HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 01/18/2000 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY,JANUARY 18,2000 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
CITY COUNCIL:
Mayor Jean Harris, Councihnembers Sherry Butcher,Ronald Case,Ross Thorfinnson, Jr., and
Nancy Tyra-Lukens
CITY COUNCIL STAFF:
City Manager Chris Enger, Parks & Recreation Services Director Bob Lambert, Public Safety
Director Jim Clark, Public Works Services Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development and
Financial Services Director Don Uram, Management Services Director Natalie Swaggert, City
Attorney Roger Pauly and Council Recorder Peggy Rasmussen
I. ROLL CALL/CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
H. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Butcher added Item XII.A.1., Report on the Eden Prairie Foundation.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to approve the agenda as published
and amended. Motion carried 5-0.
IV. MINUTES
A. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY,JANUARY 4,2000
Thorfinnson made a correction on page 5, under his report. It should read " . . .
the fourteen State Representatives and Senators . . ." and in the next sentence "the
representatives and senators to provide funding . . ." Case made a correction on
page 7, the eighth paragraph, which should read "Case also requested a review of
long-term objectives at the Market Center area." Butcher corrected paragraph
twelve to read" . . . the City's role and fiscal commitment to social services . . ."
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Butcher,to approve the minutes of
the City Council Meeting held Tuesday, January 4, 2000, as published and
amended. Motion carried 5-0.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 2
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. CLERK'S L•ICENSE LIST
B. ANDREAS H by Andreas Properties II, LLC Request for Zoning District
Amendment within the I-2 Zoning District on 2.74 acres, Site Plan Review on
2.74 acres, and Preliminary Plat on 2.74 acres into one lot. Location: 15180
Martin Drive. (Ordinance No. 1-2000 for Zoning District Amendment and
Resolution No.2000-12 for Site Plan Review)
C. PURGATORY CREEK ESTATES 2ND by Post Construction Company.
Request for Rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 on 3.08 acres and a Preliminary Plat
of 3.08 acres into 7 lots. Location: Wilderness Cove and Sunnybrook Road.
(Ordinance No. 2-2000 for Zoning District Change and Resolution No. 2000-
13 for Release of Exhibit E)
D. APPROVE SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3-2000
AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 11.40 AND 11.70 REGARDING
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT SIZE
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-14 AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF
TAX-FORFEITED LAND
F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-15 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
SETTLERS RIDGE 4TH ADDITION
G. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-16 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
STAHL ADDITION
H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-17 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
SCENIC HEIGHTS OFFICE ADDITION
I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-18 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
PURGATORY CREEK ESTATES 2ND ADDITION
J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-19 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
BEARPATH TOWNHOMES 8TH ADDITION
K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-20 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION
FOR THE 2000 HENNEPIN COUNTY RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING
GRANT
MOTION: Thorfmnson moved, seconded by Case, to approve Items A-K on the
Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 3
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS
A. CSM/STARKEY OFFICE CENTER by CSM Equities, LLC. Request for
Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 13.13 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review with waivers on 8.4 acres, Zoning District
Amendment within the I-5 Zoning District, and Site Plan Review on 8.4 acres.
Location: Flying Cloud Drive and Crosstown Circle. (Resolution No. 2000-21
for PUD Concept Amendment, Ordinance for PUD District Review and
Zoning District Amendment)
Enger said official notice of this public hearing was published on January 6, 2000,
in the Eden Prairie News and sent to 24 property owners.
Mark Dablin of CSM Equities made the presentation. The project is an 83,012-
square-foot office-warehouse building located in the Research Addition off Flying
Cloud Drive, on an 8.4-acre site. They propose 348 parking spaces.
Jesse Symynkywicz, ROK Systems, said there are existing wetlands, trees and
topography to deal with. There are four wetlands on the property. A portion of
the low-quality wetlands will be filled and replaced with moderate-quality
wetlands. Moderate-quality wetlands along the north and south of the property
will be expanded. They will use a native grass-seed mix rather than turf in the
wetland buffer. Of the existing trees, 10 percent are oak and 90 percent are
cottonwood. About 50 percent of these will be saved. The required tree
replacement is 681 diameter inches. Due to the amount of land needed for
wetland buffer and wetland replacement, it is not possible to fit all of the
replacement trees on site, and they are proposing off-site replacement of 503
diameter inches.
Bruce Johnson, designer of the project from CSM Equities, said there are two
accesses to the site off Flying Cloud Drive. The building materials meet the
exterior material requirements for an office structure. A series of recesses would
provide access to the building.
Uram said the Planning Commission voted 6-0 to approve the project at its
December 13 meeting. The waivers requested are for parking setback from 75
feet to 41.75 feet to protect the woodland and wetland, and to increase allowable
office use from 50 percent to 75 percent.
Mayor Harris asked if any members of the audience wished to address the
Council on this proposal. There were none.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to close the public hearing;
and adopt Resolution 2000-21 for PUD Concept Amendment; and approve I"
Reading of the Ordinance for PUD District Review and Zoning District
Amendment in the I-5 Zoning District; and direct Staff to prepare a Developer's
Agreement incorporating Commission and Staff recommendations, and a Council
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 4
condition for preparation of a TDM plan prior to issuing the Developer's
Agreement. Discussion followed.
Tyra-Lukens said she would like to add a condition that Council be shown the
plan for additional trees being planted off-site and how they will be monitored by
City Staff. Thorfinnson accepted this as a friendly amendment to his motion.
Case inquired if there is the potential for the NURP pond to overflow into the
existing southeast wetland in the event of a heavy rainfall. The developer said
that could happen but the property would still receive water from across the road
that will run from the north wetland to the south.
Case said in the future he would like to see how a wetland fits into the context of
the larger area surrounding the property. Enger said Council approved the second
reading of the PUD ordinance amendment, which includes a section requiring a
developer to submit land use information within 1000 feet of a PUD. This project
was already in the process before this was required.
Motion as amended carried 5-0.
B. HORNELAND ADDITION by Liv Homeland. Request for Planned Unit
Development Concept Amendment on 1.32 acres to the Ridgewood PUD,
Planned Unit Development District Review on 1.32 acres with waivers, Zoning
District Amendment within the R1-13.5 Zoning District on 1.32 acres, and
Preliminary Plat on 1.32 acres into 3 lots. Location: 8802 and 8804 Knollwood
Drive. (Resolution for PUD Concept Amendment, Ordinance for PUD
District Review and Zoning District Amendment and Resolution for
Preliminary Plat)
Enger said official notice of this public hearing was published on December 9,
1999, in the Eden Prairie News and sent to 76 property owners.
Liv Homeland, 8804 Knollwood Drive, presented the project. She is requesting
permission to divide two lots (8802 and 8804 Knollwood Drive) into three,
creating a third lot below the bluff area. She showed an aerial photo of the site.
The third lot can be developed now that sewer and water are available for that
site, and there is direct access to it. The proposed lot would be about 20,000
square feet. Seven out of twelve significant trees would have to be removed, and
she said this has been the primary issue raised. A second issue was setting a
precedent for dividing a lot, and a third was concern about changing a Planned
Unit Development.
Ken Adolph, an engineer with Schoell and Madson, showed a drawing of the
planned lot and home. He said seven significant pine trees would have to be
removed, but some existing trees south of the house would provide a buffer and
between 15 and 18 new trees would be planted on the site.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 5
Uram explained the history of the property. It is part of the original Centex
Midwest Inc. The 1978 Ridgewood West PUD included approximately 88 acres
and 176 single-family homes. It was amended in 1982 to create Ridgewood West
Two, a 64-acre PUD that included a Guide Plan change from Low Density to
Medium Density with 168 single-family cluster homes and 168 condominiums.
The Planning Commission recommended 6-0 to deny the project, for the
following reasons:
• The existing large lots are a density transfer for the existing Ridgewood
cluster lots and provide a transition between the cluster lots and the large lots
to the south.
• The subdivision is inconsistent with the character of the neighborhood and
the approved Planned Unit Development.
• The existing lots have a lot frontage waiver on Knollwood Drive.
• When the existing lots were subdivided, access from the south was not
anticipated. Street frontage to the south was created by the Jenkins and
Starrwood Additions.
• There is a high percentage of tree loss.
Mayor Harris asked if anyone wished to address the Council.
Bart Wear, 8788 Flesher Circle, distributed a copy of a letter he sent to the
Planning Commission listing the reasons he objects to the proposal. Three single
lots would disrupt two planned communities—Ridgewood Circle and the Jenkins
Addition. There would be significant loss and damage to the environment
because of the loss of trees. Because this is a sloping lot he is concerned that
more trees would be affected during construction. The land is very vulnerable to
erosion and may be eroded by the moving of dirt during construction. Also, lots
in the Jenkins Addition are larger than five acres and property values are
significantly higher. Development of the two lots into three would lower the
value of surrounding properties. He also thought there would be a safety issue
because of blind access to the property. The private driveway would be very
steep, making it difficult to see a car coming out of it. The project is not in the
best interests of Eden Prairie.
Bob Seitz, 8811 Flesher Circle, said when he bought his lot in 1988 he was told
by the City of Eden Prairie it would not allow the 25-foot easement across the
road to be turned into a driveway. This proposed development would directly
impact his property.
Karen Sell, 8796 Flesher Circle, said she has a petition signed by 32 persons
living on Flesher Circle, and other signatures from adjacent properties. She
mentioned the variances and waivers being requested are significant and there is
no hardship in this case. Knollwood was part of a Planned Unit Development,
and this proposed development would change the PUD.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 6
Scott Daniel, 8097 Flesher Circle, expressed concern about removing the trees.
New trees would require many years to grow.
Larry Berger, 8780 Flesher Circle, said he is concerned about losing the natural
area and trees now on the lots,which provide a place for wildlife to live. He was
primarily concerned about setting a precedent in dividing the two lots into three.
Mayor Harris asked for Council opinions.
Tyra-Lukens said concerns have been expressed about the loss of trees, erosion
of the land and safety issues. The overriding issue for her, however, is the
precedent that would be set. If the City started changing established PUDs, no
one could be sure that there would not be future changes in PUDs. She believes
the PUDs should remain as they are, and for this reason she is opposed to the
proj ect.
Case said this is really about people trusting that the neighborhood would remain
as it is. He could find no compelling gain that would justify changing it. He
would vote against the project.
Thorfinnson said if this PUD was being formed now, the back portion of both
lots would probably have been put in a conservation easement to protect the
bluff. That is what is being done along the bluffs in the southwest area of the
City.
Butcher said she agrees with the other Councilmembers. There are places in the
City where there are lots large enough to subdivide, and should be taken on a
case-by-case basis. In this case, changing the density from cluster homes to
single family homes would not be a good idea and she would not support it.
Mayor Harris said this is a beautiful piece of land. Council must consider the
benefits to be gained and Councilmembers have found it difficult to identify
benefits that would accrue from the division of this property as it is proposed.
The tree mass is an amenity to those on Knollwood Drive and Flesher Circle.
There are three lots that need to have variances and so she would find it difficult
to support the request. Mayor Harris explained that reasons for the denial must
be established, so the public hearing will be continued until February 1,2000.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to continue the public
hearing to February 1, 2000; and direct Staff to prepare findings supporting a
denial of the PUD Concept Amendment, PUD District Review with waivers,
Zoning District Amendment, and Preliminary Plat. Motion carried 5-0.
C. ELIM HOMES, INC. PROJECT, RELATING TO THE PROPOSED
ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,000,000.
Official notice of this public hearing was published on December 16, 1999, in the
Eden Prairie News.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 7
Uram said that Elim Homes was reviewed at a previous Council meeting.
Minnesota Statutes require that the City conduct a public hearing on the proposed
issuance of its revenue bonds for the purpose of financing approximately $1
million of construction of a corporate office facility for the benefit of Elim
Homes, Inc., a Minnesota nonprofit corporation. The proceeds of the revenue
bonds will be loaned to the Borrower to finance the construction of a corporate
office facility at the southeast corner of the intersection of Office Ridge Circle
and Valley View Road. A vote on the issuance of the bonds will be held at the
next Council meeting on February 1.
Mayor Harris asked if anyone present wished to address the Council on this
public hearing. No one did.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
D. APPROVE .FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY
CODE CHAPTER 11 AND ADOPT WETLAND PLAN
Enger said that official notice of this public hearing was published on December
2, 1999, in the Eden Prairie News.
Leslie Stovring, from the City's Engineering Department, explained the key
points in the ordinance and the Wetland Plan. The ordinance does not cover
existing development, but would cover new PUDs. The Wetland Plan was
completed to develop a strategy for ranking and assigning value to known
wetlands and water bodies, and to establish development review guidelines,
priorities for wetland protection/management projects and to identify potential
educational programs. The Plan goals and strategies were established through a
working Task Force.
The department looked at maps to determine where there are wetlands and
stormwater ponds. There are 478 wetlands, 15 lakes and 44 non jurisdictional
stormwater basins. There are eight types of wetlands and two cranberry bogs in
Eden Prairie. A developer would now have to provide information on wetlands
and water-quality testing if within 25 feet of a wetland. Additional erosion
control would be required if wetland buffer were disturbed, etc. A buffer strip
evaluation would have to be provided as well as a landscaping plan. The
developer would be required to hire a consultant to study the buffer and verify
that it is growing the way the developer said it would grow. The developer
would have to provide easement over the wetland and the buffer. The boundaries
of the buffer would have to be marked with monuments. In the buffer area,
building, paving, mowing filling, dumping and fertilizer would be prohibited.
Stormwater ponds being used for wetland mitigation would have to have a buffer
around them also. Also built into the ordinance is the ability for Staff to review
the site plan and recommend alternate buffers which would have to be approved
by the Council. A 1\ inR AM Database will allow the City to access data on the
wetlands.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 8
Stovring was asked how the ordinance would be enforced. She said a two-year
guarantee is required of the developer that the buffer and wetland will be
preserved. At the end of the second year the developer will have to provide a
written report, and that will be the City's main method of checking up on the
developer. By that time residents would be living in the development and could
see if the developer is abiding by the ordinance requirements.
Dietz said there are nine exceptional quality wetlands. The City may check high
and exceptional wetlands annually, and will deal with the others if calls come in
about them.
The next step that is required by the Watershed Districts is a local Water
Management Plan. This ties in wetlands, lakes, streams, ponds and stormwater.
Work on the Plan will likely start this spring and take two years to complete.
Tyra-Lukens said Council is glad to see this ordinance and Wetland Plan
completed. She expressed appreciation for the work of the task force in its
preparation.
Butcher asked how many other cities use a plan like this one. Stovring said it is
required in the metro area,but not all cities have finished their plans. Many cities
already have them.
Mayor Harris asked if anyone wished to address the Council on this public
hearing. No one did.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to close the public hearing;
and approve first reading of an ordinance to amend City Code Section 11 through
adoption of Section 11.51 — Standards for the Protection of Wetlands; and by
reference adopt the Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Plan
(November 1999); and approve submittal of the Wetland Plan to the three
watershed districts and the Board of Water and Soil Resources for approval.
Motion carried 5.
E. VACATION 99-09: VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY AND DRAINAGE
AND UTILITY EASEMENT IN SETTLERS RIDGE 3RD ADDITION
(Resolution No.2000-22)
Enger said official notice of this public hearing was published on January 6,
2000, in the Eden Prairie News. Enger said the property owner has requested
this vacation to remove underlying right-of-way and easements from the property
enabling the combination and replatting into Settlers Ridge 4ch Addition. All
needed right-of-way and easement dedications will be included in the new plat.
The vacated portion of Overland Trail will be owned and maintained by the
property owners within the new plat.
Mayor Harris asked if anyone wished to address the Council. No one did.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 9
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to close the public
hearing; and adopt Resolution 2000-22 vacating the right-of-way and drainage
and utility easements as described in the resolution. Motion carried 5-0.
F. VACATION 00-01: VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR PART OF
TECHNOLOGY DRIVE AND DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT
IN THE NORTH HALF OF SECTION 15, T116, R22W (Resolution No.
2000-23)
Enger said official notice of this public hearing was published on January 6, 2000,
in the Eden Prairie News. Enger said the property owner, Southwest Metro
Transit Commission, has requested vacation of that part of public right-of-way
and easements encompassed within the plat of Southwest Station, approved by the
City Council December 21, 1999. This vacation will clear the property of
underlying encumbrances. Replacement easements have been dedicated on the
approved plat.
Mayor Harris asked if anyone wished to address the Council. No one did.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Case, to close the public hearing;
and adopt Resolution No. 2000-23 vacating the right-of-way and drainage and
utility easements as described in the resolution. Motion carried 5-0.
VH. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to approve Payment of
Claims as submitted. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Butcher,
Case,Thorfinnson,Tyra-Lukens and Harris voting"aye."
VIII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
IX. PETITIONS,REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
X. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
A. FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION
1. Update on Solicitation of FAA Support for Changes to MAC
Ordinance 51 and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Flying
Cloud Airport—Tom Heffelfinger
Tom Heffelfinger, Chairman of the Flying Cloud Airport Commission,
reported on the trip to Washington, D.C. regarding amendments to
Ordinance 51 that the Advisory Commission has recommended. He
received authorization from the Council to represent Eden Prairie in
meetings with the representatives of the FAA to evaluate if they may
support the revisions to Ordinance 51. He was accompanied on the trip by
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 10
representatives of MAC, other members of the Advisory Commission and
Scott Kipp, Senior Planner.
The group met with Louise Mallot, the FAA's Deputy Administrative
Assistant for Policy. It is out of this agency that approvals for operations
at airports would be addressed. Mallott and her staff were very
responsive. They were in favor of the concept that was being proposed
and made a promise to work with the group to make it happen. Mallott
said she would not comment regarding the proposal,but that the group had
properly identified the nighttime issue. This would require a Part 161
study,which the Flying Cloud Advisory Committee submitted to the FAA,
and Part 161 criteria would be applied to the Ordinance revisions. FAA
prefers voluntary compliance of the nighttime curfew, rather than
mandatory, and Mallott asked the Commission to seek some voluntary
compliance. Heffelfinger said he believes the FAA has never acted on
Part 161, so if this proceeds all the way through the process, it may be the
first one the FAA has the opportunity to rule on.
They also met with Congressman Oberstar. His basic position was that he
wondered if the localization of this issue would override the national and
international concern with airport usage. He would also prefer voluntary
compliance. Congressman Ramstad was not in Washington but the
delegation met with one of his legislative aides. Congressman Ram tad
wrote and said he is interested in the matter and asked to be kept informed.
The delegation met with Jeff Alcott of the FAA. Alcott also expressed a
preference for voluntary compliance and is willing to work with the group,
but is concerned about setting a precedent. As a result, the delegation
could not predict what the FAA would decide.
At a sub-caucus of the Advisory Commission they thought the ordinance
should be amended to include a stopgap measure of a voluntary curfew
during the period that Part 161 is being studied. If it is rejected or not
pursued, they hope to reach a voluntary agreement that would achieve the
curfew goals of the MAC and Advisory Commission without having FAA
approval. There is a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Wednesday
night, January 26,to discuss the voluntary curfew issue.
The other issue concerns the draft EIS. The FAA has expressed
reservations on the environmental aspects of the revision of Ordinance 51,
and until it is approved the restrictions cannot be put in. The reference to
Alternative E in the EIS only contains one of four parts of the revisions to
Ordinance 51. There was agreement that those four provisions are
necessary. Heffelfinger said he does not want to present the draft EIS at
the public hearing on February 9 if all four parts are not presented. Jeff
Alcott from FAA will be attending the public hearing.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 11
Mayor Harris thanked Heffelfinger for his report. She asked if the
approval process on the draft EIS is going forward. Heffelfinger said the
FAA approval process would take approximately one year. MAC wants to
go ahead with approval of the EIS and expansion of Flying Cloud Airport.
It is a question of whether the EIS approval process should be stopped.
Another question would be whether to take out of the draft those parts that
require Part 161 approval. That is why a voluntary curfew is being
proposed. One year of experience with the voluntary curfew will give an
idea of whether this will work.
Gary Schmidt, from MAC, said the Airports Committee will make the
draft EIS as compatible as possible and will work toward agreement. It is
possible agreements could be in place prior to the public hearing. They
need to find out if they can get voluntary curfew agreements from
transients who use the airport. In surveys MAC has done, they have
identified only a couple of air carriers from whom agreement would be
needed. The FAA is reluctant to allow mandatory noise restrictions until
it has completed the Part 161 study. This will set a precedent.
Butcher expressed concern that nighttime noise may not be alleviated
because of the voluntary aspects being discussed. She asked what would
be done about compliance if the volunteer curfew doesn't work, after
trying that for a year or two. The goal was to have a similar noise
footprint to the present one, and the compromise is the noise ordinance.
Scott Kipp said they are still obtaining comments from the draft EIS and
will prepare Staff comments for the next Council meeting.
Heffelfinger said he hoped Councilmembers who are available would
attend the public hearing on February 9, at 7:00 p.m. at Hennepin
Technical College. Pauly said if more than two members of the Council
attend it would have to be published as an open meeting.
XI. APPOINTMENTS
XII. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
A. REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS
1. Report on the Eden Prairie Foundation-Councilmember Butcher
Butcher serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Eden Prairie
Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to support Eden Prairie
organizations and improve the quality of life of its citizens. This year they
plan to award $45,000 in grants, $5,000 in scholarships and $1,000
honoraria to the Eagle Scouts. Butcher invited any organization that has a
need fitting the mission to submit a grant proposal for consideration by the
Foundation. Butcher invited everyone to attend a ball on February 26 at
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 12
Bearpath Country Club to benefit the Foundation.
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
1. Management and Use Plan for Historic Sites
Enger said the City owns several historic properties: the Douglas/More
Property, the Cummins/Grill House and Riley/Jacques House. Staff, with
input from the Heritage Preservation Commission, should develop several
optional uses for each of the historic sites for recommendation to the
Community Program Board. Recommendations from the Community
Program Board and City Staff, consistent with the City's Strategic Plan,
should be made to the City Council by June 1, 2000. This needs to be a
comprehensive effort. Council would direct members of the Staff to be
involved as resource groups in the review of each historic site. The HPC
should review these facts and make recommendations to staff.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher, to direct the City Staff to
work with the Community Program Board and the Heritage Preservation
Commission to develop recommendations for the future use of the
Douglas/More Property, the Cummins/Grill House and Riley/Jacques
House. The analysis of the properties should take into account their
historic significance, potential adaptive re-use, operations, maintenance,
programming, all costs, and financial sustainability over time. Motion
carried 5-0.
Lambert said he would like direction regarding the existing renter of the
Douglas/More Property until a decision is made regarding the future status
of the property. The renter is the granddaughter of Mr. More's wife and is
only able to pay $200 per month rent. Lambert recommended not
changing the status of the renter until we know the future status of the
property,which would be at least until June 1.
Mayor Harris said it seems reasonable to let the current renter stay. Enger
said it is a good idea to keep the person in the house until a decision is
made on the future status of the property.
Two representatives of the Eden Prairie Historical Society said they would
be willing to assist in any way they can as volunteers.
C. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2000-24 Approving Greenway Planning Grant
Application
Lambert said Staff is requesting that Council approve the grant application
and the resolution required for the grant application for Phase H of a Creek
Corridors Management Plan. Phase H will provide the actual site plans
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 13
and management practices recommended for preserving these sites and
providing the public reasonable access to enjoy these public properties.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Case, to adopt Resolution
No. 2000-24 approving application for a Metro Greenways Planning Grant
that will provide 50% of the funding for Phase H of the Creek Corridors
Management Plan. Motion carried 5-0.
2. Round Lake Water Quality
Lambert referenced the report Barr Engineering submitted to the City
Council last year for proposals to improve the water quality of Round
Lake. The said improvements would cost $90041,000,000. Council
directed Staff to talk to several governmental agencies to see if there are
other options. Those Lambert has talked to agreed the Barr report
described the quickest improvement possible. However, they also said
they are reluctant to rely on mechanical means to improve the lake and
maintain it. They suggested there might be less radical means to improve
water quality. Water quality in Round Lake is at the point the City will
have to make a decision very soon on whether or not we are going to
maintain a beach at Round Lake. Lambert would strongly recommend
continuing evaluation and making efforts to accomplish the necessary
changes. It may be a longer process than Barr Engineering suggested. In
the meantime Lambert suggested the following:
(1) In the near future Leslie Stovring is expected to recommend that the
City appoint another citizens' task force to develop a Water-
Management Plan for Eden Prairie. They will look at the City's entire
water system. It is suggested the task force review the Barr report and
make recommendations on what the City can do to address the
problem at Round Lake.
(2) Shorten the swimming season at Round Lake to six weeks, from mid-
June to August 1.
(3) Apply for a relocation permit to relocate the geese.
(4) If the City is going to keep Round Lake as a swimming beach, prior to
the summer of 2001 the City should install a canvas curtain, pump in
fresh water behind that curtain from a park well, and treat the water
with copper sulfate to kill algae. An aerator would be taken to the
beach area to run at night to keep geese out. That would keep it in
swimmable condition for the entire summer.
(5) Put up a chain-link fence around the beach area and try to train the
geese to stay out of that area by using a dog occasionally to chase the
geese away.
Lambert believed the whole project would cost around $50,000. To keep
Round Lake as a swimmable lake, Council would need to decide at this
meeting if they want to go ahead with the above suggestions in order to
get everything installed by June 2001.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 14
Mayor Harris said she has very serious reservations about opening Round
Lake for swimming this summer, as it is a health hazard.
Lambert said the lake is just in marginal condition. It could be open for
six weeks, from mid-June to August 1.
Enger said he understands if the beach were not open this summer, the
savings would roughly offset the cost of construction. Lambert said he
could obtain cost estimates and bring them to the Council.
Lambert said Bob Obermeyer from Barr Engineering thought that at the
Council Workshop, the representatives from Barr had not felt they had an
opportunity to fully explain their program and what the other options
might be. It was suggested that a meeting be set up at Barr Engineering
offices, with representatives from the PCA, Barr Engineering and several
City Councilmembers, to discuss this further, and for the Council to tell
Barr what direction to take.
Mayor Harris said there are three decisions to be made.
1. Whether Council wants to have the beach open to swimming for six
weeks, or close the beach this summer. Council agreed it should be
closed.
2. Whether Council wants to accept Staff recommendations to do cost
estimates and come back to Council to approve work to be done in
2001.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to accept Staff
recommendations and obtain cost estimates. Motion carried 5-0.
3. The invitation for several City Councibnembers to attend a meeting at
Barr Engineering and hear more discussion.
Mayor Harris said she didn't know if two or three members of the
Council could give direction to Barr. Council agreed it would be better
to have Barr Engineering come to another Workshop for further
discussion, and Mayor Harris directed Staff to put it on the agenda for a
future Workshop.
D. REPORT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL
SERVICES DIRECTOR
E. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DIRECTOR
F. REPORT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES DIRECTOR
G. REPORT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 18,2000
Page 15
H. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
XIII. OTHER BUSINESS
A. COUNCIL FORUM INVITATION
Mayor Harris said Council Forum will be held the first and third Tuesdays of the
month from 6:30-6:55 p.m. in Heritage Room II. This will be scheduled time
following City Council workshops and immediately preceding regular City
Council meetings. If you wish to visit with the City Council and Service Area
Directors at this time, it is important that you notify the City Manager's office by
noon of the meeting date with your request.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved adjournment. Mayor Harris adjourned the meeting at
9:30 p.m.