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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP July 16, 1987 -. @\) CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304· (612) 755-5100 ~ ,.J ,~~y"._~,~5~·_:f SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JULY 16, 1987 - AGENDA 7:30 P.M. l. Call to order 2. Public Hearing a. 7:30 Wobegon Woods - project 87-12 b. 8:30 Forest Meadows Area - Project 87-5 3. Fire Station Presentation/Jim Elling 4. Approval of Minutes 5. Adjournment . ~..~"~O /""'" '-'.~. (CA.'" CITY of ANDOVER "t:. t. ". ;-f 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304· (612) 755-5100 , '., ., "" -.' ~~$,J¡"'.:;' PUBLIC HEARINGS - JULY 16, 1987 MINUTES Pursuant to notice published thereof, Public Hearings on the street improvement projects of Wobegon Woods, Project 87-12, and Forest Meadows Area, Project 87-5, were called to order by Mayor Jerry Windschi t1 on July 16, 1987, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Counciimen present: Ell ing, Knight, Orttel Councilmen absent: None Also present: BRA Engineer, Glenn Cook; City Administrator, James Schrantz; and others WOBEGON WOODS - PROJECT 87-12 PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Windschitl explained the 429 procedure to those present, noti ng the City's policy of wanting 51 percent in favor before ordering an improvement. Mr. Cook then reviewed the feasibility report for the street improvement project that it wi I I be a rural design with ditches at an estimated cost of $5,450 for each of the 18 units involved. Mr. Cook also noted that much of the Class V on the road is contaminated and it is difficult to rely on that material. Therefore, they feel it may be necessary to go over the entire area again with four inches of Class V. Testimony was then opened to the public. Ron Conlev. 2924 174th Lane - was concerned that sewer and water will be put in before long and the tarred roads will need to be torn up. Mayor Windschitl explained the possibility of getting municipal sewer to that area Is virtually nonexistent. He reviewed the limited capacity for sanitary sewer allowed the City, noting the intent of the large Jots in that area was so that the expense of sewer and water would not be incurred. JIm Luderman. J. L. Bui Iders. Lot 1. 3156 174th Lane - asked if the project were ordered tonight, would it become a pending assessment as of this date. Mayor Windschitl stated yes. Mr. Luderman - explained he has constructed a house on Lot 1 and has a purchase agreement on it. It would hurt him financially i f the project were ordered this evening. The closing is set for the end of July, aSking if a decision on the project could be tabled until after that closing. That would also allow the new owne~s to vote on whethe~ or not they want the improvement. Counc i I considered this item later in the hearing. Publ ic Hearing Minutes - July 16, 1987 Page 2 (Wobegon Woods Street Improvement, 87-12, Continued) Charlie Wold. 17453 Eidelweiss Court. Lot 6. Block 2 - was concerned that the amount of money was considerable and wanted to make sure they have quality workmanship and value. Some changes he'd like to see would be to have sod on the shoulders rather than Class V or seeding. Most people maintain their lots to the roadway. Also, the soil is silty and susceptible to water problems. Mr. Wold also wanted assurances on the quality of the work done regarding subgrade excavation, compaction, state-of-the art bituminous paving equipment. etc. Mayor Wlnschltl explained the City has taken the position of not placing sod on the boulevards because of the high cost to the residents. Residents can generally sod the area much cheaper than the City can do it for. He asked what the consensus was on sOdding the boulevards. Mr. Cook stated It would add about $300 per lot for sodding as opposed to seeding in the project. It was also noted about half of the lots maintain their yards out to the road. No firm decision was made on this matter. Mayor Windschitl also reviewed the cautions taken by the City regarding contractors, inspections, MNDot specifications followed, etc. , to assure quality projects. He advised Mr. Wold to review the plans and specifications for the project if he desires. Wavne Tonn. 17504 Eidelwelss Court. Lot 4 - asked if curbing is optional or mandatory. Mr. Schrantz stated there will be no curbing. It is a rural section with ditches. The road wi II be placed on what Is there. Mr. Tonn - stated he has a cement driveway 3/4 of the way. Does he have the option of getting blacktop to the cement? Mr. Schrantz stated yes, but he must pay extra to the contractor for that. Pattv Howard. 2968 174th Lane. Lot 4. Block 3 - asked about the possibility of getting 174th designated a State Aid street. She said the road Is used by many others, including the County Sheriff, City vehicles, school buses, etc. , because it is the only through road between County Roads 9 and 59. Not only wi I 1 the neighborhood be benefitted, but the City and county as well. Ms. Howard also felt safety was an issue, asking if MSA funds could be used toward the paving of that road. Counc i I and Engineers reviewed the requirements for MSA roads, not I ng 174th would not meet the state requirement because County Road 59 is not an MSA street. They also noted an MSA street through there would change the character of the neighborhood because it would become more of a thoroughfare type street. Wi th the completion of some developments to the south and east, there wi 11 be two other cross streets which should alleviate some of the problems now on 174th. Publ ic Hearing Minutes - July 16, 1987 Page 3 (Wobegon Woods Street Improvement, 87-12, Continued) Karl Metzler. 2824 174th - asked if the sod or seed wili go to where the stakes are now. Mr. Cook stated the stakes are offset and were put there temporarily. The specific plans have not been done, so he cannot rely on those stakes for anything in particular at this time. Mr. Metzler - asked if it wi] 1 be disturbed beyond the two-foot shoulder. Mr. Cook stated basically the intent is to stay with the 24-foot roadway with 2-foot shoulders on either side, though there may be some minor sloping beyond that. He stated they will not do any more than they have to. Mr. Metzler - asked if they can vote for a 5- or 10-year assessment period. Mayor Windschitl stated it would be either one way or the other for the entire project. Discussion with the residents was on the pros and cons of 5- and 10-year assessment periods. In a show of hands, a majority of the residents favored the 10-year assescment. Mayor Windschitl noted the petition shows 17 in favor of the project and 1 against, aSking if there are any changes. Mr. Tonn - stated he is opposed. Mr. Martini. 17519 Heather - stated he was opposed to the project. Counc i ] discussed the issue brought up by Mr. Luderman regarding the sale of the house on Lot 1. Mr. Luderman - stated the purchase agreement was dated May 20 and stated the seller is responsible for pending assessments at the date of closing. Counciiman Orttel though t the conditions have changed such that there would be legai grounds to renegotiate the contract in ] ight of the street improvement project. He advised checking into that further. Mark Luderman - asked if there is a statute or City ordinance regarding the time period for notification of a hearing such as this. They did not receive a notification until one week ago, saying it is hard to plan on such short notice. Mayor Windschitl noted the State Statute 429 procedure sets forth the time of notification. Mr. Schrantz stated the City satisfied the law, though some notices came back and were remailed. Dennv Banwart. 2876 174th Lane - wondered how long it would be before construction is begun. Mr. Cook stated it would be about six weeks. The intent is to compiete construction this season. Tonv Howard. 2968 174th Lane - with the time period for notification, he asked why he wasn't notified that 174th was going to Public Hearing Minutes - July 16, 1987 Page 4 (Wobegon Woods Street Improvement, 87-12, Continued) be extended to the east. He had no idea that street was going to go through. Counc i I and Engineers noted that anyone within 300 feet of a plat should have been notified. He would not have been notified for the extension of 174th because he was not being assessed for It. Mr. Howard - said in looking at the Woodland development east of Verdin, he saw plans shown that 174th Lane will go through to Hanson Boulevar-d. Jim SzvPlewskl. 3937 174th. Lot 2. Block 2 - stated putting 174th thr-ough to Hanson would make it even more traveled than it is now. Counc i I discussed that possibility, noting there are some bad soils from the plat to Hanson Boulevard. More than anything, it was felt that that would direct the tr-affic from the Woodland development east to Hanson Boulevard rather- than through the Wobegon Woods Addition. Mr. Szvolewski - was of the opinion that there is 4 to 5 Inches of Class V in most places on the road already and that 4 inches along the entire r-oad was not needed again. Also, he would like to see speed limit signs placed or a sign that says residential traffic only so people are aware that it is not a thoroughfare street. Mayor Windschitl stated the street should be re-signed. If the speed I imi t is a problem, the deputies can run a saturation patrol, noting Mr. Schrantz can request additional service in there. The Engineers stated they found some contamination in the existing Class V, so they are being cautious In the feasibility to include enough Class V to Insure a good subgrade in the proJ ect. If it is found the soil is adequate, they wi 11 leave the gravel. That wi 11 be determined when the final designs are completed. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Knight, that we close the public input por-tion of the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. MOTION by Eiling, Seconded by Knight, a Resolution ordering the improvement of street construction, Project No. 67-12 in the Wobegon Woods area and directing preparation of plans and specifications. (See Resolution RI22-87) Motion carried unanimously. Public Hear-ing for Project 87-12, Wobegon Woods Street improvement, closed at 8:15 p.m. Public Hearing MInutes - July 16, 1987 Page 5 COMPUTER SYSTEM DISCUSSION Mayor Windschitl was conce~ned with the CRT screens receIved for the computer system because they are not adjustable and have a lot of glare. He was also concerned wIth the delay In getting It Installed, questioning whether the problem is with the software and Just what the problem is. Mr. Sch~antz stated everthing is supposed to arrIve next Tuesday. A suggestion was to meet with representatIves of the software company and possibly Ted LachInskI, sInce he was Involved wIth the bIds and specifications fo~ the computer system for the CIty Hal I, regardIng these concerns. No specific decIsions were made at this time. FOREST MEADOWS AREA - PROJECT 87-5 PUBLIC HEARING Mayo~ WindschItl opened the publIc hearing at 8:30 p.m., reviewing the 429 procedure. He also explained the rIght of way has been acquIred for Hanson Bouleva~d and the County eIther has or Is in the process of lettIng bIds for Hanson Boulevard from County Road 20 north to 58. He stated the Ward Lake Drive portIon of Hanson Boulevard will be completed this yea~, but the portIon from the curve south to County Road 20 wi 1 I be brought to subgrade level this year and paved next year. Mayor Wlndschitl also noted the Council has made the decIsIon to keep Ward Lake DrIve in the City's MSA system, though no time commitment has been made as to when it wIll be completed. The maJor problem is from Audette's corner south to Crosstown Boulevard. It is very expensive to do that portIon of the ~oad and the funds are not available. Mr. Cook then revIewed the feasibility report for the neIghborhood streets in Forest Meadows, Yellow Pine, Bluebird, and 177th west of Ward Lake DrIve/Hanson Bouleva~d. AI I wi II be done as rural sections except Bluebi~d, which will be an urban section with 24-foot bitumInous and berm curb along the shoulder. The estImated cost for each of the 51 lots is $4,010. No assessments a~e p~oposed along Ward Lake DrIve because it would be done as an MSA st~eet, 32 feet wide with concrete curb and gutter. Councilman Orttel questIoned whether the southwestern lot off Xeon and 179th Avenue would have access if the cuI de sac is not constructed. Mr. Cook though t there was a long driveway from that lot to the st~eet. The cui de sac is not constructed at this tIme. ThIs has not been discussed with the property owner yet. Counci ¡man Orttel suggested If the cuI de sac is not needed, the City should vacate 1 t to the property owners. Testimony was then opened to the public. Public Hearing Minutes - July 16, 1987 Page 6 (Forest Meadows Area Street Improvement, 87-5, Continued) Dave Brostrom. 18001 Vale - asked the Council's preference for whether or not they get paved streets. Mayor Windschltl stated the Counc i I wi1l react to what the majority of the residents want. The City does not subsidize any of the local Improvement projects. Mr. Brostrom - stated he is opposed to the project and noted he has a petition from a majority In the Forest Meadows area that do not want the Improvement. With all the other possible increases In their taxes, they don't need the additional amount for paved roads. Mr. Brostrom then presented a petition that of the 18 Jots involved, 14 were opposed, 1 had a conflict of interest and would not sign, 1 was unavailable, 1 lot is vacant, and 1 is in favor. Mayor Wlndschitl accepted the petition. Garv Heltemes. 17715 Ye]low Pine - stated the original pet I tlon was for a feasibility study. In the notice he received and in talking with the Mayor and City Engineer, he understood Ward Lake Drive would not be done. Mayor Windschltl agreed, stating funding for that portion of Ward Lake Drive is a problem. He thought the Counc i 1 would be wlIllng to look at the one-half mile between Hanson Boulevard and the corner and give it some priority as the funding becomes avaiJable. At this time that road is not keyed Into a priority list of fundi ng MSA roads In the City. Mr. Heltemes - stated with the understanding that Ward Lake Drive would not be done with this project, he and the four other residents from Yel low Pine present this evening would be against Improving YelIow Pine until Ward Lake Drive is done. If Ward Lake Drive were done within a year, would it be the Council's Intent to do their streets at the same time? Mr. Cook feIt it would be more advantageous to do everything at once. Llovd Packer. 17879 Bluebird - asked how does the cost compare to simillar projects done in the area. Mr. Cook stated the costs for such projects are typically in the area of $4,000, noting the costs for this year have been similiar to what they had last year. The only variance Is on the size of the lots. They like to stay within 5 percent on their estimated costs, but are always within 10 percent of the bid. Typically they have high estimates this year. Mr. Packer - was concerned about the heavy tractor-trailer sod trucks that to up Bluebird Street rather than Ward Lake Drive because of the grade they have to climb on that road. If they continue to do that, who pays for any work that needs to be done in a few years? Mayor Windschitl noted the residents cannot be assessed for the period of the bond. However, the road wi 11 be constructed for residential use only, not for commercial use, and sod trucks would not be allowed to use Bluebird. Publ ic Hearing Minutes - July 16, 1987 Page 7 (Forest Meadows Area Street Improvement, 87-5, Continued) Mr. Packer - asked how that could be enforced. Mayor Windschitl stated it would be signed, and would be enforced with the police and scaJIng methods. With Hanson Boulevard being constructed, he thought the traffIc would go toward that street Instead of using Bluebird. Mr. Packer - dIdn't think they would go to Hanson unless Ward Jake Drive is paved. A woman from Ward Lake Drive stated for every truck that goes down Bluebird, 10 others do go down Ward Lake Drive past her house. Because there was a majority petition against the improvement In Forest Meadows, the folJowlng motion was made: MOTION by Knight, Seconded by Elling, to terminate Forest Meadows from this project. (See Resolution RI23-87) Motion carried unanimously. In further discussion, Mr. Schrantz thought there might be funding to do Ward Lake Drive from Hanson to the curve next year. CouncIlman Orttel questioned that, noting the Council had promised some years ago that University Extension would be done. Counc i I noted when the funds are available for that portion of Ward Lake DrIve, the residents on Yellow Pine can be notified and can petition for the Improvements again. MOTION by Knight, Seconded by Orttel, that we terminate discussion on Yellow PIne. (See Resolution R123-87) Motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Audette - asked If the remainder of Ward Lake Drive would be scheduled for Improvement over a perIod of time as funding becomes available. Mayor Windschitl stated yes. The problem is also the cost to do that portion of the road. Mr. Cook stated they are looking at going south of the corner on Ward Lake DrIve for three or four lots, staying north of the ditch when the first section is done. Larrv Audette. 1364 Ward Lake Drive - stated he has lived there longer than anyone and it Is the poorest road In the entire area. He noted the problems in the spring with buses getting stuck, cars ruined, etc. WI th the Increase In the number of houses In that area in the past few years and therefore an Increase in the tax revenues, no work had been done on Ward Lake Drive with any of that money. He felt at least some Class V should be placed on the road to make it passable. Counc 1 I discussed the problem of upgrading that road, that the City doesn't subsIdIze one area wIth funds from another area, and on the design of the MSA street. It was noted there would be no assessment for Ward Lake Drive if all easement is donated. Public Hearing Minutes - Ju]y 16, 1987 Page 8 <Forest Meadows Area Street Improvement, 87-5, Continued) Tonv Coffev. Ye]low PIne - asked the design of the corner to meet state aid requirements. Mr. Cook stated It Is a T Intersection, a 90 degree turn. But he did not have a copy of that design with him this evening. Mr. Coffev - stated the service on that road is poor. The City indicated It shouJd be graded every two weeks. He thought it was done every four to six weeks. Mr. Schrantz stated they cannot grade when it is dry because it only makes it worse. Mayor Wlndschitl asked the feeling of the residents along Bluebird. Mr. Packer - stated there are only six here this evening. Wi th the size of the project reduced, how does that affect the amount they would have to pay. Counc I I and Engineers discussed the feasibility of doing B1uebird and Yellow Pine when that northern portion of Ward Lake Drive is done. It was then agreed when the funding is available to do the northern portion of Ward Lake Drive, the residents along Bluebird, as well as Yel low Pine, wou]d be contacted and they can repetItion for the improvement. MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Knight, that we delete the Bluebird Street portion of the project. <See Resolution RI23-87) Motion carried unanimously. Discussion was then on 177th Avenue west of Ward Lake Drive. Ken Orr - stated he was opposed to it. But he noted the lots on the south side of 177th are not shown on the map. He stated the other resident on the north Is not in favor either. Garv Thompson. 1700 177th - stated he is In favor. He just moved in and would Jlke to have It done. MIke WaJker. 177th and Hanson Boulevard - stated he was opposed. Counc i 1 agreed to terminate this street as well and Include it wi th Bluebird and Yellow Pine when they are heard again. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Knight, that we terminate constructIon of 177th Avenue NW west of Hanson Boulevard. <See Reso]ution RI23-87) Motion carried unanimously. Counci I recessed at 9:25; reconvened at 9:38 p.m. Public Hearing Minutes - July 16, 1987 Page 9 FIRE STATION PRESENTATION Councilman Elling gave a presentation on the Committee's recommendation and design concept for addi tional fire protecti on in the City. The plan called for a new 4-bay station in the northwest area of the City around County Roads 20 and 7, a new 6-bay station In the vicinity of 139th and the new Crosstown Boulevard alignment, and retaining 2 bays at the current station on the City Hall site. Councilman Elling showed maps Indicating population and response times to support the locations, and reviewed the design concept of the two new stations stating the intent is that all stations would be the same design and would be easily expandable for additional bays when needed. He also reviewed the financing, stating in projectIng population Increases conservatively, a 2.5 mill levy would support a $1,450,000 bond. It is estimated the northwest station would cost $300,000 and the southern station $600,000. Wi th equipment, they are estimating a $1.25 million bond Issue would be needed. Councilman Elling also stated the Intent would be to give the meeting room and several bays in the existing station to Public Works or Police Department. Additional maintenance and operating costs are estimated at $36,100 per year versus the $15,000 now spent on the one station. There was then a lengthy discussion between the Council and members of the Fire Department regarding the concept. One of the issues raised by Mayor Wlndschitl was his feeling that It would be more appropriate to have the southern station just a substation and the main station at the Ci ty Hall site, especially given the City Hall complex concept being proposed for south of the existing City Hall. Members of the Fire Department argued at least six bays are needed for equipment in the southern portion. The location for the northeastern station has not yet been determined. They fel t it could be in the Ci ty Hall area or further north or east depending on where the population wi I I be 10 or 15 years from now. They argued the location for that station should be determined by population and response times at the time that such a station Is needed. Another concern of the Council was on operating and maintenance costs, noting the budget constraints the City will be facing. Discussion also Included the difficulties of getting such bond issues passed by the residents, the cost of the increased m II I levy to the residents, long-range plans of the Fire Department, equipment needed for the Department, and how these proposals fit Into the overall long-range plans of the City regarding the City Hal] bui Iding, a Police Department, etc. Public Hearing Minutes - July 16, 1987 Page 10 <Fire Station Presentation, Continued) Councilman Orttel stated his proposal to expand the existing City Hall building was based on a 5-year projection. If the Counc i I Is considering a longer period of time, then he asked to have time to look at his proposal again. Counc i ] agreed to hold a special meeting on August 26 regarding the long-range plans for the various areas such as the Fire Department, Police Department, etc. and their financial implications and their priorities. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Elling, to set August 26 for a Special Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Counc i I generally agreed with the concept of three fire stations In the city for optlmlum fire protection and with the the design concept of the proposed stations. Counc i I also asked the Committee for further details on the equipment operating and maintenance costs for the additional stations, for more accurate cost figures for additional equipment needed, and a breakdown of how the bond wi I] impact the homeowners in the City. APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILMEMBER Counc i I was st I J ] at an impasse on the selection of a councllmember. Mayor Wlndschitl stated he did not want to appoint the councllmember but would do so if necessary. With no further discussion or motions, Mayor Windschltl then stated he would review the applications further and send his appointment to the Clerk in Jetter form before next Tuesday's meeting (July 21, 1987). MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Knight, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 11 :42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~ ~~~~. Mar la A. Peach Recording Secretary --