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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC December 2, 1997 CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 Regular City Council Meeting - Tuesday, December 2, 1997 agenda Call to Order - 7:00 PM Resident Forum Bookmark Agenda Approval Name Consent Agenda Approval of Minutes minutes Discussion ltems I. Rezoning ContinuedllSXXX Hanson Blvd NW/Chesterton Partnership chesterton 2. Public Hearing/Housing Finance ProgramlThe Farmstead farmstead 3. Project Update/The Farmstead update 4. Ord. No. 109/Snowmobiles ordl09 S. Ord. No. 23SIIntoxicating LiquorlInsurance Requirements ord235 6. Discuss Variance Request for two (2) Accesses to a MSA Street/I 748 Andover Blvd NW variance 7. Approve Funding for 1998 Calendar calendar 8. Approve Union Contract union 9. Discuss Reduction in Senior Citizen Sewer & Water Rates senior Non-Discussion/Consent ltems 10. Reduce EscrowlHunter's HollowlDeveloper Improvements hhollow II. Approve Extension of Time/ Public Hearing/96-161l4220 Crosstown Boulevard NW ph9616 12.1998 License Renewals license 13. Approve Resolution Accepting Streets & Storm SewerlIndian Meadows 4th Addition inmdws4 14. Approve Resolution Accepting Streets & Storm SewerlIndian Meadows Sth Addition inmdws5 IS. Accept Petition/Order Feasibility Report/97-44/Shadowbrook 3rd Addition pet9744 16. Approve Change Orders/96-lSlPublic Works cos9615 17. Approve Final Payment/94-33/Commercial Blvd. NW Extension fpay9433 18. Approve Compensating Change Order/94-33/Commercial Blvd. NW Extension co9433 19. Closing of Funds closing 20. Approve 1998 DARE Contract dare 21. Approve 1998 Enterprise and Central Equipment Fund Budgets enterprise 22. Approve 1998 Special Revenue Budgets revenue 23. Approve 1998 Risk Management Budget risk 24. Approve Resolution Giving Final Approval/BondslPresbyterian Homes bonds Housing and Assisted Living 2S. Approve Change Order # 1/97-8/Chesterton Commons co978 26. Order Plans & Specs/97-46/Well #6 Pumphouse Design ord9746 27.1997 Budget Revisions budget Mayor/Council Input Payment of Claims Adjournment .. .... -- - -.-. ,-- -.-"----"- - ~ , ¡ REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - DECEMBER 2, 1997 TABLE OF CONTENTS RESIDENT FORUM ..................................................... I AGENDA APPRO V AL ................................................... 1 CONSENT AGENDA Reduce escrow/Hunter's HollowlDeveloper improvements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Resolution R287-97 approving extension oftimeIIP96-16/14220 Crosstown ........ 2 1998 License renewals ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Resolution R288-97 accepting streets & storm sewer/Indian Meadows 4th. . . . . . . . .. 2 Resolution R289-97 accepting streets & storm sewer/Indian Meadows Sth . . . . . . . . .. 2 Resolution R290-97 accepting petition/ordering feasibility/97-44/Shadowbrook 3rd . .. 2 Resolution R291-97 approving change order 8 & 9IIP96-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Resolution R292-97 approving change order 4/IP96-1S ........................ 2 Resolution R293-97 approving change order 1!lP96-15 ........................ 2 Resolution R294-97 approving final paymentIIP94-33/Commercial Blvd Ext ........ 2 Resolution R295-97 approving compensating change orderlIP94-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Closing of funds . ' , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ' . . . . . . . . . ' . . . . . .. 2 Approve 1998 DARE contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ' . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Resolution R296-97 approving 1998 Enterprise & Central Equipment Fund Budgets .. 2 Resolution R297-97 approving 1998 Special Revenue Budgets .................. 2 Resolution R298-97 approving 1998 Risk 1\Ianagement Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 R'~solution R299-97 providing for issuance and sale of elderly housing revenue bonds 2 Resolution RJOO-97 approving issuance and sale of $720,000, elderly housing revenue bonds ..,...,...........,............................... 2 Resolution RJOI-97 approving change order IIIP97-8/Chesterton Commons. . . . , . .. 2 Resolution RJ02-97 ordering plans & specs!IP97-46/Well #6/Pumphouse design. . . .. 2 Resolution RJ03-97, 1997 Budget revisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Approve purchase of brick for Old City Hall Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES ................ ............ ...,.... ..... ... ... 3 REZONING CONTINUEDII5XXX HANSON BLVD/CHESTERTON PARTNERSHIP. 3 Motion approving ordinance to rezone R-I to M-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4 PUBLIC HEARING: HOUSING FINANCE PROGRAM/THE FARMSTEAD Resolution R304-97 approving change in amount of financing ................... 5 PROJECT lJPDATE/THE FARMSTEAD .................................... . 5 ORDINANCE NO. ] 09/SNOWMOBILES ..................................... 5 ORDINANCE NO. 235/INTOXlCATING LIQUOR/INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. .. 7 FlJNDING FOR 1998 CALENDAR Motion to approve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 UNION CONTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 DISCUSS REDUCTION IN SENIOR CITIZEN SEWER AND WATER RATES ....... 8 ~ 1\1A YOR/COUNCIL INPUT Sign on Bunker Lake Boulevard to Grace Lutheran Church ..................... 9 Promotion of fire fighters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 Change multiple housing buildings to office buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 Habitat for Humanity house in Andover ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 North Metro Mayors' Association ............'........................... 9 APPROVAL OF CLAIMS .............................'................... 9 - - - .--. ~ ,- -.- CITY of ANDOVER REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING - DECEMBER 2, 1997 MINUTES The Regular Bi-MontWy Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey, December 2, 1997, 7:54 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Bonnie Dehn, Mike Knight, John Kunza, Ken Orttel Council members absent: None Also present: City Attorney, William G. Hawkins City Engineer, Scott Erickson Finance Director, Jean McGann City Plarmer, John Hinzman Community Development Director, Dave Carlberg City Administrator, Richard Fursman Others RESIDENT FORUM Carroll Abbott 2917 142nd Lane - stated about a month ago he called one of the City officials about gang graffiti on the signs in the area where he lives. That has not yet been removed. If the City does not have the Staff to do it, he will volunteer to do so. Secondly, he understands the City is considering the relocation of a septic dump site. He asked the Council to consider allowing residents to dump ITom their R V s and motor homes. There is no place available to do so in the area. Mayor McKelvey stated that can be considered. - Mr. Abbott - stated he was told two years ago that the Neighborhood Watch programs were going to be revitalized, but he has not seen any evidence of that yet. H ~ mentioned several incidents in his neighborhood relating to youth. The Neighborhood Watch group would be looking for these things and would be better able to prevent problems from occurring. Winslow Holasek. 1159 Andover Boulevard - recommended a correction in the November 18, 1997, City Council Minutes, Page 8, Paragraph 4, change the elevation in the Winslow Hills pond ITom 894.4 to 893.8 feet. AGENDA APPROVAL Delete Item 6, Discuss Variance Request for two Accesses to an MSA Street/1748 Andover Boulevard NW. Add item 28, Approve Purchase of Brick for Old City Hall Building. .. .._~-- .' , -. - . Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 2, 1997 Page 2 (Agmda Approval. Continlled) Motion by Kunza, Seconded by Dehn, to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Item ]0 Reduce Escrow/Hunter's Hollow/Developer Improvements Item] I Approve Extension of Time/Public HearingJIP96-16/J 4220 Crosstown Boulevard NW (See Resolution R287-97) Item ]2 1998 License Renewals Item 13 Accept Streets and Storm Sewer/Indian Meadows 4th Addition (See Resolution R288-97) Item 14 Accept Streets and Storm Sewer/Indian Meadows 5th Addition (See Resolution R289-97) Item IS Accept Petition/Order Feasibility ReportIIP97-44/Shadowbrook 3rd Addition (See Resolution R290-97) Item 16 Approve Change OrderslIP96- ] S/Pllblic Warks (Resolution R291-97 approving Change Orders 8 and 9 for Julian M. Johnson Construction; Resolution R292-97 approving Change Order 4 for Maertens Brenny Construction Company; Resolution R293-97 for Change Order #], Gorham Olen Mechanical) Item 17 Approve Final Payment/IP94-33/Commercial Boulevard NW Extension (See Resolution R294-97) Item ] 8 Approve Compensating Change Order/IP94-33/Commercial Boulevard NW Extension (See Resolution R29S-97) Item 19 Closing of Funds Item 20 Approve 1998 DARE Contract Item 2] Approve 1998 Enterprise and Central Equipment Fund Budgets (See Resolution R296-97) Item 22 Approve ]998 Special Revenue Budgets (See Resolution R297-97) Item 23 Approve] 998 Risk Management Budget (See Resolution R298-97) Item 24 Approve Resolution Giving Final ApprovalÆondslPresbyterian Homes Housing and Assisted Living (See Resolution R299-97 providing for the issuance and sale of elderly housing revenue bonds; Resolution R300-97 approving the issuance and sale of the $720,000 elderly housing revenue note, Series 1997) Item 25 Approve Change Order #1/IP97-8/Chesterton Commons (See Resolution R301-97) Item 26 Order Plans and Specs/IP97-46/Well #6 Pumphouse Design (See Resolution R302-97) Item 27 ]997 Budget Revisions (See Resolution R303-97) - -~ .-- - .._-~._----- - - . -~- , " , Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 2, 1997 Page 3 (Consent Agenda, Continued) Item 28 Approve Purchase of Brick for Old City Hall Building Motion by Knight, Seconded by Dehn, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 13, 1997. Special Meeting: Correct as written. November 18, 1997, Regular Meeting: Page 8, Paragraph 4, change the elevation in the Winslow . Hills pond from 894.4 to 893.8 feet. Motion by Knight, Seconded by Dehn, for approval of the November 13 Minutes. Motion carried i on a 4- Yes, I-Present (Kunza) vote, j~fotion by Knight, Seconded by Dehn, approval of the November 18 Minutes with the change. Motion carried unanimously. REZONING CONTlNUEDI15XXX HANSON BOULEVARD NWICHESTERTON PARTNERSlllP Mr. Hinzman reviewed the request of Chesterton Partnership to rezone approximately 60 acres from R-I, Single Family Rural, to M-2, Multiple Dwelling. The developer has submitted a concept plan for the Council's consideration. It is not a sketch plan and Staff has not yet reviewed it. Jeny Windschitl Chesterton Partnership - reviewed the concept plan for the proposed development of the area which consists of single family homes, twin homes, four-unit townhomes, a 24-unit building and two 64-unit buildings. A total of351 units is being proposed. The 24-unit building would have at least one underground parking place per unit plus an outside parking place. The two 64-unit buildings are similar to the senior apartment building Luilt in Ham Lake off Bunker Lake Boulevard. A community center is being proposed that will provide an exercise room, a large meeting room, plus provide for the ability to get congregate meals. A trail system would meander through the area, and an attempt will be made to connect the trail to the Oak View Middle School for the residents to make use of the tennis courts and swimming pool. A small commercial center is designed for a pharmacy, association offices, beauty shop, barber shop, and gas station. The day care center next to the commercial center would be similar to the others built within the City. Merlyn Otto engineer - explained the 60-acre site has 25 acres of wetland, so the proposal is to loop the road around the area. There will be three crossings of the wetlands, and they will be looking to mitigate either on or off site. It would be a private street system internally. The trail system would loop around the wetland and hopefully link to the school property. Recreational amenities are proposed on the west side such as a half-court basketball court, horseshoe pit, volley ball court, --^----_.------ " .' , ¡ Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 2, 1997 Page.f (Re::oning/15xxx Hanson Boulevard/Chesterton Partnership, Continued) putting green and picnic area. They are open to provide other activities. A possible idea is to make garden plots available for the residents of the community. All structures will be oriented to take advantage of the view of the open spaces. Mr. Otto then reviewed two options to relocate the western recreational amenities in closer proximity to the high density units and to re-orient the commercial and day care centers to provide for a frontage road access to the property to the south. Mr. Windschitl stated the intent would be to design and market this to appeal to the seniors and empty nesters, There is no legal definition for senior housing. The most universal definition is the one of AARP, that is anyone 50 years of age or over. The only way to legally restrict the age would , be for the City or county to become involved in the financing. If the City is willing to participate in , the financing of the two 64-unit buildings, he would not object to exploring that option. If City financing is involved, the two large units would be rental units. All of the other units are intended to be for sale. They would be willing to bring the 24-unit building into the senior financing if the Council desires. They have a request to the City to bring all oft;le property into one phase for next year, not to build, but to be able to construct all of the infrastructure in one job. Constructing all of the infrastructure at one time makes it easier for the association that will be created. The :!ssociation would contract the snow plowing and maintenance of the streets. They do not have a problem phasing the construction of the buildings, The intent is to start construction of the buildings on the east side, with occupancy in those buildings by this time next year. I Mr. Erickson stated the City would have a concern that the maintenance of the road would be at a ! similar level as the City's maintenance. The City will have to work with the developer when making the agreement for the association, Mr. Windschitl stated typically the easements are provided for the city to maintain the utilities. Motion by Dehn, Seconded by Orttel, the Ordinance presented with the packet indicating rezoning from R-I to M-2. DISCUSSION: The Council generally liked the concept for the development of the property, but there was still some concern that there is no legal requirement on age. Councilmember Orttel pointed out that other cities do not restrict it by age. His concern was with the two large buildings. He had no problem with the City looking at financing using industrial revenue bonds to ensure those are restricted to seniors. Attorney Hawkins agreed with Mr. Windschitl that the association cannot establish age restrictions. The only exception is if there is government assistance involved. Councilmember Knight stated the construction of the rental units and renting to seniors would help set the tone for the entire development. Mr. Windschitl stated they would be willing to approach the City for public financing on the two 64- unit buildings and on the 24-unit building. The decision would be the Council's as to whether or not to participate. The Council did not have a problem with discussing financing assistance prior to construction which would allow some age restrictions. Motion carried unanimously. -----~--- .~--~- - - 1 " J Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 2, 1997 l'age 5 PUBLIC IIEARlNG: IIOUSlNG FlNANCE PROGRAMlTIIE FARMSTEAD 8:58 p,m. Mr. Carlberg explained the Council held a public hearing in the past and approved a housing finance program for The Farmstead development. The hearing this evening is to change the amount from $13 million to $15.5 million. Mayor McKelvey opened the public hearing. Lohn Mehrkins Presbyterian Homes - stated there will be no change in the proposed rental rates for this project. The expansion for the bond issue is based on the cost of the buildings and constructing the facilities. , Motion by Kunza, Seconded by Dehn, to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. 9:00 . p.m. Motion by Orttel, Seconded by Dehn, that the Council approve the housing finance program for Presbyterian Homes (See Resolution R304-97) Motion carried unanimously. PROJECT UPDATEíJllE FARMSTEAD .!phn Mchrkins. PI.f5.byterian Homes - reviewed some of the architectural and design changes for the , project. The front of the assisted living building has been reconfigured, shifting the driveway to the south The center courtyard will be more fully developed. A portion of the lower level of the independent living building has been eliminated. There will still be 76 parking stalls left under ground, which is over a one-to-one ratio. They have also redesigned the cottage units so the driveways no longer go to the back. They anticipate putting in the foundation in December, though there are scheduling conflicts with having a ground breaking ceremony. ORDINANCE NO. 109/SNOWMOBILES Dave O'Toole, Park and Recreation Commission Chairperson, recalled he was before the City Council at their last meeting regarding the damage done by snowmobilers after the first snow fall. The Park and Recreation Commission is concerned with the cost of the damages to the parks and to the bituminous trails. Public money will have to be used to repair the parks, and they already work on a very limited budget. They are asking the Council to reconsider some ban on snowmobiling. either ¡¡-om the entire City or as proposed previously to ban snowmobiles south of 161 st A venue. He also related personal experiences with youth on snowmobiles who were blatantly violating snowmobile regulations in Hidden Creek North park. He realizes those in the snowmobile club are trying their best, but there is no control over the youth after school. AI Grabowski, Park Board Commissioner, had pictures of the damage done in Oak Bluff park by snowmobilers. He explained there are quarter-inch grooves in the new bituminous trails from snowmobiles that will affect the roller bladers using the trails, a safety issue, and also affect the life _.._---~~--~ , , Regular Andover City Council Meeting Alinlltes - December 2, 1997 Page 6 (Ordinance No. 109/Snowmobiles, Continued) span of the trails. This all happened after the first snow fall. He Jidn't think anybody will be able to monitor the parks, trails and snowmobilers after school and on those days when there is no school. Mayor McKelvey didn't feel banning the use of snowmobiles in the City or in a specific area will resolve the issue, since they are banned in Coon Rapids and he sees many snowmobilers and snowmobile tracks around that city. Banning them takes the privilege away from those people who obey the law, but it will not stop those who do not obey the law now. Attorney Hawkins stated most of the offenders are juveniles, and the courts generally will not do much more than fine them. It also often takes several months before that happens, and the judicial branch doesn't take this very seriously. Councilmember Dehn also cited damage done in Pine Hills park by youth, She had a call from someone in St. Francis who has asked the City to discontinue the trail system so the snowmobilers don't drive up through their City. She acknowledged those in the snowmobile club have done an excellent job in educating people and coordinating efforts for a trail and enforcement. Unfortunately, there are more people who abuse the system. Councilmember Ortte felt it is ridiculous the way people are putting up all types of structures, tape, etc., to protect their shrubs and other , assets on their propcrty and the boulevards. He suggested the only way to get their attention and that " " of the parents is to confiscate the snowmobile. Frank Stone, Public Works Superintendent, stated he provided a list from the Park Department of the damage done to the parks to date. He's worried about the snowmobiles in December when the ice rinks are open, as there have been snowmobilers who travel over the ice rinks even when skaters are present. It is a safety issue. Something should be done to control it. Councilmerr.ber Orttel noted the only park that didn't have damage has some fence around it. Lieutenant Andersohn, Anoka County Sheriff's Department, stated he sent a memo to the troops today to adopt a zero tolerance policy in Andover. The state grant monies have become available, and they will be using two snowmobils for enforcement in the City. The Department is also willing to spend some extra money in overtime to deal with the problem as best they can. They have had nine complaints since October. Seven resulted in contact, five were given verbal warnings; two were youth; and two citations were issued. They are willing to take a hard-line approach on this issue. The majority of the snowmobilers are responsible but there are those youth that don't use good judgement. Council discussion noted that the parks and some private property are about all the open space that is available for snowmobiling, so that is where the youth tend to go. The Council suggested that a concentrated effort be made to get the word out to the residents, and especially the youth and their parents, regarding the high cost of repairing the damage by snowmobilers done to the parks and the bituminous trails, plus infonning them of the regulations and consequences. Staff was asked to talk with the cable TV station about running short informative segments, changing them frequently, possibly using different people. Residents would be encouraged to report violations. They also suggested to the Sheriff's Department that there be no warnings. Citations are to be issued and snowmobiles are to be confiscated. '!, I Regular Andover City Council Meeting Alinutes - December 2, 1997 Page 7 (Ordinance No. 109/Snowmobiles, Continued) Lieutenant Andersohn stated they are willing to tag and tow violators. They are also willing to do follow ups if residents report problems. They would also be willing to work with the cable TV and the City on a short segment regarding the issue. John Campbell Andover 5no Dragons - felt the best thing that could happen is to have the sleds towed when there is a violation. They have also talked to five landowners and will be staking a trail from Hanson Boulevard to Round Lake boat landing, across the lake to Kelsey Park and Seventh Avenue, then to points north. He has checked on the damage in the parks and on the bike trails. He noted that in other areas where snowmobile races seem to tear up the sod, the damage is minimal because it does grow back quickly. He felt the City parks will need minimal repair this spring. He related an experience of tracing the tracks of a snowmobile from where damage was done in a park to a specific residence He felt that additional signage in the parks would be appreciated. Most people who care about their sleds will not ride when there is only three inches of snow. Hopefully it \vill get better once the ground rreezes and there is more snow and the trails are marked. They will also be staking träils on Hanson Boulevard pointing away from the bituminous trails or parallel to them. Since Coon Rapids residents come into the City, they will place a big sign at the entrance welcoming them and directing them right to the trail. Maps and regulations will be made available to them. The Sheriff's Department will be brought in for some sting operations. The problem time is bp.tween 3 and 6 p.m., and they hope to get a handle on that. Mr, Campbell also stated they \vill be coming to each Council meeting with a report of their activities. Lieutenant Andersohn stated they will also coordinate with the snowmobile club in marking those trails, and they will begin a zero tolerance policy of tagging and towing violators. ORDINANCE NO. 13511NTOXICATING LIQUOR/INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS Mr. Fursman stated Brad PovIitzki, Pov's Sports Bar and Grill, has requested the insurance limits of Ordinance 235 be changed to require the minimum limits set by State Statute. Jack Werl. Insurance Agent for Pov's - stated they are asking for a reduction in the amount of insurance required to equal State Statute. Currently it is $300,000 ofliability. It is not a problem now, but if the insurance industry changes and premiums start to increase, it can be difficult, especially if there is a claim. They would like the ability to go down to the Statute limits if they are forced to. Attorney Hawkins felt the language in the ordinance, Section 409, needs clarification. He does not interpret it to mean they are required to have $300,000 of dram shop liability. His interpretation is the dram shop liability is covered in paragraph 2. There are also some changes in the . State Statute effective after January that should be incorporated into the ordinance. Whether or not the City feels they should have $50,000 or $300,000 of dram shop coverage shouldn't matter because there is no City exposure under tort liability, though he noted that $50,000 is not much coverage today. , ! , Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 2. 1997 Pa~e 8 Ordinance 325/Intoxicating Liquor/Insurance Requirements, Continued) The Council asked Staff to research the new state regulations and to come back with a recommendation for an amendment to the ordinance to meet the Statute requirements for dram shop coverage. - APPROVE FUNDING FOR 1998 CALENDAR Cyndy DeR yder, Recycling Coordinator, stated she received about $5,000 in sponsorships to fund the 1998 32-page community calendar. There is one more pJace that has not yet gotten back to her, plus there would be about $1,000 in the recycling budget that can be put toward this. She estimated the calendar will cost about $9,000. Mr. Fursman was optimistic there will be funds available at the end of the year, but at this point he did not have the specific line items. Also, because the calendar is used to promote the City and the Industrial Park, some funds may be able to be used from the EDA budget. Motion by Knigl,t, Seconded by Dehn, to approve the expenditure for the 1998 calendar, with Staff to find the source offunds. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVE UNION CONTRACT Mr. Fursman stated the union has ratified the contract for one year. The Council noted the proposal was for a three-year contract. They suggested Staff negotiate for a two-year contract; all other items to remain the same. DISCUSS REDUCTION IN SENIOR CITIZEN SEWER AND WATER RATES Mr. Fursman explained an application for the reduction in senior citizen sewer and water rates has been borrowed from Columbia Heights. He asked what are the parameters which would make someone eligible for a reduced rate other than age. He would like to see a percentage rate reduction rather than a specific amount. The Council felt the only reduction should be on sanitary sewer rates because water rates are paid on actual usage; sewer rates are not. They generally agreed to a 50 percent reduction on sewer rates for those 62 year and older. The income level should be the same as the deferral for assessments which the Staff is researching. Mr. Fursman stated he will bring the item back for approval at the next meeting. -. '._-" -.... .._~..._--- .-.-.- .... .- l ., . Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 2. 1997 Page 9 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT Sign on Bunker Lake Boulevard to Grace Lutheran Church - Councilmember Knight stated he has received a request from Grace Lutheran Church to have a sign installed on Bunker Lake Boulevard directing traffic fÌ'om the east to the access for Grace Lutheran Church. Mr. Erickson stated they will work with the county and the church to get a direction sign installed. Promotion of fire fighters - Councilmember Kunza suggested there be more exposure and recognition of the Fire Department in the Andover Times. Council member Orttel suggested that several fire fighters be featured each month. Mr. Fursman stated he will talk about this with the Fire Chief Change multiple housing buildings to office buildings - Councilmember Orttel stated someone has suggested to him that the apartment buildings along Bunker Lake Boulevard be rezoned and converted into office buildings. Bunker Lake Boulevard has become dangerous for young people, ¡hat it may be something to consider when reviewing the Comprehensive Plan. Habilal/"er Hllrfl{mi~v house in Andover - Mayor McKelvey stated be has been approached by people from Grace Lutheran Church about the possibility of constructing a Habitat for Humanity house in the City of Andover. They are trying to raise the money to buy the lot, and they would like to know ¡fthe City is \\1Iling to waive some or all of the fees tòr permits. The Council generally did not have a problem with the request. North ¡Metro Mayors' Association - Mayor McKelvey announced there is a North Metro Mayors' Association meeting on December 10. Alation by Knight, Seconded by Dehn, the payment of claims. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Dehn, Seconded by Kunza, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, l ~~' Recording Secretary - . - -. .-- - .----- -