HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 09/06/2005 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2005 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Councilmembers Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher,
Ron Case, and Philip Young
CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Parks & Recreation Director Bob Lambert, Public
Works Director Eugene Dietz, City Planner Michael Franzen, Community Development Director
Janet Jeremiah, City Attorney Amy Cralam and Council Recorder Deb Sweeney
I. ROLL CALL/CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Tyra-Lukens called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. COUNCIL FORUM INVITATION
VII. PUBLIC HEARING FOR CABLE TV FRANCHISE TRANSFER FROM TIME
WARNER TO COMCAST (Continued) Resolution No. 2005-105
Mayor Tyra-Lukens moved this item to the top of the agenda in order to accommodate
the speaker. Case introduced Brian Grogan, attorney for the Southwest Suburban Cable
Commission, to review the findings of the Commission regarding the transfer of the
City's cable franchise from Time-Warner to Comcast. Neal noted the public hearing is
still open.
Grogan explained each City must approve the transfer. After a joint deal to purchase
Aldephi Communications, Time-Warner and Comcast are swapping some markets to
consolidate their operations. The Southwest Cable Commission has checked local
franchise requirements, state law, and federal law to make sure the transfer is in
compliance. The local level has been met by the public hearings. Grogan noted the
City's authority to deny the transfer is restricted unless the provider lacks the
qualifications to provide cable service. Grogan noted the provider has not yet registered
with the Minnesota Secretary of State,but there is still ample time for them to do so. As
the largest cable company in the U.S., Comcast is legally and technically qualified to
assume the franchise. The Southwest Suburban Cable Commission unanimously
recommends approval.
Aho asked whether local public service channels would be impacted. Grogan said
Comcast is contractually obligated to maintain the channels and the studio.
A resident asked if the fees she pays for cable service in her condo would increase. Case
said fees should not change—the biggest impact on residents will be a change in email
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 2
address from mn.rr.com to Comcast.com. Grogan said condo owners typically negotiate
a contract with the cable provider, so fees should stay the same until that contract runs
out. The contract can then be renegotiated,but that would happen even if the provider
did not change.
Case clarified the transfer process will go through two holding companies,but to the
consumer it will be a direct change in March or April with new names appearing on the
bill.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Aho, to close the Public Hearing and adopt
Resolution No. 2005-105 approving proposed change of control of Time Warner.
Motion carried 5-0.
IV. PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING OCTOBER 15 AS BIRCH ISLAND WOODS
AS BIRCH ISLAND WOODS BUCKTHORN BUSTING DAY
Tyra-Lukens read the proclamation and presented it to resident Jeffrey Strate, asking him
to share the plans for the day. Strate explained buckthorn is an invasive weed tree that,
due to its long growing season and lack of natural enemies, chokes native woodland
vegetation. The Buckthorn Busting event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Birch Island
Woods and the local Sierra Club chapter. Churches and scout troops will also help pull
buckthorn by hand. In past events, over 300 volunteers have cleared two to three acres of
land.
V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Tyra-Lukens added an item on the City Manager's performance review and an item on
Hurricane Katrina relief to Reports of Councilmembers.
Case added an item on emergency preparedness and a report on the meeting with the
Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) to Reports of Councilmembers.
Dietz added an update on storm drainage to the Report of the Public Works Director.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Case, to approve the agenda as published and
amended. Motion carried 5-0.
VI. MINUTES
A. CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY,AUGUST 16, 2005
MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the Council Workshop
minutes as published. Motion carried 5-0.
B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY,AUGUST 16, 2005
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 3
MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Case, to approve the City Council minutes
as published. Motion carried 5-0.
VII. PUBLIC HEARING FOR CABLE TV FRANCHISE TRANSFER FROM TIME
WARNER TO COMCAST (Continued) Resolution No. 2005-105
This item was discussed and voted at the top of the meeting, following the Council
Forum Invitation.
VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. CLERK'S LICENSE LIST
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005-106 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
PATTERSON ADDITION
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005-107 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF
EAGLE CREST AT HENNEPIN VILLAGE
D. APPROVE RELEASE OF LAND FROM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
AGREEMENT FOR LOTS 1, 2 AND 3, BLOCK 1, BRYANT LAKE
HEIGHTS, SSA 99-06
E. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF A GRADING PERMIT FOR GRADING
AND RETAINING WALL IMPROVEMENTS AT 7034 WILLOW CREEK
ROAD
F. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR FIRE STATION NO. 4
UTILITY EXTENSION PROJECT, I.C. 05-5654
G. APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SAND/SALT STORAGE
FACILITY AND AUTHORIZE BIDS TO BE RECEIVED ON
SEPTEMBER 29, 2005
H. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF GRADING PERMIT TO LUNDS FOOD
HOLDINGS INC. FOR GRADING AND PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS
AT 7752 MITCHELL ROAD
I. APPROVE CONTRACT WITH LHB INC. TO PERFORM INSPECTIONS
AND INVESTIGATIONS OF A PROPERTY AT 6509 FLYING CLOUD
DRIVE TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR A TAX INCREMENT
DEVELOPMENT REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
J. APPROVE CONTRACT WITH SPRINGSTED INC. TO CONDUCT A
COMPLETE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING ANALYSIS AND PLAN
FOR A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6509 FLYING CLOUD DRIVE
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 4
K. APPROVE CITY MANAGER'S PAY INCREASE
L. APPROVE CONTRACT WITH MARKETLINE RESEARCH TO
CONDUCT A SURVEY OF EDEN PRAIRIE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
M. APPROVE INITIATION OF PROCESS TO REVISE WETLAND PERMIT
APPLICATION FOR MITIGATION OF WETLANDS AT CRESTWOOD
PARK
N. APPROVE GUIDELINES REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY FOR
FALLEN TREES
O. APPROVE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR HSSC SUBMITTAL FOR
REGIONAL PLANNING GRANT FROM HENNEPIN COUNTY
P. AWARD BID FOR ROUND LAKE PARK TRAIL CONSTRUCTION TO
MIDWEST ASPHALT
Q. AWARD CONTRACT FOR INFRARED CONSULTING SERVICES TO
PERFORM ROOF MOISTURE SURVEYS AND MECHANICAL
SURVEYS FOR CITY-OWNED BUILDINGS
R. AWARD CONTRACT TO DECORATIVE DESIGNS, INC., FOR
INTERIOR PLANT MAINTENANCE AT CITY HALL
Young asked whether Item L, the survey of businesses, could be done in-house to save
the $18,000 consulting fee. Neal said it could not be done to the same level of
professionalism as in 2002. This survey is intended to replicate that survey and compare
to that baseline, so would lose utility if done differently. Tyra-Lukens asked if the survey
would include MCA issues. Neal said one or two questions could be added, but most of
the survey will replicate the first. Aho asked if we could just self-administer the existing
survey. Neal explained most of the cost is in the telephone polling, not the survey
document. Case noted the study requires 400 20-minute interviews. Young agreed to the
contract but expressed continued reservations and intent to review the utility and value of
the completed report.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Young, to approve Items A-R on the
Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0.
IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS /MEETINGS
A. CODE CHANGES by City of Eden Prairie. First reading of Ordinance 17-2005
amending city code Chapters 2 and 11 regarding the Board of Adjustments and
Appeals, non-conforming uses and signs.
Neal noted the ordinance includes a number of code revisions in relating to
variances, signs, and non-conforming uses. There are several reasons for the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 5
proposed changes: to be consistent with recent changes in Minnesota Statutes and
with recent case law in Minnesota, to resolve any doubt that the City's policies
and procedures do not inappropriately restrict free expression, to match ordinance
to practice, and to make requirements less broad and more specific. These
changes relating to signs are intended to further the purpose and intent behind the
sign chapter of the zoning ordinance as expressed by the City Council in 1974,
which the Council repeated again in 1991. The Planning Commission voted 6-0
to recommend approval of the code change at the August 22, 2005 meeting.
Second reading of this ordinance is located in the section on Ordinances and
Resolutions. A unanimous vote is required since both actions are being taken in
one meeting.
There were no comments from the public.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Case, to close the Public Hearing and
approve 1St Reading of the Ordinance 17-2005 amending City Code Chapters 2 and
11 relating to non-conforming uses and signs. Motion carried 5-0.
X. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Case, to approve Payment of Claims as submitted.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with Aho, Butcher, Case, Young, and Tyra-Lukens
voting "aye."
XI. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-108 AFFIRMING CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT
FOR A STATEWIDE SMOKING BAN
Tyra-Lukens noted Bloomington recently reaffirmed its resolution supporting a
statewide smoking ban in bars and restaurants, and suggested Eden Prairie do the
same. Neal explained the resolution closely follows the one passed October 1,
2002, modified to include current references to the Hennepin County ban.
Aho said he had heard Hennepin County is re-evaluating the ban and asked the
status of those discussions. Tyra-Lukens said their hearings are in process and no
decision would be made until October. Aho questioned whether the time was right
to reaffirm the resolution. Tyra-Lukens said yes, the County should get the City's
opinion while the issue is before them.
Young said he also wondered about the timing since the legislative session is
months away. The issue is more complex than it appears because of economic
issues. Young recommended striking the language referring to Hennepin County,
since the outcome of that ban is uncertain, and emphasizing the need for
uniformity through a statewide ban to avoid unfairness to businesses.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 6
Butcher said she did not feel strongly about the timing. She thought Hennepin
County would be pleased to have support for a statewide ban. Unfairness to the
border cities is the key issue Hennepin County faces now. Neal said if the
Council wants to influence the County, it should act before November. He
described Commissioner Koblick as a swing voter who would be very interested
in the feedback.
Case said all levels of government should act on smoking bans,because it is the
right thing to do. Action tonight would provide maximum leverage. Case said
Eden Prairie should join Bloomington in passing a stricter ordinance than the
county and make outside decks half smoking and half not. He said he had
received seven or eight resident complaints about smoky restaurant decks.
Smoking should also be prohibited 50 feet from a restaurant entrance. The City
should push to get a state-level ban quickly to protect businesses.
Young wondered if there would be an exception for bars in any statewide ban. He
reiterated the need to remove the Hennepin County language from the ban. Tyra-
Lukens amended the paragraph to read: "Whereas, various local and county
governments have instituted smoking ordinances."
Aho agreed on the need to be sensitive to the business community. The state is
the only appropriate level for a ban when businesses have to operate side by side.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher, to adopt Resolution No. 2005-108
supporting, advocating and urging the Minnesota State Legislature to enact a
statewide smoke-free law prohibiting smoking in places of employment and
restaurants as amended. Motion carried 5-0.
B. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE
CHAPTERS 2 AND 11, REGARDING THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
AND APPEALS, NON-CONFORMING USES AND SIGNS AND ADOPT
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY ORDINANCE 17-2005
Synopsis: The first reading of this ordinance was held under the Public Hearing
section of this meeting.
MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Case, to approve the 2nd Reading of the
Ordinance 17-2005 amending City Code Chapters 2 and 11 relating to non-
conforming uses and signs and Adopt the Resolution approving Summary
Ordinance for publication. Motion carried 5-0.
XII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
XIII. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
XIV. APPOINTMENTS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 7
XV. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
A. REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS
1. Proposed Conservation Commission—Mayor Tyra-Lukens
Tyra-Lukens referred Councilmembers to the mission, description and
charges draft in the packet. The name of the Commission is open as well,
though it should be changed from the previous Commission since the
charge is a little different. Tyra-Lukens said the first reading would be on
October 2nd and invited comment in the intervening weeks or at that time.
She directed Neal to go ahead with plans.
2. City Manager Performance Review—Mayor Tyra-Lukens
Tyra-Lukens noted the Council is required to report on its closed session.
She read a statement prepared by City Attorney Ric Rosow. The Council
was unanimous in determining the City Manager's performance to be
excellent. After reviewing City Manager salaries in peer cities, and noting
the new state salary cap, the Council determined to raise the City
Manager's salary to $123,304, effective November 1, 2005, which would
result in a total 2005 gross of$115,761. The Council will further increase
the City Manager's pay to $132,333 effective May 2006, for a total 2006
gross of$129,319. Tyra-Lukens said the Council was pleased to be able
to give this increase.
3. Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts—Mayor Tyra-Lukens
Tyra-Lukens said she received information from the Conference of
Mayors sharing needs and lists of legitimate organizations for donations,
which she would have posted on the City website. Another need is
housing for refugees—the social services center at the mall recently
assisted its first refugee visitor, and a local family has already donated use
of their unoccupied home.
Neal said Staff is ascertaining the level of vacancy, particularly in rental
units, to see what capacity might exist in the community for refugee
housing. FEMA has also approached the City for equipment and
personnel and been given a statement of capacity by Chief Esbensen. The
City's services are not required at this time but may be in the future as
forces currently serving need to be replaced. Firefighters also coordinated
the drop-off of supplies started by Channel 9. Neal said the City would
continue to monitor ways it can help.
Tyra-Lukens suggested a mentoring program for any refugees who come
to Eden Prairie to help them make linkages to services in the community.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 8
4. Eden Prairie Ememency Preparedness—Councilmember Case
Case said two residents asked about the City's preparedness for a
devastating disaster, for example, a widespread loss of natural gas service
in winter. He assured residents the City is taking a fresh look at its
preparedness in the wake of the Katrina disaster.
5. Report on Meeting with MAC—Councilmember Case
Case said the August 30, 2005 meeting between the City and MAC was
attended by top-level representatives, and very positive. This was the first
meeting since the agreement three years ago. Topics discussed included
security,pavement depth, noise, night flights, future expansion plans,
possible sewer and water connections, having city codes apply to airport
buildings, plans for reliever closures, and the Northwest Airlines lawsuit
with the FAA.
Results included several concrete measures. The MAC will supply
information on pavement depth (which determines the weight of planes
that can land) in graphic form. MAC reaffirmed its intent to fully abide by
the agreement. MAC explained while night flights cannot be restricted
due to FAA regulations, the MAC does call night-flying pilots to see if
they can adjust their flight times when there are complaints. Half of the
night flights are Lifelink flights related to organ donations. The Mac
asserted again that the FAA would not attempt to override the agreement.
Case also noted the MAC's recent report characterizes Flying Cloud as a
"first-tier" reliever, meaning it would be one of the relievers targeted for
continued funding and expansion. As feared by some residents, the MAC
is indeed looking at a jetport at some point. It is outside the City's power
to do much about that, except to diligently enforce its agreement.
The MAC is very interested in restarting the Flying Cloud Airport
Commission to address resident concerns on an ongoing basis. Case said
the City had disbanded the Commission during the agreement negotiation
to avoid having two separate voices,but recommended restarting it. Tyra-
Lukens said a Commission would help keep open the channels of
communication.
Aho asked who was on the Commission last time, and what the mission
would be. Tyra-Lukens said the Commission had about seven members
and was a deliberate mix of pilots, businesses, residents, and zero-
expansion advocates. Case said the Commission would hold regular
monthly meetings with the MAC to maintain the agreement and handle
resident complaints. Tyra-Lukens asked Neal to pull the old charter for the
Council to review.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 9
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
1. Delegates for NLC 2005 Congress of Cities
Neal explained the City must elect one voting and one alternate delegate.
After a discussion of schedules, the Council nominated Young as the
voting delegate and Case as the alternate. Aho, Butcher, Case and Young
all plan to attend the meeting.
2. Proposed 2006 Property Tax Levy, Proposed 2006 Budget, Date(s) for
Truth-in-Taxation Hearins!(s) and Proposed HRA Tax Levy
(Resolution No. 2005-110)
Neal explained the City must adopt a proposed net property tax levy by
September 15 and certify it to the county auditor. In addition, the City
Council must accept a proposed budget for the coming year and set a date
for the "Truth-in-Taxation" hearing and a date to reconvene it(if
necessary). The Council must adopt the final tax levy and budget by
December 20. Minnesota Law also authorizes the HRA to levy a tax with
the consent of the City Council. This resolution gives the consent needed
for the HRA.
Neal said the resolution is based on the original proposal presented at the
August 16 Council Workshop. Alternative scenarios A-G,presented since
then, are also in the packet. He requested the Council adopt one of those
or the original proposal.
Tyra-Lukens questioned the $100,000 in additional fuel costs. She asked if
fuel use could be reduced instead. Neal said the estimate is based on
current consumption, 60-70% of which is used for public safety purposes.
He committed to look at ways to reduce fuel costs. Aho asked if costs for
heating would also increase. Dietz said the fuel oil cost has been adjusted
up by 6%, which is what Centerpoint recommended.
Case supported the full reinstatement of human service funding. He noted
these funds are leveraged greatly by volunteers, and the City has a moral
obligation to take the lead. Regarding fuel costs, it would be better to plan
for increased costs than go into the reserve. For the streetlight fees, Case
said adding up the streetlight, HRA, and general fund increases yields an
increase in the levy of about 8%. While other cities range from 4-12%,
this seemed high to Case.
Case proposed moving more aggressively to reduce the revenue
stabilization fund to reduce the levy increase. The City is already seeing a
drop in fees from new construction, which is what the revenue
stabilization fund was designed to buffer. The City could try to reach
Young's proposed 10% revenue stabilization fund level in 2012, rather
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 10
than having a 15% level in 2012. The money taken out of the fund could
be used during the next seven years, taking the funds down from 18% to
15% and finally 10% in 2012, still leaving the future Council with a
considerable buffer. It would have to be made clear to residents that the
City is using savings generated by its conservative budgeting.
Butcher said she was completely uncomfortable with cutting human
services. There is a human face to those services and many long-term
residents depend on them. Fuel costs should be included as a responsible
course of action. Butcher noted the streetlight utility concept has been
discussed for years, and many cities have it in place. She supported
scenario G as the most prudent and best course.
Young said he was mindful today's discussion only sets the maximum
amount of the levy. He hoped the Council would continue to discuss the
budget. He saw a 7-8% increase in the budget over 2005 as too high.
Young agreed grants to volunteer-based human services should be
continued. They abate the cost of government significantly. He
questioned the need for direct human services provided by City Staff and
wondered if they could be redundant given County services. He asked for
more information on this point before approving the budget. Young
supported the fuel cost addition. He preferred leaving streetlights in the
general fund to promote simplicity and transparency. Young saw scenario
E as most appealing, but said the scenario chosen was secondary to his
concerns about the budget.
Aho said his concern was the overall tax burden. How it is broken out is
merely a philosophical question. The levy structure should be as
uncomplicated and deductible as possible. Aho agreed the increase was
too high. He noted he had already spoken to Staff and Neal about
potential areas for savings. Using the revenue stabilization fund could be
prudent,but the budget is still increasing too much regardless of how it is
funded.
Tyra-Lukens asked if the Council could continue to reduce the levy and
the budget the way the resolution is written. Neal said yes. The Council
could go forward with the August 16"'proposal or any scenario that is
less. Neal said he was confident he could find the needed $70,000 for
human services with little impact on overall services.
Young asked if the resolution assumes the creation of a streetlight utility
fee. Neal said the numbers do not include the $750,000 in streetlight costs.
If the City decided not to create the fee, there would be a significant hole
in the budget. Tyra-Lukens asked if option G would work without the
utility. Neal said no. The calculation includes $1,321,713 in fiscal
disparity funds. Case recommended reaching a consensus on streetlights
before going forward.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 11
Aho said pulling out streetlights skews the apparent increase in the levy
considerably. Case said the public could be told the true rate. Tyra-Lukens
noted the street lighting fee is only $2-3 dollars per month.
Neal reviewed that an increase in the levy does not translate into the same
percentage increase to individual taxpayers. The City has an increase in
the number of taxpayers and the value of property. For example, in
scenario G, a 3.81% increase in total tax levy translated into a 2.72% net
increase for a median home. In the original August 16"'proposal, all
classifications of commercial, industrial, and market rate apartments had
decreases in their net tax costs of 14%.
Neal suggested adding $750,000 to the numbers in the resolution to
preserve the option to add back street lighting after further discussion. The
Council could reduce the number later; this is common.
Aho asked where fiscal disparity fits in. Neal explained the total levy
includes about$1,321,713 million of fiscal disparities, which is distributed
from Eden Prairie to a pool which benefits cities of lesser means.
Young noted the revenue stabilization fund can smooth the transition,but
long-term, to sustain a reasonable levy rate the City must look at the cost
side, for example, of ambitious projects like the MCA. Young supported
getting the levy increase closer to last year's increase of 3%.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Case, to adopt Resolution No.
2005-110, which certifies the proposed 2006 net property tax levy to be
$28,978,845, sets the "Truth-in-Taxation"public hearing for Monday,
December 5, 2005 and, if necessary, to reconvene the public hearing on
Tuesday, December 13, 2005; accepts the proposed 2006 budget of
$75,033,173; and consents and approves the HRA tax levy of$200,000.
Motion carried 5-0.
C. REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
1. MCA Study Update
Jeremiah shared developments since the last Open House in April. The
Major Center Area task force has met twice and completed its work.
Jeremiah also met with the Parks and Recreation Commission, the joint
Planning Commission and City Council, the morning Rotary, developers,
the Chamber of Commerce, and several key property owners regarding
their preferred options for development, transport and wayfinding. There
will be more opportunity for public input at the next Open House
scheduled for Tuesday, September 27 from 5-7 p.m. at the Eden Prairie
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 12
Center Community Rooms, located on the lower level. Jeremiah invited all
Councilmembers to attend.
2. Amended Development Agreement for Eagle Ride at Hennepin
Village 6th Addition, and Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement
between Ryland Group and City of Eden Prairie
Jeremiah noted The Ryland Group, Inc. has agreed to provide eight(8)
affordable units within the development. The project has changed slightly
in that the affordable units will be provided at the carriage homes, not the
6"' addition of single-family homes. Section 16 of the Development
Agreement has been removed and incorporated in the Affordable Housing
Regulatory Agreement. The agreement is contingent upon City Attorney
approval of the development agreement and the Affordable Housing
Regulatory Agreement. The units must remain affordable for 40 years. It
is likely that Ryland will be working with WALT to handle the affordable
housing portion.
The Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement provides a new provision
for release of the agreement if after 3-6 months after issuance of the
occupancy permit, the affordable unit has not been sold to a qualified
buyer. The developer would have to reimburse the City for the difference
between the market and affordable rate. WALT believes this time is
adequate for them to market the units, as they can begin marketing about 5
months before the occupancy permit is issued.
Tyra-Lukens asked if the release provision would apply to the initial sale,
or to all sales over the 40-year period. Jeremiah said if WALT administers
the units, the release provision would apply to the initial sale only. If
WALT is not involved and the developer markets the affordable units on
their own, the release provision could remain in place for subsequent
sales.
MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the Amendment
to the Development Agreement for Eagle Ridge at Hennepin Village 6"'
Addition; and approve the Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement
between The Ryland Group Inc., and the City of Eden Prairie. Motion
carried 5-0.
D. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR
1. Puriatory Creek Recreation Area Access and Intersection
Improvements
Lambert noted the City surcharged the access area years ago to prepare for
construction. Earlier this year the City got an engineer's estimate of
$174,000 for the access. After reviewing all of the intersection and signal
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 13
improvements the estimate was revised to $311,000. Four bids were
received at the bid opening and the lowest bid was $357,176.28.
Since the bids more than doubled from the engineers estimate for
improvements of the road within the park, at the current time the City does
not have adequate funding to recommend approval of this project. The
Parks and Recreation budget would pay for a portion and the Public Works
budget could pick up approximately $60,000 of the project work; however,
this would still leave a shortage of$123,000 to have the work done this
fall.
Lambert recommended contacting the Flagship office building to see if
they would be interested in funding a portion of the project, since it is
difficult to turn left out of their facility and a signal would benefit them. If
negotiations were successful, he would bring another proposal in February.
Tyra-Lukens agreed this was an excellent idea.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher, to reject all bids for the
Purgatory Creek Recreation Area access road reconstruction. Motion
carried 5-0.
E. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
1. Drainage Update
Dietz reported the City is sandbagging along Grier Lane, south of the old
library. Water from Eden Lake could threaten 12-13 homes if the area
gets an additional 1.5 inches of rain this week. A pump is also going.
Dietz noted Saturday's storm generated 39 calls for service. In some
cases, flooding was due to poor home maintenance; in others, the ponding
areas came up too quickly to respond. The Grier Lane project is a location
where preventative measures can still be effective.
Case noted the rainfall was 6.5 inches at City Center, with residents
reporting 8-10 inches in some areas of the City. The drainage system is
built for a 100-year storm, and Saturday storm qualifies as such a storm. It
is not surprising there was some flooding.
F. REPORT OF POLICE CHIEF
G. REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
H. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
XVI. OTHER BUSINESS
A. CLOSED SESSION
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 6, 2005
Page 14
The Council went into closed session to discuss the sale price of city-owned real
estate.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Aho, to adjourn the meeting and go into a closed
session. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.