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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-13-01 WSCITY OF LAKEVILLE • COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES September 13, 2001 Present: Mayor`Bob Johnson, Council Members Mulvihill, Luick, Bellows and Rieb; City Administrator Bob Erickson; Assistant to City Administrator John Hennen; Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud; Finance Director Dennis Feller; and Deputy Clerk Judi Hawkins. ITEM NO. 1. CONSIDER TRANSFER OF MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM TO CAP AGENCY. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud presented information to the City Council regarding transferring management of the Meals on Wheels program to the CAP agency. It has been determined that the program can be run more efficiently through CAP. Lakeville is the only remaining city in Dakota County to continue to manage its own program, The CAP agency also manages programs in several other counties. Meals on Wheels .Coordinator. Michelle Volk has accepted another full-time position and is prepared to resign from her contracted position with Lakeville. The Meals on Wheels program has been supported by generous donations. from businesses, civic groups and churches. Staff proposes to assist CAP with fund-raising • efforts through 2002 and provide the CAP agency with the list of program contributors. With the current remaining fund balance staff is proposing to reimburse the Senior Citizens Club for the purchase of a computer and software for the program,. purchase a new freezer for the senior center, donate. a portion of the fund balance to the CDA for the new congregate dining program at Main Street Manor, and transfer the balance to the CAP agency to take over the management of the Meals on Wheels program. The approximately 90 Lakeville volunteers would continue to assist with the program through the CAP agency. Dakota County would continue to monitor client satisfaction. Council directed staff to prepare a resolution for Council's consideration which would allow staff to move forward on the transfer of the Meals on Wheels Program to the CAP Agency beginning January 1, 2002, including the disbursement of the Meals on Wheels fund balance as noted in Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud's September 5, 2001 memorandum. ITEM N0.2. FIRE STATION #4 FINANCING. The 2001-2005 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) anticipated the construction of Fire Station #4. The project to be financed from .the Building Fund with cash on hand transfers from the Liquor Fund. If "Wine in Grocery Stores" legislation is passed during the next session, the Liquor Fund could see a significant loss of income, jeopardizing City Council Work Session September 13, 2001 Page -2- • .funds which are. anticipated for the Building Fund. In order to protect financing if .legislation were to pass, and due to current low interest rates, City Administrator Bob Erickson and Finance Director Dennis Feller are proposing the project be funded by HRA Lease Revenue Bonds with repayment from liquor net revenues. If liquor net revenues are inadequate in the future, the City can levy property taxes for repayment of the debt. Under this proposal the property would be owned by the HRA and leased back to the City, with ownership reverting to the City when the final debt payment is made. The other option for funding would be a voter referendum. Mayor Johnson asked if that would be more prudent. City Administrator Erickson stated that a .Fire Station referendum puts an unfair burden on volunteer firefighters to market the concept to voters. He feels a voter referendum would be appropriate for anon-essential item, such as a community center, but not for an essential item such as a fire station. Mr. Erickson also stated that he feels the plan is prudent because of the unpredictability of future liquor profits. Due to the fact .the Liquor Fund would experience a significant loss of income if the "Wine in Grocery Store" legislation was approved, and because interest rates are currently favorable, Council directed staff to pursue the financing of Fire Station #4 .construction with the issuance of HRA Lease Revenue .Bonds with liquor fund net revenues pledged for repayment of the debt. • ITEM NO. 3. DAKOTA COUNTY EAST/WEST CORRIDOR STUDY PROCESS. Dakota County Commissioner Paul Krause, Physical Development Director Susan Hoyt, Senior Planner Gene Franchette and Program Engineer Kristine Vieth were present to discuss the proposed east/west corridor across Dakota County. Mr. Franchette stated that .the county is currently reviewing plats from Farmington, Lakeville and Empire Township and wants to explore roadway location options before needed rights-of-way are platted. Growth in population and land use over the last. 20 years has necessitated improvement to the east/west minor arterial system. Also, based on the comprehensive plans of the three cities, projections show increased growth and employment destinations by the year 2020 will generate thousands of additional trips per day. Once available land is subdivided it will be very difficult to get the rights-of-way needed to improve the county's transportation system. A one-mile spacing criterion for arterial roadways has been established and five possible roadway connections across Dakota County are being studied. Other criteria will be to use existing roadways as much as possible. Of the property being considered, approximately two-thirds are on existing roadways, but one- third will be new alignment.... Planning, acquisition and construction is expected to take several years. The County is asking for assistance from the three cities in holding open houses in order to generate public involvement. The information will then be • incorporated into. the County's comprehensive .plan for consideration during their plat review process. City Council Work Session September 13, .2001 Page -3- Dakota County-is asking the City Council to recognize the need for additional arterial roadways for aneast/west corridor, commit to assisting with the process, and assume a construction partnership with Dakota County. Cost share for construction would be a 55/45 split, with the City of Lakeville paying 45%. Council Member Mulvihill stated. that it is fortunate that several of the roadway options could be accommodated on land that is still undeveloped. She asked if homes would need to be removed in any instances. Mr. Franchette stated removal of existing homes would be a last resort, but could happen on a case by case basis. Once the corridors are identified and plans are incorporated into the Dakota County Comprehensive Plan, the county would have the authority to reject plats or have them re-drafted to include the roadways. The county feels it is imperative to get this accomplished as soon as possible so future roadways can betaken into consideration where appropriate. City Administrator. Bob Erickson stated that the City has attempted to .lay the groundwork by designating appropriate densities in areas where extension of roadways is probable, and by establishing transportation and land use policies. The city will assist the county in identifying landowners that will be affected. Mr. Erickson also stated that Planning Commission Chair Karl Drotning has expressed. a desire to participate in the process. • M or ohnson stressed the im ortance of eo le bein aware of future needs so th aY J P P P g eY will not be surprised when corridors are established.. Council directed. staff to invite advisory committees to a joint work session with the Council to specifically discuss issues relating to the Dakota County east/west corridor study process (i.e., land use, identification of property owners, etc.) City.. Council and/or staff would then meet with Dakota County officials to provide feedback on the study process. The two meetings should occur within the next 60 days. ITEM NO. 4. OVERVIEW -CEDAR TRANSIT CORRIDOR PLANNING AREA. Susan Hoyt and Gene Franchette also invited staff to comment on the Cedar Avenue Corridor Transit Study. Representative Holberg was instrumental in acquiring estate funding for the study. The potential of rapid transit vs. light rail from :the Mall. of America to Apple Valley transit hub is being discussed by the Dakota County Rail Authority. Lakeville is also being discussed as a possible destination for bus transit. Mayor Johnson stated that as a .major north/south corridor, Cedar Avenue might have been upgraded prematurely if additional lanes will be needed to accommodate buses. Ms. • City Council Work Session September 13, 2001 Page -4- Hoyt indicated that Dakota County Chair Mike Turner has stated that he would like to review the success of other light rail lines prior to construction of the Dan Patch line. Dakota County is requesting the City of Lakeville provide them direction if they would like the Cedar Avenue Corridor Transit Study area to include the .portion of Cedar Avenue in the City of Lakeville (160th Street to the southern city limits.) ITEM NO. 5. REVIEW FUNDING SOURCES FOR EXTERIOR RENOVATION - BEN FRANKLIN BUILDING. A recent application for a building permit from the Lakeville Ben. Franklin property owners prompted some research into restoring the historic value of that building. The current canopy has support beams located in the public right-of-way. Also, the design of the structure does not conform to the recommendations in the .Downtown Lakeville Design Guidelines. Pictures are available of the original building, which would assist in restoring it to its original design. Several feasible resources may be available for this storefront improvement, including low interest loans and redevelopment grants. Staff feels if would be sensible to take advantage of the opportunity to restore the front of the building. Architect Gary Tushie has inspected the property and feels it is possible to accomplish this renovation. . City Council is being asked to pay for the cost of preparing concept drawings for the improvements and a cost estimate to accomplish the renovation. The Downtown Lakeville Business Association (DLBA) paid 100% of the cost of the design guidelines. Mayor Johnson asked if this would set a precedent, and if the Council would do the same for other businesses. Council Member Mulvihill stated that given the aesthetics of the downtown, it might be a worthwhile investment, but feels it should be paid for with a portion of the grant and not with City funds. Council directed staff to work with the property owners of the Ben Franklin building to pursue the Dakota County Community Development Agency $70,000 matching grant to renovate the exterior of the building. The property owners would be responsible for payment to Tushie Montgomery .Associates for preparation of concept plans and cost analysis. ITEM NO. 6. CONSIDER PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH TRICIA & THE TOONIES. The Telecommunications Commission has recently recommended the City Council consider a partnership between Lakeville Government Channel 16 and Tricia & .the • Toonies. Under the proposal the Lakeville Government Channel 16 would provide City Council Work Session September 13, 2001 Page -5- . recording and editing of a portion of Tricia Haynes' program for her to use as a marketing tool. In return, Channel 16 would receive five public service announcements (I'SA's) which could be used on any other program produced by Channel 16. The City currently has an agreement with Jim Schiffman to produce and use his material. The Mayor and Council Members were concerned about sponsoring a program without being able to control the content.. Also, broadcasting the PSA's, which would feature Tricia & the Toonies characters, would also market and further promote her product. Council Members were not comfortable with this relationship. Council informed staff that they are not willing to execute a partnership. with Tricia & the Toonies and asked that the City Attorney submit a letter indicating the reasons this is not an appropriate partnership opportunity. ITEM NO. 7. SITE SELECTION PROCESS/FEASIBILITY STUDY - PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY. Several sites near the center of the city have been discussed as possible locations for a new Public Works Facility. The new facility could incorporate all street and park maintenance into one building. A potential buyer has expressed an interest in the Park Maintenance Facility and the Street Maintenance Facility would. also be put up for sale. • Staff feels a central location for a new combined facility is important for several reasons including rnin;m;~.;ng the need for duplicate equipment and fuel savings. One criterion in choosing a location is accessibility to major roadways. Two main sites have been discussed. The first site is east of the Water Treatment Facility on 1$5ih Street and west of Dodd. City Engineer Keith Nelson and Director of Operations Don Volk are recommending the former Lyndale Gardens greenhouse site south of Dodd Blvd. and west of Cedar Avenue. The property is owned by Joe Miller and adjoins commercial property and the electric substation. It is felt that with no nearby residential neighborhoods, this would be an excellent location. Staff is recommending Black & Veatch proceed with a feasibility study to include cost estimates for construction of the facility at each of the two sites discussed as well as savings on fuel and other benefits of having a combined streets and parks facility in the central portion of the city. Council directed staff to identify sites, including parcels at the intersections. of Dodd Blvd. and Cedar Avenue and at 185th Street and Dodd Blvd., as potential Public Works Facility sites and list the positive and negative aspects of each. Staff will also proceed with recommending that Black & Veatch complete a feasibility study for the project using funds set aside in this year's budget. Council directed staff to include .this item on a future agenda for consideration. Ciry Council Work Session September 13, 2001. Page -6- ITEM NO. 8. CONSIDER ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING TWO-YEAR DOG LICENSES. In response to citizens' concerns, a meeting was held with several staff members including the City Administrator, Chief of Police, City Clerk and Animal Control Officer. Citizens had complained that licenses did. not coincide with their dogs' rabies vaccinations, since there is now athree-year vaccine available. Animal Control Officer Barb Morgan also contacted neighboring cities and found that Burnsville and Eagan both offer two year licenses. Staff is proposing an optional two-year license, giving Lakeville residents the choice of a one-year or a two-year license. Other proposed ordinance amendments are to eliminate the per-month late fee and elinunate the requirement that the rabies certificate cover a certain period of time. Council directed staff to place the proposed Ordinance Amendment concerning licenses of animals on a future Council agenda for their consideration. ITEM NO. 9. CONSIDER ACCEPTING OWNERSHIP OF LAKEVILLE GROVE CEMETERY. City Administrator Bob Erickson and Mayor Johnson have been approached by the caretakers of the Lakeville. Grove Cemetery who believe the City has an obligation to donate adjoining land to increase the capacity of the cemetery complex. It is also their desire for the City to take on ownership of the cemetery. The Dick Ames family has donated paving of the internal streets, a small building and a well to the cemetery. The electrical work for the well is being donated by Helm Electric. The City will contribute the annual cost of the electricity, which will be minunal. It is the City Attorney's opinion that if the City were willing to take over responsibility of the cemetery, ownership would have to be accepted by Council resolution. Mayor Johnson thanked Mr. Erickson for all the work he has done on this issue. Staff informed Council Members that the current caretakers of the Lakeville Grove Cemetery would most likely be before the Council at a regular meeting requesting that the City consider accepting the ownership and management. of the cemetery. Council Members indicated they are not interested in the City becoming the caretaker of the cemetery. ITEM NO. 10. REVIEW STATUS OF PUBLIC ACCESS. Council Members received information that had also been distributed to the newly formed Public Access Subcommittee by Cable Coordinator Jeff Lueders regarding PEG access review and summary. Charter Communications is again offering a grant or loan to buy head end transmission equipment for a public access channel if the. City takes control • of the channel and provides staffing and editing. This same offer was made during City Council Work Session September 13,.2001 Page -7- franchise negotiations in 1998. Mayor Johnson feels that staff's time is committed to other needs and it is not in the City's best interest for them to take on additional responsibilities. Council Member Mulvihill stated she does not feel that achy-run public access channel would be justified, given current demands. The City Council indicated they are not interested in receiving funding from Charter Communications to purchase head end transmission equipment for a public access channel with the. condition that the City takes responsibility for the. public access channel. ITEM NO. 11. REVIEW LAKEVILLE LOGO SIGNAGE FOR GATEWAY CORRIDOR SERPENTINE WALLS. Gary Tushie of Tushie Montgomery Associates has designed the "Lakeville".lettering for the serpentine brick walls for the Gateway Corridor. The first such wall will be installed at .the 160 Street and Cedar. Avenue Walgreen's development. One design option discussed incorporates an interior lit colored logo. Another option provides up lighting, which may be diminished if the light becomes snow-covered. Staff will continue to work with Gary Tushie to establish a standardized sign. Council Members also asked to see concepts for the Water Treatment Facility signage. Staff will also check the height of the sign lettering and logo from the ground. Council directed staff to include a picture of the Water Treatment Facility signage as a comparison to the proposed logo signage on the serpentine walls. The Council also requested information regarding the diameter of the proposed logo on the serpentine wall and distance between the bottom of the logo and the ground. Council Members favored an internally lit logo ITEM NO. 12. STATUS UPDATE -WETLAND FUNCTION AND VALUE ASSESSMENTS Wetland function and value field assessments are on track for fall, and staff has already made great progress.. WSB is the consulting engineer on the project. No directives were given to staff. ITEM NO. 13. OTHER BUSINESS. • Council Member Luick will be attending a meeting in the next week to discuss the Vermillion WMO. Barr Engineering. will present a report at that meeting. • t City Council Work Session September 13, 2001 Page -8- • City Council Members received a .copy of the Lakeville Area Arts Center Grand Openrng .flyer which will be distributed to all school children in ISD # 194 as well as students at North Trail Elementary and Parkview Elementary. • Council Members discussed the recent Messages articles regarding the tax reform package and thanked City Administrator Bob Erickson for seeking their input. Mr. Erickson stated that businesses will pay a new 1% surcharge for schools. Based on articles in the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce newsletter, Mr. Erickson suggested a forum with schools, the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce and state representatives to discuss current tax issues. and implications of the tax reform package. Mr. Erickson also stated that Truth in Taxation hearings are not mandatory this year but, consistent with Council dLrection, will be held to better inform the public. • The firefighters would like to interview electrical and mechanical contractors for the construction of Fire Station #4 in order to have a contractor they are confident working with. ALF will be included in the planning for the new station. ITEM No. 14. ADJovxrr. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, ~~ ~ Ju th .Hawkins, Deputy Clerk •