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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-04 WSCity of Lakeville City Council Work Session Minutes December 13, 2004 - 5:30 PM Marion Conference Room In attendance: Mayor Bob Johnson, Council Members Rieb, Luick, Bellows and Wulff; City Administrator Steve Mielke, City Engineer Keith Nelson, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud, Assistant to City Administrator Brian Anderson. Item # 1. Legislative Preview. City Administrator Steve Mielke invited Representative Mary Liz Holberg, Representative-Elect Patrick Garofalo, and Lisa Freese, MnDOT Metro Transit South Metro Area Manager for Carver, Scott and Dakota Counties to provide an update on regional transit projects and funding. Ms. Freese stated the transit study was due to the legislature last week, but has been delayed since all the information has not been compiled. One key component is to hold a workshop with the stakeholders, especially the south metro governing bodies such as Burnsville, Lakeville, and Scott County, because they have not been invited to be active in the process until recently. • Bus Rapid Transit is a key element to the I-35 transportation corridor and improving service to make ridership more attractive is an important goal. Therefore, finding a Lakeville location for apark-and-ride is a key element of bringing Lakeville into the transit system. Ms. Freese distributed transit user maps obtained from a current demand study and stated this would alleviate much of the demand already put on the Apple Valley and Burnsville transit stations by Lakeville and neighboring residents. Ms. Freese stated that Lakeville has the potential of using the former weigh stations for park-and-ride lots. MnDOT already owns this property so it would be inexpensive to convert them over to park-and-rides. However, there are some drawbacks and more research will determine if this is the most feasible location in Lakeville. Ms. Freese also expressed her willingness to be an advocate to assist the City in moving ahead with their transit decisions. Representative Holberg then stated that transportation issues would be discussed by the Legislature at the 2005 session and states that Lakeville City Council should clarify their position on transit so that she is better able to represent the interests of the Lakeville community at the 2005 Legislature. Council Member Luick inquired about the status of the Cedar Avenue transitway. Ms. Freese stated that it has apparently not withstood federal cuts and did not make the list of priority projects. However, there may be other funds available to keep the program on track. In addition, the MVTA needs to find alternative parking for the transit site in Apple Valley . since Watson's has decided not to renew their lease. City Council Work Session Minutes December 13, 2004 Page -2- Steve Mielke asked Representative Holberg to forecast transportation financing. Representative Holberg stated that Governor Ventura had reduced the license tab fees and Governor Pawlenty will not support a tax increase, which has caused some discussion about a gas tax increase being put on the next ballot. However, some believe that a gas tax revenues should be allowed for transit as well as road maintenance and construction. The Mayor thanked Representative Holberg and Ms. Freese for their continued support and wished Mr. Garofalo success in his upcoming first term. Item #2. Veterans Memorial Plans Update. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud reported on the F-86 Saber Jet that has been offered as a donation for a Veterans Memorial. The donor, Lakeville resident Bill Studer, wishes to complete the transaction by the end of this year. Michaud stated that the City would still retain the right to abandon the project at a later date. Mayor Johnson asked about liability and maintenance issues. Staff has determined that the Citys current insurance policy would provide liability coverage for the plane, which is currently stored on property owned by Joe Miller and could stay there until summer. The VFW and American Legion have been contacted for comments and input. Mr. Michaud then gave the Council an overview of the proposed Veterans Memorial at the site. The proposal would entail relocating the playground site with new equipment as budgeted, thus making more room for the memorial as outlined in the packet. The Council directed staff to work with the City Attorney to accept the donation of a plane from Bill Studer in 2004. Steve Michaud will work on site details for Council to consider at a later time. Item #3. Update/Review of Lakeville Arenas Joint Powers Agreement Mr. Mielke distributed a copy of the Lakeville Arenas Joint Powers Agreement that will be considered by the ISD 194 School Board on December 14'h. The School Board will also see a presentation by the Sportscomm representatives at that meeting. Mr. Mielke and Mr. Feller updated Council on the salient aspects of the agreement and stated that under the proposed Joint Powers Agreement, the LCC would give control to the newly formed JPA called Lakeville Arenas. The group would consist of two representatives from the City and two from the School District, with the fiffh member to be chosen at large by the sitting members of the board. A dispute resolution clause has been established in case of a difference of opinion. City Council Work Session Minutes December 13, 2004 Page -3- Under the new Joint Powers Agreement, the City and ISD 194 would continue to be responsible for 50% of the budget beyond revenues and would set aside funds for future maintenance. The City will design and construct the arena in mutual cooperation with the School District along with the assistance of a design committee. Mr. Mielke stated the LHA and ISD 194 are concerned that one rink is not adequate for the high school and the feeder programs, nor is the proposed 750-seat capacity. The proposed agreement would allow the bond issue to increase by up to 10% to account for higher construction costs, and design variances. If others bring additional funds, the construction budget could also increase, or a second sheet could be constructed right away. ISD 194 has been informed that construction of King's Park is not based on their participation, nor would their benefits be certain if they did not partner with the City. Council directed staff to continue working with the School District on a Joint Powers Agreement. Item #4. Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM. Respectfully submitted by, _~.... E~- Brian A erson, Assistant to City Administrator BJA/jrh