02-06-2012 Council Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 6, 2012 APPROVED 46 47 3. Blue Heron Rookery Update—Environmental Coordinator Asleson introduced 48 Environmental Board member Barbara Bor and volunteer Wayne LeBlanc. Mr. Asleson 49 reported that the heron nests are up on Peltier Island and they have counted approximately 50 57 nests. There is a workshop scheduled for February to prepare for the volunteer work 51 such as installing additional flashing to protect from the raccoons. He noted that National 52 Geographic has been to the area and worked on a production about the herons called 53 Mysteries of the Wild to be released soon. 54 55 Mr. LeBlanc introduced himself as a volunteer citizen who works with the heron project. 56 He offered thanks to the Environmental Board and Anoka County Parks for their 57 important support. While there used to be some 1,000 nests on the island and that 58 decreased to 47 at one point, he is estimating that in a secondary survey it now appears 59 even higher(up to about 125 nests) and it is coming on strong. Mr. Asleson added 60 thanks to Eagle Brook Church who provides sticks that the nesting birds have accepted 61 for their nesting materials. Mr. LeBlanc noted the important work of the group that goes 62 to the island; with new nests in trees now they will probably focus their work on flashing 63 for those new sites. 64 65 The council offered thanks to the group and congratulations on the huge and important 66 success they are seeing on the island. It is important and much appreciated work. A gift 67 was presented to Mr. LeBlanc by Ms. Bor on behalf of the Environmental Board. The 68 Board will be working to update their plans on the rookery this year. 69 70 4. Otter Lake Road Extension—Community Development Director Grochala noted that 71 the subject of the Otter Lake Road Improvement Project is on the next regular council 72 agenda for the purpose of the council conducting a public hearing. Since the project is 73 within a Charter exempt zone, it will follow Chapter 429 proceedings relative to 74 assessment of costs. After the hearing the council has options: take no action, request 75 additional information; or authorize preparation of plans and specifications. Since 76 assessments are involved,property owners have been notified. There is a time in the 77 process when a commitment is made so that the project moves forward. He noted that the 78 project is proposed to be funded by special assessment to benefited properties and there is 79 no back up funding so if those special assessments don't hold up for some reason and the 80 project is committed, the costs become a general obligation of the city. With that 81 consideration, Mr. Grochala noted the following possibilities: 1) in the short term,the 82 city could work with an appraiser to tighten up what are now just estimates on the costs 83 involved; 2) do a special benefit analysis with an appraiser for a more security in the 84 assessments; 3)wait for the appeal period on assessments to pass before committing to 85 the project. Staff is ready with an appraiser for direction from the council. A council 86 member asked if the appraisal costs would normally be incurred anyway with this project 87 and Mr. Grochala said mostly but not necessarily the benefit analysis. One council 88 member noted that covering the bases seems like a good idea in this case, especially with 89 one landowner not in favor of the assessments. 90 2