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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK April 12, 2005 CITY OF NDOVE J 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Andover City Counci12005 Goal-Setting Workshop Tuesday, Aprill2, 2005 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order - 7:00 pm 2. Reconstruction of Hanson Boulevard NW from 242 to 1000' N. of Bunker Lake Boulevard NW/City Project 04-23/Discuss Access/Croix Oil Co. (Spur) - Engineering 3. Award Bid/02-33/Andover Station North (Jay Street NW Construction) (Supplemental)- Engineering 4. Council 2005-2006 Goals Discussion 5. Develop 2006 Budget Guidelines 6. Other Business 7. Adjourn \ J , ~\...VCX ~ u_n.J::t:UJ (P- 1 -6 S ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL 2005 GOAL-SETTING WORKSHOP-APRIL 12, 2005 MINUTES The 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, April 12, 2005, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Councilmember absent: Also present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel, Julie Trude None Fire Chief, Dan Winkel City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Community Development Director, Will Neumeister Public Works Superintendent, Frank Stone Others DISCUSSION OF SPUR STATION ENTRANCE City Engineer Berkowitz stated Mr. Paul Muilenberg and Mr. Mark Ogren, of Croix Oil Company, are present tonight to address the Council regarding the County's decision to relocate the Spur Station entrance to the proposed Hanson Boulevard NW improvements. Currently there are two access points. He had met with representatives of the County and Croix Oil Company on three occasions to discuss this issue. The County proposed to construct a right turn lane at what it feels is a safe location. Council had previously discussed the possibility of a cost share with the affected business owners for the frontage road. He believe the total cost to be $25,000, which makes each party pay approximately $8,000. Councilmember Jacobson asked who had constructed the access road from the SuperAmerica north to the clinic. City Engineer Berkowitz stated SuperAmerica constructed it as part of its commercial site plan. \ I Mr. Mark Ogren, owner of Croix Oil Company, noted his concern that as.Andover expanded there are more and more restrictions to the access for his facility. It would not be of concern if this station were more of a destination. They have a convenience store that is becoming less and less convenient. Two and one half years ago he met with the City and the County because he was dissatisfied with the access. During that meeting and the resulting correspondence he was never told that this change was the next step in the process of improving Hanson Boulevard. This change is .-- J Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 2 making a bad situation worse. Mr. Ogren noted he owns the site and has gone through three tenants already. The current tenant has notified him that he is losing too much money and cannot remain in operation. His concern is that further access restrictions would cause even more problems. There are benefits to upgrading the road. As the area continues to grow the City would benefit from a bigger and bigger tax base. Unfortunately then more competition comes into the area. Mr. Ogren understands something needs to happen and that this proposal is a compromise. He is concerned about having to pay for further restrictions on his access, especially when tenants are already struggling fmancially at that location. Councilmember Jacobson asked about the County's response. Mr. Berkowitz stated the County is only willing to construct a turn lane as its contribution towards that type of access. Councilmember Trude stated she sees gas stations at every corner in other cities and these stations have good access. The community does not want to see these businesses go away. Mr. Berkowitz stated staff does not want a business in Andover to fail. He noted the County is looking at access management. The County only considers the access location and the proximity to the intersection. This access is very close to the intersection. Councilmember Trude asked if the City has seen many accidents at this location. Mr. Berkowitz stated he did not have that information. The County is proposing a turn lane with a de-acceleration lane. Mayor Gamache questioned the cost of the frontage road. Mr. Berkowitz believes the cost to be around $45,000. Councilmember Jacobson asked if this is almost an adverse condemnation. Mr. Dickinson responded no. The County can do whatever it wants with its right-of-way. The City has the ability to have access based on a proven benefit to the property. Councilmember Jacobson asked ifthe people who own the storage facility are willing to share in the cost of this frontage road. Mr. Berkowitz stated the owners of the storage facility have been apprised of the situation, but have not responded with any concerns. Councilmember Orttel stated the service road does not help them. The storage facility has access there now. The County has decided that would be the nearest access it would allow. Mr. Berkowitz stated the mini-storage has access off Grouse Street. The County has said it could eliminate both accesses but is trying to fmd something that would work for both businesses. Councilmember Orttel stated the County has taken the position that there are other ways to J Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 3 access this site. The County said it could close up an access and not have to pay any damages. The City is now involved in the County's fight. He asked at what point did the City start buying people's access. Councilmember Trude stated this came up under the transportation plan a couple of years ago. The plan shows direct access to the Spur site with a frontage road going south to the storage- building site. In September 2002, the County was showing the Council what it wanted along Hanson. She added their residents wanted services in this community and the City got the tax revenues. She stated there was mutual concern about this issue. Mr. Berkowitz stated this all started because of the transportation plan. The frontage road went down to Station Parkway. The other businesses said they were not interested so the plan was modified to what they have now. Councilmember Jacobson stated they could not spend public money for private purposes and this road only serves two private businesses. Mr. Dickinson stated this is part of the road project's joint powers agreement with the City. . Private persons are not parties to this agreement. The contract is with the County. Councilmember Jacobson stated the City Attorney should look at this to see if the Council could do this. Mr. Dickinson asked whether the City or the County would be responsible for the long-term maintenance. Mr. Berkowitz stated it is a City street in a County right-of-way. He noted the roadway would be shifted severely to the east. Under the transportation plan, the frontage road ties into ABC Mini-storage. Councilmember Jacobson stated staff should talk to ABC Mini-storage to see if they want to contribute to this project and the City Attorney needs to review the issue to see ifthe City could share in the cost. Councilmember Knight stated ABC Mini-storage would receive no benefit from this frontage road. Mr. Dickinson asked if the Council wants staff to continue to work with Croix Oil to solve this problem. Staff would work with the City Attorney and Croix Oil. Mr. Berkowitz stated the County is adamant it would not allow this access point now. The County feels there already is one access to the rear. Councilmember Trude stated even if the County would split the difference the cost would go down. .' Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 4 Councilmember Trude stated in Ham Lake on Bunker Lake Road there was a gas station that still had direct access. Mayor Gamache stated SuperAmerica no longer has access off of Bunker Lake Blvd. Both businesses are in the same boat. Council desires staff to check with the City Attorney. He thought a three-way split was fair. Councilmember Jacobson asked if a City street could be in the County right-of-way. Mr. Berkowitz stated that situation exists already. Councilmember Trude responded not on private property on public property. Councilmember Orttel stated it is against the law to spend public funds on private improvement. Mayor Gamache stated staff has been working with Croix Oil on a three way split. He asked if the Council agreed with that or whether it was interested in more help, provided it was legal to do this at all. Councilmember Jacobson stated it would have to be done under the 429 public improvement. He noted his concern that the mini-storage people could say there was no benefit to them and not share in the cost. It would have to be a two-way split. Mr. Berkowitz stated the City Council has given a clear direction that it would require these businesses to petition for the improvement. Mr. Ogren stated if they do not pay for their portion, they would be closed off and would not be left with reasonable access. They do not think it is fair to make them pay for access worse than they have now. Councilmember Jacobson agreed but noted the Company would have to sue the County. Mayor Gamache stated Croix Oil and SuperAmerica are in the same boat, but SuperAmerica put in a service road. Mr. Paul Muilenberg, of Croix Oil, stated SuperAmerica owns that strip of property and they already have signage. They could not add similar signage. Mr. Berkowitz stated the County would not allow anyone to put a sign in the right-of-way. The / SuperAmerica sign is on private property. Mr. Muilenberg stated if they revise the access to turn it into a frontage road, they could not have a sign. Mr. Berkowitz stated the County would only allow a sign with an arrow to show where to turn. The City could approve signs on City Streets. Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April 12, 2005 Page 5 Mayor Gamache asked if there was any chance the County could reconsider. Mr. Berkowitz stated the County is pretty consistent on that point. Councilmember Jacobson asked ifthe company considered redevelopment so the site would not just be a gas station. Mr. Ogren stated it was economically feasible. Mr. Muilenberg stated they would have to look at an office building since any type offast food has the same concerns as their current tenant. Mayor Gamache stated the City Attorney would need to be consulted about spending this money. Councilmember Trude noted the County is making it hard to do business in this community. AWARD BID /02-33/ ANDOVER STATION NORTH (JAY STREET NWCONSTRUCTION) \ Mr. Berkowitz stated the bid results came in very favorably. The engineer's estimate was 2.7 million and the low bid from North Pine came in at a little over 2 million. This price was $140,000 under the figure used in the feasibility report. Motion by Councilmember Trude, Seconded by Councilmember Knight, to approve acceptance of the North Pine Agreement and bid for the Andover Station North Jay Street NW Construction. Motion carried unanimously. (Res. R070A-05) COUNCIL 2005 - 2006 GOALS DISCUSSION Mr. Dickinson noted the table in the staff report, which lists every item discussed at the last meeting. Staff has identified what has been done on each, its current status, and who has been working on it. The primary premise is to have the Council pick its goals. GOAL 1- New Ordinance outlininl?: screeninl?:. setbacks. etc. when R-4 development comes up al?:ainst R-1 development. Councilmember Jacobson is concerned about doing every project as a PUD. Mayor Gamache asked if this is to give setbacks and screening requirements to apply in any situation or just in an R-4. Mr. Neumeister stated these are standards for buffering wherever an R-1 and R-4 abut each other. / Councilmember Orttel asked if there are different rules for permanent abutment rather than a temporary one. He stated that as soon as a project is done, the buffering could be moved. Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April 12, 2005 Page 6 Councilmember Trude stated the Comprehensive Plan should be the guiding principal. GOAL 2 - Ordinance increasing setbacks and screening requirements where businesses bump UP against residential development. Mr. Dickinson stated staff is going through this process right now. Councilmember Trude asked if the Planning Commission knows these are the Council's goals. Councilmember Orttel stated there should be some buffering for low density uses. GOAL 3 - Place all ordinances on line. Mr. Dickinson stated this was achieved through the codification process. Staff is exploring taking it over in-house. GOAL 4 - Review and discuss possibility of clustered housing with independent sewer and water (communal systems). Councilmember Jacobson asked if the City should provide for clustering even in the R-1 and R-4 districts. Councilmember Trude stated they had only reacted to someone's plan. Councilmember Jacobson questioned with two and one-half acre lots, could houses be clustered regardless of the septic issue. Mr. Dickinson stated they could take them down to one acre with a septic system. The newer science allows a lot to be only one acre for a home. The City does not want mini-cities with individual septic systems. Councilmember Trude stated goal four should be changed to remove septic systems, but to discuss clustering of homes. Mr. Dickinson stated the word communal should be crossed off. Councilmember Orttel stated he had heard communal systems are better for environment. He asked about the property behind White Oaks. Mr. Neumeister stated he told the developers they could not use communal septic systems so they backed out. Councilmember Trude stated they had tried to get more houses than the Council would normally have allowed. j Mr. Dickinson stated the Council could have density restrictions and still have communal septic systems. Council would not allow postage stamp lots or allow any sort of multifamily dwellings. Councilmember Jacobson stated staff should look into this and come back to the Council with information. i Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April 12, 2005 Page 7 Mr. Dickinson asked if communal systems are out or if the Council wants staff to bring it back if there is a good plan. Mayor Gamache liked the one-acre idea. Councilmember Orttel stated in Ham Lake all the new developments have a one acre minimum, but the average lot is two acres. Councilmember Jacobson stated the Council wants to keep the northern part of the City more rural. The goal is not a septic issue. They are already seeing people consolidating property. Councilmember Knight stated attorneys have told him they do not have a lot of confidence that these associations would hold up long term. Councilmember Orttel stated East Bethel has done this for over twenty years. He noted it is up to the municipality to determine whether it could develop. It could be part of the development agreement not to develop an area. Mr. Dickinson stated it should be kept on the radar screen and staff should be prepared. He noted this is not a top priority. GOAL 5 _ Discuss issues for Council consideration of holdine: existine: MUSA in 2005 alone: with how we can eliminate additional lift stations. Councilmember Trude noted a lift station has a high cost of maintenance. She asked if the City could charge people on a lift station higher maintenance costs. The City has to buy generators for the lift station. Mr. Berkowitz stated it is a trunk responsibility cost to increase pumps and add a lift station. The City is charging a fee to cover the improvement when the reason for the upgrade is a new development. They charge a fee for new connections as they were hooked up. Councilmember Trude asked about areas where the City redid a pump and spent a lot of money. Councilmember Jacobson questioned whether they are setting goals or whether they are solving them. i Councilmember Orttel stated the City used to have two sewer districts that charged different fees. He noted it was a nightmare. He asked ifthere were a deep trunk breakdown, then did the people close to it pay for that. City Engineer Berkowitz stated only new developments pay for a new lift station. / Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 8 GOAL 6-Bring to Council material for a decision on South East Andover water problem. Mr. Dickinson stated new well number 9 should lessen this issue. GOAL 7- Set up master plan for parks and public requirements in Rural Reserve area. Councilmember Jacobson stated there has to be a master plan so everyone knows where the park should be. Councilmember Orttel noted The Lakes area in Blaine. He stated it is critical to discuss where the commercial properties are to be located. There should be a master plan that denotes where roads are to go. Councilmember Trude stated the Council wants to see a plan denoting a park in this general area, with roads and trails. She noted it would be nice to be proactive. / Mr. Neumeister stated there are a couple ofland developers that want to go ahead, but are holding back. They had verbalized that there should be give and take on both sides. It is difficult to move ahead without the Metropolitan Council's buy-in. In general communications he had with the Metropolitan Council, it was verbalized the City had to take other things out from the 2020 plan to put this in. Mayor Gamache asked why they need to take anything out. Mr. Neumeister stated the Metropolitan Council tried to make projections on the City's sewer flow on ten-year increments. If the City brought on more land then the Metropolitan Council planned for its system could not handle it. Mr. Berkowitz stated the City's system could handle it. Councilmember Trude stated this would not happen in one year. Councilmember Orttel stated the Metropolitan Council is directing new development around major transportation areas. Mr. Neumeister asked if the Council would like staff to work with developers. Councilmember Trude stated they are talking about the Council working with staff on concepts. \ J GOAL 8-Develop parks (sports facilities) in Andover Station North area. Mr. Dickinson stated staffhas gone along way on this goal. One question for the Council is whether the park dedication dollars are going to WDE or to the neighborhood parks. Just the park dedication dollars from the site are not enough to complete everything. The City would only see $250,000 in first year. He noted the bigger question is going to be the neighborhood Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 9 parks that had been slated for 2006 to 2009. He asked if the WDE is the true goal, or if the Council wants to go on a dual track and keep some neighborhoods happy too. Councilmember Trude stated looking at the park study, this $500,000 to $600,000 is like a bonus. She noted the project is slated for 2009 because there is no funding source. Mayor Gamache asked if the City should have park dedication fees from other developments to do neighborhood parks. Councilmember Knight noted the park-using population is growing older. Does this mean the City should put in parks that are more suitable for ages 10 to 18? He asked how much use would there be for tot lots. They have not studied it enough. Councilmember Trude stated the City had overbuilt for tot lots and needs big parks. The Council should look at the study and make sure it is on track. Councilmember Knight stated the City does not have an age study that tells how old the kids are that need the parks. / Councilmember Trude stated every yard has a rainbow system. Councilmember Jacobson stated that perhaps it is time to go out for a park bond. Councilmember Trude asked if kids had changed in how they play. Mr. Dickinson stated staff could look at the park study and update it. Staff could consider whether the City is staying on target by doing the WDE or is the City falling out of balance. Councilmember Orttel stated the school district has information on the ages ofthe kids. Councilmember Trude stated the Coon Rapids neighborhoods are recycling. Councilmember Jacobson stated there is a limited number of parks the City needs. The City has a dozen parks that are swamps. GOAL 9-Set tax rate for 2005 buded that does not exceed 1.5 times CPI for Mpls. Area. Mr. Dickinson noted it has been completed. Councilmember Jacobson stated the tax increase next year should not be larger than this year. / Councilmember Trude noted the civic center is going on line. Mayor Gamache stated he would like to see what the City could do if the tax rate is left at a cost ofliving increase, but what would be cut if it were done. Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April 12, 2005 Page 10 GOAL IO-Complete Civic Center on time and on budget. Mr. Dickinson stated everyone is up to date on this issue. Staff is committed to keep it on budget. GOAL II-Schedule Council meetings at least once per year with both the Planning Commission and Park Board. Councilmember Jacobson stated the Civic Center Board should meet with the City Council once a year. Councilmember Trude noted the importance of working with this Board. Councilmember Orttel stated that perhaps the Council should pick a specific date every year to meet. Mr. Dickinson asked if the Council wants an attendance requirement. \ Councilmember Orttel noted commitment has to come from the heart. / Mayor Gamache noted it had been three weeks between meetings. As a result the residents are watching the same meeting over and over again. GOAL 12-Finalize working agreements with County Highwav on rules for Andover road accesses. Mr. Dickinson stated this goal is ongoing. Mr. Berkowitz noted there is a written policy. Councilmember Trude asked if the policy is followed. She noted developers had issues with the non-response. The lots could not be priced as a result. Mr. Dickinson stated he had sent a letter to the County regarding being non-responsive to residential requests. Councilmember Knight stated this is staff driven. He noted residents are running into an attitude "because I said so". He added County Staffhas driven the decision-making. Councilmember Jacobson stated there needs to be ongoing negotiations with the County and staff needs to stay on top of them. GOAL I3-Review policing activity and staffine: levels for City in 2005. Mr. Dickinson suggested this be done again for 2006. He noted the Sheriff's office indicated that Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April J 2, 2005 Page 11 Andover needs a dedicated investigator. Mayor Gamache stated the Sheriff is looking at moving his facilities and is considering Andover. Mr. Dickinson asked if the Council wants the jail that goes with it. Councilmember Orttel stated the Sheriffs office did not do much investigation for homeowners. Mr. Dickinson stated the Sheriffs office is keeping downtown Anoka for the Federal Marshal. They are looking for a County jail facility. Councilmember Trude stated they are the largest city that hired the Sheriffs office for services. She noted it would involve a lot of money in their budget. Mayor Gamache stated that it is a matter of convincing the Board that the Sheriff should be closer to the communities he serves. " Councilmember Orttel stated jails are almost totally secured. Councilmember Trude stated the jail is needed by the courthouse. GOAL I4-Construction activity at Andover North to beein in 200S. Mr. Dickinson stated the goal was reached and it would be updated with marketing activity in' 2006. GOAL IS-Consider reduction of City ordinances bv S% (eliminate old. outdated and condense others). Mr. Dickinson stated staff is working on this. GOAL I6-0btain HeMs or other traffic mitieation at Hanson and Andover Blvd. Mr. Dickinson noted it has been completed. GOAL I7_IS4th & Hanson Intersection Improvements? Mr. Dickinson stated the 154th and Hanson Boulevard improvements were due partly as the outcome of an abatement application. The County has organized a meeting with City staff and the School District. The group already had one meeting and others were scheduled. He would keep the Council informed. Mayor Gamache stated the abatement of North town was killed. Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April 12, 2005 Page 12 GOAL IS-Explore development ofthe Rural Reserve, similar to Blaine "The Lakes" proiect. A. Explore stalting: of development in the Rural Reserve. Plan out transportation and park needs. Mr. Dickinson noted the Council has been updated on this goal. GOAL 19-Explore an ordinance reg:ulating: smoking: in the parks. A. Curfew in the parks. Mr. Dickinson noted it has been completed. GOAL 20-Explore participation in the Livable Communities Prog:ram. A. What are the requirements? B. Do we currentlv complv? C. What do we have to g:ain? Councilmember Jacobson noted it had been voted down already. Mr. Dickinson stated the City would not qualify for the grants. / Councilmember Trude stated the City has too many single-family homes. Mr. Dickinson stated the amount of financial commitment met the qualifications. Councilmember Trude stated they want the City to build more rental property. Mayor Gamache stated Crosstown Boulevard is one issue the Council is dealing with. He noted the City needs grant money to redo it to get it back from the County. Councilmember Trude stated the County has to bring the road up to a certain level before the County turns the road back to the City. Mr. Dickinson stated in the initial discussion there might have been some interest in turning back the area from Hanson Boulevard to Constance. Mr. Berkowitz stated the County is going to increase the classes of certain roads to make them qualifY for Federal benefits. This segment was left out so the County could be receptive to a turn back. The City should look at this to make sure it is the best move for the City. The City needs to ask if they were willing to improve it. Councilmember Orttel asked if there would be strings attached if the road were turned back. Mr. Dickinson stated that comes under the Council's purview. j Mr. Berkowitz stated staff considers it a City collector. He noted the route went to Hanson and up to County Road 20. He added the segment would then tie in to County Road 20 north. Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April 12, 2005 Page 13 Mr. Dickinson stated staff asked about Nightingale. The County was not interested in that. The question was how bad did the City want it and what would the County put on the table. He noted staff would put it down as a goal. GOAL 21-Measure current levels of Law enforcement/Explore expansion. A. Request more continuity in Deputies. B. Meet with County Sheriff to discuss service arrangement. Co Explore expansion of Community Policing - Crime Watch Program Mr. Dickinson noted the goal has been completed. GOAL 22-Evaluate the current Andover Familv Funfest organization structure. Mr. Dickinson stated nothing was accomplished on this goal. Councilmember Trude stated the money has been taken away. Mayor Gamache stated the Lions were getting more involved. Public Works Superintendent Stone stated the County would not provide signs this year because it did not have enough. Mr. Dickinson stated staff would continue to monitor the situation. GOAL 23-Update the Transportation Plan for current issues. Train tracks issues. Councilmember Trude stated the Council should not do this piecemeal. Councilmember Orttel stated the City should be on the same page with the County if it were trying to do a transportation plan. Mr. Dickinson stated he would add pursuing a better solution for the intersection of Nightingale and Crosstown. Councilmember Trude stated the sight lines are bad. She noted it backs up by the high school. Councilmember Orttel stated it is truly dangerous. \ Mr. Dickinson asked if there are specific revisions to the transportation plan. Councilmember Trude stated these have to go to the Metropolitan Council so why not do them all at once. She noted the whole vicinity has to be looked at. She added Sophie's Manor North and South do not match the plan. The transportation plan did not match what the County wanted the City to have. Councilmember Knight stated Winslow's corner is going to be a busy place. Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 14 Councilmember Trude stated the Council needs to talk about this general region. There needs to be a railroad overpass like by Riverdale. She stated there are three or four train issues to discuss with BNSF. Mr. Dickinson stated BNSF felt it is not a safety issue, but a quality ofIife issue. He noted the railroad told the City to come in with money. GOAL 24-Bee:innine: a wholesale tree proe:ram. Mr. Dickinson noted staff would continue to work on this goal. Councilmember Jacobson asked if the Council set this goal. Mr. Dickinson responded it was a suggestion by staff. Councilmember Trude stated this is not a seedling issue. GOAL 25-Explore additional commercial/industrial sites for the community. Mr. Dickinson noted there is a master plan for the rural reserve area. He stated if the Council did not take control it would all be residential. Councilmember Trude stated there are also redevelopment sites. Mr. Neumeister stated somewhere out in the rural reserve area there could be a nice area for another commercial center. Councilmember Orttel stated the issue is bigger than just the rural reserve. He noted the apartments on Bunker had been discussed for redevelopment. He asked if that area should be rezoned so they could not build more or remodel. Councilmember Trude stated that would be a Comprehensive Plan change. Mr. Dickinson stated they had talked about the EDA getting money for redevelopment if Andover Station North is successful. GOAL 26-Consider modifvine: the current Sanitary Sewer Stae:ine: Plan to provide additionale:rowth plan nine: options for properties within the approved MUSA boundaries. . / Mr. Dickinson stated this goal has been completed. GOAL 27-Complete construction of the Community Center. and further develop the partnership with the YMCA. This includes continue support of Capital Campaie:n Efforts. I Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 15 Mr. Dickinson noted this is a repeat of another goal. GOAL 28-Continued support for the marketine: and development of Andover Station North. Mr. Dickinson stated this goal is continuing. GOAL 29-Consider explorine: the construction of temporary traffic sie:nals & turn lane improvements on Hanson Boulevard. Mr. Dickinson stated this is for the community center item. He asked what intersections the Council wants to focus on. Jay Street and 139th are going to be completed. Councilmember Trude stated Nightingale is one. Councilmember Orttel would be interested in seeing a schematic. GOAL 30-Complete the construction of the new Fire Station 3. Mr. Dickinson stated this goal has been completed. Fire Chief Winkel stated he still has some outside work to do. Councilmember Trude stated she had heard lots of compliments. Fire Chief Winkel stated they were going to have an open house when the outside work is done. GOAL 31-Evaluate and make needed chane:es in the City's development policies relative to administerine: private installation of public infrastructure. Mr. Dickinson stated the new policy is in place and being enforced. Streamlining the security requirements made developers happy. He noted they were not leveraged for periods of time waiting for the Council Meeting. GOAL 32-Continue efforts to update the zonine: code and evaluate the current codification of ordinance arrane:ement with Sterline: Codifiers. Mr. Dickinson stated this item has been discussed with the Council. / GOAL 33-Consider support of the Fire Department's efforts to review the need to have a davtime duty crew assil!Ded to one of the stations. Fire Chief Winkel stated he is still putting numbers together on this item. He noted it would be an opportunity to have a break even cost, but they have staffing during the day at one of the Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 16 buildings. GOAL 34-Update ofthe City's Financial Policies and consider havine: a dual bond ratine: hv Moodv's and Standard & Poors. Mr. Dickinson stated the fmancial polices have not been recently updated, but staff planns to do that. He noted the City did achieve a dual bond rating for free. Councilmember Knight stated his list of goals are as follows: 1. Pursue wireless Internet the Council discussed last time. 2. Taking part in the security meeting in the National Effort for Terrorism. Fire Chief Winkel stated staff is working on this item. They have done some additional work on water treatment. He added they would have some training this year or the next year. Staff and the Council would have to have training for incident management in order to qualify for Federal Funding. They would all need to be prepared to go through the City Emergency Response Plan. Staff is waiting for guidelines to be published. Councilmember Trude stated the plan would also work for train derailment or a tornado. Fire Chief Winkel stated the City has a terrorist section he is working on. Mr. Berkowitz stated the water system also needs an Emergency Response Plan as required by the EP A. Staff met the deadlines and submitted the plan. Councilmember Jacobson stated his goals are as follows: 1. Train whistles - The City needs to decide whether or not it is going to do something, and if so, what would it cost. 2. East West Water Problem - The City needs to address how to handle the two-zone system. 3. Limiting the number of town homes in anyone area. He has seen many plats with town homes. 4. Consider Area Fees for streets. Councilmember Trude noted town homes are an efficient way for a builder to make money. Councilmember Orttel stated they are selfIimiting. Kodiak homes has not sold one yet. He agreed the Council should discuss town homes. Councilmember Knight stated the City's population wants a certain type of housing. Councilmember Orttel stated the Council should not eliminate town homes, but take a look at limiting them. Mr. Dickinson stated the issue about area fees for streets is coming back to the next workshop. Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 17 He noted the Council would explore transportation fees. Mayor Gamache stated his list of goals would be as follows: 1. Crosstown. 2. Open Space Referendum. He is interested in how it would work and whether there is any success with them. 3. Citizen Survey. He wondered if it is time for another one. He noted the last one focused on parks. 4. Restriction of garbage pick up to one day a week. He noted there is a bill in the senate and the house restricting the number of haulers. 5. Update the website. 6. Newsletter similar to the school district's. It could update people on the City's meetings and fire warnings. It could list detours and be used by the Building Department to update people on pulling permits. The Public Works Department could explain the street cleaning procedure. People could choose to subscribe or not. Councilmember Knight stated he would like to know how the public feels about these two types of parks. Councilmember Trude stated she would ask the public about the town homes issue. She would also ask about trails. Mr. Dickinson stated a citizen survey could be put in next year's budget. He noted they should start now to discuss the idea. Councilmember Jacobson stated the trash issue involves the capacity of the firms to handle it. Councilmember Trude stated everyone asked why the City does not do a newsletter. Some people want the details, some do not. Council member Trude stated in the survey, everyone should be asked about context of the city newsletter. Councilmember Orttel stated his goals are as follows: 1. Keep on top of administrative needs. The City should never get 20 years out of date again. If there needs to be more space there should be an analysis of where and when so there are no big surprises. 2. Housing Standards - A housing code is needed to get people to fix up properties. It would direct people where to get help. 3. Respond to people on water quality. 4. Outdoor Water recreation for the City - The City should develop some resources to balance / the recreation. Mr. Dickinson stated staff is going to do an analysis in the Public Works Areas. Mr. Berkowitz stated the City has been meeting standards for water. Wells No.2 and No.3 Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 18 would be used less when the new well goes on line. Councilmember Trude stated her goals are as follows: 1. Commercial Tax Base. 2. Train Overpass and Switching Operation. 3. Master plan the rural reserve. 4. Meet with county Commissioners and Chairman. It could be possible to work with the County to save money. 5. Develop rapport with Blaine to handle issues of concern to the residents of Andover. 6. Working with Staff on perception of residents. Staff might appear to be advocating a position. This makes it difficult when a resident also advocates a position. People have the perception that a developer's position is a done deal because the developers are well known. There is a high level of suspicion for government. Prairie Road is an example of a high level of anxiety. Mr. Dickinson stated staff offered a recommendation based on professional training. Councilmember Trude stated staffhas to fmd a way to fmd a balance and back off of advocacy at that point. She noted some of it would be letting people know as things go through the process. Some people think the City is collaborating with the developer. She stated staff has to work with people with private property rights. Mr. Neumeister stated Mr. Berkowitz, Courtney Bednarz and he had worked to make development different than it used to be. The developers held meetings with people and staff never knew what they had said. He added it was human nature to think the sky was falling. When the developers hold neighborhood meetings, staff needs to be more proactive and be involved in these meetings. Staff needs to react. Councilmember Trude stated staff should be more sensitive to those who live there. Councilmember Orttel stated there is a concern that if staff is in the room then the City is part of the development and pushing it. He noted some of them are trying to gain bargaining position. He stated some of these developers are very heavy handed with these people. Mr. Neumeister stated each developer is different. Some try to do the right thing and some try to use the City to their needs. Staff needs to figure out the process. Councilmember Trude stated some of it is packaging. It is finding out the island was bigger than it was thought to be. Mr. Neumeister stated sometimes the City is being mislead, too. Councilmember Jacobson stated his goals are as follows: 1. Look at the Possibility of a Park Fund. / Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 19 2. Survey Card - How were you treated? How are we doing as a City? Perhaps a telephone survey asking the public how it feels about the Council and staff. Councilmember Orttel stated the park issue would be a lot of work for the people involved. Mr. Dickinson stated there could be abatement bonds and other alternatives. The City could use other fmancing methods. There would be scrutiny from the public. Councilmember Jacobson stated the Council should look at what the Park Board has prioritized and then have staff say how it could be fmanced. Mr. Dickinson stated there are alternative finance methods. He did not think they were all something the Council would be comfortable with. Councilmember Orttel stated that the survey should be filled out by those people that had recent contact, as long as it could remain anonymous. Councilmember Knight stated staff should obtain information on possible solutions and costs for the train whistle problem. He did not want people thinking the Council would address it when it could not. Mr. Dickinson stated he would wait for the new rules to be adopted in June 2005 and then the issue would come back to the Council. Councilmember Knight wants to know the liability for those "no whistle zones". DEVELOP 2006 GUIDELINES Mr. Dickinson stated these are the same as in the past. He noted he had modified number one. Councilmember Jacobson requested plain English for number one. Mr. Dickinson stated the goal is a consistent rate without spikes. Ifthere is going to be an increase it would be very slight. Councilmember Orttel stated the valuation could still go up. This guideline j!lst covers the tax rate. He asked if there is going to be a levy limit this year. / Mr. Dickinson responded he did not think so. The market value homestead credit could be taken away. He noted lOl cities would be affected by it. Councilmember Trude stated the goal for Community Education comes up every year. J Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 20 Mr. Dickinson stated staft)s working on coordinating it with the schools. Councilmember Trude stated if the schools made some commitment the City could match it. Mr. Dickinson stated if the school's program could be offered and the schools could do it more efficiently and had the necessary staff, the schools should do it. Councilmember Jacobson asked how staff could keep the Council involved in the budget process before it got too far down the road. The budget is one policy that should be looked at very closely. Mr. Dickinson stated staff could provide the Council more narrative on an ongoing basis. Quite often a lot cannot be done until the revenue forecast is complete. Councilmember Jacobson stated he did n,ot want to get to the point where toilets are cut out of parks because of budget cuts. Mr. Dickinson stated the City is in a pretty good position to deal with it. Councilmember Trude stated the community center is like an enterprise fund so people can see / how it was accounted for separately. Mr. Dickinson stated it is a special revenue fund. OTHER BUSINESS A. Well No.9 Xion Street Improvements City Engineer Berkowitz stated staff received the preliminary design for the transmission line for Well No.9. He noted there were issues with Xion Street. He added he had met with Mr. Winslow Holasek about doing a street improvement from Andover Boulevard to the City's property line. He stated that by doing this it would improve the drainage issues and provide the City with a plowed maintainable access for its wells all year long. He asked for direction to work with Mr. Holasek to acquire right-a-way. He stated the City had a proscriptive right and storm sewer easement. He noted the road would be thirty-three feet. He added staff was not looking at turn lanes. Mr. Holasek stated there would normally be an intersection there with storm sewers. He noted when street maintenance vehicle crowns the road at three percent there was no place for the water. He added it softened the road. He stated then in the winter, he wanted to be able to stop \ the water before the County Road. He noted the City put salt on the class five to keep it from freezing. He added the snowplow then plowed the class five. Councilmember Orttel asked how the City would pay for the road. , Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 21 Mr. Berkowitz stated it would be out of the water fund. He noted it would have B6 curb and work well for staff's needs. Mayor Gamache stated it sounds like staff wanted to go forward. B. Oak Bluff Area Lot Split Mr. Berkowitz stated in the Oak Bluff area, the Council approved a lot split contingent on sewer and water being installed. He noted the feasibility study would be presented on Tuesday. He added residents would have concerns. Staff has worked closely with the applicant on the lot split. The feedback staff has received indicates only the applicant was in favor of this project. The applicant would have the biggest assessment to pay. There were a lot of previous assessments in this area; some people only had a curb and gutter assessment. The roadway improvement would include full curb and gutter. All residents would be assessed for concrete. The bituminous costs would be picked up by the road and bridge fund. The roadway is 18 years old. He added residents were concerned it would be replaced prematurely. The applicant was claiming he would pay portions of the others assessments. Staff told the applicant the City would not get involved in such agreements. The applicant talked about deferred assessments, but staff does not recommend it. Every time someone comes in for connection, staff requires sewer and water to the end of the property. In this area water was not extended with the sewer. The Ordinance states "iffeasible, the City Council shall require connection." Councilmember Orttel asked how many parcels are going to be assessed. Mr. Berkowitz explained some need only curb and gutter, others need just water and some would get water and sewer. Councilmember Trude asked about the brand new houses which received' sewer and water. Councilmember Orttel stated the City Attorney should address the issue that the Council made the lot split subject to sewer and water, and now the Council would not allow the connection. Mr. Berkowitz stated this would be the most cost effective way to do it. Councilmember Jacobson asked what happens if half the people do not want it and the City does not do it. Mr. Berkowitz stated the City would not pay for any street replacement. He noted if the City did extend it, the other property would get a benefit eventually. Councilmember Orttel thought this resident was premature. City Administrator Dickinson stated if the Council does not accept the feasibility report, then it dies. Mr. Berkowitz stated he would keep the report on file. Special Andover City Council 2005 Goal-Setting Workshop Meeting Minutes - April]2, 2005 Page 22 D. City Hall HV AC System Mr. Dickinson stated he needs direction from the Council to proceed forward to get bids on roof top units with a looped system for the City Hall HV AC system. He noted his discussion with a mechanical engineer. Councilmember Jacobson asked about the need only air handling systems and asking for bids on gas furnaces. Mr. Dickinson stated with a fluid cooler system the loss of any efficiency is gone. It is the same cost as rooftop units, but they would have to add a boiler in the building. It is more expensive to maintain and still utilize the old equipment. The roof top unit issues are the biggest concern. It would take two to three weeks to fit the City Council chambers. He added there would be a two-day disruption for all other zones. The reliance on electricity would have no impact but there would be an increase in the cost of natural gas. He added the pay back issue was fairly close. He stated the ongoing maintenance program is cheaper. Mr. Dickinson stated that with the geothermal option the City would lose the soccer field for the summer. There would be a two-month disruption. '. Councilmember Jacobson stated staff should go with the rooftop program. Mr. Dickinson stated the vendor deals in both types of programs. The City had some bad luck with the loop field. Now that there is sand in the units he did not know the lifespan. C. Mayor's Testimony Mayor Gamache stated last week. he testified before the tax committee, as the North Metro Mayor's Association representative. He also testified last Monday on hazardous traffic. He did not speak as the voice of this Council. He stated he spoke as a Mayor and resident who has kids in school. Councilmember Trude stated they should put kids back on the bus. She noted any kids crossing County Roads should be bussed because it is hazardous. Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, Seconded by Councilmember Knight, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Czajkowski, Recording Secretary \ J