01/25/2005 - City Council Special
MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2005
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN CITY HALL ? EAGAN ROOM
City Councilmembers present: Mayor Geagan, Councilmembers Carlson, Fields,
Maguire and Tilley.
City staff present: City Administrator Hedges, Assistant to the City Administrator Miller,
Director of Communications Garrison, Parks and Recreation Administrative Coordinator Mesko,
Director of Administrative Services VanOverbeke, Police Chief Therkelsen, Community
Development Director Hohenstein, Public Works Director Colbert and City Engineer Matthys.
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Councilmember Fields moved, Councilmember Maguire seconded a motion to approve
the agenda as presented. Aye: 3 Nay: 0 (Carlson and Tilley not present for the vote)
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
III. ORGANIZATIONAL STUDY STATUS REPORT ? VIRCHOW KRAUSE
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that in October of 2004 the City
Council approved the consulting firm of Virchow Krause and Companies to serve as the City?s
consultant to conduct an organizational study. Hedges added that the goal of the study as
outlined in the RFP was to provide a roadmap to the City of Eagan on the appropriate
organizational model and staffing and service delivery to best meet the current and future needs
of the community, recognizing the constraint fiscal environment in which the City operates.
City Administrator Hedges introduced Christine Smith, Consulting Manager of Virchow
Krause and Project Manager on the City?s organizational study, who presented a brief overview
on the scope and objective of the organization study, as well as an update on some of their
preliminary findings and recommendations.
The City Council discussed the organizational study and there was consensus that the
report should be taken to the management team for further discussion and then bring any
recommendations forward to the City Council?s Personnel Committee later this spring. Once the
Personnel Committee has reviewed the report, the Council directed that further discussion on the
organizational study should take place at a City Council work retreat.
IV. SUMMIT PASS TRAFFIC CALMING
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that residents of the Summit Pass
neighborhood have requested the City to address their concerns regarding volume and speed of
traffic on their local residential street located off of Stonecliffe Drive south of Cliff Road.
Hedges added that the City Council?s Public Works Committee has been in dialogue with
neighborhood representatives and have also reviewed several traffic studies conducted by the
City?s engineering staff.
The City Council discussed various traffic calming alternatives available.
Tim Ostrom, Summit Pass resident, addressed the City Council to thank them for the
study and further emphasized the high traffic speeds in the Summit Pass neighborhood.
Upon further discussion by the City Council, Councilmember Fields moved,
Councilmember Maguire seconded a motion to adopt the Public Works Committee
recommendation with regard to creating a 25 mph speed zone for Summit Pass for a period of
one year. Following the one year trial period, the issue will be brought back to the City Council
for further discussion on whether the 25-mph speed limit trial period was successful and/or
whether additional traffic calming measures are needed, such as bump-outs or pavement
markings, recognizing that any costs associated with the traffic calming measures would be the
responsibility of the Summit Pass property owners. Aye: 5 Nay: 0
V. ROSEMOUNT JPA ? EXTENSION OF UTILITIES
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that in November of 2004 the
Rosemount City Council approved a resolution requesting a joint powers agreement (JPA) for
the future extension of sanitary sewer services from the City of Eagan to sanitary districts A1 and
A2 in the City of Rosemount.
City Engineer Matthys introduced Andy Brosler, Public Works Director and City
Engineer for the City of Rosemount, who provided an overview on the City of Rosemount?s
desire for the sanitary sewer extension.
The City Council discussed the request of Rosemount and questioned the extent with
regard to capacity. Public Works Director Colbert stated that capacity is available should the
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sanitary sewer be extended. The City Council also discussed the need for the 120 Street
extension, traffic implications of further development on Highway 3, and the current issues
associated with Lebanon Hills watershed. Public Work Director Colbert noted that these issues
could be conditions included in the JPA.
There was City Council consensus for the Public Works Committee to work with staff on
the various conditions that could be included within the JPA.
Councilmember Tilley moved, Councilemember Fields seconded a motion to authorize
staff to initiate discussions on a joint powers agreement with the City of Rosemount for the
installation of sanitary sewer to serve a portion of the land area within Rosemount?s corporate
boundary and direct the Public Works Committee to review criteria for the JPA, including storm
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water issues and the extension of 120 Street. Aye: 5 Nay: 0
VI. NORTHEAST EAGAN LAND USE STUDY UPDATE
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that the purpose of the discussion
tonight was to receive an update from the Northeast Eagan Land Use Study consultant regarding
the status of the study and the next steps for its completion.
Rusty Fifield of the Hoisington Koegler Group and consultant to the Northeast Eagan
Land Use Study Committee, summarized the various technical memoranda that were distributed
to the City Council which addressed a traffic analysis, airport noise, site characteristics,
commercial land inventory, parks and trail improvements, and a service and fiscal analysis.
The City Council discussed the evaluation of the various development scenarios that were
reviewed.
The City Council noted that transportation needs was one of the top goals identified for
2005-2006. The City Council voiced their desire to expand the traffic study area to encompass
all areas of northeast Eagan. Public Works Director Colbert noted that an all encompassing
study could be completed within 4 to 6 weeks. Community Development Director Hohenstein
noted that should the Council proceed ahead with an expanded study, the Northeast Eagan Land
Use Study would also be delayed, meaning that a final report from the study committee could be
expected in April or May of 2005.
Councilmember Fields moved, Councilmember Tilley seconded a motion directing staff
to work with SRF Consulting to proceed with a broader study area of traffic and transportation
issues in northeast Eagan to be completed in 4-6 weeks. Aye: 5 Nay: 0
VII. CEDAR GROVE REDEVELOPMENT AREA
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that the purpose of the discussion
was to receive additional information regarding the Schafer Richardson ? Ryland Development
group regarding the refined conceptual redevelopment plan and development program for the
Cedar Grove District and provide staff and the developer with additional direction. Hedges
added that the developer presented information to the Council at its meeting on January 11,
2005; however, the entire Council was not present at the meeting and because of the significance
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of this development project, the City Council continued the item to the January 25 meeting to
permit the full Council to determine whether to recognize Schafer Richard as the master
developer and lead in the partnership with Ryland Homes.
Community Development Director Hohenstein noted that SRF Consulting has prepared
an update of the traffic portion of the AUAR to analyze the impacts of the proposed mixed uses,
types and intensities. Hohenstein added that the update concluded that the proposed concept can
be accommodated with the improvements to-date and some additional modifications of the turn
lane on Cedar Grove Parkway, a turn lane on Diffley Road and Nicols Road, and the installation
of a traffic signal at Blackhawk Road and Silver Bell Road.
David Frank of Schafer Richardson and Chris Enger of Ryland Homes provided an
overview of the various renderings for the Cedar Grove Redevelopment District. The City
Council discussed the various concepts proposed for the area. The City Council noted that they
are reviewing a conceptual plan and further modifications may be needed as the process goes
forward. Community Development Director Hohenstein noted that each phase of the
development will have a development review approval process.
The City Council discussed the timeline for the various phases of development and the
architectural standards for the area. Mr. Enger noted his comfort level in working within the
architectural standards adopted by the City Council. The City Council stated that in reviewing
other Ryland Home products, there was a consensus that they liked the product built by Ryland
in the state of Maryland.
The Mayor invited Mark Ulfers, Director of the Dakota County Community
Development Agency, to address the Council regarding the potential role of the CDA within the
Cedar Grove Redevelopment Area. Mr. Ulfers noted the many opportunities that could be
available within the Cedar Grove Area, particularly with regard to mixed value housing. Ulfers
highlighted housing projects that are currently included in other development and redevelopment
areas within surrounding communities.
The City Council thanked Mr. Ulfers for his input and noted their desire to continue
working with the CDA. Community Development Director Hohenstein noted that the CDA is
currently gathering additional information regarding affordable housing in Dakota County,
which is consistent with the City Council?s 2005-2006 goal to research and compile data on
Eagan?s current housing stock and future housing needs. The Council requested that an agenda
item be dedicated on a future workshop for ongoing discussions with Mr. Ulfers regarding
housing needs of the City.
The City Council directed that the following actions be added to the February 1, 2005
EDA agenda:
1.) Recognition of Schafer Richardson as master developer and lead in the partnership of Ryland
Homes.
2.) Preliminary approval of the refined conceptual redevelopment plan and development
program ? including general land uses, preliminary layout and building types.
3.) Confirmation of the role of the Council Finance Committee as liaison to staff for negotiation
of development agreement.
4.) Issues to be resolved in the negotiation of a draft development agreement:
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Specific phasing expectations, unit numbers, square footages and types
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Responsibilities related to relocation of existing businesses and securing receiver sites
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Responsibility for property acquisition and assembly and City assurance of developer
purchase, if City takes the lead in property assembly
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Relationship of phasing to financial assistance
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Means of assuring delivery of specific development elements ? uses, building products, etc.
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Means of assuring completion of entire project
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Other issues identified by the City Council
5.) Authorize staff to proceed with negotiation of the development agreement
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the Special City Council meeting at 8:55 p.m.