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04/23/1996 - City Council Special 0U124 MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL Eagan, Minnesota April 23, 1996 A Special City Council meeting was held in the Community Room of the Municipal Center Building beginning at 5:00 p.m.on Tuesday,April 23, 1996. Those present were Mayor Egan and City Councilmembers Awada, Hunter, Masin and Wachter. Mayor Egan did not arrive until approximately 5:20 p.m.; Acting Mayor Hunter convened and chaired the meeting until Mayor Egan's arrival. Also present was City Administrator Hedges. JOINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING Acting Mayor Hunter welcomed members of the Economic Development Commission,stating that this is an excellent opportunity for the advisory commission and City Council to dialogue on several issues. Economic Development Commission members in attendance were its Chairperson Cathy Clark-Matuszek, Ron Voracek,Eldon Johnson,Gary Morgan,Karl Oestrich,Julie Stackhouse and Dave Vogt. Staff members present for this item included Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein, Senior Planner Freese, Planner Farnham and Planner Tyree. EDC Chair Matuszek introduced the TIF item for the 55/149...Jon framed the TIF policy issues. The City Council asked a few questions and provided the unanimous directive to proceed with TIF. Action was taken; motion by Wachter, seconded by Masin, all "yes" to approve TIF financing with specific rehab parameters for businesses within the 55/149 corridor. EDC Chair Matuszek introduced a work program the EDC had formulated. The first item discussed was the business reach-out planned as a collaborative effort with the Chamber of Commerce on May 22. City Councilmember Hunter proposed the idea of a joint meeting with the Chamber,Convention&Tourism and EDC. City Councilmember Wachter suggested that the EDC propose a budget for these needs. City Councilmember Masin concurred with the EDC and Chamber working together to make business contacts with local business industry. She further stated that Bumsville has a model of calling different business groups each year, as an example,the hospitality industry as one year, another industry the following year. Mayor Egan stated that the Council will pledge support to the EDC with their assistance to call on business. EDC Member Johnson stated that the business reach-outs, business contacts and economic development publication should be on-going. Commission member Voracek suggested funding requests from other agencies, such as the Tourism & Convention,to help the EDC's business retention effort. Commission member Morgan reviewed an effort the EDC has made regarding criteria for financing assistance; he stressed that the City should look at tools available to remain competitive in the marketplace. Both City Councilmembers Hunter and Awada stated that they historically did not agree with incentive programs for businesses because it is best for government not to get involved with private business and to avoid using the political process in picking which business the City may help or not help. EDC Member Vogt stated that in some cases,if the business needs a financial incentive, it may not be a good risk for the community. Mayor Egan stated that there are many examples of businesses approaching the City suggesting development that are requesting incentives. City Councilmember Masin stated that she is willing to support special financing to retain or attract new business to the community when such support would be particularly beneficial to the community. EDC Chair Matuszek stated that the EDC is diverse on the issue of the City considering special financing assistance. Mayor Egan summarized the City Council's position by stating there is consensus that special financial requests,which shall set forth the business program's budget and need for financial assistance, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with the EDC. 411 • EDC Chair Matuszek stated that the EDC will review the Dakota Economic Development Partnership and provide a recommendation to the City Council regarding funding. There was also a discussion regarding the possibility of providing babysitting services for Commission members. It was agreed that the Chair and City Administrator will review this matter at a future date. Mayor Egan thanked the EDC members for their volunteerism and hard work on behalf of the Council on receiving a future update on their work program. SKATEBOARD PROPOSAL Mayor Egan commented on the skateboard park proposal that the City of Burnsville is proposing as discussed with three other communities,Apple Valley, Bumsville and Lakeville. He stated the City of Bumsville would like the four communities to enter a joint powers agreement regarding a skateboard park. The skateboard park would be governed by a non-profit corporation in the name of the Burnsville Skate Park Inc. City Councilmembers asked about the feasibility of operating a facility in the City of Eagan, especially if a park is feasible as a revenue source. After input by the Director of Parks & Recreation and further deliberation by the City Council, there was consensus that staff check with the City of Burnsville and ask why a donation is necessary and further why communities are contributing to a non-profit corporation on City property. The Council also stated that once this information is received, there will be further consideration as to whether a skateboard park is a feasible entity within the City or if there should be further collaboration with the neighboring communities. Risk management and the potential liability of a skateboard park was discussed. EFFECTIVE GOLF COURSE SYSTEMS PRESENTATION City Administrator Hedges stated that within the past two weeks,the City was notified by Ray and Rosie Rahn of their purchase of the Carriage Hills Golf Course. He stated that this acquisition has changed the alternatives Effective Golf Course Systems was pursuing relative to municipal ownership of either Carriage Hills, a 200 acre parcel owned by DART Transit or a combination of the two properties. Mr. John Hoyt and John Valerie,representing Effective Golf Course Systems,presented their report to the City Council. Mr.Don Larson, owner and operator of Parkview Golf Course,asked how many courses the City should have. John Hoyt stated that question was not addressed; however, there is a rule of one course per 25,000 population. Mr. Larson further stated that the numbers regarding golf course ownership may increase and cause a fall-off as the number of golfers decrease. After some discussion and presentation by Mr. Valerie and a response to Mr. Larson's concerns, Mayor Egan stated that the report will be a valuable asset if either of the courses should be sold in the future;the City will be in a position to react a lot sooner. City Councilmember Masin asked if there is a continuing problem with private ownership of golf courses. Mr. Larson stated that taxes are increasing by three-fold, causing a problem for golf course fees. The Rahns, who were also in attendance, stated they are planning the business for future generations hoping their family continues operating the golf course business. City Councilmember Masin stated that there should be some way the City can help with taxes short of going into the golf course business. She further asked if the City should consider a full regulation golf course. Effective Golf Course Systems consultant Valerie stated that not having a full regulation golf course is not a problem and further that golf course users are looking more to executive courses. Mayor Egan stated that if there is enough pressure for another golf course, the City will consider a facility at that time. Mayor Egan spoke to the need for a clubhouse, a location or gathering place for dining opportunities. He stated that this niche is missing in the community. Carriage Hills owner Ray Rahn commented that their plans are to refurbish the clubhouse and provide a sit-down facility for 150-200 people. City Administrator Hedges presented the Central Park Theme, commenting that a golf driving range (golf learning center) might be an alternative and could enhance the rounds of golf for both Carriage Hills and Parkview. Mr. Rahn stated that he is planning a driving range for Carriage Hills anticipating relocation of a 410 couple of holes. City Councilmember Wachter stated that he would like to see the Rahns give their course the • • Page 3/Eagan Special City Council Meeting April 23, 1996 opportunity to develop a driving range before the City proceeds with any further consideration of a golf learning center. There was further public policy question about the components of a Central Park Theme since the YMCA is providing an indoor water park in their facility. City Councilmembers asked staff to provide a type of inventory along with the budget for a community center and eventually revisit the concept of a Central Area Park. PARK REFERENDUM UPDATE Director of Parks &Recreation Vraa provided an update on the status of the special task force that is studying the need for a park referendum. He stated that the Committee had recently taken a tour of candidate sites. The Committee is struggling with the issue of how much to ask for and if there should be some part of the referendum devoted to development. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business,the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. TLH • April 23, 1996 `_ 4.Ag. City Clerk Date •