HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 09/05/1995 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 7:30 PM, CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
COUNCILAIEMBERS: Mayor Jean Harris, Ronald Case, Patricia
Pidcock, Ross Thorfinnson, Jr. and Nancy Tyra-
Lukens
CITY COUNCIL STAFF: City Manager Carl J. Jullie, Assistant City
Manager Chris Enger, Director of Parks,
Recreation&Facilities Bob Lambert,Director of
Public Works Gene Dietz, City Attorney Roger
Pauly, and Council Recorder Jan Nelson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. All members were present.
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Jullie added item IV. H. HARTFORD PLACE - 1995 AMENDMENT.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to approve the Agenda as
published and amended. Motion carried unanimously.
II. OPEN PODIUM
III. MINUTES
A. COUNCIL/STAFF WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 1995
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to approve as published
the Minutes of the City Council/Staff Workshop held Tuesday, August 15, 1995.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. CITY COUNCIL HELD TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 1995
Tyra-Lukens noted that item B. 1. on page 9 should read "Jullie said Pidcock will
not be able to attend ...".
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Pidcock, to approve as published and
amended the Minutes of the City Council Meeting held Tuesday, August 15,
1995. .Motion carried unanimously.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. CLERK'S LICENSE LIST
B. BOYCE HOUSE REMOVAL
C. RESOLUTION 95-156 SUPPORTING TH 5 IMPROVEMENTS IN
CHANHASSEN
D. RESOLUTION 95-157 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF ANDERSON'S
IDLEVIEW (located at the Southwest Quadrant of Technology Drive and TH
169
E. RESOLUTION 95-158 AWARDING CONTRACT FOR LIlVIE RESIDUALS
REMOVAL, I.C. 95-5389
F. PRESERVE VILLAGE CENTER 2nd Reading of Ordinance 30-95 for Zoning
District Amendment in the Community Commercial Zoning District on 9.46
acres, Adoption of Resolution 95-159 for Site Plan Review on 9.46 acres and
Approval of a Developer's Agreement for Preserve Village Center by Semper
Development located at Anderson Lakes Parkway and C.S.A.H. 18. (Ordinance
30-95 for Zoning District Amendment and Resolution 95-159 for Site PIan
Review)
G. FUDDRUCKERS, INC.&RIO BRAVO CANTINA 2nd Reading of Ordinance
28-95-PUD-14-95 for PUD District Review on 4.02 acre and Zoning District
Change from Rural to C-Reg-Ser on 4.02 acres, Adoption of Resolution 95-160
for Site Plan Review on 4.02 acres and Approval of a Developer's Agreement for
Fuddruckers, Inc. & Rio Bravo Cantina by Fuddruckers, Inc. located at U.S.
Highway #169 and Technology Drive. (Ordinance 28-95-PUD-14-95 for PUD
District Review and Zoning District Change and Resolution 95-160 for Site
Plan Review)
H. HARTFORD PLACE-1995 AMENDMENT 2nd Reading of Ordinance 26-95-
PUD-13-95 for PUD District Review on 4.43 acres, Adoption of Resolution 95-
161 for Site Plan Review on 4.43 acres, and Approval of a Supplement to the
Developer's Agreement. (Ordinance 26-95-PUD-13-95 for PUD DistrictReview
and Resolution 95-161 for Site Plan Review)
Case asked about the timing of item B. Lambert said it will be removed in the
next 30 days. Regarding item B, Pidcock said she was sad to see that we wasted
$5,000 in architect fees.
Pidcock asked if Staff has started a policy to obtain a security deposit for any
future rental of City property. 7ullie said we will do that for any future rentals.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to approve Items A-H on
the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 5, 1995
Page 3
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS
A. LAUKKA-TARVIS DEVELOPMENT by Laukka-Jarvis, Inc. Request for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Change to amend the MUSA line, Planned Unit
Development Concept Review on 42.2 acres, Planned Unit Development
District Review on 15.2 acres, Rezoning from Rural to R1-9.5 on 15.2 acres,
Preliminary Plat of 43.2 acres into 48 lots. Location: South of Riverview
Road and east of Riverview Drive. (Resolution 95-162 for Comprehensive
Guide Plan Change, Resolution 95-163 for PUD Concept Review,Resolution
95-164 for Preliminary Plat and an Ordinance for PUD District Review and
Rezoning from Rural to R1-9.5)
Peter Jarvis, representing Laukka-Jarvis Development, reviewed the project. He
noted there will be 48 lots and 2/3 of the property will be donated to the City.
He said a traffic study was done in response to neighborhood concerns, and it
determined that there will be minimum impact on the traffic from this type of
development.
Enger said the Planning Commission reviewed the project at their July 26th and
August 14th meetings, and voted approval on a unanimous vote at the August
14th meeting, subject to the recommendations in Alternative I of the Staff Report
of August 11, 1995.
Lambert said the Parks Commission reviewed the project on August 7, 1995, and
voted approval on a 4-1 vote, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report.
He said the Commission approved the park dedication in lieu of cash park fees
with the intention to sell part of the dedicated land to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service at a later date in order to recoup some cash park fees. They
recommended that a sidewalk be placed on only one side of the loop street and
that a trail be placed along Riverview Road, with the City to place a temporary
trail connection along the end of Mooer Lane to provide neighborhood access to
Homeward Hills Park.
Pidcock asked what the temporary trail will cost the City. Lambert replied it will
be less than $5,000 for the 300 feet of asphalt trail that will be installed.
Case asked if the mound management plan comes into effect whether there are
artifacts found or not. Pauly said the statute only applies to burial sites.
Tyra-Lukens asked about the issue of land donation versus an outlot for the
neighborhood. Lambert said this site was one of seven identified as most
valuable in Eden Prairie, and we would not want to risk the possibility that the
neighborhood association could effect a sale of the property as an outlot.
Tyra-Lukens asked if Concord and Riverview are standard streets. Gray said the
traffic projected for the streets is well within their capacity.
CITY COUNCII. MINUTES
September 5, 1995
Page 4
Robert Gertinger, 10326 Concord Drive, said he did not think they are really
donating the land since it is not developable. He was concerned about the five-
foot setbacks on the property lines, the variances required on property sizes, and
jeopardizing safety by increasing traffic on Concord Drive.
Rich Crosby, 10366 Concord Drive, was concerned about the increased density
since there would be only 20-25 houses in the project if it was developed as the
rest of the neighborhood is.
Greg Huhler, 12300 Riverview Road, expressed concern about vehicles driven
down the bluff area to the west of the project. He asked who will be responsible
for monitoring the trailway if it is built. He was also concerned about density
and noted that there will be seven homes across the street from his home.
Pidcock asked if the property to the west is owned by B.F.I. and what we have
done to prevent vehicle traffic in that area. Enger said the property on the top
of the bluff is owned by B.F.I. but the property off Riverview Road is private.
Dietz said we put some barriers and a gate system at the end of Riverview Road;
however, there continues to be four-wheel drive and motorcycle traffic from the
top of the bluff. He said we have discussed putting in fencing; however, that is
very expensive.
Sharon Clements, 10299 Concord Drive, expressed concern about the increased
traffic on Concord because it is not wide enough to provide parking on both sides
of the street and two lanes of traffic.
Case asked if we could propose a road for construction use in order to force
traffic to that route. Dietz said it would be possible but would involve
enforcement.
Wolfgang Schroeder, 10584 Covington Circle, was concerned about the safety of
property owners because of the former landfill being within a few blocks of the
project. Pidcock noted that the City spent a large sum of money to close the
landfill and it has been and will be continually monitored. Schroeder said he
thought there should be a limit to the proximity of homes to the sandy area of the
bluffs because of the erosion problem.
Rick Baker, 11280 Riverview Road, was concerned about the density and the
traffic. He asked if the bike trail proposed for the south side of Riverview will
be extended to County Road 18, and if the intersection of Homeward Hills and
Riverview Road will be a controlled intersection. Lambert said the bike trail is
in the long term trails plan but will not happen until Riverview Road is upgraded,
at which time it will be extended out to County Road 18. Dietz said they have
not studied the intersection but Homeward Hills will probably tie into Riverview
Road. Baker said he thought there should be a three-way stop sign at that
intersection.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 5, 1995
Page 5
Randy Hoyt, 10339 Concord Drive, was concerned about safety at the bus stops,
especially with icy conditions on Concord at Homeward Hills Road. He was
opposed to the density increase.
Laurel Bluml, 10540 West Riverview Drive, was concerned that the traffic study
did not include anything other than counts. She said the traffic issue concerns
counts and the speed of traffic. She was also concerned about the tree
replacement including the floodplain and the bluffs slope, not knowing what part
of the property is buildable, the higher density next to the existing R13.5
neighborhoods, and the waivers required for the higher density. She said she
talked to U.S.F.W.S. and nothing has been approved. They are doubtful that it
will be. She was concerned about the loss of cash park fees, the loss of property
tax revenue from the dedicated land, and the possible uses for the preservation
area and the refuge property.
Joe Franzen, 10376 Englewood Drive, was concerned that there is one landowner
who wants rezoning and many who don't. He had a problem with the traffic
study statistics.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to close the Public
Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
Tyra-Lukens asked Staff to explain how the density was determined and asked if
the proximity to the power lines and the steepness of the slope was considered.
Enger said that, while there would be a problem developing on the slope, there
is no ordinance that prohibits development there. He said that the assumption for
the project is that development on the steep bluff slope would be less desirable
than clustering the homes up on the flat area of the property. He said the
easements for the floodplain and the power lines cannot be developed.
Pidcock noted that the Council has had various discussions on the desirability of
keeping the bluffs as free of development as possible.
Thorfinnson asked what the amount of cash park fees would have been. Lambert
said it would be in the neighborhood of$1,000 per unit. Thorfinnson then asked
why it is more desirable to keep the homes off the face of the bluff in this project
than it was for Walnut Ridge. Enger said we didn't have the opportunity to keep
the units off the bluff face at Walnut Ridge because we had to deal with the
proposal as it was brought to us.
Tyra-Lukens asked about development on the property to the west. Enger said
that property is mostly slope; however, the flat spot at the top has platted lots
from 15 years ago. He said he did not know what the development plans are for
the property.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 5, 1995
Page 6
Case expressed concern about the large number of homes proposed for this
project; however, he thought that if we do not approve the project, we will have
another plan that will have homes built down the bluff.
Tyra-Lukens said she did not think the traffic issue is the main one as the traffic
will not be any worse than other streets in Eden Prairie. She liked the plan off
the bluffs and the additional option for housing that the project provides She was
concerned about the level of density at the end of the street because it is
inconsistent with the character of the bluff.
Thorfinnson was concerned about the loss of cash park fees. He did not think
traffic is the main issue since there are areas that are much busier than this. He
thought the density transfer issue is a trade-off that needs to be made.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson,to adopt Resolution 95-162
for Comprehensive Guide Plan change; to adopt Resolution 95-163 for PUD
Concept Review; to adopt Resolution 95-164 approving the Preliminary Plat; to
approve 1st Reading of an Ordinance for PUD District Review and Rezoning; and
to direct Staff to prepare a Development Agreement incorporating Commission
and Staff recommendations and with the additional conditions that construction
traffic access be provided and satisfactory erosion control be provided. Motion
carried 4-1 with Tyra-Lukens opposed.
Pidcock asked Staff to see if a three-way stop sign at Riverview Road and
Homeward Hills Road would be appropriate.
B. PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF$6,000,000 OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
REVENUE BONDS FOR ANAGRAM INTERNATIONAL PROTECT
(Resolution 95-165)
7ullie said Anagram International has requested issuance of$6 million of Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds to purchase manufacturing equipment for its facility
on Anagram Drive. The proposal is consistent with State of Minnesota criteria.
Such bonds are not General Obligations of the City, but would be repaid by
Anagram.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to close the Public
Hearing and to adopt Resolution 95-165 giving preliminary authorization for the
issuance of $6 million of IDRBs for Anagram International. Motion carried
unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 5, 1995
Page 7
VI. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Pidcock, to approve the Payment of
Claims as submitted. Motion carried on a roll call vote, with Case, Pidcock,
Thorfinnson. Tyra-Lukens and Harris voting "aye."
VII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution Adopting 1996 Proposed Tax Levy & Accepting 1996 Proposed
Budget
7ullie said that, pursuant to the Council's budget meeting on August 31, a
Resolution has been prepared which certifies the proposed 1996 net property tax
levy, sets the dates for the Truth In Taxation public hearings, and accepts the
proposed 1996 Budget. The Council must adopt a Resolution establishing the
maximum 1996 property tax levy by September 15, 1995.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Case, to adopt Resolution 95-166
certifying the proposed 1996 property tax levy, setting the dates for Truth In
Taxation hearings, and accepting the proposed 1996 Budget. Motion carried
unanimously.
VHI. PETITIONS. REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Request from Stephen & Kimberly Niosi to approve Variance 95-23 denied
by Board of Adjustments and Appeals
7ullie said the Niosi's have requested that the Council review the decision by the
Board of Adjustments & Appeals to deny variances which would be needed to
construct a house on their property at Eden Prairie Road and Flying Cloud Drive.
He said the Niosi's have prepared a revised plan for the driveway since the
project was reviewed the Board of Appeals; however, the lot is 1.23 acres and
a five-acre minimum is required for single-family dwellings in this area.
Perry Ryan, representing the Niosi's, reviewed the process they went through with
the Board of Appeals and described the revisions they have made to the position
and grading of the driveway since their appeal.
Dietz said Staff has not had time to completely review the revisions to the grading
plans; however, it does appear technically possible to get the sight distances
desired. He said they would want space for a turnaround since they would not
want cars backing out onto the road.
Stephen Niosi said they have owned the property for eleven years and were told
by the City that it would be a buildable property. He said they are willing to
dedicate a portion of property or grant an easement to the City.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 5, 1995
Page 8
Dean Edstrom, 10133 Eden Prairie Road, said he owns the lot to the east.
Referring to his letter of July 13th to the City, he reviewed his opposition to
granting the variance on the Niosi property. The zoning on the property is rural
and the minimum for building on such property is five acres. He was concerned
about setting precedence if the variance is granted, about the bluffs and the
composition of the soil in the area that poses problems for grading and excavation
for the house, and the fact that Eden Prairie Road is a dangerous road no matter
what the sight lines are for the driveway.
Tyra-Lukens asked when the City Code went to the five-acre minimum. Pauly
replied that it was November of 1969. Tyra-Lukens noted that means the code
was in place when the property was purchased by the Niosi's.
Case said he was concerned about the issue of precedence if a variance this
extreme is granted. He asked when we anticipate the MUSA line to be extended
to this point. Enger said we do anticipate that it will be extended to this point;
however, it could be another five to ten years. He said Staff tried to find similar
situations in the City and could find none that were even remotely similar to this
one.
Pidcock said that, while she sympathizes with the Niosi's situation, she had a
problem dealing with the fact that the property was purchased as 1.2 acres when
the zoning required a five-acre parcel to build on. Karen Niosi said they were
told by the City that that is why we have variances.
Harris said it is a difficult situation and she is concerned about the sight lines, the
turnaround and the absence of sufficient space for parking.
Thorfinnson said he was concerned that the MUSA line might never get down to
this area.
Tyra-Lukens said she is concerned about precedence and she didn't want the
message to get out that people can buy substandard parcels and then come to the
Council for a variance.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to affirm the decision by
the Board of Adjustments & Appeals and to direct Staff to prepare findings and
return them to the City Council. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Request from The Trails Association
Robert Kern, representing the Trails Association, reviewed their request that the
City take over ownership of the trail through their association or that they be
given permission to eliminate the trail. He said their development started out as
250 units and the City was intended to get a certain portion of the trail through
the development.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 5, 1995
Page 9
Lambert said the intent of the developer was to build the trail in pieces and then
to dedicate it to the City; however, only the first phase was built and the trail was
not dedicated. He would like to have the Parks Commission evaluate this and
determine what the costs would be to the City to take over the trail, to improve
it and to connect it to another trail.
Pauly said the City does not have any authority to spend funds on a private
property, so it would be necessary to acquire a property interest.
Harris said she has a long-standing interest in linking the City by trails and parks
so she would like to have the Commission check into the issue and return with
recommendations.
Case said if we do this for the Trails, the Preserve will come and ask us to take
over their trails, which would be a much bigger issue. Case shared concern that
the Preserve residents would have the power to abolish their trails and the City
would not have any control. Any possible acquisitions by the City would be not
only positive but essential to preserve the integrity and continuity of the Eden
Prairie Trail system.
Kern said they are concerned about the liability issue because of uninvited use and
traffic through their property.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Case, to direct the Parks, Recreation
& Natural Resources Commission to review the request by The Trails
Association. Motion carried unanimously.
IX. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
A. human Rights & Diversity Commission - Diversity Training for
Board/Commission Members
Jullie said the Human Rights & Diversity Commission wishes to provide
board/commission members and persons serving on City advisory groups with
diversity training. All current members would have the 2-part training this Fall;
thereafter, newly-appointed members would have diversity training included in
their orientation activities.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to provide all current and
future board/commission members with the opportunity to attend diversity
training workshops. Motion carried unanimously.
X. APPOINTMENTS
XI. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
A. REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 5, 1995
Page 10
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
C. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION & FACILITIES
D. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
E. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
1. Award Contract for Atherton Townhomes Drainage and Olympic Hills
Golf Course Drainage, I.C. Nos. 93-5332 and 95-5391 (Resolution 95-
167)
Dietz reviewed the results of the bids received for this project. He said
Staff recommends awarding the bid to F. F. 7edlicki, Inc. He said the
costs will be funded by the storm water utility fund.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens to adopt Resolution
No. 95-167 awarding the contracts for I.C. Nos. 93-5332 and 95-5391 as
recommended by the staff. Motion carried unanimously.
F. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
XH. OTHER BUSINESS
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to adjourn the meeting. Motion
carried unanimously. Mayor Harris adjourned the meeting at 10:55 p.m.