HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-07-2011 Council Minutes CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 7, 2011
APPROVED
1 CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE : March 7, 2011
5 TIME STARTED : 5:33 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED : 9:55 p.m.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Member Gallup, Rafferty, Roeser&
8 Mayor Reinert
9 MEMBERS ABSENT : Council Member O'Donnell
10
11
12 Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Director of Administration Dan
13 Tesch; Director of Public Services Rick DeGardner; Director of Public Safety Kent
14 Strege; Director of Finance Al Rolek; Director of Community Development Michael
15 Grochala; Economic Development Coordinator Mary Alice Divine; City Engineer Jim
16 Studenski; City Planner Jeff Smyser; City Clerk Julie Bartell
17
18 1. CSAH 34 (Birch Street) Corridor Study—Community Development Director
19 Grochala reported that this study has been in progress for the past two years, having
20 originally been identified as a city goal in 2008. Anoka County took the leadership role;
21 the study has been prepared by SRF Consulting Group. He introduced Jack Corkle,
22 Anoka County, and John Hagen and Brian Shorten, SRF Consulting Group.
23
24 Mr. Shorten updated the council on the process used to prepare the study and reviewed
25 the overall recommendations. He noted that it has come forward through a public
26 process during which they found clear concerns about needs for the roadway including
27 high levels of congestion during peak hours, accessibility to the roadway and bike and
28 pedestrian concerns. A transportation advisory group was formed with the goals of
29 improving safety, mobility and design for the corridor. In explaining the elements of the
30 study and recommendations and noting concerns heard about the use of a raised median,
31 Mr. Shorten noted the ability to stay with a two-lane roadway in some areas. The study
32 contains different options but all could be accommodated within the proposed right of
33 way. As the council makes decisions about the corridor, they will have flexibility in the
34 planning that's been done. He noted that the report's executive summary reflects the
35 revisions that have occurred within the report.
36
37 When a council member asked for an explanation of why the recommendation is for some
38 two-lane section and some four-lane, Ms. Corkle explained that the county has looked at
39 the numbers (traffic) very carefully and they feel the two-lane is appropriate in a portion
40 of the corridor but in the more highly accessed area, four-lane is appropriate. The use of
41 some two-lane is a cost saver also.
42
43 When a council member asked why trails are included on both sides of the roadway, Ms.
44 Corkle responded that there is a challenge to get people from both sides of the corridor to
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 7, 2011
APPROVED
45 amenities that are mostly on the north side so you must get them to a point where they can
46 cross safely.
47
48 The council discussed the speed limit for the corridor and Ms. Corkle explained that the
49 speed is set by the county since it is a county roadway; she suspects the speed of the cars
50 will change somewhat with the planned improvements. She also reminded the council
51 that as they consider development plans for the corridor area, they should be cognizant of
52 following the plans for good traffic movement.
53
54 Regarding changes to the width of the corridor, Mr. Shorten explained that a maximum
55 120 foot wide footprint is planned, adding that 70% of the corridor is already that width.
56
57 Community Development Director Grochala added that he feels that in the two years that
58 have been spent on this project, they have covered a lot of ground and set up a good plan
59 to allow for the vision ahead. It will allow the city to address issues as the corridor
60 develops.
61
62 Robert Bening, 6788 East Shadow Lake Dr, noted his concern that the trails planned for
63 the project will not be acceptable for bike traffic. They are shared and do not allow for
64 the pace of a bike. Also, as he has publicly requested previously, he hopes any
65 improvements will include left turn signals that are sensitive enough to detect bike traffic.
66 He added that shoulders can be used by bicylers but he has concern if they are also used
67 for right turn lanes. Ms. Corkle responded that she will research the turn lane sensitivity
68 as well as the shoulder-sharing question.
69
70 The council will consider acceptance of the plan at the March 28, 2011 council meeting.
71
72 2. RCWD Watershed Management District—Representing the Rice Creek
73 Watershed District (RCWD) were: Phil Belfiori, Administrator; Rick Mastell, Board
74 Member; Patricia Preiner, Board President; and Attorney John Kolb. Mr. Belfiori
75 explained that they are returning to the council after their last visit in February to continue
76 discussion of Anoka County Ditch Project 10-22-32. The council has heard about the
77 importance of improving this watershed (ditch) and why the RCWD is requesting that the
78 city concur with their plans to use watershed law to finance the repairs.
79
80 The mayor noted that he understands that the issue is a ditch that hasn't been kept up and
81 is causing due concern among property owners. Further that the RCWD is asking to
82 charge the cost of improvements to some others rather than just the adjacent property
83 owners.
84
85 Attorney Kolb responded that typically, the system for charging looks at who gets
86 drainage from their property and to what degree; it is not technically an assessment
87 process. What the RCWD is proposing to do is to look at the immediate contributing area
88 for a local share of the cost and also directly charge based upon benefit. However, they
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 7, 2011
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89 would also like to look at the general benefit derived and use a pool of funds that is
' -- 90 collected district wide (taxing authority).
91
92 When the mayor asked how often these improvements occur, Attorney Kolb explained
93 that this is considered a one-time cost; past completion of this project only regular
94 maintenance is expected. Mr. Kolb added that the financing of the project that they
95 propose is more economical (saving approximately $200,000) and they plan to solicit
96 public input on the plans.
97
98 The council will consider the resolution consenting to the proposal at the March 14, 2011
99 council meeting.
100
101 3. 49/J Development Proposal—Economic Development Coordinator Divine
102 introduced Oppidan development representatives Joe Boone, Paul Tuski and Patrick
103 Barrett as well as Attorney Peter Coyle, all present to discuss a grocery development
104 proposal for County Road 49 and J. Ms. Divine explained that there are issues that make
105 the area in question challenging for development and the development team is present to
106 discuss them with the council and seek some direction on the council's interest.
107
108 Attorney Coyle explained that there are questions on infrastructure (roads, water, sewer)
109 as well as gaining control of all the necessary properties.
110
111 Mr. Tuski distributed and then reviewed development plans for the site. A grocery
112 operation is the catalyst for this proposed development and, based on research, they are
113 comfortable the market is there. The cost of necessary infrastructure is one item that
114 they'd like to discuss with the council.
115
116 The mayor recalled that there have been issues raised regarding development of this site
117 in the past, mainly relating to neighborhood intrusion (24 hour operation, lighting and
118 noise).
119
120 A member of the development team replied that they have dealt with similar concerns in
121 the past. He is comfortable that they can deal with those concerns and he provided the
122 council with a picture of a grocery site in St. Paul that indicated how they dealt with
123 keeping lighting from intruding on a neighborhood. They are aware of concerns and
124 ready to address them.
125
126 Attorney Coyle remarked that the team is interested in knowing if the proposed
127 development is a basic possibility. They are estimating a cost of about $1.5 million to
128 extend utilities to the area. Those utilities would obviously provide benefit to other
129 properties and so they wonder if the city would be interested in assisting through the use
130 of tax increment. He reminded the council that the state is allowing the use of tax
131 increment for retail but that allowance has an end date that is approaching. For the
132 developer to handle the cost alone would be an impediment to development.
133
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134 The mayor suggested that a discussion about that possibility would be allowed. He asked
135 for an explanation about what is different about this proposal from those rejected in the
136 past? Ms. Divine responded that the project is somewhat smaller than the previous but
137 actually there is not much difference in proposals; she added that the council heard pros
138 and cons from the neighborhood about the project in past discussions and that's to be
139 expected. The mayor suggested that the idea of the site being commercial probably isn't
140 the problem but there seems to be concern about the type of projects they've seen
141 proposed.
142
143 The council heard more about what other development could be seen in the area and how
144 it could come on line; the market dictates a kind of grow as you go process at the current
145 time.
146
147 The developer suggested that they would like to be able to solidify their plans and bring
148 them through the city process for site planning and they'd like to know the council's
149 opinion. The mayor remarked that the proposal seems very similar to the last one the
150 council saw for the site and that was deemed undesirable. He recognizes the site is a
151 good one for a grocery but isn't certain that this plan couldn't get better; it concerns him
152 that the store would be so close to the residential area and that it includes no
153 improvement for the 49 Club property. Another council member added that he has some
154 concerns about the box architecture and other elements so he isn't in a strong support
155 position at this time.
156
157 Staff noted that site planning would be key for this development; staff will continue to
158 work with the developer and report back.
159
160 4. Otter Lake Road extension request- Economic Development Coordinator
161 Divine introduced Bruce Miller, owner and proposed developer of the property on the
162 northeast quadrant of the intersection of I35E and County Road 14, as well as Bill
163 Griffith who is assisting Mr. Miller. The project proposed is a fast food restaurant for
164 which both roadway and utilities would be required.
165
166 Mr. Miller, MFC Properties Corporation, introduced his company that has been in
167 business for 38 years and that manages office, retail and medical office facilities. They
168 have experience in growing areas and in phased development. At the site in question, the
169 company owns 18 acres. It is an area that has been planned for growth for some time and
170 more so now that the interchange improvements are underway. Mr. Miller reviewed the
171 site plan before the council noting that they are ready to submit their plat for approval if
172 they can get an Otter Lake Road extension. The question he brings to the city is how the
173 necessary road work can be achieved.
174
175 Mr. Griffith added the company has set objectives for the site and if those can be met,
176 they're comfortable they can make the financing work. The question is being posed as to
177 how far the roadway should go? Their plans for call 330 feet of roadway only to
178 accommodate the first development—incremental building is really the name of the game
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 7, 2011
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179 now. When the mayor asked why the developer isn't interest in extending the roadway
180 further for future development, Mr. Griffith replied it is strictly based on cost, adding that
181 there are watershed issues that would have to be dealt with down the road also.
182
183 Community Development Director Grochala added that more size to the
184 development/roadway would be great but what's being offered is fine and could act as a
185 catalyst for more. The sewer infrastructure costs can be broken down so that
186 developments pay for their use area and size. He added that easements would be required
187 from some adjacent property owners, there could be some assessments involved and
188 eminent domain may be requested.
189
190 Mr. Miller added that the area is ready for development and, from his perspective, the
191 assessments he will pay for the bridge project make this new development more
192 attractive.
193
194 Mr. Grochala noted that the question to the council is if they are interested in the public
195 improvement project attached to development of the restaurant? And is tax increment a
196 tool that could be used?
197
198 Ms. Divine added that the city Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)
199 heard a presentation on this development and have forwarded a recommendation that the
200 city use all available tools to get development going in this climate; they are very
201 supportive.
202
203 Staff was directed to continue to map out a process for future consideration.
204
205 5. Recreation Complex Update—Public Services Director DeGardner reviewed his
206 written report to the council that outlines the original and phased recreation complex
207 plans.
208
209 The mayor asked what would be the best way to start something going on the site. Mr.
210 DeGardner replied that the economy makes the project difficult since a tax levy would be
211 required. The cost of the project is somewhat reduced, however, due to the economy.
212 The mayor added that he can't see the use of dedicated park funds for the recreation
213 complex since they are need elsewhere; he'd prefer a more creative approach.
214
215 A council member noted that the recreation complex plans are very classy but he can see
216 that the price is a problem. He distributed information indicating some of his ideas to get
217 a facility up and going, noting that some are more non-traditional. Also he thinks seeking
218 some (corporate) sponsorship of the facilities is a good idea.
219
220 The mayor remarked that he is interested in seeing some energy develop at the site just to
221 get things moving. He recognizes that funding will be difficult.
222
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223 6. Strategic Planning Update—Administrator Karlson noted that the council has
224 expressed interest in doing a strategic planning session for the city. He has presented the
225 name of an individual that has experience and can be recommended to lead an effort. The
226 council would need to establish goals for the session. The mayor suggested that a
227 facilitator should draw ideas from the council and help them create a plan from them. A
228 council member suggested that having the results of the organizational study may be
229 helpful in this process. Administrator Karlson suggested it would be at least 4 to 6
230 weeks until the results of the organizational study are ready; the council remarked that
231 such a time frame should fit in to when the planning session will occur.
232
233 Finance Director Rolek added that the city's Five Year Plan fits into the discussion of
234 strategic planning. He noted that while there is a framework for the plan(from past
235 consideration), the city needs to add another year and he's suggesting that be done in
236 April. The council will see the draft plan at their next work session,just for review.
237 With the results of the organizational study, an update should be considered.
238
239 7. Even Year Elections - City Clerk Bartell recalled that the council has discussed
240 the concept of changing from odd to even year municipal elections as a cost savings
241 measure. Since the election is established in the city charter and a change would require a
242 charter amendment, the idea was posed to the charter commission. The commission has
243 sent a response and it appears that they are not supportive of a change at this time.
244
245 The council did not indicate an interest in pursuing a change as a necessity. City
246 Administrator Karlson added that the election costs in the staff report don't include staff
247 time which can be significant.
248
249 8. Liquor License Fees - City Clerk Bartell reported that there are two items being
250 presented: a basic review of the city's license fee and the investigation fee issue. The
251 city's current liquor fees are included in the report. A comparison based on research of
252 fees in other cities of similar size and location was reviewed. It is good to look at the fees
253 regularly; a change in fees would be a council decision. Regarding investigation fees,
254 Police Chief Strege briefly reviewed what his department checks and confirmed that the
255 department performs the same intensive check each year and recommends continuing to
256 do that. A council member has concerns about these type of"extra" charges added each
257 year; one overall fee should suffice and, having spoken to other cities about their process,
258 he's found that the renewal investigation cost is generally included in the license fee. It
259 was clarified that the police department in fact does the same amount of investigation on
260 a renewal as on a new license. The Police Department also indicated that the current cost
261 of$250 or $450 is appropriate in regard to their cost to conduct the investigation. The
262 council reviewed the information included in the report comparing the cities investigation
263 costs with those of other cities. Finance Director Rolek added that there is some benefit
264 to the city in charging a separate fee for the investigation; if a license is denied, the cost
265 of the investigation is still paid.
266
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267 A council member recommended no change; another member recommended moving to
�. 268 all-inclusive (investigation costs included in license fee). The mayor wanted to see a
269 change but he would prefer to keep charging but a reduced amount. A majority of the
270 council members present concurred to eliminate the investigation fee as a separate charge
271 and in the future consider that it is included in the established license fee.
272
273 9. Hodgson Road Speed Study request—Community Development Director
274 Grochala noted that the council had received a communication from a resident concerned
275 about speeds on Hodgson Road south of Lake Drive (by Egret). Staff is recommending
276 that rather than proceeding immediately with a county speed study, the city wait until
277 spring and put out a speed wagon and gather more data. Police Chief Strege indicated
278 that he has looked at accident data for the area and it is proportionate to amount of traffic.
279 He concurs with doing more investigation on the situation in spring.
280
281 10. Weekly Progress Report—Administrator Karlson reviewed the report.
282
283 11. Regular Council Agenda—The packet was reviewed and there were no changes.
284
285 Council Member Gallup moved to close the meeting for the purpose of discussing labor
286 negotiations. Council Member Roeser seconded the motion. Motion carried.
287
288 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
289 March 28, 2011.
290
291 1
292
A.
294 Juliapne Bartell, C Clerk J: f 'e nert, Mayor
295 /
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