HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 04/04/2017 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY,APRIL 4, 2017 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Council Members Brad
Aho, Sherry Butcher Wickstrom, Ron Case, and
Kathy Nelson
CITY STAFF: City Manager Rick Getschow, Public Works Director
Robert Ellis, Community Development Director Janet
Jeremiah, Parks and Recreation Director Jay
Lotthammer, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Council
Recorder Jan Curielli
I. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Tyra-Lukens called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. All Council Members were
present.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. OPEN PODIUM INVITATION
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
A. DONATION FROM FLYING CLOUD ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR
ANIMAL OPEN HOUSE (Resolution 2017-39)
Lotthammer said the City received a donation of$200 from the Flying Cloud
Animal Hospital towards the Animal Open House held at the Staring Lake
Outdoor Center.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Nelson, to adopt Resolution 2017-39
accepting the donation of$200 from the Flying Cloud Animal Hospital towards
the Animal Open House. Motion carried 5-0.
B. DONATION FROM FRIENDS OF EDEN PRAIRIE LIBRARY FOR
SPECIAL EVENTS (Resolution 2017-40)
Lotthammer said the Friends of the Eden Prairie Library have donated $200 to be
used for the Arts in the Park, Animal Open House and Fall Harvest events.
MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Aho, to adopt Resolution 2017-40
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April 4, 2017
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accepting the donation of$200 from the Friends of the Eden Prairie Library
towards three special events. Motion carried 5-0.
C. ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION
Mayor Tyra-Lukens read a proclamation proclaiming May 6, 2017, as Arbor Day
in the City of Eden Prairie.
D. EP GIVES WEEK PROCLAMATION
Mayor Tyra-Lukens read a proclamation proclaiming April 23-29, 2017, as "EP
Gives Week."
Mark Weber, representing the Eden Prairie Foundation, accepted the proclamation
and said "EP Gives Week" is meant to inspire volunteerism in the community. The
proclamation recognizes the work of nonprofits, service clubs, community-minded
organizations and individuals whose spirit of philanthropy, charitable giving and
volunteerism make Eden Prairie a great place to live, work and play. A Volunteer
Fair will be held on Thursday, April 27, in the Education Center at Eden Prairie
City Hall. The fair will provide opportunities to the public to learn more about
volunteer opportunities in Eden Prairie. The annual Eden Prairie Foundation
fundraiser will be held on April 29, 2017, from 6:00 to 11:30 p.m. at the Oak
Ridge Conference Center.
V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Getschow added Item VIII.J. to the Consent Calendar.
MOTION: Butcher Wickstrom moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the agenda as
amended. Motion carried 5-0.
VI. MINUTES
A. COUNCIL WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve the minutes of the City
Council workshop held Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.
B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher Wickstrom, to approve the minutes of
the City Council meeting held Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.
VII. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR
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April 4, 2017
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A. CLERK'S LICENSE LIST
B. APPROVE PURCHASE OF MOBILE LICENSE PLATE READERS
C. APPROVE PURCHASE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DISK TO DISK
BACKUP FROM WORKS COMPUTING
D. APPROVE 2016 UNBUDGETED FUND TRANSFERS
E. AWARD CONTRACT FOR CRACK SEALING PROJECT TO
AMERICAN PAVEMENT SOLUTIONS
F. AWARD CONTRACT FOR STRIPING TO WARNING LITES OF
MINNESOTA, INC
G. APPROVE PURCHASE OF TRIMBLE GIS LOCATING EQUIPMENT
H. DECLARE SURPLUS PROPERTY
I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2017-41 APPROVING PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENT WITH MNDOT FOR COST PARTICIPATION OF TRAFFIC
SIGNAL RECONSTRUCTION
J. APPROVE SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN RJM
CONSTRUCTION AND THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
MOTION: Butcher Wickstrom moved, seconded by Case, to approve Items A-J on
the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0.
IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS
A. ORDER IMPROVEMENTS AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDEN PRAIRIE ROAD EXTENSION TO FLYING
CLOUD DRIVE STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS (Resolution No.
2017-42)
Getschow said this is a project that has been discussed the last several years. The
City Council authorized a feasibility study for street and utility improvements to the
southerly section of Eden Prairie Road on June 18, 2013. Subsequently, the City
Council authorized a feasibility study on June 16, 2015 to review options to serve
the Lion's Tap and adjacent property with city sanitary sewer and water service,
based on a petition. The Lion's Tap Utility Options feasibility report was received
by the City Council on February 14, 2017. At that meeting, the City Council
directed staff to incorporate the recommended utility improvements into the Eden
Prairie Road Extension to Flying Cloud Drive feasibility report. Because the City
Council authorized the preparation of the southerly Eden Prairie Road feasibility
study without a valid petition, approval of the project will require a 4/5 majority
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April 4, 2017
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vote. He noted many neighborhood meetings have been held to discuss the project.
Rod Rue, City Engineer,reviewed the scope and details of the project. He said this
area of Eden Prairie has been under study for improvements since 2001. The
northerly portion of the Eden Prairie Road project(south of Riley Creek) was
completed in 2015, and the project costs were levied to the benefitting properties in
October 2015. He said the Council discussed the Lions Tap site at the meeting two
weeks ago, and tonight is the portion of the feasibility study for Eden Prairie Road
improvements. He presented a map of the proposed improvement and assessment
area that showed the proposed realignment of Eden Prairie Road and the MUSA line.
He noted Lions Tap is outside the MUSA line but was approved in 2014 to receive
City sewer and water services. He reviewed the proposed realignment of the road
and noted there will be a trail on the east side of Eden Prairie Road. As part of the
project, the City purchased Outlot B which could become some type of amenity. He
reviewed the proposed assessment area for the street and storm drainage
improvements. He said the sewer and water improvements will be made along the
existing roadway down to the Lions Tap property. A lift station will be located near
Lions Tap.
Rue said the City's portion of the sewer and water improvements will be financed
primarily by means of City bonds, with the exception of the Lions Tap property
which will be assessed for the sewer line extending easterly from the lift station and
for half the cost of the lift station. There is some development potential for the sites,
and there will be a City connection fee at the time any of the sites are developed and
connect to sewer and water. Rue said the total cost of the project is $4,485,300, 22%
of which would be covered by assessments and connection fees. He reviewed the
schedule for the project, noting the project should be substantially completed by
November, 2018, with final completion by July, 2019, if Hennepin County's Flying
Cloud Drive project remains on schedule. The final assessment hearing would be
held in October, 2019.
Nelson asked if people who live along the road would be able to connect to the
sewer line. Rue said properties that are within the MUSA line can easily connect,but
properties outside the MUSA line would have to go through a process to get
approval from the Met Council and the City Council. Nelson then asked if people
will not be assessed until they connect or sell the property. Rue replied all the
properties would be assessed for sewer and water as they connect,but the street and
storm drainage improvements would be assessed at the hearings to be held in 2018.
Nelson asked if that means no one would be hit by the total assessment at once. Rue
said that was correct. He reviewed a spreadsheet of the preliminary assessment rolls
for the project.
Case asked about the number of potential units for Parcels 40 and 41. Rue said, with
the exception of the easterly piece, those properties are outside the MUSA line, so
most of the units would have to be approved for sewer and water by the Met
Council. Case asked if the situation would be that the sewer and water assessment
would occur as the property develops if the MUSA line were to be changed,but the
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April 4, 2017
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street and drainage assessment would have already been included. Rue responded a
sewer and water stub was placed off Flying Cloud Drive so access is available;
however, there were no street or drainage assessments for Parcels 40 and 41 because
they don't have access to Eden Prairie Road.
Case asked about the two buildable units on Parcel 35. Rue replied that number is
based on potential of two buildable units on the flat area near the top of the property.
Case asked why we are assessing $16,640 for Parcel 36. Ellis replied this lot has
historically been challenged because no sewer and water was available and the 14%
grade on the existing road meant this would be an unsafe lot for a house. The
property now has the potential for development because the realigned and improved
road decreases the curve and the grade. The Met Council and the City Council would
have to approve that property for sewer and water before it could be developed. Staff
wanted to leave it on the rolls and see what happens in the next two years. Case
asked if they could build one house there. Ellis responded the Met Council would
have to grant approval. Case said it feels uncomfortable to do assessing for an
unbuildable lot with the current configuration of the MUSA line. Ellis noted we are
not doing the assessing tonight.
Case asked why we are putting a plan in place to assess an unbuildable lot rather
than assessing it when it becomes buildable. Rosow said if the property were not
included in this stage, it could not be added in the future. This is the preliminary
stage, and these are proposed assessments. The parcel could be excluded at a later
date but could not be added in. The property could be assessed if the circumstances
change so it can be developed, or the property could be pulled from the rolls two
years from now when the assessment occurs if changes have not been made. Rue
noted the street and storm drainage assessment could be deferred with interest since
this is a vacant parcel.
Dean Edstrom, 10133 Eden Prairie Road, said he has lived on his property for many
years and wants the road to stay where it is. He was perfectly happy with the road as
it is because the condition and alignment of the roadway keeps the traffic down. He
was concerned about overall development on the bluffs. The development of homes
north on Eden Prairie Road is causing increased traffic on the road as more people
use the road who don't reside in the immediate neighborhood. Extending Eden
Prairie Road to the west makes it an enticing shortcut and would create a great deal
more traffic.
Adam Buenz, 10100 Eden Prairie Road, said Eden Prairie should assume some of
the cost of the assessment for his property. His is the primary parcel where the land
acquisition will come from, and the road will be aligned close to his home. Tyra-
Lukens asked if the assessment was 25% of the cost of the property. Mr. Buenz
replied it was about 115 of the cost. Tyra-Lukens asked staff to address Mr. Buenz'
point about the new road moving closer to the house. Rue said there is a very sharp
curve and steep grade in that area of the road. The realignment flattens the grade to
10% and makes the curve a 30 MPH road in order to build the road to CSAH
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standards. He said it may be possible to sharpen the curve somewhat, and there will
be some right-of-way purchasing to make the realignment happen. Tyra-Lukens
asked if there could be retaining walls built so the road didn't have be graded into
the property.
Aho said Mr. Edstrom brought up a good point regarding assessments, in that the
residents are not asking for the improvements and the improvements are a result of
development that has taken place in the area. He asked if there is any standard that
allows us to assess a greater area than just the adjacent properties. Ellis replied we
are applying much the same methodology as was used in Phase 1 of the Eden Prairie
Road improvements. It is a philosophy that has been used as the City has grown. The
first 600 feet of improvements to Eden Prairie Road will be assessed to the
properties, and the City will cover the rest. That would be very consistent with Phase
1 of the Eden Prairie Road improvements and other roadways in the City.
Aho asked if a property owner who has a house on one lot and owns two
undeveloped lots would not see the assessments until they were developed. Ellis said
the homesteaded parcel would be assessed for one street and storm drainage
assessment,but the assessment on the other two lots would be deferred until they
were developed.
Case was concerned that changing in mid-course would be unfair for everyone
involved in past assessments and would set a different precedent.
Michelle Wolter said she owns Parcel 27. She did not think it was fair that she paid
for Phase 1 of the road construction and now she is being assessed again. Tyra-
Lukens asked why one unit is being assessed for improvements that were already
assessed as part of the first phase. Rue said this parcel was discussed at the Phase 1
hearing, and about 2/3 of the property frontage was included in Phase 1 of the
improvements. At that time, it was one parcel, and they were assessed for one unit
and deferred for one. Since that time the lot has been split, and the top part of the lot
became a buildable lot. Since the parcel has been assessed for Phase 1
improvements, the assessment for the street and drainage improvements is deferred
until the other lot is developed.
Perry Ryan, 10197 Eden Prairie Road, said he sympathized with some of the
comments made by the other property owners; however, he was generally in favor of
the project and thought City staff did a good job.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher Wickstrom, to close the public
hearing and to adopt Resolution No. 2017-42 ordering improvements and
preparation of plans and specifications for Eden Prairie Road Extension to Flying
Cloud Drive Street and Utility Improvements. Motion carried 5-0.
X. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
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MOTION: Butcher Wickstrom moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve the payment of
claims as submitted. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Butcher
Wickstrom, Case, Nelson and Tyra-Lukens voting "aye."
XI. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
XII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
XIII. APPOINTMENTS
XIV. REPORTS
A. REPORTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Mayor's Water Challenge (Resolution No. 2017-43)
Tyra-Lukens said Eden Prairie has participated in the Mayor's Water
Challenge for the past six years. The purpose of the challenge is to increase
residents' awareness of conserving water and energy and to have a more
sustainable community. We have won an award for our participation every
year, and we hope to do so again. The challenge continues throughout the
month of April, and residents can learn more on the City website. Getschow
said there is a button on the website that links to mywaterpledge.com.
MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Butcher Wickstrom, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-43 supporting the Mayor's Challenge for Water
Conservation. Motion carried 5-0.
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
C. REPORT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
D. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR
E. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
F. REPORT OF POLICE CHIEF
G. REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
H. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
XV. OTHER BUSINESS
Nelson said she would like to determine what we must do to petition for the extension of the
MUSA line because she would like to begin the first steps of that process. Case said he would
be very cautious of moving the line in the area along the bluffs; however, there may be other
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areas we can carve out. Nelson said we may need to have a conservation area for the bluffs,but
she would like a report on the whole topic, including the options available to us. Getschow said
staff could do that. He noted the MUSA line is a line drawn for sewer and water that is
independent of concerns about the bluffs or other issues; however, we have many mechanisms
in place that can be used to protect bluffs and slopes.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Butcher Wickstrom moved, seconded by Case, to adjourn the meeting. Motion
carried 5-0. Mayor Tyra-Lukens adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.