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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-24-14 WSCITY OF LAKEVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Monday, November 24, 2014 Mayor Little called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room at City Hall. 1. Roll Call: Members Present: Council Members LaBeau, Anderson and Davis and Mayor Little Absent: Council Member Swecker, Staff Present: Allyn Kuennen, Interim City Administrator; Dennis Feller, Finance Director; Jeff Long, Police Chief, Mike Meyer, Fire Chief, Chris Petree, Public Works Director; Dave Olson, Community and Economic Development Director; Brett Altergott, Parks and Recreation Director; Sue Palm, Communications Manager; Judi Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk 2. Citizen Comments None 3. Kingsley Shores Expansion Request Ayers Associates have submitted preliminary plans for the proposed expansion of the Kingsley Shores Senior Living Facility located north of Klamath Trail and west of Kenwood Trail (Co. Rd. 5). The existing facility opened in 2013 and consists of 101 continuing care senior housing units. The proposed expansion would consist of 55 independent senior housing units, 56 underground parking spaces, and a wellness center. The property is zoned PUD; some flexibility is being requested on building height and setbacks. A conditional use permit would be required for a planned shoreland development. The planned shoreland development will include the transfer of approximately 50 dwelling units as allowed in the zoning ordinance. The developer is requesting flexibility in the setback between the two properties to allow for a zero lot line in order to be able to connect the buildings with a skyway on the second floor. The proposed senior wellness center would consist of a fitness center and therapy pool and would be available for the residents of both buildings as well as other seniors in the community. The design proposes a four-story building, three floors above ground and one floor underground. The building would not exceed the 45 -foot height limit. If Council supports the draft proposal the developers would move forward and anticipate a possible summer start for the project. The buildings are both market -rate housing with a target market to younger, more independent seniors. The proposed new building will consist of one -bedroom, two-bedroom, and bedroom plus den units. Anderson asked if a zero lot line would restrict emergency access to the buildings. Morey stated that the Fire Dept. has looked at the plans and did not have concerns regarding emergency access. Morey stated that flexibility is needed for the 50 -foot setback requirement from CSAH 5. The setback takes into consideration the future CSAH 5 City Council Work Session November 24, 2014 Page -2- upgrade and previously dedicated right of way. The developer is seeking feedback from Council prior to proposing the plan to Dakota County. Davis asked if there are any other upcoming opportunities to transfer dwelling units from the available housing bank. Morey stated that there could be other high-density housing along the freeway corridor. Little asked if the buildings could revert to a non -age -restrictive use in the future. Morey stated that any flexibility granted for setback and building height would stay with the building and are not tied to the age restrictive use. Parking standards are different for senior housing, requiring only one parking stall per unit. Other housing is required to provide two stalls per unit. Anderson suggested moving the building as far away from County Road 5 as possible in order to get the maximum setback. The developers will review the plans to determine if there is any way to increase the setback. The developers requested an opportunity to return to their investor group with the Council's comments prior to any media coverage of this potential expansion. 4. Review of Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Fire Chief Mike Meyer presented an overview and summary of the updates to the City's Emergency Operation Plan (EOP). The revised document assigns responsibilities to specific departments, rather than to specific persons. The pandemic flu section has been removed; a list of contact persons and contractors has been updated; and the Everbridge notification contact information has been updated. The chief will test the system by sending a text to Council members next week. Copies of the document will be available to the public at several locations, as well as electronically. In order to be eligible to receive federal preparedness funding assistance, elected officials must complete NIMS and ICS training courses which will be accessible online. Anderson stated that he had previously attended a course at the DCC and it was very informative. Meyer asked Council members to forward their certificates of completion so their participation can be documented. Anderson asked if there are financial resources available in the event of a disaster and if a purchasing agent would be named as part of the response team. Meyer stated that the Finance Dept. would be in charge of purchasing. A table of contents will be added. Council members found the terms Attachment and Annex confusing and asked for clarification. LaBeau stated that consistent numbers and roman numerals throughout would also make the document easier to follow. Meyer stated they will go through the document to correct that concern. The State will review the document at a later date. Council directed staff to bring the revised document to the December 15 Council meeting for consideration. City Council Work Session November 24, 2014 Page -3- 5. Dakota County TIF Policy Review Dave Olson provided information to Council regarding proposed revisions to Dakota County's Policy on Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The EDC reviewed and discussed the revised policy at their August 26 meeting. The most significant policy change is the elimination of County support for any TIF projects that "provide a net increase in livable wage jobs". Although this has been the County's practice for many years, the County will no longer support projects that are not consistent with this policy thereby removing the goal of connecting Economic Development TIF projects with creation of living wage jobs. Economic Development TIF Districts are not specifically listed in the policy. The County does not have a specific role in the approval or denial of TIF districts proposed by cities, but they do have the opportunity to comment. The City Council chose to approve the resolutions for creation of Menasha Packaging and BTD Manufacturing TIF districts, the first new TIF districts in Lakeville in 15 years, even though they were not supported by the County. The economic development directors in Dakota County recommend that any TIF policy amendments be delayed until the County's Strategic Plan for Economic Development updates are completed in 2015. Staff and EDC are recommending that the City submit a letter to the County Board requesting that any significant changes to the County' TIF Policy be delayed until the Strategic Planning process is completed. Anderson believes the City should move forward with a strong message to the County to support economic development projects that create and/or retain quality "Livable Wage" jobs, especially in Lakeville's industrial park. Olson stated that the County is a direct contributor to Greater MSP, which supports this goal. Tim Roche, president of the Lakeville Area Chamber, stated that he will attempt to raise awareness at the upcoming meeting of the five area chambers of commerce. Olson will be reviewing this with the EDC and will forward their comments to Council. 6. CR 50 Land Use/Economic Development Update Chris Petree provided an update on the recent neighborhood meetings that have been held with stakeholders in the County Road 50 Economic Development and Preliminary Engineering Study. Council Member Anderson attended the meeting along with the City's project team and representatives of Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. and SRF. A consultant from Springsted will also join the team. The corridor study was initiated by concerns regarding the impacts of the roundabout at County Roads 50/60 as well as the need for a four -lane divided roadway. The goals and objectives of the study are to obtain preliminary engineering plans and cost estimates in order to begin working with the residents and businesses in the area between Dodd and Ipava, and to look at economic impacts and redevelopment options in the area. It is important for the property owners to know that they are key stakeholders in the process and their opinions are valued. With only two exceptions, the landowners along CR 50 either attended the preliminary meeting or have met individually with staff following the meeting. At the meeting staff reviewed the goals of the project and informed the property owners that the intent is to City Council Work Session November 24, 2014 Page -4- have individual listening sessions the week of December 15 to determine concerns and review concept alternatives. Background and initial mapping and analysis of the area have been completed. The project team will explore potential design concepts and bring a preferred plan to Council by spring of 2015, then move forward with the road design, for project completion in 2017. Petree reviewed three different preliminary road design approaches: 1) 136 feet wide right of way: full width 2) 124 -foot wide right of way; reduced pavement with trails in right of way (staff acknowledged that this option does not vary greatly from option #3) 3) 108 -foot wide right of way, minimized to the greatest extent possible with trails outside right of way Petree provided additional information regarding the effects of various scenarios and options on individual properties. Some properties would require total acquisition and some would be provided other options or opportunities. The property owners favored the option with a full right of way. The option of moving of the railroad corridor to provide additional right of way for trails and roads was also discussed. Staff is exploring this option but is not optimistic about its feasibility. Staffs goal is for the majority of property owners to agree on a preferred alternative. Anderson stated that the option #3 would require removal of the median which would also eliminate turn lanes and access. He stated that these multi- generational businesses are very important to the City. He asked what can be done from an economic development standpoint and suggested considering moving these businesses to a new shared facility. He believes it is the responsibility of the project team to explore all suggestions and options. Dave Olson stated the project team will continue to meet with the businesses to address their concerns and needs now and in the future. Springsted will be available to discuss financing options. Olson believes that with some modifications to access and parking, many of the businesses will be able to remain in their current locations. LaBeau asked why the County plans to have trails on both sides of Kenwood Trail. She would not support the taking of any property or spending money on an additional trail and suggested the trail could be relocated to the south side of the railroad tracks. Petree stated that a pedestrian trail is supported by the businesses as well as the school district and the ice arena; however, details have yet to be worked out. Any trail easements would be acquired as a part of the road project. Anderson stated that the trail on the south side of CR 50 is heavily used. If the trail is removed it would be difficult to find a way to re- route the trail in a different location. City Council Work Session November 24, 2014 Page -5- Little asked what scenarios would be involved with moving the railway. Petree stated that the most likely deterrents would be the cost of acquiring additional residential and commercial properties, and design standards needed for a railway to function. Council members expressed their appreciation at being kept informed on the project. 7. Charter Change of Ownership As a result of the potential merger of Comcast and Time Warner, Charter is requesting Council adoption of a resolution which would allow the transfer of ownership and control. Sue Palm introduced Mike Reardon, Vice Chair of the Cable TV Board. With the reorganization and merger, Charter would acquire some Comcast franchise holdings in Minnesota and some Charter holdings would be acquired by the new corporation which will be called Midwest. The City's franchise attorney has reviewed the resolution and the related documents and recommends Council approval. Council directed staff to place this resolution on the December 1 Council agenda for consideration. 8. Cable TV Board Review/Restructuring Plan Sue Palm provided information in response to Council's recent interest in reviewing the structure and responsibilities of the Cable TV Board. Over the course of its existence the duties of the board have changed mainly as a result of franchise changes, changes in the FCC rulings, and changes in technology. Currently the Cable TV Board is comprised of five members who are responsible only for franchise -related functions. Broadband or telecommunications functions are not included in the board's responsibilities. The Cable TV Board has suggested a nine -member board which would consist of three cable TV, three IT/Broadband, and three technology or business related members. Council could choose to leave the board as it is, create a joint board with telecommunications, create a telecommunications board, or eliminate the board altogether. Board members wish to have the board reflect the all of those responsibilities and wish to be provided with a clear mission and clear directions from the Council. For example, Eagan's community board has been given the task of determining the location of the city's cable infrastructure. Mayor Little stated that he would prefer to determine the mission prior to considering a change in the structure of the board. He requested staff propose a mission that would provide the most benefit and effectiveness as a City advisory board. Davis stated that if the current mission and duties are expanded, then board makeup can be discussed. LaBeau added that staff has the knowledge to make recommendations of volunteer board members' duties and how they can best serve the board. She suggested a possible seven -member board. Kuennen stated that he expects staffs recommendation to include IT in the board makeup. Anderson stated that the multi -functionality of the board includes franchise renewal, operations, and planning for future infrastructure. He agrees that a seven -member board seems ideal. City Council Work Session November 24, 2014 Page -6- Mike Reardon stated that based on his background he believes it is most important to have board members who are experienced with franchise renewal negotiations. Mayor Little asked if "telecommunications" is the correct terminology or if the board title needs to be revised to provide an up-to-date image for the board. 9. 2015 Budget Finance staff is proposing adjustments to the 2015 General Fund budget: adjustment in rental fees for Antlers Park and Heritage Center will result in revenue increases of $7,200; the State of Minnesota recently awarded the 2015 motor fuels contract which resulted in a per -gallon decrease and will result in a $53,000 savings and reduction in the general fund budget. The Parks Department is recommending improvements to Pioneer Plaza in the spring of 2015 which will consist of replacement of the walkway, fountain and spruce tree. The cost is estimated at $37,000. These three items will result in a fund balance increase of $32,900. Enterprise Fund: Liquor Liquor Capital outlay will include replacement of computers and cash registers at all three stores, new required chip readers, overhead signage at Heritage and Kenrick, and replacement of video security cameras at all stores. Sales are anticipated to be down slightly due to added competition. Net increase before transfers for 2015 is estimated at $1.2M including savings from the new lease agreement at Heritage; transfer of $1.39M to the general fund police station equipment fund; and $1.9M allocated to land acquisition for the next liquor store. Trunk storm sewer fund: revenues come from developers at the time of platting; expenditures are primarily related to credits extended to developers. The water trunk fund will provide for expansion of the water treatment facility, raw water main installation related to construction of the water tower, and construction of two new wells. These projects will require the issuance of $10.5M in debt in 2015 and will bring the fund balance down to $1.9M. Sanitary sewer funds will be needed for development of the Urban Reserve area. 10. Other Council members received a draft schedule of 2015 work session dates, proposing to continue on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m., with exceptions for holidays or special events. Council members will continue to have an opportunity to video conference into the meeting when necessary. Staff is proposing to reschedule the January work session to January 12 to accommodate Council members who wish to attend the Chamber of Commerce annual dinner. LaBeau mentioned that she had been contacted by members of the EDC who felt they should have received information regarding the increase in Park Dedication fees prior to City Council Work Session November 24, 2014 Page -7- approval by Council. Members of the Finance Committee have also asked for more clarity and direction in their responsibilities. Staff will add this to a future work session for review and discussion. Applications for the Planning Commission vacancy are still being accepted; interviews will be held in January. Council Member Anderson reviewed the minutes of the November 12 work session and recommended a summary be added following the discussion of the Park Plan. Revised minutes were distributed for Council review. LaBeau stated that she had contacted ISD194 School Superintendent Lisa Snyder about partnering with the schools to provide park services for the community. The parks committee and staff will thoroughly review the draft Park Plan to incorporate Council's suggestions. Council asked for the addition of an Executive Summary with evaluation criteria for developing and redeveloping existing and future parks. Staff will also reformat the document to enhance readability. Council agreed to cancel the December 8 work session due to the light agenda. 10. Adjourn Mayor Little adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, J di awkins, Deputy Clerk Matt Littl , Mayor