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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK - April 27, 2010 " 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, April 27, 2010 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m. 2. Consider Naming Fields/Sunshine Park! Andover Athletic Association (Continued from April 6th Meeting) - Engineering 3. Consider Proposal from North Metro Soccer Association/Hawkridge Park!09-18 -- Engineering 4. Discuss 2011 Street Reconstruction Projects - Engineering 0 5. Code Amendment Discussion/Exterior Storage of Commercial Vehicles & Recreational Vehicle Storage on Rural Lots 6. 2011-2015 Capital Improvement Plan Discussion 7. 2011 Budget Development Discussion 8. Other Topics 9. Adjournment 0 0 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - APRIL 27, 2010 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, April 27, 2010, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Sheri Bukkila, Don Jacobson, Mike Knight (arrived at 6:25 p.m.), Julie Trude Councilmembers absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Director of Public Works/City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz Community Development Director, Will Neumeister Others APPROVE AGENDA 0 The agenda was approved as submitted. CONSIDER NAMING FIELDSISUNSHINEPARKI ANDOVERATHLETICASSOCIATION (CONTINUED FROM APRIL 6, 2010, MEETING) Mr. Berkowitz presented the request of the Andover Athletic Association to consider naming Sunshine Park Fields 1-4, together with a draft of recent Park and Recreation Commission minutes regarding this subject. Mr. Stephen Gompertz, President of Andover Athletic Association (AAA), stated that the AAA Board is in agreement with the four nominees selected, however, the Board feels strongly that two individuals should be added to the list, Gary West and Gary Shea, because they were also original founders of Sunshine Park. He added that the AAA Board suggested reducing the named fields to three and putting two names on each field. He indicated the AAA Board suggested having Gary West and Gary Shea on one field, Roger Sharon and Al Grabowski on one field, and Merle Prochniak and David O'Toole on a remaining field. Councilmember Jacobson stated he felt the bigger issue for Council to consider is that this will be tying up the naming of facilities for everybody for years. He indicated it will be important to consider how fields are named, particularly if a field is a multi-use field. He questioned naming a number of fields all at one time, and added he would rather take incremental steps because things 0 change over the years. Councilmember Trude suggested a compromise that would have a "founder's field" where names of people that were founders are displayed on a wall, along with other individuals who went above and beyond in their efforts with respect to a park. She felt this was a good way to commemorate the -~ - 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes -April 27, 2010 Page 2 contributions of many people without naming of fields per se. In addition with one founder's field, a second field could become a soldier's field; a third field could become an AAA field where members could be honored, with a fourth field left open for the future. Councilmember J aco bson noted that the City's parks belong to everybody and there are likely other people out there who should have a facility named after them. He stated the Council should consider other criteria for naming a park other than just those individuals who worked on it from AAA' Mayor Gamache stated the nominees are the ones who had the vision, the desire, and the drive to make something happen, above and beyond working with AAA. Councilmember Jacobson stated there are a number of people associated with the development of Sunshine Park who fall into that categOlY. He felt a better solution would be a wall where name plates are placed to honor all the individuals who worked on a p8.liicular project. Councilmember Trude suggested that the AAA Board give further consideration to a display wall honoring the nominees and come back to the Council with its thoughts. 0 Mr. Gompertz asked if this is something the City is offering to fund. Several Councilmembers thought if the cost were not substantial something could be worked out. Councilmember Trude replied that the City should not pay for this. She suggested using a plaque that says "founder's field," with name plates suspended honoring the nominees and other individuals selected by the AAA that could be added later. Councilmember Knight suggested reserving the naming of a field so the City could honor soldiers that may be killed in a war in Iraq or Afghanistan. Councilmember Trude stated that the City has to keep in mind that football, lacrosse, soccer, and other sports may all have similar requests and it will be important to have a means of commemorating people in the community now and in the future. Council consensus was reached to ask the Andover Athletic Association to give consideration to a display wall as a means of honoring the individuals nominated by the AAA Board. CONSIDER PROPOSAL FROM NORTH METRO SOCCER ASSOCIA TION / HAWKRIDGE PARK/09-18 0 Mr. Berkowitz presented the proposal from the North Metro Soccer Association (NMSA) regarding the redevelopment of Hawkridge Park and its proposed donation of $100,000 to be used toward reconstruction of the park. He presented a cost estimate for Phase 1 in the amount of approximately $220,000, representing extension ofthe parking area, realigning the roadway, drilling a well, and providing extensive irrigation within the fields to have good useable turf on the fields. He indicated --- - -~ 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes -April 27, 2010 Page 3 that relocation of the hockey rink will be accomplished using funds already allocated for park improvement projects, estimated at $43,000. He added that the hockey rink relocation labor will be done primarily by Public Works staff. He pointed out that the $100,000 donation by NMSA would be required up front before any work commences on the Phase I project. Mr. Berkowitz then discussed the five bullet points outlined in NMSA's Apri121, 2010 letter. He stated that NMSA is requesting that the Hawkridge Park redevelopment project not interfere with the use of the two soccer fields currently set up for the 2010 spring/summer soccer leagues. Mr. Mark Miller, NMSA, interjected that NMSA learned this morning that this request can be deleted. Mr. Berkowitz stated that NMSA's second request is to have the right of first use ofthe Hawkridge fields from April 1 through October 30 annually. Councilmember Knight expressed concern regarding this request and questioned whether NMSA can legally make this request. He asked if the Hawkridge Park fields will remain public. 0 Mr. Miller and Ms. Barb Anderson, NMSA President, replied in the affirmative. Mr. Dickinson stated that conceptually, this park will be utilized primarily for soccer. He indicated that the City would not give NMSA first rights, but the City could give NMSA a commitment that this facility is primarily dedicated to soccer. Councilmember Jacobson stated that NMSA should not be given right of first use from April I through October 30 annually. He stated that this facility is not just a soccer complex and ifthe City were to give them first use, it would eliminate other use of that facility. He stated the City will expend public funds for the redevelopment of the park and did not feel that NMSA should be given first right use since this is a public facility available to everybody. Ms. Anderson stated that NMSA will work through this issue to make sure that there is no conflict and added that NMSA is committed to ensuring that the soccer needs of the community are met. Mr. Dickinson stated he would be comfortable with the use ofthe word "opportunity" versus "right of first use." He added that this donation will require formal action by the City Council via resolution; if the Council adopts the resolution, the Council would also accept the NMSA funds as a dedicated donation for a specific purpose identified in the resolution. Mr. Miller stated that the NMSA Board wants to avoid a situation where significant scheduling 0 conflicts arise because another organization wants to use the fields, particularly since NMSA will have made a substantial investment in the location. Mr. Dickinson suggested a Memorandum of Understanding be developed that addresses these issues. 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes-April 27, 2010 Page 4 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, to direct staff to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding for subsequent City Council approval based upon the bullet points contained in NMSA's April 21, 2010 letter, including a complete understanding as to what is and is not allowed at Hawkridge Park, and to proceed forward to accept NMSA'sdonation of $100,000 following completion and execution of the Memorandum of Understanding. Further Discussion: Mr. Berkowitz stated that the fact that NMSA has eliminated their first bullet point regarding excavation means that City staff can get started on the project sooner. He stated it is important that NMSA understands that if the City seeds the fields by September, they may not be ready for use next summer; if the fields are sodded, the fields will be ready for play in 2011. Mr. Berkowitz discussed the third bullet contained in NMSA's letter stating that adequate parking will be provided at Hawkridge Park, and identified the parking on the Phase I drawing showing additional overflow parking through the free skate area which will eliminate cars parking on Verdin Street. He discussed the relocation of the hockey rink and work contemplated during Phase 2 and Phase 3. He indicated that the County has informed staff that it would be okay with relocation of the access point across from I 80th A venue and the County indicated that the north entrance would be 0 right in right out only. Mr. Berkowitz discussed the fourth bullet contained in NMSA's letter stating that NMSA will be informed and included in any discussion if the City decides to remove the hockey rink from this facility. He stated that the City is in agreement with this request and is part of the City's normal practice. Mr. Berkowitz discu~sed the fifth bullet contained in NMSA's letter stating that NMSA has a first right to develop and use the proposed building or buildings of Phase 3 of the project. He indicated that this item can be addressed in the Memorandum of Understanding. He stated that this building would also be used as a warming house for the hockey rink, which means there will be sharedspace and NMSA has stated they are okay with this. He added that City staff has identified a drain field for a bathroom and some type of restroom in this building. Mr. Berkowitz stated that NMSA' s April 21 , 2010 letter also contains a statement that it is NMSA' s understanding that current field allocations will not be decreased on account of this project. He stated that NMSA needs more fields and does not want to contribute to an improvement and then lose some of the other fields throughout city. Mr. Dickinson stated that additional funding to complete this project amounts to approximately $120,000 and funding needs to be secured before moving forward with the work. 0 Mr. Dickinson stated that the City has now paid off the debt for the Andover Station North ball fields and as that payment gets completed, there is a potential for available funding for projects moving forward. 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes -April 27, 2010 Page 5 Mayor Gamache stated that it makes sense to secure funding for this project since the City has the opportunity of matching dollars available. Motion carried unanimously. CODE AMENDMENT DISCUSSION / EXTERIOR STORAGE OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & RECREATIONAL VEHICLE STORAGE ON RURAL LOTS Councilmember Jacobson stated it is his understanding that the City Council wanted to keep the one ton restriction on commercial vehicles. He stated if someone has a commercial vehicle that can fit inside a garage, regardless of weight, it should be permitted. Mr. Dickinson stated that Examples # 3, 7 and 10 fall within the one ton category but Council indicated that Examples #3 and #7 should not be allowed, but #10 is permissible. He cautioned Council on being arbitrary in how it is selecting permitted vehicles. Mr. Dickinson asked the Council to discuss height restrictions and advertising restrictions, and added that determining how much advertising is allowed will be difficult. He provided some comparative 0 data and indicated that Maple Grove restricts vehicles to 12,000 pounds but no height restriction, Coon Rapids restricts vehicles to % ton, Lino Lakes restricts vehicles to 11,075 pounds, and Champlin allows up to a 9' vehicle. Mr. Dickinson suggested the City Council utilize a one ton weight and 9' height restrictions, that it not address advertising restrictions, and that the Code prohibit school buses on rural lots. Mr. Dickinson stated that staff conducted further research regarding recreational vehicle storage and suggested limiting recreational vehicles to 45' maximum length with up to two recreational vehicles allowed per lot, but recreational vehicles would also be required to have a current license. Mr. Neumeister stated that screening requirements would be difficult to enforce. Councilmember Trude explained that she favored screening at ground level with plantings or a six foot fence so that adjoining property owners would not view the RVs from their property line. Councilmember Bukkila stated that she did not have a problem with encouraging residents to screen their recreational vehicles, but did not want to put anything in the ordinance that requires screening. Council consensus was reached to amend the City Code to allow commercial vehicles up to a maximum of one ton in weight and 9' in height. Consensus was also reached to not address 0 advertising restrictions in the City Code, and that the City Code should prohibit school buses on rural lots. 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes -April 27, 2010 Page 6 Council consensus was reached to allow recreational vehicles up to 45' in length with a current license and to allow up to two recreational vehicles per 2.5 acre or larger lot without requiring screenmg. DISCUSS 2011 STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS Mr. Berkowitz presented the 2011 Street Reconstruction Project and stated the East Brook Terrace development does not currently have City water. He asked if the Council wished to consider the installation of City water in conjunction with this street project. He discussed the cost for installing City water to this area, estimated between $12,000 and $15,000 per lot. He acknowledged that this is . a big burden for residents. Councilmember Jacobson stated if residents do not want City water installed in this area, it will be an even bigger expense in the future. He stated that staff should discuss having City water installed with the residents and let them decide. Mr. Berkowitz agreed that staffwill meet with the neighborhood and provide the cost estimates to them. He stated that staff will also be meeting with the Flintwood Street project area residents and discussing the potential to pave their streets. 0 Three Way Stop Signs Discussion Mr. Berkowitz stated that the Public Works Committee has discussed how to approach 3 and 4 way stop signs that do not meet guidance. He stated that the stop sign on 169tl1 A venue by Tulip Street will be removed and City staff has begun the process for removal ofthat stop sign. He indicated that Mr. Dave Johnson, a resident, contacted the City and requested that the stop sign remain in its current location; Mr. Johnson expressed concern that there is a crest in the road and the stop sign forces drivers to slow down. Mr. Berkowitz stated that this stop sign does not meet the criteria in the manual for a multi-way stop. Mayor Gamache asked that a hidden driveway sign be placed in the area. Mr. Berkowitz stated that another stop sign on Jonquil Street and South Coon Creek Drive does not meet warrants and needs to be removed. He indicated that staff has received a number of phone calls from residents voicing significant concern about the removal of this stop sign, particularly because there are a lot of children in the area. He stated that the speed limit is 30 mph on Coon Creek Drive and a traffic control change sign will be installed in the area. Mayor Gamache requested that a sign be installed that indicates that cross traffic does not stop. Councilmember Bukkila stress speed enforcement. Councilmember Trude asked that a traffic control change sign be used to alert drivers from each street of the change. 0 Consensus was reached to place this item on the City Council consent agenda for May 4, 2010. Councilmember Knight requested that staff have information available for residents at the City Council meeting regarding the State rules and regulations for stop signs. 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes -April 27, 2010 Page 7 2011-2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DISCUSSION Mr. Dickinson presented the 2011-2015 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and discussed 2011-2015 priorities. He stated that the ladder truck purchase may be pushed out and discussed the trade-in value. He added that the 1994 tandem truck used by the street department will be kept in order to make sure that a backup vehicle is available if necessary; staff is also contemplating delaying this purchase and other purchases. The City Council discussed the City's vehicle fleet and the corresponding safety and maintenance of the fleet and prioritizing the needs of the City to ensure service needs are met. 2011 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION Mr. Dickinson stated the City departments will soon be discussing the 2011 budget and discussed the fiscal goal that works to establish a General Fund balance for working capital at no less than 35% of planned 2011 General Fund expenditures and preservation of emergency fund balances. He explained that at the end of2009, the City hit its target of having a working cash flow balance ofnot 0 less than 35%, and ended up at 36.1 % for working capital. He stated that the City also preserved its emergency fund balances; in addition, the fund balance designated $79,500 for 2009 budget carryforwards and $490,186 to cover the 2010 Market Value Homestead Credit unallotrnents. He indicated it is important to note that the City is prepared to meet its goal of a 97% expenditure directive for 2011. He discussed the availability of additional tax levy in 20 II and noted that this will be limited due to the anticipated market value percentage decreases. He stated that the Anoka County Sheriff s contract may show a slight increase. He also discussed the City's current wage freeze and furlough program. He stated that staff is comfortable going forward with the 2011 budget with a continued fiscal goal that establishes the General Fund balance at no less than 35% of planned General Fund expenditures. OTHER TOPICS Mr. Dickinson reported that developer assessments were due on April 15tl1 and the City was fortunate to receive all but one of them. He advised that payment in the amount of$71,728.60 was not made by one developer and this developer came in before the due date and alerted staff that he would not be able to make the payment. He indicated the outstanding principal is $480,945 and the City's letter of credit is $165,000. He stated the developer has requested the City defer this year's principal payment until next year and to extend the term, keeping the same interest rate and not changing the assessment value. He explained that by extending the term, the City will earn an additional $29,000 in interest. He pointed out that the City has already paid off the bonds on this project. He added that 0 this item will be brought to the City Council for formal action on May 4th. Mr. Dickinson presented two options for a different type of resident newsletter, one from the City of Anoka, which uses Prime Marketing, and the other from the City of Ramsey, which uses Youth First Marketing. . 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes -April 27, 2010 Page 8 Councilmember J aco bson suggested having the Newsletter Committee review the options and make a recommendation to Council. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Hughes, Recording Secretary 0 C