HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK June 24, 2008
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 24, 2008
Conference Rooms A & B
1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m.
2. Discussion with Open Space Advisory Commission
3. Community Tour 6:45 p.m.
4. 2009-2013 CIP Development Progress Report
5. 2009 Budget Development Progress Report
0 6. Comprehensive Plan Update Discussion
7. Award Quote/07-37A/Metropolitan Mosquito Control- Supplemental
(Information distributed at meeting)
8. Other Business
9. Adjourn
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C.I T Y o F
NDOVE
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SPECIAL ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP - JUNE 24,2008
MINUTES
The Special Council Workshop of the Andover City Council was called to order by Councilmember
Ken Orttel, June 24, 2008, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW,
Andover, Minnesota.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Mike Gamache (arrived at 6:01 p.m.), Don Jacobson, Mike
Knight, Ken Orttel, and Julie Trude
Councilmembers absent: None
Open Space Advisory
Commissioners present: Deric Deuschle, Bruce Perry, and Kim Kovich
Also present: City Administrator Jim Dickinson
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Dave Berkowitz
Director of Community Development Will Neumeister
0 City Planner Courtney Bednarz
APPROVEAGENDA
Agenda approved as submitted.
Mayor Gamache arrived at 6:01 p.m.
DISCUSSION WITH OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION
Mr. Bednarz advised that the Open Space Advisory Commission had previously mentioned the idea
of establishing corridors and thought that it would be good to explain the purpose of the corridors to
the Council so that they may better understand the need. He explained that the purpose of the
corridors is to identify where the natural areas and features lie within the City.
Commissioner Deuschle thought that more discussion was needed on the thoughts behind the
process that the Commission had used. He explained that the corridors would not have an effect on
the residents living in them and would not change anything. He advised that the benefIts of having
the corridors would be that it would allow the Commission to narrow their focus, to keep the natural
areas connected, and it also gives the City the ability to apply for additional grants. He advised that
0 there is no intention of there being a negative impact to property owners.
Councilmember Trude advised that staffhad informed the Council that this was to be put into code
form so that it could be put into the City code book and questioned if there would be a less formal
process. She advised that residents may feel that there would be restrictions if the City is blanketed
0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting
Minutes - June 24, 2008
Page 2
by corridors. She stated that if any changes needed to be made to the corridors, and it was in the
code book, there would be a long, legal, complicated process to follow. She questioned if the
corridors could be done without being added to the code book.
Mr. Bednarz advised that if the Council were interested in adopting the corridors they could do that
as part of the comprehensive plan. He stated that there would not be any land use regulations tied to
the corridors and again explained that the purpose of the corridors is to identify where the natural
features are located.
Councilmember Orttel thought that this seemed similar to an Rl or R4 zoning. He explained that the
City could have the fIrst right to buy the property if it were to be placed for sale.
Councilmember Knight commented that because the corridors are not exact and cannot be described
they would be unable to code them.
Councilmember Trude advised that is why she was concerned.
0 Mr. Bednarz advised that the corridors would help them to gain grant money and explained that the
map could be adopted with text explaining the purpose and then would not have to be coded.
Councilmember Orttel stated that the comprehensive plan prevails over the code book but advised
that the two documents would still need to comply with each other.
Mr. Bednarz explained that the two documents would comply with each other as the corridor is only
identifying natural areas and does not have any regulations.
Mr. Dickinson advised that it would be similar to the transportation plan.
Councilmember Orttel stated that if you wanted to make changes to the map they would need to
amend the comprehensive plan and questioned if the map would need to be updated with every
development.
Mr. Bednarz explained that the map could be updated when the comprehensive plan updates are
made.
Councilmember Trude thought that this was similar to a project that the City Council is currently
working on with a developer and questioned if developers would need to change the confIguration of
their plans because of the corridors.
0 Mr. Bednarz explained that the corridors would not change the land use and zoning regulations that
the City has in place. He thought that the map could be used by the City as a tool to determine where
they might want to add a park or need a trail.
Councilmember Trude thought that the public might use the map against the City to stop
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Minutes -June 24,2008
Page 3
development in certain areas and was concerned about ending up in court over private property
Issues.
Councilmember Jacobson stated that they could give the corridor map to developers when they come
into the City so they are aware of the natural areas.
Councilmember Knight questioned how defInitive the DNR wants the City to be with the corridors.
Commissioner Kovich stated that if the DNR is going to give you money they want the information
that they are requesting. He advised that they would have to put the natural areas on a map
somewhere and explained again that this would not include any restrictions or changes being made.
Councilmember Orttel questioned what the reasons for the corridor were, other than inventory.
Commissioner Deuschle advised that some grants are contingent on having the corridors identifIed.
Councilmember Ortel questioned if they could have the map on the wall without putting it into a
0 document or coding it.
Mr. Bednarz advised that they could do that locally but explained that it would not be enough for the
DNR.
Commissioner Deuschle advised that the corridor shows how the natural areas and how they are
connected throughout the city. He explained that there might be developed areas included as they
have to connect the natural areas somehow.
Mr. Bednarz explained that there are also trees and plants within developments.
Commissioner Deuschle advised that the majority of the areas shown are not areas that they would
be interested in purchasing. He stated that there are already two DNR designated corridors within
the city and advised that there have not been any problems with those.
Councilmember Trude questioned how those were established.
Mr. Bednarz advised that the DNR adopted a seven county map.
Mayor Gamache advised that this map would allow the City to show the natural areas to the public
and then go to the DNR with the corridors to determine if funding is available. He explained that
they would still have the same zoning and this would not include any new regulations. He advised
0 that these would be ideal sites but in a willing seller and willing buyer situation.
Councilmember Orttel confIrmed that if this were not in the code and they did fmd a parcel they
would have to identify it within the comprehensive plan through an amendment in order to apply for
the grant. He explained that they would then be submitting an amendment on a resident's property
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Minutes - June 24, 2008
Page 4
and thought it would cause problems. He thought it would be better to have an overall map. He also
thought that this would be benefIcial when new members come onto that Commission, so that they
would be aware of the existing natural areas.
Councilmember Trude agreed that with good verbal documentation this could be a good tool for
people to use.
Commissioner Kovich advised that conservation easements could also be shown on the map.
Councilmember Trude questioned what the red lines were on the map.
Commissioner Kovich advised that those lines were in place from the Conservation District and
explained that they are outdated and would be removed.
Mayor Gamache thought that this would be helpful to show developers where the City would like to
have natural lands.
0 Councilmember Jacobson commented that it has .taken the Commission a year to develop this and
questioned what they would do next.
Commissioner DeuscWe replied that the Commission would use this information to be proactive and
contact prospective landowners. He advised that they are going to hold an open house for the public
and residents that might be interested in selling their land. He advised that they would also be
sharing the results of some of their grant work at the open house.
Mr. Dickinson advised that there are currently some dollars available that they would not need to
bond. He explained that when they are interested they would be able to bond. He thought that they
would fmd willing sellers.
Councilmember Knight advised that he is getting questions from the public on the status of the open
space.
Commissioner Kovich explained that they are setting the ground work for future Commissions to
use. He stated that the open house is going to be a good opportunity to show the public what they
have been working on and what is planned.
Councilmember Jacobson thought that someone from that Commission could write something up for
the next newsletter.
0 Councilmember Trude questioned if they should have another corridor that would stretch from the
yellow line and incorporate the wooded area.
Commissioner DeuscWe advised that the corridors do not follow any property lines.
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Minutes-June 24,2008
Page 5
Mr. Dickinson commented that the identifIcation of the corridors is more for the grant purposes and
explained that the referendum states that the land just has to be within the City limits.
Councilmember Knight questioned if any work had been done on legacy or memorial pieces.
Commissioner Kovich advised that the Conservation District has had two pieces that had been
donated recently through conservation easements. He stated that they had not yet had that happen in
Andover but if land were donated they would place a memorial sign on the land.
Councilmember Jacobson questioned if the open house would be announced in the newsletter.
Commissioner Deuschle stated that they had missed the deadline for the next newsletter and
explained that is why they are going to have the open house in September, so that they would be able
to get something in the next newsletter before the event. He stated that the landowners that they are
most interested in would receive a direct mailing from the City. He advised that they would also
have some outside experts at the event, such as a representative from Minnesota Land Trust.
0 Councilmember Knight thought that they could also do a spot on QCTV for the event.
Mayor Gamache commented that it would be a good opportunity to educate the public.
Councilmember Trude questioned if the next step would be to adopt this.
Mr. Bednarz advised that it would become part of the comprehensive plan, as that is the most public
document in the City. He advised that this would also give them the opportunity to work with the
DNR to update their corridors and with the ability to gain grant money.
Councilmember Trude questioned how something could be in the corridor if all the natural areas had
been destroyed.
Mr. Bednarz explained that when they are fInished with the sod farm it would only take about two
years to return to a natural state. He advised that just because something is in the corridor does not
mean that they would have to buy it.
Commissioner Deuschle explained that the purpose of the corridor is to identify the natural areas and
to show the connectivity.
Councilmember Orttel questioned what notice would need to be given for this.
0 Mr. Bednarz advised that they would have the open house and the adoption of the map would go
along with the comprehensive plan.
Mayor Gamache thought that it would be benefIcial for them to have aerial maps of the city at the
open house. He thought that the Commission did a great job and that the open house would be a
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Minutes - June 24, 2008
Page 6
good idea.
Councilmember Trude questioned if this could change with public input.
Commissioner Deuschle advised that they have a professional botanist researching this topic now
and that is the input they would be sharing at the open house.
Councilmember Knight congratulated the Commission on their hard work.
Commissioner Deuschle thanked Mr. Bednarz for all the help he has given to the Commission
throughout this process.
Mayor Gamache commented that Mr. Bednarz had been a big help on this project since the inception
of the open space referendum.
Mr. Bednarz confIrmed that they then have a green light to use this map as a working document. He
reported that the open house for the public would be held in mid-September.
0 Mayor Gamache directed the meeting to a bus at 6:45 p.m. so the Council could go on a community
tour.
AWARD QUOTE/07-37A/METROPOLITAN MOSQUITO CONTROL
Motion by Jacobson. Seconded by Knight. to approve quotes and award prolect 07-37A.
Metropolitan Mosquito Control to Forest Lake Contracting. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMUNITY TOUR
Council and staff went on a bus tour of the City to see how some projects are moving along and get a
feel for what could have been changed or needs to be changed to acheive the outcomes the council
desires. The following are the various stops on the tour: Potential Open Space Preservation Area
East of Hanson Boulevard, Country Oaks West, Millers Woods, Hickory Meadows, Bunker Lake
boulevard railroad crossing, Andover Station North, Andover Station South, Crosstown
Redevelopment Area, North Glen Mill and Overlay project, Fox Cove Sketch Plan area, Woodland
Creek Golf Course, code enforcement problem property, Rural Reserve Area, Hughes Industrial
Park, Cardinal Ridge/W oodland Crossing/Shaws Glen, and Woodland Estates farm road area.
2009 - 2013 CIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT
0 Staff presented a progress report on the 2009-2013 Capital Improvement Plan to the Council. Mr.
Dickinson stated that staff is focusing on equipment items for the CIP. Staffhas also updated various
projects identifIed in the CIP. Throughout the summer it is anticipated that a signifIcant amount of
time will be spend on evaluating water/sewer infrastructure, transportation improvements, building
maintenance, equipment and park and recreation needs. Each of these items will be supported by
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Minutes - June 24, 2008
Page 7
detailed cash flow analysis of funding sources and presented to the Council for a detailed review at
future workshops.
Mr. Dickinson indicated that Staff is seeking the Councils fIrst blush review of the projects and
equipment proposed and additional Council direction on whether or not the Council's priorities are
being met with the current 2009-2013 CIP work product. Staffwill then take those comments into
consideration before the presentation of a "Draft 2009-2013 CIP" in September.
The Council felt that staff was going in the right direction and stressed that the CIP proposed in
September be a document that is usable and fIscally responsible.
2009 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Mr. Dickinson stated City Departments are well underway to compiling their proposed 2009 Annual
Operating Budgets; the deadline for each department's submission to Finance/Administration is July
3, 2008.
Mr. Dickinson stated the deadline for new staffing requests is July 3rd also. He is anticipating that
0 requests are forthcoming from the Fire Department and the Community Center. The staffing request
for the Fire Department will likely be accompanied by a grant application and the Community Center
request will be requested to assist with concessions and program management. A staffing request for
the Community Center will flow through the Community Center Advisory Commission and be
dependent on available revenue sources.
The Council expressed concern about the Fire Department staffing requests and wanted staff to
analyze the future impacts of the staffing costs after the grant dollars end.
Mr. Dickinson stated the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended December 31,
2007 reported that the City did achieve it's 2008 budget goal of establishing the General Fund fund
balance for working capital at no less than 35% of planned 2008 General Fund expenditures
($8,885,654). $3,417,244 was available, which equates to a 38.45% fund balance for working
capital for the 2008 Budget.
Department Heads are working on 2008 revenue and expenditure estimates that will assist in
achieving the Council 2009 budget guideline that works toward establishing the General Fund fund
balance for working capital at no less than 35% of planned 2009 General Fund expenditures. The
estimates are also necessary to preserve the emergency reserve fund balances for core services (snow
emergency, facility management, and information technology ).
0 Based on reviews to date, there are a number of2008 revenue line items that are forecasted that will
signifIcantly not meet their 2008 budget. Most notably: Finance Fees, Planning and Zoning Fees,
Engineering Fees, Protective Inspection (Building) and Interest Earnings.
Based on reviews to date, there are a number of 2008 expenditure line items that are forecasted to
,
0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting
Minutes - June 24, 2008
Page 8
signifIcantly exceed their 2008 budget. Most notably: Fuel (gas & diesel), Sign Materials, Crack
Fill/Seal Coat Materials, GarbageIRecycling Fees, and Salt/Sand.
A total salary compensation adjustment package will ultimately be proposed to provide wages that
are competitive with other government entities. Human Resources indicates that 2009 wage
proposals in other communities for a cost-of-living increase are ranging from 2.5% to 3.5%. At this
point no percentage has been established.
Council indicated that an increase should be comparable to neighboring cities.
Mr. Dickinson presented some staffing cost saving strategies, including the offer of reduced hours to
various staff. He felt he would get more participation if the employer contribution on health
insurance was not prorated.
Council indicated they would like to see more details on this proposal.
Mr. Dickinson indicated that the 2009 Anoka County Sheriff's contract is currently being negotiated
and close to a 10% expenditure increase is expected due to the following: employer PERA
0 contribution increases that start in 2009, a full year of the patrol investigator versus the 2008 mid
year implementation, fuel prices, and increased equipment maintenance costs. Mr. Dickinson is
recommending a status quo contract relative to services provided by the Sheriff.
Council direction was to not seek additional services in the 2009 Sheriff contract.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DISCUSSION
Mr. Neumeister reviewed with the Council what has been submitted by other surrounding
jurisdictions and the progress staff was making on processing the Comprehensive Plan update.
The Council expressed concern about Oak Grove's plan that shows they are contemplating a MUSA
expansion that would tie into the East Bethel sewer plant that is being planned.
The Council directed staff to draft a letter to the City of Oak Grove identifying the concerns of the
Council including the city's extensive reviews of rural areas of the city in recent years and the
decision to maintain the northern areas of the city as rural without utilities. Mr. Nuemeister
indicated that a letter would be on the July 1 st Council agenda for the Council to review.
OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS
Mr. Dickinson explained to the Council the details of the funding sources discussed at the last
0 Council meeting relative to the land purchase. He was directed to prepare an agenda item for the
next Council meeting to approve the funding sources.
Staff was directed to secure a booth at the Funfest.
0 Special Andover City Council Workshop Meeting
Minutes -June 24, 2008
Page 9
Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary
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