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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK - August 23, 2011C I T Y O F p NDOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV City Council Workshop Tuesday, August 23, 2011 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order — 6:00 p.m. 2. Joint Meeting with Park Commission - Engineering A. Consider Park Comprehensive Plan/Future Improvements to Park System B. Discuss Proposed 2012 -2016 Park Capital Improvement Plan C. Update Regarding _Interest of Artificial Turf at One of the Parks / /Facilities D. Discuss Use of Free Skating Rinks 3. Lower Rum River WMO Update - Engineering © 4. Discuss Special Bow Hunting Request — Smith's Rolling Oaks - Planning 5. South Coon Creek Update - Engineering 6. 2011 Budget Implementation Progress & July 2011 Investment Report -Administration 7. Discuss 2012 -2016 Capital Improvement Plan — Administration 8. CDBG Funding Update - Administration 9. 2012 Budget Development Discussion/Update -Administration 10. Preview Proposed 2012 Preliminary Tax Levy Certification - Administration 11. Other Topics 12. Adjournment l-J x ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING — AUGUST 23, 2011 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, August 23, 2011, 6:08 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Sheri Bukkila, Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Park and Recreation Commissioners present: Chair Ted Butler, Vice -Chair Jim Lindahl, Commissioners Mark Miskowiec, Shaun Van Vark, Tony Kowalewski, Andrew Melberg, and Shan Ramnath Also present: City Administrator Jim Dickinson Director of Public Works /City Engineer David Berkowitz Assistant Public Works Director Todd Haas Parks Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Starr Community Development Director David Carlberg RECOGNITION OF COUNCILMEMBER JACOBSON Mayor Gamache presented Councilmember Jacobson with a plaque for his service and dedication to the City of Andover. W. Butler presented Councilmember Jacobson with a gift from the Park and Recreation Commission for his service. Councilmember Jacobson thanked everyone and the City. JOINT MEETING WITH PARK COMMISSION — CONSIDER PARK COMPREHENSIVE PLANIFUTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO PARK SYSTEM Mr. Butler updated the City Council on what the Park Commission has been doing including reviewing the parks to determine what additional activities could be added to bring more people into the parks, possible winter festival, having birdhouses built with the assistance of the community's youth, and adding water routes through Andover. The Park Commission worked on determining what amenities could be added or removed from the City's parks over the next 20 to 30 years to reach the City's future goal for the parks. Mr. Butler highlighted the significant Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 2 items in the City's Comprehensive Plan including the purchase of additional land for expanding Hawk Ridge Park and further developing Oakview Park to include a boardwalk. All the red line items are new items to this plan and the items that have a line through them are either completed or will not be included in the future plan because the City's plans and priorities have changed. Councilmember Trude stated the plan does not follow all of the Council directives or plans and includes items the Council does not necessarily support at this time. Councilmember Jacobson stated the paving of the City's park parking lots is included in this plan, but given the substantial cost the Park Commission may want to reconsider this expenditure. Mr. Butler stated the Comprehensive Plan includes things that the City may want to have done over the next 20 to 30 years in order to achieve the City's future goals for the parks. The parking lot paving was not included in the Comprehensive Plan but is included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Butler indicated the Park Commission can review this again. Councilmember Trude stated the Council had given direction to staff to move forward with including amenities for children rather than for cars, in our rural parks due to the current shortage of funds. Councilmember Knight asked if the City could look into a shared maintenance and improvements agreement with neighboring communities for the Hawk Ridge Park because due to its location residents from the surrounding communities use this park more. Mr. Dickinson stated Andover residents had requested this park and it is used by Andover residents as well as residents from the surrounding communities. Andover residents use parks in other communities as well. Mr. Butler stated the Park Commission is open to collaborating with neighboring cities and could look into this. The Park Commission would be looking at doing smaller improvements to many of the parks to attract more users. Councilmember Bukkila asked if the Park Commission was reviewing surrounding parks when looking at amenities to ensure the area was not saturated with similar amenities. Councilmember Trude suggested the Park Commission also look at the surrounding community demographics to determine what amenities should be added because some of the smaller parks have more kids at them. Mr. Butler stated the Park Commission had reviewed all of the City's parks and what amenities were at each location. They also reviewed the area and what busy roads were near each location in order to determine what amenities should be considered. © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 3 Councilmember Trude suggested the Park Commission talk to the kids and residents near each park to see what amenities they would like to see in their parks. She stated she would like to see more skate park features added to some of the parks and having one of the City's hockey rinks paved. Mr. Butler explained the Comprehensive Plan is what the City might expect the parks to look like in 20 -30 years. When it comes time to redevelop or replace equipment the Park Commission will contact the neighborhood and get their input on what amenities they would like to see included. Councilmember Jacobson stated the parks do not include enough activities for older people such as shuffleboard, and horse shoe pits. Over the next 20 to 30 years the population in Andover will be older and they may enjoy more appropriate amenities. The Comprehensive Plan includes selling the Cedar Crest Estate Park. He asked if this would be possible. Mr. Dickinson explained this particular park was not dedicated park space and if the City was not able to use it then it could be sold. Mr. Van Vark clarified the Park Commission was not trying to predict what the demographics would be in Andover in the future but rather determine what amenities the residents would like to see in the parks in the future. Having amenities in the parks will continue to attract young families. Councilmember Bukkila stated the City needed to have a five -year plan for the parks and work with this because the amount of park dedication funds available is not the same as it has been. Councilmember Trude suggested the Park Commission consider limiting the mini shelters with grills to higher density housing areas because neighborhoods with single family homes tend to have their own grills. She also suggested the Park Commission look at providing some sort of shade for the dugouts in the parks because they get very warm during games. Mr. Butler stated the Park Commission would look at shade and other amenities that could be added to those parks that are used for games. Mayor Gamache asked if the costs for the 10 parking lots that are proposed to be paved included curb and gutter. Mr. Haas stated some of the lots include curb and gutter and this is noted in the plan. Mr. Butler stated the Park Commission would review the parks and determine which parks bring in more people and could be considered showcase parks for the City and have these parking lots paved. The Comprehensive Plan is a reflection of what the City would like to do in the parks and this will be used to determine the park dedication fees. © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 4 Mr. Haas stated the parking lots that need to be improved would be brought back to the Council for approval. Councilmember Trude stated on page 2, the Neighborhood parks should be defined as: serving neighborhoods usually within one mile Mr. Butler stated this could be changed. JOINT MEETING WITH PARR COMMISSION — DISCUSS PROPOSED 2012 -2016 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Butler stated it is easier for other departments in the City to stick to a 5 -year Capital Improvement Plan, but based on changes it needs to be more flexible for parks. The Park Commission works with Staff and residents to determine what the needs and interests are in the parks. There are significant changes in funds available in recent years and the Park Commission looked at what it could accomplish over the next 5 -years with the funding available and Council priorities. He explained the current 5 -year Capital Improvement Plan includes improvements in © 2012 and then less in 2013 and 2014, and a significant improvement or redevelopment in 2015. The Park Commission for 2012 would recommend paving the west parking lot at Sunshine Park and a small irrigation project at the Woodland Estates Park. Councilmember Jacobson expressed concerns about the safety at Sunshine Park because there are no parking lot lights. The parking lot gets dark and this needs to be moved up the list. Councilmember Bukkila stated the City cannot irrigate all the parks in the City. The Park Commission should look at what small improvements can be made to the parks rather than paving parking lots and irrigating parks. Mayor Gamache stated the parking lot should be paved at Sunshine Park because it is the City's top park and this area should look as good as the rest of the park. Staff should also look at adding lights to this park to address the safety concerns. Mr. Butler stated the residents of Hickory Meadows Park have requested a park in their neighborhood and the Park Commission is allocating $25,000 for equipment for this park but the residents and/or developer will need to raise additional funds. The Park Commission is recommending any savings from other projects be applied towards this project. Mayor Gamache stated the 5 -Year CIP presented was well done. The City cannot irrigate every park in the City. The City could look at partnering with residents bordering smaller parks to © provide irrigation for these parks. He expressed concerns with the proposed Hickory Meadows Park project because this area is not fully developed and it could be several years before it is. Ms. Corrine Fulcrum from the Hickory Meadows development, stated the homes in this area are © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 5 all occupied and those people that are interested in the area expressed concerns that it feels like it is "in the middle of nowhere" because there are no trails or parks. A park would help in the ability to sell more homes. Councilmember Jacobson suggested irrigation of this park be at the end of the project and not included as part of the project. Councilmember Trude stated the Shadowbrook Park had been a self -build park and the neighborhood had done the work to save money to purchase more playground equipment. She asked if this was a possibility with this particular park. Mr. Butler stated this was a possibility and could be discussed with the residents of this neighborhood. Mr. Haas explained the playground construction is no longer hired out, but done in house so there would be no savings with a self - build. Councilmember Trude thanked the Park Commission for their hard work in putting together the 5 -Year CIP and the Comprehensive Plan. She stated the City should look at getting better maps of the parks done for residents to either download or purchase at City Hall because people do get lost trying to get to some of the parks. Mr. Butler stated this was something that had been talked about. The City's website currently has a link to a map of the Andover Parks. He suggested a list of amenities be included on the City's website. JOINT MEETING WITH PARK COMMISSION — UPDATE REGARDING INTEREST OF ARTIFICIAL TURFAT ONE OF THE PARKS/FACILITIES Mr. Butler stated the Park Commission met with the local sports associations and school districts to discuss interest in artificial turf, how it would be used, and paying for this as well as the possibility of a dome facility. At this time the associations and school districts will be meeting with their boards to discuss their interest. If there is interest the City will determine the next steps and bring this back to the Council for review. Councilmember Knight suggested the Park Commission determine what the costs are for maintaining the current fields versus artificial turf fields including maintenance, repair, and average life expectancy for artificial turf. Mr. Berkowitz stated the estimated cost to install artificial turf would be around $500,000. © Mr. Haas stated the expected life expectancy for artificial turf would be about 8 years but there are more expensive options available that would provide a longer life expectancy. He also stated there are different types of turf for different activities. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 6 Mr. Butler explained it would be important for the City to review the financial feasibility of this project to ensure the City is not in the same situation as other communities and there is not enough cash flow generated from the project to pay for itself. Councilmember Jacobson expressed concerns with building a dome because this type of structure would require additional items to operate it such as heating, the costs for inflating or deflating, and lighting the structure. Even if an organization says they will use it they may decide not to and the City will need to find a way to pay for this structure. He recommended the Park Commission look at long -term leases for organizations. Mr. Dickinson stated the City needs to proceed with caution in regard to long term leases. Most organizations are non - profit and when they do not have money they will not be able to pay regardless of a lease or contract. Councilmember Trude stated the Park Commission had brought together a large group of potential users and this may be an opportunity for the City to partner with some of these associations and school districts. She stated a potential location could be on the south side of Andover Boulevard across from the High School. Another suggested location could be across from Sunshine Park on Crosstown Boulevard and Nightingale Street, the City is purchasing this property. Mr. Butler stated at this time the Council could discuss items such as location but the Park Commission would like to wait to find out what the associations and school districts are interested in before moving forward. Councilmember Knight suggested selling the name for the dome similar to what has been done for other stadiums built recently. This could generate funds for this type of facility. Mr. Butler stated the Park Commission would wait for feedback from the associations and school districts and then move forward with a feasibility report. JOINT MEETING WITHPARK COMMISSION— DISCUSS USE OF FREE SKA TING RINKS Mr. Berkowitz stated there are a couple of free skate parks in the City that have limited use. The Public Works Parks Maintenance Department is recommending these rinks be closed so that staff can focus on the remaining rinks and provide the community with better product. When it snows all rinks need to have the snow removed otherwise the surface will not be suitable for skating. Mr. Starr stated if the City had 11 rinks then staff would be able to provide better service to the © rinks and ensure the surfaces are taken care of. Councilmember Trude suggested Terrace rink and Shady Knoll rink be closed. They showed Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 7 very low usage last season. She stated the rinks with warming houses showed the most usage in the City. Mr. Berkowitz stated the Terrace rink has showed little use over the last three seasons. Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, Seconded by Councilmember Knight, to authorize staff to eliminate the rinks at Shady Knoll Park, Pleasant Oaks Park, and Terrace Park from the upcoming skating season. The motion carried 4 ayes, 1 nay ( Bukkila). The Council recessed at 7:38 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:47 p.m. LOWER RUM RIVER WMO UPDATE Mr. Berkowitz presented the Council with the draft of the Wetland Protection Standards that are being recommended by the Technical Advisory Committee. The proposed standards are not much different than what is currently required by the City of Andover as far as temporary wetland buffer strips. He clarified that the difference of 16.5 -foot buffer would be blanketed with a permanent drainage and utility easement, which in most cases is the current standard because this buffer is within the 100 -year flood elevation. The 16.5 -foot buffer is consistent with the City's current Ordinances. Councilmember Bukkila asked what the direct impact would be to residents. Mr. Berkowitz stated the major difference the residents would see would be in regard to fertilization, but the drainage and utility easement would be the same. He explained there would be no restrictions for a resident to modify or change the natural plantings after construction has been completed. Councilmember Trade clarified that a new construction plat would only be approved now if it met these requirements. She continued stating that the standards allow for a time extension on approved projects. Councilmember Knight asked where the delineation points started. Mr. Berkowitz stated the delineation point is based on hydrology, soils and vegetation. This information is sent to a technical panel and they value the delineation to be sure it meets the criteria. © Councilmember Trade stated it would be helpful if the City had information available about the delineation and have the wetlands identified before residents planned any expansions. © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 8 DISCUSS SPECL4L BOW HUNTING REQUEST Mr. Carlberg explained the residents of Smith's Rolling Oaks are requesting a map amendment to allow them to bow hunt for the regular deer hunting season. Councilmember Jacobson asked what other things would be allowed by including this neighborhood in the non - restricted hunting area. Mr. Carlberg explained only bow hunting would be allowed because of the lot sizes. In order to discharge a firearm the lots would need to be larger. Councilmember Trude stated when the City changed the hunting ordinances the map was also changed. If this area were removed from the restricted area then the ordinances and map would need to be changed again. She clarified this request was different than the special hunt request received from this neighborhood last year because they would like to have the map changed and have the ability to bow hunt every year without having to make a special request. © Mr. Carlberg stated the only change would be this area would be allowed to bow hunt for the season. The lot sizes in this neighborhood are not large enough to allow for hunting with a firearm even if they are in a zone that allows hunting with firearms. He asked if it would be appropriate for the Council to consider this request and hold a public hearing to get resident input. Councilmember Bukkila clarified the residents in this neighborhood really wanted to be able to expand what had been approved last year with the special hunt. Councilmember Jacobson asked why the City would change the map rather than just approve a special hunt similar to last year but expand it to a month rather than two weekends. Mayor Gamache stated the neighborhood did not want to come to the City every year for approval. Ray Sowada, 14921 Butternut Street, stated the neighborhood would like to be included in the regular season so they could hunt in their back yards when they wanted during the full season. The City had approved two weekends last year and one of those weekends the weather had prevented any hunting. There were two deer taken last year by residents of the neighborhood and there had not been any problems. Councilmember Knight suggested the Council consider approving a special hunt similar to last © year but increase the amount of time they could hunt. This way the City would not have to change their ordinance or maps. © Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 9 Arlene Elin, 137 Andover Boulevard presented the Council with a packet of information, which included information and statistics on the number of deer in the area and what it would take to kill a deer so that it did not have to be tracked outside of a 2.5 -acre area. She stated the City should do a study to determine if a special hunt would be required and this has not been done and there has been no deer hunt recommended for the Bunker Hills park. She also provided a copy of a police report that was filed against one of the hunters from last years special hunt. She stated there were other hunters that own more land that would also like to hunt and they are not being considered for the special hunt. She stated she is opposed to this request and would like to know why this is being considered at a workshop and not at a regular City Council meeting. She stated it is not safe for people to hunt on this small of a property and this is in a residential area. She also explained she had been threatened at a previous City Council meeting where this was discussed. Mayor Gamache stated the Council was discussing this matter during a workshop to determine if it should be brought forward to a Council meeting for consideration. Mr. Carlberg stated the special hunt from last year did specify the hunter had to be the property owner. ® Councilmember Trude stated there were other property owners in the City along South Coon Creek Drive that would like to be able to bow hunt on their property and they should also be considered. Mayor Gamache stated the group that had requested the special hunt last year had presented a petition and this is allowed according to the City's ordinance. At this time they are requesting a change to the City's zone map and Ordinance to allow them to be included in the regular hunting season every year without coming to the City for special permission. The Council has three choices at this time: Change the map and include this neighborhood in the restricted area, consider allowing a special hunt for this neighborhood with a petition as allowed by the City's ordinance, or do nothing at this time. Councilmember Jacobson suggested the Council not change the map at this time and send a letter to residents in the area that the Smith's Rolling Oaks neighborhood is interested in having a special hunt season and hold a public hearing. Councilmember Trude pointed out there had been a police report filed last year. Mayor Gamache asked if the Council had any interest in moving forward with changing the map to include Smith's Rolling Oaks into the non - restricted area. Councilmember Trude stated the petition last year had cited a need for the special hunt due to overpopulation and now the residents of this area are requesting the change because they want to hunt from their backyard. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 10 Arlene Elin asked if her land had to be posted in order to keep people off her land. She also requested the packet of information she provided to the Council become part of the records. Mayor Gamache stated a hunter had to have permission from a property owner in order to track a deer. The land does not have to be posted. Councilmember Trude expressed concerns about the safety of children in the Smith's Rolling Oaks area if these residents were allowed to hunt for the full season. There are two daycares in this area to consider as well. Mayor Gamache stated he would be in favor of not allowing the request of including this neighborhood in the restricted area for hunting and have them follow the City's ordinance and bring a petition forward with a request for a special hunt. Councilmember Trude stated the special hunt approved last year was a onetime situation. There is nothing in the minutes that state this would be a test and if there were no problems they would be allowed to hunt every year. She also expressed concerns that those people opposed to © allowing hunting on smaller lots were intimidated. Mayor Gamache stated the request at this time was to include Smith's Rolling Oaks into the restricted area to allow bow hunting for the entire season every year and at this time there is not support from the Council to move forward with this request. He suggested if there were residents interested in hunting in restricted areas then they should bring a petition to the City for consideration. Mr. Chris Wallace, 225 Andover Boulevard, Andover, stated the City needs to stop wavering on this subject and either allow hunting on smaller lots or not. He also asked why the line was drawn at Andover Boulevard for the boundary between the restricted hunting and prohibited hunting areas. Mayor Gamache stated the City's ordinance provides for those interested in hunting to provide a petition to the City Council for consideration and this applies to all residents of Andover. Last year the residents of Smith's Rolling Oaks had brought a petition to the City for consideration. At this time the Council does not want to include this neighborhood in the restricted area and change the maps. If there are residents interested in hunting then they would need to bring a petition to the City Council for consideration. There is no guarantee that the requests would be approved. Don Wilson, 14920 University Avenue asked how the Council could not approve a request for a special hunt for the Smith's Rolling Oaks residents when they had approved it last year and stated it would be a test for future approvals. ® Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 11 Councilmember Trade stated the motion that was approved did not state the special hunt was a test and it did not guarantee future approvals. It was the consensus of the City Council to not change the City's maps to include Smith's Rolling Oaks in the restricted area for hunting purposes and if residents are interested in requesting a special hunting permit they would need to file a petition with the City. These requests would be decided at a regular City Council meeting and would include a public hearing. SOUTH COOK CREEK UPDATE Mr. Berkowitz outlined the South Cook Creek Drive NW project including an on street trail on the south side of the street, the construction of a trunk water main, tree removal, and intersection improvements. He explained the on street trail would be a 5 -foot wide trail and the drive lanes would be narrowed to 12 -feet. If the trail is on the south side there would be less trees impacted and with the trail being on street it would be plowed when the streets are plowed. It would be marked by a white line and bicycle symbols. Councilmember Jacobson stated there should be some communication with the residents to determine what they would like to have done and provide the pluses and minuses. He asked if the water main would need to be done and how the City would be paying for and assessing the water main. Mr. Berkowitz stated the water main would provide redundant service but it would improve the City's system as a whole with the increased pressure. Councilmember Trade stated there were 6,000 users for this water main and it would cost $800,000. Mr. Dickinson stated the water fund should not be responsible for covering 100% of the costs. This improvement will benefit not only those residents nearby but also the entire City. He recommended the City look at more than one source of funding for this project including potentially assessing the residents. Councilmember Knight asked if there was a demand for water or water support in the City that would warrant this project. Mr. Winkel stated there was a demand in the City and also the increased pressure would be safer for those areas of the City that experience decreased water pressure. Councilmember Jacobson asked how Mr. Dickinson would recommend splitting the costs. Mr. Dickinson stated the improvements would not impact the City until 2013, but would look at Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes — August 23, 2011 Page 12 revenues outside of the utility to pay for close to 50% of the project costs, this would include general tax levy, other utilities and possibly assessments. Councilmember Bukkila stated she liked the idea of the on street trail for maintenance purposes. Councilmember Knight suggested increasing the signage along this section of the road as well to increase safety. Mr. Berkowitz stated the existing bridge over the creek could be used with this trail design. He further explained the watermain improvements scheduled for this project and how they would impact the surrounding properties. Residents would have the ability to pay for a water stub off the main. They could then hook up to in the future if they wished. This would be at their cost. A future sanitary sewer pipe can be run through the wetlands to serve this area, as long as the wetlands are restored. Councilmember Trude stated it would be a good idea for the City to consider installing sanitary sewer along with the water for future development of this area. She stated it had been beneficial for Blaine. Mr. Carlberg stated it would be beneficial to the City to make the watermain improvements while they are doing the roadwork so that the road would not have to be dug up in the future. Mr. Berkowitz suggested assessing this project similar to the project that was completed on 157 Avenue. He would review the numbers and let the Council know what this could be. The 157 Avenue project had been assessed at $3,000 for larger rural style lots and $1,500 for the smaller lots. 2011 BUDGETIMPLEMENTATIONPROGRESS& JULY2011INVESTMENTREPORT Mr. Dickinson provided an update of the 2011 budget and the July investment report. He stated at this time the City is on target to meet its 2011 budget goals. He stated the Certificates of Deposit are being watched closely and the FDIC bank watch list is also being watched to ensure the City is working with banks that are not in poor standing. He stated the City would be entering into negotiations with some banks and developers because the City is considering not accepting their letters of credit. Councilmember Trude asked if the City has been paid for the streets, sewer, and water for the Hickory Meadows project. Mr. Dickinson stated the City has been paid. © DISCUSS 2012 -2016 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 13 Mr. Dickinson reviewed the 2012 -2016 Capital hnprovement Plan and outlined the major changes in this plan. CDBG FUNDING UPDATE Mr. Dickinson provided an update on the CDBG fund. He stated there is $53,285.75 remaining of the 2010 grant and $100,000 of the 2011 grant. He stated the City could choose to use these funds on a project to connect a small neighborhood to water along 141" Lane. There is a funding gap of $140,114.25 Anoka County may recapture funds from other projects in the county and some of these funds could be reallocated to Andover to assist in this project. Councilmember Jacobson stated it was possible the project was completed and the residents decided not to pay the additional cost of hooking up to the system. He asked if this would increase water quality. Mr. Berkowitz stated water quality would be improved on a small scale. Mr. Dickinson concurred that residents may not hook up to water. Councilmember Trude asked if it would be possible for the City to receive additional grants to lessen the gap in the cost. Mr. Dickinson stated he did not see having more grant money allocated for this project but would pursue other grant money. This area is in a TIF development district so TIF funds could be used. He stated this was an area the City may be interested in redeveloping in the future. The consensus of the Council was to pursue the project, using TIF funds as gap funding if necessary. 2012 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSIONIUPDATE Mr. Dickinson explained the items included in the 2012 Budget to date. He stated staff is looking for City Council direction as the preparation proceeds. He explained the Market Value Homestead credit would be replaced with the Market Value Exclusion program. At this time the City does not include these funds in the budget. There were no new staffing requests for the 2012 budget. Staff is still working on the health care plan and identifying alternate vendors. He explained the City would be able to bring in an additional investigator under the current budget amounts if this position were filled in March and the Community Service Officer hours were reduced to 6 -hours per day. Councilmember Trude stated she would like to have an investigator who has finished school and fl training. She asked what the actual increase in law enforcement would be. Mr. Dickinson stated the increase in law enforcement would be approximately $78,000 and this Q Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 14 will cover all of their costs. This does reduce the CSO coverage by 6 hours per day. Mr. Dickinson reviewed the YMCA/Youth First proposal. He stated primarily the YMCA would use the money requested. Councilmember Bukkila stated the program being proposed is the same as the program the City just cancelled. She had something different in mind for this group of youth. She was looking for something more like an evening/weekend drop off type of program. Councilmember Trade asked where these funds would be used. Mr. Dickinson stated this program was focused on middle school and high school aged kids. Youth First would be operating out of the middle school and they would be offering different programs than those offered by the YMCA. Councilmember Trade asked if these programs would be providing an after school snack and assistance with homework only. She also asked why the City would want to fund both programs. Mr. Dickinson suggested the YMCA and Youth First come to the Council and present their requests and answer the Council's questions. Councilmember Knight suggested this also be presented to the Community Center Advisory Commission. Councilmember Trade asked staff to look at other programs and see what might be available for this age group. She stated at this time, based on the information they have, it appears that Andover is subsidizing Anoka and Ramsey's programs that are offered by Youth First. Mayor Gamache stated the YMCA and Youth First could make a presentation to the Council at their Workshop in September. Councilmember Trade asked if the City had increased its contribution to Alexander House from last year. She stated this organization provides an important service to the community and she would like to see this contribution increased. Mr. Dickinson indicated the contribution has been $10,000 for the past few years. PREVIEW PROPOSED 2012 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY CERTIFICATION Mr. Dickinson reviewed the proposed 2012 tax levy and stated it was being proposed as a zero percent gross levy increase over last year. He explained as the tax capacity value in communities goes down their tax rate will go up. Councilmember Trade thought this would be acceptable to the residents and the City could work Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 15 with this as well. OTHER TOPICS WOODLAND CREEK GOLF COURSE Mr. Dickinson stated the bank is serious about pushing the owner of the Woodland Creek Golf Course to do something with the property. The City may be interested in this property for wetland banking. He has talked to the Highway Department about this property because they also need wetland credits. He would like to see the City partner with the Anoka County Highway Department on this property. He asked if the Council wanted staff to proceed with determining what it would be to create a wetland bank. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to proceed with looking into the Woodland Creek Golf Course property and creating wetland credits. Mr. Berkowitz stated the next step would be to hire a consultant and meet with the Coon Creek Watershed District. Councilmember Trude stated the City would get needed wetland credits with this property. She asked if the Highway Department would consider hiring a consultant so if they would partner with the City and cost share a consultant. Mr. Dickinson stated the Highway Department might be interested in partnering with the City and will be presenting this concept to the Anoka County Public Works Committee. STORM WATER CONCERNS Mr. Dickinson stated a resident has asked the City to take off the excess water on his property. He feels this is the City's responsibility because the City has increased the volume of water being released into the wetlands on his property when a new development was approved. Councilmember Trude pointed out that this resident had built his driveway through the wetlands on their property. She asked where he would like to have the water redirected. Mr. Berkowitz stated the City has met all the requirements to allow higher volumes to be sent downstream. The resident would like to have the water on his property moved to the Coon Creek. Mr. Dickinson stated the city has an estimate to do the work for approximately $15,000. Councilmember Trude stated the area in question is clearly marked as wetland on the map. Mr. Dickinson stated if the resident decides to sue the City this will be forwarded to the League Andover City Council Workshop Meeting IC Minutes —August 23, 2011 Page 16 of Minnesota Cities. CITY OFANOKA Mr. Dickinson stated in a resolution the City of Anoka has asked the City of Andover to consider boundary changes. This idea had been suggested to them previously. Anoka would like Andover to downgrade the zoning on Rosella's property. HIGHGRASS & DEBRIS /ANDOVER BOULEVARD Councilmember Jacobson stated close to the grass on Andover Boulevard, near the railroad tracks, needs to be cut. There is also construction and railroad debris that needs to be removed from this area. Mr. Dickinson stated staff would look into this. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, Seconded by Councilmember Knight, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tina Borg, Recording Secretary