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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK September 26, 2006 o 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923. WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US City Council Workshop Tuesday, September 26, 2006 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m. 2. Railroad Quiet Zones/06-1 0 (Wayside Horn Demonstration) - Engineering 3. Consider Rezoning/R-1 to R-4/Property Located East of Prairie Road on Andover Blvd. - Planning o 4. Consider Preliminary Plat/Hickory Meadows/Located East of Prairie Road on Andover Blvd.- Planning 5. Comprehensive Plan Update 6. 2007 Budget Updates 7, 2007-2011 CIP Updates 8. Other Business 9. Adjournment o o o o ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP - SEPTEMBER 26,2006 MINUTES The Special Council Workshop of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, September 26, 2006,6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Councilmember absent: Also present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Julie Trude, and Mayor Gamache Ken Orttel City Adnllnistrator, Jim Dickinson; Community Development Director, Will Neumeister; Others RAILROAD QUIET ZONES / ANDOVER BLVD. The Council toured off-site for a demonstration and discussion of the Automated Horn System. City Administrator Dickinson explained the Automated Horn System. It is an innovative railroad signaling device that significantly improves safety for motorists and pedestrians at railroad-highway grade crossings. It is a stationary horn system activated by the railroad-highway grade crossing warning system. Upon receipt of the signal from the railroad's track circuit warning system, AHS mimics the train horn warning by cycling through the standard railroad whistle pattern until the train reaches the crossing. Once the train has entered the crossing, AHS stops sounding its horn. A confirmation signal notifies the locomotive engineer that the AHS is working properly. When the locomotive engineer sees the confirmation signal is flashing, he will not be required to sound his horn unless he detects an unsafe condition at the grade crossing. Coordination with the railroad operating company is essential since the Automated Horn System is directly connected to the railroad's crossing signal-warning system. The Councilmembers returned to the City Hall and the meeting resumed at 6:55 p.m. Dave McKenzie was present for any questions. Councilmember Jacobson asked if the two channelizations are cheaper than horns. Mr. McKenzie noted the intersection at 161 st is less expensive due to not having curbs. Bunker Lake Boulevard has to have outside curbs. He discussed the advantages of having medians in place. He also noted that Bunker Lake Boulevard is planned to be a divided roadway at some point, which means the medians would be in place. Councilmember Knight commented he would like to be assured that this system hasn't been put in somewhere, and then had to be removed. o Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2006 Page 2 Mr. McKenzie explained the first ones were installed in 1988 as a test in Iowa. He said about 18 months ago, they became approved by the FRA for installation. Councilmember Jacobson asked ifit is computer driven, and whether that is the most expensive part. Mr. McKenzie replied there are two computers. One of the issues is that there is a strobe light, much like pre-emption, that it will give to the engineer so he knows it is working properly. If it is not working, the engineer is required to blow the horn. Councilmember Knight asked in terms ofliability, if something goes wrong and there is an accident, who would be liable. Mr. McKenzie answered the lights and arms will be working. Mayor Gamache asked if it is true that there has not been an accident at any of those intersections. Jason Law, Civil Engineer, answered there has been no car/train accidents. Councilmember Trude commented a group rate may be a possibility. Installation of all lights at once would be functional. o Mr. Law noted that if the intersection at Crosstown was done first, it could provide a starting point to either work south or north from there. Mr. Dickinson indicated he is aware of another engineer representing three cities and is working on this project. It could be possible that a few cities could go in on a multiple purchase. Councilmember Trude asked if there were any drawbacks noticed. Mr. Law said there were not. Mayor Gamache suggested the cost of four systems should be researched. He also advised staff to research the cost with the medians. Mr. Law stated he researched four intersections, and the cost should be $155,000 to $300,000. He added that all 6 intersections would be $500,000 to do the whole city with some kind of warning system. Mr. Dickinson noted the cost could go through equipment bonds. He noted the tax levy must be provided for based on service debt going forward. o Councilmember Dickenson questioned whether there could be an issue when Coon Rapids implements their No-Whistle program in another month. Councilmember Trude said if Coon Rapids had created this expectation for a quality oflife we wouldn't be looking at it. Mayor Gamache asked that funding sources be identified and that bids be requested from contractors. o o o Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2006 Page 3 Councilmember Trude noted that design drawings should be done in order to ask for bids. She questioned how we can work with the developer. Mr. Dickinson indicated he will talk with the developer the following day. Mr. Law stated that it could cost $50 to $800 a year to maintain the inspections, which the city would assume. He said it would be similar to maintaining the monthly warning system. The designer would train the staff. Councilmember Trude pointed out that discussion must continue with Burlington Northern in regard to the switching station. Mayor Gamache directed staff to continue researching the system and the costs. CONSlDERREZONINGIR-I TO R-4/PROPERTYLOCATED EAST OF PRAIRIE ROAD ON ANDOVER BOULEVARD Community Development Director Neumeister noted the Council is asked to review the proposed rezoning to allow the Hickory Meadows plat to move forward. As with all rezonings, one of the two following findings provided by state statute must be made: 1) The original zoning was in error. 2) The character of the area or times and conditions have changed to such an extent to warrant the rezoning. Times and conditions have changed due to the fact that agreement has been reached with property owners to allow nearly 30 acres of urban development to be proposed. The subject properties lie within the Municipal Urban Service Boundary and within the current stage of sewer expansion in the Comprehensive Plan. He noted the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed rezoning. Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, Seconded by Mayor Gamache, to approve the proposed rezoning and summary ordinance based on the fact that times and conditions have changed. Motion carried unanimously. (Ordinance No. 336) CONSIDER PRELIMINARY PLAT IHICKORY MEADOWS LOCATED EAST OF PRAIRIE ROAD ON ANDOVER BOULEVARD Community Development Director Neumeister indicated this item continues the discussion from the September 19th meeting. Staff has made the suggested changes to the resolution which is included in the packet. Mr. Neumeister indicated the developer did receive the proposed changes. He emphasized that he wants Condition No.4 in the Resolution to be made clear. The discussion is about a sidewalk and o Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2006 Page 4 the developer offered a trail instead of a sidewalk. He is doing this as part of the grading. 1bis is in lieu of sidewalk and no credits will be issued for additional trail fees or park dedication fees. Councilmember Jacobson clarified that if the area is not appropriate for a trail, then it reverts to constructing a sidewalk. The developer agreed. Councilmember Trude suggested changing the language of Condition No.4 to add: "If a trail is not feasible, a sidewalk will be built as part of the project along 144th Avenue." Councilmember Jacobson suggested the language be crafted to reflect this clarification. He also noted the numbering on Page 6 of the Resolution should be changed; numbers I and 2 should read 22 and 23. He suggested the words "and wells" be added to Number 23 to read "All existing drain fields and wells shall be abandoned as regulated by the State of Minnesota". City Administrator Jim Dickinson explained that if the well is in the appropriate location, it could be used as an irrigation well. o Councilmember Jacobson said he wants to guard against having abandoned wells. The developer said there will only be one well remaining. They will abandon and cap all designated wells properly and legally. He advised that the wording in the conditions does not need to be changed, as it is state law. Mr. Dickinson stated Staff feels all outstanding issues have been addressed. Councilmember Trude said she has received emails regarding trees and the size of an outlot. Councilmember Knight asked about the sewer system. The temporary lift station depicted on a drawing should be constructed to be permanent according to the resolution. Mr. Neumeister responded the Resolution takes precedence over the drawing. The developer noted if the road is extended through, the lift station would no longer be needed. Councilmember Jacobson asked if the sewer is put through, and all lots are on the main line, whether it would cause problems. The developer answered that there is gravity feed to the lift station. There could be a 6-inch force main that would be abandoned. o Councilmember Trude asked if they are looking at the outlot area for the higher value homes. The developer explained they are. The price oflots has gone up so much that the higher end homes are not any bigger. Councilmember Trude suggested when the next phase in Outlot A is planned, they leave room for some larger ramblers. The developer said there is space for 10 ramblers. He added that ramblers are a higher maintenance house to build, because they are spread out. They cost more, are harder to sell, but people like them more. o o o Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2006 Page 5 The developer said they are doing all they can to save every tree possible. There are probably 50 trees that can be moved. The developer said he would be able to donate a large play system for the park. Councilmember Trude advised him to work with staff and determine whether it meets the ADA requirements. Mr. Neumeister clarified the lot known as the park lot would be given credit for the slope area. It is covered in the ordinance. It is about a third of the lot. It will not count as part of the park dedication. Jerry Highland, Andover, asked where the trees will be stored that will be saved while the land is being developed. The developer said the lots have to be platted, the roads have to be put in, and then they can see where they can move trees around. Mr. Highland asked if it would be possible to put more trees along the creek since the area down there has no trees. Councilmember Knight explained it is likely not feasible as there is no way to get large equipment in there. Councilmember Trude commented the trail connection from the neighborhoods to the trail along the creek should be built by the next developer. With the flood plain as it is now, and the existing homes that do not want to sell, it is not feasible now. The developer stated some slight modifications were made to the lots where the retaining wall will go. The other four lots in that section were already made as small as possible. However, there is more space between where the wall will go. There will be 66 feet of buildable space. Carmen Mohlencamp, resident, asked to go over three items that are important to her. One is proper drainage; another is tree preservation, and third is the retaining wall. She asked who would be responsible for the retaining wall if something should happen. Also, she questioned who would be responsible for repairing the chain link fence. She is also concerned about the retaining wall fence because it looks like something that would attract children to play on. She is concerned with the potential for accidents. Mayor Gamache explained the responsibility for the retaining wall will go with whoever purchases the property with the retaining wall on it. They will be responsible for any injuries from the wall. The City would make repairs if they are due to issues caused by city property. Those issues are part of the development agreement, Mr. Dickinson explained. A bond would be carried for a year. After that one year it will be the responsibility of whoever purchases that lot. o Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2006 Page 6 Ms. Mohlencamp questioned who would be responsible for the last few feet at the end of the wall. Mayor Gamache answered the City would. A resident passed out a packet containing information on natural resources. He reviewed the information in the packet. The information states that 95% of the root system is in the first three feet of soil, and that it is difficult to predict the root systems. He pointed out the sensitivity of roots and certain species of trees. He noted some tree locations that could be more susceptible. He requested a tree preservation plan be shown 'before acceptance of the preliminary plat. Mr. Dickinson explained that in the particular areas where there is higher elevation, the chance of getting into a root line is several feet. It is a more technical area than he felt prepared to answer. Some of the issue is mitigated by dealing with the retaining wall. Councilmember Jacobson pointed out the developer can grade up to the property line. The wall will be 10 feet from the property line to help save the trees. Residents cannot stop them from doing this. o Mr. Highland said this is a good question to ask because of how the trail runs across the creek. Once the trail goes down by the creek, it is a trail that is a few hundred feet long. Until another developer comes in the other side, there won't be anytlring there. If Ms. Mohlencamp decides to never sell the property but it eventually is given to the city for a park, there is no way to connect the trail to where the park goes without going through her property. Mayor Gamache said this trail will tie into the property going to the west, which ties into Prairie Road. It could end for a period of time. He noted the City is just developing the trail system. He added that restricting the developer is difficult. They are already pulling 10 feet back. The retaining wall would be built up higher than the roots of the trees. Councilmember Jacobson commented it would be best that the developer makes sure they are on the line, and they are mindful of what the line is. The surveyors will survey the property so there will be no guesswork. Motion by Councilmember Trude, Seconded by Mayor Gamache, to approve Resolution Rl16-06 Approving the Preliminary Plat of "Hickory Meadows" for Property Located in the Southeast Quarter of Section 25, Township 32, Range 24 as amended and adding the following language to Condition No.4: "If a trail is not feasible, a sidewalk will be built as part of the project along 144tb Avenue." o Councilmember Jacobson said he will vote for it, but is not pleased that some of the trees will have to be lost. He does not like having 23 d,ifferent conditions. Councilmember Trude said it was a hard plat to see come in. It is single family and that improves the landscape over time. o o o Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2006 Page 7 Councilmember Knight urged the developer to be as cognizant as possible of the effect the development is having on residents. Mr. Highland said there are so many issues with this property, he thinks Council has to understand that sending something through with that many conditions sets a precedent. Ms. Mohlencamp asked if the County had been notified. Mr. Law said he had spent a lot of time talking and negotiating with the county. Mr. Dickinson acknowledged there are a lot of conditions on this property. The floodplains add a tremendous amount of situations to the plat. Based on the number of factors, it is not uncommon. Motion carried nmmimously. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Community Development Director Neumeister indicated that as discussed in the past, the Metropolitan Council has mandated that municipalities in the Metropolitan area must update their Comprehensive Plans by 2008. The City staffwould like to have the Council to authorize the staff to begin the process of preparing the "draft" of the update to the Comprehensive Plan and hire consultants for the technical assistance that is needed. He noted that in 2006, the City was successful in receiving approval of a CDBG application for the technical work that is needed. That grant awarded to the City was in the amount of$29,203.50. In his estimation, that amount will be sufficient for the work that the consultants will need to perform. He explained that when a working copy of the plan is prepared, staff will present it to the Park Commission and Planning Commission for discussion and any modifications. After it is reviewed by both bodies, it will be brought forward to the Council for further refinement and discussions. The goal is to have the "draft update" done by June 2007. After that date, the Public Hearings and distribution to the various surrounding cities and jurisdictions would occur. The public input and comment process is potentially 6 to 8 months long. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, to authorize staff to begin preparing the Comprehensive Plan Update and authorize staff to contract with consultants to perform the needed technical work for updating the Comprehensive Plan (up to the $29,203.50 CDBG grant amount). Motion carried unanimously. 2007 BUDGET UPDATES City Administrator Jim Dickinson explained the Council has had a number of reviews of the 2007 Proposed Budget that will be supported by the 2007 Tax Levy. At the last meeting only a few questions remained. The Council did adopt a Preliminary 2007 Tax Levy and General Fund Budget o o o Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2006 Page 8 at the September 5th Council meeting. The Preliminary 2007 Budget proposed a total property tax levyof$9,316,427:$6,115,179 (65.6%) operational1eVy, $1,833,494 (19.7%) debt service levy, and $1,367,754) 14/7%) capital levy . The Council has the right to reduce or keep constant this levy until the final certification date of December 28, 2006. To date, the following are issues facing personnel related expenses: 1. A total salary compensation adjustment package is proposed to provide wages that are competitive with other government entities. Councilmember Jacobson questioned the Community Education issue. Mr. Dickinson said the question proposed to Community Education was "what would you do if we eliminated the funding". They acknowledged the summer program would be heavily affected. We could choose to fund only the summer program. They have indicated they would be willing to work with us. Councilmember Knight said he hesitates to remove some of that funding since there is no Park and Recreation program. Mayor Gamache said he sees the benefit of the program. Councilmember Trude said it expressly serves the elementary kids. Community center programming is aimed at middle school and high school. Mr. Dickinson said the Council had asked if there were funds for Youth First. He explained that the money saved in the Medical Options Plan as outlined could be moved to use for Youth First. Mr. Dickinson stated the Gambling Fund could be increased. He said $16,000 can go to the programming at the community center. He noted very little of the Contingency Fund has been used. There are reserve budgets. All the goals are met from the finance goals for money set aside for emergencies. Weare in an excellent position. Councilmember Trude asked for further clarification on the community education funding. She asked if it would be possible to figure out a special community education contract for the programs offered just in Andover and not include those offered in neighboring cities. She questioned whether there is any money left for the community center after school and open gym programs. Mr. Dickinson answered there seems to be $16,000 left over at this point. Councilmember McKnight suggested we consider spending some money on materials kids would use here if we are going to use the main area and supervise it. If the use continues to increase, we have an increase in liability in terms of supervision. Mr. Dickinson suggested Eric Sutherland should judge this issue. o o o Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2006 Page 9 City Administrator Jim Dickinson noted that with the dollars identified it could be handled. He added that he will be before the Council at the meeting on October 3rd to discuss the possibility of refinancing. Those savings can come back in and the priority is to reduce the levy deal with the capital campaign. Mayor Gamache asked if there are any plans to increase fees for ice time. Mr. Dickinson answered there will be some inflationary increases. 2007 - 2011 CIP UPDATES City Administrator Jim Dickinson explained the City Departments prepared a proposed 2007-2011 CIP that was reviewed by the Council at the August 29th Council workshop. At that workshop, the Council had some questions that required some additional staff research and analysis to which updates are provided. He said City Engineer Dave Berkowitz has provided a staff report that provides updates to the "Crosstown Boulevard NW & Nightingale Street NW Intersection Improv~ments" and "Water System Improvements". This will be covered more in depth in October. Mr. Dickinson noted there will be some changes to the construction of bikeways and trail corridors. He asked if the intersection improvement construction at Crosstown could be moved to 2007 and the trail construction completed at the same time. Council agreed to move this one project. This item will be brought up at the next workshop. Mayor Gamache asked about Hidden Creek trail between Crooked Lake Blvd. and the park. The sidewalk comes all the way up from Meadow Creek. It stops at the park and goes behind the park. Across the street there is a retaining wall. It starts and stops. People try to take trails to Andover Station. He' asked if this could be researched to be safer, OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS A. Gambling Ordinance Modification City Administrator Dickinson stated a letter was received regarding modifications in the gambling ordinance. He asked when this should be discussed and put on the Agenda. Councilmember Jacobson said he would like to see more support from the community before any changes are made. Mayor Gamache stated the ordinance should be changed to two and this should be done as soon as possible. o o o Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2006 Page 10 Councilmember Trude commented it is good the community has one group that has no specific focus. Mr. Dickinson suggested the Council discuss possible changes at the second November meeting, and then a public hearing would be held. There is a lot of animosity amongst the Associations and they are looking to the Council to make some level of oversight and action. Councilmember Knight said he did not want the Council to be put in the position of being referee in these situations. Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, Seconded by Councilmember Knight, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously, The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chris Moksnes, Recording Secretary