HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 06/20/2000 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY,JUKE 20,2000 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
CITY COUNCIL:
Mayor Jean Harris, Councilmembers Sherry Butcher, Ronald Case, Ross Thorfinmon, 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 7:07 p.m. Councilmember Thorfinnson was
absent.
H. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING JULY AS PARKS AND RECREATION
MONTH
Tria Mann,Arts and Special Events Coordinator, said Recreation and Parks Month is
now nationally recognized. She listed the many events scheduled for July by the City.
Mayor Harris read the proclamation designating July as Parks and Recreation Month in
Eden Prairie.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Tyra-Lukens added Item XII.A.1., Report on the Southwest Metro Transit
Commission and Item XII.A.2., Report on a Newsletter to Teens. Case added Item
XII.A.3., Inquiry about Donation of Apple Trees and Item XII. A. 4., Inquiry
Regarding Deanovitch Apartments. Enger added Item IX.A. Time Warner System
Upgrade Performance Bond.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher, to approve the agenda as published and
amended. Motion carried 4-0.
V. MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20,2000
Page 2
A. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD DUNE 6,2000
Tyra-Lukens made a correction on page 9, paragraph 4,the third sentence, which
would then read "Tyra-Lukens asked, if this was a new development, wouldn't
this amount be covered by the developer, who would then pass the cost on to the
individual owner through the lot cost?"
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Case, to approve the minutes of
the City Council meeting held June 6, 2000, as published and amended. Motion
carried 4-0.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. CLERK'S LICENSE LIST
B. BRYANT LAKE REGIONAL PARK- PHASE H by Hennepin Parks. 2nd
Reading for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 167.6 acres and
Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers within the Rural Zoning
District on 167.6 acres. Location: 6800 Rowland Road. (Ordinance No. 18-
2000-PUD-11-2000 for PUD District Review and Zoning District
Amendment)
C. WINGATE HOTEL by Eden Prairie Hotel Group, LLC. 2nd Reading for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from City Service to Regional Commercial
5.25 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 5.25 acres, Planned
Unit Development District Review with waivers on 2.89 acres, Zoning District
Change from I-5 to C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 2.89 acres, Site Plan Review on
2.89 acres, and Preliminary Plat on 5.25 acres into 2 lots. Location: 7900 and
8000 Mitchell Road. (Ordinance No. 16-2000-PUD-9-2000 for PUD District
Review and Zoning District Change and Resolution No. 2000-99 for Site Plan
Review)
D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-100 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
EDEN PRAIRIE CENTER 9'ADDITION
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-101 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
FLAGSHIP 2D ADDITION
F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-102 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
LINCOLN PARC
G. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE LINCOLN PARC
APARTMENT PROJECT
H. RECEIVE FEASIBILITY STUDY AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-103
SETTING PUBLIC HEARING FOR CHARLSON AREA IMPROVEMENTS,
I.C. 99-5484 AND I.C. 98-5470
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 3
I. APPROVE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT WITH LYNN
CHARLSON FOR `CHARLSON AREA STREET AND UTHIITY
IMPROVEMENTS'
J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.2000-104 APPROVING GUIDE PLAN UPDATE
EXTENSION
K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-105 DECLARING THE CITY'S INTENT
TO EXERCISE LOCAL TRANSIT LEVY OPTION FOR TAXES PAYABLE
IN 2001
L. AWARD CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW RADIO TOWER
AND DEMOLITION OF OLD RADIO TOWER
M. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR RADIO ENGINEERING WORK TO
RELOCATE THE CITY'S RADIO TRANSMITTER FACILITIES
N. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-106 DECLARING UNCLAENIED
PROPERTY AS "ABANDONED PROPERTY"
O. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-107 DECLARING FORFEITED
VEHICLES AS "EXCESS PROPERTY"
P. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2000-108 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND
CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A MNDOT JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT TO
COMPLETE PHASE III OF ARCHAEOLOGY INVESTIGATION AT THE
MILLER BROTHERS GENERAL STORE SITE
Q. APPROVE RELEASE OF LAND FROM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
AGREEMENT FOR LOT 4,BLOCK 2,BELL OAKS 1ST
R. APPROVE RELEASE OF LAND FROM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
AGREEMENT FOR WINDFIELD 4Tg,STg,AND 6'ADDITIONS
S. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO ENTER INTO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR LOCAL WATER
MANAGEMENT PLAN
T. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO ENTER INTO
A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR BOG-MONITORING
AT BEARPATH GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Butcher, to approve Items A-T on the
Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0.
VH. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 4
A. STREET AND UTILITY EUPROVEMENTS FOR HIGHVIEW
DRIVE/LAKELAND TERRACE AREA, I.C. 96-5406 (RESOLUTION NO.
2000-109)
Enger said the official notice of this public hearing was published June 6 and 15,
2000 in the Eden Prairie News and sent to 27 property owners.
Dietz said Al Gray has met with the property owners and they have a copy of the
feasibility report. This public hearing is to determine if the project is feasible.
There will be an specific assessment hearing at a later date. He told the Council
to consider this as a project going forward under its own motion,which requires a
four-fifths majority vote.
Gray said this neighborhood is located in the western part of Eden Prairie on the
southeast side of Riley Lake. It was developed before the City had a utility
system, and at this point the City is considering installation of utilities in response
to a petition of the property owners. The new system will extend along Highview
Drive to Lakeland Terrace.
Street improvements are also being considered. On Lakeland Terrace, the
residents wish to have the road remain as it is, so it will be restored to a gravel
surface. In the Highview neighborhood, the City plans to install a standard
residential street. Alternative utility systems have been considered. The Staff is
recommending a standard gravity system at this time.
Regarding the cost, participation by all 27 properties is recommended. Cost of
the sewer, water and road improvements will be approximately $33,000 per unit
on Highview Drive, and for Lakeland Terrace, and the three parcels adjacent to
the Light Rail Corridor will be$19,006 per unit for sewer and water. Considering
the assessment cap of$19,600, the City will pay the remaining cost for Highview
residents. Staff has divided the cost for street assessments between the two
neighborhoods for the portion that connects to Pioneer Trail.
The City would exclude assessments up to five years. In discussions with the
neighborhood, it appears that a certain number of homes would connect up
immediately, when available, as some septic systems are failing. They would
have two years to make a connection to the system. Other people believe their
systems are adequate at this point and they question the $19,600 assessment.
However,the City believes a large number of residents wish to have the project.
Mayor Harris asked if anyone present wished to speak to the Council.
Sherre Walstad, 9501 Highview Drive, said the septic system is behind their
house and they cannot move it to the front. There are now two houses on what
was originally one large lot. They have two holding tanks and a drainfield. They
used to pump the tanks out every two months, and now do it once a month. They
have had to go to a Laundromat to do their washing for the past four years. Ms.
Walstad said she hopes the City will put in utilities this year.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20,2000
Page 5
Charlie Title, 9585 Lakeland Terrace, said 22 families live in this very friendly
neighborhood. His house is on a long piece of properly with a double drainfield
and he has never had to pump his septic system. He had understood the City
would be using a method of horizontal boring to install utilities, but now hears
they will be doing a"clear cut"through the woods that will take out 100-year-old
trees. He thinks it is an issue of who pays for the loss of trees, and he asked the
City to consider picking up the whole cost of the improvements.
Alice Title, 9585 Lakeland Terrace, expressed concern that the "clear cut' will
have a substantial impact on the value of the property. No one has spoken to
them about the change of plans (from horizontal boring to "clear cut"). The
removal of the trees would impact them financially much more than the benefit
from having the availability of utilities. She feels that the City needs to make
some compensation for the impact on the properties
Gray said the term is "open cut"not "clear cut". A year ago he looked into using
a low-pressure sewer system through horizontal boring underground, which is a
method that is beginning to be used on larger, deeper conduits. It was tried in
Eden Prairie on Kimberly Lane, but the equipment was unable to accomplish the
job of installing sewer lines. The cost of the horizontal boring is much higher
than doing an open cut. However,the Engineering Department hasn't finished the
design work for this project and hasn't looked at the impact on all the trees. He
said they will do that and will look at horizontal boring also.
Jeanne Adomaitis, 9503 Highview Drive, said she has a smaller, mound-type
septic system. She has to do her laundry at the Laundromat. The septic system
has to be pumped out every month. In spite of doing that they still have leaking
out of the mound. She supports the project but wants to maintain the beauty of
the neighborhood as much as possible.
Guy Schoenecker, 9450 Lakeland Terrace, said they have two lots, 23 and 24.
However,they are generally supportive of the project in spite of the costs to them.
Regarding the sewer easement, if the crew could come down the railroad right-of-
way it would save the City money, and he would be willing to grant an easement
on his property. However, he didn't realize that horizontal boring was not now a
probability. The overriding issue to him is protection of the lake and the foliage.
Perry Forster, 9505 Highview Drive, said he has lived there since 1971. They
were told at that time that sewer and water would be available in 10 years. The
septic system is 30 years old. He is very much in favor of the sewer and water
project and would like to see it put in this year. His main concern is the number
of unresolved details that need to be taken care of. He's very concerned about the
storm sewer going into the pond at the end of the road. He also wants to see the
character of the neighborhood remain as it is, and doesn't think the neighborhood
needs a 28-foot-wide road with curb and gutter. He is aware that when the project
comes,the neighborhood roads will be shut down for 6-8 weeks.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 6
Debbie Gjervold, 9581 Highview Drive, said she is new in the neighborhood. She
hoped the narrow roads would not be widened. She was also concerned about
storm sewer drainage into the pond.
Beth Halvorson, 9536 Lakeland Terrace, said they have replaced the drainfield
twice, at a cost of$5,000 each time. She is highly supportive of the sewer and
water project. Lakeland Terrace has a dirt road with arching trees that join
overhead. She and others want to preserve that. She asked the City to try to
resolve the matter of open cutting of trees and to have a restoration plan. It is a
very unique and beautiful neighborhood.
Tom Knauer, 9601 Highview Drive, asked how wide a swath would be cut, and
Al Gray said the trench for a water main would need to be about 15-feet wide.
Mr. Tower said the drawings show that this water main would run between his lot
and the next one. If horizontal boring proves to be feasible, even though
expensive, he would prefer to see it used. It is the method he and the neighbors
were told would be used. He also expressed concern about the water quality in
Riley Lake and said that the money to make improvements should come from a
larger source than the homeowners in this neighborhood.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Butcher, to close the public
hearing. Motion carried 4-0.
Butcher asked if there would be any way to put in a sanitary sewer other than by
boring or open cutting, or if a combination of both could be used. Gray replied,
yes,the City could open cut some of the way and do tunnel boring where there are
major trees. The design has not been completed, and they will work on the
alternate method in the final design.
Butcher asked if the cost of the assessments includes boring. Gray replied no,that
was based on open cut estimates. Boring would cost three or four times as much
as open cutting.
Gray said the water main system is limited to 7-1/2 feet deep. They could go to a
smaller sanitary sewer system, however, and that would be good for horizontal
boring. One alternative is to go to a pressure sewer system, using a 3-inch-
diameter pipe and every home would get a pump installed.
Case asked what the criteria would be to determine whether to use the pressure
sewer system. Gray replied it's a matter of general acceptance. There are areas
of the country where they use this system, but there is an on-going cost to
maintain the pumps. Case asked if the Council were to order the City to go ahead
with the project, would there be a chance to come back to consider what
alternative to use? Gray said that depends on how soon Council wants it put in.
If the City is going to spend time to look at alternatives, it would be done in 2001.
But if they are going to get ready for bids there won't be much time to look at
many alternatives.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 6
Debbie Gjervold, 9581 Highview Drive, said she is new in the neighborhood. She
hoped the narrow roads would not be widened. She was also concerned about
storm sewer drainage into the pond.
Beth Halvorson, 9536 Lakeland Terrace, said they have replaced the drainfield
twice, at a cost of$5,000 each time. She is highly supportive of the sewer and
water project. Lakeland Terrace has a dirt road with arching trees that join
overhead. She and others want to preserve that. She asked the City to try to
resolve the matter of open cutting of trees and to have a restoration plan. It is a
very unique and beautiful neighborhood.
Tom Knauer, 9601 Highview Drive, asked how wide a swath would be cut, and
Al Gray said the trench for a water main would need to be about 15-feet wide.
Mr. Tower said the drawings show that this water main would run between his lot
and the next one. If horizontal boring proves to be feasible, even though
expensive, he would prefer to see it used. It is the method he and the neighbors
were told would be used. He also expressed concern about the water quality in
Riley Lake and said that the money to make improvements should come from a
larger source than the homeowners in this neighborhood.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Butcher, to close the public
hearing. Motion carried 4-0.
Butcher asked if there would be any way to put in a sanitary sewer other than by
boring or open cutting, or if a combination of both could be used. Gray replied,
yes, the City could open cut some of the way and do tunnel boring where there are
major trees. The design has not been completed, and they will work on the
alternate method in the final design.
Butcher asked if the cost of the assessments includes boring. Gray replied no,that
was based on open cut estimates. Boring would cost three or four times as much
as open cutting.
Gray said the water main system is limited to 7-1/2 feet deep: They could go to a
smaller sanitary sewer system, however, and that would be good for horizontal
boring. One alternative is to go to a pressure sewer system, using a 3-inch-
diameter pipe and every home would get a pump installed.
Case asked what the criteria would be to determine whether to use the pressure
sewer system. Gray replied it's a matter of general acceptance. There are areas
of the country where they use this system, but there is an on-going cost to
maintain the pumps. Case asked if the Council were to order the City to go ahead
with the project, would there be a chance to come back to consider what
alternative to use? Gray said that depends on how soon Council wants it put in.
If the City is going to spend time to look at alternatives, it would be done in 2001.
But if they are going to get ready for bids there won't be much time to look at
many alternatives.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 7
Mayor Harris said there are issues on cost, depending on the alternative chosen.
Butcher asked if there were other streets in the City that are narrower than 25 feet
that serve just a few houses. Gray said the City has not built anything less than 25
feet. Some private streets are less than 25 feet. The neighbors expressed some
concern about the safety issue,with curved roads that are narrow.
Case said this is a very unique project and unique solutions are needed. He
realized there are time constraints, with septic systems failing, but he didn't like
to make a quick decision. The project should be done right but it wasn't clear to
him at this point what would be the best way.
Mayor Harris said perhaps there is another way to do it. Council is being asked to
approve plans and specifications at this time, and she asked if there was time in
the workshop schedule to review this further.
Gray said he could get plans put together so Council could get profiles of
alternatives. Engineering staff could look at doing horizontal boring in some
areas, and in some places they can do an open cut where it won't affect the
neighborhood. They can look at alternatives in design and bring them to a
workshop. They could also have another neighborhood meeting in the design
phase.
Gray said he couldn't guarantee how much time doing the alternative designs
would take. The project may have to be put off until next spring. Gray was asked
if the schedule could be accelerated. He said he would ask the consultant to go
faster,but it is a busy season.
Case said if plans and specifications are approved, he wants to look into
alternatives for stormwater drainage and hear some creative solutions.
Dietz said he believed it might be possible to develop some alternatives for
horizontal boring of certain pipes. For a low-pressure sewer system, a pump
system has to be installed in the basement of each house. That is not a typical
thing in Minnesota, and they would have to find out if the neighborhood wants to
do this. It could be ordered for the Lakeland neighborhood. The cost to the
homeowner would be higher than it would be otherwise, but it would save the
trees. The gravity system meets city standards and in the past has been agreed
upon,but the City can do a more expensive system also. He didn't see a problem
in going to a 25-foot street;the City has done that in the past. If they want to look
into a low-pressure system,it is unlikely the City can proceed this year.
Tyra-Lukens said she wanted to know how much a low-pressure system would
cost the homeowner. Gray replied installation of the pump system would add
about $2,500 to $3,000 to the cost for the homeowner. It would be more
expensive for those with a septic system in the back of the house.
Case said he would like to know what trade-offs the neighbors would accept.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 8
Dietz said if they could get that information next week there may be time to do
the project this year.
Mayor Harris said Engineering Staff needs this information from the
neighborhood. The City is trying to accommodate some of their concerns such as
drainage to the pond, the character of the neighborhood, and boring versus open
cutting. She asked if Staff would be able to provide the necessary information to
the neighborhood in order that residents could get answers back promptly.
Gray said Engineering Staff would be looking at horizontal boring of critical
sections and he can bring this back as an alternative with the final designs.
Case said he understood Lakeland residents were not experiencing failure of
septic systems and their road is not being rebuilt, so the time crunch is for the
Highview residents. Perhaps there could be time to find out what Lakeland
Terrace residents want. If they got this information back to Staff in a few days,
and if the majority want to have the low-pressure system looked into, then the
City will do that.
Dietz said City Staff could poll the Lakeland Terrace neighborhood and find out if
they want to go with the low-pressure system. If a majority of the neighborhood
want to go with it,the City could begin the design work. They would still have to
work on Highview Drive, but perhaps Council could order all the improvements
except sanitary sewer for Lakeland and make a decision about whether to use a
low-pressure system or gravity system at a continued public hearing on July 18.
Pauly said the public hearing has been closed. It would be necessary to have a
motion to reconsider the action to close the public hearing.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Case, to reconsider the motion that
was passed to close the public hearing. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Case, to close the public hearing
regarding all issues,with the exception of the sanitary sewer on Lakeland Terrace.
Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to continue the public
hearing on the sanitary sewer system on Lakeland Terrace until the July 18, 2000,
City Council meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
Dietz said Engineering Staff would begin the design work on street improvements
for Highview Drive and consider reducing the street widths to 25 feet, and finalize
the design work for sanitary sewer and water main work on Highview Drive and
water main work on Lakeland Terrace. They will poll the neighbors on Lakeland
and expect responses by the end of next week. If a simple majority of residents
prefer the low-pressure system, Staff will begin the design of that system. The
public hearing will continue on July 18. If Council should be uncomfortable with
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 9
the decision-making process on July 18, Staff would probably have to delay the
project until next spring.
Case asked what would be the alternatives to open cutting and storm water
drainage to the pond. Dietz replied that they would have to determine, through
the design process, where the water is going to go. They will know that before
the final design is done. If they get the approval of the neighborhood to go ahead
with the low-pressure system, it would be put in along Lakeland Terrace. Lot
number 4 would be on the low-pressure system also. The low-pressure system,
through horizontal boring, would go down the slopes to the light rail corridor,
using 3"pipes instead of the traditional 8"pipes. There will be some trimming of
the trees but he didn't think it would be to the same extent as it would be with the
gravity sewer system.
Case said if residents are still getting a open cut through their yards they need to
know. Gray replied that Staff needs to do some analysis before they would have
an answer. For the water main they may have to cut through a wooded area from
the road to the rail corridor. The water main would likely stay within the street
area and would not change the tree canopy. 'All lots that are served from
Lakeland Terrace would be the subject of the poll.
Mayor Harris said Council can move this project forward, and leave it to Staff to
get back with appropriate information, in consultation with residents, regarding a
gravity system versus a low-pressure system. She thanked all those who came
and participated in the public hearing.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Case, to adopt Resolution No. 2000-
109 ordering improvements and preparation of plans and specifications for
Highview Drive/Lakeland Terrace Area Street and Utility Improvements, as per
Mr. Dietz, excluding the sanitary sewer portion on Lakeland Terrace. Motion
carried 4-0.
VHI. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to approve the Payment of Claims
as submitted. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Butcher, Case, Tyra-
Lukens and Harris voting"aye".
IX. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. TIME WARNER SYSTEM UPGRADE PERFORMANCE BOND
(Resolution 2000-110)
Case said that at the May 24, 2000, meeting of the Southwest Suburban Cable
Commission, the Commission recommended that Time Warner's performance
bond be reduced from$300,000 to $100,000. This recommendation was based on
Time Warner's representation that system construction had been completed.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 10
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to adopt Resolution No.
2000-110 authorizing reduction in Time Warner System Upgrade Performance
Bond from$300,000 to $100,000. Motion carried 4-0.
X. PETITIONS,REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
M. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
A. APPEAL OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS DENIAL OF
VARIANCE REQUEST 2000-07,NATHAN BERGELAND
Enger reported that on June 8, 2000, the Board of Adjustments and Appeals heard
Mr. Bergeland's request for Shoreland setback variances, approval to alter the
non-conforming house structure, permission to allow repair, remodeling and
improvements to the existing house and gazebo, and an appeal of the Building
Official's order for removal or relocation of the non-conforming gazebo. The
Board of Adjustments and Appeals denied the request, and Mr. Bergeland has
appealed the decision. The Council was asked to set a date to hear his appeal.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to set July 18, 2000, to hear
the appeal of Nathan Bergeland on his variance requests and hear the appeal on
the Building Official's Order for removal/relocation of the gazebo on Lot 2,
Bryant Lake Heights, 7012 Willow Creek Road. Motion carried 4-0.
XII. APPOINTMENTS
XIII. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
A. REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS
1. Report of Councilmember Tyra-Lukens on Southwest Metro Transit
Tyra-Lukens reported that Southwest Metro has several new services for the
summer months. As was done last year, buses will take people to the
Minnesota Fair in August.
(1) A bus service funded by FamiLink, to take people to the Farmers' Market
and the Halong Market in Minneapolis, for a round-trip fare of $1.00.
This service will continue until August 18.
(2) Bus service to Staring Lake Amphitheatre for the concert series, which
began June 14 and ends August 9. The bus will pick people up along the
way and take them to Staring Lake, which helps to eliminate the parking
problem. The cost is 50 cents round trip. Information on this service will
be available at the Staring Lake kiosk.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 11
2. Report of Couneilmember Tyra-Lukens on a Newsletter for Teens
Tyra-Lukens announced that the group, Building Assets Together, applied for
funding through FamiLink to publish a newsletter aimed at teens. They
recently received funds from the Eden Prairie Foundation and LCTS. The
newsletter was distributed at the high school towards the end of the school
year, and also mailed to all Eden Prairie residents whose children are not
enrolled in public schools. The newsletter includes a list of activities in which
youth can become involved, such as volunteer work, sports and arts activities.
The publication will come out three times a year. The group received funding
for three issues. The newsletter is available at the library, at FamiLink, and
the front desk of the City Center. It will be put in other locations as
distribution issues are worked out.
3. Councilmember Case's Inquiry about Donation of Apple Trees
Case said the owners of the Eden Apple Orchard offered to give some of the
trees to the City when the property was developed, and the Council had
decided that some trees could be moved to the Cummins-Grill property. He
recalled there were 20 trees to move. Case inquired about the status of that
donation.
Lambert replied he remembered the discussion, but had not seen any formal
documentation that the owners have given the trees to the City. It would cost
some money to move them, probably $546 per tree, and he didn't know if
those funds have been authorized. If they are 2 inches or less in size, the
City's crews could move them, and there wouldn't be a cost.
Case said it would be necessary to find out if the Heritage Preservation
Commission voted to accept the trees for the Cummins-Grill property. He
requested Staff to invite John Gertz to the next Council meeting,with the HPC
meeting minutes indicating if the donation of the trees was approved.
Enger said Staff would follow up on this. He asked Case if this donation
request came from the HPC in order to establish an orchard at the Cummins-
Grill property. Case replied it came from discussions he had with John Gertz
in connection with the developer's agreement.
4. Councilmember Case's Inquiry Regarding Deanovitch Apartments
Case said he would like a brief report on this project. He asked Staff to check
on whether 20 percent of the units have been set aside for public housing
rentals, if the City would want to do more of these projects, etc.
Enger said he would report back at the July 18 Council meeting.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 12
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
C. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR
1. Community Center and Round Lake Parking Permits Report for
2000-2001 School Year
Lambert said the Council had requested a report following a year of this
parking permit program. He asked Lyndell Frey to give a brief update on
last year's experiment and recommendation on parking fees for next year.
Frey said it is Staffs opinion that the parking permit program in its first
year of operation was a success. In previous years many patrons of the
Community Center had complained they couldn't find a place to park
nearby; however, this year that has not been the case. There have been
questions from school children and their parents about charging them to
park. After he talked to them, however, they understood the City wasn't
making money on the parking fees. The police check the lot several times
a day,which is a plus for the Community Center and its patrons.
Staff s recommendation is to increase the parking permit fee from $80 to
$85 to be consistent with the high school, which will be increasing their
rates by the same amount. A second recommendation is to allow students
to purchase a parking permit after March 26 for a reduced fee of$42.50.
This was not done the first year because City Staff didn't know how many
spaces would be purchased. There were 310 spaces sold.
The Staff report shows all available parking spaces in the High School's A
and B lots have been taken for the 2000-2001 school year. Lot C has
some parking spaces available. If Council approves the fee increase, Staff
will begin selling permits for the Community Center and Round Lake
parking lots on August 14.
Butcher said she had only received one letter from a student saying the
cost was too high. However, Butcher could see no reason not to continue
the program for another year.
Tyra-Lukens said she received several letters. In one letter, the point was
made that police should be covering the area when school lets out, to
increase safety during morning and afternoon rush hours.
Case said he occasionally hears about the speed and driving habits of
people that are going down Valley View Road. He asked that a police car
be present when school gets out each day. He suggested having a reduced
rate for 2-to 4-person car pools.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Case, to approve the request to
continue the parking permit program for weekday, daytime use of the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20,2000
Page 13
Community Center and Round Lake parking lots from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., August 25 through June 15, including the following changes to the
parking permit policy:
• Increase the permit fee from $80.00 to $85.00, to remain consistent
with the High School parking rate increase; and
• Allow students to purchase a parking permit for a reduced fee of
$42.50 if purchased after March 26.
Motion carried 4-0.
D. REPORT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL
SERVICES DIRECTOR
1. Bond Financing Alternatives for Third Ice Rink
Uram said Council received three options in their packets of information,
outlining financing terms of 10, 15, and 20 years. The net proceeds are
$1,000,000 in each case. The annual debt service is:
10-year bond-- $150,000, or$1.48 million over the 10-year period;
15-year bond-- $115,000, or$1.75 million over the 15-year period;
20-year bond--$100,000, or$2 million over the 20-year period.
The interest for 10 years would be 6.22 percent, for 15 years it would be
6.4 percent and for 20 years 6.6 percent,in today's market.
The City would be required to covenant that it would fund operations as
long as bonds were outstanding. The bonds are not secured by general
property taxes.
Enger said due to the uncertain nature of the revenue stream over 20 years,
the financial advisor and bond consultant recommended the City should
reduce its risk by taking the shortest term possible. The conservative
estimate that the City would sell 1,500 hours of ice time on a third rink
would produce revenue of $197,000 annually; $100,000 for operational
expenses and $97,000 to go to principal and debt payment. Staff would
ask Council to consider a term of 12 years, which would have an annual
debt service between$115,000 and $150,000, or about $30,000 above the
$97,000 conservatively estimated for principal and debt payment. If
revenues did not cover expenses, after 12 years the City would pay itself
back for any annual shortfall.
Lambert replied of the $100,000, approximately $80,000 is for operating
costs and$20,000 for capital. By shortening the time frame, if the ice rink
is paid for after 12 years, all of that revenue could go back into the
building.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 20, 2000
Page 14
Butcher said, thinking of other costs involved with a third rink, asked if
the Zamboni would be able to take care of that third rink or if another one
would be needed. Lambert replied the City has two ice resurfacers, and
they should be able to handle three rinks. However, there would be other
costs associated with a third rink.
Mayor Harris thanked Staff for getting this information to Council in a
timely fashion.
E. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DIRECTOR
F. REPORT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES DIRECTOR
G. REPORT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
H. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
XIV. OTHER BUSINESS
A. COUNCIL FORUM INVITATION
Mayor Harris said Council Foram is held the first and third Tuesdays of the
month from 6:30 to 6:55 p.m. in Heritage Room II. This will be scheduled time
following City Council Workshops and immediately preceding regular City
Council Meetings. It is important, if you wish to visit with the City Council and
Service Area Directors at this time, that you notify the City Manager's office by
noon of the meeting date with your request.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Butcher moved to adjourn the meeting. Mayor Harris adjourned the meeting
at 9:05 p.m.