HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 06/15/2010 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY,JUNE 15, 2010 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Phil Young, Council Members Brad Aho, Ron Case, Jon Duckstad and
Kathy Nelson
CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Parks & Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Public
Works Director Gene Dietz, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, City Attorney Rick
Rosow and Council Recorder Jan Curielli
I. ROLL CALL/CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Young called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. All Council Members were present.
II. COLOR GUARD/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. OPEN PODIUM INVITATION
IV. PROCLAMATIONS /PRESENTATIONS
A. THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT UPDATE
Neal said representatives from the Three Rivers Park District were unable to be
here tonight.
B. MRPA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Lotthammer said the Parks and Recreation Department has been selected to receive
Awards of Excellence from the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association
(MRPA). Amy Peterson, a member of the Awards Committee for the MRPA,
presented two awards to Lindsey Danhauser: the Programming and Events category
award for the Eden Prairie Art Crawl, and the Administrative/
Management Strategies category award for the Eden Prairie Art Center. She
presented a Park and Facility category award to Stu Fox for the Veterans Memorial.
C. SENIOR CENTER GRANT FROM THE EDEN PRAIRIE FOUNDATION
Lotthammer said the Eden Prairie Foundation is donating $3,240 to fund two dozen
new cushioned arm chairs at the Senior Center.
MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Aho, to accept the donation from the
Eden Prairie Foundation in the amount of$3,240 to fund cushioned arm chairs at
the Eden Prairie Senior Center. Motion carried 5-0.
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V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Case added Item XIV.A.2. Aho said he will be presenting Item XIV.A.1. because the
Mayor has recused himself from that discussion. Rosow said Item VIII.K. should be
approved with the understanding it will undergo further review.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion
carried 5-0.
VI. MINUTES
A. COUNCIL WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the minutes of the City
Council workshop held Tuesday, May 18, 2010 as published. Motion carried 4-0-
1, with Young abstaining.
B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010
MOTION: Duckstad moved, seconded by Case, to approve the minutes of the City
Council meeting held Tuesday, May 18, 2010 as published. Motion carried 5-0.
VII. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. CLERK'S LICENSE LIST
B. APPROVE SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 10-2010
AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTERS 5, 9 AND 11, RELATING TO
RECYCLING AND ADOPT SUMMARY RESOLUTION 2010-41 FOR
PUBLICATION
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-42 APPROVING MASTER UTILITY
AGREEMENT WITH MNDOT FOR THE TH 169/I-494 INTERCHANGE
IMPROVEMENTS, I.C. 01-5549
D. AWARD CONTRACT FOR THE RIVERVIEW ROAD POND REPAIR
PROJECT TO G. F. JEDLICKI, I.C. 10-5772
E. APPROVE A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
EASEMENT FOR THE RILEY CREEK BANK STABILIZATION
PROJECT, I.C. 08-5717
F. APPROVE AMENDED CONTRACT FOR COMPLETION OF BANK
STABILIZATION PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE BIDS FOR A SEGMENT
OF LOWER RILEY CREEK, I.C. 08-5717
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G. APPROVE SUBMITTAL OF THE CITY'S ANNUAL STORMWATER
PERMIT REPORT, I.C. 02-5585
H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-43 APPROVING REVOCATION AND
DESIGNATION OF PORTION OF COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY NO.
39, I.C. 02-5576
I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-44 APPROVING APPOINTMENT OF
ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE 2010 PRIMARY AND GENERAL
ELECTION
J. AWARD CONTRACT FOR 2010 BUILDING MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
TO RESTORATION SYSTEMS, INC.
K. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN REVISED ADOPTION
AGREEMENT AND FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN ADMINISTRATION
AGREEMENT WITH GENESIS BENEFITS, INC.
L. DIRECT CITY TO NOT WAIVE MONETARY LIMITS ON MUNICIPAL
TORT LIABILITY ESTABLISHED BY MINNESOTA STATUTES 466.04
M. AWARD CONTRACT FOR STARING LAKE PARK BIKE TRAIL TO
NORTHWEST ASPHALT, INC.
N. APPROVE MODIFICATIONS TO POLICY GUIDELINES FOR
COMMUNITY USE OF PARKS AND RECREATION RENTAL FACILITES
RELATING TO COMMUNITY CENTER CATERING REQUIREMENTS
O. ENTER INTO AN ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT FOR PRIVATE USE
OF PUBLIC PROPERTY WITH DENNIS F. AND KAY M. BERGMANN
P. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-45 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE,
SALE,AND DELIVER OF A MULTIFAMILY HOUSING REVENUE NOTE
(PRAIRIE MEADOWS PROJECT), SERIES 2010
Q. ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LIMITED USE PERMIT FOR
NON-MOTORIZED TRAIL
R. APPROVE RENEWAL OF ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT WITH
MOTOROLA FOR THE DISPATCH CONSOLES AND THE NICE
LOGGING RECORDERS.
Duckstad said he would like to remove Items M and Q for special consideration.
Case said he had questions about Items D, F and G.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Aho, to approve Items A-L, N-P, and R on
the Consent Calendar.
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Case asked if we are using the same company to rebuild the pond and the bank
stabilization that we used before when the pond failed. Dietz said we are using the
same engineering firm but there is a different contractor. Case asked if the plans
were approved by the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District. Dietz said they
reviewed the plans, and we made modifications to the plans to meet the reviews.
Case asked about Item G. Dietz said there is a requirement of the MPCA that we
submit on an annual basis. Regarding Item O, Case said he assumed the Bergman's
have signed off on the agreement. Neal said they have signed off.
VOTE ON THE MOTION: Motion carried 5-0.
Regarding Item M, Duckstad said he has a bias in favor of trails; however he
wanted to point out that particular trail will be a capital expenditure of$170,000.
He noted for every dollar we spend on a City project, we take the same dollar away
from a citizen of Eden Prairie. He thought this is an expenditure that should be
delayed and pushed into the future so he objected to passing this capital
expenditure at this time. Regarding Item Q, Duckstad said there is no particular
project with this item,rather it is asking for a permit that will prepare for the letting
of bids. He asked if there is some estimate of how much the capital improvement
will cost. Lotthammer said we estimated our cost for the Staring trail(Item O) at
$214,000 but the bid came in at$169,000. Our estimate for the Riley trail (Item Q)
is about$200,000,but we won't know if that estimate is correct until the bids come
in. Both of these trail projects are funded from the 2005 park bond referendum. We
have come down to some of the last dollars to spend from that$2,000,000
referendum, and these are two of the last connections that would make use of those
funds.
Duckstad said the fact they are in the bond referendum doesn't compel us to spend
it this year. He asked why it could not be done next year or after the economy
recovers. Lotthammer said these are some of the best prices we have seen. If the
building climate comes back, we will not get the good prices and we may not be
able to do both trails. We have the funds available now, and these are sections of
trails that have been identified for quite some time in the trails plan. We don't have
to do them at any time,but he didn't know what happens down the road if we don't
use the referendum funds. Duckstad said so that means there is no compelling need
to build the trails this year. Lotthammer said there is no compelling reason why
they have to be built,but staff recommends they be built.
Neal said we don't want to build these trails just because we have the money
available,but it behooves us to get the best value we can with public funds. In this
case the voters approved these dollars on trails in 2005, and they can't be spent on
anything else. Staff believes the best value is occurring right now because of the
downturn in the construction market. These projects were contemplated five years
ago when the referendum was approved. Duckstad noted there is nothing to say the
prices won't be lower next year.
Nelson asked if these dollars will be replenished. Neal said they will not be, unless
there is another referendum. Nelson asked if the money can be used for any other
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park projects. Neal said they are dedicated for trail improvement and construction.
Nelson asked why we have waited since 2005 to build them. Neal said there has
been a slow pace of completing some projects every year through the design and
construction phases. Nelson asked if there are a limited number of trails we can do
this year. Neal said that was correct. Nelson said saving $44,000 on a trail is good
use of referendum money.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve Items M and Q on the
Consent Calendar.
Young said he agreed with Council Member Duckstad on this item. He understood
these are tax dollars,but it is equally true we can't spend them twice. He noted so
far this year we have passed some form of trail project on almost every Consent
Calendar. He said most of those projects have been trail reconstruction projects,
and it is important to maintain what we have in these times,but now we are talking
about building new trails. He thought it is an appropriate time to see if we are doing
anything differently than we did two years ago. He thought we could use
referendum dollars on maintenance,but it may not be the right time to make
enhancements to the system.
VOTE ON THE MOTION: Motion failed 2-3-0, with Aho, Duckstad and
Young opposed.
IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS
A. VACATION OF PORTION OF SANITARY SEWER AND WATERMAIN
EASEMENTS ON LOT 1, BLOCK 1, INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
(Resolution NO. 2010-46)
Neal said official notice of this public hearing was published in the May 27, 2010,
Eden Prairie News and sent to one property owner. The property owner has
requested the vacation of the sanitary sewer and water main easement over a part of
Lot 1, Block 1, International School, to facilitate the addition of a track facility.
Portions of the existing sanitary sewer and water main will be moved and new
easements will be dedicated. He said staff reviewed this and support it. This will
enable a project the City Council previously reviewed.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Aho, to close the public hearing, and to
adopt Resolution No. 2010-46 vacating a portion of the sanitary sewer and water
main easements lying over, under and across Lot 1, Block 1, International School,
according to the recorded plat thereof, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Motion
carried 5-0.
B. VACATION OF PORTION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS
ON LOT 1, BLOCK 2, WINDSOR PLAZA (Resolution No. 2010-47)
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Neal said official notice of this public hearing was published in the May 27, 2010,
Eden Prairie News and sent to seven property owners. The property owner has
requested the vacation of the drainage and utility easement over a part of Lot 1,
Block 2, Windsor Plaza, to facilitate the proposed Randy's Bobby and Steve's
property development. He said staff has reviewed the project and supports the
request.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Case, to close the public hearing and to
adopt Resolution No. 2010-47 vacating a portion of the drainage and utility
easements lying over, under and across Lot 1, Block 2, Windsor Plaza, according to
the recorded plat thereof, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Motion carried 5-0.
C. WILLIAM HOAG REZONING by William Hoag. Request for zoning district
change from Rural to R1-13.5 on .55 acres. Location: 12005 Sunnybrook Road.
(Ordinance for zoning district change)
Neal said official notice of this public hearing was published in the May 7, 2010,
Eden Prairie News and sent to 27 property owners. This is a rezoning of a single
family lot from Rural to R1-13.5 located at 12005 Sunnybrook Road. The proposed
lot conforms to the requirements of the R1-13.5 zoning district for lot size and lot
dimensions. The rezoning also included a variance request for average setback
from 134 feet to 35 feet. This was approved by the Planning Commission on May
24, 2010. When 40% or more of a block is developed, the required setback shall be
equal to or greater than the average setback of the principle structure on either side.
The lot depth is 154.77 feet. Applying the average setback and rear yard setback
requirement would make it impossible to build a house without granting front
and/or rear yard setback variances. A staff report for second reading of the
ordinance for rezoning is located under Ordinances and Resolutions. The 120-day
review period expires on September 3, 2010. The Planning Commission voted 7-0
to recommend approval of the rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 on May 24, 2010.
Jeremiah said the applicant was unable to be here this evening, but they indicated
they would like to move forward with the public hearing.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Nelson, to close the public hearing, and to
approve first reading of the ordinance for zoning district change from Rural to R1-
13.5 on .55 acres. Motion carried 5-0.
D. 78TH STREET MARKET by Oppidan. Request for planned unit development
concept review on 1.22 acres,planned unit development district review on 1.22
acres, zoning district amendment within the C-HWY zoning district on 1.22 acres
and site plan review on 1.22 acres. Location: 8045 Flying Cloud Drive.
(Resolution No. 2010-48 for PUD concept review; Ordinance for PUD district
review and zoning district amendment)
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Neal said official notice of this public hearing was published in the June 3, 2010,
Eden Prairie News and sent to 16 property owners. The project is a 7,600 square
foot retail building that replaces the existing Marathon gas station and car wash
buildings. The landscape plan has been revised for a decorative fence and
plantings. The fence needs stone or brick columns to be consistent with the Lone
Oak plan. The developer has agreed to add these to the plan. This will be a
condition in the developer agreement. The 120-day review period expires on
September 3, 2010.
Jeremiah said this redevelopment is in conformance with the Major Center Area
(MCA)plan's expectations for the property.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Duckstad moved, seconded by Aho, to close the public hearing; to
adopt Resolution 2010-48 for planned unit development concept review on 1.22
acres; and to approve first reading of the ordinance for planned unit development
district review with waivers, and zoning district amendment in the C-HWY zoning
district on 1.22 acres; to direct staff to prepare a development agreement
incorporating staff and commission recommendations and Council conditions; to
approve and authorize issuance of a grading permit for West 78th Street retail
project subject to release by the City Engineer upon determination that the final
contract documents conform to plans stamp dated June 15, 2010, as approved by
the City Council; and to approve and authorize issuance of a footing and foundation
permit for the West 78th retail project subject to release by the Chief Building
Official that the building permit conforms to plans stamp dated June 15, 2010, as
approved by the City Council.
Nelson asked if this property will still have an exit onto Flying Cloud Drive. Dietz
said that exit will be closed.
Case said the comment on tree replacement in the staff report indicates they can't
meet the 200 caliper inches required, and he wanted to make sure staff believes
they can't meet that. Jeremiah said we are satisfied with the solution. Staff has
found that in the more urban redevelopments the applicants are having trouble
meeting the tree replacement requirements, so we have used a variety of different
amenities to meet the tree replacement requirement. We have received positive
comments about the aesthetics for projects coming out of this process. Case noted
in the past we have banked trees from a development for use in another area, and
we have a lot of tree needs in the MCA. He asked if we could take money from
those projects and plant tress in other areas. Jeremiah said we have talked about
that option, but it would require an ordinance amendment.
VOTE ON THE MOTION: Motion carried 5-0.
E. CUMMINS GRILL HOUSE LANDSCAPE RESTORATION C.O.A.
Certificate of Appropriateness for landscape restoration plan for the R. Cummins
Homestead
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Neal said official notice of this public hearing was published in the June 3, 2010,
Eden Prairie News and sent to five property owners. The Certificate of
Appropriateness application is for landscape restoration over much of the heritage
site. The site sustained construction related damages in many areas due to
Hennepin County's roadway reconstruction project on adjacent Pioneer Trail
(CSAH 1), and the City's subsequent ball field and parking lot reconstruction
projects. The implementation of the landscape restoration plan is the mitigation
agreed to by the City and Hennepin County transportation as stipulated in the
Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement(MOA), between the Federal Highway
Administration, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and State Historic
Preservation Office.
Neal said the plan is found to meet preservation standards applicable to this
application request based on the following:
• That notice of the City Council public hearing was published in the local paper
• That proper notice was given to property owners within 500 feet of the site
• That the City's Parks & Recreation Director was present to provide oral and
documentary evidence to the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)
• That the HPC was presented with the application for review for the restoration
of the John R. Cummins House landscape
• That the application does meet the Secretary of the Interior's standards, and the
specific criteria for Certificate of Appropriateness. These findings are listed in
Exhibit A of the Certificate of Appropriateness.
Neal said the Eden Prairie Heritage Preservation Commission held a public meeting
on May 17, 2010, and reviewed the landscape preservation plan per City Code,
Section 11.05, Subd. 8.C., criteria for Certificate of Appropriateness. The
Commission voted in favor(7-0) to recommend that the City Council approve the
application for Certificate of Appropriateness No. 2010-02-004.
Jeremiah said it seems like a solution that satisfies all the agencies and the City's
internal organization as well.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Aho, to close the public hearing and to
adopt the findings of fact and approve Certificate of Appropriateness #2010-02-004
for the John R. Cummins House landscape restoration plan, subject to the State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) review and comment. Motion carried 5-0.
F. 2010 CDBG FUNDING MODIFICATION (Resolution No. 2010-49)
Neal said official notice of this public hearing was published in the May 27, 2010,
Eden Prairie News. The Human Services Review Committee is recommending
funding the vehicle repair program from the remaining $4,159 in 2010 CDBG
Public Services funds. The Eden Prairie car repair program was established to meet
the great need in the community and to help residents maintain self sufficiency.
Since the inception of this pilot project in the fall of 2006 there have been 86
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repairs made for Eden Prairie residents. From July 2009 to present there have been
15 repairs (20 repairs in 2009) for a total of$9,438.71. The assistance of the car
repair program has helped clients who need their cars in order to get to work and/or
to support themselves and their families. The program is administered, at no cost to
the City of Eden Prairie, by Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin
(CAPSH). The repairs must be made in one of six participating garages in Eden
Prairie, thereby insuring local distribution of the funds.
Neal said to qualify for the program clients must meet both residency and CDBG
income eligibility guidelines. Clients are required to provide the necessary
documentation, including driver's license, proof of car insurance and ownership
and income verification. Clients must also sign an agreement that they will not sell
the car for 90 days following the repair. Repairs are limited to problems that
impact safety issues. The car repair program will pay 75% of repairs, and the client
is responsible for 25% of the initial garage estimate. The client portion must be
paid before repairs are started. The program will pay up to $750 for repairs.
Anything over this amount will be the responsibility of the client. Clients are able
to access the program once every three years.
Neal said this program was in previous CDBG public service programs, but it was
not included in the current budget. There are some extra funds in the program that
could be used for this, so it is being brought back as a mid-year adjustment.
Nelson said she thought this is an opportunity we need to take. This is a case where
businesses have seen a need for some of their clients to get cars repaired, and they
have come together to allow it to happen at a reduced cost. We use a small amount
of block grant money and cooperate with local businesses. She said she wished
there were more than $3000 to put into it.
Duckstad asked if this is a pass-through program where the City acts as a conduit
for federal money that is passed down to the local level. Neal said that is correct. It
is federal funding that comes to the City through the CDBG program. It is
accounted for separately in our budget and has restrictions on it. Duckstad asked if
the City provides any of this service or just acts as a conduit. Neal said in this case
we are paying CAPSH to manage the program. Duckstad asked if there is any cost
to the City in administering the program. Neal said there are some forms we have
to fill out.
Young said it was true the CDBG funds are pass-through dollars,but it is important
to remember that we provide human services in two ways, through the CDBG and
through our operating budget. One of his personal initiatives has been to reconcile
our CDBG decisions with our own budget decisions because if we make better use
of the pass-through dollars we can make better use of our tax dollars. He did not
think being in the car repair business is as good a use of the dollars as some other
programs could be, so he did not support this.
Basil Wissner, 8293 Mitchell Road, asked where the extra funds came from. Neal
said sometimes the agencies don't do their program to the extent they thought they
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were going to, and that is where these extra dollars come from. Jeremiah said at the
time we did the initial CDBG allocation earlier this year we were required to do it
by a certain date,but we only had an estimate of what the federal dollars would be
for the year. When the actual amount came through it was $18,000 more than
anticipated, and we received program income from a number of CDBG loan
programs which get paid back into the CDBG program. She said we are proposing
to spend only $3000 out of the extra $4100 for this program so we can have a
reserve with the rest of the funds. Wissner said he recalled when the Council talked
about allocating the funds they discussed coming back to the Council for approval
if the amount was different. Jeremiah said that is what we are doing tonight for the
public service portion of it.
Molly Koivumaki, Housing and Community Services Manager, said the $15,000
additional was distributed in accordance with the previous allocations,but the
public service piece was not allocated.
Aho asked what takes place at the end of the year if the CDBG dollars are not
allocated and spent. Koivumaki said we have 18 months in which to spend the
funds. Aho asked if we could then apply them the next time we allocated CDBG
funds if we did not spend the dollars through this program. Koivumaki said we
could.
Case thought that all of our CDBG funds go towards good uses. The programs
never have enough funding, and he didn't know that any of the Council Members
were prepared to say that it should all go to one of the programs. He said this
program is very few dollars but it helps families in an area of their lives where they
don't get help from other programs. We don't have enough dollars to spread the
way the organizations would like,but we have enough to incentivize some of the
programs we believe in.
Nelson said this allows people to keep their jobs and keep paying taxes, and the
program also supports the business community. She believes in supporting our
business community and in trying to put through public/private programs to
maximize the dollars.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Nelson, to close the public hearing and to
adopt Resolution No. 2010-49 approving the use of$3,000 in 2010 CDBG funds
for vehicle repair program. Motion carried 4-1-0, with Young opposed.
X. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Duckstad moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the payment of claims as
submitted. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Case, Duckstad, Nelson
and Young voting "aye."
XI. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
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A. WILLIAM HOAG REZONING by William Hoag Second reading of Ordinance
11-2010 for zoning district change from Rural to R1-13.5 on .55 acres (Ordinance
NO. 11-2010 for Zoning District Change)
Neal said this is final approval of a rezoning of a single family lot from Rural to
R1-13.5 located at 12005 Sunnybrook Road. It was approved earlier tonight as Item
IX.C., therefore the second reading will require a unanimous vote of the City
Council in order to be adopted at the same meeting.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve second reading of
Ordinance No. 11-20 10 for a single family lot from Rural to R1-13.5 on .55 acres.
Motion carried 5-0.
XII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
XIII. APPOINTMENTS
A. STUDENTS ON COMMISSIONS
Neal said we received 14 applications for the 2010-2011 Students on Commission
program. Commission staff liaisons met to review and discuss the applications.
The attached appointment recommendations are based on the students' stated
Commission preferences and the quality of their applications. All 14 student
applicants are being recommended for appointment. The fall Students on
Commission term is from September 2010 through December 2010. The
winter/spring term is from January 2011 through April 2011. An orientation
session will be held during the late summer.
MOTION: Case moved to appoint to the Arts & Culture Commission: David
Mingo and Everett Keegan for the fall and winter/spring terms; Duckstad moved to
appoint to the Conservation Commission: Rachel Wood and Joshua Auerbach for
the fall and winter/spring terms; Aho moved to appoint to the Flying Cloud Airport
Advisory Commission: Neeraj Ajgaonkar for the fall and winter/spring terms;
Nelson moved to appoint to the Heritage Preservation Commission: Ian English for
the fall and winter/spring terms; Case moved to appoint to the Human Rights and
Diversity Commission: Ryan Borchardt and Salman Ikramuddin for the fall term,
and He Li, Clayton Carlson and Alexander Borsch for the winter/spring term; and
Duckstad moved to appoint to the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources
Commission: Ethan Holdahl and Pranay Rao for the fall and winter/spring terms,
and Shyam Raman for the fall term. Young seconded the motions. Motion carried
5-0.
XIV. REPORTS
A. REPORTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Report on the City Manager's Performance Review —Council Member
Aho
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Aho said the Council met in closed session prior to this meeting to review
the City Manager's performance relative to the stated goals for his
performance. He said the review was very positive, and we have a
consensus that Mr. Neal had achieved the goals we stated for him during a
period of economic duress. He gave three examples of the stated goals. The
first example was leadership through the budget process in delivering a zero
growth budget which resulted in a zero levy growth while maintaining City
services and a positive morale among the City employees. The second
example was improvements in transportation with his role in directing staff
to work with elected officials and MnDOT employees on the Hwy 169
improvements. The third example was safety with the completion and
testing of an emergency management plan to ensure City operations during
a disaster. He said the Council also discussed compensation and Mr. Neal
offered a revision of his contract with some suggestions for changes. He
said the Council would like to look at contract revisions prior to the next
term of review and develop a revised contract for the City Manager.
MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Case, to keep the City Manager's
merit pay at the same dollar level as that in 2008 and 2009 so there is a zero
dollar increase in the overall pay.
Case said the total package was $157,171, which is exactly the same as last
year.
Duckstad said his concern is that we are still going through a difficult
economy. There are too many people struggling to make ends meet so it is
his position that, in the best interests of the taxpayers,he was not in favor of
a merit increase or a compensation increase.
Aho said as it stands right now the motion does not include any increase in
total compensation over last year and the merit pay is identical to last year's
merit pay. He felt it is appropriate for the City Manager to lead by example
given that we have asked City employees to work with no increase in
compensation.
Duckstad said he was still opposed to the motion. He said his statements
were made on the basis of what is best for the taxpayers.
Case said he has voiced his discomfort with the whole term and concept of
merit pay; however the goals set a year ago for the City Manager were
accomplished so he should receive the merit pay. He proposed we do
something sooner rather than later to look at eliminating merit pay and
setting a total salary package. He noted the City Manager's salary package
fits into the middle of the range for city managers of comparable cities.
Rosow said Council Member Nelson's motion dealt with merit pay. The
amount of merit pay was set at$4723 and that should be stated in the
motion. He said the motion should reflect the fact that there is no increase in
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the base salary or other benefits that are specifically provided under the City
Manager's agreement.
AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Case,
to keep the City Manager's merit pay at$4,723, the same dollar level as
2008 and 2009, with no increase in his base salary or other benefits
specifically provided under the City Manager's agreement.
VOTE ON THE MOTION AS AMENDED: Motion carried 3-1-0, with
Duckstad opposed. Young recused himself.
2. Goodrich-Remus Barn— Council Member Case
Case said he found it very sad we might lose the building. He asked what
the plans are if they don't find someone to buy it for$1.00 and move it.
Dietz thought there is something on their website about two options, one to
buy and move it and one to buy the land and the barn. Case asked staff to
look into that and see if there is a way that we could contact the County. He
hoped the Council would agree we have an emotional interest in it staying
in the City and being privately owned. He would like staff to check it out
and report back at the July meeting. Dietz said staff would do that.
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
1. Former KinderCare Building Lease Proposal
Neal said Council and staff discussed selling the property when we
purchased the building for the purpose of providing right of way to the
Singletree project. It has been on the market, and there have been some
offers on it. At this point those offers have been approaching about 60% of
what we are asking for it. This property might be the key to future
redevelopment in this area. Staff would like to have guidance from the
Council about leasing the property as an interim use. We have received a
number of bona fide proposals to lease the property, but when we had the
original discussion with the Council the direction was to sell it.
Aho said he was generally not in favor of the City being in the business of
leasing commercial property, but in this case right now is a tough economic
time to sell property. He thought it makes sense to lease it now in order to
hold on to it and combine it with some nearby property in a redevelopment
project.
Nelson said she would hope we would look at a more flexible lease
situation since we really don't have any idea how long we would need to
lease the property.
Duckstad agreed with the concept and would like to see Mr. Lindahl report
back to the Council from time to time with a progress report.
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June 15,2010
Page 14
Neal said it was important for the Council Members to know that this
property will stay on the tax roll because there will be a taxable use of the
property. Staff has no desire to keep it as a City facility and wants it to be a
privately-owned building.
2. Update on Discussions with MAC rmardins!JAZB and Flyins! Cloud
Fields Expansion
Neal said at our last meeting the Council received a report from the City
Attorney that raised some concerns about the direction of the Joint Airport
Zoning Board (JAZB) in two areas—zoning administrator duties and the
indemnification offer. He said the JAZB had a relatively short meeting later
that week and directed the respective staffs to get together and work out
some compromises. He said he, Mr. Kipp and Mr. Rosow got together with
MAC staff last week to discuss that.
Rosow said MAC staff was genuinely surprised that the City did not want to
be the zoning administrator. We discussed the rationale for our position and
their position. hi their view, the City should be the zoning administrator for
Eden Prairie because they believe the zoning ordinance affects every
property in the City. Even without the zoning board in existence every
property owner in the City ought to be obtaining some review for aviation
purposes under federal law. From that point of view they thought it was
better that our citizens not have to come here for everything else and then
go to MAC as well in order to see that they were exempt from Zone C. He
said we need to analyze that further to see if that is sufficient justification.
They described it as a regulation that hasn't been activated or enforced with
respect to the federal law that requires Zone C. He said staff will advise
further on that issue.
With respect to indemnification, Rosow said they questioned why we didn't
like the indemnification they provided and gave us examples of
communities around other airports where they negotiated and developed
that language. We described our position that the language used in the
indemnification had certain subjective paragraphs that allowed them to
cancel the indemnification without a court reviewing it, and we preferred
the statutory definitions and formats. He said they did not come to a
meeting of the minds on that. It is a hard sell for their staff to go back to
their commission and say all the other communities have accepted except
Eden Prairie. However, there are different considerations and we can't
consider to be bound by what other communities did when we weren't part
of the discussions. They told us that this was something they wanted to do
but didn't want to "ram it down the throat." If we didn't want to do it, they
might report to the commission they can't resolve the ordinance. He said we
are not very far away on the ordinance, but we need more discussion.
Aho asked if the next meeting has been set up. Neal said at this point we do
not have it set up. We told them we needed to have discussion on our end,
particularly about the zoning administrator duties in the Zone C area.
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June 15,2010
Page 15
Neal said we also discussed the Flying Cloud ball fields, and we have the
workings of an agreement on the ball field expansion. Staff hopes to bring it
back to the Park & Recreation Commission and then to the Council in July.
C. REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
1. Den Road Lease
Jeremiah said there is a lease proposal for a chiropractic clinic at the space
formerly rented by Hollywood Video in the City's Liquor Store#2 building.
They would take 2200 square feet on the southwest corner of the building.
The terms are for five years with a $25 per square foot net rent for years one
and two. She noted the rent for Hollywood Video was $21.66 per square
foot. She reviewed the details of the lease proposal and said staff
recommends approval.
Neal said we have been working very closely with a commercial real estate
broker and have reviewed a number of offers for the space. This one is the
best offer we received. They are interested in the back of the building which
leaves us some pretty good commercial space on the front of this building.
He commended Mr. Lindahl for a lot of work on this project. Staff
recommends approval, and the tenant is ready to execute the lease
immediately.
MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve a new lease
between the City of Eden Prairie and Dr. Tory M. Robson for a Chiropractic
Clinic at the City owned property located at 8020 Den Road. Motion
carried 5-0.
D. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR
1. Award Contract for the Miller Park Play Area Improvements to
Blackstone Contractors
Lotthammer said we designed a master plan for the play area several years
ago with the intent of making this as barrier free as possible. We designed it
as a two-phase approach with the first phase for the younger age group. The
second phase is for 5-12 year olds. We currently have one new and
improved half and one that is somewhat dilapidated. This contract would
update and bring the second half into code compliance. The bids received
were within the budgeted amount.
Mike Garvin, 18503 Bearpath Trail, said he has received a lot of credit for
the play ground and park but he really has had a small role. It was an idea
he came up with but it has been carried out by everyone. The project was
started in 2007, and we all should be extremely proud of what we
accomplished. The response to the first phase has been incredible. He
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 15,2010
Page 16
wanted to express how important it is to expand the park and make an
extension of the first phase. He thought this component will compliment
Phase 1 and give a broader spectrum of kids the opportunity to use it.
Duckstad said this is a great park that is large and heavily used. There was a
comment made that half of the park is somewhat dilapidated but he didn't
share that impression. He said half of the park has been built because of the
donation of the Garvin/Miller family. His problem is that he was in favor of
Phase 2 but, due to the state of the economy and our budget constraints,he
didn't see any need to put that side in right away.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Nelson, to award the contract for
Miller Park play area improvements to Blackstone Contractors in the
amount of$401,430.25 for the base quote plus alternate A5,plus alternates
A7 to A15, and deduct item D1.
Case said we wouldn't be where we are today if former Councils and
residents hadn't built the city we love today. There have been tough
economic times over the past 30 years,but the City Councils continued to
build the City. We are in tough economic times, and it is appropriate we
raise questions when we spend money;however, he thought it is a mistake
to question every single dollar that goes out just because we are in tighter
economic times. That is what will make our City fail when we come into
better times. He agreed we cannot do everything, but he believed we have to
do enough.
Young said the idea that we vote against everything is an oversimplification
of the process. He said Council Member Duckstad asks reliable questions
about how we are spending our money and that is appropriate in these
times. He said he respected the reasons for Council Member Duckstad's
belief even though he didn't agree with him on this particular issue.
Aho thought it is critical that we evaluate every project we look at in terms
of timing, especially the sizable projects. In this particular case he agreed
that we need to do this park,but to do a$400,000 project at this time is not
critical. There are no particular safety issues involved. He appreciated all
the effort the Garvin and Miller families have put into this, and the
community greatly appreciates it. He would like to see us move forward in
a year or so when times get better.
Nelson said the area around the boat does not seem to be in pristine
condition and asked if there are any safety concerns about the age of any of
the equipment. Lotthammer said some settling has happened near the
southeast entrance to the older play structure due to drainage issues in that
area. One of the play structures is in good shape, and we will keep that in
place. It needs to be brought up to code but it has life left in it. Other
equipment needs to come out because of the drainage issues and safety
hazards. We started this as a phased approach to spread the financing out.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 15,2010
Page 17
Nelson asked if the money will replace unsafe portions of the play ground
with barrier free equipment. Lotthammer said there are components that fit
into the barrier free program and others that are structured towards people
with non-mobility disability issues. Nelson said she couldn't condone
keeping unsafe park equipment. This is a high use park area, and we should
have safe equipment there.
Duckstad said in the report it was mentioned that the other play components
are 5-12 years old. His recollection is that most of it is five years old except
for the boat. He asked how long these problems have existed. Lotthammer
clarified that we talk about play structures as being appropriate for age
groups. The term "5-12 years old" refers to the age group for which it is
appropriate. The pieces we have in the older section have been in place for
over 12 years and those were designed for 5-12 year old children. Duckstad
said there wasn't anything in the report about safety issues. Lotthammer
said if we feel it is usable we have been pushing all of these as far as we
can. Duckstad said the report doesn't state any children have been injured
over there, and asked if we have any records on that. Lotthammer said he
didn't know of any recent injuries at that location.
Aho said he was not in favor of keeping equipment that is unsafe and asked
if Mr. Lotthammer would recommend we remove some of the equipment if
we don't move forward. Lotthammer said there are a couple of areas we
would want to take out of commission or rope off. Aho said given that we
would spend money to take them out,he would change his mind and vote in
favor of this.
Young said this project is consistent with what we have talked about
historically for this playground.
VOTE ON THE MOTION: Motion carried 4-1-0, with Duckstad opposed.
E. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
F. REPORT OF POLICE CHIEF
G. REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
H. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
XV. OTHER BUSINESS
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Duckstad, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried
5-0. Mayor Young adjourned the meeting at 8:54 PM.