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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-31-03 WS• CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES MARCH 31, 2003 Present: Mayor Bob Johnson, Council Members Luick, Bellows, Rieb and. Wulff; City Administrator Bob Erickson; Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud; Finance Director Dennis Feller; Community and Economic Development Director Dave Olson, City Engineer Keith Nelson; Environmental Resources Coordinator Mac Lafferty; and Deputy Clerk Judi Hawkins. ITEM NO. 1. INTRODUCE BRIAN 7. ANDERSON, ASSISTANT TO CITY ADMINISTRATOR. City Administrator Bob Erickson introduced Brian Anderson who has recently accepted the position of Assistant to City Administrator. Brian previously worked for the City of Lakeville in the Utilities Department and is currently employed by the City of Woodbury. He will complete his Masters in Business Administration this fall and hopes to be a City Administrator in the future. Bob feels Brian's knowledge of the community will be a valuable asset. Brian will be formally • introduced at the April 21St City Council meeting. ITEM NO. 2. DISCUSS PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING LAKEVILLE AREA ARTS CENTER BOARD. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud has been working with City Attorney Roger Knutson on amending the resolution establishing the Lakeville Area Arts Center Advisory Board. Retired LAAC Advisory Board member, Tonete Jensen, previously served on the board as a representative from the now non- existent Lakeville Area Arts Guild... Also, the board position of liaison from the City Council has never been implemented. Due to these changes, staff and the City Attorney are recommending that the current resolution be repealed and the LAAC Advisory Board be reestablished with a revised resolution. Mr. Michaud and Mr. Erickson agreed that the board might eventually be reduced to seven. members.. Counci/ directed staff to p/ace the proposed Reso/ution Repea/ing Reso/ution 2000-37 Estab/ishing the Lakevi//e Area Arts Center Advisory Board, and the proposed reso/ution reestab/ishing the Lakevi//e Area Arts Center Advisory Board as an eight-member committee, on the Apri/ 7, 2003 Counci/ agenda for consideration, City of Lakevil/e Council Work Session March 31, 2003 Page 2- • ITEM NO. 3. DISCUSS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE. Planning Commission Chair Lowell Miller-Stolte was present to give a brief overview of the Zoning Ordinance revisions that were referred back to the Planning Commission at the March 17t" City Council meeting. The Planning Commission was asked to reconsider allowances for privacy fences in sideyards abutting major collector or arterial streets and the amount of landscaping required adjacent to a buffer yard fence. Mr. Miller-Stolte stated that privacy fences in the side yard seemed appropriate to provide additional buffering from traffic impacts on corner lots. Upon further review of the fence ordinance, the Planning Commission is recommending a 15-foot setback, rather than 10-foot, to avoid requiring plantings within the easement. The Planning Commission is recommending buffer yard landscaping and plantings also be required on the street side of the fence. The Planning Commission felt strongly that a gate should be required on interior lots to allow maintenance of the landscaping on the street side of the fence. The Planning Commission supported keeping other fence requirements as originally presented. Dan Licht, NAC, stated that the Planning Commission is attempting to keep the City's gateway corridors attractive with adequate setbacks and requirements for landscaping and. maintenance access gates. In neighborhoods that were platted after the strategic growth management study was completed, lots have been adequately sized and designed to fit these requirements. Council Member Wulff asked if, in a situation where an accessory building is within the easement, would the fence need to be 15 feet from the lot line. Mr. Erickson stated that as the ordinance is written, an accessory building should not be placed within the easement and in that situation the City could require that the building be moved. Council Member Wulff stated that if a lot has only a 30-foot backyard, a 15-foot setback requirement would be a hardship. Replacement and/or repair of existing fences was also discussed, since the new ordinance would apply only to new fences. Staff will discuss with the City Attorney what constitutes repair and what constitutes replacement. Council Member Rieb mentioned a former Planning Commission member who has planted trees to create functional and beautiful screening without installing a fence. Council Member Wulff responded that people sometimes do not maintain the street side of their fences or berms. Mr. Erickson stated that is what makes the requirement of a maintenance gate so important. Council Member Wulff stated that plantings need to be hardy and people might need to be reminded that maintenance is their responsibility. She again expressed concerns about the 15- foot setback instead of a 10-foot. Mr. Erickson stated that the City Attorney should review the proposed ordinance. City of Lakeville Counci/ Work Session March 31, 2003 Page -3- `Council Member Luick pointed out that the proposed ordinance specifies an opening in the fence for maintenance equipment and feels it should be more specific. He suggested that there should be a maximum width to prevent access by a vehicle and that a gate should be required. Counci/ directed staff to request the City Aftorney review the two sections of the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment as discussed and to p/ace the amendment with the specified revisions on the Apri/ 7, 2003 Counci/ agenda for consideration, ITEM NO. 4. DISCUSS EAST/WEST CORRIDOR AND COUNTYWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. City Engineer Keith Nelson and Community and Economic Development Director Dave Olson were. present to update the Council on the East/West Corridor Study. A public information meeting is scheduled for April 2nd at the County's new maintenance facility at County Road 46 and Highway 3. The City Engineer highlighted several changes which will affect Lakeville. County Road 46 between County Road 5 and Pilot Knob Road is proposed to be upgraded to a six-lane divided roadway, as is Pilot Knob Road from 170t" Street to County Road 46. • Council Members received a copy of the Dakota County plat review needs map. Staff has been working with Dakota County and the City of Farmington to address the City's concerns regarding Alignment B east of Cedar Avenue, which is 179t" Street. Council members asked about the need to acquire homes along County Road 46, especially across from Crystal Lake Elementary, in order to have adequate right of way for the roadway upgrades. They stressed the importance of informing the public about any additional right of way needs. City Administrator Bob Erickson stated that Lakeville has historically done a good job of keeping people informed about upcoming projects. Council Member Wulff suggested a noise wall be installed as part of the County Road 46 project since the road will be close to people's homes. A joint resolution has been prepared by the City of Farmington and the City of Lakeville, which clarifies the position of the cities on each proposed corridor. City Engineer Keith Nelson will provide further information under Project Updates at the April 7t" Council meeting. Counci/ directed staff to p/ace the joint reso/ution with the City of Farmington c/arifying both cities' concerns and position regarding proposed Corridors B, C, D and E of the Dakota County East/West Corridor Preservation Study on the Apri/ 7, 2003 City Counci/ meeting • for consideration, City of Lakevil/e Council Work Session March 31, 2003 Page -4- • ITEM NO. 5. DISCUSS PARTICIPATION IN HARVESTING CURLY PONDWEED IN CRYSTAL LAKE. Mac Lafferty, Environmental Resources Coordinator, presented information to the Council regarding Curly Leaf Pondweed on Crystal Lake. Since the City of Lakeville has 29 residents living on the lake in Mystic Bay, the City of Burnsville has asked Lakeville to participate in harvesting of the weed. Lakeville's cost share would be approximately $600.00. Staff is concerned about setting a precedent and is requesting Council's input. City Engineer Keith Nelson stated that in general, removal of weeds from lakes has been somewhat challenging. Property owners on Crystal Lake are responsible for 150 feet out from their shoreline; the City of Burnsville is responsible for the interior of the lake. A demonstration weed-harvesting project was done last year on Orchard Lake using the City of Eagan's equipment, however, other lakes in the city also have weeds. Mr. Lafferty mentioned that the DNR would not be likely to allow harvesting on Lake Kingsley since it is a natural lake, however, property owners on Lake Marion have requested some help with eliminating weeds from that lake. Council Member Luick stated that the Blackdog WMO has compiled a menu of • possible treatment options including chemicals and harvesting. Cities have to determine what method works best so they can get the best results for their investment. City Administrator Bob Erickson suggested participating in the harvesting as a one-year demonstration, then evaluating the results to determine if future participation would be practical. Mayor ]ohnson suggested a 'not to exceed" dollar amount be included in the agreement. Council Member Bellows stated that the water quality of Crystal Lake has deteriorated due to surrounding densities and lack of sedimentation ponding in the watershed. There would be a tremendous expense to rectify the runoff and drainage issues. Counci/ directed staff to draft a /efter to the City of Burnsvi//e agreeing to participate in the Cur/y Leaf Pondweed harvesting project and working with the City of Burnsvi//e to c%an the outfa//s, on a one-year basis and inc/siding a "not to exceed" do//ar amount clause in the agreement, The harvesting wou/d be evaluated at the end of one year to determine the value of the program, • City of Lakevil/e Council Work Session March 31, 2003 Page -5- • ITEM NO. 6. OVERVIEW OF NPDES PHASE II PERMIT APPLICATION. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has established requirements for the NPDES Phase II permit which the City is required to submit. Due to some changes in the application by the MPCA, the deadline for submittal of the permit has been extended from March lOt" to May 9t" to allow cities more time. Council approved a proposal from WSB & Associates to complete the permit application and the storm water pollution prevention program in November, 2002. Phil Elkin from WSB was present at the work session and informed Council members that Phase I of the permit application project has been in effect since the early 1990's. Included with the permit, cities are mandated to document all pollution and storm water control measures and activities. Software has been ordered in conjunction with the League of Minnesota Cities to enable staff to submit the appropriate reports to the MPCA in a timely manner. Mr. Elkin of WSB stated that the City of Lakeville is ahead of many other communities when it comes to reporting. He feels the PCA and EPA will have the most difficulty and expenses in monitoring and enforcing cities' permit requirements. City Administrator Bob Erickson commended staff and WSB for researching the most effective software for the consortium of cities involved and to Mac CafFerty • on the success of this project. Counci/ directed staff to submit the NPDES Phase II permit app/ication mandated by the EPA and MPCA and to submit the appropriate reports as mandated, ITEM NO. 7. REVIEW PROPOSED RATE INCREASE BY DAKOTA ELECTRIC. Finance Director Dennis Feller briefed the Council on the proposed changes in Dakota Electric Association's rate structure, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2004. Various rate increases and decreases based on class will have a cumulative average increase of 7.3% for the City of Lakeville. Street light rates will increase 9.5% in both 2004 and 2005. This increase will appear on residents' utility bills. In addition, residents will see an increase of approximately 7% in their electric rates. City Administrator Bob Erickson is planning to have Assistant to City Administrator Brian Anderson evaluate connecting Fire Station #4 to the Water Treatment Facility. The City would take advantage of a considerable cost savings if both buildings were connected to the WTF's stand-by emergency generator. The WTF will realize a 7.1% rate decrease for having this option available. Council Member Luick asked what the rate of return is for • having the generator. Dennis Feller will check and report back to Council. City of Lakeville Council Work Session March 31, 2003 Page -6- Council directed staff to budget for the proposed /ncrease in a%ctric rates and to investigate the possibility of connecting Fire Station #4 to the Water Treatment Facility for the purpose. of realizing a decrease in the a%tric rate for that facility, ITEM NO. 8. REVIEW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND COST ESTIMATE TO OPERATE LAKEVILLE AMES ARENA. Finance Director Dennis Feller presented an overview of the issues and recommendations in his Ice Arena Management Study memo dated March 24, 2003. With five special interest groups involved, it has been difficult for everyone to share the same point of view. The Lakeville Hockey Association (LHA) has a new president, Chris Hoins, who might be more capable of a positive association .with the Lakeville Community Corp. (LCC). Dennis Feller's report outlines the issues and makes recommendations regarding management, financing, and operation of the arena. The LCC originally raised funds for the building and is the manager of the facility. They have expressed a desire to have the City take over in that capacity. Those volunteers who have been involved seem to be losing interest, and it is felt that • the management of the arena is too monumental a task to rely on volunteers. With a second high school opening in 2005, more challenges will be presented with additional demand for prime time ice. With the addition of the second sheet of ice, the arena is $2 million in debt. A third sheet of ice will be necessary to meet the needs of the students from the second high school. Dennis Feller stated that if the City were to take over operations, they would consider putting aside more hours for learn to skate, public skating and figure skating programs. The dynamics of the LHA have changed and the time seems to be right for a change. He stressed the importance of all involved parties being stakeholders. Council Member Rieb would like to see the facility used for more community events, other sports and dry floor activities. Bob Erickson stated that the facility needs a facility manager, not just a building supervisor. Dennis F. has discussed with the City Attorney the possibility of serving on the LCC board and has been advised that it would not be a problem. The proposed management structure would also include representatives of the school district and LHA serving on the LCC board. Council directed staff to move forward with amendment of the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Lakevi//e Ames Arena subject to the recommendations outlined in Finance Director Dennis Fe/%r's report dated March 24, 2003 and to p/ace the item on a future City Counci/agenda for consideration, City of Lake~i//e Council Work Session March 31, 2003 Page -7- ITEM NO. 9. CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO PLANNING COMMISSION AND HUNTING SUBCOMMITTEE. Council Members previously conducted interviews for one regular member and one alternate on the Planning Commission and for an alternate on the Hunting Subcommittee. A vacancy for the alternate on the Parks, Recreation and Natural. Resources Committee also exists. That position was advertised once in January, however, no applications were received. Two applicants were interviewed for the Hunting Subcommittee alternate position. One of the applicants' spouse is currently serving on the Arts Center Advisory Board and Council Members felt there could be a conflict if husband and wife were both serving on committees which were under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Department. Council members felt the other candidate, David Wood, possessed the necessary qualities to serve as a committee member. Council Members discussed the four candidates that have been interviewed for Planning Commission vacancies. It was felt that one of the applicants will be a good candidate when he has lived in the community a little longer. One other candidate, Steve Pattee, stood out from the rest and the Mayor was directed to contact him to determine his availability. • Counci/ directed staff to re-advertise for app/icants to N// the vacancy on the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee and to p/ace the appointment of David Wood as an alternate to the Hunting Subcommittee on the April 7, 2003 Cify Counci/ agenda for consideration, ITEM NO. 1O. OTHER BUSINESS. • City Administrator Bob Erickson surveyed the Council to determine who would be attending the Arbor Day celebration on May 10t". Council Members Bellows, Rieb and Wulff said they would attend. All Council Members have committed to attend the Fire Station #4 Dedication on May 17t" • Midwest Asphalt removed approximately 300 oak trees from their site on the Lake Marion bluff last year and has been uncooperative with the City's requirement for restitution. Their request for an interim use permit will come before the Council on Monday, April 7t". A suggestion was to approve the permit for only one year to see if Midwest Asphalt can be a good steward of the land and comply with the City's requirements. • City of Lakevil/e Council Work Session March 31, 2003 Page -8- • Materials for the ISD #194 second high school proposals did not reach staff until late Thursday afternoon, challenging staff and consultants to prepare comprehensive reports for the Planning Commission. It might be beneficial to set a special Planning Commission meeting to allow more time for review of ISD # 194's plans. • Street sweepers have been out in full force. Additional equipment has been contracted to complete the huge task. Council Member Wulff resides on a salt-only route and stated that her garage floor seems to be pitted from the salt. • Mayor Johnson polled Council Members to determine their interest in acquisition of properly for the purpose of a future Community Center. ITEM NO. 11. ADJOURN. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, k.aJ J dit R. Hawkins, Deputy Clerk c: