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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-01-11CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 1, 2011 Mayor Bellows called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was given. Present: Mayor Mark Bellows Council Member Matt Little Council Member Colleen LaBeau Absent: Council Member Laurie Rieb Council Member Kerrin Swecker Also Present: Roger Knutson, City Attorney Steve Mielke, City Administrator Tom Vonhof, Police Chief David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director Dennis Feller, Finance Director Steve Michaud, Parks & Recreation Director Chris Petree, Operations & Maintenance Director Charlene Friedges, City Clerk Citizens' Comments None Additional Agenda Information - Mr. Mielke provided a modification to the performance agreements with Dow Artists, Inc., Item 61. Presentations /Introductions Council Member Swecker read the proclamation proclaiming Tuesday, August 2, 2011 Night to Unite in Lakeville. Mr. Petree presented the July monthly report of the Operations & Maintenance Department. Consent Agenda 11.50 Motion was made by Rieb, seconded by Swecker to approve the consent agenda items as follows: a. Claims for payment. b. Minutes of the July 18, 2011 City Council meeting. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 1, 2011 Page 2 C. Minutes of the June 27, 2011 Council work session. d. Resolution No. 11 -78 authorizing the sale of city and forfeited vehicles. e. Resolution No. 1 1 -79 accepting a donation from Charles Rix to the Police Department. f. City Council Rules of Procedure dated August 2011. g. Resolution No. 1 1 -80 approving final plat of Lakeville Commerce Center 3rd Addition; Resolution No. 1 1 -81 vacating a public drainage and utility easement; Release of Outlot B from Development Contracts for Lakeville Commerce Center and Lakeville Commerce Center 2nd Addition. h. Business Subsidy Policy dated August 1, 2011. Set a Council work session for August 8, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. j. Acceptance of improvements and final payment to K.A. Witt Construction, Inc. for Fieldstone Park, Improvement Project 09 -08. k. Acceptance of a proposal from WSB & Associates, Inc. for design and construction of the Lake Marion area trail extension and right - of -way acquisition, Phase 1, Project Development, Tasks 1 -5. Performance agreements with Dow Artists, Inc. for performances by Audio Body /Jason Tardy and Home Free at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. M. Amendment to the Lakeville Area Arts Center Use and Policies increasing rental rates by 10% effective September 1, 2011. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Item 7 - Spirit of Brandtjen Farm 7th Addition Jacob Fick, representing Tradition Development, requested Council approval of the Spirit of Brandtjen Farm 7th Addition, which includes a CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 1, 2011 Page 3 preliminary plat of 59 single family lots and a final plat consisting of 34 single family lots. Consulting Planner Dan Licht presented the planning report for Spirit of Brandtjen Farm 7th Addition, which represents a replat of 80 acres in the southeast corner of the development. He explained that Tradition Development is requesting that the Diamond Path right -of -way be shifted 70 feet to the east, creating an additional four lots. The reduced right -of- way dedication meets ordinance requirements, and all lots conform to the design standards that were approved with the Spirit of Brandtjen Farm development. Tradition Development is requesting deferment on the construction of Diamond Path to a future date, when construction is warranted. City staff, along with the Dakota County Plat Commission, agreed that the need to construct Diamond Path is not warranted at this time. The preliminary and final plats have been revised to show an 80 foot right -of -way dedication for Diamond Path, as recommended by the Dakota County Plat Commission. Staff is also recommending approval of a resolution designating "No Parking" areas on 168th Street and Diamonte Way. In response to Council Member Swecker's question, Mr. Fick stated the rear yard landscaping will be installed along the Diamond Path right -of- way with this development. Mr. Mielke stated developers expressed at the recent Developers' Forum that the costs of constructing collector roads, which historically have been paid for by the developers, are impediments to development under today's economic conditions. Thus, the requirement to pay for the construction of Diamond Path has been withdrawn from this development. As a result, when Diamond Path is constructed, the City and County will need to find ways to pay for it. 11.51 Motion was made by Labeau, seconded by Little to approve the preliminary plat of Spirit of Brandtjen Farm 7th Addition; Resolution No. 1 1- 82 approving the final plat of Spirit of Brandtjen Farm 7th Addition; and Resolution No. 1 1 -83 designating "No Parking" areas on 168th Street and Diamonte Way. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 1, 2011 Page 4 Item 8 - Renovation of Former Police Station Mr. Michaud provided an overview of the proposed renovation of the former Police Station building into a Senior Center /Historical Society facility, consistent with the civic campus concept that includes City Hall, Fire Station No. 1 and the Dakota County Library. He explained that the project is estimated to cost $1.12 million. The operating costs for the new facility will be approximately $22,296 more than if the existing facilities were operated as status quo. Revenues to support the increased operating costs will be derived from a number of sources including, but not limited to, increased Senior Center membership dues, fundraising activities and facility rental opportunities. The Historical Society and Yellow Ribbon Organization have each committed $2,500 annually towards building operational expenses. Mr. Michaud explained that community input and participation is key to this project and will be solicited as the project proceeds. The proposed budget is an estimate based on the conceptual plan that was prepared for this project. Council Member Swecker stated that previous reports had indicated that the difference in operating costs between the proposed facility and the three current facilities (Senior Center, Historical Society and the former police station) was approximately $38,000. The current report indicates, however, that there is only a $22,296 difference in operating expenses. Mr. Feller explained that the previous estimates were originally provided in the January 2010 report. The operating costs for the former police station and proposed new facility for heating, electricity and telephone have been reduced based on our recent experience with the facility and proposed future uses. Council Member Little asked Mr. Feller to explain the tax impact to the City if it were to sell the former police station building for $1.5 million. Mr. Feller explained that if the proceeds of the sale were to be allocated all in one year, there would be an approximate five percent decrease in the City's share of taxes. Council Member LaBeau asked about the projected revenue from senior citizen membership dues. Mr. Feller presented an Annual Revenue Summary, which shows total non -tax revenue exceeding the projected increase in operating expenses for the facility. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 1, 2011 Page 5 Mayor Bellows asked how long this facility would be adequate to meet the needs of the senior citizens. Mr. Michaud stated he expects the building will meet the current needs of the seniors for many years. Mayor Bellows stated he was confused by the Decision Resources survey results, which indicated only 4% of the respondents indicated they would like to see "just more room" as an added amenity at the senior center. Council Member Little pointed out that while 4% wanted to see "just more room" other respondents indicated they would like to see a kitchen, activities spaces, exercise room, game room, meeting rooms, etc. Council Member Rieb noted that the Economic Development Commission has recommended in their revised Business Subsidy Policy that projects that might include senior housing may be considered for incentives. Mayor Bellows invited comments from members of the audience. Bob Erickson stated the City's Capital Improvement Plan indicates that a new senior center /historical society facility would likely be funded by a park bond issue. He suggested several design elements that he feels are important for a senior center facility, including a porte- cochre. He stated medical clinics, media rooms and nutrition programs are common in new senior facilities and should be considered. With respect to the project schedule, he stated the preparation of a preliminary budget and schedule is critical, and he encouraged the Council to carefully review the preliminary budget before moving forward with the project. Mr. Michaud stated Wold Architects were directed to work within the footprint provided to them. The final design details have not been worked out yet. He pointed out that there is space available on the southwest side of the building for future expansion. Mr. Mielke stated all of the additionalamenities mentioned have value. If the budget allows, cost estimates for those bid options should be explored. Betsy Gazula expressed concerns regarding costs, location and timing. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 1, 2011 Page 6 Wally Potter explained that he and the Senior Center Coordinator worked with Wold Architects on space needs for the Senior Center and Historical Society. The process was based on the fact that an architect would be hired and would design the building based on the needs presented. Cost estimates were based on actual bids that were pursued from various local contractors. Jean Anderson stated she visits the Senior Center several times a week, and she feels that members are not utilizing the facility because it is too crowded. Joan Fries, 8415 - 207th St. W., stated the current Senior Center is very crowded. Ellen Able, 17690 Hyde Park Avenue, spoke in support of the project on behalf of the younger residents of the community who struggle to find community space in the city. Ron Gerk, 10466 W. 175th Street, suggested the City consider building a new senior center on City -owned land near King Park or Ritter Farm Park. Council Member LaBeau stated that City staff sent emails inviting senior citizens to the council work session and to this council meeting but did not invite the general public to these meetings. She stated she has an issue with staff sending these emails and felt that if everyone in the community had received an email there would be a different response. Mr. Michaud explained that the senior center issue has been listed on Council agendas, which are posted on the City's website. The senior members had asked to be notified when the Council would be discussing this matter. A public forum was held by the Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Committee. There were 50 -60 persons who attended that public forum, all of whom were seniors. Council Member Swecker stated she feels the best the City can do right now is provide a facility to meet the needs of the seniors today by renovating the former police station building. Council Member Little stated he feels that adequate recreation for seniors is a core service of the City. He pointed out the long term economic benefits to the City of having adequate facilities for seniors and stated the CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 1, 2011 Page 7 Council is being asked to consider a clearly defined plan that has been worked on for many months. Council Member Rieb pointed out the many recreational facilities the City has provided for young families in the community, and she feels the City should also provide recreational opportunities for seniors. She feels this project represents a great collaboration between the seniors, Historical Society and Yellow Ribbon Organization and is a great fit in the municipal campus. Mayor Bellows stated he feels the former police station building should have been sold. He also suggested the building could be repurposed as a liquor store to replace the space the City leases at Heritage Commons. He feels the building is a challenging and inadequate facility that will require a significant investment, and he is not convinced that it will address the needs of the seniors. He suggested the Council table the project at this time and consider the concept of a brand new facility centrally located in the city. 11.52 Motion was made by Little, seconded by Swecker to approve Resolution No. 1 1 -84 approving the renovation of the former police station into a senior center /historical society facility and directing staff to proceed with the planning and construction. Council Member LaBeau expressed her concerns with the process and the unknowns of this project. She stated, however, that if the Council votes to proceed with the project, she would not try to stop the process. Mayor Bellows asked for a roll call on the motion. Council Member Little asked to make further comments. A roll call was taken to allow further Council comments. Ayes, unanimous. Council Member Little reiterated his previous comments and stated that due to the current economy, the City does not have the money at this time to build a brand new facility. 11.53 Motion was made by Little, seconded by Swecker, to call the question. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, Little, Rieb, Swecker. Nays, LaBeau, Bellows. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 1, 2011 Page 8 Mayor Bellows opened the discussion to comments from citizens with architectural background. There were none. Roll call was taken on the main motion. Ayes, Rieb, Swecker, Little. Nays, Bellows, LaBeau. Item 9 - Labor Agreement with Teamsters Union, Local No. 320 Human Resources Director Cindi Joosten presented a Labor Agreement between the City of Lakeville and Minnesota Teamsters Local 320 for the Public Works Department. The negotiated agreement proposes an increase in vacation accrual to a maximum of 25 days per year at 20 years of service. The agreement also allows for compensatory time accrual and an increase in the uniform allowance. For 2011 only, eligible employees will be allowed to cash out accrued vacation equivalent to the increase in their dependent health insurance coverage. 11.54 Motion was made by Swecker, seconded by Labeau to approve a Labor Agreement between the City of Lakeville and Minnesota Teamsters Public & Law Enforcement Employees Union Local No. 320. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Item 10 - Amendment to Employee Vacation Leave Policy Ms. Joosten presented a resolution amending the employee vacation leave policy for eligible non -union employees. The proposed policy amendment brings parity to the vacation benefits between union and non -union employees. 11.55 Motion was made by Little, seconded by Rieb to approve Resolution No. 1 1 -85 amending the employee vacation leave policy. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Unfinished business - none New business - Council Member Swecker asked staff to provide a business update at an upcoming meeting due to many projects occurring in the industrial park. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 1, 2011 Page 9 Announcements: Night to Unite, August 2nd Bird Banding at Ritter Farm Park, August 14th Council work session, August 8th Next regular Council meeting, August 15th Mayor Bellows adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Charlene Friedges, Citg Clerk Mark Bellows, Mayor