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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-12-99 WS~ ', CITY OF LAKEVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES JULY 12, 1999 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Zaun at 4:30 p.m. in the North Meeting Room. The following individuals were in attendance: Mayor Zaun; Council Members Luick, Mulvihill, Sindt; Robert Erickson, City Administrator; Michael Sobota, Community and Economic Development Director; Barry Christensen, Fire Chief; Danny Barth, Assistant Chief; John Hennen, Administrative Assistant; Rita Erpelding, Economic. Development Coordinator; Leif Hanson, Zoning Enforcement Coordinator; Gary Tushie, Dick Miller, Bob Brantly, Economic Development Commission; Karl Drotning, Planning Commission Chair; Scott Midness and Joel McElhany, Barton Aschmann & Associates; Laura Adelmann, Lakeville Life & Times; Jon Lloyd, SunCurrent; Lori Hall, ThisWeek News and Resident Jean Baudhuin. ITEM NO. 1: Review Corridor and Gateway Design Study Mayor Zaun stated that Mr. Brantly, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Tushie from the Economic • Development Commission (EDC) are present to support the Corridor and Gateway Design Study. Mayor Zaun also recognized Mr. Midness and Mr. McElhany as the representatives of Barton-Aschman Associates, the consultants for this study. Mayor Zaun invited Mr. Sobota to begin the presentation regarding the study. Mr. Sobota stated that the Corridor and Gateway Design Study has been under development for the past two years. The first phase included the development of the draft design guidelines which the City Council has been requested to review and comment on. It is intended that the design guidelines would be brought before the City Council in August. During the development of the design guidelines there has been a lot of community interest and support for the project. Community members have been involved in the project through the open house, ideation workshop, and a meeting to review the draft design guidelines. Mr. Sobota invited Mr. Brantly, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Tushie to provide their perspective on the project. Mr. Tushie stated that the presentation of the design guidelines to the City Council is a fulfilling moment for the subcommittee and the EDC. Mr. Tushie stated that having a unifying theme and consistent landscaping elements are especially important in Lakeville because the community is spread over 38 square miles. The development of design guidelines is just one step in the process. It is equally important that they be implemented and incorporated into future developments. The next step that has been • identified by the EDC is the identification of funding sources, cost estimations, prioritization, and the actual development of landscape features. Mr. Tushie recognized City Council Work Session Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 2 • the City Council for their support during the development of the design guidelines and expressed hope that the City Council would also support future phases of the study. Mr. Brantly stated that the development of the design guidelines is also a source of satisfaction for him. Mr. Brantly expressed hope that others in the community also recognize that the natural environment in Lakeville is a significant part of the quality of life and that many are drawn to Lakeville because of it. The importance of maintaining the natural feeling in Lakeville is one of the reasons for the development of design guidelines. Through the design guidelines the City will be able to maintain a natural image while still developing the "built" environment. The Corridor and Gateway Design Study is also important in sustaining and demonstrating the pride that Lakeville residents have for their City. Mr. Brantly stated that the broad support from the community that this project has had is gratifying. Throughout the process community members have provided our consultants and City staff with great ideas. Mr. Brantly emphasized that aesthetics have value and are a great asset. Although Mr. Brantly recognizes that the implementation of the design guidelines may have a cost, he believes that the benefits to the aesthetics throughout the City are well worth the expenditures. Mr. Miller expressed his agreement with Mr. Brantly and Mr. Tushie regarding the satisfaction in seeing the design guidelines nearing completion. Mr. Miller thanked the . City Council and the various committees involved for their foresight in supporting the development of design guidelines now rather than 20 to 30 years from now when the City is more fully developed. Mayor Zaun invited Council members to comment and ask questions regarding the design guidelines. Councilmember Mulvhill stated that she has been supportive of this project since its inception. Councilmember Mulvihill asked what are the negative areas mentioned on plates seven and eight. Mr. Brantly stated that the negative area is the area between the curves of a serpentine wall as the wall curves away from the viewer. Councilmember Mulvihill stated that her review of the Ideation Workshop summary revealed how well the process identified the salient themes and elements. The suggested theme of "Lakeville, Community of Tomorrow reflecting on the past" seems to reflect well on the type of community Lakeville is and wants to continue to be. Councilmember Mulvihill recognized that although it may be difficult to completely maintain the small town ambiance, the incorporation of the design guidelines will be an integral part of maintaining the look. Councilmember Mulvihill expressed appreciation for the EDC's recognition that a budget must be developed for the long-term • maintenance of the landscaping. Councilmember Mulvihill agrees that landscaping should not be developed unless it can be properly maintained. Councilmember Mulvihill City Council Work Session Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 3 • expressed particular concern regarding the plates which recommended annual treatments. Councilmember Mulvihill stated that she is glad that Lakeville is a proactive community that is trying to preserve its greenspace. Mr. Tushie stated that the EDC recognizes the importance of preservation and wants to see the implementation of the design guidelines move forward. The EDC has seen each project that has been developed as another lost opportunity to make an impact. Mr. Tushie requested that sufficient staff time be allocated to ensure that the study momentum continues. Mr. Tushie stated that the guidelines that were developed are really a framework which enables the incorporation of consistent features in landscaping throughout the City. Councilmember Mulvihill agreed with the importance of the study moving forward stating that there is already a lot of retrofitting that would need to be completed to incorporate the design guidelines. Councilmember Mulvihill asked about the statement that Cedar Avenue could be developed as a parkway. Ms. Erpelding stated that Cedar Avenue could not be a parkway and that in the Errata sheet City staff requested that that designation be removed from the Project Area Analysis on page 4. Mr. Sobota stated that the City has been involved with the Dakota County Highway • Department throughout the entire process. Dakota County Highway Department is aware of the issues and has been willing to incorporate features of the design guidelines in recent county road projects. Councilmember Mulvihill asked whether County Road 50 would be the first area where the implementation of the design guidelines would occur. Mr. Erickson stated that the design guidelines have already been utilized in a variety of projects. The first of those projects was in the development of landscaping treatment along County Road 50. In response to the City's request, the County allowed the development of a terraced modular block retaining wall with landscaping. The design guidelines also influenced the City to add stamped concrete to the median along 202"d Street. Mr. Erickson stated that the foresight of the Planning Commission and City Council influenced the move of the cellular tower on the ISD 194 property away from Holyoke Avenue. Mr. Erickson stated that Mr. Sobota has indicated to the developer of the Walgreens at 160t" Street and Cedar Avenue that the City will be expecting landscape treatments since that corner is a gateway to the City. Mr. Erickson stated that the development of the design guidelines would be an asset in the development of Cedar Avenue and the interchanges. Since all of those projects are still in the planning stages, the features recommended in the design guidelines can be incorporated early in the process. The City anticipates that the County Road 70 interchange will serve as the southern gateway to the City and would like to see a similar style bridge as the County Road 46 bridge. City Council. Work Session Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 4 • Councilmember Mulvihill asked what "jewel" plantings were. Mr. Brantly stated that the jewel plantings were recommended for areas along a corridor where a curve or hill provides an opportunity for a new vista. Councilmember Luick stated that he has been involved with the process since the Ideation Workshop. It was satisfying to see that the vision and elements that were discussed at that time have been incorporated in the development of the design guidelines. Councilmember Luick asked whether Gateway 20-the intersection of Lakeville Boulevard and Cedar Avenue was in the correct place. After examination it was concluded that it was in the right location. Councilmember Luick suggested that a gateway should be added at Dodd Boulevard and County Road 70. All members agreed. Councilmember .Luick asked where the Cloister Motif with Keystone might be located. Mr. Tushie stated that the possible locations were listed, but that the type of development that occurs in those areas would be what would influence the type of landscape feature that is incorporated. Mr. Sobota added that one possible location would be in the Heritage Commons area. Councilmember Ryan stated that the design guidelines were well developed and that he expected that many of his concerns would be addressed as the design guidelines are fine-tuned for their application. Councilmember Ryan expressed a concern that there might be too many features developed which would dilute their impact on the • community and make the maintenance of landscaping too cumbersome. Councilmember Sindt stated that the concepts expressed in the design guidelines are good. Councilmember Sindt expressed concern about the impact of snow on the parkway landscape features. Mr. Erickson stated that the landscape features for the parkway were designed with snow in mind and that there should be sufficient space for snow storage without hurting the landscaping. Mr. Sobota added that Lexington Parkway in St. Paul between Summit Avenue and I-94 has been able to maintain a similar median treatment successfully. Mayor Zaun expressed appreciation for the number of people who stepped forward and assisted with the development of the design guidelines. Mayor Zaun stated that most of his concerns were addressed in the Errata sheet provided with the packet. Mayor Zaun stated that the City Council will be asked to adopt the design guidelines in August. Mr. Sobota stated that another aspect to the study is the incorporation of the design guidelines into the zoning ordinance. Mr. Sobota stated that the City of Lakeville is in the process of a comprehensive update of the zoning ordinance and that staff will be working with the City's consultant to incorporate the guidelines into the landscaping requirements for commercial and industrial development projects. • City Council Work Session Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 5 • Councilmember Sindt asked whether it would be possible to require a more permanent and better looking sign than the wooden ones that have been utilized for residential developments. Mr. Erickson stated that through the City Council's new policy on monument signs that concern should not be an issue. In order for a residential development to erect a permanent monument sign, a homeowners association must be formed. The existence of the legal entity encourages the maintenance and enables the City to hold them accountable. This policy seems to be working and encouraging the construction of quality signs. The wooden signs that were mentioned are being removed by the City as it becomes necessary. Mayor Zaun asked the Barton-Aschman representatives to offer a few remarks. Mr. McElhany stated that the study has been a great experience. Mr. Midness stated that they have been overwhelmed by the level of participation by-City staff, advisory groups, and community members. The excellent cooperation among those involved made the project easier to develop and should support implementation. Mayor Zaun asked what the anticipated timeline was. Mr. Sobota stated that Barton- Aschman and City staff will be working on making modifications to the design guidelines based on the Errata sheet and the comments from today's session. The outline of the phase two activities will be enhanced. The City Council will be requested to adopt the design guidelines at an August City Council meeting. Councilmember Sindt recommended that a short segment be put together on the design guidelines for the City's cable programming. Mayor Zaun agreed stating that they will be able to incorporate specific examples as they are developed. Mr. Erickson asked the City Council whether Barton-Aschman could have 10 minutes at the Council Meeting for a presentation. All were in agreement. Councilmember Mulvihill recommended some color renderings and any other additions that would provide a more visual presentation. Mr. Sobota suggested that some photos could be taken to provide an understanding of what could be accomplished through the implementation of the design guidelines. Mr. Sobota stated that the continued support of the community is imperative to the success of the study. ITEM NO. 2: Planning Commission-Draft Format for Developers Presentations Michael Sobota indicated the Planning Commission is proposing a change in format for presentations at their meetings as requested by the City Council. Concerns have been raised regarding the perception that staff "recommendations" to the Planning Commission at public hearings tend to make it appear that the City is acting as an advocate for projects under review. The proposed format would require the developer . or project representative to begin the public hearing with a specific and technical City Council Work Session Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 6 • introduction of the project, making it clear that it is their project and what they are requesting. Mr. Sobota directed the Councils attention to the memo dated May 28, 1999 regarding the issue along with a draft checklist/format for developer presentations as recommended by the Planning Commission. Council Member Sindt indicated some residents do leave the meeting with the false impression that staff is promoting/advocating the project and is pleased with what is being proposed. Council Member Mulvihill indicated the proposal is very appropriate. Council Member Ryan mentioned the proposal is a step in the right direction and is in favor of the checklist as proposed. Mr. Ryan indicated staff should stick to the facts and when possible eliminate the word °recommends" as part of their presentation. He indicated the developers and/or developer engineers should play a more significant role when making the presentation to the Planning Commission or City Council. He went on to say that he has been to meetings at Dakota County and he rarely notices staff using the word ~~recommends" as a part of their presentation. Mr. Drotning indicated that the Planning Commission appreciates the consistency of the staff presentations and did note- that if a developer plays a more significant role in the presentations, the information may not be as complete as if staff were to continue to do the majority of the presentations. The Planning Commission would like staff to continue to make the presentations but place more responsibility on the developer. Mr. Ryan recommends • that at the City Council meetings, staff highlight Planning Commission, Environmental Affairs Committee and Park and Recreation Advisory Committee comments on the project that were made at the respective meetings along with the resident's comments and/or concerns which were expressed at the public hearing. Mr. Erickson agreed that it would. be appropriate for staff to highlight the public concerns along with any additional stipulations the commissions/committees added. Council Member Luick indicated that on the draft checklist/format document for developer presentations the word ~~recommendations" in Item I should be changed to "stipulations". Mr. Drotning also indicated that residents attending the public hearings at times do not completely understand the public hearing process. Mr. Sobota mentioned that staff could create cone-page document indicating what a public hearing is and the process to be followed. Council Member Sindt indicated that this could be placed on the screen in the Council Chambers at the public hearing so residents understand the process. Mr. Sobota indicated the one page document could be provided to Council for their review and comment. Mr. Erickson recommends that the City Council endorse the proposed presentation process. The City must emphasize that a full presentation is needed by the developer to eliminate the perception that staff is promoting the project. Mr. Luick recommends that in the closing verbal statement made by staff that it is clearly stated that staff is recommending approval to the Cart Council so it doesn't look as if the project is a ~~done-deal" at the Planning Commission • meeting. Resident Jean Baudhuin applauded the City Council's efforts in pursuing this City Council Work Session Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 7 presentation format. Ms. Baudhuin expressed concern regarding the limited amount of time provided to residents to express their concerns on issues at City Council meetings. The Council endorses the proposed draft format for developers presentations with the addition of the recommendations as noted in the above minutes. The Council directed staff to move forward with the format for developer presentations and present it to them at a future city council meeting. ITEM NO 3: Discuss Amendments to Recreational Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle Ordinance At the February 8, 1999, City Council Work Session, the Council reviewed the 1998 Zoning Enforcement Activity Report created by Zoning Enforcement Coordinator Leif Hanson. At that meeting, staff informed the Council that residents have asked staff if the City limits the size of RV's stored in residential areas (which the City currently does not do) and also informed the Council that the Commercial Vehicle ordinance is not well-defined. At that meeting, the Council proceeded to direct staff to propose major and minor changes to the two ordinances. Mr. Hennen highlighted the proposed ordinance changes which included definitions of commercial vehicles and equipment along with the stipulation that would prohibit commercial vehicles and equipment from being stored on the properly except when loading, unloading or rendering a service. The Recreational Vehicle ordinance also included a definition of recreational vehicles and established specific areas where no more than two RV's can be parked in asingle-family residential district. It also limits the size of the RV's to 25 feet in length in single family residential areas on lots less than two acres in size. Mayor Zaun indicated that the City might have difficulty with truck drivers residing in the City that may feel discriminated because the ordinance would prohibit them from bringing their commercial vehicle home with them at the end of a workday. Mr. Erickson indicated that the City is trying to be respectful to all residents but realizes that we will not be able to please everyone. Council Member Mulvihill recommends the ordinance specifically indicate that dumpsters shall be allowed on a temporary .basis in single family residential districts for home improvement project purposes (i.e. disposal of shingles, siding, etc.) Council Member Mulvihill also recommended staff clarify the provision that indicates storage of recreational vehicles on the side yard abutting the principal building is prohibited. Council Member Ryan mentioned he does not believe the storage of a bobcat and a trailer is offensive in single family residential districts and believes we will be seeing more of this in the future. Mr. Erickson indicated that residents do not believe it is appropriate to have bobcats and trailers on a property year round. City Council Work Session Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 8 C Council and staff discussed how the public would be made aware of the ordinance amendment. It was decided a Messages article regarding the ordinance amendment should be completed incorporating the date of the .public hearing to be held at a Planning Commission meeting. The public hearing could then be tabled to allow residents the opportunity to provide feedback on the ordinance and ultimately the ordinance would be brought before the Council with the entire Zoning Ordinance document amendment which NAC is currently completing. Mayor Zaun asked the Council to provide Mr. Hennen any additional comments on the ordinance. Mr. Hennen may also want to submit memos to the Council noting specific items within the ordinance they should concentrate on. Council .directed staff to move forward with the ordinance amendments as noted in the above minutes. ITEM N0.4: Discuss Purchase of Fire Department Tanker Truck The Chief indicated the 1999 adopted budget includes $120,000 for the purchase a 3,000-gallon tanker to replace the existing 1986 1,800-gallon tanker. The original • intent was to sell the 1986 tanker for approximately $45,000 and purchase a good used chassis. A tanker body would then be built and placed on the good used chassis along with the 1,000 gpm pump, flood lights, two-way radio and all non-mounted equipment from the 1972 Ford Pumper. (The pumper is being replaced under a separate project.) Almost all the chassis that fell into the used category are not suitable for fire service use. Staff has recently located a used 1983 3,000-gallon tanker in Michigan which is currently for sale. The unit is equipped with a 300-hp diesel engine. Chief Christensen mentioned that the City of Northfield is also selling a 7-year-old tanker truck for approximately $110-120,000; however, this is only a 2,000-gallon tank truck. Council Member Sindt asked how often the tanker truck would be used in a given year. Chief Christensen indicated approximately 15-18 times a year. Council Member Ryan asked how important it is to have cabinets and other accessories on the truck versus just having a large tank on the unit. He also asked if the water in the tanker could be dumped into a dump basket at the scene of the fire. Chief. Christensen indicated it is difficult to set up a dump tank in close corridors (i.e., Queen Anne Mobile Home Park) and would prefer to have a more versatile multi-purpose tanker vehicle. Chief Christensen indicated he would be .willing to utilize his benefits at Northwest Airlines to fly to Michigan to inspect the tanker. Mr. Erickson asked if the Council would be willing to send Chief Mechanic Tom Spencer with Chief Christensen to inspect the unit. 0 ', ~ City Council Work Session Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 9 • The Council directed staff to continue to look for used tankers and chassis and agreed to allow Lead Maintenance Employee Tom Spencer to accompany Chief Christensen to inspect the used fire tanker for sale in Michigan. ITEM NO. 5: Uudate on List of City Outsourced Services Mr. Erickson indicated all departments completed a list of outsourced services. Staff shared this with Jim Prosser of Ehlers and Associates, Inc. who indicated that the City is average-to-above average with other communities regarding outsourced services. The next step is to share this information with Gary Tushie of Tushie, Montgomery and Associates who can utilize this as a resource when completing the Space Utilization Study. Council Member Luick inquired as to the opportunities to consolidate vendors for contractual services. Mr. Erickson indicated that the City could consolidate some of the outsourced services (e.g. HVAC contracts). The City currently works with three firms to complete HVAC maintenance and repair in City buildings. Council directed staff to share the list of outsourced services with Mr. Tushie and present the Space Utilization Study proposal to the Council at a Council meeting for their consideration. ITEM NO. 6: Other business Mayor Zaun indicated that Met Council Representative Julius Smith will be invited to attend a future City Council Work Session to introduce himself to Council Members. The Mayor also indicated that he received numerous positive comments from residents regarding the good work City staff did with Pan-O-Prog. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, hn Hennen Administrative Assistant n LJ