11/09/2021 - City Council SpecialMINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF
THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
November 9, 2021
A Special Meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at
5:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Bakken, Fields, Hansen, and
Supina. Also present, City Administrator Osberg, Assistant City Administrator Miller, City
Planner Schultz, Community Development Director Hutmacher, Fire Chief Searle, Public
Works Director Matthys, Finance Director Feldman, and Assistant Finance Director Foiles.
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Supina moved and Councilmember Hansen seconded to adopt the agenda.
Aye: 5 Nay: 0. Motion carried.
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
III. JOINT MEETING WITH THE ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION
Mayor Maguire recognized the Advisory Planning Commission. City Planner Schultz asked
members to introduce themselves and noted that one member was unable to attend. City
Planner Schultz presented the topic items for the joint meeting, which included attached
versus detached garbage enclosures, on -sale liquor licenses and Conditional Use Permit
(CUP) requirements, and skilled nursing facilities.
Discussions occurred with each of the presented topics to clarify the issues associated with
each topic. City Council voiced support of each and directed the Advisory Planning
Commission and staff to research and provide potential options for consideration.
IV. RENTAL LICENSING
Community Development Director Hutmacher introduced the topic of rental housing.
Hutmacher noted rental housing in Eagan is changing due to the aging housing stock and
increasing corporate and investor ownership of rental units. Hutmacher added that the City
has become more aware of equity concerns for tenants. The City currently does not have a
rental licensing program, but does have a voluntary registration program. There are almost
30,000 residential rental units in Eagan, with about 7,300 of these being apartments and
rental townhomes, and just over 1,300 single unit rentals which include single family homes
and condos. Staff find two to four unregistered rentals each month.
The City's proposed rental registration program has no cost for property owners, no renewal
requirement, and no penalties for unregistered rentals. Staff interviewed 11 similarly sized,
metro area communities to gather information on rental licensing programs. Development of
a residential rental licensing and inspection program would likely require 2 to 2.5 FTE, along
with training, vehicles, and equipment.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2021
Page 2
Community Development Director Hutmacher said the earliest the program would be ready
for implementation is 2023. Staff plan to return to the Council again for additional feedback.
Next steps for staff would be to discuss the program with the City Attorney's office and to
develop a more concrete timeline for program development and implementation.
V. COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE PLAN CONCEPT REVIEW ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item and stated the ordinance amendment would
likely be brought back to Council for action at a meeting in December. The purpose of the
ordinance amendment would allow for applicants to review items with the Council for the
purpose of a preliminary review. Parameters could be put in place to limit the review of
projects to one per site per 12 months. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated
that if the Council chooses to move forward, the fees would be included on the 2022 Fee
Schedule for approval in December. The fee for a concept review would be $350 plus a
$1500 escrow. Staff would use feedback from Council to prepare the item for action at a
Council meeting in December.
VI. 2022 EAGAN CONVENTION AND VISITOR'S BUREAU BUDGET
Brent Cory from the Eagan Convention and Visitor's Bureau presented the ECVB budget and
discussed trends seen in the local business and hospitality community over the past year.
Final review and approval of the 2022 ECVB Budget will take place at the December 7
Council Meeting.
VI1.2022-2023 ENTERPRISE BUDGETS AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUND BUDGETS
City Administrator Osberg introduced the budget team and outlined the budget items for
discussion and invited Finance Director Feldman to present the Enterprise and Special
Revenue Funds. The City has received $6.9 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act)
funds and about half has been dispersed to the City to date. The Public Utilities fund shows
an addition of personnel in 2022-2023, as well as a fluctuation of capital expenditures in
various years. Based on results of a utility rate study conducted in the spring, staff are
proposing utility rate increases that would go into effect in 2022.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the enterprise recreation funds that resulted in a
loss in gym memberships at the ECC and reduced use of the ice arena and water park. The
Eagan Civic Arena and Cascade Bay have recovered faster than the community center.
Staff are proposing increased rates to pay for temporary and seasonal wage increases. Staff
are also recommending continuing the practice of setting aside funds for replacement of
capital items at the Civic Arena, Cascade Bay, ECC, and ETV. ARPA dollars will be used to
fill the revenue loss gap and essentially will help fund these capital reserves. ARPA monies
will also be used to pay for upgrades to technology equipment in the Eagan Room and
Council Chambers, which was not completed during the City Hall remodel. The equipment is
out of date and due for replacement. City Administrator Osberg stated the budget would
return to Council on December 7 for final approval.
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2021
Page 3
M ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Hansen moved, Councilmember Supina seconded to adjourn the meeting at
at 9:00 p.m.. Aye: 5 Nay: 0.
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