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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK - January 25, 2011k N C I T Y O F © D OVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US City Council Workshop Tuesday, January 25, 2011 City Hall 1. Call to Order — 6:00 p.m. 2. Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad Discussion 3. Bunker Lake Boulevard Project/10 -27 /Trail & Road Discussion 4. Crosstown Drive Reconstruction/10 -30 /Assessment Discussion 5. Fence Permitting Discussion © 6. Playground Equipment Replacement 7. South Coon Creek Reconstruction Discussion 8. Discuss 2010 Budget Implementation Year End Progress Report & Year End Investment Report 9. 2011 Budget Implementation Strategies Discussion 10.2012 Budget Development Guideline Discussion 11. Other Discussion 12. Adjournment r J l 1685 A"0TWk0ffI-'U'0VM1 YV0MSRVPMfEPTl W FAX (763) 755 -8923 pM„14§NDOVER.MN.US The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, January 25, 2011, 6:10 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: Director of Public Works /City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Utilities Manager, Brian Kraabel Park Maintenance Supervisor, Kevin Starr Park & Recreation Commission Chair, Ted Butler Others BUNKER LAKE BOULEVARD PROJECT /10- 271TRAIL & ROAD DISCUSSION © Mr. Berkowitz reviewed the project. One of the main issues to deal with is the access at the northeast quadrant of Bunker Lake Boulevard and 7th Avenue. One concern is the pipeline that Northern Natural Gas has running along 7` Avenue. Staff has yet to find out the cost to relocate that pipeline. The City would like to have it south of the station; the Anoka County Highway Department would like it to be north of the station. Mr. Berkowitz further noted the City of Anoka is considering relocating Castle Field to the property west of 7 Avenue. They are working on a feasibility report now. Discussion ensued around the possibility of development along Bunker Lake Boulevard east of 7 Avenue. Mr. Berkowitz noted there is a petition to extend sewer and water to Rosella Sonteby's property. A feasibility report was completed in 2007, and it determined it is feasible to run the sewer. He reviewed the possibilities of where sewer and water could be constructed. Mr. Berkowitz states that Anoka County would like the City to commit to three full access locations along 7 Avenue between Bunker Lake Boulevard and 157 Avenue for them to allow access to the northeast quadrant of Bunker Lake Boulevard and 7 Avenue. Mayor Gamache questioned what would the three accesses be that the City would keep, based on the County's desire to limit full accesses. Mr. Berkowitz replied the access at Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 2 147 Avenue would be the most important to kee. It is a state aid connection that ties to Round Lake Boulevard. He noted a signal at 147' Avenue and 7 Avenue would be considered. An access point at 148 Lane would be right in/right out. Mr. Berkowitz indicated when 7'h Avenue is reconstructed, a new Joint Powers Agreement will need to be negotiated. Both the cities of Andover and Anoka said they want full access at 7 Avenue just north of Bunker Lake Boulevard to serve future development. He pointed out if the Council is not in agreement with three full access locations, then the City shouldn't sign the Joint Powers Agreement. He clarified the Joint Powers Agreement from the County will propose three full access points between Bunker Lake Boulevard and 157 Avenue, not including Bunker Lake Boulevard and 157 Avenue. The Council discussed potential locations for the full access locations. The Council was adamant that the Joint Powers Agreement must provide for one of the full access intersections, with a traffic signal, no further north of Bunker Lake Boulevard then the Northern Natural Gas property. Mr. Berkowitz stated the second item to discuss is the trail along Bunker Lake Boulevard starting by CVS. The project will cost approximately $450,000. Anoka County Parks will apply for the Transportation Enhancement Grant through the Met Council this summer. However, the funds from that grant would not be available until 2014 — 2015. The City would be asked to upfront the cost until these funds are available. If the grant funding is approved, the City would be paid back. If the grant is not approved, the issue will come back to the City Council for consideration. The worst case scenario is the City would be out the cost for the design of the trail if funding is not available and the trail is not constructed. He noted the County did include a muck excavation for the trail in the estimate. There would also be widening of the shoulder with concrete curbs. Mayor Gamache asked how children would safely cross Bunker Lake Boulevard. Mr. Berkowitz replied there will be a traffic signal crossing at Bunker Lake Boulevard and 38 Avenue and a traffic signal crossing at 7' Avenue. Mr. Berkowitz stated this trail is part of a regional system and will connect with the trail in the City of Anoka. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if the plans for the design would be the property of the City. Mr. Berkowitz answered in the affirmative. It is City owned property. The design would be usable for a few years. The Council supported Staff's recommendation. Councilmember Trude asked what the traffic count is in the area of Bunker Lake Boulevard and 7' Avenue. Mr. Berkowitz stated the ADT is approximately 15,000. Councilmember Jacobson asked if a full access on Bunker Lake Boulevard is proposed between 7 Avenue and Blackfoot Street. He asked why a full access is allowed at Blackfoot Street and not at 140 Avenue. Mr. Berkowitz explained the cul -de -sac Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 3 HJ residents on Blackfoot Street have no other outlet, whereas the larger development to the south has several options for an outlet. Councilmember Trude inquired what the situation is with a noise wall. Mr. Berkowitz responded the discussion is ongoing. There are certain parcels in Andover that do meet the criteria for them. The County will pay for them, depending on where they are placed and whether they meet the criteria. BURLINGTON NORTHERN /SANTA FE RAILROAD DISCUSSION Mr. Berkowitz introduced Lynn Leibfried and Pete Hamel from Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF). Mr. Hamel explained he is the Superintendent of Operations, Twin Cities Division, and is based out of Superior Wisconsin. The BNSF crew in Superior manages the railroad operations in this area. The quiet zone is a new venture for the railroads. He stated he understands the traffic back up that happens at the railroad intersections. One concern is the speed of the trains pulling in and out. The main track is authorized for about 60 mph but they go 50 mph. There are 14 trains per day on average. He said there could be as many as 3 trains in the same hour. He explained the major purpose of the train is for the taconite business. The trains go to Duluth/Superior. There was the economic downturn where the business wasn't as good and fewer trains were running. The taconite is getting better so that means there are more trains transporting the goods. Some of the long trains will split the train to free up an intersection. The conductor has to do this manually, and it can be very time consuming. Councilmember Trude stated rush hour in the morning and in the evening is the most difficult for trains running. She said she gets a lot of complaints, and it keeps school busses stopped while transporting students. Councilmember Knight questioned the longest time that a train is allowed to tie up an intersection. He stated there is concern of the train hampering medical emergencies. Mr. Hamel answered there is a maximum 10 minutes, once the train is at a complete stop. Councilmember Trude said she has experienced waiting longer. Mr. Hamel commented there are more issues as the railroad gets closer to the Cities, such as drivers stopping for a train that is a very long way away. He said the train will occupy the Bunker Lake Boulevard crossing area to the Andover Boulevard crossing, since the train has to come to a complete stop slowly. The conductor gets off the train, lines the switch, and pulls it into the siding. This can cause a 10 -20 minute wait. H Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 4 S O Councilmember Bukkila asked why this procedure takes place at this location. Mr. Hamel explained there is one main track, and a passing track. There can only be one train at a time, so one train has to pull off. Councilmember Trude suggested having shorter trains. Mr. Hamel stated there is an economic cost to the community; longer trains are more economical with resources for conducting, time, and delivery. Councilmember Trude said she would like to see the siding arrangement moved to a more rural area. Bunker Lake Boulevard is the corridor for the fire department and the dispatch center. The tracks can cause safety issues. Lynn Leibfried, Manager, Public Projects, BNSF, explained that would cost millions of dollars. She explained that communities grew up around the railroad since the railroads were the source of business years ago. Now the communities are so busy with traffic, and many of them would rather not be centered around the railroad any longer, including Andover. There is not much that can be done at this point. Moving the siding includes operational issues. She noted there are federal funds available for projects such as overpasses in major urban areas. ® Councilmember Knight stated the high speed train to Duluth is being pushed to be on these tracks. He asked how this would work. Ms. Leibfried stated the cost would be paid by an entity other than BNSF, since they would be renting BNSF lines. Councilmember Knight questioned how a high speed train could operate with all the crossings on the BNSF line. Ms. Leibfried responded the renter would need to pay to build bridges or proper controls. Councilmember Jacobson asked if there were suggestions on how to cut down the time for vehicles to wait for the train. Mr. Hamel stated communication between the railroad and the community is imperative. Possibly alternatives in dispatching or engineering can be considered. Staff and Council agreed that the crossing at Bunker Lake Boulevard garners the most complaints. Ms. Leibfried suggested working with the County for an overpass of Bunker Lake Boulevard. Councilmember Trude raised the issue of the railroad at Bunker Lake Boulevard and its uneven surface and noted it is dangerous. Drivers slow down all of a sudden to go over it. Also, she asked if they could install some kind of a signaling system to warn people when trains are present to alert drivers, a half mile before the crossing. There is no sight line up to the crossing, so some kind of warning would help. Ms. Leibfried stated BNSF © can check on these issues. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 5 H Councilmember Bukkila suggested adding information to the newsletter regarding train times, and why they are at certain crossings longer. Mr. Dickinson said he would research this, but would ask Ms. Leibfried to submit some materials. Councilmember Bukkila pointed out there is graffiti on the Coon Creek underpass where the park trail goes through and asked what can be done about that. Mr. Berkowitz acknowledged kids do congregate there. Staff has worked with the County Sheriff's office to get more patrols there. Mr. Dickinson said he would work to increase police presence. The Council thanked Mr. Hamel and Ms. Leibfried for their time and the discussion. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT Mr. Berkowitz noted there is a significant amount of playground equipment that should be replaced. Some of the playground equipment needs replacing due to the obvious wear. In 1999, the Park and Recreation Department received a consultant recommendation the City put money aside for playground equipment replacement. This recommendation was based on a 15 to 20 year time frame at the time. Changes in safety, ADA requirements, © deterioration, and vandalism play a role in timing of replacing equipment. The annual funding program started in 2000 and has allowed the City to address all of these issues. Kevin Starr, Park Maintenance Supervisor, explained the process of determining which playground equipment needs replacement. The Staff is not pulling equipment that does not need to be removed. Equipment is being pulled due to safety concerns. He noted there are 38 structures that will ultimately need replacing, and if the staff continues at the pace it is going, the first round will be done in four years. The City has difficulty in taking care of what is out there with just maintenance and replacement. Councilmember Trude commented Timber Trails seems to be in a neighborhood where the children are too old for the equipment at the park. She said she doesn't see younger kids in the neighborhood. Also, the kids seem to use the play sets in the back yards instead of the park. Mr. Starr agreed this is one of the more underutilized parks. The ball field and soccer field do not get used much, but it is scheduled by the Associations. Councilmember Bukkila asked about the inventory and if the parks are getting the same consistent structures. She asked if there are smaller accessories that could be used instead of a large structure or a new park. U Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 6 x Mr. Starr answered they are looking at the state of the equipment to determine replacement. His department is on track for keeping up with putting in safe structures, they try to be consistent with the replacements. Mayor Gamache suggested the City no longer build one acre parks. The property becomes the City's and the City has to maintain it. Councilmember Knight commented the dilemma is in the demographic information. Parents aren't letting their kids out as much anymore, and there is a safety factor. Mr. Starr agreed that the parks are mostly used for organized sports. There are many indoor games and sports. Ted Butler, Park & Recreation Commission Chairman, noted all parties agree that the maintenance needs to be done frugally. He discussed the demographics. New homeowners may prefer to keep a play structure even if the previous homeowners didn't use it. Mr. Butler noted if a park is removed and there is a vacant lot, it may deter younger families from buying in that neighborhood. Mr. Starr said they have been focusing on ages 2 to 12 in the parks they have been refurnishing lately. © Councilmember Bukkila suggested putting in a blacktop surface at some of the parks. She mentioned the idea of creating a menu list of items for the public to choose from for installation when adding or reconstructing in a park. Councilmember Jacobson raised the idea of having the Park and Recreation Commission look at an overall plan and develop objectives, and determine what needs to be done to each park. Mr. Butler agreed this overall philosophy for the parks would be helpful. One of the challenges is working within the CIP. It would be helpful to have more discussion in regard to the dollars that are being used for improvements. Mr. Dickinson commented there is value in having a developed park rather than abandoning a park in a neighborhood. Developers and Builders see value in having a nearby park. If there is an area of starter homes, there will be families. Mr. Butler posed the question of how to get more use out of the parks. Most of the use is organized athletic associations. Mr. Dickinson brought up the possibility of the Park Commission conducting a "Decision Resources" community survey regarding parks. He said this would cost about $12,000. A recommendation for a survey could be brought forward by the Park Commission for discussion. This gathering of community information could start an overall philosophy on repairing parks. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 7 1J Mr. Butler suggested notifying the area around a park when and why a park is being pulled and asking what should replace that park. Councilmember Trude recommended Mr. Starr bring forth to the Council a proposal for replacement of the two parks that are scheduled for replacement this year. Mr. Berkowitz summarized the City Council's direction as follows: Staff will revisit the park dedication study; the Park and Recreation Commission will come up with a philosophy on how park replacement and renovations for rural and urban parks are done; a survey by the Park and Recreation Commission will be sent out to the neighborhood; a replacement recommendation from the Park and Recreation will go to the City Council; City Council will approve. FENCE PERMITTING DISCUSSION As directed by the Council Mr. Berkowitz presented examples of particular lots that could be impacted by allowing fences in drainage and utility easements. He provided scenarios of situations where fencing has encroached the drainage utility easements in ponding or wetland areas. He said it is very difficult to get back to the drainage areas for maintenance. © Councilmember Jacobson asked how often Staff needs to use the access to these areas. Brian Kraabel, Utilities Manager, answered it depends on the situation. Councilmember Trude asked what gets cleaned. Mr. Kraabel explained sludge and silt are cleaned to help prevent the ponds and wetlands from being choked out. Mr. Berkowitz further explained once infiltration design criteria is put into place access will be more frequent and encroachments on the easements will be a bigger problem. Fences need to be put outside the wetland areas. Fences on the back of the property restricts the Utility Department's access to work around these ponds. Councilmember Jacobson suggested putting up a gate to allow access, or possibly a split rail fence with a removable section. Mr. Berkowitz responded if that is allowed, the homeowners tend to believe they can use the property right up to the fence. There must be room to bring in equipment. Councilmember Trude said there is confusion because people believe there is a property right, and it is theirs on the deed. Mr. Berkowitz stated the City has rights of the underlying easement. The City is responsible to ensure the storm sewer system functions properly. C�J Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 8 L 40 Councilmember Jacobson suggested letting the residents know about the fence ordinance when they come in for a fence permit. Although, some residents may not come in for a permit. Mr. Dickinson explained the beginning of the fence permit. In one area residents were putting in docks and retaining walls in the easement. The City used its easement to dewater and the residents came into Council meeting to ask when the City will fix the problem. Their retaining walls were under water. The City explained they have access and control of the easement. The residents wanted the wetland or drainage pond to look like a lake. Mr. Berkowitz stated the courts do recognize easements. It is recorded as part of the plat. Councilmember Trude suggested making these areas outlots so nothing can be done with them. Mr. Berkowitz commented too much encroachment has been allowed for too many years, and now it's difficult to deal with from a maintenance perspective. It costs too much for the City to have to go in and replace someone's fence, sod, or irrigation system. Some residents have created no entrance to some of these ponds. The ordinance may need to be ® written differently. Discussion took place whether reducing the front setback would be feasible, reducing street width and creating more space for the back yard, and the impact that would have on road maintenance and emergency vehicles. Mr. Berkowitz stated the ordinance should be reworded, but he suggested the City Attorney work with Staff to help ensure the wording is very clear. Mr. Berkowitz said the landowners must be informed of the ordinance when they buy a piece of property. On new plats where vehicle access is needed, a separate document will be recorded with the property identifying the City's access. The Council felt that in urban areas fences should not be allowed in drainage and utility easements for ponding, wetlands, access for maintenance. There should be flexibility in rural developments. Mr. Dickinson suggested adding this item to the agenda for the next Council Workshop to discuss ordinance language and how to handle fences for rural developments. The Council recessed at 9:15 p.m. Q The Council reconvened at 9:25 p.m. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 9 U CROSSTOWN DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION /10 -30 /ASSESSMENT DISCUSSION Mr. Berkowitz explained the Council has requested Staff to prepare options to reduce the assessment percentage rate in the reconstruction of Crosstown Drive NW from Bunker Lake Boulevard NW to Crosstown Boulevard NW criteria set in the Assessment Policy Manual. He provided a chart showing assessment rates at various amounts. He noted the City agreed with a 20% assessment rate on 157 Avenue due to high traffic volume and other reasons. The Council discussed reasons to reduce the assessment from the standard. Conditions were considered similar but even worse then on 157 Avenue. These reasons included high traffic volume, where the traffic originated, road policy and the near by streets and businesses being served by the street. Consensus was reached for a 15% assessment rate. Direction was given to Staff to present a rate of 15% to the homeowners. Mr. Berkowitz clarified the rate per front foot is based on a percentage, so the assessment amount will be the same between residential, commercial and governmental properties. He stated Staff will prepare the feasibility report and create a section noting the percentage is 15. A neighborhood meeting will be scheduled to explain the assessments. SOUTH COON CREEK RECONSTR UCTION DISCUSSION © Mr. Berkowitz wanted to bring this item forward to the Council with the understanding it will go to the Public Works Committee for more discussion. One of the considerations is whether a trail or sidewalk will be included along the corridor between Crosstown Boulevard NW to 143` Avenue NW, and whether it would be on or off - street. Mr. Dickinson noted the trees are right up to the curb in some areas so the impact to doing this will be huge. The traffic count for South Coon Creek Drive is 1,750. It seems the north side would be the best choice for construction of the trail /sidewalk. Councilmember Bukkila suggested checking with the school and bus company to see how many students would be riders and how many would be walkers and where they would be walking to. Mr. Berkowitz stated turn lanes should be considered at Crosstown Boulevard. He discussed traffic signals at Round Lake Boulevard and Crosstown Boulevard. He is not sure if these locations meet warrants. If Crosstown Boulevard and Round Lake Boulevard meet warrants, the County would pay for a portion of the signal, as it is a County road, but the City may have to upfront the cost. Mr. Berkowitz stated another consideration is whether sanitary sewer should be extended. Water main will be constructed and with that should service stubs be provided for each individual house and how would the assessments be assigned. Another item to consider is tree removal. Some trees are within two feet of the road. The last item is assessment for Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 10 H roadway reconstruction and utilities. The Council will have to consider how to treat assessments for multiple types of parcels. Councilmember Trude suggested assigning individual assessments. Mr. Berkowitz said cost estimates will be calculated when the Public Works Committee starts going through the discussion. Staff's goal is to have this item back at a Council workshop for consideration in the summer. Staff would like to meet with residents toward the end of summer. Councilmember Knight stated there have not been a lot of sidewalks or trails in these areas. He said he is leaning toward the on- street option. DISCUSS 2010 BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION YEAR END PROGRESS REPORT & YEAR END INVESTMENT REPORT Mr. Dickinson reviewed the 2010 General Fund Budget. He pointed out the total revenue exceeded expectations. He stated his Administration budget was tight. There were unexpected legal costs, and other costs were charged to the Administration budget that were not expected, but his bottom line was still under budget. © Before finalizing the 2010 budget, there were fears of natural gas pricing increases which were accounted for. Some projects in Facility Management were postponed and a few will be carried forward. The cost of using the old lunchroom as a community meeting room instead of the chambers helped in reducing expenses. As a result, the utility costs were overbudgeted. The budget for Facility Management has been scaled back for 2011. The costs for snow and ice removal are over budget. This is a service that cannot be scaled back. However the Public Works expenses overall were within budget. Mr. Dickinson reviewed investment maturities. He stated that $5.8 million was approved for debt service payments, February 1 this has been accumulated over the years, and there are funds in escrow accounts. Mr. Dickinson noted the City is on the cusp of a Triple A bond rating. 2011 B UD GET IMPLEMENTA TION STRA TEGIES DISCUSSION Mr. Dickinson reviewed the City Administration directives and departmental expectations for 2011. Two new goals include searching out collaborative opportunities with neighboring government agencies and develop ongoing communications with residents, businesses and other stakeholders. 1 Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes January 25, 2011 Page 11 H 2012 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINE DISCUSSION Mr. Dickinson reviewed the 2012 proposed City budget guidelines. Changes are proposed to fund balance reserve percentages and debt levy percent of gross levy restrictions. OTHER TOPICS (Former Commission Members) Mr. Dickinson explained City Planner, Mr. Bednarz had prepared a list of former Commission Members be given to each Councilmember. Mr. Dickinson asked whether past Commissioners should receive a certificate or plaque for length of service, and whether it should be handed to them in a meeting, or mailed. Consensus was reached to provide a plaque rather than a certificate for length of service. Also the past Commissioners should have a choice of whether they'd like to attend a meeting to receive their plaque. (Met Council Representative) Councilmember Knight noted there is a new Executive Director for the Met Council. She supports low- income housing and high- density housing. Councilmember Trude stated she supports the new representative's focus on transit oriented growth. (Watershed) Mayor Gamache stated he was approached regarding the Lower Rum WMO. Mr. Dickinson asked that the attorney look at the relevant documents and provide an opinion. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Jacobson, seconded by Bukkila to adjourn at 10:17 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Christine Moksnes, Recording Secretary H