HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP February 26, 1987
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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.
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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.
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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