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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 03/09/2010 - Workshop APPROVED MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP & OPEN PODIUM TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010 CITY CENTER 5:00—6:25 PM, HERITAGE ROOM II 6:30—7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Phil Young, Council Members Brad Aho, Ron Case, Jon Duckstad, and Kathy Nelson CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Police Chief Rob Reynolds, Fire Chief George Esbensen, Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Recorder Lorene McWaters GUESTS: Terry Schwalbe, Lower Minnesota River Watershed District; Joel Toso, Wenck& Associates Heritage Room H I. LOWER MINNESOTA WATERSHED DISTRICT: RIVERBANK EROSION Terry Schwalbe, Administrator of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD), said that four years ago the watershed district inventoried the entire watershed to identify areas of erosion. Three hundred problem areas were identified. The watershed district asked each city to pick four problem areas for a joint project with the watershed district. The district agreed to pay for 50 percent of the feasibility studies for the projects. One location chosen by Eden Prairie was the bluffs/Riverview Road river bank area. The original feasibility study was completed; however, the board suggested studying a larger area than originally proposed (1,500 feet vs. 500 ft.). Wenck and Associates and Stanley Consultants were hired by the LMRWD to study the problem and produce a report outlining possible solutions. Joel Toso, Wenck Associates,presented the results of the Phase I Report on the Minnesota Riverbank and Bluff Stablization project. He said the preliminary report was presented to the watershed district in December and was updated in February. Toso showed a graphic of the sharp bend where the Minnesota River is directly impinging on the bluffs. Toso also showed graphics that depict the extent of erosion at this location and the stormwater pond that has failed and is currently subject to an MPCA schedule of compliance. Toso said the study shows that the meander in the River is moving faster than in the past. In addition, hydrologic studies show increasing water flow in the river. Stanley Consultants conducted the geotechnical portion of the study. They determined that the slope on the bluff to the private property lines has limited risk for erosion damage, and the existing homes are safe. Toso said a small sample of the "black ooze" was tested and the preliminary analysis shows it is not from the landfill,but further testing is underway. City Council Workshop Minutes March 9, 2010 Page 2 The feasibility study identified three possible solutions: installation of a rip-rap blanket at a cost of about$1.9 million; bendway weirs at a cost of about$3.3 million; or rock vanes for a cost about$1.1 million. Schwalbe said the district does not have the finances to undertake the project, so they are considering seeking State bonding. They have met with Representative Jenifer Loon, who indicated she would be willing to sponsor the project for the 2012 bonding bill. Schwalbe said the district is interested in learning what kind of partnership the City is willing to undertake for this project. Mayor Young asked how much of the report has been discussed with property owners. Schwalbe said they have not discussed the report with property owners. Young said he does not think the Council is ready to make a decision today. He would like to see the Hustad's be more involved in discussions. Public Works Director Gene Dietz said he would encourage the City to partner with the district on this project,but that it is very likely beyond the ability of either the City or the district to fund the solution. Dietz said he does not think the Corps of Engineers will reconsider funding the project because it does not involve what they consider an infrastructure failure. Dietz said the existing failed pond on lower Riverview Road will have to be addressed by the end of this year. Until the river bank is stabilized, it would not be a good investment to replace the pond at its current location. However, the pond can be relocated, if necessary. Council Chamber II. OPEN PODIUM A. PETER YAO —FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT Yao said he is an Eden Prairie resident who lives on June Grass Lane. Yao said there has been a lot more airplane noise from Flying Cloud Airport since the runway expansion, especially over the last two to three weeks. He said there are one to two noise curfew violations every morning and night. He asked if there is something this City can do about this. Young explained that the City does not have the authority to prevent flights into and out of the airport,but that the Flying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission works with the MAC on voluntary curfew issues. He said the MAC has a website and phone number to contact with complaints. Young suggested that Mr. Yao contact the MAC directly with his concerns. Council Member Case said he believes there is a recent court decision that would allow people to find out the identity of airplanes flying in and out of the airport. B. ADAM LITER—DUNN BROS. AND EARTH DAY Liter said he is a senior at the high school and a student member of the Human Rights & Diversity Commission. He encouraged the City Council to continue to allow live music to be performed at the Smith Douglas More House/Dunn Bros. coffee shop. He said he is also the co-president of the environmental club at the high City Council Workshop Minutes March 9, 2010 Page 3 school. He asked if it would be possible for the high school to have an earth day event in conjunction with the City. He has contacted the Conservation Commission staff liaison with this request. Neal said the City is planning a joint earth day event with Hennepin Tech and they can look into including the high school as well. III. ADJOURNMENT