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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/17/2001 Council MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 UPDATED 02/01/01 CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE : January 17, 2001 TIME STARTED : 5:35 p.m. TIME ENDED : 10:35 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Member Carlson, Dahl, O'Donnell, Reinert, and Mayor Bergeson : None MEMBERS ABSENT Staff members present: City Administrator, Linda Waite Smith; City Engineer, John Powell; Economic Development Director, Brian Wessel (part); Economic Development Assistant, Mary Divine (part); Public Services Director, Rick DeG . art); Environmental Specialist, Marty Asleson (part); Finance Direct , Ro • Chief of Police, Dave Pecchia (part); and City Planner, Jeff Smyser UPDATE ON YMCA, DARRELL SILVERNESSq Mr. Darrel Silverness, YMCA, came forward s • bu a handout regarding program development and capital camp . He stated the YMCA has been working on program development. _ as been named the program director. There will be an incre. i program development this year. The YMCA has also been workin: s nt ,ri development, financial development, staffing and organization change + c development. A capital campaign chairperson will be named in the next fe s. ffing changes included naming Pat Lynch as the new Senior Vice Presi�� j • ��_ aul and Minneapolis. Pat Riermersna is one of the three (3) new District Vi' 1'' ents in St. Paul. Mr. Silverness stated the YMCA is very excited about the partnership with the City and the project. However, it has been determined that the 6.7 acres of land for the building is not adequate. The YMCA feels it needs a minimum of 10 acres to accommodate future needs. Mr. Silverness also expressed concern regarding the Design Standards and the financial impact of those standards. Mayor Bergeson suggested the YMCA work with City staff to see if a larger site can be accommodated. He added it would be helpful if the YMCA could quantify its view of the Design Standards in terms of expense. Mr. Silverness stated that as of last year, the proposed Design Standards would cost an additional $300,000 for the project. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 Mayor Bergeson stated residents within the City have indicated their desire for a community center and community facility. The City felt a partnership with another organization was the best option. The YMCA is a very important part of what the City is trying to do. Council Member Carlson inquired about the City's role in development and the YMCA's role in the City if it is not located in The Village. Mr. Silverness stated the City must determine if the drive for the YMCA is financial or community driven. If the dollars and support from the City are eliminated, the project will not be possible. Council Member Carlson stated the agreement was the City would contribute $1.5 million in cash and l/ million for infrastructure and land on the north end of The Village. She asked if sites outside of the City have been considered. Mr. Silverness stated sites outside of the City have not been consi scussions relating to support have been discussed with other cities. The ; ve indicated they would like the facility in their city. Council Member Carlson expressed concern regardi ity orting the facility and the residents not being able to easily use the fa Mr. Silverness stated he does not imawould support the project to that extent if it is not in the City. It is + + e ity would offer some financial support to allow reduced mem esi s ents. Discussions have been held regarding the possibility o g tee centers that the YMCA is involved with. Council Member ' ert d if the project is in jeopardy. He stated the concerns that have been discusse . t jor obstacles. Mr. Silverness statee project is not in jeopardy. Everyone wants the project done as soon as possible. The program development piece is a very important to the project. It is anticipated that the facility will be built in 2002. The concern is limited acreage for future expansion. Many facilities need to expand in a very short period of time. He noted it is typical to get more financial support once building begins. Council Member Dahl clarified that the two -(2) major concerns are size of the property and the Design Standards. Council Member O'Donnell stated it is important for everyone to work together on the issues, especially when funds are still being raised for the project. Mayor Bergeson suggested Mr. Silverness attend a Council meeting or utilize the City newsletter as a means for raising funds. 2 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 Mr. Silverness stated the YMCA has intentionally been raising funds behind the scenes until a large pool of money has been obtained. The Economic Development Director came forward and clarified the deal that was made between the City and the YMCA. He stated there is an additional 3-4 acres of land that the City owns that could be utilized for the project. Ms. Pat Riermersna thanked the Council for all their support and stated she is looking forward to working with the city. REPORT FROM SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT JON CHRISTIANSON Mr. Christianson stated he would like to give the Council an update regarding potential sites for the elementary school. The school should be open in the fall of 2002. Mr. Christianson distributed and reviewed a score card the district uses relating to potential sites. He noted there is not a perfect location for the new Mayor Bergeson asked if there is a perfect site if the distric deal with boundaries or existing houses and businesses. Mr. Christianson stated there are still limitatio undeveloped land with be developed. The di spread out. can't determine how the e because it is not very Council Member Reinert aske b r t ave all the schools in a central location as opposed to being spread o Mr. Christianson s d t e advantages and disadvantages to both concepts. He stated this school 'tile bit of both. The district needs a minimum of 10-15 acres plus one acre . e 100 students. He distributed a map that highlighted the potential sites. He g e information on each potential sites and noted that some of the sites have been eliminated. Council Member Dahl asked if there are any wetlands on 80 -acre Birch Street site being considered? Mr. Christianson advised there are wetlands on the site but they are not as large as the site the district already owns on Birch Street. MUSA does not currently run on the south side of Birch Street. The access would be on Birch Street. He noted the district is having the site they own appraised to sell as single family residential property. Council Member Dahl inquired about issues relating to the middle school site. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 Mr. Christianson stated there are not wetland issues on that site. The issue is obtaining 15-20 acres of additional land. Council Member Carlson asked for an estimation on how the school district boundaries would change in relation to each proposed site. Mr. Christianson referred to a map and explained how the boundaries would run for the two -(2) potential sites. Mayor Bergeson stated the concern for the City is what would be on the property if the school were not there in relation to property taxes. He stated the City will want more details regarding the configuration of the site in the northwest corner. Mr. Christianson stated there would not be access on Lake Drive. The school would be set back more towards the freeway. Council Member Carlson noted the district should consider the athletic complex when choosing a site. The school may not need as much space for fields ' cated close to the complex. Mr. Christianson stated that the district is interested in th would entertain the idea of a possible partnership w does not work out. stated the district the current location Mayor Bergeson expressed concern of • �A n in a facility that appears to be part of the Centennial District onl see (3) school districts. He stated it would be helpful for the City t tai regarding the site on the north site. The concern relates to using u mdu ` rial property within the City. Mr. Silverness sta potential develop the area. ict is interested in the City's projections regarding the north of the interstate. He referred to a map pointing out The City Planner stated the area is guided for long range rural. He pointed out the area that is guided for some additional growth. Council Member Carlson expressed concern about taking the YMCA out of The Village. DISCUSS OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT SUBMITTAL, RICK DEGARDNER Staff distributed a memo regarding the Outdoor Recreation grant application for the development of Clearwater Creek Park. Staff explained the grant procedure and noted the City would have to commit 50% of the total project costs. Staff is proposing a grant application in the amount of $125,000. The City would have to match that amount if the grant is awarded. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 Council Member Carlson asked if staff is considering the additional $125,000 as part of the plan for the new park dedication fees. Staff advised there is no limit to the grant application. The question is how much the City can commit to matching. The City Administrator advised the grant is very competitive. A possible source of funding to match the grant is the antenna lease revenue. The City has to be willing to match the grant if it is awarded. Council Member Carlson expressed concern that the City is asking for enough money in the new park dedication ordinance. The City Administrator stated the new park dedication ordinance and the matching grant money are two (2) separate issues. Staff advised the new park dedication fees will address the needs to develop and maintain current parks. The grant dollars are a separate issue. The worst case scenario is that the Council directs the Park Board to designate the first $125,000 in park dedication fees to pay the matching grant. Council Member Reinert advised he is in support of the gra Council Member O'Donnell stated he also supports r t a ation. However, he would like information regarding the impact o n funds to next year's budget. The City Administrator stated the Cit works building. Last year, the Cit could use this year's revenue tenna lease revenue for the public venue for various other projects. The City se it is a one-time expenditure. Council Member Carls • �� h ; oncern is that the City ask enough in park dedication fees to pay for cu The City Planner apt°= ''' e study regarding the park dedication fees should be completed at the en . ° the month. Mayor Bergeson asked what the grant amount is based on. Staff advised the grant amount is based on the comfort level of what the City can commit to in the next two (2) years. The grant will not be enough to cover the cost of complete development of the park. Mayor Bergeson inquired about the comfort level of the City Administrator and the Finance Director relating to this issue. The City Administrator advised this issue has been discussed and the Finance Director is aware of the requirement to match the grant. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 The Finance Director stated he is comfortable with matching the grant. However, once the City is committed, the revenue can not be used for other things. The Council directed staff to move forward with the grant application for Clearwater Creek Park. METRO GREENWAY PLANNING GRANT, MARTY ASLESON Staff advised a previous Metro Greenways Planning Grant was approved for 3/ of the City of Lino Lakes in 2000. This grant was written through the Anoka County Soil Conservation District. The 2000 Grant was to take the City's existing inventory and classify according to the Minnesota Land Classification System. This is a new land classification system that standardizes land classification for cities, counties, and state government agencies. The Minnesota Land Classification System also allows an inventory to be taken to higher levels of definition, such as percentage of impervious soils, and woodland quality. The Inventory will be delivered in GIS. The Wild Land Urban Interface project with the Minnesota De atural Resources needs the SE portion of the City classified. This luded from the original project. The purpose of this proposal is to al a County Soil Conservation District to underwrite a FY 2001 gran li do this inventory project. This idea was previously presented to ��_�. n t that time it was unsure whether there would be any cost -share dollars By working with the Soil Conserv resource planning from $6,00 budget. Council Member t "e City is able to reduce the cost of this ,600 case and $1,400 in-kind in FY2002 onn arified that the purpose of this is to be clear about the impact of developy better define the resources that exist within the City. The City Engineer cified that the grant does not commit the City to any greenway expansions. Council Member Reinert inquired about the difference between this study and the environmental inventory. Staff advised this study takes the environmental inventory and brings it to a higher level. Staff noted the entire City will then be completed. If the Council approves, staff will move forward and the grant will be obtained. This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, January 22, 2001, 6:30 p.m. ANOKA COUNTY AGREEMENT FOR 2001 RECYCLING PROGRAMS, MARTY ASLESON CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 Staff advised the City receives SCORE funds each year from Anoka County. The SCORE funds are used to fund solid waste recycling programs. Cities using SCORE funds allocated by Anoka County are required to enter into a cooperative agreement with the County. Staff reviewed the agreement noting the changes and advised the biggest change is a requirement to do a mailing to city residents. Mayor Bergeson requested a cost estimate of the mailing prior to the Council meeting. This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, January 22, 2001, 6:30 p.m. TOWN CENTER UPDATE, MARY ALICE DIVINE Dellwood LLC —Staff advised the City has received an application for the project. Staff has not yet reviewed the application. Council Member Carlson inquired about the feasibility study of Apollo Drive. The City Engineer advised staff has to review the application and determine t icant's expectations of the City. Economic Feasibility Study, Al Rolek — Staff distribut ie a handout regarding background information for the economic si 'ty . Staff has determined it is time to look at the economic fe Town Center. The handout included issues the study will measure as wel s th will be considered. The City Administrator asked if chan Staff advised changes relating t them. on of the YMCA will be considered. be considered if the City is aware of Staff stated cost es . ate a st dy were received from Springsted and Ehlers. Both estimates were si ` ' . to ecommended the City use Springsted because they have prior involvement a • ' ledge of the area. Staff noted they are comfortable using either agency for the udy. The target for completion of the study is April 1, 2001. This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, January 22, 2001, 6:30 p.m. Village Development — Staff advised the Livable Community Grant Advisory Committee is meeting on January 25, 2001. Staff will have the opportunity to discuss any conditions that will be put on the grant such as land acquisition for rental units. The advisory committee needs to be clear that the land cannot be acquired. Staff has met with developers and discussed the City's options to move the project forward. An option was presented that looks at a housing component such as "empty nest" housing that could be placed above commercial. Staff referred to a map and reviewed what the proposal includes from the developer. Staff is suggesting the grant be used for part of the infrastructure to develop the City owned land. 7 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 Council Member Carlson asked what will happen to the zoning. Staff referred to a map and advised the zoning will be a mixed-use POD. Council Member O'Donnell asked if the City owned land is currently proposed for the hotel location. Staff advised the hotel is planned for land to the north of this area. The plan includes rental units above the commercial buildings with underground parking. The first level would be for retail and office space. Council Member Carlson expressed concern that Mr. and Mrs. Tagg may choose not to sell their property and the City may try to take it. Staff advised development of the City owned land should not have any negative impact on the development of the Tagg property. Mrs. Tagg asked how the YMCA will affect this development. Staff advised the YMCA does not have any effect on the development of the City owned propert Council Member Reinert expressed concern about putting rent ts on prime retail property. Staff advised this option integrate the housi ercial units. Council Member Dahl stated she does not feel .us its should be in this area. Mr. Tagg stated the City should leave their property. He stated the City' . 1 his property. Developers have Mayor Bergeson inquir Council compare like to go to the co the project will mo if the City is going to develop esign Standards have a large impact on ant his property, but not for housing. ming of what is necessary for the Metropolitan sion points on Target's schedule. Staff advised they would indicate the $450,000 will be used for infrastructure and d. Staff asked for Council direction regarding this option. Mr. Tagg asked if the Council is ready to protect him from being taxed out of his property. The land will increase in value if the property in front is developed. Mayor Bergeson stated it seems that it would be to the City's advantage to not tax Mr. Tagg out of his property. The City would then get a better quality development. He stated an opinion from the City Attorney should be obtained relating to tax laws. Mrs. Tagg asked if the study determines it is a positive for the City to purchase her land, could the $450,000 grant be used to help acquire her property? She also asked if the City could then apply for $1.5 million next year. Staff advised the City can apply for the $1.5 million grant next year and would be in a good position to obtain the grant. The Council could determine that the $450,000 be used CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 to help secure the property. Staff noted there are currently no Design Standards on the Tagg property. Council Member O'Donnell expressed concern about doing the project in pieces and ending up with something that is not the vision of the City. He stated he wants to see a plan that makes good economic sense for everyone and can be supported by the market. The City Engineer stated staff needs direction regarding the $450,000 grant and moving forward with the project. Staff also needs direction regarding the Design Standards. Council Member Reinert asked if it is more important for citizens to have a place to live or to have a community center for citizens to go. Council Member O'Donnell stated he believes it is more important to have a place for the community to go to. Council Member Reinert expressed frustration regarding the proje ted the project does not fit. Mayor Bergeson stated the project is to provide a gatheri cycle housing within the City. It was the City's inte one central place within the City. Council Member O'Donnell asked if t $1.5 million grant. Staff and the million in grant money. so provide life ensity housing in ssible if the City had obtained the project was possible with the $1.5 Mrs. Tagg stated the Cilop the Tagg land to get what they want. The City will receive a tax the property. Council Member Dto ~ d she does not like having strings attached to the grant. The housing will not sup art the commercial development. She stated she would like to see commercial development on the Tagg property. More City services will be needed if there is more housing. Commercial/industrial success depends on the visibility from the freeway. She stated everything is up in the air and there are too many unknowns. She stated she does not want the City to fail. Council Member Carlson stated staff would like to develop the City owned parcel from the grant. She expressed concern regarding the number of units on the land but indicated the housing should be on City land. She asked if it is possible to have the Design Standards relate to commercial development only on the Tagg property. She expressed concern regarding access, the YMCA, and other factors relating to the project. Staff advised the Metropolitan Council has always liked the mix of housing within the project. She stated the City should tell them if no housing units are planned for the Tagg CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 property. The Design Standards are flexible relating to where the types of developments are located and the intensity of use. Mayor Bergeson asked if the City Council will support staff going to the committee and asking to use the $450,000 to support the infrastructure on the City owned property. Staff added that the Council has to decide if they do want housing and if the Design Standards should be utilized. Council Member O'Donnell stated he will support going after the $450,000 if the City can remain flexible on the northern quadrant. Mayor Bergeson stated he supports the development of the City owned property. He stated the City needs to make an effort to keep the grant money. The City also needs to keep the options open for future grant money. Council Member Reinert stated he will support staff trying to keep 1,000 grant money with great reservation. Council Member Dahl stated she needs to be convinced t support obtaining the grant money. Council Member Carlson stated that if she kn along with 2.5 units and no housing o She stated that at this time she c Council Member Dahl sta advised she is willing t Metropolitan Cou tropolitan Council would go , she would support the grant. e grant money. sup rt the grant with certain conditions. She d at this time but needs to know what the ect from the City. Through much disc `' ri ° elating to the project as a whole, the Council directed staff to meet with the co =w``ee and request that the grant be used for the infrastructure of the City owned property. Council indicated another discussion needs to be held regarding the project. Mayor Bergeson called for a short recess at 9:15 p.m. Mayor Bergeson reconvened the meeting at 9:22 p.m. Design Standards — Council determined this issue will be discussed at the next Council work session. UTILITY RATE STUDY AND UTILITY OPERATING BUDGET, JOHN POWELL/AL ROLEK 10 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 Staff explained the process used to determine the new utility'rates. Staff recommended sewer charges be raised to $72.00 per quarter. This is an increase of $21.00. Staff noted there was no increase to the sewer charge last year and recommended the rate increase be consistent for the next three -(3) years. The price includes depreciation, usage operating costs, and disincentive for high use. Staff also recommended the following tier system be used for the water charges, noting the base rate of $10.00 per quarter would stay the same: 0-10,000 gallons of water 10,000 — 30,000 gallons above 30,000 gallons $1.70 $2.05 $2.40 per thousand gallons Mayor Bergeson inquired about the number of customers in the highest rate. Staff advised average water use is 32,000 gallons per quarter. The most usage is in the summer months. Mayor Bergeson stated the City does need to determine rates base and operating costs. He stated that the question is whether the or eases into the appropriate numbers. Staff advised the proposed numbers do allow for de erving water all at once The Finance Director added that if depreciate . {,; ded, the water and sewer funds have been working at a loss for the las - including depreciation. Council Member O'Donnell a pr posed rates compare to other communities. Staff advised the rates are the fty of Lino Lakes has always been higher. The Finance Dire ,: 3 . is ed a handout regarding the Combining Statement of Revenue, expenses � a s in retained earnings. Council Member 0' nnell asked how the new rates would be communicated to the residents. Staff advised a public hearing has been published and notices went out. Staff noted the bottom rate is a nominal increase to take place of a specific senior rate. Council Member Reinert asked what will be done with the additional revenue. The Finance Director stated the revenue will accumulate in the water fund to pay for future replacements. The City Engineer noted the core budget of sewer and water will not be affected. Council Member O'Donnell indicated he will support the staff recommendation. 11 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 Mayor Bergeson stated depreciation is to protect the City in the future. The disincentive is to keep the DNR happy. He asked if the City should institute both mechanisms at the same time. Council Member Carlson stated the increase will be a shock to people. She suggested the water proposal be approved and sewer increase be phased in at $7.00 per quarter over the next three (3) years. The Finance Director advised that proposal would have an effect on the funding. Council Member Dahl stated the increase is a preventative measure. She also suggested the increase be gradually phased in. Council Member Reinert stated he would prefer an incremental fee over the next three -(3) years. He indicated he does not support a higher rate for the highest usage of water. Council directed staff to proceed with a $7.00 per quarter incremental fee for the next three -(3) years and the recommended tier system for the water usa directed staff to prepare a separate resolution for both sewer cil also tments. This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Mo = y u , 2001, 6:30 p.m. CDBG APPLICATION — TWILIGHT AC ' `gig AITE SMITH Staff advised a resolution has been pre for CDBG funds for Twilight Acr requesting $177,044 in grant residents. it to authorize the grant submittal roject cost is $264,044. The City will be y as also asked for letters of support from This item will app • n t egular Council agenda Monday, January 22, 2001, 6:30 p.m. CSAH 49 RECO TION, LINDA WAITE SMITH Staff advised the City Manager of the City of Shoreview has suggested the City Administrator and the City Engineer meet with the County Engineers. The request for a joint meeting has been denied for the time being. A meeting is tentatively scheduled for Friday, January 26, 2001. A staff recommendation will be made at the next Council work session. Mayor Bergeson asked staff to look into the status of the request from Margaret Langfield regarding a reduction in the speed limit. Council Member Carlson requested a copy of the plan that was agreed on between Ramsey County and the City of Shoreview. 12 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 17, 2001 ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS (COUNCIL PREROGATIVE), LINDA WAITE SMITH Staff advised Council must determine the annual appointments that are the Council's prerogative. Council Member O'Donnell stated the appointment for the County Correction Program is Council Member Reinert. Council determined the appointments relating to the Council's prerogative will remain the same for year 2001. This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, January 22, 2001, 6:30 p.m. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, LINDA WAITE SMITH Staff advised the next three (3) meeting regarding the Comprehensi have been scheduled. Staff advised they were unable to schedule another .._ a -bruary. The target date for approval of the Comprehensive Plan is Feb 2° aff advised the schedule will be reviewed at the next meeting. Staff distributed a memo regarding the Circle P. ti ranchise Fees and a copy of the City Attorney's opinion regarding the Tar REGULAR AGENDA, , ANUARY Item 1C, Resolution No. 201 = ' •pr ng Application for Minnesota Gambling Exempt Permit LG240 Bingo at Centennial Middle School — Council gave staff preliminary aest. The meeting was a• �' '�'� at 10:35 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on February 12, 2001. Ry hel austad, City Clerk Transcribed by: Kim Points TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 13 John r es�n, Mayor g Y