02/11/2014 - City Council SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 11, 2014
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
City Councilmembers present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Bakken and Hansen. Councilmembers
Fields and Tilley were absent.
City staff present: City Administrator Osberg, Assistant City Administrator Miller, Communications
Director Garrison, Communications Coordinator Foote, Parks and Recreation Director Johnson, Public
Works Director Matthys, Director of Community Development Hohenstein and City Planner Ridley.
ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Hansen moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as
presented. Aye:3 Nay:0
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
OLD TOWN HALL CONSIDERATIONS
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item noting on September 8, 2013, an arsonist set fire to the
Old Town Hall building causing substantial damage. Since that time the building has been shrink
wrapped to preserve the structure through the winter. Osberg noted the Finance Committee reviewed
several options at a meeting on October 28, 2013. Per the committee recommendation and the
Council's concurrence those recommendations have been explored further.
Mary Ellen Voracek, Chair of the Eagan Historical Society and Bob Herskovitz of the Minnesota Historical
Society gave a summary of their recommendations and were available for questions. Communications
Coordinator Foote provided additional information.
The Council discussed the Old Town Hall considerations and agreed they are not interested in having the
Old Town Hall moved to the Eagan Community Center /Central Park area, or its history collection located
there. The Council indicated they are not interested in much higher costs to rebuild the Old Town Hall
with vintage 1914 materials compared to rebuilding with newer materials but meant to match what was
there.
After further discussion the Council gave direction to pursue proposals from architects seeking rough
cost estimates and sketches of the following three options associated with relocating /reconstructing Old
Town Hall:
1. Stand -alone building on the municipal campus with functional space (bathrooms, office
space, air condition /heat, etc.).
2. Use of the former Fire Administration building in partnership with other arts /history /culture
uses.
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February 11, 2014
Page 2
3. Reconstruct Old Town Hall as a building addition (possible breezeway) utilizing amenities of
City Hall (air condition /heat, bathrooms, etc.).
LOW MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item and provided an overview of the expectations for
dialogue between the Council, Commission members and staff.
Director of Community Development Hohenstein thanked the Energy and Environmental Advisory
Commission for their work on the landscape ordinance issues and for their recommendations and policy
questions. Hohenstein noted the EEAC Landscape Ordinance Committee has performed research and
has participated in meetings with City Staff and the City Attorney regarding the potential to expand the
type and extent of vegetation other than turf grass that may be allowed in residential yards in addition
to what is currently permitted in the City Code. At the Council's direction to present Commission
recommendations, staff has worked with the Commission to define some overarching questions for
consideration by the Council.
Commission Chair Jeff LeClair indicated the focus of the Commission's recommendations has to do with
water conservation and the reduction of emissions from lawn mowers and similar equipment. Chair
LeClair and Commission member Amir Nadav presented examples of yards landscaped with materials
other than turf grass.
The Council discussed the low maintenance landscaping recommendations and policy questions. After
further discussion, the Council was in agreement to continue with the current right of way permitting
process for improvements other than turf grass in public rights of way and the zoning permitting process
for construction of structures elsewhere on residential lots and to continue to use these as a means of
educating the public and ensuring compliance with standards. The Council also stated that they will
continue to rely on the City Attorney in matters of City Code construction and consistency.
The Council members indicated they are open to up to 100% of a yard being material other than turf,
provided it is installed in keeping with other permits and standards. The Council was in agreement to
keep the standard for turf maintenance at 8" for turf grass and weeds and acknowledged that other
plant materials may be allowed to be taller than that if they are maintained, and that a three foot turf
transition strip should be maintained at property boundaries if the neighbor has mown turf as their yard
material. Regarding the public right -of -way, the Council pointed out the public safety and public welfare
reasons for preserving the additional level of review and control for the City as it pertains to rights of
way. The Council noted that the City Code should define the legal parameters and the permitting
process will improve the chances of successful changes in standards. They said the EEAC can educate
and encourage the community to use new best practices through communications materials.
The Council took a 10 minute break.
SPERRY WATER TOWER DISCUSSION
Public Works Director Matthys introduced the item noting staff is seeking direction from the Council
regarding the disposition of the Sperry Tower Reservoir and accommodations of the existing and future
telecommunications that are currently being served by the water tower.
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February 11, 2014
Page 3
Communications Director Garrison presented the results of the on -line survey that was created to solicit
public input on the water tower.
B.J. Battig, Risk and Homeland Security Manager for Dakota County, was available for questions.
The Council discussed the Sperry Water Tower. After further discussion the Council was in agreement in
the removal and replacement of the existing structure, and directed staff to move forward with a
feasibility report and cost estimate on addressing the following factors:
• Ensure capacity for current antennas
• Provide room for future telecommunication services /antennas
• Potential aesthetics options for the replacement tower
• Minimize down time for current users
FINDINGS OF THE CABLE NEEDS ASSESSMENT & NEXT STEPS
Under the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), municipalities must engage
in a community needs assessment before negotiating a new cable franchise with a provider. This was
done in November, 2013. Consultant Sue Buske of the Buske Group presented an overview of the
preliminary findings and was available for questions.
Communications Director Garrison and Attorney Grogan provided an update of the cable franchise
renewal process and discussed the next steps in the renewal process and were available for questions
The Council concurred they were satisfied with the status report.
There was no other business to be heard.
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Bakken moved, Councilmember Hansen seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
Aye:3 Nay:0
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