HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 09/20/2005 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 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. Councilmember Case arrived at 7:16 p.m. and departed at 7:57
p.m. due to work commitments.
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 Ric Rosow and Council Recorder Deb Sweeney.
I. ROLL CALL/CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Tyra-Lukens called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. She announced the next City
Council Workshop and Meeting will be held at the Riley Jacques Barn and recorded for
later broadcast. Butcher noted the Riley Jacques Barn recently received an award from the
Historical Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, the third such award for Eden Prairie.
Since a thousand barns are destroyed in Minnesota each year, the preservation of this barn
from the 1920s is significant. The Riley Jacques Barn is available for rent and has already
been used for numerous community functions. There will be a series of short plays on
October 7, 8, and 9.
Councilmember Case arrived at 7:16 p.m. and departed at 7:57 p.m. due to work
commitments.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. COUNCIL FORUM INVITATION
V. RECOGNITION OF 2005 NPRA NIRI EXCELLENCE IN INCLUSION AWARD
FOR CARLA KRESS
This item moved up in the agenda to accommodate the ABC students. Tyra-Lukens
announced City employee Carla Kress was presented with the National Recreation and
Park Association National Institute on Recreation Inclusion 2005 Excellence in Inclusion
Award at the Annual NIRI Conference in Palm Springs, California, for her significant
and consistent impact on the leisure field as it pertains to the inclusion of persons with
disabilities. This was a national award given to just one recipient. Kress thanked the City
for supporting her efforts to promote inclusion. Tyra-Lukens congratulated Kress on her
award.
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September 20, 2005
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IV. INTRODUCE AND WELCOME ABC STUDENTS
Students and resident directors of the ABC house introduced themselves to the Council.
Tyra-Lukens welcomed them to the community and invited the community to support
ABC through its 5K walk/run fundraiser this Saturday, at Staring Lake at 8 a.m.
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Neal added several brief items to the City Manager's Report. Tyra-Lukens added two
items to Reports of Councilmembers. Aho added one item to Reports of
Councilmembers.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the agenda as published and
amended. Motion carried 4-0.
VII. MINUTES
A. CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2005
MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Young, to approve the Council Workshop
minutes as published. Motion carried 4-0.
B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2005
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the City Council
minutes as published. Motion carried 4-0.
VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. APPROVE THREE TEMPORARY PERMIT-TO-CONSTRUCT
DOCUMENTS FOR THE TH 212 DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT, I.C. 93-5305
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005-111 DECLARING COSTS TO BE
ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT HEARING ROLLS AND SETTING HEARING DATE
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005-112 APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES
FOR THE NOVEMBER 8, 2005, PARK REFERENDUM/SCHOOL
DISTRICT ELECTION
D. PROCLAIM OCTOBER TOASTMASTERS MONTH
E. AWARD BID FOR ONE NEW RESCUE BOAT
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MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Butcher, to approve Items A-E on the Consent
Calendar. Motion carried 4-0.
IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS /MEETINGS
A. EDENVALE HIGHLANDS 2ND (THE PRESERVE AT EDENVALE) by
Calhoun Development. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Review
on 22.7 acres; Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 22.7
acres; Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 22.7 acres; Preliminary
Plat of 22.7 acres into ten lots, one outlot and road right-of-way. Location: 15598
Michele Lane. (Resolution No. 2005-113 for PUD Concept Review, Ordinance
for PUD District Review with waivers and Zoning District Change,
Resolution No. 2005-114 for Preliminary Plat)
Neal noted this is a 10-lot single-family development. It requires PUD waivers for
railroad lot depth and cul-de-sac length. A trail easement is recommended to plan
for a trail along the Purgatory Creek corridor at a future date. The biggest change
is that instead of being balanced for the amount of cut and fill, the project may
require 8,000 yards of fill. This would require approximately 650 dump truck
loads, fewer loads if belly dumpers are to be used. The developer will be required
to provide a bond to cover any potential damage to the public roads serving the
property. The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the
project to the City Council at its August 22, 2005 meeting.
Councilmember Case arrived at 7:16 p.m.
Resident Jeff Strate of 15021 Summerhill Drive expressed concerns over the large
amount of fill. He also questioned the railroad setback, saying the right-of-way
could accommodate two set of tracks and it is a high right-of-way, above the
house. He requested looking into rainwater gardens as an alternative to nurp
ponds for drainage. The cul-de-sac and the rooftops will create a lot of impervious
surface, and other communities have found rainwater gardens to be effective.
Young expressed concerns about the dump trucks, as they would be going down
his street. He asked how unusual this amount of fill is and requested details on
the trucking schedule. He said the fill issue had not been mentioned at the
neighborhood meeting.
Dietz said he couldn't give a global "average,"but the nearby development on the
west side of the hill by the same developer had required more trucking. Residents
of the affected street, Alpine Trail, were very appreciative of the developer's
conscientious efforts to accommodate them. He said speed limits could be
imposed.
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September 20, 2005
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The developer, Floyd Calhoun of Edina, MN, explained he didn't know about the
fill issue at the time of the neighborhood meeting. The Alpine Trail development
had twice as many truckloads, but the neighbors were still happy. Safety for kids
is the top issue. Calhoun said a 20 m.p.h. speed limit is part of his contracts and
violators are permanently dismissed. He notifies residents with hand-delivered
notices whenever trucking is planned and asks for their help in monitoring safety.
The Alpine Trail project required hourly trucks for about 10 days of work. He
gave gift certificates to the neighbors for their inconvenience and also worked to
accommodate special needs, such as landscape restoration for a wedding. Calhoun
characterized 8,000 yards of fill as a moderate amount.
Young asked when the hauling would occur. Calhoun said usually halfway
through the grading process. Neighbors would be notified door-to-door about a
week ahead. Normal hauling hours are 8:30—3:30, which coincides with school
hours.
Case said the developer's responsiveness was commendable and noted 8,000
yards is a small amount compared to some others. The Council once voted on the
project with a proposed 1,000,000 yards of fill, which would have required 50,000
trucks over two years. Some filling and removal of fill is normal.
Tyra-Lukens asked about rainwater gardens. Dietz said the City does not
routinely examine this possibility, but endorses it when proposed. Tyra-Lukens
asked Dietz to look into the possibility for this site. She wondered if the
maintenance would be less than a nurp pond would require. Dietz said it's a
different kind of maintenance, but some is still required.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Case, to close the Public Hearing, adopt
Resolution No. 2005-113 for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 22.7
acres; approve 1 st Reading of the Ordinance for Planned Unit Development
District Review with waivers, and Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5
on 22.7 acres; adopt Resolution No. 2005-114 for Preliminary Plat on 22.7 acres
into ten lots, one outlot and road right-of-way; and direct Staff to prepare a
Development Agreement incorporating Staff and Board recommendations and
Council conditions, including examining the possibility of rainwater gardens.
Motion carried 5-0.
B. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 19-2005 ESTABLISHING
A FEE SCHEDULE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF OFFICIAL
CONTROLS
Neal said this is a new Ordinance to be added to Chapter 25 of the City Code.
This Ordinance establishes a fee schedule for the City's costs in administering
Official Controls pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 462.353, Subd. 4. Neal
characterized this as "the ultimate housekeeping item." State statute requires fees
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September 20, 2005
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to be set by ordinance, nor resolution; that is the only change. There is no change
in the fee amounts from Resolution No. 2004-167 and this Ordinance.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Aho, to close the Public Hearing and
approve 1St Reading of Ordinance No. 19-2005 establishing a Fee
Schedule for Administration of Official Controls. Motion carried 5-0.
X. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Aho, 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. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 19-2005 ESTABLISHING A
FEE SCHEDULE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF OFFICIAL CONTROLS
AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005-115 APPROVING SUMMARY
ORDINANCE
Neal noted the first reading of the Ordinance was addressed under the Public
Hearing section of the agenda.
MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Young, to approve 2nd Reading of
Ordinance 19-2005 establishing a Fee Schedule for Administration of Official
Controls, and adopt Resolution No. 2005-115 approving summary Ordinance for
publication. Motion carried 5-0.
XII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
XIII. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
XIV. APPOINTMENTS
A. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES ON COMMISSIONS
Neal explained 16 applications were received. Three students are being appointed
to each Commission. All student terms begin in October 2005 and end in May
2006. An orientation session will be held for the student representatives on
Wednesday, September 28, 2005, before they begin serving on their Commission.
The orientation will include general information on City government, the City
Council, as well as Commission structure and function.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher, to appoint Danny Crichton,
Graham Kist, and Ali Neugebauer to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
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September 20, 2005
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Commission to terms beginning October 2005 through May 2006. Motion carried
5-0.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Aho, to appoint Jill Bartel, Rori Costello,
and Sandra Moran as Student Representatives to the Human Rights and Diversity
Commission to terms beginning October 2005 through May 2006. Motion carried
5-0.
MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Case, to appoint Danny Dunleavy, Anna
Hewitt, and Jennifer Nicklay as Student Representatives to the Heritage
Preservation Commission to terms beginning October 2005 through May 2006.
Motion carried 5-0.
MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Aho, to appoint Sarah Erickson, Michael
Kientzle, and Rui (Grace) Li as Student Representatives to the Arts and Culture
Commission to terms beginning October 2005 through May 2006. Motion carried
5-0.
XV. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
A. REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS
1. Upcoming City Events—Mayor Tyra-Lukens
Tyra-Lukens reminded citizens about the MCA Open House, to be held
September 27, 2005 at 7 p.m. in the Community Rooms on the lower level
of Eden Prairie Center, and the Town Meeting on the Parks Referendum,
to be held October 11"' at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
2. Budget and Tax Planning-- Mayor Tyra-Lukens
Tyra-Lukens said there seemed to be a desire among Councilmembers to
reduce the budget and levy less than the maximum set at the last meeting.
Staff has already tried to trim the budget, and Council did reject their
Human Services cuts. Tyra-Lukens asked Councilmembers to come to the
October 4"'meeting with specific ideas of programs to cut. This timeline
would allow staff to determine how much could be saved from those cuts.
Young said he required information on City departments to make such
recommendations and had requested it,but not received it. He especially
wanted to look at departments with increases above COLA and employee
benefit costs. His ability to respond for the October 4"'meeting is
dependent on getting that data. Aho agreed data is needed and said he had
made some recommendations already. Neal said the information is being
prepared and a detailed line item budget would go out in the Friday
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September 20, 2005
Page 7
Council packet. Tyra-Lukens reiterated that recommendations would need
to go beyond minor adjustments to real service changes and urged
Councilmembers to think about what changes to recommend.
3. Urban Land Institute—Councilmember Aho
Aho shared he had attended a presentation by the Urban Land Institute, for
which Charleston, SC Mayor Joe Riley was the speaker. Two main points
regarding redevelopment were to always ask how even the most
unglamorous project could be made beautiful, and to use redevelopment of
one keystone property to revitalize an entire neighborhood. Since Eden
Prairie is beginning to face redevelopment, some lessons can be learned.
Butcher noted that by intertwining historic preservation and economic
development, Charleston has become a tourist hub.
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
1. Updates
Neal welcomed Boy Scout Ben Cutler to the meeting. He shared the City
hosted ten public works directors from Australia. Neal also said Staff are
working on the report on Human Services that was requested by the
Council.
2. DVD on City for China Trip
Neal said the City is developing a 5-10 minute DVD about Eden Prairie,
which will be taken to China by Superintendent Krull as part of the
Governor's trade delegation. City employee Lisa Wu will do the Chinese
narration. One of the hopes is to make a connection with a sister city.
Tyra-Lukens asked if the DVD would be produced in English also. It
would be useful. Neal agreed this was a good idea.
3. Life on the Prairie
Neal urged residents to watch this excellent program, which airs Monday,
Wednesday and Friday at 10 am, 2 pm, and 1 1pm; Tuesday and Thursday
at 10 am, 2 pm, 6:30 pm, and 11 pm; and Saturday and Sunday at 9 am,
6:30 pm, and 10 pm.
C. REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
D. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR
1. Lower Puriatory Creek Conservation Area Trail Plan
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September 20, 2005
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Lambert explained the City is developing plans for three trail systems.
Edenbrook and Riley Creek have already been approved. Lower Purgatory
Creek is the last of the three. All residents within 1000 feet of the trail
were notified, generating 14 volunteers who worked on the plans
throughout the spring and summer. Lambert noted the most challenging
issue requires a land swap.
Trail development consultant Jeff Schoenbrauer gave an overview of the
process and the final plans. In addition to the task force,he met with 12
different individuals and groups to address concerns. An open house was
attended by about 60 people. There was overwhelming support for a
natural trail vs. a multiuse trail. The trail will be a single track, occasionally
widening so two can walk abreast. Because of the ravine topography, there
will be 10-12 bridges, simple wood structures.
The proposed first phase would be from the entry point at Homeward Hills
Park south to the entry point at Gantry Way. The estimated cost for the first
phase of this trail project is $168,500; and the total cost for all phases is
$449,500. The City has petitioned the Watershed District to fund fifty-
percent of the cost of these projects. Schoenbrauer noted several areas on
the map where plans had been adjusted to fit residents' needs.
The biggest adjustment is a proposed property swap with resident Greg
Mortenson to create an entrance point. The City's outlot is constricted,has
an unfavorable grade, and abuts outdoor living space used by Mortenson.
The plan proposes an even swap of 17,000 square feet (about one-half
acre), where the City would get a more favorable piece of land for its
entrance and Mortenson would get the current City outlot. The other
neighbor to the new entry approves the swap. Lambert noted it would be a
warranty deed for warranty deed swap.
Councilmember Case left the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Schoenbrauer said the $450,000 cost estimate is conservative and may
come in lower. He invited task force members to comment. Mortenson
thanked the City for it responsiveness to his issue. John McNeill, of 11105
Bluestem Lane, said he was very satisfied with the openness and
completeness of the process. Not everyone in the neighborhood may be in
favor of the project,but it does fit the neighborhood and the expectations
he had when he purchased his home. Tyra-Lukens thanked the task force
members for their input.
Butcher asked about parking for the trail. Schoenbrauer said Homeward
Hills park provides some parking, and another lot will be added on the
southern end when the trail goes through.
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Lambert asked the Council for a motion to approve the land swap concept.
He explained the next step would be final approval of the master plan and
phasing at the October 4 h workshop. The plans would then go in the CIP
and the City would approach the watershed district to fund 50% of the cost.
Tyra-Lukens asked if the projects were prioritized if the watershed district
could not fund them all. Lambert said yes. It is also possible the City would
need to fund the projects upfront and be paid back by the watershed district
over a period of eight years.
MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Butcher, to approve the Lower
Purgatory Creek Conservation Area Trail Plan as per the recommendation
of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission, the Lower
Purgatory Creek Conservation Area Trail Planning Committee and the
consultant. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the land swap
concept to create a trail access to the proposed Lower Purgatory Creek
Conservation Area Trail. Motion carried 4-0.
E. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
F. REPORT OF POLICE CHIEF
G. REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
H. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
XVI. OTHER BUSINESS
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Butcher moved, seconded by Aho, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried
4-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.