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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK October 23, 2007 ~ QL/.)....I LO"\I t\"Q\ Il-~ - 0''1 0 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US City Council Workshop Tuesday, October 23,2007 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m. 2. Review Comprehensive Plan Update (Parks & Open Space) - Planning 3. Discuss Park Dedication Study/Improvements - Administration 4. Discuss Potential Prevailing Wage Ordinance - Administration 0 5. 2008-2012 CIP Progress Report - Administration 6. 2008 Operating Budget Progress Report - Administration 7. 2008 Internal Service Funds Budget Discussion - Administration 8. Discuss Variances to Front SetbacksIWoodland 3rd Addition - Planning 9. Discuss Land Development Request from Woodland Development - Planning 10. Discuss Lots Allowed on Rural Cul-de-sacs - Planning 11. Other Business 12. Adjournment 0 C I T Y o F 0 NDOVE ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP- OCTOBER 23, 2007 MINUTES A workshop of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, October 23, 2007, 6:01 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Mayor Mike Gamache, Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel (arrived at 7:28 p.m.), Julie Trude (arrived at 6:03 p.m.) Councilmembers absent: None Also present: City Administrator Jim Dickinson Director of Public Works/City Engineer Dave Berkowitz Director of Community Development Will Neumeister Assistant Public Works Director/Parks Coordinator Todd Haas Others 0 REVIEW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE (PARKS & OPEN SPACE) Community Development Director Neumeister stated the Open Space Advisory Commission had revised the open space section of the Parks and Open Space Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and presented the Council with the proposed changes. He indicated the changes are intended to provide a better framework for the open space preservation effort, noting the previous language was found to be too general to guide decisions in this area. Mr. Neumeister pointed out a correction on page 43 of the 10/11/07 draft, adding the word "be" to the second bullet under section ii) related to City purchase, so that the bullet reads "Eminent domain may be utilized if an overriding public need can be established. 2006 Open Space Bond Referendum funds must not be utilized." Councilmember Trude arrived at 6:03 p.m. Councilmember Jacobson expressed concern about mixing parks with open space. Councilmember Knight questioned whether the use of eminent domain is appropriate in the document. City Administrator Jim Dickinson stated that the eminent domain language is not new to this document. Councilmember Jacobson felt the section related to "methods of parks and open space 0 acquisition" is confusing. Councilmember Trude suggested it should be a stand-alone category. City Administrator Dickinson agreed the title on the bottom of page 42 "Methods of parks and open space acquisition" should be a bolded stand-alone heading. In addition, the two bulleted items under section "ii) City purchase" should be deleted so that section ii) reads only "City purchase." Andover City Council Workshop Meeting 0 Minutes - October 23, 2007 Page 2 Councilmember Jacobson requested clarification of the last bulleted item on page 41 with respect to "other notable features, including historical, educational, archaeological, aesthetic, and other features." He questioned whether this item is appropriate, adding when people think of open space, they do not necessarily think of historical or educational features. He stated the Open Space Referendum was intended for open space. Mr. Dickinson explained this is intended to be a broader overview of the entire community, and the Open Space Referendum is one component of open space as a whole. He stated the Referendum can only focus on a specific portion of open space. Councilmember Jacobson reiterated his concern about the inclusion of historical and/or educational features. Mayor Gamache suggested the document be revised to include an explanation of what is meant by other notable features, including historical, educational, archaeological, aesthetic, and other features. Councilmember Trude suggested the last paragraph on page 43 regarding "Implementation" be moved to the section "Park Land Site Selection Criteria," stating it may be more appropriate to put it in this section of the document. 0 Mr. Dickinson referred the Council to the bulleted items at the top of page 41, noting that the third bullet "unique biological, geological, historical and archaeological sites" has now been consolidated with other items. He stated the Open Space Advisory Commission and staff did work to consolidate several items in the document. Mr. Dickinson suggested a revision to the first paragraph on page 40, changing the last sentence in the paragraph to read, "The plan is amended periodically to document changes to the park system and to determine if the current park dedication rate is appropriate." Mr. Neumeister stated that staffwill prepare revisions to the document and forward a revised draft to the Council in the near future. DISCUSS PARK DEDICATION STUDYIIMPROVEMENTS City Administrator Dickinson stated that after the October 2, 2007 City Council meeting, the Council had some additional questions regarding the proposed fee and the future improvements listing. He stated the Park and Recreation Commission discussed the Park Dedication Study at its October 18 meeting; Dan Masloski, Chair of the Park and Recreation Commission, was present at the meeting to update the Council on the Park Commission's discussions. Mr. Dickinson added there appears to be some confusion among staff, the Council, and the Park Commission regarding how to proceed with future park expenditures. He noted the study was updated primarily to ensure the current park dedication fee was appropriate. 0 Mr. Dickinson stated based on the computation formulas, if a significant number of the improvements are removed, the park fee would actually go down; however, that would work Andover City Council Workshop Meeting 0 Minutes - October 23, 2007 Page 3 against what the City is trying to achieve. He indicated the future park improvement listing should not be considered an end-all listing. Councilmember Jacobson asked if the city's future improvement listing totaled, for example, $10 million, and then the improvement listing was reduced to $7 million, would the city in effect be over-collecting. Mr. Dickinson replied in the affirmative, adding the park dedication study is updated on an annual basis to make certain park system improvements and associated costs are in line with existing and future growth. Mayor Gamache stated his preference to keep the park dedication fee at its current rate with only an inflationary increase. He expressed concern about the cost associated with the hockey rinks and requested a breakdown of the expenses. Dan Masloski, Chair of the Park and Recreation Commission, stated the Park and Recreation Commission felt it was important to develop parks of a fIrst rate nature that have a life span of 25-40 years. Mayor Gamache expressed concern about the high dollar amount being requested for Hawkridge and Rose Parks. 0 Mr. Masloski stated the list is intended as a comprehensive list with the overall intent of developing a very nice park system. He stated the Park and Recreation Commission felt the park dedication fees are fairly close to cover what is on the list. Councilmember Jacobson stated there may be too many small parks scattered allover the city, making them difficult to maintain. He stated it may be worthwhile to consider consolidating some of the smaller parks into a larger, more central location. Mr. Masloski stated that the Council has previously expressed concern over raising the park dedication fee; as a result, the Park Commission worked hard to prioritize the future imporvement list. He stated he would like to see a reserve in the fund so that when you have a special interest group come into the city looking to partner with the City on development, the City has the ability to match funds on a collaborative basis. Mr. Masloski stated that a referendum should not be used to solve park problems; rather, it is important to make sure the city is assessing appropriate park dedication fees and to make sure the money is paying for what is on the list. Mayor Gamache stated he felt Hawkridge Park should be developed and the City should focus on this park. He stated it may be prudent to hold off on some other smaller things and utilize those funds elsewhere. 0 Mr. Masloski asked where the funds for watering Sunshine Park come from. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 23, 2007 0 Page 4 Mr. Dickinson replied watering funds are not part of park dedication; rather, these funds come under maintenance, and since the water system is a utility supported by the users and the city as a whole should pay for the water not subsidized by the utility users. Mr. Masloski stated the direction from the Council appears to be to work on Hawkridge Park and figure out how to spend the money the Park Commission has been allocated. Councilmember Knight stated there are some areas of the City that will age faster than others. He felt it was important to consider that and decide where the City is going to put parks as the demographics and demands of a specific area change. Mr. Masloski stated he would like to see a park fee that would cover everything the City is trying to do and to make sure the City is in the ballpark with other communities. Mayor Gamache reiterated his request for a breakdown on the costs associated with the hockey rink. Assistant Public Works Director/Park Coordinator Haas agreed to provide these figures to the Council. The City Council discussed gravel versus paved parking lots. Director of Public Works/City 0 Engineer Berkowitz stated there are efficiencies associated with a paved and striped parking lot and noted this type of amenity makes for a nice park. Mr. Haas stated in the current plan, the City is only paving the larger parks. Councilmember Jacobson stated he felt the City should go with the plan as written now and then in another year or two, see how building in the area increases. Mr. Dickinson asked the Council for feedback on moving forward with just an inflationary increase in the current park fee for 2008 or go with the study. Councilmember Trude stated she felt it would be appropriate to pullout a few things and then re- run the numbers. Mayor Gamache stated the costs associated with an interpretive center appear high. Mr. Dickinson stated this item could be removed from the list and the funds reallocated to other projects. Councilmember Jacobson reiterated his desire to go with the plan as written right now. Discussion ensued regarding the interpretive center and its purpose. 0 It was the consensus of the Council to go with the fee supported by the study. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 23, 2007 0 Page 5 Mr. Dickinson directed the Council to page 14 of the study, specifically Table 7, which illustrates commerciallindustrial park dedication fees currently charged by other developing. communities. He stated the City's current commerciallindustrial park dedication fee of 10% of the value of the land would be $35,000 per acre if land sold for $8/square foot. It is not comparable to what other communities are charging, and may deter future commerciallindustrial development in the City. Councilmember Jacobson requested staff review this issue further and make a recommendation to the Council at its December meeting. Councilmember Knight asked how other cities arrive at their commerciallindustrial park dedication fees. Mr. Dickinson stated most cities base their fee on residential development with layers of commercial and industrial on top of that. Mr. Dickinson stated staff will further research the commerciallindustrial park dedication fees and present a recommendation to the Council in December. 0 DISCUSS POTENTIAL PREVAILING WAGE ORDINANCE City Administrator Dickinson stated the Council had previously discussed whether to require prevailing wage on all City construction projects; discussion now is centered on reviewing an ordinance and an appropriate monetary threshold. Mr. Dickinson presented a sample ordinance from the City of Coon Rapids, and stated Coon Rapids has a monetary threshold of $50,000. Victor Ruzinski, union representative, appeared before the Council. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz stated that a mill and overlay project would be considered street reconstruction and would be subject to prevailing wage. He stated, as an example, the bypass and turn lane project on 161S( was $189,000. He noted that projects that would go over the threshold include anything water system related, well drilling, treatment plants, and towers. Councilmember Jacobson asked how much this would raise the cost of current projects. Mr. Dickinson stated he could not determine total project cost because of the competitive bidding process. Councilmember Jacobson asked of the projects the City had this year, how many were built using the prevailing wage. 0 Mr. Berkowitz stated the intersection improvements on 161st and Crane were non-union, the Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 23, 2007 0 Page 6 overlay project was non-union, the railroad quiet zone was non-union, and all the park projects were non-union. He stated the Crosstown and Nightingale project was union. Mr. Ruzinski stated it is difficult to compare projects that are union and non-union. He added that prevailing wages benefit the workers on a job site. Councilmember Jacobson asked if there are a lot of cities that do not recognize prevailing wage. Mr. Dickinson stated there is a strong push by union organizations to get prevailing wage ordinances or policies in place. Mr. Ruzinski added a lot of cities recognize the prevailing wage regulations, but do not necessarily have an ordinance in place. Mayor Gamache stated he was comfortable with an ordinance with a monetary threshold of $200,000. Councilmember Trude concurred. Councilmember Jacobson stated he was more comfortable with a threshold of $150,000. Mr. Dickinson stated the threshold is based on construction costs only, and does not include other incidental costs, e.g., engineering costs associated with a project. 0 Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to include a monetary threshold of$150,000. Mr. Dickinson stated he would bring this matter to the Council at its November meeting. 2008-2012 CIP PROGRESS REPORT City Administrator Dickinson presented an update on the 2008-2012 CIP and stated that staff would like to present the document for public hearing on November 20th. Councilmember Jacobson asked about the funding needed for the skateboard park. Mr. Dickinson stated the project would likely require a budget of approximately $165,000. New equipment would be of an aluminum frame with rubber molding that is weather-resistant. Mayor Gamache asked if the City of Anoka has any skateboard equipment that the City could use, as it appears they are closing Goodrich Park. Mr. Dickinson stated he would email a website link to the Council that contains information on designing skateboard parks and costs.. Councilmember Orttel arrived at 7:28 p.m. 0 Councilmember Knight asked about the Bunker Lake Boulevard medians. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 23, 2007 0 Page 7 Mr. Dickinson replied these fall under the EDA budget. Mr. Dickinson stated that staffwill advertise the public hearing for the 2008-2012 CIP for the November 20th meeting. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz distributed copies of the irrigation well feasibility study. He stated that staff worked with SEH on the project with an eye toward putting irrigation in each park. He noted that previous discussion centered around putting in sand points, and stated that every well identified in the study is based on a deeper well and not a sand point, adding that the City does not have enough information through geological reports to determine a sand point; as a result, the study is based on the higher assumption that a new well is required. Mr. Berkowitz provided an example with Hawkridge Park, pointing out a well depth of 100-150 feet, generating 100-150 gallons per minute of non-potable water to provide adequate irrigation for the park. He stated if the well depth and gallons per minute were decreased, the irrigation system would have to run constantly to keep up. He added that the costs associated with the study include drilling, the VFD (variable frequency drive), and the pump; the costs associated with making the system operational and irrigation would be additional. 0 Mr. Berkowitz stated that Sunshine Park would require 290 gallons per minute. He stated energy costs per year are based from May to October, running five hours per night. He reported the City currently pays the water utility approximately $40,000 for all the parks for water and of that cost, Sunshine Park is $27,000. Councilmember Trude stated she felt this was a good investment for the City's large parks. Mr. Berkowitz requested the Council review the irrigation feasibility study and provide staff with any comments. 2008 OPERATING BUDGET PROGRESS REPORT City Administrator Dickinson presented an update of the 2008 proposed budget that will be supported by the 2008 tax levy. He stated that with respect to health insurance and after receiving an initial bid with an increase of over 40%, staffhas started negotiations with the City's current provider. He stated he is confident the increase will come within the amount currently budgeted for health insurance of25%. Mr. Dickinson reported that staffhas been working with Youth First and believes that funding for a contribution of$12,000 can be met. Councilmember Orttel asked if there are other buildings available for the work with Youth First. 0 Mr. Dickinson stated that he will discuss this matter further with Youth First. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 23, 2007 0 Page 8 The Council asked Mr. Dickinson to review the potential redevelopment of the properties along Bunker again. 2008 INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS BUDGET DISCUSSION City Administrator Dickinson stated the CounCil has had a number of reviews of the 2008 budget and as part ofthat review, has expressed a desire to review the Internal Service Fund in more detail. Mr. Dickinson presented the line item budgets for equipment maintenance and risk management. He stated the equipment fund is used to maintain the City's equipment, as well as gas/fuel for all the equipment and vehicles used in the City. He noted these costs are then allocated to all the departments that use vehicles. He added that the costs associated with risk management are allocated out to the various departments based on department payroll and equipment used.. Mr. Dickinson stated that at the November Council workshop meeting, he will present to the Council what will be presented at the December 4th Truth in Taxation hearing. 0 DISCUSS V ARlANCES TO FRONT SETBACKSIWOODLAND JRD ADDITION Director of Community Development Neumeister stated that Woodland Development has requested a variance to front yard setback requirements in the new Woodland Estates 3rd Addition. He stated that Woodland Development previously constructed a retaining wall along the east property line of Woodland Estates 3rd Addition in order to preserve the large stand of trees on the west side of Woodland Estates 2nd Addition. He indicated the retaining wall encroached about 20 feet into the back yards on Block 2. He stated the Council is being asked to discuss whether they would support a variance request. Joe Hauglie, Vice President, Land Development and Sales, Woodland Development, was present at the meeting. Councilmember Jacobson asked Mr. Hauglie ifhe felt the lots would not sell without the vanance. Mr. Hauglie stated he felt the lots would eventually sell but it may take longer and they might sell for less. He stated the topography in the area is difficult and they worked hard with the neighbors to save the large stand of trees. He noted the retaining wall on the east side of the property is up to nine feet in some areas and on the west side the wall is between four and eight feet. 0 Director of Community Development Neumeister presented some photographs of the property and retaining wall in the area. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 23, 2007 0 Page 9 Mayor Gamache asked how much of the property above the wall is owned by the people off of Verdin Street. Mr. Hauglie replied twenty feet. Councilmember Trude stated she is open to doing some sort of variance. Mr. Neumeister stated that staff will work with Mr. Hauglie to work up some special conditions and prepare an application for a variance request for presentation to the Planning Commission. Mayor Gamache asked if this would involve a reduced front yard setback on both sides of the road. Mr. Neumeister replied in the affirmative. DISCUSS LAND DEVELOPMENT REQUEST FROM WOODLAND DEVELOPMENT Director of Community Development Neumeister stated that Woodland Development is asking 0 the City to include changes in the Comprehensive Plan Update to allow development of the five acres immediately north of the new Woodland Estates 3rd Addition before the Rural Reserve Area develops. He stated several factors need to be considered as part of the decision-making process, including the fact that the area would need to be brought into the MUSA and re- designated to Urban Residential Low Density. He stated the City Council and Met Council have agreed that the density for the Rural Reserve will be three units per net acre. He indicated the sketch plan will have approximately the same density as other Woodland Development sites, in the neighborhood of 2.5 units per acre. He stated the Met Council will likely take issue with this request. He stated that staffhad hoped the Met Council would accept the fact that we are compensating a larger land mass and this should be an exception to the rural reserve. Mr. Neumeister replied the developer is currently trying to find out if the Council is willing to do this in 2010, and if yes, it would require comprehensive plan approval. He noted we are about three years ahead of time on this request, noting that if the comprehensive plan is updated, we want to include it now so it does not need to be amended again in three years. Mayor Gamache asked about sewer and water capacity. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz stated this area will be on the Crosstown trunk and will have 13 lots connected into the sewer system, which would be the maximum. Councilmember Jacobson expressed concern about the master plan for this entire area. 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 23, 2007 0 Page 10 It was the consensus of the City Council to continue to review this matter to determine if the Comprehensive Plan Update should accommodate development of the five areas before the Rural Reserve Area develops. Staff will also work with the Met Council on the density issue. DISCUSS LOTS ALLOWED ON RURAL CUL-DE-SACS Director of Community Development Neumeister stated an issue regarding the number oflots allowed to front a cul-de-sac was raised through the Woodland Hills plat. He stated when the ordinance was changed to a maximum of two lots per cul-de-sac, it was never the intent to artificially limit the number oflots per cul-de-sac; rather, the intent was to allow two lots per cul- de-sac to use. the reduced lot width requirement of 160 feet. He stated staff does not believe there is any reason that a plat should be restricted from platting additional rural lots on a cul-de- sac if the standard 2.5 acre lot area, 300 foot width, and 150 foot depth requirements can be met. Councilmember Orttel stated it was the frontage that the Council was concerned about, and indicated this is a non-typical lot and the developer appears to have met the requirements of the ordinance. Councilmember Jacobson asked how this impacts other cul-de-sacs. 0 Mr. Neumeister stated you would have three lots on every cul-de-sac and the question for the Council is whether it wants to stay with two or increase it to three. He stated staff feels there are a lot of good reasons to increase it to three. Mayor Gamache asked if the City will have issues with other cul-de-sacs if the number is increased. Mr. Neumeister stated any future developer would have to prove that a particular lot is buildable. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz stated that in this area, you have large lots which must be 2.5 acres and if you can get three lots in the cul-de-sac, it would be cost effective because now you have three property owners helping to pay for maintenance, etc. It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to prepare an amendment to the ordinance to more accurately reflect the original intent of the ordinance. OTHER BUSINESS Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz reported the survey work on Marystone Boulevard is being completed. He indicated this matter will be brought to a workshop in the near future. 0 Mr. Berkowitz requested feedback from the Council regarding neighborhood meetings on the proposal to eliminate left turns onto Crosstown Drive from northbound Crosstown Boulevard. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 23, 2007 0 Page 11 He indicated there would be significant areas impacted by this proposal and asked if informational meetings should be held to obtain resident feedback. Mayor Gamache stated this is a very dangerous intersection. Mr. Berkowitz stated that staff would like to meet with the County in order to consider different options for the intersection, followed perhaps by neighborhood meetings. Councilmember Knight asked if putting time restrictions on left turns would be appropriate, and asked if the public complies with time restrictions. Mr. Berkowitz stated it would likely require law enforcement to start ticketing violators. Mr. Berkowitz provided an update on the Hanson Boulevard project and stated that weather conditions have caused some delay in completion of the project. He stated that the contractor is hoping for a November 1 completion date, but it may be mid-November before the road is opened. City Administrator Dickinson stated that City Attorney Bill Hawkins is considering retirement C and will be taking a two-month sabbatical. He stated that Mr. Hawkins wanted the Council to be aware of his intentions and to inform the Council that he will continue to be available for real estate transactions for the City and to assist Scott Baumgartner. Mr. Dickinson indicted that he felt confident that Mr. Baumgartner would do an excellent job and is very pleased with his performance and knowledge. Motion by Councilmember Orttel, seconded by Councilmember Trude, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Hughes, Recording Secretary C