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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK - October 26, 2010 .' 0 NDbVE~ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. ' ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304, (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 0 WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - OCTOBER 26, 2010 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, October 26,2010,6:04 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Sheri Bukkila, Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, and Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Director of Public Works/City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz Nature Resource Technician, Kameron Kytonen Anoka County Highway Department, Kurt Cobalarsik Anoka County Highway Department, Jason Orcut Others 0 PRESENTATION / ANOKA COUNTY HIGHWAYDEPT./PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION OF BliNKER LAKE BOULEVARD NW Mr. Berkowitz explained that Bunker Lake Boulevard NW from 138th Avenue NW through the intersection of 7th Avenue NW is scheduled for reconstruction in 2012. He advised that an open house is scheduled for November 16th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Anoka City Hall. He introduced the two members from the Anoka County Highway Department and briefly summarized the items that would be discussed by those individuals. Kurt Cobalarsik, Anoka County Highway Department, presented details of the proposed improvements to Bunker Lake Boulevard NW, noting that federal funding was received in 2007 in the amount of$4,200,000. He advised that once completed Bunker Lake Boulevard would provide four lanes of traffic from County Road 57 in Ramsey through Hanson Boulevard. Councilmember Knight stated that the truck traffic along 7th A venue has increased significantly in the past few years and questioned if there was a reason for that. Mr. Dickinson stated that Bunker Lake Boulevard has become a more viable route for many drivers, compared to the past years when Highway 10 was the only route. Councilmember Knight commented that when originally built the roadway was floated. Mr. 0 Cobalarsik stated that they would prefer to remove the unsuitable materials but noted that it would depend on the amount and depth of unsuitable materials found. Jason Orcut reviewed the options for entrance and exit to developments along the proposed reconstruction. He advised that those residents would be contacted several times during the project 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 26,2010 Page 2 and communication would remain open. He advised that all answers are not known at this time and they would attempt to work with residents to provide the best options possible. He confirmed that additional right-of-way would be needed but the project would attempt to minimize that need. He stated that there is much design and public relations work that is still to be done in the coming months. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if access would be provided to the Sonsteby lot which would be developed in the future. Mr. Orcut stated that discussion had occurred with that property owner and noted that future access would be provided through a JP A. Councilmember Trude expressed concern over one access point on Bunker Lake Boulevard for the large amount of people that could live in that area when developed. Mr. Orcut stated that the right in/right out option would be provided on Bunker Lake Boulevard because of safety reasons and the proximity to the intersection. He advised that another full access would be provided along 7th Avenue. Mr. Berkowitz stated that when this possible development was discussed with the property owners and the City it was discussed that an intersection with a light control could be provided along 7th 0 A venue for that parcel. He explained that because of the proximity to the intersection, the only option for access to Bunker Lake Boulevard would likely be a right in/right out option. Councilmember Jacobson stated there is concem over the absence of full access along Bunker Lake Boulevard and suggested that further research be completed to determine that possibility. Mr. Orcut stated that from an engineering standpoint a full access entry point would fail at the suggested location. He explained that the business owner on the corner of Bunker Lake Boulevard and 7th A venue directs his traffic further down 7th A venue, rather than Bunker Lake Boulevard, because of the amount of traffic. The City Council wants to ensure a full access signalized intersection off of7tll A venue before they will approve the JP A for the project. There was a discussion about a traffic study that was done by a City consultant back in 2007 that concluded a full signalized intersection would be prudent in this location. Councilmember Jacobson confirmed that both the cities of Anoka and Andover would need to agree with these plans in order to move forward. He questioned what would occur if both cities did not agree. Mr. Orcut advised that the $4,200,000 in federal funding could be lost. Mr. Berkowitz explained that the full access signalized intersection along ih A venue to access the developable area would occur at a future time and would not be included in this plan. 0 Mr. Orcut explained that the reason for the meeting tonight was to review the big picture of the plans. He advised that final decisions would not occur tonight. Councilmember Jacobson stated that he wanted to ensure that the comments were heard tonight so 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 26,2010 Page 3 that further along the process it would not be said that it was too late to discuss the option. Mr. Orcut advised that the JP A would be signed at a later date. Councilmember Bukkila questioned if a right in/right out access could be provided to the businesses that would be developed in that parcel. Mr. Orcut confirmed that a right in/right out access could also be provided to that development along 7tl1 Avenue. Mr. Berkowitz confirmed that staff and the County.would continue discussions regarding these concerns. He stated that noise walls now have to be analyzed for County roadways and explained that along the residential properties that analysis is currently taking place. Mr. Cobalarsik explained that currently the noise decibels are near the threshold in some areas along the project and noted that the noise walls may need to be discussed in some areas. Mr. Berkowitz reviewed some of the items that would affect a noise wall, such as whether homeowners want the noise wall. The County has stated that noise walls if required shall be funded by the City if the County identified this in the development plat review. Mr. Berkowitz stated he did not feel that the City should pay all the cost and would not recommend that to the City Council. 0 Mr. Orcut confirmed that access and noise walls would be the main discussion points that could be discussed again after the public meeting in November. Mr. Berkowitz discussed the trail section that could be built along with the project, but outside of federal funding. He advised that the section of trail would be estimated at a cost of$450,000, mainly because of the wetland, and noted that this estimate is a worst case scenario cost. He stated that the proposed area is a regional trail connection for the County parks, which would allow for a 50/50 cost-share, paid back within five to seven years. He advised that MET Council soliCitation grant funds could be available for the proj ect as well. He stated that staff would like to apply for the grant funding. He explained that there would be a possibility that the grant funds would not be received. He stated that if the City does not build the trail with this project he did not believe that another opportunity would be provided. Mr. Berkowitz recommended the design be prepared at this time and funding options be pursued. If grant funding falls through the City Council can determine at that time if they would like to move forward with construction of the trail. Councilmember Jacobson questioned the cost that the City would incur during this project, outside of the possible trail and noise walls. Mr. Berkowitz explained that the actual cost is not known at this point and advised that the federal funds would first be applied to the project. Mr. Orcut advised that a draft JP A and draft cost would be provided to the City for review prior to 0 construction beginning. Mr. Berkowitz discussed possible options for funding for the City, such as the CIP fund and State aid funding. 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 26, 2010 Page 4 The Council thanked the members of the Anoka County Highway Department for their time and for listening to their concems; discussions will continue to occur in the future. DISCUSS ILLICIT DISCHARGE ORDINANCE Mr. Berkowitz. explained that under the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, the City is required to have an ordinance in place that prohibits non-storm water discharges and to implement a program for detection and enforcement of illicit discharges. He advised that this is a work-in-progress document and was open to comments and changes. Councilmember Trude commented that some of the regulations seem heavy handed for this community. She presented a draft ordinance that she had composed for the Council to review. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if this ordinance would be complaint driven. Mr. Kytonen confIrmed that the ordinance would be complaint driven and also based on what is noticed by staff. Councilmember Trude stated that some items are already covered by other ordinances, such as the 0 nuisance ordinance. Mr. Berkowitz stated that some items are included in the nuisance and storm sewer ordinances. He advised that the two ordinances could be adjusted to incorporate the illicit discharge items or a condensed illicit discharge ordinance could be drafted. The Council determined that staff would incorporate Council comments into the existing storm sewer and nuisance ordinances; the draft would be brought back to the Council for review. DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS REPORT Mr. Dickinson explained the Council is requested to provide direction regarding new residential development in the community. He stated that due to the economy stafffelt that it was a good time to review the state of development from a community standpoint. He stated that there is not an excessive lot inventory in the City of Andover, compared to neighboring communities. He advised that most builders have dropped prices on their homes, and lots, and the demand for rural lots has decreased. He reported that 64 single family homes have been built in the City during this year and estimated the next year would remain in line with that number. He advised that funds had been infused into the parks improvement fund via the EDA and explained that park fees may need to be adjusted due to that infusion. He reported that staff reviewed the platting process and believes that the current process runs smoothly. 0 Mr. Berkowitz explained the platting process. Mr. Dickinson highlighted the areas of the City which staff felt would be developed first. He summarized items that should be considered regarding development, such as options that would 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 26, 2010 Page 5 make the rural reserve more attractive for a developer, such as setbacks and buildability requirements. Mayor Gamache questioned the possibility of development on the rural reserve. Mr. Dickinson stated that he did not foresee the rural reserve developing in a master plan in the next ten years. He stated that development may be pushed to other areas that were originally believed to develop after the rural reserve. Councilmember Knight commented that with the current population trends maybe development will not occur in the same manner it has in the past. Mr. Dickinson agreed that development would most likely not continue in the same manner it had in the past. He believed that development would more likely occur in numbers of 15 lots or less. Mr. Dickinson stated that staff has had discussion with property owners in regard to development and would like to have additional discussion with the builders and developers. He summarized the information provided to the Council tonight. Mayor Gamache commented that the City has a suitable number of buildable lots right now and did 0 not believe that changes should be made to the rural reserve regulations at this time. Mr. Dickinson commented that 20 units of sewer were removed from White Pines Wilderness with the open space purchase and advised that those units could be provided to another development near that area. The Council agreed that staff could discuss the 20 available sewer units near White Pines Wilderness, and that discussion could occur between staff, developers and builders. DISCUSS ALTERNATIVE ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES Mr. Dickinson noted that a past goal of the Council has been to continually pursue cost-effective altemative energy opportunities. He referenced the September Star Tribune article regarding alternative energy opportunities and questioned if staff should obtain further information. He advised that a company in Coon Rapids would offer a power purchase agreement (PP . A) for installation of solar panels on the flat roofs. He advised that the PP A is offered to non-profits and govemment agencies with the hopes of achieving a modest 5% rate of retum for the investors. He stated that the first building which could be pursued for solar panels would be the community center. He explained the PP A process and the contract that would need to be entered into. He advised that the City would gain predictability in electric charges, visibility in green technology, and possibly other perceived benefits. He noted that additional information would need to be gathered 0 but explained that he wanted to gain the input of the Council prior to researching too far into this option. Councilmember Jacobson provided his input in regard to the PP A and explained that this agreement would be put into place for 20 years and believed that the rate of increase would need to be reviewed 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 26,2010 Page 6 to determine if that rate would be better than the rate of increase from the power company. Mr. Dickinson explained that the current rate would need to be negotiated to provide a lower rate and additional savings for the next several years. He advised that by the time you hit the 20 year mark you would most likely be at the same rate that you would have through the power company. He advised that the benefit would be the immediate savings and the solar power usage. He advised that this company is willing to come into the City to hold a meeting and discuss the possibility further. He questioned if the Council would like to hear additional information regarding this option. The Council felt that additional information should be gathered regarding this item and is open to a meeting with this company. DISCUSS CITY NEWSLETTER OPTOINS Mr. Dickinson referenced the quotes from vendors to prepare and distribute the City's newsletter. He recommended that the City stay with the existing vendor. Councilmember Trude questioned if Prime could cut down the page number from 16 to become more comparable. 0 Mayor Gamache confirmed that the prices listed as based on apple to apple comparisons. Mr. Dickinson confirmed that the City could stay with ECM and change the type of paper to improve the presentation. The Council felt that the City should remain with ECM and discuss options for improving the quality of the paper. 2010 BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION REPORT & MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT Mr. Dickinson explained the 2010 budget and levy were the outcome of a number of Council budget workshops and numerous staff meetings. He summarized the higWights of the report for the Council and noted that the City is on target with the current expenses. 2011 DEBT SERVICE & CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDS BUDGET DISCUSSION Mr. Dickinson noted the Council has had a number of reviews of the 2011 proposed general fund budget that will be supported by the 2011 tax levy. He questioned ifthe Council had any concems or questions. 0 Councilmember Bukkila confirmed that many of the debt services will be falling off in the near future. Mr. Dickinson explained that the agreement with the YMCA was not changed and advised that funds were saved by refinancing. He explained the process of advance refunding and noted that the 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 26,2010 Page 7 original bond call date was set at 2014. He advised that in regard to the 2011 equipment notes staff would review a private placement option to save funds in particular financing fees. The Council was in agreement with the information provided. 2011 GENERAL FUND BUDGET DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Mr. Dickinson provided an update including the newsletter presentation, open space purchases, fund balances, debt service, a zero percent gross levy, and a focus on staffing. He advised that staff believes that the authority to obtain special levying, as discussed, will be granted. He reviewed staffing changes and noted that four employees are still on voluntary furlough. He provided an update regarding health benefits. He noted that the sheriff contract had been agreed upon and signed. He stated that the YMCA has brought on board a senior youth coordinator and advised that the goal is to reach the youth and teens in the community, while the current challenges are space and funding. He stated that the YMCA is requesting a partnership with the City, and explained that requests currently are for space through classrooms at Oakview. He advised that staff would attempt to gain the additional space, and noted that Friday night space could also be requested and may be available through Constance Free Church. He advised that the YMCA is also requesting funds. He noted that 0 available funds would currently be $23,000 for 201'1 and questioned if the Council would be interested and the dollar amount that the Council would support. Councilmember Bukkila stated that she believed a specific program would need to be seen prior to funds being committed from the City. She believed that the youth in the target zone may not be interested in going to a church but may be interested should the program be held at the YMCA. She also questioned the logistics of holding an event which would end possibly after curfew and what could occur after the event being let out. Mr. Dickinson explained that although funds are available he expressed to the YMCA that the total amount would likely not be available for the YMCA. Councilmember Trude stated that she believed the $23,000 funds should be split between different age groups, such as elementary and teen. Mr. Dickinson wanted to ensure that the message sent was to ensure that the programming would not compete with local businesses. The Council felt that further information should be gathered regarding the proposed program and possible funding amount. OTHER TOPICS C (Andover Boulevard) - Mr. Berkowitz referenced an e-mail that was received today regarding a petition for utility connection on Andover Boulevard. He reviewed the motion made by the Council in March of 1993 and noted that the City has been consistent with the motion for all other properties and believed that the City should remain consistent with this property owner. He stated that the property owner would like to move forward on this item as soon as possible and 0 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes - October 26,2010 Page 8 advised that all required information could be packaged together as one item on the consent agenda at the next Council meeting. The Council direction was for staff to respond to the inquiry and continue with the request. (Farm Winery) - Mayor Gamache stated that he received a request from a resident regarding the candidate forum regarding whether the candidates on the Council would support local business, as he would like his winery to be relieved of some current restrictions in his CUP. The Council agreed to add this item for review on the agenda for the second meeting in November. (Administrator Leave Extended) - Mr. Dickinson stated that his annual leave balance is equal to 276 hours and questioned ifthe hours could be carried over to the end of November or December. Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, Seconded by Councilmember Bukkila, to authorize Mr. Dickinson to carry over his annual leave through December 31, 2010. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT 0 Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, Seconded by Councilmember Bukkila, to adjoum. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjoumed at 9:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary 0