HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-2022CITY OF LAKEVILLE
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
February 28, 2022
1. Mayor Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Members present: Council Members Hellier, Bermel, Lee, and Volk
Members absent: None
Staff present: Justin Miller, City Administrator; Allyn Kuennen, Assistant City Administrator;
John Hennen, Parks & Recreation Director; Mike Meyer, Fire Chief; Derrick Gaborski, Jesse
Nergard, and Dan Quam, Firefighters; Julie Werner, Assistant Finance Director; Tierney
Helmers, Communications Manager; Tamara Wallace, Deputy Clerk (via Zoom)
Taskforce Members Present: Matt Norman, John Swaney, Dan Wolter, and Chris Yohnke
2. Moment of Silence and Flag Pledge.
3. Citizen Comments
Cindy Graham, 20480 Holyoke Avenue
Wanted to thank the City Council/ City for the installation of one-way signs on 2051 Street.
4. Envision Lakeville Cultivate a Sense of Community Taskforce Update
Members of the Envision Lakeville Cultivate a Sense of Community Taskforce attended the work
session meeting to provide an overview of their working plan for community focus groups, and to
discuss Council expectations for a future annual event. Included in the Council packet materials
was an outline for the focus groups with potential questions attendees would be asked as well as a
portion of discussion dedicated to identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
challenges in Lakeville. The taskforce also presented a logistical breakdown of how these focus
groups would work. The proposal includes six sessions (at least one remote) in the months of
April/ May, potential City buildings to host the sessions, timeline, age requirements, who/ how to
invite attendees, the need for child care services, session format, outreach/ marketing for the
sessions, registration process, and hiring an independent consultant firm that would both assist in
solidifying details as well as facilitate the focus group discussions.
The Council clarified how the taskforce determined the amount of sessions and age requirements;
and felt student representation was necessary, and that focus groups should be kept small, and in
venues that would allow participants to move around. The Council echoed the importance that
childcare services be available and the need to be intentional with marketing to ensure
City Council Work Session Minutes, February 28, 2022 Page 2
community -wide knowledge and diversity of all types within the sessions. The Council directed
staff to begin work towards finding a consulting firm to facilitate the group discussions; and
indicated that while final decisions on an annual event should be made using feedback from the
focus groups, preliminarily it seemed most appropriate to make this a part of an existing event
held within the city. (Such as Pan-O-Prog or the Arts Festival.)
5. Antlers Park Update
Following review of the Antlers Park Schematic Concept Plan at the January work session
meeting, Council Member Lee received a request from a local business owner to revisit
discussions on the future installation of a restaurant at Antlers Park. The Council previously
expressed concerns with the viability and expense of adding this infrastructure to the plan, and
were unsure whether this addition would discourage food truck vendors from servicing the park.
The restaurant owner who submitted the request for more discussion on this item attended the
meeting to provide background and an overview of their idea.
Don Seiler, Co -Owner of Lakeville Brewing, 8790 - Upper 280 I Street West
Mr. Seiler and his partners have previously presented the idea of a restaurant located on a lake to
the City's Economic Development department. Mr. Seiler stated that a 1,300 - 1,400 square foot
seasonal restaurant at this location would in fact be viable, and that he saw it as an add on
amenity to enhance the park - not a replacement to having food trucks. He suggested that food
trucks be placed on a schedule outlined in a contract to ensure consistency for patrons, and that
the ideal location for the restaurant would allow a view of the lake and proximity to a playground.
He felt this seasonal operation could be open every day from Memorial Day - Labor Day
coordinated with park hours, but that there were opportunities to have some days open during
the winter months for a special event or during the holidays for example. He did indicate that the
restaurant would be most viable serving alcohol (beer and wine), but that the restaurant concept
could still be successful without it. His thoughts would be that the City could put in utilities and
the concrete slab. He and his partners have brainstormed the idea of refurbishing an old shipping
container to house the restaurant and to fit in with the aesthetic of the park.
The Council asked staff if they had any thoughts on how much the restaurant infrastructure
installation would cost; Mr. Hennen indicated a high-level estimate of approximately $1,000,000,
and that staff would have to find funding, the same as they would for the remainder of the park
improvements beyond the approved Park Referendum amount. The Council also discussed ideas
on where the restaurant would be located and agreed it would not be in lieu of the pavilion, as
well as an overview of the construction timeline for the current Antlers Park plan. The Council
was in support of moving forward with a Request for Proposal (RFP) to gather options and costs
on the installation of a restaurant at this location, but directed staff to continue moving forward
with the current Antlers Park improvement plans in the interim of receiving those proposals.
City Council Work Session Minutes, February 28, 2022 Page 3
6. Fire Relief Pension Benefit
The Fire Relief Board is requesting a pension benefit increase to $12,000 beginning January 1,
2022 which would reflect a $2,000 increase on the current pension level. Chief Meyer, along with
members of the Fire Relief Board, explained the proposed number was reached following
feedback obtained from Lakeville Firefighters, a third -party financial analysis, and pension data
collected from comparable Minnesota cities. The Board indicated this increase would not only
help with future firefighter recruitment efforts, but it would also aid in retention of existing
firefighters, as well as allow the City to continue cost savings provided under the current model
structure. The City has not contributed to the pension fund since 2015; the Fire Relief Board
would also like the City to consider reinstating pension contributions in the 2023 budget year.
The Council discussed recruitment and retention of firefighters, vesting, and how the transition
to PERA would work should a part-time firefighter become a full-time employee. The Council
was in favor of moving forward with the pension adjustment; staff will bring this item forward to
a future City Council meeting for formal approval.
7. Transportation Project Updates
Mr. Oehme provided a transportation update on 210' Street as well as the 179' Street
realignment construction projects. Mr. Oehme also outlined a project CenterPoint Energy will
need to perform which includes the relocation of a gas main line. A representative from
CenterPoint, TJ Haider, attended the meeting to give a presentation and to answer questions such
as what efforts would be done for environmental remediation of the current pipeline. Staff is still
working with CenterPoint on the traffic control plan for this project.
Break from 8:39 p.m. - 8:48 p.m.
8. Utility Communications Plan
In November 2021 the Council approved the new utility rate structure and financial management
plan for water and sanitary sewer operating funds which will take effect in 2023. Prior to
approval, the Council discussed concerns with potential resident perception that adjustments to
the utility rate structure would result in exorbitantly high bills for homeowners. Staff was asked
to brainstorm ideas on how to effectively communicate that most customers would see either no
change or minimal increase to their utility bills - assuming they are within average water
consumption levels, and to prioritize and incentivize users to conserve water.
Staff outlined the multi -step approach which included a marketing campaign that would run
mid-March/ April through the remainder of 2022. The campaign components and steps include:
City Council Work Session Minutes, February 28, 2022 Page 4
• An impact calculator using generic consumption amounts (this would reflect the water
portion of the customer's bill only)
• Informational handouts at the Home & Landscape Show
• Newspaper features
• Email lists/ direct mailing to the 300 senior customers impacted by the water rate change
• Mailings/ flyers included with utility bills
• Print and signage at City Hall and liquor stores
• Social media boosted posts with helpful water conservation tips
• Website news flash as well as additional information on the utility billing page
• Videos/ "How to" videos on the WaterSmart application, smart irrigation systems, and
water conservation posted on the website, social media, and cable channels
Staff is also working on ways to educate homeowners/ business owners about creating drought
tolerant lawns, partnering with homeowner associations on their water programs, working with
residents to obtain testimonials, and ultimately providing the inspections department with
materials to give owners of new irrigation systems on ways they can conserve water.
The Council expressed concerns about the proposed calculator not showing the full impact to
seniors who would no longer be receiving a discount; but appreciated the consistent, repeated
messaging, through various channels, until the official roll out of the new water rate structure in
2023. They also suggested staff work with an irrigation company to correct misinformation
about how and when to water lawns, and what is considered healthy grass.
9. Heritage Liquor Store Lease Renewal
Staff has been in negotiations with EPIC Real Estate Partners concerning the 8,859 square feet the
City leases from them in the Heritage Commons Retail Center. The existing 2019 - 2022 term
includes a 3 year no escalation clause and no allowance towards repairs, at a lease rate of $17 per
square foot; this agreement is set to expire June 30, 2022. The last offer from EPIC is for a five-
year lease with a 3% annual escalator starting at $18 per square foot. Staff has reviewed this
proposal with the Liquor Committee who is seeking City Council feedback on the offer and its
terms.
The Council clarified whether the offer includes CAM (common area maintenance) charges and
discussed the escalator clause. Council provided staff with direction on the terms of the lease;
staff will continue negotiations with the tenants and circle back with an agreement or next steps.
10. Commission Interview Recap
The Council chose their appointments for the 2022 Advisory Board Commissions for formal
presentation at the March 7 City Council meeting.
City Council Work Session Minutes, February 28, 2022 Page 5
11. Items for Future Discussion
• Council Member Volk would like to discuss current and possible volunteer opportunities
within the city.
12. Committee/ City Administrator Updates
Mr. Miller - Reported that due to supply constraints, the construction of the Hasse outdoor arena
will be delayed. The new timeline is to bid the project in 2022, construction would then take
place in spring/ summer of 2023, with an anticipated opening for the 2023/ 2024 season. Staff has
alerted Heritage Figure Skating and Lakeville Hockey Association about the delay.
Mr. Miller also provided an update on legislative matters pertaining to the rail yard as well as the
proposed public safety training facility.
Council Member Bermel - Filled in as alternate for the DCC meeting where the group discussed
implementing the results of a compensation study that was recently completed. Future goals
include the switch to a cloud -based 911 system and to continue their work with Dakota County
social services to enhance mental health response and support.
Mayor Anderson provided an update on the Regional Council of Mayors; and reminded the
Council about the upcoming State of the Business Community Luncheon - which will be held on
Tuesday, March 15 as well as the State of the City Address scheduled for Wednesday, April 6.
13. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
I
Tama a Wallace, Deputy City Clerk