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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-12CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2012 Mayor Bellows called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was given. Present: Mayor Mark Bellows Council Member Matt Little Council Member Colleen LaBeau Council Member Kerrin Swecker Council Member Laurie Rieb Also Present: Elliott Knetsch, Assistant City Attorney Steve Mielke, City Administrator Tom Vonhof, Police Chief David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director Chris Petree, Public Works Director Dennis Feller, Finance Director Steve Michaud, Parks & Recreation Director Daryl Morey, Planning Director Charlene Friedges, City Clerk Citizens' Comments None Presentations /Introductions Chief Vonhof, along with Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, presented a Chief's Award of Merit to Police Officers Jeff Hanson and Michelle Roberts for their life saving efforts in responding to a head -on collision in August 2010. Governor Dayton is a family friend of the victim, Chelsea Skog, who survived the crash. Ms. Skog and her family were present. Mr. Petree presented the December Public Works Department monthly report. Consent Agenda Council Member LaBeau removed Item I from the consent agenda. 12.01 Motion was made by LaBeau, seconded by Rieb to approve the consent agenda items as follows: a. Claims for payment. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2012 Page 2 b. Minutes of the December 19, 2011 City Council meeting. C. Resolution No. 12 -01 accepting donations to the Parks & Recreation Department. d. Agreements with Noah Hoehn, The Wolfgang and Vecchione /Erdahl Duo for performances at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. e. Designation of the Dakota County Tribune as the official City newspaper for 2012. f. Resolution No. 12 -02 vacating a public drainage and utility easement for ConAgra Foods, 21325 Hamburg Avenue. g. Ordinance No. 885 amending Title 10 of the Lakeville City Code, Ordinance No. 886 amending Title 11 of the Lakeville City Code, and Summary Ordinance 885 -886 for publication. h. Set a special Council work session to be held on January 17, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. Renewal of tree trimming and removal licenses for 2012. Final acceptance of public utility and street improvements in Quail Ridge 3rd Addition. k. Resolution No. 12 -03 supporting the Dakota County 2012 -2016 Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP). I. (Removed from consent agenda.) Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Item 61- Standard Engineering Agreements for 2012 Council Member LaBeau stated she did not support the proposed rate increases that several of the engineering companies are proposing. Mr. Petree explained what these standard engineering agreements are used for. He pointed out that the proposed fee schedules are used primarily for unanticipated, unplanned projects which rarely occur. These CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2012 Page 3 projects are considered too small to go through an RFP process. Having an engineering consultant pool allows the City to have those specialized services available if needed. He further indicated that the proposed rates are not exclusive to Lakeville. 12.02 Motion was made by Rieb, seconded by Swecker to approve standard engineering agreements with Barr Engineering Co., Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc., SRF Consulting Group, Inc., Toltz King Duvall Anderson and Associates, Inc. and WSB & Associates, Inc. for 2012. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, Bellows, Swecker, Little, Rieb. Nay, LaBeau. Item 7 - Street Reconstruction Project 12 -02 Mayor Bellows opened the public hearing on the proposed 2012 street reconstruction project. The City Clerk attested to legal notices being duly published and mailed. Mr. Petree introduced Monica Heil of WSB & Associates, who provided a brief overview of the project. Mayor Bellows opened the hearing to questions and comments from the audience. He explained that he would entertain a limited number of comments and questions, ask staff to respond, and then continue with comments and questions. Robert Palmer, 16670 Galaxie Way Opposed the project due to the current economy. Fred Johnston, 16620 Galaxie Way Concerned about shutting down Galaxie for water, safety and access. John Carter, 17055 Gannon Way Questioned monetary value attached to the project prior to taking bids. Cecil Hoover, 17067 Gage Avenue Questioned why tax dollars were not set aside for street improvements and why the assessment includes interest. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2012 Page 4 Eric Mclnroy, 165 25 Frazer Way Asked if interest will be fixed or adjustable. Carolyn Curtin, 7030 168th Street W. Questioned the affect this project will have on the creek at 168th Street and Gannon, also concerned about access in and out of her property. Mr. Petree explained that nearly 30% of the city's roads are deteriorating beyond maintenance repair, and the Valley Park area is one of the worst areas of the city. Mr. Feller explained the City's assessment policy, which provides that the City pays 60% of the construction cost and 40% is assessed to the benefiting property owners. The assessments are spread over a 20 year period at a fixed interest rate. Interest is estimated at between four and seven percent; however, the actual interest rate will not be known until the City receives bids for the sale of general obligation improvement bonds. He stated the assessments will be levied in May after the assessment hearing, and the first payment is collected with property taxes payable 2013. The assessment is estimated at $405 for the first year and drops to approximately $200 by the final year. He explained that the City will receive bids for the project in April. The assessment will be adjusted accordingly, based on the bid results. Mr. Mielke pointed out that Lakeville's policy is to hold the assessment hearing prior to proceeding with construction so that there is certainty with the property owners on the assessment amount. Mr. Petree stated the City intends to maintain access to all properties while the project is under construction, for residents as well as emergency services. Where water main is being replaced, temporary water systems will be set up. The City is considering, as part of this project, enhancements to the drainage channel in the area of 168th Street and Gannon, as well as replacement of the bridge. Brian Olson, 16885 Garcia Way Questioned his assessment amount. Lisa Watkins, 16600 Franchise Avenue Asked why property owners cannot be given more than 30 days to prepay their assessment interest free. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2012 Page 5 Steve Sargent, 16548 Franchise Questioned money spent on LED lighting retrofit; how much land has been given to builders by the City? Greg Wyatt, 16627 Galaxie Way Asked if Galaxie Way is a part of the 2012 project. Karen Torrez, 6570 - 168th Street Inquired about warranty on construction; are there any plans to reposition storm drains? Deb Sargent, 16548 Franchise Avenue Asked for specific information on proposed utility improvements, how the City arrived at the cost and how much was assessed for the 2008 project. Mr. Feller explained that the City's current assessment policy states that benefiting property owners pay their share of the project cost with interest. Minnesota Statutes allow property owners to prepay interest free within 30 days after the assessment is levied. Interest will begin to accrue after that period. Mr. Feller stated the City has given no land to builders. Mr. Petree encouraged residents to bring any storm drainage concerns to the staff's attention so that they can be addressed with this project. Ms. Heil stated there is a two year warranty on utilities and a one year warranty on streets, which is standard in all communities. There is also a five percent retainage on the project. In addition, the contractor is required to submit performance and payment bonds. Mr. Petree explained that the Department of Energy was very specific on what the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds could be used for. They could not be used for street improvements. The City was able to use these funds for necessary lighting retrofits, saving taxpayer dollars. Mr. Mielke stated the 2008 street project was assessed based on the current assessment policy, which was established in 2005. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2012 Page 6 Lisa Watkins, 16600 Franchise Avenue Expressed concern that construction may cause damage to her new driveway. Becky Hoyne, 17110 Franchise Way Asked why Dodd Park is being included. Linda Reis, 17068 Forfar Court Asked why Dodd Park is being included. Eric Mclnroy, 16525 Frazer Way Asked if there are any grants available to help pay for the project. Clint Kragenbring, 16549 Franchise Avenue Stated streets do need to be fixed; however, why were the property owners to the north assessed less when that street project was completed in 2008? Ms. Heil explained the reclamation process, which involves rebuilding the street from the base up. She explained that the 2008 project had less concrete curb and gutter, limited sidewalk and no storm sewer replacement. Transportation grant funds were pursued, but this project did not qualify. However, the bridge replacement could qualify through State bridge bonding. Mr. Petree explained that while some streets are older than others, the entire Valley Park area is part of a four year improvement plan. Ms. Heil explained that any changes to existing curb and gutter or driveways will be replaced with in -kind materials. Kay Buntin, 16820 Foliage Avenue Opposed to project costs. Cindy Jenneke, 7128 168th Street W. Questioned the bidding process. Steve Sargent, 16548 Franchise Avenue Questioned the reclamation process. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2012 Page 7 Chad Phillip, 16908 Gannon Way Supports the project; asked if sanitary sewer will be replaced. Mr. Petree stated the sanitary sewer system in this area has been televised and is in good condition. Brian Koher, 17105 Franchise Way Asked if there are any plans for deceleration lanes on Franchise Way and Foliage Avenue. Carolyn Curtin, 7030 168th Street W. Asked how this project will affect property values. Will trees or gardens be replaced if damaged or removed? Ron Brist, 6723 168th Street W. Asked if his water shut -off will be relocated. While changes in traffic configurations are not a part of this project, Mr. Mielke stated the City will ask Dakota County to consider construction of deceleration lanes on Franchise and Foliage. Mr. Petree explained watermain replacement. He indicated that the staff and contractor will work with the property owners to limit any destruction to landscaping, irrigation systems, etc. that are located in the right of way. Mr. Mielke stated there is a general agreement that the public infrastructure in front of a home has a positive impact on property values. Guy Watkins, 16600 Franchise Avenue Stated that storm drainage on Franchise is poor. John Carter, 17055 Gannon Way Spoke in favor of the project; however, why was no money set aside? Also noted a difference in City of Eagan assessments for street improvements. Mr. Mielke explained that some cities assess the cost of normal maintenance, such as sealcoating and overlays. Lakeville has chosen, through its policies, to not assess for those costs. There are cities which do not assess at all, resulting in a higher tax rate. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2012 Page 8 12.03 Motion was made by Rieb, seconded by Little to close the public hearing. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Council Member Little expressed his support for the project and the City's assessment policy. Council Member LaBeau pointed out that the current condition of the streets in Valley Park is a deterrent to prospective home buyers. Mayor Bellows stated that while the Council members are aware of the declining market and economic realities that residents are facing, they also recognize that Lakeville is an aging city, and these tough choices need to be made. 12.04 Motion was made by Little seconded by Swecker to approve Resolution No. 12 -04 ordering the 2012 street reconstruction project and authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Item 8 - Appointment of Acting Mayor 12.05 Motion was made by Swecker, seconded by LaBeau to appoint Council Member Rieb as Acting Mayor for 2012. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Unfinished business None New business None Announcements: Next regular City Council meeting, January 17, 2012 Mayor Bellows adjourned the meeting at 9:36 pm. Respectfully submitted, Charlene Friedges, Of y Clerk Mark Bellows, Mayor