02/09/1999 - City Council Special R T
l�I
1
AGENDA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday
February 9, 1999
5:00 p.m.
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
Council Chambers
I. ROLL CALL & ADOPTION OF AGENDA
IL VISITORS TO BE HEARD
III. PRESENTATION BY DAKOTA COUNTY
RE: STATUS OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT
IV. PRESENTATION OF PART III/FIVE (5) YEAR C.I.P.
(1999-2003)
V. DIRECTION RE: INFORMATION FOR REVIEW ON
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT POLICY
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
VII. ADJOURNMENT
MEMO
city of eagan
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR& CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES
DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 1999
SUBJECT: SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING/FEBRUARY 9, 1999
A Special City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, at 5:00 12.m. in the
City Council Chambers for the purpose of holding a work session to discuss: 1) status of
light rail transit and 2) receive the presentation for Part III of the Five (5) Year C.I.P. A
light lunch will be available as early as 4:30 p.m. in the lunchroom.
PRESENTATION BY DAKOTA COUNTY/STATUS OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT
The Physical Development Department staff for Dakota County have taken the lead to
monitor the planning process for the region's first light rail transit line. More importantly,
will the proposed Hiawatha LRT extend across the Minnesota River to be part of a
transportation hub in the general quadrant of the Cedar Avenue/Trunk Highway 13
interchange? Lynn Moratzka, a Planner for the Dakota County Physical Development
Department, will make a 15-20 minute presentation about a feasibility study that will
consider transit improvements for the Cedar Avenue Corridor in Dakota County. Her
presentation will include siting a transit hub and transit corridor both short and long-term in
the Cedarvale area. County Commissioners Patrice Bataglia and Nancy Schouweiler will
also be extended invitations to attend the workshop on this item.
Tom Butler and Margaret Schriner,who have represented the City of Eagan on the Hiawatha
Corridor Community Advisory Committee, have been contacted and can provide a status
update on the work of that committee.
The City Administrator has also contacted the MVTA and extended an invitation to attend
the workshop, since a consideration for a transportation hub includes both LRT and buses.
A representative of SRF may be in attendance, since that firm was recently retained to
facilitate a study/vision for the overall redevelopment of the Greater Cedarvale Area.
Brief History
A resolution was passed by the City Council on July 21, 1998 that supports the concept of a
light rail transit hub in Dakota County in the general location of the intersection of Highway
77 and Trunk Highway 13. A copy of that resolution is attached on page . It was
f
suggested at that time that a representative of the business community and a resident, both
located within a mile of the Highway 77 and Trunk Highway 13 interchange, be appointed
to the Hiawatha Corridor Community Advisory Committee. Tom Butler, owner of the
MacDonalds Restaurants (two of his stores are located in Southwest Eagan) and Margaret
Schriner, who lives in Southwest Eagan, were asked and agreed to participate on the
Hiawatha Corridor Community Advisory Committee. That committee has met on several
occasions to review the specifics for locations of stops along the system. The committee
will not determine the general location of the stops; however, they have discussed where a
given intersection would be most appropriate for a stop. A part of the committee's charge
was to approve and recommend designs for the individual stops in conjunction with
neighborhood meetings in the surrounding areas along the Hiawatha Corridor. Another
charge the committee has worked on is the community involvement plan.
Once the advisory committee makes its recommendations, the Corridor Management
Committee, consisting of ten members representing local government bodies in other cities
including representatives of the Met Council, Dakota County, Hennepin County, the City of
Bloomington and the University of Minnesota, will review the recommendations and make
findings to the Commissioner of Transportation. Because a decision to build the light rail
transit system has already been made, the rest of the decisions will rest with the
Commissioner. (This was the process reported to the City during August, 1998.)
It has been the goal of Twin Cities transit planners to complete the first customer ride by the
year 2003. The proposed Hiawatha LRT alignment begins in the general area of the
Metrodome and would extend along the Hiawatha Corridor through the VA Medical Center,
Fort Snelling, MSP Airport, HHH Charter Terminal, Metro Drive, Mall of America and, in
keeping with the spirit of the City of Eagan's resolution, across the Minnesota River to a site
at the Cedar Freeway/TH 13 interchange. Enclosed on pages_9 through_9 is a copy
of a map that illustrates the Hiawatha Corridor project stages and a map that provides detail
on the actual LRT line, including each of the transit stations and proposed park&rides.
DIRECTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THIS ITEM:
To provide an opportunity for further education on the status of LRT as it relates to a line
extension to Dakota County and an opportunity to interact with Dakota County to shape
further policy on the feasibility of. 1) developing a transportation station in the proximity of
the Cedar Avenue and TH 13 intersection and 2) to extend LRT across the Minnesota River
along the Cedar Corridor to be included as a part of the transportation hub.
PRESENTATION OF PART III/FIVE (5)YEAR C.I.P.
A Special City Council meeting was held on Tuesday, November 24, 1998 to discuss the
Five (5) Year C.I.P. (1999-2003) which includes Part I (General Government Facilities),
Part II (Vehicles & Equipment) and Part III (Public Infrastructure & Park Acquisition &
Development). At that time, it was anticipated that the Capital Improvements Budget would
be scheduled for the December 15, 1998 City Council meeting to be approved with the
operating budgets for 1999. At the work session it was determined by the City Council that
r
the Capital Improvements Program would be continued to 1999, allowing the new City
Councii an opportunity to review the document.
At the January 19 City Council meeting, the City Council approved the 1999 budget for Part
II (Vehicles & Equipment) so deadlines could be met for purchasing under the Hennepin
County Joint Purchasing Program.
In recent years, City Councils have adopted a Five (5) Year C.I.P. that provides a budget for
the first year, in this case 1999, and a plan for the remaining four years. This policy
direction provides staff with a working plan to organize work programs and schedule
necessary community meetings to consider any and all infrastructure improvements.
The Public Works Department Part III 5-Year Capital Improvement Program for the years
1999 through 2003 was distributed in December and not reproduced for inclusion in this
packet due to the volume of material. However, enclosed on pages —I- through/67is a
copy of the revised Executive Summary of significant projects and issues included in the
proposed 1999-2003 Part III CIP as prepared by the Director of Public Works. The memo
highlights certain highly visible projects, such as Cliff Road, that will require specific public
policy consideration. Also enclosed on pages_Z6 through,,U is a copy of the proposed
Part III CIP for the same years for the Storm Water Management Program which was
inadvertently left out of the earlier distribution.
Park Acquisition&Development
The Advisory Parks Commission has reviewed a proposed CIP for the years 1999-2003 and
is presenting the information to the City Council for consideration. Enclosed on page 22
is a copy of the proposed projects as presented by the Advisory Parks Commission. Also
enclosed on page is a copy of additional detail on the 1999 projects.
It would also be appropriate for the City Council to acknowledge the suggestion by the
Advisory Parks Commission to conduct a more comprehensive review in July of 1999 of
current and future financial resources available for this CIP. This has a significant potential
impact on projects proposed for the years 2000 through 2003.
The Director of Parks & Recreation will be available to provide an explanation of the
projects and to answer questions at the meeting on Tuesday.
Part I CIP (General Government Facilities) 1999-2003 and
Part II (Vehicles & Equipment)2000-2003
If time permits, it would be helpful if the City Council could also review the last two
components of the 1999-2000 5-Year Capital Improvement Program so the complete
document could be brought back to a future regular meeting for formal adoption.
Part I General Government Facilities
The only project suggested for consideration in the Part I 1999-2003 CIP is the remodeling
of Fire Station 2 located on Lone Oak Circle. Enclosed on page .2!r is a copy of the
current estimate to complete this remodeling. Also enclosed on page " is a'copy of a
memo from Fire Chief Jensen suggesting the benefits of this remodeling taking place during
1999 when the station operations will probably need to be relocated due to the construction
on Lone Oak Road. If the project concept is given approval by the City Council, some
additional detail review will be undertaken by the City Administrator and Fire Chief to
finalize the actual scope of the work before proceeding.
Funding for this project would be from the Community Investment Fund.
Fire Chief Jensen will be available at the meeting to answer any questions that the City
Council may have regarding this proposed project.
Part II Vehicles & Equipment
At the regular meeting on January 19, 1999, the Part II budget for the year 1999 was
approved. The balance of the 5-Year Part II CIP for the years 2000-2003 should also be
reviewed for incorporation into the final document. Enclosed on pages 22 through
is summary information and detailed department information for this part of the CIP.
DIRECTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THIS ITEM:
To provide direction to the City Administrator to place the Five (5) Year Capital
Improvements Program (1999-2003) on a future City Council agenda for consideration with
or without City Council modification.
DIRECTION RE: INFORMATION FOR REVIEW ON SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT POLICY
Enclosed on pages 3LT7 through ..1_ is a memo from the Director of Public Works
responding to the motion approved at the January 19, 1999 City Council meeting directing
staff to schedule an agenda item for the February 9 Council work session for the purpose of
defining what information should be prepared for future discussion on the City's assessment
policy. The memo should effectively serve as a starting point or benchmark for the City
Council's deliberations.
Enclosed on page VO is a copy of a handout City Councilmember Carlson distributed to
each member of the City Council at the February 2 regular City Council meeting. It was
suggested at the meeting that if any member of the City Council had specific questions in
regard to the City's assessment policy, they should be forwarded to the City staff by Friday,
February 5, and included in the packet of information for the February 9 meeting. Enclosed
on page-q4 is a copy of information City Councilmember Blomquist is forwarding to the
City Council in response to the questions prepared by Councilmember Carlson.
DIRECTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THIS ITEM:
To provide staff with direction on the motion adopted at the January 19 City Council
meeting which "directed staff to schedule an agenda item for the February 9 Council work
session for the purpose of defining what information should be prepared for future
discussion on the City's assessment policy."
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Awada, on behalf of the Eagan Forever Green Task Force, is requesting a brief
discussion to consider the placement of a tally board on the Municipal Center Campus that
would share the status of the fundraising goals for the Eagan Forever Green community
match. The City used a similar concept with a board that charted the status of the
community fundraising for the first civic arena project several years ago.
There is no additional business anticipated.
/S/ Thomas L. Hedges
City Administrator
TLH/vmd
i
I
98-62
RESOLUTION
CITY OF EAGAN
LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT HUB
WHEREAS, the City of Eagan recognizes the growth in residential and
business areas in Eagan and Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, the City of Eagan supports the transit needs of the residents
and businesses in Eagan and Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, the City of Eagan supports and wishes to participate on the
Hiawatha Corridor Management Committee, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
Section 473.3994, Subdivision 10; and
WHEREAS, the City of Eagan supports the concept of a light-rail transit
hub in Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, the City of Eagan further supports, in concept, the
development of a light-rail transit hub in the general location of the intersection of
Highway 77 and Trunk Highway 13,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Eagan hereby
expresses interest in and support for further planning of a light-rail transit hub at
the junction of Highway 77 and Trunk Highway 13 to serve the residents and
businesses of Dakota County.
CITY OF EAGAN
C UNCIL
Its Mayor
Attest:
It Jerk
Motion made by: WACHTER
Seconded by: AWADA
Those in favor: ALL VOTED IN FAVOR.
Those against: NONE.
Dated: JULY 21, 1998
6
4,if?3 198 16:15 ID:DAfmTA CUmTY PFMSICAL. D FAX:612-891-7031 PAGE 3
AGENDA ITEM 15
Hiawatha Corridor
Project Stages
Downtown
Mlnneapoil�
94
9�
L►Ye St
�+ b
VA
Hospital*
�.. 6z
MSP
Alrpo
ir■
Mall
Of
Americ
� N
' �� ■ �
Stage IA
�Iriri w o t a
Stage 18 stage 1
• ■ ■ ■ ■ Stage2
07101/98
I
x-95% 612 891 7031 08-03-98 98 04:OOPM P003 li07
27
Entertainment Dist The Hiawatha Line
r owntown Core (i�'�Pl Proposed LRT alignment
Government Corridor University u or M Transit
Soh trodorn 1 °f LRT Line
s, Minnesota
Downtown a"9LO" Station
Minneapolis N
I _ New Park and Ride
15th Avenu
� Augsburg July 1998
CoHege
,Ile
� Flankun Amtrak
Depot
E.Franklin Franklin Fds`� ��,'�a•�Y
24th St 25th St
c
c � _
n < - a
L) N
Lake St
E.Lake St Univ.of
Powderhorn Summit ■St Thomas
Park Grand
35th St 34th St ST.PAUL
E.38th St
38th St 38th St St Clair
MINNEAPOLIS
4 to
Randor(;
42nd St A >
i `
Neighborhoods along the A Coll
ge
E.46th St 46th St St Catherine,
route and commuters to: Ford Pkv,,
Downtown Minnehaha
Highlands
Minneapolis Proposed j Park r
U of M Minnehaha Park
Station Motor J%
VA Hospital -50th Company •
MSP Airport 54th St c VA Medical
N Center
Mall of America VA Hospital■
�f
st Minneapolist
52r-,d St St.Paul GSA/Ft.Snelling •Fort
International 60o car Park&RidSnArc
Airport
Veterans
Memorial c Air rt tend FcQ
Park Termi
N
Snelling
_ RICHFIELD �� Lake
HHH Terminal Both St Northwest Rt\
&Econolot �iriines
A,t•
�o
sl lea Cl
Northwest < Sne ling era
Airlines t National Fort
(Building C) A Cemetery Snelling
y State
® Park �M
34th Avenue
80th St 0�,
sisl St A pletree
un
Square Club E
Mall of a Lake
America etro Drive
Ameca �•�
BLOOMINGTON t Mall Amenca MetroTransit '
`" Ca 861h St 86th Street a
:. j.�. MEMO
city of eagan
TO: THOMAS L HEDGES, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: THOMAS A COLBERT,DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 1998—Updated February 5, 1999
SUBJECT: 5-YEAR CIP (1999-2003)
The Public Works Department has completed the preparation of Part III of the 5-Year Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) for 1999 to 2003. This CIP represents a continued refinement and
evaluation of our community's infrastructure system. We have estimated the cost and projected
sources of revenue necessary to finance the expansion and/or rehabilitation of our surface
transportation and utility system for the next 5-years. Where possible, this CIP incorporates and
compliments the related CIP of Dakota County and MnDOT when it requires the City of Eagan's
financial participation.
There are various improvements and issues that should be specifically reviewed in consideration of'
formal adoption to ensure that it can be implemented in an efficient and timely manner.
STREETS/HIGHWAYS
A. Pavement Management Program
In October of 1997, the City adopted and implemented a Pavement Management Program,
which incorporates various pavement maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. These
strategies can be applied at various optimal times,which can help extend the life expectancy
of our streets. The Pavement Management Program establishes a measurable goal for the
quality of pavement condition as evaluated for both the local neighborhood level and the
entire City's system.
An inventory of the pavement condition rating of all of our streets combined with the age
and previous maintenance history helps determine which maintenance strategy would be
most effective in extending its life expectancy. This process forms the basis for creating the
Streets/Highway portion of this CIP.
There are six strategies of improvements identified for local streets.
1. New Construction_ This category applies primarily to the new construction of local
streets along new alignments where none previously existed.
2. Reconstruction — This category applies primarily to older streets that have reached or,
exceeded their initial life expectancy where other operational or structural maintenance
improvements would not be cost effective. These streets generally require full
excavation, subgrade correction and surface reconstruction.
Page I
9
3. Recycle — This category applies to streets that have a sound subgrade and adequate
aggregate base, but the bituminous surfacing has deteriorated due to age and
environmental impacts and should be replaced. The bituminous material is milled
(crushed) and blended into the aggregate base and a new bituminous surface is
constructed on top.
4. Resurface — This category applies to those streets originally constructed to City
standards with a thicker section of asphalt (4+") and remain structurally sound but only
the top 1-2"needs to be removed and replaced due to environmental and/or traffic wear.
5. Overlay—This category applies to those streets originally constructed to City standards
and remain in generally good condition but need a structural overlay to enhance the
pavement maintenance strategies previously applied and prolong the original life
expectancy by preserving the original pavement structure while it is still sound. The
existing pavement receives localized maintenance improvements and the outside edges
are milled to provide a even surface with the curb section. In some cases, a full width
milling will enhance the adhesion of the overlay and remove minor surface
deteriorations as well. In other instances,routine crack sealing is all that is necessary.
6. Urban Upgrade — This category pertains basically to gravel, substandard and/or rural
street sections that need full construction efforts to bring it up to current City standards
with concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer and trails, if appropriate.
B. Collector and Arterial Roadways
1. So. Dodd Road (1999.1) -- Dodd Road south of Cliff Road presently exists as a
substandard neighborhood collector with a 24' wide rural design roadway with a 2"
bituminous surface installed in 1988. This bituminous overlay was provided as a
dust control measure only and no subgrade correction, drainage or structural
improvements were provided. It had a projected life expectancy of 7 — 10 years
which has now been met or exceeded. During this 10-year period, significant
residential development has occurred along this corridor increasing traffic volumes
400%-500%.
With the rural design, narrow roadway and emerging roadside vegetation, there are
no safe accommodations for nonmotorized traffic or on-street parking.
Approximately three years ago, there was a pedestrian fatality. Sanitary sewer
and/or water main have been installed along limited segments of this roadway.
There are approximately 30+ residences that take direct access from this one-mile
segment of roadway with another 50+ homes from the Lakeview Trail and
Waterview neighborhoods. It will be difficult to balance the collector street design
needs with the rural ambiance desires of the neighborhood. There is a good
opportunity to incorporate some traffic calming efforts in the design but it will
require some variances to City standards.
2. Denmark Avenue Extension (1999.9) -- With the United States Postal Service
(USPS) concurring with an alternate alignment adjacent to 35E, the extension of
Denmark Avenue serving as a frontage road along the east side of 35E and acting as
a reliever for the Lexington Avenue upgrade (2000.3) should now be programmed
for 1999. With the continued growth of the commercial and business park near the
Promenade development and Home Depot store, the need to extend and connect
Denmark Avenue is now timely. However, the City's inability to assess the USPS
will result in 100% financing by the City of Eagan.
Page 2
/)
3. Highway 55-West Segment (1999.12) — This project provides for access
' modifications, median closures and the construction/extension of a frontage road on
the south side of Highway 55 from Commers Drive to the current Lawrence Avenue
intersection (future Blue Water Road). An application has been submitted for
MnDOT participation,which is essential to this project's scheduling in 1999.
4. Cliff Road (2000.2)—This needed improvement would upgrade Cliff Road (Co.Rd.
32) to a 4-lane divided urban section with trails on both sides between ChesMar
Drive and Lexington Avenue. This project was previously denied at a public
hearing held in May of 1996 and reprogrammed for 1998. Dakota County will not
reconsider this project until the City determines which local street (Park Ridge
Drive vs. Oak Chase Road)will be restricted by a raised median. Representatives of
the Park Cliff neighborhood continue to request this improvement as soon as
possible with full access being provided at Park Ridge Drive. In spite of this
impasse, the City Council requested Dakota County to program this improvement
for 1999 and extend the improvement to Highway 3. Due to the significant right-of-
way acquisition and additional design efforts competing with the County's current
program, the soonest they would consider this is 2001. If the improvement was
reduced to the original segment of ChesMar Drive through Lexington Avenue, the
County may be able to accelerate it to the year 2000. Staff is pursuing discussions
with the County to allow access to both local streets. The easterly segment to
Highway 3 should be put into a future category, as there are other roadway
segments that have a higher priority for improvement.
5. Yankee Doodle Road Extension (2000.4) — A joint traffic impact study being
performed by Dakota County, Inver Grove Heights, MnDOT and the City of Eagan
is expected to be completed in early 1999. Dakota County has programmed this
extension for the year 2001 to allow the completion of an overall subregional study
for other County road extensions. Due to the current development applications and
the Indirect Source Permit (ISP) condition placed on any future expansion of the
West Group, it is recommended that this improvement be programmed as soon as
possible. Although the County may not be able to respond to the City's desire for
2000, this program schedule will allow the City to actively pursue this
improvement. There has been past neighborhood opposition to this roadway
extension in the past. Additional informational meetings are scheduled for Spring
'99.
6. Highway 149 (2002.1) -- Highway 149 from Highway 55 to Wescott Road
currently consists of a 2-lane rural roadway with intermittent turn and bypass lanes.
Recent traffic counts indicate that this section of State highway carries 18,000+
vehicles per day, which is quickly exceeding the capacity of a 2-lane rural highway
design. MnDOT does not have this roadway improvement programmed in any of
their future work plans. If some improvement is to happen and MnDOT or other
regional funds are planned on, it must be identified in a local CIP.
7. No. Dodd Road (2003.9) — This segment of Dodd Road (Diffley to Wescott) is
currently a 2-lane rural County road turnback in good sound condition. It carries
approximately 3,100 vehicles per day but does not have any paved shoulders or off-
Page 3
street trails to safely accommodate nonmotorized traffic. The City continues to
receive increasing requests for trailways, which cannot be accommodated on the
steep side slopes without a reconstruction to urban design standards. At the request
of several citizens, this is being placed in the fifth year of the CIP to provide the
City Council an opportunity to discuss the merits and timing of this improvement.
8. Future (Foreseeable/Possible) — I tried to identify potential major roadway
improvements that are contained within our Comprehensive Guide Plan and/or
required to accommodate major development proposals. Their need is not
foreseeable or the funding is not available within the next five years. However, it
gives the Council a view of anticipated remaining projects. The cost estimates are
very sketchy and additional development and/or traffic congestion pressures would
dictate their timing. NOTE: As development continues, there becomes a need to
protect and preserve the proposed corridors for some of these future alignments.
This may necessitate the early acquisition of right of way or initiating the Official
Mapping process. This may require the expenditure of funds prior to the
programmed construction year. Cost estimates are very difficult to predict.
C. Local Street Maintenance
Because of the dedicated effort of the City of Eagan over the past 8 — 10 years to upgrade all City
streets to current standards, the 5-Year CIP as presented for local street improvements is almost
entirely life extending overlays and recycles except for the following upgrade.
1. East Highway 55 South Frontage Road (1999.8) — This frontage road is
currently a substandard 22' wide rural road in deteriorating condition with
additional development proposed along it. While technically this frontage road is
under the jurisdiction of MnDOT, the City of Eagan is responsible for all
maintenance. However, MnDOT may consider participating in the upgrade of
this frontage road to City standards if the City agrees to accept the turnback of this
state frontage road as a City street. An application has been made for MnDOT
financing in 1999.
D. Sealcoat
Cracksealing and timely surface sealcoating applications have been shown to be effective
preventative maintenance programs for extending the life cycle of streets. Newly surfaced streets
are sealcoated 4 — 5 years after original construction and 8 — 10 years thereafter as needed and
verified by field inspections. Historically, the program has been maintained at approximately
$200,000 per year with the General Fund financing $50,000 per year and the difference being the
responsibility of the Major Street Fund.
City Maintenance crews were unable to perform all of the necessary crack sealing during 1998 to.
accommodate the normal 1999 sealcoating program because of the major cleanup efforts
associated with the two 1998 wind storms and the trail rehabilitation efforts needed to implement
the new winter trail maintenance program. Subsequently, the year 2000 sealcoating program has
more than doubled to catch up with the long-term program needs.
Page 4
D. Signals
Presently, there are 57 signalized intersections within the City limits with only two falling totally
under the City's jurisdiction. This, 5-Year CIP identifies five additional intersections
programmed for signalization with another eight identified in the "Future" category for
consideration of programming as needs are identified or specific warrants met.
1. Highway 55 @ Eagandale Boulevard (2001.2) — A recent evaluation of this
intersection by MnDOT indicates that this intersection meets all of the warrants
identified to justify signalization. However, this intersection has an extremely
low accident rate. Subsequently, MnDOT has programmed this intersection for
signalization for the year 2001-2002. This CIP is recommending the earlier date.
2. Lexington @ Wescott (Future.8) — The signalization of this intersection requires
reconstruction of Wescott Road to provide center left-turn lanes. Due to the
impact to the adjacent properties for the widening of the Wescott Road
approaches, this reconstruction was not approved at a public hearing for this
project in October of 1997. Although a Signal Justification Report (SJR) has been
authorized by the City Council, it remains in the "Future" category until specific
direction is provided regarding this project. However, the City continues to
receive numerous requests from the traveling public for signals at this
intersection.
3. Lexington Avenue @ Duckwood (Future.6) — With the recent revision for the
access to the Carriage Hills Golf Course from Wescott Woodlands to Duckwood.
Drive, it is anticipated that increased traffic at this intersection will result in the
need for signalization. However, Dakota County has taken the position that they
will not finance the signalization of other intersections with lower priority ranking;
until the Lexington and Wescott intersection has been completed.
D. Streetlights
This section pertains to major intersection streetlights. It does not address local residential
neighborhood lights nor continuous streetlighting programs (i.e. commercial/industrial areas,
collector/arterial thoroughfares, etc.). This program is based on an inventory of needs on our
collector and arterial transportation system. _
1. Johnny Cake Ridge Road (1999.5) —Installation of this streetlight is in response
to the concern raised by an Eagan High School student at a recent Council
meeting. Additional streetlighting for the various curves on Johnny Cake Ridge
Road to the south are the responsibility of Apple Valley who has been requested.
to provide similar streetlighting.
Page 5
13
UTILITIES
A. Water—Trunk Distribution
This portion of the CIP is somewhat development driven and has been based on the 1996
Comprehensive Water Supply and Distribution Plan. This CIP identifies various trunk water
main extensions within and through Inver Grove Heights in accordance with the 1997 Joint
Powers Agreement.
B. Water Operations and Facilities
This element of the CIP identifies both programmed improvements for Renewal and
Replacement (R&R) as well as Supply, Storage and Treatment (SST). The R&R portion pertains
primarily to the routine inspection and maintenance of our City wells and pumps. The SST
portions are improvements to the system as recommended in the 1996 Comprehensive Water
Supply and Distribution Plan.
1. Safari and Yankee Reservoir (1999.2 & 3) — Based on the age and surveyed
condition of these structures, it is recommended that both the interior and exterior
be refurbished and repainted in 1999. The City Council may want to consider the
application of the City logo tree and name with the repainting similar to the
recently constructed Deerwood Reservoir.
C. Trunk Conveyance
The trunk sanitary sewer system is virtually complete with no significant programmed
improvements anticipated for the next five years except as noted. However, it does identify
those few remaining improvements under the "Future" category for information purposes.
1. Highway 55 Lift Station (1999.1)— The existing sanitary sewer lift station located
on the south side of Highway 55 near the Inver Grove Heights border should have
the wet well and pump size increased to minimize the frequency of operation and
related high energy demands.
D. Sanitary Sewer—Facility and Operations
Because the sanitary sewer system is relatively young and routinely maintained, there are only
minor maintenance improvements programmed to the pumping stations along with sealing off
ground water infiltration. The update of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan associated with the
Comprehensive Guide Plan update may identify additional improvements, which will be
addressed with future CIP's.
/Page 6
E. Storm Sewer—Trunk Conveyance
This section is primarily for the conveyance of surface water runoff and does not address water
quality programs. This CIP is also somewhat development driven. However, with the update of'
the Comprehensive Storm Water Management Plan associated with the Comprehensive Guide
Plan update, various modifications to the system may be recommended. These will be addressed
in future CIP's.
EQUIPMENT
This portion of the CIP is presented for the various Divisions (Engineering — 21, Streets — 22,
Central Services — 24, Water — 61, Sanitary — 62). They have all maintained the same 5-year
totals while allocating those dollars differently within each respective year based on the needs
and life cycle of the various pieces of equipment. An extensive 20-year projection has been
performed by the Equipment Maintenance Division, which is addressed under Part II of the
City's overall CIP.
SUMMARY
Hundreds of personnel hours have been applied towards the evaluation, compilation, calculation
and preparation of this Comprehensive 5-Year CIP update. I would like to acknowledge the
dedicated personnel of the Public Works Department for their effort, diligence, and innovation in
helping to present this document to the City Council and the general public so that the growth of"
our community can be planned and guided in an orderly and fiscally responsible fashion.
This document allows for the necessary advanced planning, preliminary design, public
notification, interagency programming and funding applications. It also represents the very,
foundation for all future public infrastructure improvements incorporating three major steps;
1) Long-range planning and programming (CIP)
2) Scheduling the programmed improvement for the next available construction season
3) Approving a project and awarding a contract as the result of the public hearing,
process.
We look forward to presenting the information contained in this document to the City Council
and citizens of Eagan. We would be happy to discuss the merits of any proposed modifications.
Respectfully submitted,
Director of Public Works
TAC J j
Attachment: 5-Year CIP (1999—2003)
Cc: Russ Matthys, City Engineer
Arnie Erhart, Superintendent of Streets/Equipment
Wayne Schwartz, Superintendent of Utilities
Tom Struve, Public Works Coordinator
Pa`gee77
1
0 0 0 0 0 0
o o O o
o 0 0 0 00
69 69 69 64 60S
F
0 0 0 0 0 0
O' en M 0 0 0
M M
QR; 69 69 66 69 69 T
z
3 =
►r 0 0 0 0 0 0
Q
F ct o 0 0 0
69 69 69 69 69 a
W U �
G O
F-
Q
O
�
t}
601) � es 69 69 `~'
O
E
z
c Q
� 0.
ccs
� W c
a
T
U C O N M -
r CN O O O C � -
3 C� Ca NO N N N O �
. 1�
a�
c
ON
Ln E
o �r
E
E > E0
U � U
c o 0 0 0 0 0
o o o C o v,
Lz7 O O
Q �
N
Q
C6 O
U Q �
kA
p U �
0 0 0
E z
o
Q
E w ;�
cz _
� w s -o � > �
Lo
0 CL
Ue a
r
> U M p
Ln
U c�^S vUi
C' 'T �
C U 0 C U j
.� .o > c
0 0 �
0
o voi
Q
� F
� Wo
N
LZ
_
Q
a O
Q
Gaz7 V Q v
p U c
Q 0 0 0
O o
0
ai � U sNi9
cz
cz
ct
cz
� z
� o
y
_
� w � � � � •� � 0 0
0
b w w =
z CJ U CJ
7 U _
3 0 �. �-
c R
o.
E
M '
E 3
E ° a�
0
0
O O o 0 0
Er �
w w o g
Z O ct
P.
CZ ct
0
N _
O 0
� L �
F-
Q
y U M sMiS
� z
o
u E
>
czczo
°- m ° a.
c3 C ° ° aG
C> E
_U m cC -� CEJ °
C (� —
3
a
0
c
M
'Cr
rn N
U U
0
0 0 0 0
0
6R
H
Gii Ems„ �k
� O
O c�
z a �
Q.
F
o 3a
Q o
z
Ln
U °
w Q
U
CCS
Q Gi j, O O
Q > O O ¢'
O a
CEJ � U M EJ4
� z
o
>
v� ° Q. a
ct
ri
O C.
.�
c
M
C �
U U
0
0
0
(0 rn O fq
N
.-� C 4
F
W o 0
z w oen
Q �
,
a
Q o
� z
� o
Q
Q x
>
c °
cz
O EL C.) a' w
.r
cz
FIVE-YEAR RENEWAL AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (Department 64)
1999
Street Repairs 2,500
Utility System Repairs 25,000
Repair Supplies 10,000
Total 1999 $37,500
2000
Street Repairs 2,500
Utility System Repairs 25,000
Repair Supplies 10,000
Total 2000 $37,500
2001
Street Repairs 2,500
Utility System Repairs 27,500
Repair Supplies 20,000
Total 2001 $50,000
2002
Street Repairs 5,000
Utility System Repairs 25,000
Repair Supplies 100,000
Total 2002 $130,000*
2003
Street Repairs 5,000
Utility System Repairs 25,000
Repair Supplies 100,000
Total 2003 $130,000*
*Approval pending subject to funding availability
I:(Budget/5yrcip64 993
9/11/98
aC�_
The following projects have been reviewed by the Advisory Parks Commission and are being
recomr:iended to the City Council For consideration in the 1999-2003 CIP:
1999
Project Cost
• Playground installation -Evergreen Park(Paid from 1998 appropriations)
• Second phase-Walden Heights Park $ 85,000
• Rahn Tennis Courts 35,000
• Acquisition: Don Grant property 240,000
• Property Repair/Other- Don Grant property 25,000
• Driveway Access-Patrick Eagan Park 25,000*
• Soil Correction - Captain Dodd Park 25,000*
*Projects not previously identified or formally reviewed as part of any pervious approvals.
2000
• Three playgrounds $ 75,000
• Blackhawk Park parking lot lights 30,000
• Lexington parking lot lights 70,000
• Thomas Lake Park parking lot 25,000
• North Park 100,000
2001
• Three playgrounds $75,000
• Shelter, Captain Dodd Park 20,000
• Shelter, Ridgecliff Park 20,000
• Shelter, Slaters Acres Park 20,000
2002
• Three Playgrounds $75,000
• Peridot Path Trail 10,000
• Meadowlands Park Trail 10,000
2003
• Lexington Diflley Athletic Field Lights $180,000
• Bur Oaks Park Trail/Bridge 30,000
• Carlson Lake Dock 20,000
• Two Playgrounds 50,000
Years 2000 through 2003 will be reviewed each year for reconsideration and
recommendation. Staff is also suggesting that in July of 1999, a complete review of all
projects be undertaken. Additional funds will have come into the Park Site Fund since the
Commission first began this prioritization task in July of 1997.
00
1999 CIP
Park Site Dedication Fund
Summary:
Walden Heights Park: Phase 11 $ 85,000
Rahn park Tennis Court Repair 35,000
Acquisition: Don Grant property 240,000
Property Repair Don Grant Parcel 25,000
Driveway Access: Patrick Eagan Park 25,000
Capt.Dodd Park: Soil Correction 25,000
Evergreen Park: Playground replacement N/A
Walden Heh!bts Park-Phase II:
Phase 1 was initiated in 1998 with grading, seeding,parking and trail improvements. Phase 11
includes the installation of playground equipment, ball field backstop, landscaping, and
signage.
Rahn Park Tennis Court: `
This project was scheduled for 1998 but was postponed as a result of the severe windstorm
damage suffered in the spring of 1998. The project requires the removal of the existing court
surface and sub-grade material. A new surface will be installed over better sub-grade
materials. The current courts have severe cracking and deflection.
Acquisition:
Additional land adjacent to Moonshine Park,the Don Grant parcel, is planned for acquisition.
This acquisition has been approved by the City Council, subject to a purchase agreement,
which is being finalized.
Prope , repair-Don Grant:
With the acquisition of the Don Grant parcel,there will be some site work required.
Demolition of the old swimming pool,which has been unusable for a number of years and
repair of the septic system to meet State requirements will need to be completed.
Driveway Access-Patrick Eagan Park:
Funding to allow for the extension of Northview Park Road into Patrick Eagan Park as a
shared access with United Methodist Church.
Cant. Dodd Park-Soil Correction :
As a result of contaminated soils being washed onto Captain Dodd Park years ago,the
department has processed the necessary closure documents with the State and County to
resolve the issue of any potential contamination with the park's users. The plan calls for
importing soils to"cap"the site and re-vegetate it.
Evergreen Park-Playground Installation:
Originally scheduled in 1998 as one of four park playgrounds for replacement. Although the
equipment was ordered it was not installed because of the work effort required as a result of
the spring storms. This work will carry over into next year's installation schedule. The
equipment was paid for from 1998 appropriations.
STATION 2 REMODELING
Parking Lot (Curb, Gutter, Surface) $ 23,000
Garage Doors A) Door Replacement 11,000
B) Manual Operation for Power Outage 6,000
C) Weather Striping 2,500
Roof-New(Add insulation to min. requirements) 30,000
Carpet (Upstairs& 2 offices down) 3,000
Painting (Inside& Out) 18,000
Sign (Marquee out front) 5,000
Upstairs (Paneling, sheetrock, new ceiling tiles, lighting 8,000
Kitchen A) Downstairs -Relocate to
upstairs and change downstairs to storage room) - 0-
Bathrooms
0-Bathrooms-Upgrade to A.D.A. standards 21,000
Ceiling Fans - Install and guards on all 2,500
Furniture -Replace upstairs area and offices 5,000
Exterior Brick -Repair and wash and seal 3.000
Sub-total $141,000
Contingency (12%) 16.920
TOTAL $157,920
cc: Craig Jensen-Fire Chief
Dave DiIoia-Battalion Chief
Mark Adam-Battalion Chief
Scott Wood - Sta. 2 Commander
Mark Sportelli Station Manager
G:1PMt9PML4tarion2Remodeling.321
1
CITY OF
EAGAN
MEMO TO: Tom Hedges, City Administrator
Gene VanOverbecke, Director of Finace
FROM: Craig Jensen, Fire Chief
DATE: November 19, 1998
SUBJECT: CIP Part 1, Fire Station Two Remodel
Enclosed please find an estimate of the cost associated with the remodeling of Fire Sta.
#2 located on Lone Oak Circle. It would be in the best interest of the City to proceed
with this project in 1999. With the reconstruction of Lone Oak Road,the personnel at
this station will have difficulty in getting to the station in time throughout the road
reconstruction project. The station personnel and equipment will have to be located to a
temporary location if plans for the road reconstruction remain as they are. The fire
department is looking into locating one of the trucks at Dart Transit, and possibly
locating one truck at Fire Administration. Sta. #2 will have a very poor response to fire
and/or medicals for this period of time. We will do everything in our power to insure that
the best service possible is supplied to the community.
If you have any questions, please contact me via my digital pager 651-610-2671
Craig Jensen-Fire Chief
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
SUMMARY BY YEAR BY DEPARTMENT
Equipment
Revolving Fund User Fees
1999
Information Technologies $ 52, 000
Community Development 65, 000
Police 399, 200
Fire 25, 000
Engineering 20, 000
Streets 387, 700
Parks & Rec/Tree Conservation 218, 000
Water $ 45, 000
1999 Totals $1, 166, 900 $ 45, 000
2000
Information Technologies $ 20, 000
Finance 18, 000
Community Development 30, 000
Police 197,200
Fire 60, 000
Engineering 27, 500
Streets 268,400
Parks & Rec/Tree Conservation 161, 000
Water $ 37, 000
Sanitary Sewer 37, 000
2000 Totals $782 , 100 $ 74 , 000
2001
Information Technologies $ 158, 000
Finance 18, 000
Police 648, 300
Fire 220, 000
Engineering 15, 000
Central Services 60, 000
Streets 159, 100
Parks & Rec/Tree Conservation 185, 000
Water $ 20, 000
Sanitary Sewer 50, 000
2001 Totals $1,463 , 400 $ 70, 000
2002
Information Technologies $ 46, 000
Finance 18, 000
Community Development 16, 500
Police 218, 300
Fire 123, 000
Central Services 9, 000
Streets 378, 300
Parks & Rec/Tree Conservation 195, 000
Water $ 17, 000
Sanitary Sewer 20, 000
2002 Totals $1 , 004 , 100 $ 37, 000
a7
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT (CONT,D)
Equipment
Revolving Fund User Fees
2003
Information Technologies $ 32, 500
Community Development 17, 000
Police 239,400
Fire 775, 000
Engineering 20, 000
Streets 279, 700
Parks & Rec/Tree Conservation 53, 000
Water $ 20, 000
Sanitary Sewer 20, 000
2003 Totals $1, 416, 600 $ 40, 000
SUMMARY BY DEPARTMENT
Equipment
Revolving Fund User Fees
Information Technologies $ 308, 500
Finance 54, 000
Community Development 128, 500
Police 1, 702, 400
Fire 1, 203, 000
Engineering 82, 500
Central Services 69, 000
Streets 1, 473 , 200
Parks & Rec/Tree Conservation 812, 000
Water $139, 000
Sanitary Sewer 127, 000
$5, 833, 100 $266, 000
p� O
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
BY DEPARTMENT - 1999
Equipment
C Revolving Fund User Fees
Information Technologies
File Server Memory (City/PD/Maint) $ 6, 000
Four 10/100 Base-T Hubs 8, 000
Network Software Upgrade 5, 000
NT Exchange Server for City e-mail System 8, 000
GIS Plotter 25, 000
$ 52 , 000
Community Development
Workstation Improvements $ 50, 000
Vehicle (replace #503) 15, 000
$ 65, 000
Police
6 Full Size Crown Victoria Squads $ 126, 600
2 Detective Replacements 28, 100
Photo Imaging System 32 , 500
Payroll Program Replacement 8, 000
MDT Upgrade (Advanced from 2002) 204 , 000
$ 399, 200
Fire
CairnsIRIS Helmet $ 25 , 000
$ 25, 000
Engineering
Inspection Vehicle (replace #104) $ 20, 000
$ 20, 000
Streets
1-ton Dump Truck (replace #128) $ 39, 100
1-ton Sign Truck/Plow Truck (replace #127) 39, 100
M-ton Pickup (replace #148) 15, 500
Single-axle Dump (replace #119) 92 , 000
Single-axle Dump (replace #129) 92 , 000
Tandem Dump (replace #125) 110, 000
$ 37, 700
Parks & Rec./Tree Conservation
2-Toro 580D Mower (replace #328 & #329) $ 130, 000
1-ton 4X4 Dump Truck (replace #311) 38, 000
Vehicle (replace #500) 15, 000
1-ton 4X4 Dump Truck (new) 35, 000
$ 218, 000
Water
-ton 4X4 Pickup with Plow
(replace #214 & #213) $ 25, 000
Mini-Van (replace #208) 20 , 000
$ 45, 000
Total $1, 166, 900 $ 45, 000
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
BY DEPARTMENT - 2000
Equipment
Revolving Fund User Fees
Information Technologies
T 1 Upgrade $ 10, 000
Network Hubs 5, 000
Software Replacement 5, 000
$ 20, 000
Finance
Election Equipment $ 18 , 000
$ 18, 000
Community Development
Vehicle (replace #506) $ 15, 000
Vehicle (replace #509) 15, 000
$ 30, 000
Police
Full Size Crown Victoria Replacements (7) $ 152 , 600
Detective Vehicle Replacements (2) 29, 600
High Capacity Copier 15, 000
$ 197, 200
Fire
Battalion Chief Vehicle Replacement $ 35, 000
CairnsIRIS Helmet 25, 000
$ 60, 000
Engineering
Survey Inspection Vehicle (replace #111) $ 20, 000
Plotter 7, 500
$ 27, 500
Streets
Roller (replace #137) $ 10, 600
Single Axle Dump Truck (replace #143 & #113) 195, 200
1-ton Dump Truck (replace #121) 40, 300
-ton 4X4 Pickup (replace #149) 22 , 300
$ 268, 400
Parks & Rec./Tree Conservation
Toro 72M Mower (2) (replace #336 & #338) $ 46, 000
Toro 580 Mower Upgrade from #326 65, 000
1-ton Pickup (replace #316) 25, 000
-ton 4X4 Pickup (replace #304) 25, 000
$ 161, 000
Water
-ton Pickup (replace #204) $ 20, 000
3�-ton Pickup (replace #216) 17 , 000
$ 37, 000
36
VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT-BY DEPARTMENT-2000 (CONT'D)
Equipment
Revolving Fund User Fees
Sanitary Sewer
%-ton Pickup (replace #220) $ 20, 000
%-ton Pickup (replace #217) 17, 000
$ 37, C00
Total $ 782 , 100 $ 74 , 000
3 /
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
BY DEPARTMENT - 2001
Equipment ,
Revolving Fund User Fees
Information Technologies
Network Switch (2) $ 8, 000
Telephone System 150, 000
$ 158, 000
Finance
Election Equipment $ 18, 000
$ 18, 000
Police
Full Size Crown Victoria Replacements (9) $202 , 500
Full-size Crown Victoria-New 22 , 500
MDT for New Squad Car 8, 000
Detective Vehicle Replacement 15, 300
Dispatch Consoles-Replacements (2) 400, 000
$ 648, 300
Fire
Rescue Command Vehicle
(replaces light rescue vehicle) $ 220 , 000
$ 220, 000
Engineering
Plan-size Copier-replacement/upgrade $ 15, 000
$ 15, 000
Central Services
Automatic Vehicle Washer $ 60 , 000
$ 60, 000
Streets
1-ton Dump (replace #120) $ 41, 400
Backhoe (replace #123) 54 , 500
Melter (replace #136) 32 , 700
Skid Steer (replace #140) 30, 500
$159, 100
Parks & Rec./Tree Conservation
Toro GM72 Mower (2) (replaces #335 & #337) $ 46, 000
Mini-Van (replace #300) 23 , 000
Chipper (replace #344) 40, 000
1-ton 4X4 Dump Truck with Flow-New 38, 000
1-ton 4X4 Dump Truck (replace #319) 38, 000
$185, 000
Water
-ton Pickup (replace #202) $ 20, 000
$ 20, 000
Sanitary Sewer
Cab & Chassis (replace #212) $ 50, 000
$ 50, 000
.Total $1 , 463 , 400 $ 70, 000
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
BY DEPARTMENT - 2002
Equipment
Revolving Fund User Fees
Information Technologies
City Hall File Server $ 35, 000
Network Software 5, 000
Network Hubs 6, 000
$ 46, 000
Finance
Election Equipment $ 18 , 000
$ 18, 000
Community Development
Vehicle (replace #510) $ 16, 500
$ 16, 500
Police
Full Size Crown Victoria Replacements (8) $ 185, 600
Detective Vehicle Replacement 15, 900
Warning Siren Replacement 16, 800
$ 218, 300
Fire
Battalion Chief Vehicle Replacement $ 38 , 000
Refurbishment of 1998 Peterbuilt Pumper 85, 000
$ 123 , 000
Central Services
Copy Machine Replacement $ 9, 000
$ 9, 000
Streets
%-ton 4X4 (replace #105) $ 23 , 500
Motor Grader (replace #112) 170, 000
Air Compressor (replace #133) 16, 800
Loader w/Plow & wing (replace #144) 168, 000
$ 378, 300
Parks & Rec./Tree Conservation
Toro Parkmaster Reel Mower (replace #327) $ 55, 000
Y4-ton 4X4 Pickup (replace #310) 28 , 000
2-ton Flatbed Dump (replace #313) 38, 000
Skid Steer Loader-New 36, 000
Tree Spader-Replacement 38, 000
$ 195, 000
Water
%-ton Pickup (replace #205) $ 17, 000
$ 17, 000
Sanitary Sewer
%-ton Pickup (replace #210) $ 20, 000
$ 20, 000
Total $1 , 004 , 100 $ 37, 000
33
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
BY DEPARTMENT - 2003
Equipment
Revolving Fund User Fees
Information Technologies
Maintenance File Server $ 25, 000
Tape Backup System 7, 500
$ 32, 500
Community Development
Vehicle (replace #504) $ 17, 000
$ 17, 000
Police
Full-size Crown Victoria Squads (7) $ 173, 600
Detective Vehicle Replacement (2) 33, 000
Full-size Crown Victoria-New 24 , 800
MDT/PC for New Vehicle 8 , 000
$ 239, 400
Fire
Aerial Platform Replacement $ 775, 000
$ 775, 000
Engineering
Inspection Vehicle (replace #106) $ 20, 000
$ 20, 000 .
Streets
Loader (replace #145) $ 173 , 000
Single-axle Dump (replace #142) 106, 700
$ 279, 700
Parks & Rec./Tree Conservation
Toro Groundmaster (replace #339) $ 25, 000
Y.-ton Pickup (replace #320) 28, 000
—! $ 53 , 000
Water
1-ton Utility (replace #211) $ 20, 000
$ 20, 000
Sanitary Sewer
Y.-ton Pickup (replace #209) $ 20, 000
$ 20, 000
Total $1 , 416, 600 $ 40, 000
l
w, MEMO
city of eagan
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
% Thomas L. Hedges, City Administrator
FROM: Thomas A. Colbert, Director of Public Works
DATE: February 4, 1999
SUBJECT: Assessment Policy Issues
Council Workshop, 2-9-99
Recently, the City Council has expressed an interest to review the current Special
Assessment Policy to see if any aspect should be considered for revision or
modification. A special workshop session has been scheduled for February 9 to
discuss what aspects should be reviewed in detail. This memo is meant to provide a
historical perspective and some background of the various issues that could be
discussed.
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PHILOSOPHY
Special assessments are a method for local governments to finance public
improvements by recognizing and recouping at least a portion of the increased
market value conveyed to property as a result of the improvement. By law, there has
to be a reasonable relationship between the improvement and the property being
assessed. Special assessments allow cities to differentiate between the costs that
provide a specific benefit to specific property from those costs that provide a general
benefit to the community at large which are usually handled through various forms
of taxes (property, income, sales, etc). Assessments become a financial obligation
against all benefiting property, including tax exempt non-profit organizations,
institutions (i.e. churches) and other governmental agencies (i.e. schools, County
parks, State buildings, etc) except for Federal agencies.
BACKGROUND
The Eagan City Council adopted its first formal Special Assessment Policy in
February of 1978. It was a very comprehensive document that attempted to deal
with the projected growth and new development of the City at that time. The vast
majority of new development and related public infrastructure was financed either
privately by developers through the terms and conditions of the Subdivision
Development Agreement or through special assessments levied against the newly
created land parcels. However, many times large diameter trunk utility mains and
collector streets had to be constructed and extended to serve - these new
developments. These public improvements often traversed or fronted large tracts of
undeveloped agricultural land. Some times, informal agreements were made
regarding the payment and/or collection of the assessments in consideration of
granting the necessary easements and rights of way.
In the early 1980's, amendments to the Special Assessment Policy were created to
address various unique circumstances that were being encountered on a more
frequent basis such as:
• large lot homesteaded agricultural properties,
• credits for wetlands with and without ponding easements,
• existing land use that differed from its zoning,
• local vs. collector street credits, etc.
Objections were processed through the City Council's Special Assessment
Committee for review. Requests for reconsideration were then reviewed by the City
Council and subsequently approved or denied. The City was challenged in court
with a small number of various formal assessment appeals. The court rulings
indicated that modifications were needed to the existing formal policy to provide
continuity and the equity of process required by law. The overall framework`of
assessments was not challenged or considered to be problematic.
Subsequently, in 1990 the City decided to completely revamp the Special
Assessment Policy and Process to provide closer consistency with the State Statutes
governing public improvements financed with special assessments. While the law
gives great discretion to the legislative authority of city councils in calculating
assessment obligations, it narrowly defines the process and sets some very specific
criteria that must be met. There are two major yardsticks:
1) all like pieces of property must be assessed in a similar manner; and,
2) the assessment cannot exceed the value benefit accrued by the
improvement.
During this same time frame, reconstruction of existing,older streets had become a
priority to sustain a safe and structurally sound system. Many of the community's
original streets needed refurbishing in order to be incorporated into the City's
Pavement Management Program for on-going renewal. Street reconstruction
2
became a part of the City's public improvement program. Recognizing the need to
address the growing structural maintenance requirements resulting from the overall
aging of our streets, the City Council directed staff to research related funding
policies of other communities. Special assessments were found to be a common.
method of financing local street rehabilitation improvements. Subsequently,in 1991
the new revised Policy retained special assessments as a financing mechanism and.
incorporated a matrix of credits for rehabilitation strategy, land use, access, etc. In.
addition, two major changes were implemented:
1) where possible, assessments would be levied on a per lot equivalent basis
for developed parcels rather than frontage; and,
2) the value of benefit incurred would be determined by an independent
appraisal of the property in response to a formal appeal. Assessment
challenges would be reduced to the appraised results, if appropriate, and
resolved through the impartial judicial process, if still deemed necessary
by the property owner.
A few years later, the Special Assessment Policy was revised to include formal
appraisals being performed early in the public improvement process on
representative parcels to provide the Council with additional information to evaluate
the appropriateness of the assessments and the resultant City financial obligations
before committing to the project. Until this past year, the City had assessed
approximately 2,900 parcels for street rehabilitation improvements, received 29
objections, and had no formal appeals processed over the previous 5 years. The
majority of objections and appeals were related mainly to assessments from trunk
improvements against large tracts of land (i.e. golf course, O'Neill, Wilmus, etc.)
_1.
ASSESSMENT ISSUES
It is uncertain whether the Council wants to review and evaluate the entire current
Special Assessment Policy or just certain aspects of it. Here is a list of major
components suggested for review and discussion to help reach a-consensus for
further study and/or evaluation.
• Financing — There seems to be a basic question of whether street rehabilitation
should be financed through special assessments against benefiting property as a
capital improvement or through some other source of funding as part of an
ongoing maintenance program. Any other option can be evaluated - for
economic feasibility and impacts if specifically defined. There are limited
options available to local units of government and the City of Eagan;
32 3
1) General Fund Budget allocations, (property tax based)
2) General Obligation Bonds, (property tax based but must have a minimum
20% of the cost levied as special assessments unless, authorized by a
special referendum)
3) the Community Investment Fund, (currently not available by council
policy)
4) the Major Street Fund. (primarily property tax based)
Both short term and long term implications of policy changes should be analyzed
for impacts on the community.
• Appraisals — The preparation of property appraisals is a very expensive and
time consuming process, but the courts rely very heavily on it to determine the
validity of the proposed assessments. This is a subjective "art" where opinions
can vary widely depending on the interests of the client. It would be
economically unfeasible to prepare an appraisal on every piece of property
proposed to be assessed. The Council has discretion to determine how many -
representative parcels are needed to provide them with adequate support
information to help determine that the proposed assessment is equitable. The
appraisal result is a professional opinion for the Council to take into
consideration in determining the appropriate assessment. However, because the
appraisal report becomes the main source of defending the City in any potential
assessment appeal litigation, the Council should consider how much of the
detailed information should be disclosed prematurely.
• Pavement Management Program (PMP) — The City has been very pro-active in
implementing an effective Pavement Management Program that integrates
appropriate maintenance and rehabilitation strategies with limited resources in
a fiscally responsible manner to protect the structural integrity of our existing
street system. The associated long-term costs are directly related to the level of
quality that the Council establishes for the community's transportation
infrastructure. A working knowledge of the PMP is essential in understanding
the life cycle economics and determining the appropriate level of quality and
its required funding.
• Assessment Methods — This aspect deals with a myriad of issues that can
incorporate:
• Different zonings and land uses,
• Allocation methods (front foot vs. per lot; pre-set vs. formula rates),
4
3t
• Homestead vs. vacant ownership,
• Credits, deferments, postponements, hardship criteria,
• new construction vs. capital maintenance, etc.
Survey information from other communities can be obtained for comparisons
on any or all of these aspects if appropriate parameters can be defined. The
city staff can assist in reviewing any of these or other desired aspects of the
public improvement process to help the Council reaffirm the existing policy or
develop a new one that they feel will be in the best interests of the community.
Both the process and the final outcome are public policy issues that can be
determined only by the City Council. Please let us know how we may help.
Respectfully,
Thomas A. Colbert, P.E.
Director of Public Works
Cc: Russ Matthys, City Engineer
Arnie Erhart, Supt. of Streets / Equipt.
Gene Van Overbeke, Director of Finance
Jim Sheldon, City Attorney
G:jj:tac:memos:assmt policy
5
5
2 ! Z
Council Input for Revisiting the Assessment Policy
1. Please list in writing which part(s) of the policy that is of concern.
2. Include any and all viable alternatives to resolve the area(s) of concern.
3. Suggest avenues for funding the alternative(s)that resolve the area(s) of concern.
O
Bea Blomquist
2/5/99
t
Part 1
Part of the Policy that is of Concern:
• Fact: It is the City's responsibility to repair City streets.
Policy is loaded against the citizen. By not maintaining the street, the more it costs the
homeowner.
• Fact: Must show a benefit.
Policy assessment appraised to determine benefit is almost impossible to determine. It is
unrealistic to say there is a benefit.
• Fact: The Dakota County Tax Assessor will not increase the value of a home based on their
assessment.
• It's a technical assessment based on engineering facts. Does not allow for variables, such as
when the road was last repaired, etc.
• Increases cost of the street rework caused by the bonding process and attorney fees, etc.
• No way to make the assessment equal and across the board to all homes and business owners.
• County roads do not charge for overlays because of the fact the County does the overlay and
we do not special assess for county work.
• Fact: The appraisal to prove benefit is done without telling the homeowner it will be used
against them if it should go to district court.
• Appraisals are not made public. We withhold the information from the public.
• We need to look at the fairness of each project. Each project has a different set of variables
that affect the assessment.
Parts 2 & 3
Viable Alternatives to Resolve and Suggested Funding:
• This is road redo or rework and should be out of the General Fund.
• For now, to ease into a large increase in the budget.
--Look for any budget item projects that are not going to be continued.
--Look at road fund because we have scheduled so many projects.
--We should have some court cost savings and staff time savings by not holding public
hearings.
--Be creative-look for ways to cut down on spending.
• Make the appraisals open to the public. From the beginning, these appraisals should be made
public. At the public hearing, the appraiser should be available to explain his or her work.
q/