HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-07 CCMCity of Lake Elmo
City Hall
3800 Lake Elmo Avenue
July 10, 2007
7 PM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C ATTENDANCE: _ Mayor Johnson, Council_ DeLapp, _ Johnson, _ Park, _Smith
D. APPROVE THE AGENDA
E. APPROVE MINUTES of July 19, 2007 (Delayed)
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES: Meeting attendees wishing to address the city council
On an item NOT on the regular agenda may speak for up to three minutes
G. CONSENT AGENDA: Items are on the consent agenda because they are routine business and
are not for discussion.
1. Approve resolution number 2007-049 for claims
2. Approve change order no. 7 for the Tablyn Parlc/Lake Elmo Heights water main extensions
3. Approve partial payment no. 8 for the Tablyn Park/Lake Elmo Heights water main extensions
4. Approve Resolution 2007-050 approving the preliminary plat of Whistling Valley III
H. REGULAR AGENDA
5. Receive information on the draft Lake Elmo Comprehensive Airport Plan
6. Consider referral of the Ziertman's, 5761 Keats Avenue, concerns and claims to the League of
Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) for independent investigation and resolution
7. Consider annexing the northern half of the frontage road (Hudson Boulevard) along I-94 from
the city of Woodbury into the city of Lake Elmo (Concurrent Annexation/Detachment for
Hudson Boulevard)
8. Consider authorizing discussions with the St. Croix Valley Area Community Family Center
regarding a future location in Lake Elmo
9. Give direction on the appointment process for appointments to commissions
to. Consider the desirability of amending Ordinance 105.01 giving the city council the authority
to waive or refund a fee
I REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(These are verbal updates and do not have to be added to the agenda.)
• Mayor and Councilmembers
• Administrator
o Volunteer recognition event
• Staff
J. ADJOURN
City of Lake Elmo
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2007
Mayor Johnston called the meeting to order at 7 PM.
Everyone joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Mayor Johnston, Council members DeLapp, Johnson, Park and Smith
Also Present: City Administrator Hoyt, Finance Director Bouthilet, City Attorney Filla,
City Planner Matzek, Assistant City Engineer Stempski and City Clerk Lumby
Approval of Agenda:
Motion: Council Member Johnson moved approval of the July 10, 2007 agenda, as
amended. Council Member DeLapp seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Approval of the June 19, 2007 minutes: (delayed)
PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES:
Bob Engstrom, Robert Engstrom Company and member of the village planning team said
they had talked to a Metropolitan Airport Commission representative who never
mentioned this plan to extend the runways to his team members. He said they did not
have any information that this proposal might be made and how it would affect the
overall Lake Elmo village plan. As the developer of the Fields of St. Croix and
Cloverdale Farms and hearing this plan might happen, he and homeowners are concerned
about the jet traffic and considers this damnation without condemnation.
Bob Schumacher, 9155 28th Street N, indicated how pleased he was with Park
Construction who came to repair damage done to the street and laying the best sod along
the side of the street. He also thanked the city for spraying calcium chloride on the gravel
road.
Susan Dunn, 11018 Upper 33`d Street, noted she made calls by phone to the Metropolitan
Airport Commission, townships around Lake Elmo and residents regarding the Lake
Elmo Airport Plan. She asked that the first and third council meeting agenda gets posted
on the website to better inform residents. In response to Ms. Dunn's questions as to when
the financial aspects be discussed on the I-94 to 30th Street infrastructure project,
Administrator Hoyt responded the city will meet with a financial advisor to discuss
scenarios in August and on July 18th , 7 p.m., there is a workshop with a specialist on
land use development fees.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 10, 2007 1
Gust Kempf, 2685 Lake Elmo Avenue, stated he believes the proposed sewer and water
project would ruin Lake Elmo and suggested installing the pipe along Manning Avenue
rather than tearing up Lake Elmo Avenue or look into the possibility of going through the
Lake Elmo Park Reserve.. How many people on the council have land to develop.
Administrator Hoyt responded that no one wants to ruin the lake and there would be an
update on the 20th to 30th Street sewer project at the July 17 council agenda. The Lake
Elmo Avenue design will be approved in 2008.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Motion: Council Member DeLapp moved to take item #1 off the consent agenda to
discuss claims. Council member Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
• Approve Resolution no. 2007-049 for claim numbers 402, 403, DD1252 through
DD1264, 31084 through 31100, 404, 405, DD1265 through DD1276, 31101
through 31112, 406, 31113 through 31157 in the total amount of $301,656.55
Motion: Council member DeLapp moved to approve item #1 claims on the consent
agenda. Council member Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: Council Member Johnson moved to approve items #2 and 93 on the consent
agenda as identified. Council Member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Approve change order no. 7 for the Tablyn Park/Lake Elmo Heights water main
extensions thereby increasing the contract amount by $11,506.75 to a total
contract amount of $3,273,319.14
Approve partial payment no, 8 in the amount of $92,400.50 to be paid from the
Project fund for the Tablyn Park/Lake Elmo Heights water main extensions
Approve Resolution no. 2007-050 approve the preliminary plat of Whistling
Valley III which was approved in concept on June 19, 2007 (Postponed until July
17th Council meeting)
REGULAR AGENDA:
Receive information on the draft Lake Elmo Comprehensive Airport Plan
Administrator Hoyt explained the city council was being asked to receive information on
the draft Lake Elmo Long -Term Comprehensive Plan from Bridget Rief, Metropolitan
Airports Commission.
Ms. Rief gave a presentation on the draft plan which she pointed out is a planning
document and not an implementation document. The MAC representative stated that
plans to extend two runways at the Lake Elmo airport would not invite new, larger
airplanes to use the airport, but would serve mostly safety purposes.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 10, 2007 2
Mayor Johnston recognized correspondence with comments on the Lake Elmo Airport
from Susan Dunn-11018 Upper 33rd St. N, Robert Eischen-11674 Stillwater Blvd., Mary
Jean Dupuis, Richard Smith-11514 Stillwater Blvd. N. and Paul Nielsen, 4819 Lily
Avenue N.
The Council discussed the increased air traffic and noise pollution and impacts on current
land uses, existing homes and on future developments. Most concerning was the zoning
recommendations calling for a trapezoidal area beyond the end of all runways to be kept
clear of buildings and other obstacles as a safety precaution and the ramifications this
zoning would have on the city's village master plan.
Bridgette Rief explained that any zoning issues related to expansion of the airport would
be addressed by a 9 member zoning board that would include an independent
chairperson, two representatives from MAC, and two representatives each from Lake
Elmo, Baytown Township and West Lakeland Township. Ms. Rief added that she didn't
know if the group would be the final authority on zoning issues or would function merely
as an advisory body.
Council member Smith indicated her opposition to the plan in that any of those zoning
areas would reduce the value of existing homes by limiting future development of the
property. In answer to her question if something would happen to one of those homes
would they be able to rebuild or who would compensate the families, Ms. Rief responded
she could not address the liability issue.
Kent Grandlienard, 4477 Northbrook, Baytown Township and Chairman of the Baytown
Board, stated Baytown Township is opposed to the runway extension and believed
installation of sewer was not necessary, but development driven. He said the township
has been talking to MAC about their plan for a long time.
Paul Nielsen 4819 Lily Avenue, encouraged the council to not accept the airport
expansion proposal and have the city attorney write a letter incorporating everyone's
concerns and, if necessary, engage our legislatures to support the city's decision.
Dave and Nicole Mathes, 12456 401h Street N., Baytown Township, indicated they moved
to Baytown seven months ago and live directly south of the airport. They are concerned
about how the airport noise, safety concerns of the runway extension which will affect
their land values and the possibility of getting a loan. Ms. Mathes asked how MAC would
address noise abatement on existing homes and Ms. Rief explained she could not
comment until an environmental assessment is done.
Dave Schultz 1440 Norcrest Avenue N., West Lakeland Township, question the time
weighted average--dvl level because according to his estimate there would be takeoff and
landings every nine minutes, 24 hours a day. Ms. Rief pointed out this was a projection
based on the runway length type of operation at the Crystal and Anoka airport.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 10, 2007
Susan Dunn, 11018 Upper 33`d Street, stated it was very important for the residents to be
informed of the proposed expansion and that they have an opportunity to review the final
documentation and comment before it goes to the Airport Commission. She voiced her
concern on the city putting 1600 new residential units in the village area and how that
will be impacted by the proposed runway expansion
Marge Williams, 3025 Lake Elmo Avenue, stated in her opinion MAC does not speak
truthfully on numbers and tend to project numbers that do not come to realization.
Motion: Mayor Johnston moved to direct staff to ask the Metropolitan Airport
Commission for a 30 day extension on the city's comment period which will give the city
the opportunity to respond and have the city attorney and city administrator summarize
the concerns and opposition of the city council, local residents and neighboring
communities. Council member Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Consider referral of the Ziertman's, 5761 Keats Avenue, concerns and claims to the
League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT)for independent investigation and
resolution
The city administrator requested the council refer the Ziertman's concerns and claims to
the League Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) for investigation, evaluation and
to determine what, if any, settlement is appropriate to resolve this matter with the
understanding that the outcome of the LMCIT investigation and actions will conclude the
city's responsibility on this matter. The LMCIT will be provided with the June 5, 2007
Ziertman information, including the video if the Ziertmans are willing to share it, and
with the June 1, 2007 memo from the attorney as background. The LMCIT will have
access to information and interviews that the LMCIT finds necessary to proceed with the
investigation.
Jodean Thronson, attorney for the Ziertmans, would like timelines and to be notified how
the investigation is proceeding. She said the Ziertmans would like to put in writing their
oral claims and will comply with investigation and provide a copy of the video tape on
water damage,
Motion: Council Member Johnson moved to refer the concerns and claims presented by
the Ziertman's at the June 5, 2007 city council meeting to the League of Minnesota Cities
Insurance trust (LMCIT) for independent investigation and evaluation of these claims
and for a resolution of these claims based upon the findings of the independent
investigation. This is with the understanding that the LMCIT will act independently and
have access to any information, including individuals that the LMCIT identifies as
necessary during the LMCIT investigation. This is with the understanding of the city
council that the resolution of the LMCIT'S investigation will fulfill the city's
responsibility in resolving the Ziertman's concerns and claims in this matter. Council
Member DeLapp seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously,
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 10, 2007 4
Council member Smith stated she had a concern with a potential conflict of interest
because the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust are the city's attorney ,and if
the ziertmans decide to sue the city ... it just didn't feel right to her. Mayor Johnston
responded that it is to everyone's advantage to get these issues behind us.
Consider annexing the southern half of the frontage road (Hudson Boulevard) along I-94
from the city of Woodbury into the city of Lake Elmo (Concurrent
Annexation/Detachment for Hudson Boulevard)
The Senior City Engineer updated the council on the status of the Lake Elmo -Woodbury
Concurrent Annexation/Detachment for Hudson Boulevard. In 2003, the Minnesota
Department of Transportation (MNDOT), Washington County, and the City of Lake
Elmo entered into an agreement to transfer ownership of Hudson Boulevard to the City of
Lake Elmo, from Inwood Avenue to Manning Avenue. A resolution will be required by
both Cities to complete the boundary adjustment.
Motion: Council member DeLapp moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution
approving the annexation to the city ofLahe Elmo of Hudson Boulevard for the July 170
council meeting. Council member Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Consider authorizing discussions with the St. Croix Valley Area Community amily
Center regarding a future location in Lake Elmo
Administrator Hoyt explained the council was being asked to consider authorizing the
administrator to proceed with discussion with the St. Croix Valley Area Community
Family Center to be part of the community campus designated in the Village master plan
that was accepted by the city council in April.
Council member DeLapp noted that Lake Elmo was third on the list for future locations
of the St. Croix Valley Area Community Family Center until the city said they would
make a $1.5 to $2 million donation and the city moved into first place. He questioned
what the funding mechanism would work for all parties involved.
Council member Johnson suggested letting the family center do the work and the
agreement should be between the school district and the landowner and not have the city
involved. Ms. Johnson said she supported the project without supporting it financially
because the city has other financial obligations.
Mayor Johnston indicated the concern is there going to be land available and is the city
gong to work as part of this team
Council member Smith said they are talking about 5 acres and she did not like money
figures being thrown out there. She agreed the city should proceed with discussions
because this will come before the council later for a decision.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 10, 2007 5
Council member Park stated we have come this far so we should proceed with
preliminary discussion.
Motion: Mayor Johnston moved to authorize the city administrator to proceed with
preliminary discussions exploring options with the Family Center partners to work
toward a "$1 per year lease " arrangement in Lake Elmo in the area of the community
campus in the Village master plan. Subject to the following directions from the city
council to the administrator:
a. the city will not incur costs for the infrastructure
b. the city will not incur any construction costs for the facility
c. the city will not contribute to any operating costs of the facility
d. the city will not contribute to the programming costs within the facility unless
defined as direct program beneficiaries. (This is separate from individual/family
memberships/use fees.)
e. the city will require that the site plan and the building receive design input early
in the building and development process for its design, its connectivity and its
relationship with other proposed land uses and open space
f. the city will discuss opportunities for Lake Elmo community use of the facility
g. the city will explore more than a variety of options as they emerge on how-to- - - -
make the "$1 a year land lease " concept (or free land) a reality rather than
defining the specific solution to meet this goal.
h. The city will maintain a respectful and open dialogue during these discussions
with the partners and expects the same.
i. The city understands that information gathered at a later time may impact the
feasibility of any options being explored.
f The city administrator does not have the authority to agree to a financial
arrangement with the property owner or the partners without city council
approval.
Council member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed with Mayor Johnston,
Council member Smith and Park voting for and Council members Johnson and Delapp
voting against.
Give direction on the appointment process for appointments to commissions
Administrator Hoyt stated the council is being asked for direction on the expiration
process for commission appointments. If the council wants to continue with appointments
expiring on the date of the appointment as identified in the ordinance, the staff would
bring forward the name of those whose terms have expired.
Motion: Council member Johnson called the question. Council member Smith seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DULY 10, 2007 6
Motion: Council member Johnston moved to direct staff to come back with a
recommendation for a more efficient way for commission appointments to be discussed at
a future workshop. Council member Smith seconded the motion. Council members
Johnston, Park, Johnson, Smith voting for the motion. Council member DeLapp voting
against.
Consider the desirability of amending Section 105.O1 giving the city council the authority
to waive or refund a fee
Administrator Hoyt explained the city council is being asked to decide if it wants the
authority to waive a fee when requested by an individual. If the Council wants the
authority to waive any fee or refund any fee for an individual, the city council must
amend the ordinance governing fees.
No motion
REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(These are verbal updates and do not have to be added to the agenda)
• Mayor and Council members
Council member Smith thanked the fire department and public works for watering the 60
trees that were planted along Highway 5 adjacent to Carriage Station Park and for
painting the basketball court.
Mayor Johnston reported he participated in regional mayor conference, Urban Land
Institute, where they bestowed memberships in the urban land institute to twelve
communities which Lake Elmo was one of those communities.
• Administrator
Administrator Hoyt reported the city will get together to discuss Keats and Highway 36
in addition to talking with Kirby Spike, Rock point Church, on traffic management and
asking their parishioners to take three different routes and not go into the neighborhoods
to the north or work their way to lake Elmo Avenue.
Administrator Hoyt reported the outstanding issues on the Hardy house are being
followed up on by staff and the city attorney.
Administrator Hoyt asked the Council to come back with dates and locations for the
volunteer recognition event to be discussed at the July 17u council meeting.
ADJOURN:
Mayor Johnston adjourn the meeting at 10:22 p.m.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 10, 2007 7