09/10/2013 - City Council SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 10, 2013
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
City Councilmembers present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Bakken, Fields, Hansen and Tilley.
City staff present: City Administrator Osberg, Communications Director Garrison, Finance Director
Pepper, Public Works Director Matthys, Community Development Director Hohenstein, Fire Chief Scott
and Deputy Chief Diioia.
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
City Administrator Osberg noted the addition to the agenda regarding the Old Town Hall Fire.
Councilmember Hansen moved, Councilmember Tilley seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as
presented. Aye:5 Nay :0
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
III. UPDATE REGARDING THE CEDAR /RED LINE RAPID TRANSIT —
ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT MARKET STUDY
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item noting Council is being asked to hear an update on the
Cedar /Red Line Bus Rapid Transit; no formal action is required at this time. Osberg noted Dakota
County and the cities of Apple Valley, Bloomington, Eagan and Lakeville have received grant funding to
support a transit oriented development market study for the Cedar Avenue /Red Line BRT corridor and
the major stations along its route, including the Cedar Grove Transit Station.
Community Director Hohenstein gave a staff report.
Tim Burkhardt of Kimley -Horn gave an update and presentation of the draft study report and
conclusions. Mr. Burkhardt indicated that the study concluded that BRT is one factor in development
investment decisions, but does not appear to be a "game changer" in the way LRT may be. He reviewed
the study conclusions that the Paragon Outlet project can benefit from the BRT service for both
employees and shoppers and can serve as an anchor to transit oriented development of the outlots in
the core area. He said the study encourages the City to apply TOD standards and pursue developments
of those properties that are higher density and pedestrian oriented.
The Council discussed the study. Mayor Maguire stated that the study resonates with many of the
things the City and EDA are doing in the area. Director Hohenstein noted that it would have been an
added benefit if the study had identified more and different things the City could pursue in the area, but
that validating the things that are being done will also be an advantage in the marketing of the
properties to additional development partners.
No action was taken on the item and the final report will be forwarded to the City Council and included
among the marketing materials for the development.
Special City Council Minutes
September 10, 2013
Page 2
IV. UPDATE OF HIGHWAY 77 MANAGED LANE AND CEDAR GROVE
TRANSIT STATION ENGINEERING STUDY
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item noting since May, the Minnesota Department of
Transportation staff and the consultant have been working with a Policy Advisory Committee, Staff
Advisory Committee, and Technical Advisory Committee to develop options for the managed lanes and
improved access to the transit station. Osberg noted MnDOT and the committees are currently
evaluating three managed lane options and eight concepts for enhanced transit station access.
Director of Public Works Matthys gave a staff report.
John Solberg with MnDOTgave an update and presentation of the study. The presentation consisted of
a summary of the evaluation results for both the Highway 77 options as well as the updated Cedar
Grove Transit Station access concepts.
The Council discussed the study and provided the following comments:
• Have a do nothing option to consider.
• Minimize the walk time over a bridge to get to and from a station.
• From the riders' perspective, the best option is taking the rider to the transit station and not
expecting them to walk.
After further discussion Mayor Maguire reiterated, any option that does not put the commuter in the
station as soon as they leave the bus should be a non - starter. Councilmember Hansen noted possibly
looking at a hybrid option that allows access across Highway 13 to the north side of the Cedar Grove
area.
Director of Public Works Matthys announced an open house will be held for the public on October 2,
2013 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Eagan Room for final evaluation input prior to the
preparation of study recommendations.
The Council took a 10 minute break.
V. UPDATE ON CONSOLIDATED FIRE STATION CONCEPT
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item noting back in August 2012, Chief Scott discussed
changes in volunteer staffing and proposed a long -term goal to consolidate fire stations. In January
2013, Council gave direction to pursue the Holden property for land banking for a possible future station
and in June Council authorized the purchase of 4+ acres at Diffley and Blackhawk Roads for land banking
and the hiring of CNH to create a conceptual design. Osberg noted staff would like to develop a
schedule for the consolidated plan, so as to plan for future recruitment of volunteers, recruitment for
future dorms firefighters, replacement of future apparatus and equipment and filling officer /leadership
positions.
Chief Scott provided an overview on the consolidated fire station concept. Deputy Diioia was available
for questions.
Special City Council Minutes
September 10, 2013
Page 3
The Council discussed the concept plan. It was the consensus of the Council that additional information
was needed before a proposed schedule could be developed for a consolidated plan and should be
brought back to a future Council Workshop.
VI. UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND THEMES
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item noting the City Council held a goals retreat on April 20 -30
and identified ten major themes for additional conversation to assist in the preparation of the 2014
goals. The ten themes were shared with the Senior Management Team and two additional staff focus
groups. At its workshop of June 25 the City Council conducted considerable discussion about the ten
major themes with members of the Senior Management Team. Osberg noted the Senior Management
Team was then asked to provide the City Administrator a listing of various goals and tasks to consider for
inclusion in the 2014 City Goals.
Osberg asked the Council to consider a three step process:
1. To bring back to a future Council meeting a priority work plan based on the ten themes for 2013 -14.
2. Have Council consider a community vision session to discuss what we as Eagan, as a city, what
our values and priorities are.
3. And, with Council direction, to invite the community to engage in a community visioning session in
2014.
The Council discussed the process presented by City Administrator Osberg. The Council was in
agreement with the three steps presented and directed staff to move forward with this process.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business to be heard.
City Administrator Osberg gave an update on the Old Town Hall Fire.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Tilley moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:43 p.m.
Aye:5 Nay :0
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