Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-05 WSk ~` ~ '„ i~~ ~, ..~ ~. In attendance: Mayor Bob Johnson & Council Members David Luick, Laurie Rieb, Wendy Wulff, and Mark Bellows. Also in attendance: City Administrator Steve Mielke, Asst. to City Administrator Brian Anderson, City Engineer Keith Nelson, Planning Director Daryl Morey, Finance Director Dennis Feller, and Police Chief Steve Strachan. i) Overhead Utility Policy Discussion Mr. Morey presented the overhead utility policy issues with the City Council as outlined in the packet memo. Mayor Johnson inquired on how many times a year issues like the ones stated this arise. Mr. Morey stated that the City has seen an increase of these ,issues, partially due to the City's new electrical inspector who is in more tune to the City's Code than the previous state inspector and the increase in new commercial and residential developments within the City. City Council felt that allowing staff to review each instance as it presents itself would be the fair and effective way to address these issues. City Council directed staff to bring forth and amendment to the City Code outlining the recommended changes. 2) Appaloosa Farms Imp. Project (Keith Nelson) Mr. Nelson showed exhibits that reviewed the project's options regarding subdividing and the construction of new streets. Mr. Feller then informed the City Council of the former and revised financing package the City is offering Appaloosa Farms residents, as outlined the packet. Neighborhood resident, Randy Knippel stated that this improvement project is a cost savings measure for the City as residents would be required to hook up to City water once their well needs maintenance because it eliminates further well interference lawsuits like the ones the City dealt with a few years ago. Margery Lane stated that in the past i4 years she has dealt with major well and septic issues and supports the project for the sake of enhancing her home market value and being able to subdivide. Roger Guilt, who started the initial petition, expressed his support for the project by stating it would enhance the value of the homes in Appaloosa Farms and his neighbors would then be free of well and septic problems. Mr. Mielke stated that the proposed connection between Iteri Ct. E. and Ireland Way is what allows certain lots to subdivide, which reduces the overall costs per resident.. In addition, it's another way for residents to enter and exit the neighborhood, especially while construction is taking place. Mr. Mielke felt that cut-through traffic would not be an issue being it's an inconvenient route to the High School. However, if this issue does arise, signage can be installed limiting nonresidents from entering the neighborhood during certain hours. City Council expressed concern about disseminating the revised information to the neighborhood residents. Mr. Mielke will distribute it immediately and stated the City should proceed with plans and specs and then bring the project before the City Council for approval at a future Council Meeting. City Council agreed and directed staff to proceed with that schedule. 3) 2005 - 2009 CIP Review Mr. Feller outlined the 2005-2009 CIP projects using the exhibits as outlined in the packet. Mr. Feller stated that City Council may wish to consider rescheduling a couple of the ' programs to reduce the estimated 200 tax levy spike that is projected at i4%. Mr. Mielke stated that staff would bring forth options to the City Council at a future work session meeting. City Council stated that discussions should continue with Credit River Township in computing a fair formula based on land values to assist in funding the 200 Judicial Road pavement project instead of Lakeville funding far the majority of the project. Staff stated they would work on both directives and bring them forth at a future work session. 4) Cedar Ave. Corridor Committee Mr. Mielke informed the City Council of the latest Cedar Avenue BRT developments as outlined in the packet memo. In addition, he informed the City Council that if they are interested in participating at this point, they will be asked appoint members to both the Policy Committee and the Technical Committee. Representing Lakeville on the Policy Committee, it is requested that there be a member from the City Council as well as a member from the business community. On the Technical Committee they are asking for someone from Engineering and Planning or Community Development. Therefore, it is recommended that Mr. Keith Nelson and Mr. Dave Olson represent Lakeville. On the Policy Committee it is requested that the City Council appoint a Council Member, and an alternate, as well as a business community member. City Council directed staff to discuss this with the Chamber of Commerce and then bring forth the proposed appointees for approval at an upcoming City Council Meeting. 5) Joint Dispatch/Soo MHz Update Mr. Strachan provided the City Council with an in-depth background of the City's current radio system along with the current status of the new $oo MHz system that is being strongly considered by the communities within Dakota County as outlined in the packet memo. Mr. Strachan then informed the City Council that later in April Lakeville should have a good idea of what the costs and control level would be in a potential countywide consolidation, once Dakota County decides on the amount of funding to contribute to the whole system. Lakeville will then have to decide if it is feasible to join the countywide 800 MHz effort. The City will also need to make a decision about any consolidations as it relates to any changes in the police department building over the next two years. 6) Manufactured Home Park Closing Ordinance Mr. Ned Moore from APAC expressed his views and concerns to the City Council and stated that apark-closing ordinance is needed because park closings have not brought park owners and residents together in a spirit of cooperation, but instead set the stage for often bitter and heated conflict. Ms. Sylvia Hernandez, VP of the Resident Committee, also voiced her support to the City Council stating the City needs to pass the park-closing ordinance to provide an insurance for those residents who live in a manufactured home park. She stated that it is too costly for residents of manufactured homes to move their homes without some financial assistance. Mr. Jeff Bonner, Attorney for Queen Anne and Armor Village manufactured home parks, encouraged the City Council to not pass such an ordinance because it limits the flexibility that park owners have in dealing with a park closing. His experience has been that park owners have fairly dealt with the relocation of park residents during a closing, leaving only a handful of residents who can't move due to their own personal issues such as tarnished credit. Mr. Mark Lampbert, Attorney and Owner of Connelly manufactured home park, stated that passing an ordinance before a park closing has been announced is premature because the ordinance is written around capricious numbers instead of hard facts. In addition, the state law requires a public hearing occur to discuss the financial hardship on displaced residents. Therefore, the City can address the issue at that time, the way state law intended for it to be dealt with. City Council stated this is an emotional issue and felt there was protection currently in place for residents under the state statue. They felt it protected the residents more by waiting to deal with such issues at the time of a park closing because the real numbers can be addressed along with the real issues that may be unique to each park. Further discussion took place between residents and City Council, but the City Council still felt the state statue provides protection to the residents and dealing with a park closing at the time of the actual closing is the fair way to address any issue. ~) Adjourn The meeting adjourned at x:23 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, ~- Bria J. Anderson Assistant to City Administrator •