Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-14 WSCITY OF LAKEVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES November 12, 2014 Mayor Little called the meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room at City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Little, Council Members Davis, Swecker and Anderson. Council Member LaBeau participated via video conference Staff present: Allyn Kuennen, Interim City Administrator; Dennis Feller, Finance Director; Chris Petree, Public Works Director; Zach Johnson, City Engineer; Brett Altergott, Parks and Recreation Director; Judi Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk 2. Citizen Comments: None 3. Review of Tax Forfeit Property Allyn Kuennen stated that Dakota County had notified the City that there are several parcels within the City which are in tax forfeiture status and available to the City for acquisition. Properties can be acquired and preserved for future uses such as storm water management, right- of-way, greenway corridor, open space and wetland/natural areas. For each parcel, the City would pay $250 to the State of Minnesota in addition to a recording fee to Dakota County. Total cost for all parcels would be $2,709; funding would be through the surface water management fund. Parcel A is bordered on the north and west by property owned by the Gillens. Mr. Gillen was present at the meeting and stated that he had intended to purchase the property to prevent deer hunting on the land. If the City chooses not to purchase the property it would go back to the County to be auctioned at an appraised amount; however, Mr. Gillen anticipates the cost would be more than he is willing to pay. He would support the City purchasing the property since potential uses would be restricted. Parcels B, C and D near Brackett's Park are undevelopable and are bordered by DNR -owned wetlands; they could be used as passive open space wetland area. Parcel E could be a future greenway connection. Parcel F, G and H will be useful for future right of way adjacent to the Co. Rd. 50 street reconstruction project, or as storm water areas. Purchase of those parcels at this time could result in a cost savings when the land is needed for future right of way. Parcel I is an island within Kingsley Lake which is currently used for YMCA programs. The island is zoned residential but serving the property with utilities would be difficult. Restrictions on the parcels are lifted after 15 years. If the City determines there is not a need in the future for any of the properties a process is in place to turn ownership back to the County. Council directed staff to proceed with the purchase of all parcels with the stipulation that City of Lakeville Page -2- November 12, 2014 Work Session Minutes ownership could revert to the county if the City does not have a use for the properties. Kuennen will ask the County to clarify that process. Mr. Gillen asked if the City would be interested in selling Parcel A to him in the future. Mayor Little stated that the parcel's long-term purpose and existing restrictions would prevent the City from reselling the property. 4. Dodd Boulevard Update At the October 27 work session Council directed staff to contact Dakota County on possible installation of additional cautionary signage on Dodd Blvd. In discussions with Transportation Director/County Engineer Mark Krebsbach staff was informed that the County has reviewed the design of Dodd and the crash history, and did not identify any additional signage that would be effective or applicable for this section of road. Despite the tragic crash last year and based on their evaluation, they have determined that the design does not warrant the suggested non-standard signs. The County believes the best way to approach safety in the interim is through education and they would be interested in partnering with the City and the school district to work on outreach initiatives. Kuennen reminded the school district that one of the recommendations of the School Road Safety Task Force was to close the LNHS access road off of Dodd, and he is waiting for their response on that possibility. Anderson is feeling discouraged and like he is hiding behind rules and regulations at the risk of safety for the younger drivers. He believes that installation of non-standard signage at the top and bottom of the hill is common sense and is the right thing to do. He is disappointed with the County's decision and believes education is just one piece of the puzzle; additional non-standard signage would be appropriate while waiting for road improvements in two years. He would like to send that message to Mr. Krebsbach and the County Commissioner. Petree stated that the County was not comfortable with posting suggested signage such as "dangerous road", "dangerous hill ahead", "reduce speed" and "no shoulder" in the right of way. They believe the crashes along Dodd are not attributed to the roadway and the signs are not reflective of the causes. The County did not have any suggestion for typical signage. Davis asked if signs could be installed on private property rather than in the ROW. Petree stated that the County has a responsibility to follow the guidelines of the Municipal Manual on Traffic Control Devices (MMTCD) in an effort to reduce liabilities for both the County and the City; however, he would continue discussions with the county if directed by Council. LaBeau asked if there would be any negative impacts if additional signs are placed on an existing post or if non- standard signs are installed on Century Middle School property. Dakota County staff is of the opinion that additional signage would not be beneficial in reducing accidents. Petree stated that signs and sign posts in the right of way which do not meet guidelines have the potential to create increased visual obstructions and liabilities. City of Lakeville Page -3- November 12, 2014 Work Session Minutes Anderson expressed frustration that the SRSTF's recommendation for increased signage on Dodd is not being considered by the County. He stated that even though the County has prioritized plowing on Dodd, which is helpful, something else needs to be done; doing nothing is disrespectful. Little stated that he understands the frustrations, but tangible actions include moving up the road improvements and prioritizing the plowing. Additional signage might be unclear for drivers and could be more detrimental than beneficial. Davis understands the County being cautious of liabilities that could be created with signage, and supports education and awareness programs, especially with the school, as recommended by the SRSTF. LaBeau agreed that the greatest need is improvement of the existing roadway design. Mayor Little and staff will convey Council's comments to the County later this week. 5. Water Tower Update Mr. Petree provided an update of the water tower project. In May Council entered into a contract with S.E.H. for engineering services. The 2M -gallon water tower will have a tank overflow elevation of 136 feet above ground level and a total height of 148 feet. The tank will be constructed of a concrete composite with a 100' diameter steel bowl and will resemble the tank at the CMF. The interior of the tank column will include a second floor mezzanine which will be available to lease for telecommunications equipment space as a revenue source. As required by the Patriot Act, a security fence will be installed but will be screened by berms and landscaping. Staff showed renderings of how the tower will look from various directions. Soil boring results were favorable, showing that existing soils will support the water tower with only minor corrections. The timeline is to finalize design by December, advertise for bids in January, open bids in February, and award the contract in March. Completion of the project is anticipated in October of 2016, with a total estimated cost of $4,563,000. Swecker asked if there would be City logos painted on the tank. Petree believes that logos add a sense of community, serve as a landmark, and don't significantly add to the project cost. Council members agreed with painted logos on the tank. LaBeau asked if there is any well interference anticipated for area residents with private wells. Petree stated that when future wells are built along 190`h Street the aquifer will be analyzed; however, there is no water being drawn at this location for the storage tank. Council directed staff to present the bids and contract for consideration when appropriate. 6. Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee/City Council Joint Review of 2014 Park Plan Update Several Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee members joined Council for the discussion of Park Plan update: Howard Lovelace, Jeanne Peterson, Judy Hayes, Lori Bovitz, and City of Lakeville November 12, 2014 Work Session Minutes Page -4- Tom Goodwin. Also present was Dan Licht, TPC. Mr. Altergott stated that the Park Plan has taken shape in the past six months and will define parks today and in the future. The plan also takes sustainability and system maintenance into account. Anderson directed attention to a statement under Future Growth and Related Issues: "Social changes have affected the way the parks and trails system is utilized. Greenways and trails to destination locations within the system are emerging as more of a focus than individual parks within each neighborhood." Anderson asked what that would mean in park investments and what would a neighborhood or major park look like. Ms. Hayes stated that as the committee has refocused on broader community parks, they have come to realize that neighborhood parks might not be the best option anymore. The Plan recommends connections between the parks with greenways or trails. As neighborhood parks need to be refurbished the current neighborhood demographics will be analyzed. Anderson stated that finite resources may be more efficiently used to support destination parks with specialized equipment or natural areas, although there could still be a need for neighborhood parks in some areas. Swecker believes it is important for residents to have destinations such as dog parks, skate parks, etc. so they don't need to travel outside of their own community. The Land of Amazement is a good example of a destination park in Lakeville and should be preserved. New neighborhoods might have various needs. Altergott stated that depending on demographics, the park model could be to refurbish, replace or remove. Dan Licht spoke about the evolution of the park plan and park system. Swecker stated that parks are one of the biggest assets in the City and are a very high priority for residents and developers, making it very important for the Park Plan to be creative with resources. Mr. Goodwin believes the linking of parks with linear-type greenways would create recreational opportunities; the Parks Committee is open to ideas. Swecker stated that people are willing to drive to a destination if there is a purpose. Little stated that it is time to begin putting more variety into park experiences, with both linear and natural areas. The Park Committee believes the park system needs to serve all ages which gives everyone a sense of ownership, and deters vandalism. There is especially a need for youth to become invested. Davis believes it is critical to take advantage of available demographics. Ms. Hayes agrees that the definition of "neighborhood park" needs to be explored. Ms. Peterson stated that the terminology needs clarification; to some people the terms "playground" and "park" seem to be interchangeable. Lovelace stated that there needs to be a plan for how to serve residents as the neighborhoods age and their needs change. City of Lakeville Page -5- November 12, 2014 Work Session Minutes Ms. Hayes pointed out the Park Plan's statement under Analysis and Recommendations for Neighborhood Parks on page 90: "New park development or redevelopment of existing parks should be consistent with the desired service level and tailored to suit the neighborhood it serves rather than generalized needs of the community." This provides direction for different things to be done in the park system. Anderson stated that the requests in the budget to replace existing playground equipment seem to conflict with this statement. Mr. Goodwin stated that as the Park Plan has developed, the Parks Committee's major focus has been on how to do things differently. He interprets the statement as looking at the population of the neighborhood when determining what park amenities to offer. Little agreed that review of area demographics is an important piece of determining park needs. Goodwin stated that the Parks Committee is grateful for the support of the Council. Swecker stated that the Parks Committee and Council can begin working together with the Finance Dept. to see what fits into the budget. Davis would like to see an Executive Summary of the 2014 Park Plan which contains the guiding principles and highlights the mission statement. LaBeau stated that her major concern continues to be underutilized parks. Her focus is on keeping parks consistent per capita, and needing to engage teenagers to get out to the parks. There could be opportunities for engaging the schools, seeking corporate sponsors, working with developers to find out what potential buyers are looking for, and locating areas for destination parks. Anderson stated that parks are a valued amenity and Council has a civic responsibility to maintain them; however, the challenge is finding funding, developing resources, and prioritizing needs together. LaBeau stated that for the potential homebuyers she speaks to, the road system and the schools are the most important amenities. She encourages engaging developers who are marketing their products in Lakeville to find out what their customers are requesting, as well as the schools to find out what the students are looking for. She believes the age group from 12-25 is underserved and needs to be asked what amenities they want. She believes available outside resources could be used, such as corporate sponsors. Davis agreed that it is important to reach out to developers and residents to see what it is that they are interested in for the parks. LaBeau asked if there is revenue from the banners on the baseball fields. Altergott stated that the LBA rents out the space and the revenues are used for field improvements. Also, the Summerlyn Park will be built soon and it would be good to engage the neighborhood as well as research what other creative ideas are being implemented throughout the country. City of Lakeville Page -6- November 12, 2014 Work Session Minutes LaBeau suggested creating multi -generational parks when they are first developed. Parks could contain amenities to serve several age groups. In that way, the park would continue to be used as the neighborhood demographics change. Ms. Hayes stated that it is important to develop guidelines to follow as parks are redeveloped or refurbished. Discussion summary: • Social changes have affected the way parks and trails are utilized. What does that mean for park investments? What will a neighborhood or community park look like? • The Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Committee has refocused on the broader community parks; they have come to realize that neighborhood parks may not be the best option any longer. As current neighborhood parks need to be refurbished staff and committee will analyze the demographics of the neighborhood prior to making expenditure recommendations. • Members of the Council believe that there is a need for destinations such as dog park, skate park, splash pad, etc. so that residents don't need to travel outside of our community. • The Committee is open to ideas like designing a model to determine what playgrounds should be replaced, refurbished or removed; linear parks along greenways that would create recreational opportunities. • Put more variety into our parks with both linear and natural areas. • A park system should serve all ages which would give everyone a sense of ownership. • Need to clarify the terms "playground" and "park" as they seem to be interchangeable. • New park development and redevelopment of existing parks should be tailored to the neighborhood rather than generalized. Current practices seem to conflict with that statement. • As the Park Plan has developed the Committee's focus has been on how to do things differently. • Parks appear to be underutilized and there should be a focus on keeping park use consistent; need to engage the younger generation to get out into the parks. • Partner with the schools, seek out corporate sponsorship, and work with developers to find out what potential buyers are looking for. • Locate areas for destination parks. • Create multi -generational parks beginning with the conceptual design. • Committee believes it is important to develop guidelines to follow as parks are redeveloped or refurbished. • Add an Executive Summary with evaluation criteria for existing and future parks 7. 2015 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy Residents have received their 2015 Proposed Property Tax statements. Feller provided an overview and comparison of proposed property taxes within the school districts in the City. City of Lakeville Page -7- November 12, 2014 Work Session Minutes Based on Council's previous direction staff provided a complete 2015 budget document. One issue that remains is unencumbered general fund balances for 2014. Staff the first $150,000 of the 2014 unencumbered General Fund balance be appropriated to the City's share of cost for the 2015 street reconstruction project the next $300,000 be prorated between park improvements and the equipment fund and any remaining balances would be appropriated to 2015 street reconstruction project. Council received a summary of the major categories for the increase in the tax levy. The preliminary tax levy was an increase of $1.3M which is 5.5%. After adjustments for growth and TIF fund balance the increase is approximately 2%. Four new positions are included within Operations in the 2015 budget, as previously discussed by Council: Fire Department duty crews and assistant fire chief, police officer, HR Administrative Assistant and Finance Dept. senior accountant. The document highlights major contributors to the levy increases. Pioneer Plaza sidewalk repair is not included in the budget; staff will be providing an estimated project cost and recommendations to the City Council at the November 24 work session. Staff has removed the Forestry position from the budget request. Re -appropriation of the antenna site lease revenues have not been addressed in this budget document. The Personnel Committee has authorized the Public Works Department to add a Senior Construction Representative position effective January 2015. The position will be financed from Street Reconstruction project inspection fees. Davis explained that the senior construction project representative position was originally contemplated to be including in the 2016 budget. Since the position is financed with inspection revenues derived from the street reconstruction projects, approval of the position in 2015 has no impact on the 2015 property tax levy. Staff is looking for direction on the 2014 unencumbered general fund balance and 2015 property tax levy. LaBeau asked if the personnel savings from unfilled positions could become part of the unencumbered funds and be used to fill the HR/Finance Dept. accountant position. Feller discussed fund balance and options that the Council might consider when the actual 2014 General Fund balance is determined. LaBeau would like any 2014 personnel cost reductions to be allocated to the HR/Finance positions. Feller stated that the 2014 personnel cost reductions are reflected in the reduced costs for the accounting position. Anderson emphasized that even though $150,000 is being allocated to the park improvement fund, those funds do not need to be spent immediately. As work continues on the Park Plan spending decisions can be made. Staff recommends that the funds become part of the Parks CIP. The tax levy includes the $85,000 property tax refund from the expiring Tax Increment District City of Lakeville Page -8- November 12, 2014 Work Session Minutes 17. LaBeau would prefer it be used for the Land of Amazement along with funds from community and corporate sponsors. Swecker agrees that it is a good use of one-time funds. Davis recommended that the preliminary tax levy be reduced by $230,637. The final tax levy to include a $50,000 tax levy for the 2015 street reconstruction project. The final tax levy is therefore $24,728,549 which is a 4.5% increase over 2014 levy. Davis also recommended the 2014 unencumbered General Fund balance be allocated as follows: 1) $85,000 to Land of Amazement 2) $100,000 for the 2015 street improvements; 3) $300,000 each to equipment and parks; and 4) remainder to go toward the 2015 Street reconstruction project. The Council supported Councilmember Davis's 2015 property tax proposal and proposed appropriation of 2014 General Fund unencumbered balances. A public hearing regarding fees will be held at the November 17 regular meeting. Trunk storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main laterals fees have not been increased in many years. Anderson stated he has had discussions with some of the developers in the industrial park regarding developer fees and suggests spreading the increases for storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water laterals over two years. Council members supported splitting the increase in developer fees and spreading them over two years. LaBeau opposes an increase in park dedication fees and believes increases are not justified without an adopted Park Plan. She stated that park dedication fees do not align with actual property market values and opposes having new homeowners paying increased fees. Council members Davis, Swecker, Anderson and Little stated their support of the previously approved and agreed upon formula and proposed fee increases. 8. Adjourn Mayor Little adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, � " y1w, L, 6,.� Ju ' awkins, Deputy City Clerk Matt Little, Mayor