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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK June 26, 2007 C I T y- O F 0 NDOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US City Council Workshop Tuesday, June 26, 2007 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m. 2. Update/Irrigation Agreement with Associations - Engineering 3. Discuss Request for Autistic Child Signs (Continued) - Engineering 4. Discuss Marystone Boulevard NW/Roanoke Street NW/07-33 - Engineering 0 5. Discuss Diseased Tree Policy - Engineering 6. Discuss Direction to Open Space Commission - Planning 7. Animal Control Ordinance Discussion (continued) - Planning 8. Subdivision Code Update Discussion - Planning 9. TIF District 1-4 Update/Industrial Opportunities Discussion - Planning/Administration 10. 2008-2012 CIP Progress Report - Administration 11. 2008 Budget Progress Report - Administration 12.2007-2008 Council Goals - Administration 13. Other Business 14. Adjournment 0 CITY o F 0 NDOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP - JUNE 26,2007 MINUTES The Council Workshop of the Andover City Council was called to order by Councilmember Jacobson, June 26, 2007, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Mike Gamache (arrived at 6:15 p.m.), Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel, Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Jim Dickinson City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz Community Development Director, Will Neumeister Others 0 UPDATElIRRIGATION AGREEMENT WITH ASSOCIATIONS - ENGINEERING Mr. Berkowitz reviewed the new agreement for associations which will help inmonitorlng irrigation use. Homeowner associations could be charged for each unit in violation. Councilmember Jacobson stated that the violation agreement at the bottom of the form should be highlighted. Councilmember Trude stated it is based on odd and even addresses. Mr. Berkowitz stated there are exceptions highlighted on the agreement. When the form is filled out a contact person for the association is requested. The form will be hand delivered to each association and will go before Council for approval. Councilmember Trude suggested this be moved on immediately due to depleted water supply in the water tower. DISCUSS REQUEST FOR AUTISTIC CmLD SIGNS (CONTINUED) - ENGINEERING Councilmember Orttel asked what other cities are doing about autistic signage. Mr. Berkowitz stated that the City of Rochester is the only City identified that allows this type of sign in a residential front yard. Jenny Larson requested this policy back in March. This will be for areas around the school district's Crooked Lake Elementary, Andover Elementary and Oakview Middle Schools which have identified 48 students and 15 preschoolers in these attendance areas. 0 Councilmember Jacobson asked Jenny Larson about behaviors of autistic children. Ms. Larson stated that her autistic son has no fear and likes to run out in the street. Ms. Beth Ziesmer stated her autistic child is nonverbal and is not able to use fear to help keep safe. 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 2 Councilmember Trude stated that autism covers a wide range of abilities, from talking and communicating to being nonverbal. She questioned what a driver would do when they see a sign that an autistic child is in the area. Ms. Ziesmer stated it would be to raise awareness and alert people to slow down and watch for a child. Councilmember Jacobson stated that another neighborhood obtained signs with a little flag and that helped the traffic slow down. Those signs were placed out when the children were outside playing. Mr. Berkowitz stated two issues are: 1) Should a policy be in place for these situations. 2) Should the City pay for this. Ms. Ziesmer stated her child goes to the Anoka Learning Center and within three blocks there are three preschool students with autism. Councilmember Trude asked if the signs would be minimally effective because signs become part of the landscape and are not noticed. Mr. Berkowitz stated that the signs in Rochester are not down the street but are placed at the specific 0 residence in the front yard to alert people driving through the area that there is a disabled child. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if there is a sign option that is less than $150. Mr. Berkowitz stated that the resident pays the cost in Rochester but the sign is allowed by the City. He commented that to increase exposure the sign would be in the City right-of-way. Councilmember Knight stated that he supports the idea if it helps even one family and child. The autism definition has been expanded which contributes to increased numbers of children having this diagnosis. Mayor Gamache arrived at 6:15 p.m. Councilmember Trude stated that to determine how many signs are needed the total number of children affected in their community needs to be available. She speculated that there are around 200 autistic children. Councilmember Jacobson stated that for a deaf and blind child sign there is no charge to the resident. Mr. Berkowitz stated that in the MUTCD Manual a charge to the resident is not mentioned. He does not find this type of sign mentioned as an allowable use. He has never seen this type of sign requested during his time with Andover. He would research to see what the City's approach is. 0 Councilmember Jacobson suggested providing the signs for a few families on a temporary basis. He suggested that they monitor how many additional requests there are. Mr. Berkowitz stated the City makes the signs and they are yellow with black lettering. Councilmember Trude suggested that no more than one sign be used per neighborhood. 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 3 Councilmember Jacobson suggested having signs provided on a temporary basis to see how things go. He suggested not charging families. Councilmember Trude stated that an effective way to monitor an autistic child is to use an autism bracelet. Ms. Larson stated that her son has autistic sensory disorder which would prevent him from being tolerant of wearing a bracelet. Mayor Gamache suggested having an article in the next City newsletter explaining the purpose of autism signage. Mr. Berkowitz stated he would look at this. The Council agreed to a maximum of twelve signs at no cost to residents. Councilmember Trude suggested offering the signs for a year and to monitor any feedback. DISCUSSMARYSTONEBOULEVARDNW/ROANOKESTREETNW/07-33-ENGINEERING Mr. Berkowitz reviewed the two options for replacing the road. 0 Councilmember Jacobson questioned how many properties are involved. Mr. Berkowitz replied that eight properties are affected. He reviewed pictures of the area showing side banks and current drainage. Councilmember Knight stated there are two large oak trees that squeeze the road currently. Mr. Berkowitz stated that they would likely need to come out to expand the road. Mr. Karl Sleiss questioned if the road could be adapted for their eight home neighborhood to save the trees. He reported that the road has minimal traffic. Mr. Berkowitz stated a thorough survey is needed to determine which trees will come out in order to meet the City requirements for the street width. He stated that the street has already been designed with minimums. Councilmember Orttel questioned if the road can be shifted a number of feet to accommodate the trees. Mr. Sleiss stated he went for a walk during the downpoUr and doesn't think the turnaround needs to be a two way. He questioned if it can be narrower. Mr. Berkowitz stated the turnaround has been moved to fit the area better and is a one way area. Ms. Donna Amdahl stated there are unusual, rare Jack pines in the area and the road was originally designed around them. 0 Dr. Yeager of 481 0 Marystone owns property on the eastern side of Roanoke and the northeastern side of Marystone. He stated that about a quarter of an acre of his own land will be taken for the road if ten feet is removed along the side for the road. He is against the road. Councilmember Jacobson stated they have to prove that the cost to improve the road has to be justified based on the loss ofland. 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes -June 26,2007 Page 4 Mayor Gamache suggested completing a survey and marking trees that would be removed. Mrs. Adrian Yeager stated the road has been there for almost 90 years. It has a history and is near an area where some Indian battles were. The curve should be 15 - 20 mph instead of 25 at the curve. The arborist from the University stated that four of the trees are over 100 years old. There is an Indian mound between the road and the Rum River. She suggested that the area does not need to be changed. The road takes about a minute to travel and increasing the speed on it is not worthwhile to her. She stated another party's survey identified a 19 foot drop from their neighboring driveway to an areajust past their property. She questioned where the rain will go. The area is currently sand and drains well. Councilmember Jacobson questioned how much a survey will cost. Mr. Berkowitz stated Staff would complete a two or three day survey at a cost of around $1200. There are preliminary costs for both options. The roadway length is about 1750 feet, around a third of a mile. He stated the curb and gutter is the least costly option. The cost is about $208,000 at around $26,000 per property. The cost for a street that is 18 feet wide with one-foot gravel and clear zone is $233,000 and it is in the 0 $30,000 range per property. Councilmember Orttel stated they should go forward with the survey and continued discussions with the residents. He mentioned that most seem not to be supportive of the new road. Mr. Berkowitz stated they would review the conditions and circumstances. The road would not be started this year. Dr. Yeager stated that many oak trees would be taken down on his property. They have lost around 200 trees over the years from oak wilt and oak wilt can resurface again if the trees are cut down at the wrong time of the year. Mr. Sleuth requested that the road be as narrow as possible. Mayor Gamache stated the survey will be done later this summer and the residents will be contacted with options and details about trees and drainage. Mr. Berkowitz stated there will be another neighborhood meeting after the current busy construction season is more under way. TIF DISTRICT 1-4 UPDATE/INDUSTRlAL OPPORTUNITIES DISCUSSION - PLANNING/ADMINISTRATION Mr. Neumeister reviewed the need for site improvements for Hugh's Industrial Park to meet with City Code. He stated this is an older industrial park and businesses need the option to expand. The current regulations require a variance. He suggested different standards be established to be more commercially oriented. He asked if the City could work with the property owners to reach a middle 0 ground. The businesses will be hesitant to expand without changes to the Code. He suggested that different site requirements or allowing a conditional permit for outdoor storage be considered as part of an expansion plan. He requested that exceptions be made for these business owners. They do not want a precedent for other areas of the city. Mr. Dickinson stated various conditions could be considered. The zoning could be addressed for the businesses. The industrial park employs several people in the community. He stated to keep businesses in the area they will need to be able to 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 5 expand. Councilmember Jacobson asked for an example that has taken place. Mr. Neumeister stated there is a repair shop with a roll-off service. Improvements can be suggested to the 2-1/2 year-old business. He asked if there is room for a new zoning district as a half way step to accommodate the businesses with permitted uses in the area. Councilmember Orttel does not have a problem with allowing the existing businesses to have unique guidelines but requests that the area be developed under the guidelines. He supports having curb and gutter and improvements. Mr. Dickinson stated for zoning there are different levels that can apply. Councilmember Knight supports having a separate zoning that includes curbing. Councilmember Trude requested that zoning include screening from neighboring retail businesses and homes. She commented this will protect the value of neighboring areas. She is concerned about protecting the environment and safety. Mr. Dickinson stated there will be investments up front to improve the properties but the owners 0 would like to know what will be expected from them. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if there is a rough draft of what is being considered for property owners to review. Mr. Neumeister suggested including dust control and painting the outside of buildings to improve the area's appearance. Mr. Kurt Hedke asked ifhis outdoor septic tanks are grandfathered in. Mr. Dickinson stated they are grandfathered in. Councilmember Jacobson asked for a proposal before a decision is made. Mr. Dickinson stated a conditional use permit would be needed for a roll off business. Councilmember Knight questioned if TIF District A or B would apply or would it be separated off from that Mr. Neumeister stated that the Code needs to be updated to maintain their businesses in the area so there is an arrangement He stated this can be a negotiation. The property will be improved over time with the changes eventually proposed. Mr. Hedke asked if he would be allowed to continue to do his business and expand his use. He asked if he could use short ready mix as a new business. Councilmember Jacobson asked if he already does this for his business. Mr. Hedke stated he does already do ready mix as part of his business. He will not be expanding his 0 building. Councilmember Jacobson stated that a third of the business park has not been developed. Mr. Neumeister stated that the new changes could affect the undeveloped part of the park. Mr. Dickinson stated this could be considered a redevelopment district. Improvements will be paid 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 6 for as the property values go up in a TIF District. Mr. Jim Larson of Larson Plumbing and Heating stated he needs to do some cleanup on his property. He commented that the ground has been cleaned up. The containers are mostly construction materials. A special use permit was requested because of a complaint of dust. The front buildings are landscaped and have sprinkler systems so there is a nice appearance to persons driving by. His taxes have gone up by 40 percent in the last year. The businesses are nonconforming and if even glass for a window is repaired a permit has to be requested which causes a problem. Mr. Clarence Zulager questioned if a tenant parks a trailer or bobcat overnight is it considered outside storage. Councilmember Orttel stated if the area is fenced and screened it is allowed. Mr. Dickinson suggested having a meeting with the property owners to address their questions and discuss the changes. They will write out the changes for the July Council Meeting. Mayor Gamache stated they would like to see the buildings improved. Mr. Neumeister stated they will have a building official at the meeting to address questions. 0 Councilmember Trude stated it would be a zoning area and not a TIF district. Mr. Dickinson stated this area is a redevelopment district and could be identified as an unsewered industrial district. Mr. Dave King stated he represents the roll off company in question. He thanked the Council for their discussion with the businesses. He reviewed another business that was being asked to make significant improvements would not have been able to stay in business because of the costs involved. He appreciates the discussion so the businesses have feedback. Mayor Gamache stated that City sewer and water is about 10 to 15 years away. The goal is the improve appearances without pushing businesses away. Councilmember Trude stated the businesses could challenge their property taxes by requesting a review. Mr. Dickinson stated there are land sales occurring that are pushing the market and inflating the market values. Mr. Neumeister stated the building official, City Administrator, and City Engineer will be at the meeting with business owners. DISCUSS DISEASED TREE POLICY - ENGINEERING 0 Mr. Kytonen stated there is continued concern about how to deal with property owners who have dozens of diseased trees. Staff reviewed the policy and has added a clause that if the tree removal cost exceeds 10 percent of the land value, or $10,000, the City Council will need to approve the work before it takes place. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if cost is calculated after grants and other payment aids. Mr. 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 7 Berkowitz stated it is after a $10,000 cost by the homeowner. Councilmember Jacobson asked how land value is determined. Councilmember Trude stated they would pull tax records. If the homeowner does not remove the trees the City hires someone to remove the trees. She read that the payment is owed in a single installment. Councilmember Knight questioned if a neighboring property cuts an oak tree at the wrong time of year and spreads disease is the homeowner responsible. Councilmember Jacobson questioned why the payment is all due at once. Mr. Berkowitz stated it is meant as a penalty and is not an assessment. Councilmember Orttel stated that in years past he has seen the cost of $7,000 for one tree. He questioned if the cost is $100,000 would the homeowner only be charged $10,000? Mr. Berkowitz stated that costs would go before the Council to discuss how to approach it. Councilmember Orttel stated he has had people asking for downed trees just for the lumber. Mr. 0 Berkowitz stated the trees could be turned into wood chips. Mr. Kytonen stated there are companies that at certain times of the year are interested in the lumber and will remove specific trees at a very minimal cost. Councilmember Trudy stated that if the tree is near a home the cost is more so that precautions are taken not to damage anything. Councilmember Jacobson suggested allowing repayment over five to eight years so that a hardship is not created for the residents. Mr. Berkowitz stated he would work onthe wording on page 7, item six on how assessments would be made. If a property owner wants the service and cannot afford it they can request this service from the City. This will be at the current interest rate. He will include this in the policy. Councilmember Trude questioned if many property owners have paid more than $5,000 to remove trees. Mr. Berkowitz stated they are planning to be more aggressive with tree removal. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Kytonen could create a list ofloggers who do tree removal for the lumber. Mr. Kytonen stated he has worked with the DNR to create a list. A licensing agreement is needed for companies to do business with the City. Mr. Dickinson stated this is to ensure that businesses have insurance. 0 Mr. Kytonen introduced Andie Dierich who is an intern. Ms. Dierich stated she graduated from the University with a forestry degree. DISCUSS DIRECTION TO OPEN SPACE COMMISSION - PLANNING 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 8 Mr. Dickinson stated the new Commission is in place. They are looking for direction from the Council on the by-laws. The requests for Powers and Responsibilities should be reviewed in addition to meetings and attendance. Sections 1.06 and 1.07 are the primary areas for discussion. Councilmember Jacobson stated he would like to receive the meeting minutes. He commented that on the memo under Work Program the first bullet point should state: "The open space criteria established in the Comprehensive Plan." He commented on the by-laws under 1.03 Membership, Term of Appointments the last line should read aRe (1) two (2) one year terms. Councilmember Orttel questioned why there is a limitation on years served. Mr. Dickinson stated the by-laws are based on the Community Center by-laws. Councilmember Jacobson commented that under 1.03 regarding length of services removing "No member shall serve more than two successive terms or six (6) years, whichever is longer" in the third sentence. He reviewed under 1.03 Officers it should say in the first sentence "shall appoint a chairperson and vice chairperson for the Commission. He requested under 1.03 Officers the second sentence should read: "elections for the positions--of ..-ice ehairpefS0B and secretary. Mr. Berkowitz 0 stated there will be a recording secretary and a staff member who acts as secretary for signing documents. Councilmember Knight asked if Roberts Rules of Order is mentioned. Councilmember Trude suggested this be included under 1.07 Specific Powers and Responsibilities. Add that "Roberts Ru1es of Order shall be used as governing rules." She also requested to add to 1.07 that the "Items to be discussed will be on an agenda set by the chair and staffliaison." Councilmember Jacobson requested that under 1.04 Meetings the second sentence shou1d read: "Commission shall hold regular monthly meetings at a time as necessary. . ." He requested that under 1.05 Attendance shou1d read "attend three (3) consecutive maBthly meetings..." Councilmember Trude suggested 1.06 General Powers and Responsibilities and 1.07 Specific Powers and responsibilities be merged together as Powers and Responsibilities. Councilmember Knight questioned 1.05 Attendance if the Commission is responsible for expulsion. Mr. Berkowitz stated the Chair could cast the vote. . Councilmember Jacobson commented about page 4 under 10.6 the first bullet point should start: "The open space criteria established ..." He questioned under 1.07 ifpeople are being paid $25 a meeting. Mr. Berkowitz stated the payment is standard. 0 Councilmember Trude recommended on page 4 under Powers and Responsibilities "Recommend land acquisitions to the City Council" be added. She mentioned under Powers and Responsibilities adding that action or power for the "Commission to seek gifts ofland and/or grants in furtherance of the goals." Councilmember Trude recommended on 1.07 Specific Powers and Responsibilities, that the second 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 9 sentence should state: "Adept Recommend policies that fulfill the goals..." Councilmember Trude suggested under 1.08 Preparation of Program and Budget that the City Finance Director should work as the City liaison to handle the budget. Mr. Dickinson offered to reword this section taking into account the finance department overseeing it. Councilmember Trude questioned the handling ofland acquisitions by the Open Space Commission. Councilmember Knight asked if a party wants to donate land would the area be named for that person. Councilmember Trude stated the land donation and name should have a policy because this will become an issue. She suggested there should be a policy of how to handle gifts ofland and be a plan to inform the public. Councilmember Knight stated these are called legacy gifts. Councilmember Trude commented that new Commission members should have a public 0 procurement review of policies because they will be dealing with public funds. ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) - PLANNING Mr. Neumeister stated at the May 220d workshop, requests were made to review restraint and nuisance and to hold a discussion of dangerous dogs. He reported that the law enforcement Staff of the Sheriffs office feels the Ordinance is better than most. Councilmember Orttel stated that having invisible fence restraint has been an issue. Councilmember Knight stated a child or anything else can enter the yard and dogs can leave the yard with the invisible fence. Councilmember Jacobson stated the issue is about barking. He questioned page 23 of the Lakeville policy where restraint is explained. Mr. Neumeister stated the policies need to be identified. Councilmember Trude stated that law enforcement has additional rules that are not part of the Code. Mayor Gamache stated that the policy relies on neighbors accurately reporting what they see. Councilmember Knight stated there should be a policy about threatening dogs. He mentioned that page 26 of the Lakeville Ordinance has a more extensive definition of dangerous dogs than the City's Ordinance on page 12. Mayor Gamache stated people have to go to court to keep their dogs when three complaints are made. 0 Mr. Neumeister reviewed conditions that should go to the Planning Commission; 1) barking, 2) nuisance and 3) potentially dangerous dogs and 4) restraint. Councilmember Knight questioned if an electronic fence is considered a restraint. He suggested that a policy be considered where a dog is not allowed outside without being under the control of a person. 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 10 Councilmember Trude commented that dogs are not required to be fenced. She commented that humane treatment of an animal should be included which is on page 35 under basic care. Mr. Neumeister stated on page 33 a dangerous animal is defined and steps to be taken are outlined. SUBDIVISION CODE UPDATE DISCUSSION -PLANNING Mr. Neumeister stated that changes have been made after reviewing the Code with Bill Hawkins. He commented there are policy questions on page 33. When land is used for a designated purpose they can use it for a park. playground or open space. Mr. Dickinson stated that a developer creating a park. is using his park dedication allowance. He is challenging the terminology and offered to provide other Ordinances to support his position. This will be reviewed by the attorney. Councilmember Jacobson stated on page 34 the question of park dedication applies. Mr. Neumeister stated this could affect how much land is dedicated. Councilmember Orttel suggesting contacting a third party such as the League to help with the policy. 0 Mr. Dickinson stated much of the Park information and open space use is taken from I,l recent fact sheet with the most recent findings from the League. Councilmember Jacobson questioned credit for private space. Ifpark land is obtained and given over for private use, policy should be reviewed. Discussion was made to delete section E on page 38 from the policy. This was agreed upon by the Council. Councilmember Trude questioned D where it is stricken through and suggested that it continue to be included and not be included twice. Mr. Neumeister stated he would check the PUD ordinance to be sure this is covered. Councilmember Orttel questioned the outcome on discussion ofG. Mr. Neumeister stated that this is a change and it can be done. Councilmember Trude stated the cul-de-sac length is in the code. She proposed increasing the length to 750 feet from 500. Mr. Neumeister stated that the fire department hose length is 650 feet and they do not like to have cul-de-sacs extend beyond this. Mr. Neumeister stated he will make all the policy changes and send out copies with changes highlighted in red. They will be given time to respond before it goes forward to the Planning Commission workshop. He stated that Mr. Hawkins suggested using a checklist by reference. He 0 suggested numbering on the bullet points and that fees are per City fee Codes by year. Items in gray have been in use but are not in the Ordinance. 2008-2012 CIP PROGRESS REPORT - ADMINISTRATION Mr. Dickinson stated that this is a first review. He stated that the tax capacity rate and their 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 11 commitment to keeping it to a constant level will be tough. Debt service will be correlated to the budget. A levy is recommended next year for the open space referendum, so the process of initializing capitalized interest is started. Some equipment that was due to be replaced will be moved to 2008. They will replace equipment as needed, not per year, based on a lot of assessment and a review of the equipment use. The fire tanker for 2008 is still under review. He stated the current phone system is a Merlin Magic which is close to 20-years-old. It was upgraded when the Community Center was built instead of getting new equipment. The phone system has had failures recently. Councilmember Trude requested a contact list of Staff. Mr. Dickinson stated they are stretching the phone use out and as a communication device it has been pushed to its full use. A new system would include all buildings and voice mail. Another truck could serve all purposes and serve the entire community. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if the 15 percent of services the current jetvac truck does not cover could be outsourced. Mr. Dickinson stated that next month there will be additional 0 information substantiating the costs. Mr. Neumeister left the meeting at 8:48 p.m. The box extension will make this multiuse vehicle that can be used year long instead of only nine months of the year. Councilmember Orttel questioned the cost as it seems high. Mr. Dickinson stated he will bring the cost information next month regarding the new tandem truck for around $200,000. They will discuss outsourcing jetvac with InfraSource. When reviewing inventory of vehicles they are checking to see that all vehicles are used to their maximum. Mayor Gamache called a five minute recess at 8:57 p.m. Mayor Gamache reconvened the meeting at 9:02 p.m. 2008 BUDGET PROGRESS REPORT -ADMINISTRATION Mr. Dickinson stated that positions are competitive. They have received information on pay equity compliance. Councilmember Jacobson questioned the fire department. Councilmember Orttel questioned health insurance costs that have increased. Mr. Dickinson stated the Health Savings Account is going well. 0 Councilmember Jacobson questioned if there is a YMCA discount. Mr. Dickinson stated that they reviewed this and the current health plan does not have this option. Mr. Dickinson stated that some overlap in staffing may help hold costs down. The attorney on retainer is being well utilized. The Sheriff would make a determination if another deputy is needed. 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 12 Councilmember Trude stated the CSO could be reallocated as another officer or to a position like Laura Landes. A car is being provided to the CSO and the benefits would remam the same for a full officer. Mr. Dickinson stated he would check on what the cost difference is. At the next workshop there will be two presenters from the County, the Sheriffs Department and Community Development. The City contributed $5,000 to Youth First and $10,000 to Alexandria House last year and increased contributions are being considered this year. Councilmember Trude asked if Anoka County Partners has been evaluated. Mr. Dickinson stated this is the first year. He reported that communication has been identified as an issue. Councilmember Orttel questioned what the Council will need to do to break even. Mr. Dickinson stated that will be discussed in July when all reports are back. Personnel costs will likely go down as positions are absorbed through retirement. He commented revenues are down as a result of downward home sales and the economy. 2007-2008 COUNCIL GOALS -ADMINISTRATION 0 Mr. Dickinson asked if further discussion is needed. The goal list has been reduced from 30 to 9 because some have been completed. Mayor Gamache stated that Coon Rapids is working to have all contractors remove trash on one week day. Mr. Dickinson requested that goals be forwarded to him before the second July meeting. Mayor Gamache stated that he has received inquiries about new signage. Mr. Dickinson stated that in the MUTCD manual one of the signs will be eliminated to remain compliarit with the manual. Mayor Gamache stated that around Raven Street residents have requested a stop sign because traffic goes fast. He compared this to Woodland. Mr. Dickinson stated that it depends on the classification of the roadway. They are working to see if they can work on the intersection with signage. OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS A. Funfest council member's booth. Mr. Dickinson handed out information about the Funfest council booth. B. Signage request. 0 He also said that Bruggeman Homes wants signs of 8 x 8 and he agreed to 4 x 8 only. The larger sign request on Bunker would be on EDA City owned property. Bruggeman would like to appeal to Council. By Code the Council can temporarily allow a larger sign. Councilmember Jacobson questioned why the signs are needed. Mr. Dickinson stated they would 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 13 like to increase their sales. A larger sign on their own property could be considered ifitis requested. Discussion was that a sign could be placed away from where other businesses are advertising so it is not competing. C. Siren Pole Replacement. Mr. Dickinson stated some 45 foot tall tornado siren poles need to be replaced. A cell phone company is offering to replace the poles if they can put up cell phone transmitters for two companies. He stated the pole will be 75 feet. This will be across from fire station number one. A utility building will need to be erected at its base. Councilmember Trude asked if this will increase cell phone signals .in the high schooL Mr. Dickinson stated it will help. The current Code allows a pole up to 30 feet so a conditional use permit will be required. Transmitters will be at 60 feet and 30 feet on the tower and two areas below will be leased out. There will a contract paying the City $8000 for the use of the pole area which has an annual renewable contract. He commented this would support WIFI. They will need a 0 conditional use permit because of pole height is higher than Code allows. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if it could be located across from the fire station so it is less visible. Mr. Dickinson stated the pole would be moved toward the wetlands to reduce its visual impact The City will have 24 hour siren access. D. Sunshine Park parking. Mr. Dickinson stated a lot of parking tickets have been issued at Sunshine Park. Andover Elementary is a parking option. People have parked at the high school and traffic is not stopping for them when they cross the street Councilmember Trude suggested that the associations communicate to park users where they should park to prevent a ticket. E. Dog complaint Mr. Tony Capman of2735 1341h Lane NW stated a neighbor has been repeatedly calling the police. He would like to report on behalf of another neighbor who owns a dog named Diablo. The dog remains in its yard restrained by an invisible fence. He stated that Diablo's owner was recently issued a ticket regarding the dog leaving the yard. Councilmember Trude stated that three witnesses saw the dog leaving the yard and going into the street. She reported that one witness stated they brought the dog back into the yard. A barking dog or a dog coming up to children can be intimidating. 0 Mr. Capman stated the dog rarely barks. He stated he was out in his yard at the time of the incident and the dog did not leave the yard. He would like to make use of the camera offered to keep watch. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Orttel, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting 0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2007 Page 14 adjourned at 9:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Beth Bostrom, Recording Secretary C 0