City 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