06/25/1996 - City Council SpecialSPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY
JUNE 25, 1996
5:00 P.M.
MUNICIPAL CENTER COMMUNITY ROOM
I. ROLL CALL & AGENDA ADOPTION
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
III. CENTRAL PARK CONCEPT
IV. WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN
V. COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION POLICY/DAKOTA COUNTY
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
7:30 VII. OPEN ISSUES FORUM/COUNTY, SCHOOL DISTRICTS,
LEGISLATION & MET COUNCIL
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES
DATE: JUNE 20, 1996
SUBJECT: SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 25
A special City Council meeting workshop was scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, 1996 at 5:00 p.m.
The meeting will be divided into two pans:
1) Council direction regarding
• Central Park Concept
• Water Quality Management Plan
• Comprehensive Transportation Policy for Dakota County
2) At 7:30 p.m., representatives from Dakota County, the school districts, legislature, Met
Council, etc., will join us for an open issues forum.
A light dinner will be served.
CENTRAL PARK CONCEPT
Several locations have been discussed for design of a central park that would serve the
community for community -wide events. The concept of a central park theme was discussed at
length during the central task force meetings that were held to review the promenade proposal.
One of the alternate proposals to the promenade site has been the 80 acre Unisys parcel, now
owned by Joe Miller under the corporate name Scenic Enterprises, Inc. They have submitted an
application for a comprehensive guide plan amendment to change the 80 acres of property from
major office to a mix of uses including residential, commercial and park. For additional
information o this matter, r fer to a memo prepared by Julie Farnham, Planner which is enclosed
on pages , through.
The purpose for discussing this item is to determine whether the Scenic Enterprises site should
be given further consideration for a central park/community center.
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT_ PLAN
The Water Quality Management Plan, adopted in April 1990, has a provision that the program
will be reviewed by the City Council after the first five years of implementation. The program
was reviewed at a joint meeting of the City Council and APRNRC on November 28, 1995. The
only major directive issued by the City Council at that meeting was that a draft lawn chemical
control ordinance be indefinitely postponed for adoption and the APRNRC should proceed with
drafting a wetland buffer ordinance.
As a result of that meeting and on behalf of the APRNRC Subcommittee, there are several
recommendations and policies that require concurrence by the City Council. For a copy of that
information, refer to a memo prepared by the Water Resources Coordinator and Director of Parks
and Recreation enclosed on pages q through �_. There is no formal action required at this
meeting, the policies and recommendations would be presented as a consent item at a future City
Council meeting based on Council direction at the workshop.
COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION POLICY/DAKOTA COUNTY
Dakota County has prepared a draft Transportation Policy Plan and has submitted it for
preliminary review by all cities and townships within the County. The Public Works Directors,
City Engineers, and Planners have met periodically with Dakota County staff to provide input
into this draft plan. In addition, the Dakota County area City Managers have also had a brief
review of these proposed policies. The staff would like to present this draft proposal to the City
Council in hopes of preparing a formal preliminary response by the City of Eagan so that it can
be taken into consideration in the preparation of the final document. Also, it will provide an
opportunity for other Dakota County cities to determine areas of mutual concern so that a joint
position can be taken in forwarding formal comments and positions to the Dakota County Board
of Commissioner. Enclosed on pages � through of is a summary memo prepared by the
Director of Public Works highlighting specific areas of the policy plan where Council should
direct their attention. Also enclosed without page number is a copy of the draft plan for
Council's reference and further in-depth detailed review if desired. The Public Works Director
and City Administrator will also provide further insights into various issues as discussion
warrants during the workshop.
OTHER BUSINESS
There are no Other Business items at this time.
OPEN ISSUES FORUM
Attached on page is a separate agenda for the "collaborative meeting" that Councilmember
Masin has coordinated with the assistance of the City Administrator and Administrative Intern.
The purpose of the meeting is to collaborate with local elected and appointed officials in an effort
to discuss topics and issues that relate to a "healthier community." City Councilmember Masin
plans to comment in her opening remarks that this is a first time effort to meet on a collaborative
basis and in that regard the format and meeting is an experiment. After some presentation and
discussion and during the wrap up those in attendance will be asked to make suggestions that
lead to future topics and meetings that enhance greater communications between all elected
officials.4ryd appointed of cials that are serving our community. Attached and referenced as
pages through is a copy of the letter that was personalized to each elected official,
inviting them to the meeting on Tuesday. Attached to that letter is the official mailing list.
There is a conflict with a special meeting Independent School District #197 set for the same
evening, however, they are hoping to send someone to participate in the meeting. The City
Administrator's office has invited the Ministerium Association to the meeting.
I
City Administrator
TLH/j eh
Wor
MEMO
DATE: JUNE 20, 1996
TO: THOMAS HEDGES, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: JULIE FARNHAM, PLANNER
RE: CENTRAL AREA PARK/COMMUNITY CENTER
BACKGROUND
Scenic Enterprises, Inc. submitted an application for a Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment
to change the Central Area (CA) land use plan to redesignate approximately 80 acres of property
located north of Yankee Doodle, west of Pilot Knob, from major office to a mix of uses
including residential, commercial and park. )X%ile no detailed development plan is proposed at
this time, Scenic Enterprises has presented a proposed mix of land use that would include 49.5
acres of residential at 3.5 units/acre, 4.5 acres of neighborhood business, 2.5 acres for a motel,
2.0 acres for multiple family (assisted housing) and 21.5 acres for a community park. Initially,
Scenic Enterprises requested redesignation of the entire 80 acres to D -II residential.
It is the City's policy to consider comprehensive guide plan amendments prior to review of
detailed development proposals (e.g. subdivisions, planned developments, etc.). As such, the
Advisory Planning Commission began their review of the initial comprehensive guide plan
amendment request (CA to D -II) at a public hearing on May 16, 1996. No action was taken and
the public hearing was continued. The APC requested input and direction from the City Council
regarding development of a central park/community center. This 80 -acre site was one of several
sites identified for the potential development of a central park/community center. Several
Commission members indicated that the question of whether this site would be used for a central
park or not is essential to their decision on the requested comprehensive guide plan amendment
because a park would impact, and be impacted by,. surrounding land uses. The APC will review
Scenic Enterprises' revised request at their July 23, 1996 meeting.
The idea of developing a central park grew out of the Council's direction and the work of the
Central Area Task Force. Initially, a park and community building were intended to be part of
the Eagan Promenade. However, that site made available by Opus for the park proved unsuitable
for the type of activities desired. Last summer the City began looking for other sites within or
near the Central Area that would be appropriate for a central park. The 200 -acre site previously
owned by Northwestern Mutual Life and this 80 -acre site previously owned by Unisys were both
considered potential park sites due to their central locations and attractive natural features. They
are also some of the only remaining large undeveloped parcels in the Central Area vicinity.
Further investigation of these, or other potential park sites, was put on hold while the City
considered the Carriage Hills land use amendment request. To date, no decision has been made
as to whether a central park facility or a community center should be developed in the Central
Area and, if so, what facilities should this park provide and where, specifically, should it be
located.
3
Memo - Central Park/Scenic Enterprises
Special City Council Meeting - June 25, 1996
Page 2
KEY QUESTIONS
The APC, in requesting input and direction from the City Council regarding development of a
central park asked for the Council's response to two questions:
1. Is the City still interested in developing a central park?
2. If so, does the City want to consider this site for such a park?
The first question raises two other basic questions: 1) what facilities or features should this park
provide?; and 2) what sites are available with the desired characteristics to meet the program
needs?
Identifying the desired park facilities or features is necessary to define the spatial and physical
site requirements. A survey conducted as part of the Central Area Task Force study ranked
several features for a potential park. The results suggest that there is support for a central park
to function as a place to host community -wide events such as "Eagan Days", 4th of July
celebrations, and Christmas displays. The survey also identified a wide range of desired facilities
such as pedestrian/bike paths, community center, amphitheater, tot lot and various active
recreation facilities (e.g. tennis, soccer). Natural features such as trees, water, and gardens were
also highly ranked. The amount of space needed and its physical characteristics (e.g. size,
topography) will depend on what specific facilities the park is intended to provide. Parking and
access must also be considered. How much parking will be needed and whether the parking must
all be provided on-site or if there is off-site parking available must be determined. If the park
is intended for broad community use, it will be important to have good access from major
transportation corridors, including good pedestrian access.
Once the desired features and facilities are defined, specific spatial requirements and natural
characteristics can be determined. This information can be used to identify sites of adequate size
which have the desired natural characteristics (e.g. trees, wetlands, hills, level ground).
Following is a list of sites within the City of Eagan that might work for a central park/community
center. (NOTE: This is a cursory list. Staff has not done any analysis of these sites to determine
their appropriateness or availability) :
- Property at NW intersection of Lexington and Wescott (Pat McCarthy, owner)
(approximately 39 acres)
- Dart property (formerly NWML) at Lexington and Yankee Doodle (200 acres)
- Leo and Kevin Murphy property adjacent to Blackhawk Park (33 acres)
- Ostenson property north of Eagan Promenade (57 acres)
- Scenic Enterprises (formerly Unisys) (80 acres)
Again, the appropriateness of any of these sites will depend on the desired program of activities
and facilities to be provided by a central park/community center. It is also possible that no single
r
Memo - Central Park/Scenic Enterprises
Special City Council Meeting - June 25, 1996
Page 3
site will adequately accommodate all the desired activities and facilities. Some activities might
work better in one location than another. In addition, the availability of the property may be a
key consideration. Some properties may not be readily available or may be cost prohibitive to
acquire and develop.
SUMMARY
The question of whether a central park and/or community center is worth pursuing raises
questions about what facilities or features such a park should provide. Until those questions are
answered, it is very difficult to determine what sites are available with the desired characteristics.
It is clear, however, that sites with sufficient size (i.e. 20+ acres) for a community park are
becoming more scarce as the City reaches full development. The sites that are available may
become increasingly expensive or they may contain natural features that make them more difficult
to develop.
The Scenic Enterprises site was one of several sites considered for a central area park last
summer after the Opus site was determined to be unsuitable. It's attributes include attractive
physical features (wetlands, oak woodlands, rolling topography), close proximity to the center of
the City, and good access off major roadways (Yankee Doodle, Pilot Knob, and future ring road),
Whether it is the best site for a central park and/or community center depends on the specific
program of facilities and activities desired. In addition, the availability and cost of the land is
not entirely clear. While Scenic Enterprises' proposed land use mix indicates 21.5 acres for
community park (of which a portion is wetland), the area that would constitute required parkland
dedication and the cost of purchasing the additional acreage has not been determined yet.
According to City policy, 8 acres (10%) would be required for parkland dedication. However,
70% of that (5.6 acres) must be dry, usable land. Water areas only qualify for half credit,
therefore, .assuming 2.4 of the 8 acres is water, the corresponding dedication requirement for the
water area is 4.8 acres. Therefore the total minimum park dedication would be 10.4 acres (5.6
4.8). Additional land dedication might also be necessary to achieve 70% usable land area due
to steep slopes or woodlands.
ACTION REQUESTED
The APC is looking for input and direction from the City Council regarding whether the Scenic
Enterprise's site should be considered for a central park/community center. While it may not be
feasible to make all the decisions relative to developing a park at this time, the APC would like
to know if they should consider this site as a candidate for a possible central park as they review
the Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment requested by Scenic Enterprises.
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MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
C/O THOMAS HEDGES, ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
RICH BRASCH, WATER RESOURCES COORDINATOR
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
RE: RESULTS OF WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REVIEW,
ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDATIONS
DATE: JUNE 19, 1996
Upon adoption of the Eagan Water Quality Management Plan in April 1990, the City Council included a
provision to carry out a review of the program after the first five years of implementation. To fulfill that
requirement, the Advisory Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission through its Natural
Resources Subcommittee began a review of the program in July 1995. The results of the program review
were presented to the City Council for comment at a joint meeting of the City Council and the APRNRC
on November 28, 1995. That presentation included an overview of the revenues and expenditures for that
portion of the program funded through the storm water utility fund, a summary of data on water quality
for key high priority lakes identified in the plan, and a summary of recommendations for changes in
program policies and priorities in several different areas. The only major directive issued by the City
Council at that meeting was that a draft lawn chemical control ordinance be indefinitely post-poned for
consideration for adoption and that the APRNRC should proceed with drafting of a wetland buffer
ordinance.
Recommendations
Recommendations for changes in the water quality management program as a result of the programmatic
review are summarized below:
Recommendation 1: The following water bodies should be re-classified:
• Carlson Lake from Class 11 indirect contact recreation to Class I direct contact recreation
Pond EP -2 from Class V nutrient trap to Class II indirect contact recreation pending transfer of
title to the City for the adjacent Borchert Ingersoll property
• Pond JP -47 from Class IV wildlife habitat to a Class VII storm water basin
• Pond JP -15 from Class II indirect contact recreation to Class VI sediment basin
• Pond CP -9 from Class V nutrient trap to Class II indirect contact recreation
• Pond JP -23 from Class V nutrient trap to Class IV wildlife habitat, pending establishment of un -
maintained natural vegetative buffers by all residents as directed by the APRNRC.
Recommendation 2: A criterion for "Rehabilitation Potential' should be included in the ranking system
to establish long-term lake enhancement priorities and the revised list of priorities shown in Attachment
7
I adopted.
Recommendation 3: The need for an ordinance to address regulation of lawn chemical use should be
reviewed periodically. A wetland buffer ordinance should be drafted for consideration by the Cite
Council.
Recommendation 4: The attached list of policy statements (Attachment 2) should be adopted.
Unless the City Council directs otherwise, this will conclude the review for the program and this item
will appear on the consent agenda for the July 2 City Council meeting. Please let us know if you need
any additional information.
'4 - z
Ken Vraa, Director
Parks and Recreation Dept.
Rich Brasch. Water Resources Coordinator
Parks and Recreation Dept.
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Attachment 2
Recommendations for New Program Policies
A. Issue: Handling of resident -initiated requests to re-classify water
bodies.
Policy: All requests for re-classification of water bodies identified in
the Ragan water quality management plan should be submitted in the form of
a petition to the City's parks and recreation department director and/or
water resources coordinator. Water resources staff will prepare a report
for the Advisory Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission which
will assess the technical merits of the petition and determine which, if
any, recreational water body classification criteria are met. The
Advisory Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission will review
the information and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding
what change, if any, should be made to the classification for the subject
water body. If the water body is re-classified to recreational status,
the Commission will also determine where the water body fits with respect
to the City's long-term lake enhancement priorities as per the method
outlined in Chapter 7 "Prioritization System" in the WQMP. This
information will be used to determine the appropriate level of City
resources that will be devoted to improving the condition of the water
body.
Rationale: There should be available a forum that residents can use to
request re-evaluation of the management classification of a particular
water body. The APRNRC is the most appropriate advisory body to review
those requests and make recommendations to the City Council. The
evaluation of these requests must take into account both the management
classification and placement in the list of long-term lake enhancement
priorities to guide allocation of City resources in the management of
these water bodies.
B. Issue: Management of aquatic weeds, especially exotics.
Policy: The City recognizes the benefits of native submergent and
emergent aquatic plant communities and will manage recreational water
bodies in a way which favors the establishment and perpetuation of a
balanced, native rooted aquatic plant community. As resources allow, the
City will also work to reduce the incidence of non-native aquatic weeds
through the use of such methods as cutting, mechanical removal, water
level drawdown, aquatic herbicides, and public education.
Rationale for Policyi The City recognizes that successful efforts to
increase water clarity in recreational water bodies will increase the
incidence of rooted aquatic macrophytes and/or aquatic emergent plants due
to improved light penetration through the water column. Rooted aquatic
macrophytes and emergents provide a wide range of ecological,
recreational, and other benefits, including maintaining water clarity,
providing habitat and food sources for fish and wildlife, and stabilizing
shorelines and water body bottoms.
Extensive growths of non-native macrophytes-particularly curly leaf pond
weed -have severe adverse impacts on the ecology and water quality of lakes
and ponds. These adverse impacts include internal loading of the lake/pond
system with phosphorus during recreational season die -offs which can
decrease water clarity below the goals established in the City's Water
Quality Management Plan. It is therefore important to reduce the
incidence of these exotics as much as practicable.
C. AAue: Neighborhood requests for assistance in improving water quality in
ponds with no public access.
Policy: The City should provide assistance to residents who request help
from the City in protecting and improving the quality of specific lakes
and ponds. The assistance provided by the City will emphasize education
of water body residents in reducing source pollutant loadings to the water
body and resource monitoring. It is generally recognized that since
shoreline residents have the most to gain from improvement of the
resource, they should take the lead in implementing these efforts.
Rationale: With over 380 lakes and ponds in the storm sewer system -all of
which have been highly altered by urban development -City staff and
financial resources must be targeted at the highest priority based on
public benefit. At the same time, there are resources in the City to
which the public does not have access that are also degraded. The City
recognizes the importance of assisting residents in decreasing pollutant
loading to these resources. In general, the City role should be one of
support and guidance of resident -led, on -the -ground efforts. Costly
capital improvements and in -lake management measures will not be
undertaken with the City as a participant in cost-sharing unless the
effort is part of a high priority, current City effort aimed at
rehabilitating/protecting water bodies on the list of long-term
enhancement priorities in the Eagan WQMP.
l�
_city of eagan
TO: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
C/O THOMAS L HEDGES, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: TOM COLBERT, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: JUNE 219 1996
SUBJECT: DAKOTA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION POLICY/SYSTEMS PLAN
TOPIC
MEMO
Dakota County is in the process of preparing a Comprehensive Transportation Policy/Systems Plan.
It is expected that it will be adopted within the next 6-9 months. The "Systems" portion of the plan
will provide a review of existing demographics and travel conditions, forecast the future travel
demand, identification of needed transportation improvements and an implementation schedule for
a 5 -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
A draft of the Transportation Plan "Policies" has been printed and distributed to the cities and
townships within the County for review and comment. There are 15 sections of policies categorized
as follows:
1. Finance/Funding
2. Energy/Environment
3. Design/Construction
4. Right-of-way Acquisition
5. Functional Classification
6. Access/Mobility
7. Jurisdictional Classification
8. Intermodalism
9. Railroads/Trucks & Navigation
14. Transit
11. Bikeways & Pedestrians
12. Planning./Cooperation
13. Land Use
14. Public Participation
15. Operation/Maintenance
Proposed policies which are new or are major revisions of existing County policies are in shaded text
for easy identification.
/3
BACKGROUND
The current transportation plan was prepared in 1982. Beginning in 1990, the County began the
initial efforts to update this plan with spot policy revisions by County Board resolution. Those efforts
were renewed in the Fall of 1994 and will culminate with formal County Board adoption in early
1997. The attached timeline shows the process steps leading up to formal adoption.
ISSUES
Because the draft policy plan is such a lengthy document combining both the present policy and
proposed revisions, I will attempt to identify and highlight specific issues that Council should be
aware of and will indicate with a "+" or ` -" in front of the policy number whether this is deemed a
positive or a negative modification from our City staffs perspective.
1. Finance/Fundin
[+] FF.1.C. Participation in storm sewer construction will increase from a maximum $6,000 per
mile to 55% of the total cost based on participating flows of County right-of-way.
[+] FF.1.I. The County will now participate 55% in the cost of low maintenance landscape
plantings within County right-of-way subject to protection of safety clear zones and sight lines.
[+/-] FF.1.J. New policy will provide for County participation based on their contributing flows
towards water quality improvements to sedimentation basins and storm water detention ponds
(+). However, they exclude cleaning of sump catch basins within the County roads which can
intercept much of the sediment before it reaches the ponds (-),
[-] FF.2.B. The County will participate in streetlight installation only at signalized intersections.
The lighting of all intersecting streets to a County road are deemed a safety issue to provide
advanced identification of an exit point from a County road. The County should participation
500/6 for both installation and O/M costs.
[-] FF.2.B. & C. The participating "portion" of MnDOT and/or Federal funds should be
clarified and stated as "actual participation" to avoid future disputes similar to the 35E/Yankee
Doodle Road signal revision where MnDOT will not participate and the County says they will
not cover MnDOT's "portion".
[-] FF.4. The County Board, at their workshop, deleted the County staff recommendation that
the County participate up to 55% of the costs for noise abatement required for County road
construction. The County Board feels this should be a 100% City responsibility.
1V
[+] FF.5 This allows both the City and the County to advance funding to each other to allow
a County Road project to proceed prior to the other agencies funding program.
[-] FF.7 City staff agrees that Federal or State funds should be subtracted before the 45/55 cost
split is determined. However, "other special funds" should be clarified or deleted.
[-] FF -8 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) should be reserved as a City's method of financing its
share of County road projects rather than being applied first before the City/County 45/55 split
is determined. There could be times when the sheer size of the TIF district and revenue
generated would exceed the cost of the proposed County improvement resulting in 100% City
cost.
[+] FF. 11.1 & 2. This policy provides for constructing bikeways on both sides of all County
roads and sharing all bikeway costs 45/55 versus the County funding 100% of bikeways only
on the County bikeway system. The old policy excluded participation in any trailways on
Diffley Road and Lexington Avenue.
[-] FF. 11.4. The County will participate 55% in the cost of overlays and reconstruction of
County bikeways. However, this policy should be expanded to include sealcoats. if the County
will not participate in life extending preventative maintenance sealcoats, they should fund 100%
of the overlay costs.
2. Eneray/Environment
[+] EEA. This policy should be expanded to incorporate the creation of wetland banking for
County projects.
3. Design/Construction
[-] D/C. 5.2. This policy preventing manholes to be placed within the road surface is not
practical in urban areas. This should be modified to allow their location anywhere except within
a driving lane. This would allow placement on centerline, painted medians, safety lanes, etc.
4. Right -of -Way
[+] RW.2. This proposed policy provides for right-of-way acquisition (through condemnation
if necessary) to be consistent with plat dedication requirements. It has been difficult to justify
plat dedication of right-of-way that was often times greater than the actual right-of-way
acquired in conjunction with a County road project. The alternative would be to reduce the
dedication requirements for new plats.
l�
[+] RW.5 This policy proposes a County -wide map identifying long-term system needs and
related right-of-way requirements. Different functional classifications and traffic volumes
require different right-of-way needs. This support justification will greatly assist right-of-way
dedication with new development.
[+] RW.7 The County proposes to adopt an official mapping ordinance formally identifying
corridors for future County road extensions (i.e. Yankee Doodle Road to IGH) to prevent/deter
development resulting in greater future land acquisition costs. If cities help to protect and
preserve these corridors through land use regulations, the County will then participate in
acquisition costs up to 55%. (See FF. 3. 1.)
5. Functional Classification
[-] FC.3. The new access spacing guidelines does not take into consideration traffic volumes
for large private industrial/commercial users. It forces the dedication of public streets to
accommodate access to County roads. Also, access spacing guidelines must take into
consideration greater access needs in high density urban areas of the County rather than just
looking at its pure cross -county mobility function.
[-] FC.6. This policy opens the door for the County's Plat Commission (comprised of staff
members) to review/approve internal local road and development layouts.
[-] FC.7 Promotes more traffic on local roads with greater conflicts (access driveways,
residential homes, pedestrians, etc.) to relieve traffic on County roads.
6. Access/Mobility
[+] A/M.1. Promotes interconnection of neighborhoods especially between communities.
However, due to limited County jurisdiction, they will only be able to promote and facilitate
cross -community coordination and cooperation.
[-] A/M. 2. This more specifically adopts the access spacing guidelines (Appendix 6 to plan).
As previously stated, the guidelines do not properly recognize high density urban development
requiring greater accessibility which often times is necessary for economic development and
viability within the County.
7. Jurisdictional Classification (Turnbacksl
[+] JC. 1. The early identification of potential jurisdictional tumbacks will assist all cities in
helping to better plan long-term financial and maintenance obligations.
[-] JC.3. This policy looks to the City to relinquish Municipal State Aid designation on County
roads if the County road is eligible for County State Aid funding. The loss of Municipal State
'l�
Aid designation will result in reduced funding to local cities and transfer that funding to the
County.
[-] JC.x. The County staff is reluctant to specify criteria regarding the condition a County road
must be in prior to turning it back to the local city's jurisdiction for perpetual maintenance.
They prefer to leave it up to the County Engineer's discretion as to what physical improvements
would be necessary. This policy (or lack thereof) exposes the City to considerable financial
liability at the County Engineer's discretion.
S. Intermodal
[+] IM.2. Promotes evaluation of franchise (occupancy permit) fees for use of public right-of-
way for private transportation corridors (i.e. fiber optics, pipelines, telecommunications, etc.).
Also promotes evaluation and coordination of specialty corridors/conduit construction to
accommodate future needs with County road re/construction. Also promotes transit corridors
and advanced planning of compatible adjacent land uses for efficient services (park & rides, bus
pull-outs, etc.).
9. Rails, Trucks & Navization
[+] R/T.2. This policy provides for a comprehensive inventory of all railroad crossings and
early applications for State and Federal funding.
[+] R/T.3. Since most County roads are designed to a 9-ton/axel standard, this policy would
designate corridors for 10 -ton routes linking commercial users to the State trunk highway
system. This policy would also include locating trunk terminals and heavy industrial users on
the County's Geographic Information System (GIS) to help identify segments requiring 10 -ton
upgrades.
10. Transit
[+/-] T/R.1-10. Incorporation of a transit element in the transportation plan is commendable.
However, all policy statements only "encourage, promote, consider, etc." other agencies to
address transit issues. It does not seem to take the proactive forward-looking role of helping
to provide good transit ser6ce throughout northern Dakota County.
11 Bikeways & Pedestrians
[+] BP.1. This policy creates a County -wide bikeway and regional trail system.
[-] BP.x.. The proposed policy plan does not address pedestrian crosswalks on County roads.
City staff recommends the County incorporate basic elements of the City's recently adopted
Crosswalk Policy to provide for the safe interaction of pedestrians and County road traffic.
/7
12. Plan ninp-/Cooperation
[-] PC.1. Provides for a "periodic" review and update of the transportation policy plan. Should
specifically state a minimum of 5 years for our fast growing County since the last update was
prepared in 1982.
[+] PC.9. Identifies the coordination efforts with the MCTO, MVTA., and DARTS agencies
to develop strategies for transit service within the County,
13. Land Use
[-] LU.2.4. This proposes to expand the Contiguous Plat Ordinance to require local
municipalities to demonstrate noise mitigation measures on new developments when warranted.
This will bring the County into local land use planning.
[+] LUA. Creates a stronger partnership between the City and the County in responding
to adjacent land use concerns for proposed County road improvements.
14. Public Participation
[+] PP.1 & 2. Early communications and neighborhood meetings with adjacent property
owners is very beneficial to achieving a successful project. The County should be commended
for past efforts and this proposed future policy. Also, the ongoing communication, solicitation
of comments and review with local municipalities of the proposed Comprehensive
Transportation Policy Plan is very beneficial to achieving a true partnership.
15. Operation/Maintenance
[-] O/N4.4 & 10. Streetlights should not be excluded from maintenance,
[+] O.M.6. The County is proposing to maintain all existing and new emergency vehicle signal
preemption systems. This provides greater efficiencies and use of technical resources.
[+] MO. The policy statement supports expanding signal preemption operation from public
safety vehicles only to include transit vehicles as well.
[ ] O/M.11. Same as FF 2.B. Lighting of intersections with County roads provides a benefit
(safety, efficiency, etc.) to County road users and should not only be financed but operated and
maintained either by the County or with a 50/50 participation on O & M.
[+] O/M. 19. Promotes coordination for local city review prior to issuing special permits
affecting County roads to avoid conflicts.
[+] O/M. 25. Adopts the Minnesota Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices for the
installation of all signs. This provides continuity and compatibility with current City policy.
[+] O/M. 26. This is another positive partnership policy allowing the joint purchase and use
of equipment or other resources between agencies whenever beneficial. This has occurred on
an informal basis in the past.
[-] O/M. 33. The mowing of medians and boulevards is programmed for only once per month.
With City maintenance programs of a higher frequency, this will result in different maintenance
standards along a County road or require the City to take over this maintenance responsibility.
Presently, the City mows all urban boulevards on County roads where an offstreet trail exists
with no County assistance and/or reimbursement.
[-] O/M. 34. Current policy provides for County road sweeping "each Spring". This policy
statement should have a completion goal of May 15 similar to local municipalities. This policy
should also incorporate a strategy for private contractual services when necessary (system
growth, late Spring, etc.)
[+] O/M 38, 39 & 40. The integration of asbuilt record plans of completed County road
improvements and local utilities on the GIS system will be very beneficial for both design and
maintenance.
SUMMARY
This has been a very long and involved process for Dakota County. However, it will result in a very
comprehensive transportation plan which will be very beneficial to all communities. It is strongly
recommended that all communities that share mutual concerns regarding this plan collectively present
those concerns to the County Board at the appropriate time. There may be other issues and proposed
policies that the Council will want to discuss. This memo was not meant to be restrictive of
discussion, but merely to highlight issues that have been discussed during past reviews. If additional
information or background would be helpful, please let me know, and I'll be happy to respond.
Respectfully submitted,
Director of Public Works
TAC/,
Attachment: Draft Transportation Policy Plan
Process Timeline
cc: Mike Foertsch, Assistant City Engineer (W/O Attach.)
Arnie Erhart, Superintendent of Streets/Equipment (W/O Attach.)
C0UNCILMTGS'96/q=nA&696.jj
FT
POUCY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Highway and Planning stall` have design a process for developing policies for the Transportation Plan. The new
policies would respond to city concerns, township concerns, incorporate new environmental regulations, address the
impacts of projeded development in the County, and the funding crisis.
TIMELINE
September 1995 Highway and Planning staff form Policy Subcommittee to design process for
Policy Development for Transportation Plan
November 1995 Met with city Public Works and Planning staff to discuss revisions to existing
County policy and to identify issues to be addressed in the Transportation Plan.
February 1996 Met with the Township Officers to identify issues to be addressed in the
Transportation Plan and revisions to existing County policy.
December 1995 - County Highway and Planning staff formed 15 policy development teams to
revise current County policy and develop new policies. The Policy Development
Teams convened from December through March to revise existing County policy
and develop new policies.
March 1996 Highway and Planning staff requested a workshop with the County Board. The
purpose of this workshop is to present the proposed policies developed by the
Policy Development Teams and to obtain direction from the County Board on
critical issues for the County (e.g., oost-share, noise abatement, growth
scenarios, an official mapping ordinance).
April 1996 County Board workshop on transportation policies
Highway and Planning staff will revise the proposed policies according to Board
comments. The proposed policies including the County Board comments will be
presented to the County Board at the Physical Development Committee of the
Whole on April 23,1996.
May 1996 Meet with the city Public Works and Planning staff on May 2, 1996, to receive
their comments on the proposed policy document.
Meet with Township Officers for comment on proposed policy document
May 1996 After meeting with the cities and the townships, County staff will meet with the
Metropolitan Council to discuss the proposed policy document
June- Dec. 1996 Transportation policies are incorporated in the text of the Draft Transportation
Policy/Systems Plan.
DRAFT TRANSPORTATION PLAN DOCUMENT
Writing the text of the Transportation Plan will require extensive research and review.
TIMELINE
July 1996 Policy Development Completed and Drafting of Plan begins
August 1996 Draft of Existing Conditions Chapter & general layout presented to PLANC
Draft of Existing Conditions Chapter & general layout present to PDC
October 1996 Draft Finalized for PDC review
November 1996 Draft Man Presented to PDC for review & comment
Comments from PDC incorporated into Draft Transportation Plan
December 1996 Revised Draft Transportation Plan presented to County Board
FORMAL PLAN ADOPTION PROCESS
Atter the Transportation Plan is drafted and reviewed intemally it must be released for review by the Metropolitan
Council and the public through a formai public review process. Assuming County staff has implemented the public
input process discussed above and has involved the appropriate state, regional, and local agencies (e.g., MnDOT,
Metropolitan Council, MCTO, MVrA, DARTS, adjacent counties, cities, townships) this format review process should
proceed smoothly.
TIMELINE
November 1996 Draft Transportation Plan presented to PDC
December 1996 Draft Transportation Plan presented to County Board
County Board accepts final draft
Submission of Transportation Plan to Metropolitan Council
January 1997 Metropolitan Council conducts 90 -day Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment
formal review process
February 1997 Dakota County conducts public hearing on Transportation Policy/Systems Plan
March 1997 Metropolitan Council 90 -day Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Review
Apnl/May 1997 Dakota County staff incorporate corrmentstecornmendations from the formal
review period into final document
June 1997 Dakota County Board adopts Transportation Plan
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A COLLABORATIVE MEETING
Tuesday
June 25, 1996
7:30 p.m.
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER COMMUNITY ROOM
L WELCOME - Mayor Tom Egan
II. INTRODUCTION - City Councilmember Sandra Masin
III. COLLABORATION/COOPERATION
"A Community Strategy" - Shari Prest - ISD Board Member
IV. HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
Patrice Bataglia - Dakota County
V. OUR YOUTH
• The Wescott Square Townhome Youth Coordinator Experience -
Dorothy Peterson / K iak +1i .vlr•••�
• Gangs in Suburbia - Police Chief Pat Geagan
VI. OTHER TOPICS
• Transportation
• Property Taxes
• How do we help people who need help"
VII. WRAP UP - City Councilmember Sandra Masin
• Future Meeting
• Future Topics
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
THANKS FOR COMING!
a3
r CRR of cC gan
June 17, 1996
Mrs. Linda Kjerland
1338 Cherokee Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Dear Mrs. Kjerland:
THOMAS EGAN
Mayor
PATRICIA AWADA
SHAWN HUNTER
SANDRA A. MASIN
THEODORE WACHTER
Councii Membe's
THOMAS HEDGES
CIN Administrator
E. J. VAN OVERSEKE
City Clerk
You're invited to join us for a special evening of sharing and discussion with the Eagan City
Council on various legislative topics. The meeting will be held in the Community Room at
the Eagan Municipal Center, 2nd floor, on Tuesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m.
It is our intention to make the evening enlightening and pleasurable. Discussion will be
general and cover topics ranging from transportation and property taxes to issues regarding
our youth. Please feel free to address other topics at the meeting.
Inviting our legislative delegation, county commissioners, school board members,
Metropolitan Council representative and others will help us focus on how our community
can remain a "healthy city."
Please R.S.V.P. to Maria Karels in our Administration Office at 681-4613.
Sincerely,
Tom Egan
Mayor
TE:mlk
MUNICIPAL CENTER
3830 PILOT KNOB ROAD
EAGAN, MINNESOTA 55122.1897
PHONE: (612) 681-4600
FAX: (612) 681.4612
TDD: (612) 454-8535
THE LONE OAK TREE
THE SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND GROWTH IN OUR COMMUNITY
Equal Opportunity/Affirmativ Action Employer
a�
MAINTENANCE FACILITY
3501 COACHMAN POINT
EAGAN, MINNESOTA 55122
PHONE: (612) 681.4300
FAX: (612) 681.4360
TDD: (612) 454.8535
List of Officials Invited to the Open Issues Forum
on June 25, 1996
State Representative Tim Commers
217 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
State Representative Tim Pawlenty
231 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
State Senator Deanna Wiener
303 Capitol
St. Paul, MN 55155
Mr, Kevin Howe
Metropolitan Council Representative
1763 Lansford Lane
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Dakota County Commissioner Patrice Bataglia
Dakota County Government Center
1590 West Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Dakota County Commissioner James Mueller
Dakota County Government Center
1590 West Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Ms. Linda Nelson
President - Eagan Chamber of Commerce
First Bank
3629 Crestwood
Eagan, MN 55123
Ms. Jennifer Hearon
President - Northern Dak. Co. Chamber of Commerce
1380 Corporate Center Curve, Suite 116
Eagan, MIN 55121
Congressman Bill Luther
1811 Weir Drive, Suite 150
Woodbury, MN 55125
Superintendent John T. Haro
Independent School District #196
14445 Diamond Path
Rosemount, MN 55068
Mr. Kevin Sampers
849 Curry Trail
Eagan, MN 55123
Ms. Judy Lindsay
4041 154th Court West
Rosemount, MN 55068
Mr. Bruce Endler
13828 Currant Circle
Rosemount, MN 55068
Mr. Mike Roseen
879 Redwood Drive
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Ms. Mary Hamann -Roland
1069 Baldwin Circle
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Ms. Jackie Magnuson
3472 131st Street West
Rosemount, MN 55068
Mr. Gene VanOverbeke
4295 Lodgepole Drive
Eagan, MN 55122
Superintendent Robert Monson
Independent School District #197
1897 Delaware Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Mrs. Janice Chasman
723 Evergreen Knolls
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Mrs. Barbara Tani
19 Salem Lane
Sunfish Lake, MN 55118
Mr. Gary Hagstrom
2449 Pond Circle West
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Mr. David Jackson
279 Betty Lane
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Mrs. Linda Kjerland
1338 Cherokee Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Mr. Thomas Weisbecker
1862 Walsh Lane
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Mr. Steven Anderson
1328 Mac Arthur
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Superintendent Dr. James Rickabaugh
Independent School District #191
100 River Ridge Court
Burnsville, MN 55337
Shari Prest
2305 W. Burnsville Parkway
Burnsville, MN 55337
Vicki Roy
12736 Portland Cr.
Burnsville, MN 55337
Frances Potts
900 Thoreau Drive
Burnsville, MN 55337
Bruce Copp
12816 Welcome Lane
Burnsville, MN 55337
John Coskran
11316 Raleigh Ct.
Burnsville, MN 55337
37
Jevne Kloeber
8735 Highwood Way
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Debra Pitton
3400 W. 134th Street
Burnsville, MN 55337
Charles Erickson
2804 Brookview Drive
Burnsville, MN 55337