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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-13 WSCITY OF LAKEVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES September 23, 2013 Mayor Little called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room at City Hall. Members Present: Council Members LaBeau, Anderson, and Davis, and Mayor Little Absent: Council Member Swecker Staff Present: Steve Mielke, City Administrator, attended via video conference; Dennis Feller, Finance Director, Zach Johnson, City Engineer, Allyn Kuennen, Administrative Services Manager; Brett Altergott, Parks and Recreation Director, Judi Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk 2. Citizen Comments There were no citizen comments. 3. CSAH 50 Corridor Study Update Zach Johnson introduced Mark Krebsbach, County Engineer, Brian Sorenson; Assistant County Engineer; and Kristi Sebastian, County Traffic Engineer. The CSAH 50 study was initiated in October 2012 in response to public concerns regarding the CSAH 50/60 roundabout and its impacts on the approximately two -mile CSAH 50 corridor to the south. Several meetings were held with the school district, neighborhood groups and businesses which would be affected. Sorenson provided an update and stated that the objectives of the study were to understand the implications of the roundabout on 185th Street and planning for the long and short term on Kenwood Trail. As a result of several meetings and Council work sessions, one of the main focuses was on access to Kenwood Trail Middle School (KTMS). The conclusions of the study show that intersection control at 50/60 would affect the gaps in traffic but would not noticeably affect the delays people currently experience as they attempt to make a left turn into KTMS during peak periods. The study also concluded that adding a signal on 192 and Kenwood would not noticeably improve delays for entering the corridor, with the exception of the 192 Street access to KTMS. In addition the sight -lines are not conducive for a signal at that location. The study concludes that the way to noticeably improve delays along the corridor is to expand CSAH 50 to four lanes. CSAH 50 is close to meeting the traffic criteria which would warrant a 4- lane roadway. County staff discussed the KTMS circulation and access systems with school staff and with school board members and determined that the current access system is functional, even though there are some delays at peak times. Based on the probability that there will be an expansion to four lanes, no change in the access system is recommended. The study also recommends Jaguar Avenue remain a full access to Kenwood Trail, not right -in right -out access. Council Work Session September 23, 2013 Page -2- Possible signals and three - quarter access intersections were studied between Ipava Avenue and Dodd Blvd. Providing a left turn onto Icenic Trail would give drivers another option to access businesses. The businesses on Kenwood would have a right -in, right -out access but further review of options is needed before a conclusion is definitively reached. Intersections that will be considered for future signals based on traffic volumes would be 188 Street and /or 190 Street. The study recommends moving forward with the CSAH 50/60 roundabout; widening the Jaguar Avenue approach to allow right turns, which will be done yet this year; and expansion of CSAH 50 to four lanes. Discussions have been held regarding the placement of trails and /or sidewalks but the decision will be made with the final design. Right of way will also need to be addressed. The study suggests adding a connection from the Jaguar neighborhood to Ipava as a second outlet for the Jaguar Ave. neighborhood. This study is the first of its kind in Dakota County and the modeling will be analyzed for accuracy in its predictions of gaps and will be used across the county in similar scenarios, especially relating to roundabouts. County staff will bring the results and recommendations of this study to the Physical Development Committee on October 8d' and is anticipating the County Board would adopt the study on October 15. Mayor Little asked what contact the County has had with the businesses along CSAH 50. Sorenson stated that meetings were held in February and follow -up will continue if the plans move forward. LaBeau stated that the businesses she has spoken to are not all in agreement with the recommendations of the study, although they have stated they would like the trail to be on the south side of the railroad tracks. Anderson asked about the involvement of KTMS staff and if they have supported the four -lane concept. Sorenson stated that the principal has been very involved and had concerns about the bus traffic flow and the idea of a signal at 192 Street. She has expressed her support for the current four -lane recommendation. The school board also focused on the school accesses but was also supportive of the four -lane proposal, which they expressed in a letter. LaBeau noted that the two -mile busing rule has increased vehicle traffic at the schools. Anderson asked if there had been any right of way discussions with the owner of the land which would make the connection from Jaguar to Ipava feasible. City Engineer Johnson stated that there have not been any meetings with the landowner at this point. Mielke stated that this connection would be most probable at the time of development, unless Council decides otherwise. Council Work Session September 23, 2013 Page -3- Mielke asked when the County anticipates starting the design process. Sorenson stated that the proposal anticipates design in early 2015, acquisition of right of way in 2016, and construction in 2017. Davis asked if traffic would exceed capacity by that time. Sorenson believes there is room to accommodate additional traffic by the time the project occurs. It is the standard for the county to design trails on both sides, which is an asset for safety. Krebsbach added that following acceptance of the report by Council the county will proceed with the recommendations contained in the report with options for changes to be made as necessary by the City or the County. Council Member Anderson stated that he will not be in attendance for the acceptance of the report at the October 7 1 meeting and wishes to express his concern for the businesses on Highway 50 since there is not a definite plan to accommodate them. Little stated the Council agrees on the major importance of insuring that the businesses maintain adequate access. Davis believes that existing challenges between Ipava and Icenic Ave., and Jaguar and Ipava, need to be addressed in the resolution. Krebsbach agreed with the importance of finding suitable solutions to the challenges and adding that to the resolution, in addition to clarifying the design concepts that remain. Johnson stated that conversations with the businesses have been ongoing and will continue. 4. CSAH 50/60 Intersection Update Kristi Sebastian provided a project update on the CSAH 50/60 multilane roundabout as well as expansions to four -lane divided roadways to the north and west. Plans are 90% completed and are being reviewed by County and City staff. Right of way acquisition is also underway. An informational open house was held on August 13 and project information is also available on the county's website. Sebastian reviewed background and steps that have been taken to get the project to this point. At the open house, the County also provided project staging information. Relocation of utilities and retaining wall construction will be substantial which will require this work to be completed outside of the roadway during 2014. The majority of the actual roadway construction will take place in 2015. Closing the intersection during construction would shorten the completion time but doing the project in phases would assist with consistent traffic flow. The estimated project time difference for the two scenarios is four months for total closure vs. seven months for partial closure. The utility work to be done in 2014 will not require full closure. LaBeau asked if spreading the project over two years would have an effect on the cost. Sebastian stated that the calculations for the project are not completed, but there are no alternatives. Krebsbach stated that it is important to assure that there is enough time to complete the project. Council Work Session September 23, 2013 Page -4- The proposed signed detour will direct drivers to Hwy. 70 but it is anticipated that local traffic will find alternative routes. LaBeau stated that 202 Street will be a likely local detour route; this has been very difficult and dangerous detour during the Dodd /Highview closure. Anderson suggested the detour follow 160 Street instead of going to the south. Little asked how the detour routes are determined. Krebsbach stated that county roads are used as detour routes as much as possible; however, drivers are most likely to choose a route that works best in their individual situation. Mielke believes detour options on local streets should be analyzed for traffic control measures as a result of this project. Sebastian updated council on the right of way acquisition progress; this involves 34 residents and 10 businesses. Driver signage for the roundabout will be through advance messages, rather than pavement markings within the circle to provide more travel space. Anderson expressed concern about this approach. Sorenson stated that crashes are reduced since drivers are more likely to yield to both lanes if there are no markings. Anderson would like to drive an unmarked example. Sorenson and Krebsbach stated that this does work well and has been shown to reduce failure to yield crashes in multilane roundabouts. LaBeau asked if it would be confusing if some local roundabouts are marked and others are not. Little asked if data regarding markings could be provided to council from the county's consultant. Sorenson stated the county would like to work with the local police department on educating drivers about correct roundabout procedures. 5. Pan -O -Prog Boulevard Ordinance Z. Johnson stated that staff received a significant number of comments regarding items placed in the right of way prior to the Cruise Night event and the Pan -O -Prog parade. These items posed a safety hazard to pedestrians and vehicles and created issues for residents and businesses along Holyoke Avenue. Staff is looking for feedback and direction from Council on a proposed ordinance which would allow a window for people to temporarily stake out spots for the events. Mielke added that these obstructions in the right of way occurred a week in advance of the events and inhibited the downtown businesses from conducting their annual sidewalk sales and made it difficult for City crews to clean the downtown prior to and between events. Items included not only chairs but tarps, rocks, tape and chalk. The DLBA supports the proposed ordinance. Public education would need to play a major role in the process of adopting a new ordinance. LaBeau supports the ordinance but believes the hours would be difficult to enforce. Davis also questioned enforcement. Mielke stated that between midnight and 9:00 a.m. is when the streets are being cleaned and if there are items left out, they would be removed. Little also believes it is difficult to enforce the times. LaBeau suggested the start time could be noon or 1:00 p.m. to be more respectful of downtown retail businesses. Altergott added that this method of saving spots was also used at the Arts Center on Pan -O -Prog Movie Night, creating hazardous tripping issues. Anderson would also support a 1:00 p.m. start time to be more considerate of the downtown Council Work Session September 23, 2013 Page -5- businesses and believes the wording of the ordinance is confusing. Little suggested that prohibiting "chalking" of the sidewalks might also be difficult to enforce. Davis asked if there could be a total ban in the retail area. Mielke added that a variety of options could be considered from needing to be present with the items, to totally banning the system, to amending the times. Anderson suggested that the Pan- O -Prog board can also be involved in public education of a new ordinance. Mielke added that the right of way belongs to the public and there are equal rights for people to be there. He will discuss setting standards with the City Attorney. Apple Valley allows 24 -hour advance saving for their 4th of July event. Staff will provide right of way clarification and additional options at a future work session. 6. Mobile Food Units - Park Policy B. Altergott stated that there have been some inquiries regarding food units being allowed to serve in the parks. He believes there is some value in providing this service in specific areas of certain parks. Little suggested expanding the language under #11 regarding responsibility for loss or damage. Davis asked if the wording should be more specific to allow only food and not merchandise. Altergott provided information on the application process, guidelines, and fees. Mielke added that to his knowledge, vendors are not currently allowed in the parks. Anderson suggested that the Parks Dept. operate the concession stand at Antlers Park. Altergott stated that the building does not meet code and previous efforts have not been successful. Little suggested leasing the space to a private vendor. A. Kuennen stated that vendors are currently regulated by the Police Dept. under the solicitors or transient merchant ordinance. Vendors have not historically been allowed in the parks, since it is public property and not for use by private business. If food vendors are allowed, a bidding process could be considered to determine who could obtain a license. LaBeau believes this would increase quality and control. Little added that the sports associations need to have the first option to be the vendors at their own events. Staff will work on a policy with the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee and bring a draft policy back at a future work session. Council agreed that the bidding process was the preferred method. Mielke suggested starting with just one or two parks, such as Antlers Park, adding tournaments on a case by case basis to avoid conflict with the sports organizations. 7. JPA Shared Facility Use Agreement At the request of the School Board, the ISD 194 Community Education Dept. and the Lakeville Parks and Recreation Department reviewed the facility use joint powers agreement. The issue was brought up due to rental and lighting fees charged by the LAAC to the Now & Then Singers and the annual cabaret show. The City of Lakeville occasionally reserves school auditoriums for Council Work Session September 23, 2013 Page -6- various programs and under the current JPA no fees have been charged. Altergott has worked with Community Education Director Steve Porter on a revised draft which clarifies and simplifies the use of grounds and facilities. The agreement makes clear the payment of expenses incurred by the facility such as sound and lighting, or snow removal. The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resourced Committee and the Arts Center Board have reviewed and approved the revised draft. Altergott stated that this JPA does not include all city facilities, such as the ice arenas or other facilities which are open to the public. LaBeau asked if similar agreements are in place with ISD 192 or 196 for shared use of their facilities. Altergott stated that similar agreements exist and will be reviewed. The school board will consider adoption of the JPA at their October 8 meeting. Staff will bring the document back to Council for consideration, with any changes recommended by ISD 194. 8. Envision Lakeville - Next Steps City Council officially accepted the Envision Lakeville report at their September 16, 2013 meeting. Allyn Kuennen stated that the next step is to begin looking at implementing the plan. Five steps which are being recommended by staff and the consultant are outlined in the memo for council consideration: 1) Community outreach to community and civic groups and organizations 2) Presentations to boards and commissions 3) Official adoption of the plan by City Council, following any recommended changes 4) Development of a strategic action plan, with the assistance of an outside facilitator 5) Annual review of the document to insure goals are being met Mielke stated that task force members have expressed a desire to continue participating in the next steps, possibly by assisting with outreach by speaking to community groups. Davis believes the presence of task force members at these meetings would be beneficial in adding credibility to the process. Mielke asked Council to set aside time to review and discuss the language of the vision statement and action steps. Several community groups have requested presentations to their memberships. Mielke believes community groups can also be challenged to participate in executing the plan. Little also believes Task Force members can further participate by providing public statements in the media and by presenting the plan at the schools. Davis asked that the "Exceptional School and Good Parks" expression be discussed further. LaBeau suggested also adding the seniors in the presentation groups. 9. 2014 -2015 Budget At their September 16, 2013 meeting Council approved a $23.9 million preliminary 2014 tax levy. Council received the tax levy prioritization list and a list of items that were not included in the levy, as discussed at the July work session. Staff is asking for direction from Council on what Council Work Session September 23, 2013 Page -7- budget topics should be discussed at future work sessions. At least one budget work session, possibly two, will be needed in addition to the October 28 regular work session. Staff will work with Council on available dates. LaBeau asked about permit projections for 2014 and believes the number of available lots may be too low to meet revenue expectations. This can be added to the agenda for discussion. LaBeau suggested the Parks Dept. could look at applying for grants through the Rotary. Council commended staff on the process and the work done. 10. Other LaBeau asked about the timeline for opening the Highview /Dodd roundabout to relieve traffic at 185' and CSAH 50. Mielke stated that the projection is for September 28, but could be earlier. Additional traffic on Fridays adds to the challenge. Council will meet at 7:00 p.m. on September 30 to conduct the City Administrator's evaluation. A statement of the general results needs to be made at the following regular meeting. Mielke stated that the Cedar Corridor Group might be disbanded now that the Redline BRT is operating. LaBeau stated that the CVB Board held a retreat on September 5 which mainly focused on marketing. 11. Adjourn Mayor Little adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, JUY Hawkins, Deputy Clerk Mat Little, May r