HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 03/18/1997 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1997 7:30 PM, CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Jean Harris, Sherry Butcher-Younghans,
Ronald Case, Ross Thorfinnson, Jr., and Nancy
Tyra-Lukens
CITY COUNCIL STAFF: City Manager Carl J. Jullie, Assistant City
Manager Chris Enger, Director of Parks,
Recreation & Natural Resources Bob Lambert,
Director of Public Works Eugene Dietz, City
Attorney Ric Rosow, and Council Recorder Jan
Nelson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
All members were present.
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Tyra-Lukens asked that item XI.C.2. be moved to follow the Public Hearings.
Thorfinnson added item XI.A.1. Preliminary Report on Review of Boards and
Commissions Committee. Jullie added item XI.B.1. Review Schedule for Council
Workshops,
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to approve the Agenda as published
and amended. Motion carried unanimously.
II. OPEN PODIUM
III. MINUTES
A. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SCHOOL BOARD MEETING HELD TUESDAY,
FEBRUARY 25, 1997
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to approve as
published the Minutes of the Joint City Council/School Board Meeting held
Tuesday, February 25, 1997. Motion carried unanimously.
B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1997
Harris said item M of the Consent Calendar should be moved up to precede the
discussion on the Consent Calendar items. She said the first sentence of the
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March 18, 1997
Page 2
fourth paragraph of the discussion on the Consent Calendar, page 3, should be
changed to read "Harris asked ... beaches are used when not officially opened."
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to approve as published and
amended the Minutes of the City Council Meeting held Tuesday, March 4, 1997.
Motion carried 4-0-1 with Thorrmnson abstaining.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. CLERK'S LICENSE LIST
B. KOPESKY ADDITION by Wayne Kopesky. 2nd Reading of Ordinance 10-97
for Rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 on 5.32 acres and Approval of a Developer's
Agreement for Kopesky Addition. Location: West 82nd Street. (Ordinance 10-
97 for Rezoning)
C. BEARPATH 8TH ADDITION by Bearpath Limited Partnership. 2nd Reading
of Ordinance 9-97-PUD-5-97 for PUD District Review on 2.3 acres and
Zoning District Change from RM-6.5 to R1-13.5 on 2.3 acres and Approval of a
Developer's Agreement for Bearpath 8th Addition for Bearpath Limited
Partnership. Location: East of Bearpath Trail South, west of Dell Road and south
of Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority. (Ordinance 9-97-PUD-5-97 for
PUD District Review and Zoning District Change)
D. RESOLUTION 97-36 RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICTS NOS, 1; 20 3j 4, 5, 6
AND 7: ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE D MU,OPMENT
PROGRAM AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLANS THEREFOR
E. ONKEN PROPERTY by Paul and Kris Onken. 2nd Reading of Ordinance 11-
97 for Rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 on 2.27 acres for one single family home
and Approval of a Developer's Agreement for Onken Property. Location: 17809
West 62nd Street. (Ordinance 11-97 for Rezoning)
F. MHFA FIRST TIME BUYER PROGRAM (Resolution 97-37)
G. APPROVE BIDS FOR STARING LAKE PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
H. AMENDMENT TO FEE RESOLUTION (Resolution 97-38)
I. AWARD CONTRACT FOR C AH 41HI H SCHOOL ENTRANCE/
EDENWOOD DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS. I.C. 96-5404 (Resolution 97-39)
J. RESOLUTION 9740 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF BUR ATORY
CREEK ESTATES (located south of Sunnybrook Road and west of
Homeward Hills Road)
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K. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO, 1 FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT,
I.C. 94-5350
Regarding item G, Tyra-Lukens asked if we are still at the targeted budget
amounts with the bids we received. Lambert said we will be about$20,000 over
what our estimate was. She asked how we stand with respect to Midwest Asphalt
since they are being awarded the bid for this. Jullie said they have a signed,
approved land alteration permit, and we went through the past season without
problems. They performed according to the requirements of the permit.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to approve items A-K
on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS
A. SUNNYBROOK ROAD IMPROVEMENTS. ORDER IMPROVEMENTS
AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, I.C. 94-5363
(Resolution 97-41)
Jullie said the official notice of this Public Hearing was published on March 6
and March 13, 1997 in the Eden Prairie News. This project involves the
construction of street and utility improvements along Sunnybrook Road west of
Homeward Hills Road. It also includes improvements for the seven-lot Purgatory
Creek Estates Subdivision which provides the required easements for connection
of the sanitary sewer system. Copies of the amended Feasibility Report have been
given to all owners of property abutting the project and an informational meeting
was conducted on March 11.
Al Gray, City Engineer, reviewed the details of the Feasibility Study, noting that
the original Feasibility Study was done in 1995 at which time the Council
authorized the project. In preparing the plans Staff had difficulty finding a
corridor for the required outlet to Purgatory Creek for the utilities that need to be
installed. He said the Posts have received approval of a subdivision that will
provide an outlet for the two utilities. Because of the requirement to begin a
project within a year of approval, we must redo the approval process. It will now
include the improvements that will be within the Post Construction development.
Gray then reviewed the proposed assessment rolls to cover the costs of the street,
sanitary sewer and water main. He said there is a unique property with 1.5 units
of assessment that belongs to Dean Longsyo and is located on the south side of
Sunnybrook Road. It has a duplex structure on the property now, so it was
proposed at 1.5 units of assessment. The owners have requested we reduce it to
one unit based on the lot size.
Dean Longsyo, 9248 Creekwood Drive, supports the project and believes there
will be a lot of benefit for the residents and the City; however, he believes he is
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March 18, 1997
Page 4
being targeted with an inequitable assessment of property. It is clearly a single
lot. There is another double on Sunnybrook road that is showing as one unit of
assessment, and it is a much larger lot.
Harris asked Gray to point out the Longsyo property on the map.
Gray said they have not been able to recognize the other property as a duplex,
although it may be an unofficial duplex. It is a larger piece of property but it has
a small frontage on Sunnybrook. It is likely that this would be combined with
other property for future development. He expects the Longsyo property to stay
the way it is or be developed as a single family lot in the future.
Case recalled discussing this a year ago and leaning towards one unit of
assessment. He asked what the rationale would be for making this one unit. Gray
said in the long term it is more likely to have a major remodel to a single unit.
Thorfinnson asked about the suggestion that they pay the double trunk sewer and
water. Gray said they would use the acreage calculation and would deal with this
in the assessment rolls as one unit. Thorfinnson thought whatever we do we
should do with the other unit.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Case, to close the Public Hearing.
Tyra-Lukens withdrew the motion with the consent of Case.
Brian Post, Post Construction, asked how all the other duplexes in Eden Prairie
are treated. Gray said he didn't believe we have had a mixture like this before.
Post thought it would be fair to look at what has been done in other cases. Case
thought the substandard lot size is driving it at this point.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Case, to close the Public Hearing,
and to adopt Resolution 97-41 ordering the Improvements and Preparation of
Plans and Specifications for Sunnybrook Road Improvements designated I.C. 9-
5363, to include treating Parcel No. 23-116-23-33-0010 as one unit. Motion
carried unanimously.
B. PRESERVE VILLAGE CENTER RENOVATION 1997 by Jerry's Enterprises,
Inc. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 9.46 acres,
Planned Unit Development District Review on 9.46 acres, Zoning District
Amendment within the C-COM Zoning District on 9.46 acres, and Site Plan
Review on 9.46 acres. Location: Anderson Lakes Parkway and C.S.A.H. 18.
(Resolution 97-42 for PUD Concept Review, Ordinance for PUD District
Review and Zoning District Amendment)
Jullie said the official notice of this Public Hearing was published on March 6,
1997 in the Eden Prairie News and mailed to 64 property owners. This project
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March 18, 1997
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involves a "facelift" of the development, including the parking lot and frontage
road for better visibility to the site.
Darcy Winter, consultant to Jerry's Enterprises, Inc., reviewed the proposal. She
said there will be no demolition of the building and they have obtained approval
from MnDOT and Hennepin County to make changes to the frontage road. They
plan to regrade the slope of the parking lot and drop about five feet on the eastern
slope to improve visibility. They also want to drop the frontage road elevation
which they believe will improve safety on that road. All of the costs will be born
by the developer.
Enger said the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of this
project at its March 10, 1997 meeting, subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report of March 7, 1997.
Larry Mueller, 9285 Garrison Way, was concerned about the Garrison Way exit
onto Anderson Lakes Parkway and whether the change in the placement of the
west exit from the shopping center would affect that exit. Winter said the
Garrison Way exit will stay where it is.
Dave Oliver, 9661 Clark Circle, understood the two lots directly south of this
development are owned by Jerry's, and he was concerned about what will be
developed on those. Winter said they are not owned by Jerry's.
Thorfinnson asked if the Engineering Department has taken a look at the changes
they propose to the parking lot and the frontage road. Winter said Rod Rue has
been involved in the meetings with the county and the state.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to close the Public Hearing;
to adopt Resolution 97-42 for PUD Concept Review on 9.46 acres; to approve 1st
Reading of the Ordinance for PUD District Review and Zoning District
Amendment within the C-COM Zoning District; and to direct Staff to prepare a
Development Agreement incorporating Commission and Staff recommendations.
Motion carried unanimously.
C. PRAIRIE GREEN MINI-STORAGE by Four S. Properties Inc. Request for
Zoning District Amendment in the I-2 Park District on 4.96 acres, Site Plan
Review on 4.96 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 7.21 acres into one lot. Location:
County Road 4, south of Terrey Pine Court. (Ordinance for Zoning District
Amendment and Resolution 97-43 for Preliminary Plat)
Jullie said the official notice of this Public Hearing was published on March 6,
1997 in the Eden Prairie News and mailed to 47 property owners. This project
involves the expansion of the existing mini-storage facility along the east side of
County Road 4 and south of Terrey Pine Drive.
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March 18, 1997
Page 6
Todd Jones, representing Four S Properties, was available to answer questions.
Enger said the Planning Commission recommended approval of the project on a
vote of 6-0 at its meeting on February 24, 1997, subject to the recommendations
of the Staff Report of February 24, 1997.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, seconded by Case, to close the Public
Hearing; to approve 1st Reading of the Ordinance for Zoning District Amendment
in the I-2 Park District on 4.96 acres; to adopt Resolution 97-43 for Preliminary
Plat Approval of 7.21 acres into 1 lot; and to direct Staff to prepare a
Development Agreement incorporating Commission and Staff recommendations.
Motion carried unanimously.
D. CENTRON DPL by Centron DPL. Request for PUD Concept Review and PUD
District Review on 5 acres, Zoning District Amendment in the I-2 Zoning District
on 5 acres and Site Plan Review on 5 acres. Location: City West Parkway.
(Resolution 9744 for PUD Concept Review and Ordinance for PUD District
Review and Zoning District Amendment)
Jullie said the official notice of this Public Hearing was published on March 6,
1997 in the Eden Prairie News and mailed to 16 property owners. This project is
located along City West Parkway and is Phase II of plans reviewed by the City
Council two years ago. There are some changes from the original approved plan,
including additional parking and the hidden loading dock area. The request also
includes a PUD waiver allowing the office percentage to increase from 50% to
75%.
Tom Wassmolen, representing Centron DPL, reviewed the project. He said they
are requesting more office space than was previously approved. He noted that the
parking is approved for 75% already.
Enger said the Planning Commission recommended approval of this project,
including the PUD waiver request, on a vote of 6-0 at its meeting on February 24,
1997, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report of February 19, 1997.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Butcher-Younghans, to close the
Public Hearing; to adopt Resolution 97-44 for PUD Concept Review on 5 acres;
to approve 1st Reading of the Ordinance for Zoning District Amendment in the I 2
Zoning District on 5 acres, and PUD District Review on 5 acres with a waiver to
allow 75% Office Use; and to direct Staff to prepare a Development Agreement
incorporating Commission and Staff recommendations. Motion carried
unanimously.
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E. EDENVALE CROSSING BUSINESS CENTER by CSM Corporation. Request
for Guide Plan Change from Office to Industrial on 9.8 acres, PUD Concept
Amendment on 12.7 acres, PUD District Review on 12.7 acres , Zoning District
Change from Rural to Office on 2.9 acres, and from Rural to I-2 on 9.8 acres,
Site Plan Review on 12.7 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 12.7 acres into 3 lots.
Location: South and east of Anagram Drive. (Resolution 9745 for Guide Plan
Change, Resolution 97-46 for PUD Concept Amendment, Ordinance for PUD
District Review and Zoning District Change and Resolution 9747 for
Preliminary Plat)
Jullie said the official notice of this Public Hearing was published on March 6,
1997 in the Eden Prairie News and mailed to 102 property owners. This project
includes a request to change the Guide Plan from Office to Industrial on 9.8 acres
abutting the east and south sides of Equitable Drive, south of Valley View Road.
The proposal is a mixture of mostly Office, with some Industrial, consistent with
the current mix of Office/Warehouse uses in the PUD. In addition, waivers for
parking setback and 75% Office Use for one of the buildings is requested through
the PUD.
Dave Carland, Vice President of CSM, reviewed the proposal.
Enger said this is the land development component of the project proposed by
MnDOT for a retaining wall or reduction of grade of the hill west of Norwest
Bank. There are three buildings proposed. He said the Planning Commission
recommended approval of this project on a vote of 6-0 at its February 24, 1997
meeting, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report of February 21,
1997. It was not reviewed by the Parks Commission.
There were no comments from the audience.
Case asked if these are the exact heights as we reviewed them. Enger said these
are slightly lower.
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to close the
Public Hearing; to adopt Resolution 9745 for Guide Plan Change from Office to
Industrial on 9.8 acres; to adopt Resolution 9746 for PUD Concept Amendment
on 12.7 acres; to approve the 1st Reading of Zoning District Change from Rural
to Office on 2.9 acres and from Rural to I-2 on 9.8 acres, and PUD District
Review on 12.7 acres; to adopt Resolution 9747 for Preliminary Plat Approval of
12.7 acres into 3 lots; and to direct Staff to prepare a Development Agreement
incorporating Commission and Staff recommendations. Motion carried
unanimously.
F. CHIMNEY PINES by Laukka-Jarvis, Inc. Request for Planned Unit
Development Amendment Review on 1.29 acres, Planned Unit Development
District Review on 1.29 acres, Zoning District Amendment in the R1-9.5 acre
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District on 1.29 acres, Site Plan Review on 1.29 acres and Preliminary Plat of
1.29 acres into 8 lots. Location: Spyglass Drive, south of Riverview Road.
(Resolution 9748 for PUD Amendment, Ordinance for PUD District Review
and Zoning District Amendment and Resolution 9749 for Preliminary Plat)
Jullie said the official notice of this Public Hearing was published on March 6,
1997 in the Eden Prairie News and mailed to 49 property owners. This proposal
is to subdivide 1.29 acres into eight lots. The existing house would be removed
and replaced with three new homes. The lot lines on five existing lots to the east
would be adjusted slightly. The three new homes would be constructed consistent
with the architectural theme for the approved Planned Unit Development. The
project location is south of Riverview Road and west of the north/south alignment
of Homeward Hills Road extended.
Peter Jarvis, representing Laukka-Jarvis, Inc., reviewed the proposal.
Enger said the Planning Commission recommended approval of this project on a
vote of 6-0 at its meeting on February 24, 1997, subject to the recommendations
of the Staff report of February 21, 1997. He said they received a letter from the
Office of the State Architect of Minnesota subsequent to the project being
reviewed at a meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission that clears the
project for development. The project was not reviewed by the Parks Commission
Laura Bluml, 10540 West Riverview Drive, has concerns about the landscaping.
They were assured that significant trees would be planted along the road next to
the five lots and that has not occurred. She was concerned about traffic control
along Concord Drive and Riverview Road. She would like to see someone take a
look at the placement of the stop sign on west-bound Riverview Road. She also
asked the developer to move the advertising signs for the development that have
been placed in the street.
Case was concerned that the burial mound site investigation was done during
December. When this was first approved he bought into the density transfer
concept; however, we now have 51 lots, not 49, and he was at a maximum with
49. He said he is feeling a little bit pushed. Discussion followed regarding the
effect of removing the existing house on the total count.
Tyra-Lukens said she originally voted for the project because, given the road
constraints in the area, this was not the place to do higher density housing. She
has watched the development and agrees it doesn't work with the older home in
there. She didn't think three more units would make or break the traffic situation
out there.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Butcher-Younghans, to close the
Public Hearing; to adopt Resolution 97-48 for PUD Amendment Review on 1.29
acres; to approve 1st Reading of the Ordinance for PUD District Review on 1.29
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March 18, 1997
Page 9
acres, and Zoning District Amendment in the R1-9.5 District on 1.29 acres; to
adopt Resolution 97-49 for Preliminary Plat Approval of 1.29 acres into 8 lots;
and to direct Staff to prepare a Development Agreement incorporating
Commission and Staff recommendations. Motion carried unanimously.
G. VACATION 97-01: DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS IN
BOULDER POINTE (Resolution 97-50)
Jullie said the official notice of this Public Hearing was published on February 27,
1997 in the Eden Prairie News. The property owner has requested the vacation of
the underlying drainage and utility easements over two adjoining lots within the
Boulder Pointe Subdivision. The applicant has purchased both lots and intends to
construct a single-family home and replat the two lots into one. The replat will
include the dedication of replacement drainage and utility easements.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, seconded by Case, to close the Public
Hearing; and to adopt Resolution 97-50 Vacating the Drainage and Utility
Easements within Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Boulder Pointe. Motion carried
unanimously.
XI. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
C. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL
RESOURCES
2. Proposed Policy on Priority Use of City Facilities
Lambert reviewed the draft policy, noting this issue was initiated a number
of months ago with a request from another baseball club for use of
playfields. This brought up other issues that staff felt needed to be
addressed including the issue of second seasons. We have lost the ability
to keep our fields in good condition. Another issue is the amount of field
use per team. We have more and more requests from different age groups
needing a field every day of the week. He said we have never set any
standards on usage.
There have been a lot of discussions at meetings over the last three or four
months with representatives of the various athletic clubs. Another issue
that came up during the meetings is how the various associations operate.
We as a city have given various clubs exclusive use of public facilities.
On occasion we would get complaints from parents who don't think a club
is operating fairly, and they ask what the city is doing to monitor them.
He said the main thing that came out was the proposed policy presented
tonight. They used an outline that the City of St. Louis Park used a few
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March 18, 1997
Page 10
years ago, but they made significant changes to that policy. It has been
accepted by all of the athletic associations with the exception of the
FoxJets who had concerns about priority usage and the 95% Eden Prairie
resident requirement.
Lambert said the Parks Commission recommended denial of the request
from the Fox Jets and recommended that all swim clubs be treated like the
rest of the associations. The FoxJets have a history of providing service to
people other than Eden Prairie residents and are now about 67% Eden
Prairie residents. They have paid coaches and pay for the rental of the
pools by bringing in more members. We recommended that they go to
75% Eden Prairie residents within two years, and they are requesting that
the city consider granting a variance to them for 70% within two years.
They don't want to go to any of the kids in the club and tell them they
can't participate.
He said one of the reasons the Parks Commission recommended denial is
that there are two swim clubs that are asking for pool time. The Dolphin
Aquatic team has requested time and the state swimming authority
recognizes kids on that team as an Apple Valley team, therefore we should
look at that team as being from Apple Valley. They are concerned that the
Dolphin team could decide to organize their own club and be 100% Eden
Prairie residents and then take the prime time because of that status which
would make it difficult for the FoxJets.
Dan Rasmussen, 13598 Woodmere Circle, said he is on the board of the
FoxJets. He reviewed their request for variance and asked that they
receive a Priority III and get an effective date of 3/15/99 to comply. He
said they would continue to actively recruit Eden Prairie members, but
they do not want to be forced to ask non-residents to leave the team.
Ken Bomben, 9260 Talus Circle, represented the Eden Prairie Soccer
Association. They would like to take issue with the statement of Mr.
Lambert that the Soccer Association and the Soccer Club have had spring
and fall soccer here since 1988. He said their fall season has always been
as big or bigger than the spring season. He was concerned that the policy
will force them to distinguish between their seasons, and they have no
good criteria for splitting the two seasons.
Tyra-Lukens asked if they were forced to designate a season, would it be
the same as the Soccer Club choice. Bomben said they would be inclined
to ask for a different primary season, and they probably would prefer to
have spring designated as their second season.
Case thought we are finding that each of the sports has its own unique
requirements. He couldn't think of another sport that should be
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March 18, 1997
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encouraged to have two seasons more than soccer because of its low price,
lack of equipment required and the skill level required
Tom Beirman, 9160 Flyway Circle, representing the Soccer Club said it is
hard to believe we are running out of field space already; however, the
new fields at Miller Park are restricted to use for games only. The
practice space in the community has dwindled, and their club has over 600
members. They have had spring and fall seasons since 1982. He would
like to see all-weather fields constructed. We need to think about an
indoor, multi-purpose facility for a multitude of programs.
Gerard Wersal, 12645 Sunnybrook Road, could see the strain on the parks
and on our budget. He wondered if with new developments we could start
looking at some of the locations that are now limited use facilities. He
said there is property by Staring Lake where a house was taken down that
might be made into a limited use facility.
Case wanted to probe the concept of sanctioning one club to provide
services in the community. He thought we were going to develop criteria
to give to groups that serve the greatest number of kids. That way we
could have more control over the open elected official process because
groups would want our sanction.
Lambert said he would be interested in the City Attorney's opinion on
sanctioning a group. He didn't think we have to do that if we adopt the
policy. The associations have talked the staff into recommending 95%
Eden Prairie participants, and he didn't think we would have an issue with
the 5% non-resident. What this does is to have the major association that
is providing for most of the kids get priority and allows fields to be
allotted according to priority. The one thing that is different is the pool
usage, but everything else will fall into place.
Case asked if he envisioned what might happen if the new swim team hit
the same percentage of participation as the FoxJets, or what happens if the
FoxJets stay at only 69% participation by Eden Prairie kids and there is no
allowance for hard numbers. Lambert said the policy recommends that the
club with the most participants receive priority. He said they don't want
to limit the participation of the swimmers and skaters because they
purchase time from the City at the Community Center. We want to sell
out all of the hours of pool and ice time. He didn't think that the FoxJets
will suddenly have extra money to buy up all the pool time. Lambert
thought this is where swimming is different. He didn't know what the
percentage of Eden Prairie residents should be set at, but if we don't set a
number there will be a problem.
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March 18, 1997
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Tyra-Lukens was concerned that if we don't follow a policy of
"sanctioning" there will be a lot of organizations offering the same sport
and it will be difficult for the parent or child to decide which group to
choose. She thought we need to make an exception for the swim club, and
70% residents may be too great. She thought there might come a point
where, if the percentage of resident participants gets too small, then we
need to reconsider. She thought the Fox7ets' request was very reasonable.
Concerning the soccer issue, Tyra-Lukens thought they serve a great
number of kids in the community and it is hard to say that there is a
primary season for them. She thought we might want to leave them as a
Priority III but with an exception for their primary season.
Thorfinnson had a problem with setting precedent if we give a waiver.
We are the deliverer of services and he didn't think we should be turning it
over to one particular club. This addresses the number of residents, and
for swimmers we would reduce the percentage to 70 or 75%. He thought
the greater number takes priority after meeting the percentage require-
ment. He was not comfortable approving this with all the questions we
have. He thought we need some sort of system like this, but he would like
to get away from calling it waivers, possibly by writing it into the policy.
Butcher-Younghans also was not sure about sanctioning. Multiple
programs do offer multiple opportunities. We would be doing a favor by
offering an exception for the swim clubs. She thought we might want to
revisit the percentage figures after a year or so.
Rasmussen said they have agreed with Lambert to sit down once or twice a
year and plan for use of the pool. They have also agreed to consider
paying a fee for non-residents as they are also concerned about subsidizing
non-residents. They would not pass that along to the non-residents, but
rather would absorb it as a club. That would limit them from bringing on
more kids from other communities. They are also working on concepts for
adding kids to the program but they will need time to implement a
percentage figure.
Harris asked what the experience has been in St. Louis Park with the
policy they developed and if there are other cities who have the same
problems. Lambert said St. Louis Park is the only one they found with a
policy, and we made a lot of changes and additions to their policy to
address the priority use of fields. We tried to make it fair and not have a
different policy for each association while giving priority to items other
than just the percentage of residents.
Harris had concerns with the use of the word "sanctions." She was
uncomfortable identifying one club as the sanctioned group. She wanted to
keep it open to all residents of the city. She was willing to bend the
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March 18, 1997
Page 13
regulations to allow the swim team to build on the number of Eden Prairie
residents, but she can't decide how best to handle this.
Case said he would like to see the swim team receive an exception for
70%, but he wanted to clarify it so that other sports understand why there
is an exception. He was also okay with giving them time to reach the 70%
goal. He was also in favor of a non-resident fee for all sports, and that
might be a way to address some concerns of residents. He thought if we
looked at the grandfathering issue, soccer has had 16 years of operating
with two season, and that might be a way to resolve the precedent issue.
He thought the policy should be brought back with an explanation or
rationale for soccer.
Dick Brown said the committee has been working on this for months. We
have another decision to make regarding the improvements that will be
made in the pool. He said we are leasing pool space at a little more than
half of the costs to run the pool. He thought it is about time the team
started paying for what they use. He was also concerned that there would
be no time for repairs if we have two soccer seasons.
Case said he would like to see this brought back with the exceptions
worded correctly.
Thorfinnson was having trouble saying that two soccer seasons are the
rule. He was okay with the swim team exception, but he wanted to know
how many other sports might have two seasons and might come forward to
ask for an exception.
Harris thought we are stuck on the fact that we need to continue to review
this. She would like to see it come back for review at a workshop. A lot
of thought has gone into this and a lot of review has been done.
Tyra-Lukens thought we need to clarify the policy for sports that are year
round like the FoxJets in terms of at what point in time we will look at
their rosters. She thanked the Park and Rec. Commission and all others
who had input to the draft policy.
The consensus was to remand the issue to staff and have them bring it back
at one of the Council's early workshops.
VI. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to approve the Payment of Claims as
submitted. Motion carried on a roll call vote, with Butcher-Younghans, Case,
Thorfinnson, Tyra-Lukens and Harris voting "aye."
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 18, 1997
Page 14
VII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
VIII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
IX. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
A. TELECOMMUNICATIONS TASK FORCE-Report
Jullie said during its last several meetings, the Telecommunications Task Force,
which includes Mayor Harris and Councilmember Thorfinnson, has been working
to draft a Zoning Ordinance Amendment for construction of wireless
telecommunications. This is pursuant to City Council direction on August 6,
1996. After meeting with industry representatives and researching other cities
ordinances, the Task Force has finalized draft amendments to the City Code
relating to telecommunications towers and antennae. The next step is to refer the
proposed amendments to the Planning Commission for its review and
recommendations prior to formal City Council consideration. A City Council
Public Hearing is scheduled for April 1, 1997.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to refer the draft Ordinance
to the Planning Commission for review at its March 24 meeting. Motion carried
unanimously.
X. APPOINTMENTS
M. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
A. REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS
1. Report on City Manager's Performance Evaluation Session
Harris stated during the Closed Session on March 4, 1997, the Council
completed Mr. Jullie's Annual Performance Review. Mr. Jullie received
very positive ratings from the 3 community groups surveyed and also
positive reports from City Councilmembers and Department Heads. The
Council reviewed pertinent salary survey information and approved a
salary increase of 3.75% effective March 1, 1997, in accordance with the
City's employee salary guidelines.
2. Preliminary Report on Review of Boards and Commissions Committee
Thorfinnson reviewed a preliminary report of the committee working to
review the Boards and Commissions. The committee is made up of
Thorfinnson, Enger and Swaggert who met with the staff liaisons to the
Boards and Commissions, the Chairs of the various Boards and
Commissions, Council members and City staff. He said they are
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 18, 1997
Page 15
recommending that commissions should help prepare issues for action by
the Council. They would operate according to guidelines prepared by the
Council using community values to develop an effective advisory process.
He suggested using a planning workshop to revisit the guiding principles
discussion and use those to develop community values to provide
guidelines for the future. They want to revisit the communication between
boards and commissions and the Council, to replace the joint meetings
with regular presentations on the Council agenda, to encourage boards and
commissions to bring forward issues and concerns on a timely basis, and
to use the next strategic planning workshop to complete the community
values statement.
Their next step as a subcommittee will be to begin meeting with each of
the commission liaisons and board chairs to gather information.
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
1. Review Schedule for Council Workshops
Jullie presented an updated listing for the next couple of months. There
are two different topics for May, the Council operational procedures
workshop on May 6 and the Youth Assessment Study results on May 20.
Thorfinnson asked when we would revisit the proposed policy for use of
City facilities. Harris thought we could substitute that in for the liquor
sale topic and move liquor sales to June 3.
Thorfinnson thought we should get to a system where we have a running
list of topics to fill in the workshop schedule. We have also discussed
having workshops to bring ideas forward and not have the entire time
filled with a specific topic. Case thought we could have some discussion
topics at the May 6th meeting. Thorfinnson said he was thinking more
along the lines of one session dedicated to whatever issues you want to
bring up.
C. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PARKS. RECREATION & NATURAL
RESOURCES
1. Proposed Improvements to the Eden Prairie CommuWty Center Pool -
HVAC and Pool Disinfectant Systems
Lambert reviewed the report from Water Technology regarding the
deficiencies in the existing heating and ventilating system at the
Community Center swimming pool. He said the life of the system is 20 to
25 years. As outlined in the Staff Report of March 18, 1997, Staff is
recommending that we replace the HVAC system with one that would
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 18, 1997
Page 16
double the amount of fresh air and double the amount of air turnover. The
cost estimate is around $300,000. They are also recommending
improvements to the disinfectant system as put forth in option two to
replace the pump and existing chlorine system, doing some plumbing and
replacing the filter system at a cost of approximately $65,000.
Lambert said they are recommending that we pay for this initially with
cash park fees, to be reimbursed as soon as possible from the General
Fund. We should also increase the rental amounts we are charging for the
use of the pool. We need to discuss with the School District what the fees
should be as the competitive swim teams are what is driving the need for
these improvements.
Lambert read the motion made at the Parks Commission meeting last night
that passed on a 6-0 vote:
"MOTION: Brown moved, seconded by Wilson, that one of the
Commission's responsibilities to this community is to build a park
system with the funds available and that major funding sources is cash
park fees, and if the Commission would recommend utilizing that
funding source for major repairs and maintenance of facilities like the
Community Center, they're heading down a road that will guarantee
that they will not be able to build a park system with the cash park
fees, and with that in mind, recommend these three options to do the
right fix, and the right fix is the major repair and ozone system but
not to fund it from cash park fees and find another source; and the
second option would be if the City does not have the funds available,
ask the School District and the City Attorney to figure out a way, if
there is a Joint Powers Agreement, allow the School District to assist
the City in paying for this improvement, and if that's not feasible, the
third option appears to be to do the minimum fix that allows the
Community Center pool to operate and function the way it was
originally designed and that would mean recommending all
competitive swim practices to Oak Point Pool and the Community
Center could still hold competitive swim meets, diving practices, and
synchronized swimming and move the Foxjets to Oak Point pool also.
Motion carried 6-0."
Harris said there are major questions about the costs and where the source
of funds should come from, as well as the issue of School District
participation.
Tyra-Lukens asked if there is only one option that will solve the air quality
problems if the pool continues to be used as it is now used. Lambert said
option one to replace the HVAC system is the only one that will solve the
problems with use as it is now. Tyra-Lukens then asked if the other option
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 18, 1997
Page 17
costing $75,000 would be based on moving to Oak Point. Lambert said
Oak Point would not be able to accommodate swimming meets and would
not be able to accommodate the number of kids on a swimming team the
way they do now. They would either have to limit the number of kids or
have staggered practices. They also do not have a diving board. They
would have to split the team and have the divers at the Community Center
pool and hold the swim meets there as well.
Tyra-Lukens asked if the system would handle the air quality issue if the
practices were moved. Lambert said when we had smaller swim teams we
were not having these problems. Tyra-Lukens thought we have been
bandaiding this for a long time, so we should now resolve it.
Case thought there was no doubt the School District has to be a player
here; however he was not sure how they would agree to participate. They
have a potential referendum for some facility improvements. He thought
the Joint Powers agreement might be a possibility. He thought we are
committed to offering swimming to the public and as a sport in the City so
we need to do the repairs.
Harris thought the first question is shall we replace the whole system and,
if not, then every other decision flows from that. If we feel it is worth
replacing and we wish to share that expense with the School District, then
we should make every effort to get them in.
Thorfinnson asked what their incentive to participate is if we decide to do
the improvements now. It truly is a dilemma because if it has to be
repaired or replaced then who is going to pay for it. We are looking at a
0.7% increase in the tax rate if we pay for it. He thought this points to the
stupidity of past decisions not to have capital improvement budgets—we
have no money on hand to pay for items such as this.
Lambert said they are asking tonight for authorization to prepare plans and
specifications for something, and we could then decide not to do the
repairs this year. He said one of the discussions that the Parks
Commission had was that we shouldn't make a decision until we know
how it will be paid for or if the School District will be involved. He said
the City and the School have been partners in providing services for many
years; however they will not reimburse cash park fees and, if we use them
for this repair, other CIP projects will not get done.
Thorfinnson was not convinced that the School will come to the table on
this if we go ahead, because of their reaction at our joint meeting when we
discussed the issue of paying increased fees. He was not prepared to come
up with the funds from the General Fund since we are doing this for the
swim teams' benefit and also for the FoxJets.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 18, 1997
Page 18
Tyra-Lukens asked if the Oak Point pool is able to handle the air
exchanges and if the locker room is adequate to deal with this kind of
usage. Lambert said they are at the air quality standards that we are trying
to get to, but it is a smaller facility
Thorfinnson asked if we are to decide tonight which improvements we
would prefer. Lambert said we are asking for authorization to prepare
plans and specifications for one of those improvements. We would have
the plans and would be ready to go if we decide to go ahead with the
improvements.
Chuck Newman, of WTI, and Bruce Johnson, of EEA, said they have been
involved in similar projects many times before. They explained how the
air quality.impacts the water. He said they recommend six to eight air
changes per hour to help flush contaminants off the pool surface, and the
current system has a turnover of somewhat over four changes per hour.
Case was concerned that we are leaning on the School District as a way
out when the same tax payers will be footing the bill anyway. Because our
constituents pay either way, he was not as sure as the other Council-
members are about the need for School District participation. Harris said
it is a matter of where it appears on the tax bill.
Thorfinnson thought it is a question of perception and he thought it is
important that the School District be included in the whole process.
Harris thought increased user fees will be required no matter what is done
in order to offset utilization expenses.
Jullie said the recommendation is that the Council not make the decision to
do the project now; however, Staff believes it will be necessary to replace
the system. We need to get on with the plans and specifications and refer
this to the committee that has been put together to study and make
recommendations of joint use of facilities to see if they can wrestle with
this.
Tyra-Lukens asked if we need a more formal meeting with the School
Board. She didn't think the members of the Joint Facility Use Committee
feel they are part of the decision-making process. Case agreed we need a
meeting on just that issue.
Harris asked Staff to set up the meeting and provide some good briefing
materials to share with the School Board. She asked if there would be
some value in having this discussed by the Joint Facility Use Committee
prior to the joint meeting with the School Board. Their review might raise
some issues that would help surface items that may need discussion.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 18, 1997
Page 19
Thorfinnson agreed with that idea.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to authorize staff to
proceed with the preparation of plans and specifications and advertisement
for bids for the air handling and pool disinfectant systems at the
Community Center pool as per the Staff Agenda Report of March 18,
1997, including the referral of this matter to the Joint Facility Use
Advisory Committee for a recommendation on cost sharing and the
referral to a joint meeting of the City Council and the School Board.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. F13Lg Cloud Field Traffic Study Report
Lambert said last November, the City Council approved contracting with
Benshoof and Associates for a traffic study to determine what improve-
ments should be considered to address the safety issues caused by traffic at
the entry and exit points at Flying Cloud Fields as well as the traffic
conflicts between pedestrians and automobiles within the complex. He
reviewed the plan that shows a two-way road system with parking around
the perimeter. The plan would require some fill for parking on the east
side and expanding the boundaries somewhat. This would remove the
parking conflicts in the center of the site. The first step would be to go to
the Metropolitan Airports Commission to see if they would consider
allowing us to do this.
Case said his only concern is whether there is anything that can be done
now to correct some of the problems. Lambert said until the cost
estimates are done, the biggest cost will be the fill and we get offers for
free fill all the time. Case asked if there is any middle ground. Lambert
said anything done there now would be a waste of money.
Tyra-Lukens was struck by the fact that this is similar to the pool issue. It
is an improvement for safety and is primarily for the use of people that are
using the fields. She thought we need to think about what we are doing
and have some consistency.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher-Younghans, to receive the
Benshoof and Associates Flying Cloud Fields Traffic Study and to direct
Staff to proceed as per the Staff Agenda Report of March 4, 1997.
Motion carried unanimously.
D. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
E. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 18, 1997
Page 20
1. Award Contract for Interior Painting of Baker Road Reservoir, I.C.
96-5419 (Resolution 97-51)
Dietz reviewed the Staff Report of March 18, 1997, recommending the
contract for interior painting of Baker Road Reservoir be awarded to
DeLoughery Painting.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to adopt Resolution
97-51 accepting the bid of DeLoughery Painting in the amount of
$99,500.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Case asked if this is the same type of project as the one at Dell Road.
Dietz said this is for the interior painting.
2. Award Contract for Parks/Public Works Maintenance Facility, I.C.
96-5417 (Resolution 97-52)
Dietz reviewed the Staff Report of March 18, 1997 recommending the
contract for the Parks/Public Works Maintenance Facility be awarded to
Sheehy Construction Company. He said Sheehy Construction has
informed us of an error in their bid of$53,000; however, we have
determined they have not met the criteria to withdraw the bid. He said
they are recommending the bid be awarded without alternates two and six.
Without the two alternates the cost will be about the same as the revenue;
however, we can expect to have change orders. Staff recommends that
any additional costs, which might possibly amount to $100,0004150,000,
be taken from the utility trunk fund.
Dietz said Sheehy has ten days to sign or refuse. If they don't sign, we
would then go after the bid bond to pay the difference of$20,000 between
their bid and the next lowest bid. In that case, Staff would then return to
the Council at the April meeting.
Thorfinnson asked if the MnDOT agreement covers both the Fire
Department and the Maintenance building. Dietz said it is just the back
end of the fire station that the Parks Department uses and the Maintenance
Facility. Thorfinnson then asked where the one-time revenues are from.
Dietz said it is the 9% fee from the utility fund for capital improvements.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to adopt Resolution
97-52, awarding the contract for Parks/Public Works Maintenance
Building to Sheehy Construction Company in the amount of
$3,619,900.00, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report of
March 18,.1997, which included the requirement of confirmation of the
MnDOT settlement for acquisition of the current maintenance facility.
Motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 18, 1997
Page 21
3. Review Proposed Surcharge for Lawn Irrigation/Conservation
Dietz reviewed the Staff Agenda Report of March 18, 1997 requesting the
Council to establish a water surcharge rate to promote water conservation
in Eden Prairie. The proposed extra charge of$1.00 per thousand gallons
would apply for summer usage in excess of 150% of the winter quarter
amount. The surcharge plan has been jointly developed by City staff and
the Environmental &Waste Management Commission over the past year.
The Commission believes that this surcharge mechanism provides the best
compromise between the number of customers impacted and creating
enough of a cost to make the surcharge noticeable. The Commission
further recommends that this plan be implemented for the 1997 lawn
irrigation season.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Butcher-Younghans, to
approve the water rate surcharge for lawn irrigation/conservation as
recommended by the Environmental &Waste Management Commission
per the Staff Agenda Report of March 18, 1997. Motion carried
unanimously.
Tyra-Lukens said there should be an educational component in the City
newsletter if we intend for people to conserve water . Dietz said they plan
to use the surcharge revenues for the education budget. They will do some
direct mailings and work with the newspapers.
F. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
MI. OTHER BUSINESS
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens'moved, seconded by Butcher-Younghans, to adjourn the
meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Harris adjourned the meeting at 11:00
p.m.