, etc. , are removed: but he could not give a date as to when they could start that procedure. Counc i I discussion with Mr. Wong and David Christenson, MPCA, was on the results of water sampling in that area, the concerns over the pollution of the deeper aquifers, the di recti on of flow of the ground water, and possIble remedies to remove the pollutants from the area. Mr. Wong stated they feel the lower aquifers generally fJow to the west, but It could be to the northwest. Mr. Davidson stated the upper ground water generally flows In a southwest direction. He also explained the MPCA/EPA are asking for a buffer zone, whIch encompasses the northern two tiers of lots of the Hidden Creek Addition. The monitoring and remedy could have a detrimental affect on a lot or house on lots immediately adjacent to this area If monItorIng wells or equipment have to be placed on them. Because the groundwater movement through there is very slow, they are recommending retarding development on those lots for five years or longer. Mr. Christenson also explained the monItoring and test samples taken in that area In 1984, which were not contaminated, and again in 1986, which did show contamination. They have asked for a broad area to be set aside for cleanup because their thought is there may be many different plumes coming off the site that they wI II have to take care of. For the most part, they feel the contaminatIon Is going horizontally at th i s tIme. John Peterson, Good Value Homes, asked what rights they have as the property owners of those lots In the buffer area. They have cooperated wI th the EPA and gave permission to put test wells in there. He questioned what liability they would have as the property owner. Debbie McGovern of the MPCA felt the agencies have the right to go onto the p.ope.pty fo. cleanup pu.poses without havIng to acquI.e It. They are trying to be cautious by recommending those lots In the buffer zone not be buIlt upon before the cleanup. What is favorable right now is the funds are available for hazardous waste cleanup. I Specia] Ci ty Counc II Meet I ng February 26, 1987 Page 3 <Conceptual Plan for Commercial/Industrial Park, Continued) Cecil Heidelberger understood the research has been done by Barr Engineering, but they are not releasing the information because they have not been paid. He also stated there are 21 test wells on his property, pointing out their locations on a map, ranging In depth from 30 to 125 feet deep. Five years ago they were put in and tested; and when nothing was found, they were abandoned. He said now they have found contamInation, but claImed anybody could have poured things down the wells during the three years the wells were left open. Mr. Wong explaIned when the superfund money ran out, almost every sIte In the nation had to shut down. With the current level of fundIng, he felt there shouldn't be a problem getting this site cleaned up. Mr. Heidelberger also pointed out that semi loads of ink solubles were dumped where Bob's Auto Parts is now located, asking why the EPA and MPCA are not concerned about that area. Those present Indicated that was one area of concern, though nothIng specifIc has been found In that vicinity to date. Pat Heidelberger expressed concern over MPCA's handling of the barre1s found on their property last year. She felt the barrels were carelessly handled, stating much of the contents were spilled on the ground. And now the MPCA Is saying that ground is contaminated. Mr. Christenson explained the MPCA requested the responsible parties that owned the barrels to remove them. It was their contractor that did the work under MPCA regulations. He stated his office did inspect that work as It was done. Counc i I then questioned what liability the City would have if i t purchased any of the property in that area with the intent of redeveloping It Into an Industrial area. Doug Robaum of the MPCA referred to an August 12, 1986, letter from the MPCA to the Waite Park City Attorney on the PCA's positIon on this matter. He noted certain criteria that would be looked at In determining liabl1ity and which should be taken into consideration before acquiring property in thIs area. Mr. Davidson stated from the evidence they have to date, there is no strong indication that wou1d prevent the City from putting in a roadway through the area or provide parking area. There Is some concern If someone would dig a well. He stated he asked the PCA if there were funds they could draw from If barrels or contamination were found in the course of the City redeveloping the area to a higher and better use. The response he got was superfund monies could be used for the removal of the hazardous waste itself but not for the genera I cleanup of the Junk. \ . Special Ci ty Counci I Meeting February 26, 1987 Page 4 <Conceptual Plan for Commercial/Industrial Park, Continued) Counc I I asked if there was any risk If the Sonterre property were acquired. Mr. Davidson stated none to their knowledge. Mr. Robaun explained any purchaser should take reasonable precautions before acquiring property in or near a hazardous waste area, such as a thorough soils investigation. Mr. Wong could not address the liability question, but they would work with the engineers on the design of any construction regarding any effects on the hazardous waste contamination in the vicinity. Ms. McGovern stated Just because the City buys a site doesn't mean they are automaticallY the responsible party. Nor does It release them. She stated there is more of a risk in buying the property within the designated hazardous waste area. She stated the MPCA is willing to work with the City in this matter, but she didn't think the agency would sign a contract with the City releasing the City of liability and work Jointly on the hazardous waste problem. One problem under such a contract would be the City would be subject to the agency's time schedule, which probably would not coincide Into the City's schedule. Mr. Wong suggested before the City acquires any of the property within the designated hazardous waste area that they wait until the EPA studies have been completed. Mr. Peterson asked If the buffer zone includes Lot 14. Mr. Rodeberg stated the buffer zone included where the last phase of their plat wouid be developed. Mr. Christianson didn't feel there would be a problem putting in the cuI de sac because the construction of the road should not disturb the groundwater. It is the pumping from a deeper depth that would be a problem. Discussion continued on the potential for heavy metals contamination, the potential of oi I contamination in all Junkyard areas, and on what the City could do regarding the redevelopment of this area. John Stein of the DNR stated their concern is that the storm drainage for this area not be run to the north through the protected wetlands north of Bunker Lake Boulevard. They feel potentially contaminated drainage would have a significant impact on the wildlife, suggest i ng that drainage be drained through the existing system west in the Hidden Creek Addition. No Counc i 1 action was taken at this time. Counc i I recessed at 9:25; reconvened at 9:45 p.m. I Special CIty Council MeetIng February 26, 1987 Page 5 WATER AND SEWER BUDGET Mayor Windschltl raIsed the concern that some of the expenditures proposed are two or more tImes last year's In the water budget. Mr. Schrantz expJalned there are twice as many wells plus a tower to maIntain. The majority of the costs are for chemicals and maintenance done within the system. There has never been a major problem In the system; and If there is one, it wi I I cost consIderably more than what Is budgeted. He also raIsed the concern of the cost for pull ing the pump in the first we II . Counc I I questIoned the percentage of the cost of the computer put toward the sewer and water budget. Mr. Schrantz stated he used 50 percent between the two budgets. After some discussion, the Counc i ] directed Mr. Schrantz to budget 10 percent of the annual computer costs to water and 10 percent to the sewer budget and to keep a log on how it is used to more accurately reflect budget figures next year. DIscussion was then on the difference in rates between Sewer Fund A and Sewer Fund B. Mr. Schrantz stated the difference paId In connection charges between the two areas was determIned to be a $550 rebate to those in the Sewer Fund A area. With only a one dollar per month difference In the user rate, that results in only $12 per year toward that rebate, excludIng any consideration for interest. Discussion on this Item continued later in the meeting. SOUTH SECTION WATT'S GARDEN ACRES/MUSA MAP Mr. Davidson explained the southern six lots of Watt's Garden Acres were not addressed In the sewer service area staging map. The sewer for that area wIll draIn Into Coon Rapids but will be credIted toward Andover's development. They are suggestIng It be placed In the 1988 - 1990 tIme frame. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Lachlnskl, that the south sIx lots of Watt's Garden Acres be placed in the Project 1988 - 1990 sewer avaIlabIlIty area. Motion carried unanImously. CARLSON PLAT/COLONIAL CREEK/MUSA BOUNDARY Mr. DavIdson stated a portIon of the proposed Colonial Creek plat is outsIde the MUSA boundary and largely in margInal soIls. Some of it is thought to be in the floodway, whIch cannot be fIlled. He suggested that area be Included in the MUSA boundary. MOTION by art tel. Seconded by Lachlnski. that the north westerly portIon of the proposed Colonial Creek AddItIon be requested to be included In the 1987 sewer availability area In the MUSA boundary. Motion carrIed unanimously. I Special City Council Meeting February 26, 1987 Page 6 AUTHORIZATION FOR WATER STUDY UPDATE Mr. Davidson proposed a cost of $2,500 to update the Comprehensive Water Study plus $500 to go through the public hearings, explaining the changes needed in the computer program to expand the original water service boundaries. He stated the study previously done for the C i t y Ha I I site was Just for the possibility of an independent system at the City Hall. MOTION by Lachinski, Seconded by Orttel, that we authorize costs. not to exceed $3,000, to TKDA to expand the water facility study area. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVE SURVEYOR'S CERTIFICATION/NIGHTINGALE 3RD MOTION by Orttel" Seconded by EllIng, that the Counc i I approve the survey certificate of correction to the plat of Nightingale Estates 3rd Addition as presented, changing the name of the county from Hennepin to Anoka. Motion carried unanimously. HIRE PUBLIC WORKS III Mayor Wlndschitl suggested a policy be put in place requirIng Public Works Employees to join the Fire Department as a requirement of the employment. He noted the concerns over the daytime coverage, feel ing it is the Council's responsIbility to see that there is adequate fire protection for the residents during the day. One method of insuring that coverage is to have Public Works employees on the Department. The Mayor stated the last two positIons in Public Works have been entry level posItions, and he was concerned that neither one has been filled by those applying from the FIre Department nor by anyone volunteering to be on the Department. Mr. Schrantz and Frank Stone, Public Works Supervisor, pointed out the problems they have such as the large amounts of time spent on Fire Department business during the day and the disruption to their duties if there are day time fires and Public Works employees must respond. If the CouncIl wishes the employees to fIght fires, they asked that more employees be hired so they can handle the publIc works dutIes as well. Mr. Schrantz reviewed the top four applicants out of the 60 received, stating theIr recommendation to hire Dick Vickstrom was based on his experience and the work he did previously in the City. Mr. Stone stated he was looking for someone who can work without close supervIsIon, Mr. Schrantz stated that even wIth the addItIon of thIs employee, they wIll stIll need some part-tIme help during the summer, thinking that could be a fire fIghter if the Council desires. I SpecIal Ci ty Counci I Meeting February 26, 1987 Page 7 (Hire Public Works III, Continued) Counc II discussed the needs of both the Fire Department and the Public Works Department, offering suggestions to accommodate both Departments. MOTION by Lachinskl, that we have the Personnel Committee formulate a personnel rule that would, all other things beIng equal, show preference to fire fighters or those wIllIng to be a volunteer fire fighter. Mr. Schrantz stated the personnel policy already has that rule. Councilman Lachinski WITHDREW the motion. MOTION by Lachinskl, Seconded by Orttel, that we change the personnel rules to say when we have equally qualified candidates, that the first candidate that is being offered the jOb that Is willIng to be on the Fire Department wIll be hired. Motion carried unanImously. Counc i I agreed that, qualifications being equal, preference would be given to applicants who are fire fighters. Counc i I also noted any advertising for a Public Works position should state that preference will be given to those willing to be volunteer fIre fighters. MOTION by Lachlnskl, Seconded by Elling, that we hire Dick Vickstrom for Public Works III for a salary of $7 per hour. Motion carried unanImously. Mr. Schrantz and Mr. Stone explained their need for more help in the Public Works Department. Counc i I asked that they make a proposal using more accurate figures once the change on the percentage of computer use Is determined in the sewer and water budgets. SEWER AND WATER BUDGETS CONTINUED Discussion continued on ways to equalize the cost of the sanitary sewer between Sewer Fund A and Sewer Fund B areas. CouncIlman Lachinski suggested reducIng the user rates In the Fund A area in half. Then the $550 can be paid back in about 10 years, and the excess funds from Fund B would be transferred to Fund A to make up that difference. He stated that gives the residents about $50 per year with no interest. Councilman Lachinskl stated there is such a big discrepancy between what was paid for the sewer in the two districts, and thIs would be one way of equalizing it somewhat. Counc II didn't know 1£ there were enough funds to transfer that amount of money, ask i ng Mr. Schrantz to research that further and report back at the March 3 meeting. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Elling, a Resolution establishIng sanItary sewer user rates and sanItary sewer connectIon charges, to be effective on January 1 , 1987, pursuant to Ordinance No. 32 and Resolution No. 68-81, as prepared. (See Resolution R026-87) Motion carried unanimously. [ Special City Council Meeting February 26, 1987 Page 8 SITE Q CONSULTANT Councilman Elling asked for authorization to meet with representatives from Coon Rapids regarding the hiring of a consultant for the Site Q studies. Counci I agreed. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Lachinski, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 11:45 p.m. . Respectful_ly sUbmltted'__L '~~L C\~ . Marce a A. Peach Recording Secretary