HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 06/18/2002
APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2002 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Councilmembers Sherry Butcher, Ron Case,
David Luse and Jan Mosman
CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Parks & Recreation Services Director Bob Lambert,
Public Works Services Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development and Financial Services
Director Don Uram, City Planner Michael Franzen, City Attorney Roger Pauly and Council
Recorder Theresa Brundage
I. ROLL CALL / CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Tyra-Lukens called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All members were present.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. COUNCIL FORUM INVITATION
Mayor Tyra-Lukens said the Council Forum will be held the first and third Tuesday of the
month from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Please note that this portion of the
meeting is off-camera. The Council Forum will consist of two parts: scheduled and
unscheduled appearances. 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. is reserved for scheduled participants. If you
wish to schedule time to visit with the City Council and Service Area Directors, please
notify the City Manager’s office (at 952-949-8412) by noon of the meeting date with your
request. The last 10 minutes of the Forum, from 6:50 to 7:00 p.m. is set aside for
impromptu, unscheduled appearances by individuals or organizations that wish to speak
the Council.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
City Manager Scott Neal said Staff requests moving discussion on smoke-free air
ordinance (item XIII.A.1.) to last item on the agenda so that the two items following it may
be heard first. The agenda would therefore be amended to reflect item XIII.A.1.
DISCUSSION ON SMOKE-FREE AIR ORDINANCE to follow item XIII.D.
REPORT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
DIRECTOR.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Mosman, to approve the Agenda as published
and amended. Motion carried 5-0.
V. MINUTES
A. CITY COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2002
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 18, 2002
Page 2
MOTION: Mosman moved, seconded by Butcher, to approve as published, the
Minutes of the City Council Meeting held May 21, 2002. Motion carried 5-0.
B. CITY COUNCIL FORUM, TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2002
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Luse, to approve as published, the Minutes
of the City Council Forum held June 4, 2002. Motion carried 4-0, Butcher
abstained.
C. CITY COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2002
Case said on Page 4, the last sentence of paragraph 6 should be amended and a
sentence added as follows: “He noted there are people out there who would like to
not have the airport expand. Be that as it may, there are additional regional and
statewide issues in which the Council may or may not want to be involved.”
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Luse, to approve as published and amended,
the Minutes of the City Council Meeting held June 4, 2002. Motion carried 4-0,
Butcher abstained.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. CLERK’S LICENSE LIST
B. STONEGATE by Carlston Inc. 2nd Reading for Planned Unit Development
District Review with waivers on 28.82 acres and Zoning District Change from
Rural to R1-13.5 on 26.62 acres. Location: South of Pioneer Trail west of Stable
Path (Ordinance No. 16-2002-PUD-11-2002 for PUD District Review and
Zoning District Change)
C. HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY by Hennepin County. 2nd Reading for
Planned Unit Development District Review on 6.12 acres, Zoning District
Amendment within Commercial Regional Service Zoning District on 6.12 acres,
and Site Plan Review on 6.12 acres. Location: 565 Prairie Center Drive
(Ordinance NO. 18-2002-PUD-13-2002 for PUD District Review and Zoning
District Amendment, and Resolution No. 2002-110 for Site Plan Review)
D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2002-111 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
OAKPARKE ESTATES 5TH ADDITION
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2002-112 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
PRAIRIE MEDICAL CENTER
F. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR THE CSAH 4/VALLEY VIEW ROAD
PROJECT, I.C. 96-5405
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 18, 2002
Page 3
G. APPROVE EXCEL ENERGY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR
INSTALLATION OF STREET LIGHTS ALONG PORTIONS OF PRAIRIE
CENTER DRIVE AND TECHNOLOGY DRIVE, I.C. 95-5385
H. APPROVE INSTALLATION OF AN AERATION SYSTEM WITHIN THE
CONSERVATION EASEMENT FOR SHADY OAK ESTATES
I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2002-113 AUTHORIZING THE SECOND
AMENDMENT TO THE JOINT AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
RELATING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
J. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER FOR REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF
ABOVEGROUND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE OLD POLICE STATION
K. AWARD CONTRACT TO GREAT DANE/KOLSTAD FOR THE
PURCHASE OF A NEW EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNIT VEHICLE
L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2002-114 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF
THE 2003 JOINT COOPERATION AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
M. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH STS
CONSULTANTS LTD. FOR 2002/2003 BOG-MONITORING PROGRAM
AT BEARPATH
N. APPROVE SALE OF A 1978 SUTPHEN AERIAL PLATFORM TRUCK TO
THE CITY OF MINNETONKA
O. AUTHORIZE ONE-YEAR LEASE EXTENSION WITH PRAIREVIEW
RETAIL LLC, FOR LIQUOR STORE AT PRAIRIE VIEW MALL
(RAINBOW)
P. AWARD BID FOR PURCHASE AND REMOVAL OF HOUSE AT 18700
FLYING CLOUD DRIVE
Q. AWARD THE CONTRACT FOR 2002 PARTIAL REROOFING AT EDEN
PRAIRIE COMMUNITY CENTER TO JOHN A. DALSIN & SONS, INC.
MOTION: Luse moved, seconded by Butcher, to approve Items A-Q of the
Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS / MEETINGS
A. GUIDE PLAN UPDATE - AIRPORT ELEMENT by the City of Eden Prairie.
Request for approval of the Aviation Goals, Chapter 2 and Airport Element,
Chapter 6, to be included as part of the approved Guide Plan Update. (Resolution
for Adopting Airport Element of the Comprehensive Guide Plan Update)
(Continued from June 4, 2002)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 18, 2002
Page 4
City Manager Neal requested this item be moved to the July 2, 2002 meeting to
allow the City additional time to meet with MAC and the FAA to resolve final
differences and reach a final agreement.
Case noted it’s not a question of will there be an agreement or not, it’s a question of
the final five percent and working out final kinks and whether we can get the FAA
to buy into one aspect of it. He said he believes it’s going to work, best as he can
tell, with a complete package by the first meeting in July.
Neal said it’s fair to represent that the City and MAC have reached an agreement,
in principle, on all of the items under discussion and we are really presenting these
final items to the FAA.
Luse asked when the public will have access to the information.
Neal said Staff has been working for some time on a public information piece that
is a cross between a brochure and newsletter that will be sent out to all Eden Prairie
residents once final agreement is reached and approved by the Council.
Case noted that the Memorandum of Understanding is public and available now.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Mosman, to continue the public hearing until
July 2, 2002. Motion carried 5-0.
B. SMITH DOUGLAS MORE HOUSE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT by Dunn
Brothers Coffee and City of Eden Prairie. Request for Planned Unit Development
Concept Review on 1.7 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with
waivers on 1.7 acres, Zoning District Amendment within the Rural Zoning District
on 1.7 acres, Site Plan Review on 1.7 acres, Conditional Use Permit, Heritage
Preservation Site Alteration Permit. Location: 8107 Eden Prairie Road.
(Resolution 2002-116 for PUD Concept Review and Ordinance for PUD
District Review and Zoning District Amendment)
Neal said official notice of this public hearing was published in the June 6, 2002,
Eden Prairie News and sent to 85 property owners. He further stated that City
Planner Mike Franzen is present and available to answer questions as well as
representatives from the architects handling the project.
Robert Mack of McDonald and Mack Architects gave a presentation of the
proposal that included drawings of the parking areas and addition and renovations
to the historic building.
Mosman asked if the outbuilding would be staying. Mack said although not in
wonderful condition, it is stable and can be used for something such as additional
storage. He said because of the building’s features, it does have historic value, so
the intent would be to keep it.
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June 18, 2002
Page 5
Mosman asked if architects thought about a connection between the old railroad
bed at the back of the site and the existing bike trail along County Road 4. Mack
said architects are aware of it and would encourage development of it when
possible, but are unsure as to how it would happen as far as the adjacent
landowners.
Mack further stated there are two aspects to the construction part of this - the first
being funded by the City and referred to as the “warm lit shell.” He said the second
part is known as “tenant improvement” to meet the needs of Dunn Brothers Coffee.
He said both aspects of construction are being done under a single general contract
in hopes that it becomes less expensive to both and facilitates construction. He said
if there is a link to the bicycle trail, it would probably be a future “tenant
improvement.”
Butcher said she is excited about the project and it’s a best possible use for an
historic building when looking for an adaptive reuse. She appreciates the
sensitivity in handling of the historic building under the direction of the HPC.
Mack said credit should be given to both the HPC and also the City’s building code
administrator who has been extremely helpful as far as making sure to meet the
spirit of the code and still protect the resource.
Butcher asked how or if the building could be used or rented for public use.
Chris Eilers, president of Dun Brothers Coffee, said this is the third historic
preservation property that Dunn Brothers has modified into a coffee shop with
importance placed on historic integrity of the inside as well as the outside. He said
as far as making it available for other uses, it’s a difficult question to answer until
he actually sees how the project unfolds, but he realizes it’s an integral part of the
community so it’s in their best interest, if possible, to make it available without
interfering with the practical business aspect. He said ultimately, their goal is to
make it successful economically.
Case said he wants to echo what Butcher said and noted there are three Council
members who came off the HPC and rarely has a plan and dream such as this come
to fruition. He said it’s wonderful the public can come and see the historic building
and enjoy the coffee shop.
Mosman said she recently spoke to the City historian and considering how hard it is
to think of enough productive uses for historic properties, one of the things is that
the public does now have access to this property.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Mosman, to
• Close the Public Hearing; and
• Adopt the Resolution for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 1.7
acres; and
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June 18, 2002
Page 6
• Approve 1st Reading of the Ordinance for Planned Unit Development District
Review with waivers, and Zoning District Amendment within the Rural Zoning
District on 1.7 acres; and
• Approve the Conditional Use Permit for the Smith Douglas More House; and
• Approve the Heritage Preservation Site Alteration Permit.
Luse asked Franzen if Dunn Brothers was going to be the focal point in signage for
the property. Franzen said the plan that was approved went to the Planning Board
and the HPC and the extent of discussion was a question about the size of the sign
which was found to be compatible with the building architecture.
Motion carried 5-0.
VIII. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Mosman, to approve Payment of Claims as
submitted. The motion was approved on a roll call vote with Butcher, Case, Luse,
Mosman, and Tyra-Lukens voting “aye.”
The following item was heard out of order.
XIII. C. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR
1. Birch Island Woods Task Force Report
Parks and Recreation Services Director Bob Lambert introduced Stuart Fox,
Manager of Parks and Natural Resources, who said there were 12 members
of this task force who met five times and developed a report that resulted in
two separate motions tonight. He said the general consensus of the task
force was to retain the natural character of the site, see minimal
development, inform visitors to the site of special things going on there, and
have a plan for natural resource development. He said as a result of the site
analysis, the task force identified special amenities such as wetlands,
wooded areas, scenic overlooks and connecting things such as existing
trails. Following that, a refined plan was developed and brought before the
Parks Commission who recommended approval as written.
Fox noted Staff supports a second motion that involves a volunteer position
of woods keeper. He said the idea was spawned from the Minnesota
Wildlife Refuge where a similar position exists. He said the task force has
plans to thoroughly research it and bring it to the Parks Commission before
presenting it to the City Council.
Case asked if this particular area was covered when archaeological work
was being done in the city park portion. Fox said there was a report and
map generated and John Gertz would be the person who would know.
Lambert said the report does not show any sites here, but John should be
consulted on how extensively they looked at this area.
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Mosman said the idea of an off-leash dog area should be considered
because of the minimal impact. Lambert said the Task Force and Parks
Commission were adamant that dogs should be kept on-leash in this area.
He said there should be discussion on an off-leash area somewhere, but not
this area.
MOTIONS:
Mosman moved, seconded by Case, to approve the Birch Island
Woods Conservation Area Management Plan dated May 21, 2002.
Motion carried 5-0.
Mosman moved, seconded by Case, to direct Staff to explore the
possibility of creating a volunteer position of Woods Keeper.
Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Tyra-Lukens said thanked the 13 citizen members and 5 Staff
members of the committee who worked hard to develop the plan for
Birch Island Woods and come up with such a thorough and excellent
report.
Jeff Strate recognized and thanked two members of the Task Force
who were present: George Tkach and Katy Egan-Benck.
IX. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE 9.04
RELATING TO RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING PUBLIC
PARKS
Neal said the purpose of this ordinance is to prohibit the possession of glass
containers in the parks; provide a provision that requires people to obey park
regulations that are posted by the Director of Parks and Recreation Services; and
prohibit the use of snowmobiles, trail bikes, or other all terrain vehicles,
hovercrafts, or motor vehicles licensed for highway operation being used for off
road recreational purposes in parks within the limits of the City.
Lambert said glass was previously prohibited only at the beach areas of parks, but
broken glass is now being found in other areas of the parks. He added that the
police are not able to enforce the regulations posted by the Director of Parks and
Recreation Services unless it’s part of this ordinance; and this part of the ordinance
is also needed to make it easier to enforce prohibiting use of the vehicles listed. He
said that this way, there is one document with all the rules.
Case asked if #2 applied to the snow sliding hill at Staring Lake in the winter time.
Lambert said yes, it would.
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June 18, 2002
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Case asked if #3 applies to the new electric motorized scooters. Lambert said this
does not provide a provision for them, but the scooters are not legal.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher, to approve the first reading of an
Ordinance amending Section 9.04 and 9.99 of the City Code relating to rules and
regulations governing public parks. Motion carried 5-0.
B. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE 9.14
RELATING TO PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER RESTRICTIONS
Neal said this ordinance was initiated at the request of the City Council earlier this
year and is based on ordinances of nearby cities. Neal added that these are items
related to the sale of fertilizer. He said if we wish to put it into the ordinance code
and enforce it, it needs to be adopted before August 1, 2002. Neal said the purpose
of this ordinance is to clarify fertilizer usage restrictions within the City; add
restrictions regarding the display and sale of phosphorus fertilizers; and adopt the
State legislation to simplify enforcement.
Neal said the proposed City Code changes are:
1. Require phosphorus-free fertilizer to be sold wherever phosphorus
fertilizer is sold.
2. Require separate displays of phosphorus and non-phosphorus fertilizers.
3. Require that all displays of fertilizers be well marked.
4. Require that the displays of phosphorus fertilizer be limited to 10% of the
quantity of non-phosphorus lawn fertilizer on display.
5. Require that the vendor provide a copy of City Code Section 9.14 with
any sale of phosphorus fertilizer.
6. Require a sign that has been pre-approved by the City be displayed which
provides information on phosphorus.
7. Require that no Person (individual, firm, partnership, association, or
private corporation) apply phosphorus-containing fertilizer. All
phosphorus fertilizer usage exemptions and requirements for a Person
would be the same as Commercial Applicators.
Public Works Services Director Eugene Dietz said the State mandate that says you
cannot apply phosphorus fertilizer does not take effect until January, 2004, but if
you want to regulate beyond the application of it, you need to adopt it by August 1,
2002. He said enforcement will possibly involve compliance checks at point of
sale.
Case said an educational piece is needed to inform the public and let people know
they don’t need phosphorus; that it only pollutes our creeks and rivers.
MOTION: Mosman moved, seconded by Case, to approve 1st reading of an
Ordinance amending City Code Section 9.14 to clarify phosphorus containing
fertilizer usage restrictions and adding fertilizer sale restrictions. Motion carried
5-0.
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June 18, 2002
Page 9
C. SMITH DOUGLAS MORE HOUSE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT by Dunn
Brothers Coffee and City of Eden Prairie. 2nd Reading Planned Unit Development
District Review with waivers on 1.7 acres, Zoning District Amendment within the
Rural Zoning District on 1.7 acres, and Site Plan Review on 1.7 acres. Location:
8107 Eden Prairie Road. (Ordinance No. 19-2002-PUD-14-2002 for PUD
District Review and Zoning District Amendment, and Resolution No. 2002-116
for Site Plan Review)
Case said as a reminder, anytime there is first and second readings in the same
night, there must be a unanimous vote to pass.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Mosman to approve the 2nd Reading of the
Ordinance for Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers, Zoning
District Amendment within the Rural Zoning District on 1.7 acres; and adopt the
Resolution for Site Plan Review on 1.7 acres. Motion passed 5-0.
X. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
XI. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
XII. APPOINTMENTS
XIII. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
A. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
B. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR
1. Birch Island Woods Task Force Report
This item was heard following VIII. Payment of Claims.
2. Eden Prairie Community Center and Round Lake Park, Parking Fee
Structure for 2002/2003 School Year
Neal said the school has increased fees from $85 to $200 for the 2002-03
school year and the City has always matched the school fee structure to
have equalized fees between city lots, city spaces and school spaces.
Therefore, Staff recommends the approval of a fee increase of $200 and a
reduced fee of $100 after March 1st, and an increase to 400 permits for the
Community Center and Round Lake Park during the school year.
Case asked about parking enforcement and the reserve spaces at the lots.
Lambert said overall, enforcement has been effective.
Case asked if there had been an opportunity to possibly partner and co-fund
a patroller position with the school. Community Center Manager Lyndell
Frey said the school was initially offered to take over our lots since they
already had staff available, but the school chose not to do so. He said it was
then taken to the City Police Department and it has been working very well.
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Page 10
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher, to approve a parking permit
fee of $200.00 and a reduced fee of $100.00 after March 1st and an increase
to 400 permits for the Community Center and Round Lake Park during the
school year. Motion carried 5-0.
C. REPORT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL
SERVICES DIRECTOR
1. 2001 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Steve Wischmann, partner in the independent auditing firm of Kern,
DeWenter, Viere, Ltd., made a presentation of the City’s financial report to
be forwarded to the State by June 30, 2002.
There were no questions from Council.
MOTION: Mosman moved, seconded by Butcher, to accept the 2001
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Motion passed 5-0.
2. City Web Site Presentation
Don Uram, Community Development and Financial Services Director, gave
a history of the City’s website, stating that essentially, there have been no
updates since 1998. He said discussions on updating it were started last
July and in January, 2002, a request for proposal was developed with prices
ranging from $65,000 to $250,000.
Nick Eian of Endurant Business Solutions, a Habitat for Technology board
member, said the business partnership between Habitat for Technology (a
non-profit organization) and the City, school systems, technical college and
Chamber of Commerce has five initiatives. They are the funding of a
program to help interns get experience and develop a curriculum;
development of a city-wide database of all Eden Prairie businesses;
development of a market plan; improving development of the websites; and
looking at how the right type of environment can be developed to attract
start-up businesses.
Mike Thomas, principal consultant with Endurant Business Solutions,
spoke about technology objectives of the website and the partnership
between parties involved.
Uram said the expectation is to have the website operational by August 14,
2002. He also asked indication from the Council as to whether or not
they’d support a business model for developing a standard content
management system for Eden Prairie businesses and costs associated with
that. He said they will put together a business model to be presented to the
Council for actual funding for the project. He said estimated costs are
approximately $140,000 with $100,000 from the City ($50,000 this year
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June 18, 2002
Page 11
and next year, and balance donated by HFT and the Chamber of
Commerce). Council members indicated they would be supportive of the
economic initiative.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Case, to approve the Professional
Services Agreement with Endurant Business Solutions for the City Website.
Motion carried 5-0.
D. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DIRECTOR
E. REPORT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES DIRECTOR
F. REPORT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
G. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
H. REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS
1. Proposed Smoke-Free Air Ordinance
Mayor Tyra-Lukens gave a review of the history of discussion on
development of an ordinance thus far. She said information to inform
citizens about this issue has been distributed and received via an interactive
web forum, published notices in newspapers, TV and radio coverage, e-
mails, phone calls, and face-to-face opinions with Council. She wanted to
clarify that although there are allegations a decision has been made, that is
not the case. A sample ordinance has been drafted, but no decision made.
She requested discussion on whether the Council wants to move forward at
this time.
Mosman said she thinks a lot of feedback has been given and the medical
part of it is well documented, but we will do what we can to look at helping
the restaurant owners overcome economic unfairness. She said she would
like to go ahead with an ordinance.
Butcher said she wants to move forward with an ordinance that involves
potential for compromise with the business community – a compromise
where we can provide some positive health environment to patrons of
restaurants, but figure out a way to work with the restaurants.
Case said it’s time to take the lead and pass a ban. He said he can support a
ban that involves some type of safety net for bar-type restaurants and
businesses. He said a lot more data is needed, but there is a workable
compromise. He said his goal is not to remove all smoke from bars, but to
keep it negligible in smoke-free areas.
Luse said it’s as much a political issue as it is a health issue and read the
following prepared statement:
“Eden Prairie Smoking Ban, Survey Research – David Luse position
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I am a reluctant supporter of a ban on smoking in public places in Eden
Prairie. But before making any decision, I would like to see our citizens’ views
more accurately represented through scientific public-opinion research.
In an issue with so many conflicting interests – personal health, the
economic health of a community, personal freedoms, balancing majority and
minority views, the role of local versus state government – I will always err on
the side of health and safety. That’s why I would support a ban. But I am a
reluctant supporter because what I was afraid would happen is now happening
– our community has become a battlefield for contending parties outside of
Eden Prairie and the issues are being obscured by lobbying campaigns. The
issues we’re hearing about most, through organized efforts, are health or
economics, while important viewpoints on individual rights and the role of
government aren’t heard as easily.
I would like more clarity about what our citizens think and want before
we make a decision on this smoking ban. I believe we should commission solid
public-opinion research by an independent firm on what Eden Prairie residents
want. This could be completed in a matter of weeks, or months at most, and we
have no need to rush to judgment here.
A scientifically drawn sample cannot be influenced by lobbying
campaigns that are more “astroturf” than grass roots. The results cannot be
influenced by packing a town meeting with supporters or sending the City
Council form letters from outside the community.
I do not want to put off a tough decision. We will all have to make that
tough decision – that’s our job. And I believe we should make that decision
once, and not leave open the confusing possibility of reconsideration. But I do
want to make the decision with as much information as possible. Our city
attorney has said we cannot hold a referendum on this issue, but we can do
some research. The results won’t automatically determine how we vote,
because it’s still our responsibility to weigh all the factors involved. But we’ll
make a better decision with better information.
The questions asked of a representative sample of Eden Prairie
residents should be simple and clear. Should we ban smoking in public places
or not? If we’re looking for workable compromise, at most we could ask if
people would support a window of time where smoking would be allowed, a
few late-evening hours on weekends in bars. We should be careful not to
confuse the issue with sunset provisions and phase-ins and phase-outs.
Let’s take the time to get this right.”
Tyra-Lukens said an analysis that was done of speakers at the June 11
meeting showed there were an equal number of proponents from within and
outside Eden Prairie; and there were an equal number of opponents that
were within and outside Eden Prairie, so both sides had people outside the
community. However, there were more proponents living within Eden
Prairie than there were presenters that were opposed to the ordinance. She
said there is also an argument to be made that restaurant sales and liquor
sales may increase at these restaurants.
Concerning the issue that the Council is ‘moving too fast,’ Tyra-Lukens
said she does not think we’re rushing it at all because it’s an issue that’s
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 18, 2002
Page 13
been out there for a long time and discussed in many communities
throughout the United States already. It’s not a surprise. So, at this point,
Tyra-Lukens said it sounds like we have five people who would be willing
to move forward with the sample ordinance.
Butcher said she would like to postpone discussing details of an ordinance
until in a workshop environment.
Luse asked if Council would entertain a public opinion poll of an ordinance
to help shape the ordinance. Case said a survey would not lead us into a
compromise of all the details of an ordinance.
Butcher said we need to talk about a process to follow, come up with a
timeframe, then re-evaluate it and put it on the website to let everyone
know.
Mosman said doing a survey would depend on who writes the questions.
She said she doesn’t know if we’d get a true read with a survey. She said
she would not want to put it off with a survey and we need to take it on with
the input we have.
Case said he would weigh against a survey; it would be meaningless data in
the context of the question asked that would not help to move forward. He
said his decision on this issue would be based on the trust people have
placed on him as a leader. He said he’s ready to talk and suggested layout of
a timetable tonight.
Tyra-Lukens read a memo from Joe Stoebner of the Eden Prairie Chamber
of Commerce who proposed creating a three-person committee representing
Eden Prairie restaurant and bar owners. He offered to have this committee
look at the proposed ordinance and make suggestions as to what restrictions
the business community may be able to accept and make recommendations
for areas of change if they felt these areas would adversely affect the
restaurants and bars.
Luse noted that any compromise would need to be defined specifically.
Council agreed to set a workshop July 2, 2002 at 4 p.m. Tyra-Lukens said
questions will be submitted to Staff about specific issues and those
questions will be answered in the context of the workshop. She said we will
try to construct an ordinance from the ground up using this as a framework,
and whenever we get to an issue where there’s not consensus, we will move
to the next one so that we can get to the point where we have some sort of
order with a few things that still need to be addressed. She said whatever
the Chamber committee brings forth will be looked at on an advisory level
just as we’d get advice from anybody in the process.
Mosman encouraged the Chamber to expedite their process.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 18, 2002
Page 14
Tyra-Lukens stated there is a level of compromise that everybody has
concerning this issue and we need to go into it using a consensus building
process.
Neal asked that as we get ready for the workshop, all questions be
submitted to him to make sure they’ll be routed to the correct Staff person.
XIV. OTHER BUSINESS
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0. Mayor Tyra-Lukens adjourned the meeting at 10:16 p.m.