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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTM March 12, 1998 CITY of ANDOVER ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL TOWN MEETING - MARCH 12, 1998 MINUTES A Special Town Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey on March 12, 1998, 7:03 p.rn., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Bonnie Dehn, Mike KlÚght, Ken Orttel, John Kunza Councilmembers absent: None Also present: City Engineer, Scott Erickson CommulÚty Development Director, Dave Carlberg City AdmilÚstrator, Richard Fursman Others Mr. Fursman gave a brief introduction noting the Cities of Anoka and Ramsey would like to have a joint meeting with the Andover City Council to begin preliminary discussions on the feasibility of constructing a commulÚty center as a joint project. Andover is also looking at the possibility of mass transit opportulÚties. In a couple weeks a survey wìll be delivered to the residents by the Boy Scouts. The survey will ask about transportation habits, after which the Council will look at options. Mr. Fursman explained the main emphasis of the parks has been on the development of trails. Captain Bruce Andersohn, Anoka County Sheriff's Department, addressed the Council and those present regarding the cost benefits of contracting with the county versus an in-house police department, compared the cost of Andover's contract with the county with the Cities of Champlin and Ramsey (budget cost per capital in Andover, $30; in Champlin, $182; in Ramsey, $74.75 with a similar daily rate of calls for service), pointed out the many services available in conjunction with the contract, and compared the calls for service, complaints, warrant arrests and traffic arrests over the last five years. He also reviewed the activities of the CommulÚty Service Officers within the City. He did not have the burglary figures for Andover. They were working on a pocket of burglaries in the cities of Oak Grove and East Bethel, which has been alleviated somewhat with some arrests. They will be doing compliance checks for tobacco vendors in all of their contract cities by the end of the summer. Councilmember Orttel felt it would be beneficial to see a chart of complaints and calls for service over the last five years and an overlay with the population information to determine if the population growth and increase in calls and complaints are proportionate. It could be a real predicting tool, so the City can keep up with its police protection and not fall behind. Captain Andersohn stated he would get that information for the Council. As they go into the budget _. for 1999, they would like to have some undedicated time to patrol traffic, etc. There are additional benefits with the county contract such as all county-wide cars passing through the City, deputies and officers who live in the City, plus the admilÚstrative staff that is available. He didn't think liquor in the City has had a noticeable impact. Pov's has been a good member of the community, as they don't have a great number of complaints coming from that establishment. . - . .. -- - .-. Andover City Council Town Meeting Minutes - March 12, 1998 Page 2 ~ Julie Trude Shadowbrook - stated having this meeting and televising the meetings on cable helps the residents to know what is going on in the City, but it is still very difficult to see the Council and Commissioners on TV because of the lighting. She has lived in the City for several months, but she doesn't have a City newsletter delivered to her house. No one in their development does. She has called the Shopper, but to no avail. Perhaps a call from the City Staff would help. She also asked about parking vehicles on the boulevard. The many cars parked on the boulevards that are for sale is unsightly. Mayor McKelvey stated it is ìllegal to park the cars on the boulevard, though cars for sale can be parked on private property. Mr. Carlberg stated the cars on the boulevards are tagged by the SherifP s Department. The City is in the process of reviewing the Zoning Ordinance, and that issue will be discussed then. Ms Trude - suggested the City publicize the fact that cars in the boulevard will be tagged. They are a hazard, especially on the high-speed roads. She also felt the City is getting a good value for its dollar in the police contract. She sees them patrolling in their neighborhood. She was also glad to see positive development taking place and that the City is working with the State legislators. Councilmember Dehn asked about the installation of stop lights on 157th Avenue at both CoRd 9 and CoRd 7. Mr. Erickson stated both intersections have met warrants. That wìll be brought to the - county board in the next week or two, so those lights may be in place within a year or two. Councilmember Orttel asked if the project to upgrade the intersection of Bunker Lake Boulevard and Hanson Boulevard is on schedule. Mayor McKelvey stated the preliminary work is being done now. Construction will not start until July because of federal funding. Councilmember Dehn asked if a signal on Bunker Lake Boulevard into the future Commercial Park can be assessed to those in the Commercial Park. Councilmember Orttel stated it can be, but the City is subsidizing that project and the lights will be a part of the infTastructure and should be installed before the residents are there. Councilmember Knight asked about the status ofthe Neighborhood Crime Watch program, as he still felt the program is an invaluable asset to the commulÚty. Captain Andersohn agreed. The program is in place in all of the commulÚties they serve, and deputies have been told to participate in Neighborhood Crime Watch meetings. It is not as active as they would like it to be, but they are now in the process of working with the county to manufacture signs for the neighborhoods. They believe in the program and will continue to work on it. Mr. Fursman suggested when the survey on transportation is handed out to the residents, a flyer could also be given reminding them to contact the Sherifi's Department regarding the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program. The Council agreed. Deputy Andersohn also suggested that information be reported in the City's news letter. Pete Beberg Chief DepuW - stated the time spent on the program was very extensive when it was under the commulÚty schools. The Cities of Anoka and Coon Rapids each have a full-time person for the program. The Crime Watch program is an effective tool, but they are also working with other programs through the schools, Youth First, the RSVP program with selÚor citizens, etc. _-0.. __< h.._ ___. ---. .~-- Andover City Council Town Meeting Minutes -March 12,1998 Page 3 Tom? 1420 142nd Lane - wondered if the City had graphs on the excessive problem with snowmobiles and where can they help as a commulÚty to solve these problems with snowmobiles. The Council noted the problems vary depending on the snow conditions. The trails for snowmobiles were not in place until this year. The problems caused by snowmobilers are not compiled by the City. 1- - stated he told the Assistant City Engineer he would adopt the trail behind his property on Coon Creek to make sure things are picked up. He stopped eight or IÚne snowmobilers this year; most were not farlÚliar with the area. So far, things are good along the trail, though there is a problem with people walking their dogs, then unleashing them to run. They don't understand that private property abuts the trail. The trail already has holes in it because of studded tracks on the snowmobiles. Staff explained the snowmobiles are not allowed on any of the tarred trails. With the development of the snowmobile trails and a concentrated effort in enforcement, it is hoped the problem wìll be resolved. .1- - stated he talked to engineering about a narrower entrance in the gate to the trail so the snowmobiles can't get through there. Another resident noted posts were put in the trail in Kelsey Round Lake Park to prevent snowmobiles ITom tearing up the bridge. It worked. The Council again noted the snowmobiles are not allowed on the park trails. Mr. Fursman stated there have been discussions on the Staff level about keeping the trails snow free in the winter with cross country skiing next to the trail. They started keeping the trail open along Hanson Boulevard so the children could walk to school. 1- - agreed with keeping the trail open along Hanson Boulevard, but he felt the snow should be left - on the trail for skiers and snow shoeing along Coon Creek. The Council also appreciated those who adopted a trail and suggested that program be promoted. Andy? 330 153rd Avenue - stated there is a lot of traffic on Round Lake Boulevard north of Bunker Lake Boulevard. When the parking lot was expanded for G-Wìl1s and Bills, people must now go to the light on 140th to head south. He wondered if the county has plans to upgrade the intersection of 140th and CoRd 9 to put in turn lanes, etc. The Council noted the county plans call for the improvement of CoRd 9 to about one-fourth mile north of that intersection. 1- - stated he and his neighbor ride the MTC bus from Coon Rapids to down town. It is quicker for him to go to Foley in Coon Rapids than to catch the bus in Anoka, as the Anoka bus travels at the same speed as the other traffic along Highway 10 because there are no bus lanes. He'd prefer to use the Anoka bus stop. Another problem with that one is the parking lot is too small. If there were a park and ride in Andover, he would use it if it would get on the ITeeway. Otherwise, he would continue to go to Coon Rapids. Another benefit of the Coon Rapids stop is there is a bus runIDng every 5 to 10 minutes during the rush hour, and those buses are full. MTC spent a lot of money expanding the park and ride at the Northtown Mall, but it is not an express bus. The Council noted that issue wìll depend on some reasonable solution. Options that have been mentioned are to contract with a private bus company or contribute to either Coon Rapids or Anoka to enlarge their park-and- - ride parking lots. ... Andover City Council Town Meeting Minutes-March 12,1998 Page 4 .L - felt the area by the Norwest Bank would be an excellent area for a park and ride because it is the last stop before getting on the road. Coon Rapids and the MTC is looking at that location. Until then, about one-third of the Coon Rapids - Foley parking lot continues to be Andover residents. He wouldn't mind a park and ride facility along Hanson Boulevard in Andover. The Council noted this will be discussed again once the results from the survey are received. Possibly a task force should be set up to review the options. - Mr. Fursman stated the Mayors and City AdmilÚstrators of Anoka and Ramsey have asked to have a joint meeting of the Councils of all three cities to discuss the possibility of a joint project to construct a commUlÚty center. They were looking at a meeting on March 19. Because of the special Council meetings already set, he suggested a date in May be considered. The Council generally agreed. Motion by KlÚght, Seconded by Dehn, to adjourn. Motion carried unalÚmously. The meeting adjourned at 8: 14 p.m. Respectfully submitted, \~~~ Marcella A. Peach Recording Secretary - - -.... .- .. ----- ---. .L_ _