City Council - 05/02/2006 - Workshop APPROVED MINUTES
CITY COUNIL WORKSHOP— OPEN FORUM/OPEN PODIUM
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2006 CITY CENTER
5:00—6:25 PM, HERITAGE ROOM II
6:30—7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Councilmembers Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher, Ron
Case, and Philip Young
CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Police Chief Dan Carlson, Fire Chief George Esbensen,
Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Parks and Recreation Director Bob Lambert, Community
Development Director Janet Jeremiah, Communications Manager Pat Brink, Assistant to the City
Manager Michael Barone, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Recorder Lorene McWaters
GUESTS: Hennepin County Commissioners Randy Johnson and Linda Koblick
Heritage Room H
Assistant to the City Manager Michael Barone and Fire Chief George Esbensen were absent.
I. DISCUSSION WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
A. UPCOMING ROAD PROJECTS
Gene Dietz reviewed upcoming road construction projects, including the Pioneer
Trail expansion. Dietz commented on the Highway 101 situation. He said Eden
Prairie is supportive of improving the roadway, but is currently waiting for
concurrence from Chanhassen.
B. MANAGEMENT ISSUES ALONG THE SWLRT BIKE TRAIL
Commissioner Koblick said another round of meetings will be held soon to inform
residents of how the County intends to deal with encroachments. Commissioner
Johnson said the County will likely start reminding people in writing annually that
the trail corridor belongs to the County and encroachments are not allowed.
C. UPDATES ON JOINT LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS AND
PROGRAMS
Chief Carlson commented on the positive working relationship Eden Prairie Police
Department has traditionally had with Sheriff McGowan, who has announced he
does not intend to run for reelection. Carlson said he looks forward to continuing
those positive relationships with the next Sheriff.
D. LIBRARY OPERATIONS UPDATE
Commissioner Johnson said circulation at the Eden Prairie branch is comparable to
the three "Dale" libraries, and children's literature circulation even outpaces them at
times.
E. DISCUSSION OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT OPTIONS
Commissioner Johnson said a number of options are being considered and the
County Board expects a staff recommendation on routing by the end of this year.
G. HCMC GOVERNANCE
Commissioner Johnson said January 2007 is target date for launching the new
governance structure. The new 13-member board will include two Commissioners.
The County Board will continue to oversee limited aspects of HCMC's operations.
Commissioner Koblick suggested Councilmembers review the draft bylaws online
to see who will be responsible for what under the new design.
H. PLANNING FOR FLU EPIDEMICS
Commissioner Johnson said internal planning includes how to continue critical
functions if up to a third of the workforce is not able come to work.
I. STADIUMS
Aho asked the Commissioners to comment on a stadium tax. Johnson said he
supported it and Koblick did not. Koblick said there will be at least three public
hearings if the legislation is approved by the State Legislature. Johnson said the
current bill only authorizes the County Board to go forward. How it proceeds will
depend on the form of the final bill.
Other topics touched upon were the growing meth problem and the County smoking ban.
Council Chamber
II. OPEN FORUM
III. OPEN PODIUM
IV. ADJOURNMENT