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11/28/1995 - City Council Special MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL Eagan, Minnesota November 28, 1995 A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, November 28. 1995 at 5:00 p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center. Present were Mayor Egan and Counclimembers Wachter, Masin and Hunter. Absent was Counclmember Awada. Also present were City Administrator Tom Hedges, Community Development Director Peggy Reichert, Park & Recreation Director Ken Vraa, Civic Arena Director Todd Burkart and Finance Director Gene VanOverbeke. REVIEW 1995 OPERATING BUDGET AND PARTS OF THE FIVE YEAR CIP Administrator Hedges reviewed modifications to the general fund operating budget. He noted the changes increase the overall budget from $15,052,400 to $15,081,900 and Increase the contingency from $198,200 to $199,100. Administrator Hedges noted that market values are Increasing and the classification structure causes changes also. He noted that the budget has not been going up dramatically. Eagan is ranked 95th out of 106 metro area cities for tax rates. Finance Director VanOverbeke noted that the 1995 mean property value is $109,339; and the 1996 mean property value is $115,626. General discussion followed on taxes. Civic Arena Budget Parks and Recreation Director Vraa reviewed items that still need to be done at the civic arena. He noted the bleachers and sound system are now in the Civic Arena, thanks to volunteer labor and donations. He gave the status of the wading pool, which is done except for the gas line for the water heating, and signage. He raised some operational issues such as the Learn to Skate Program. He noted there are some crowd control issues that need to be worked out, as well as some hot water and computer Issues they are working on. He noted the revenues are on or above target. The concessions and public skating sessions are above expectations. The late night rental is below expectations; however, he feels it is off to a good start. The arena is now programming a men's hockey league to use the late hours. He noted that next Spring, they will have to build on the figure skating component. Now added are two figure skating sessions, two open skating sessions, and two open hockey sessions during the day time hours. They plan to run ice to May 12. On May 18-19, there will be dry floor activities, such as craft shows. There have been some Inquiries about dry floor activities, but not many. They will continue to market dry floor activities. Summer ice is forecasted to return August 6th and continue through the remainder of the year. Mayor Egan noted he was contacted by Pat Dill who emphasized that this needs to be a multi-use facility. He feels the city needs to make reasonable opportunities available for open skating in order to maintain a level of trust in the community. Counciimember Masin asked about the possibility of In-line skating or roller hockey. Civic Arena Director Burkart indicated they are looking Into that possibility. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa noted that there was a hockey tournament last weekend. He acknowledged they don't like to dose the arena for tournaments; however, this was a girls hockey tournament, and since they are concerned about gender equity, they felt it would be appropriate. He noted that girls hockey has not gotten a lot of exposure, and Is becoming popular. He acknowledged that most successful arenas have a blend of figure skating and hockey. Mayor Egan stated the Council may have overestimated dry floor activities. Civic Arena Director Burkart stated that the problem is that groups can go to malls for significantly less than the Civic Arena Councilmember Wachter stated if there is no Interest In dry floor events, the city should not hesitate to use the facility for summer ice if it is economical to do so. There were no other questions regarding the Civic Arena budget. EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; NOVEMBER 28, 1295 PAGE 2 Water Quality Budget Regarding the current Public Enterprise budget, Finance Director VanOverbeke reviewed the Storm Water Utility Budget and noted that the projected revenue user fee is $5.25 per quarter. The fee covers three different types of activities: general operations; renewal and replacement of storm drainage facilities; and expansion and modification of the existing storm drainage system, which also includes water quality improvements. He noted there Is not enough money to cover all activities, and it has become necessary to change the percentages of the three items covered. Mayor Egan asked what alternative sources of funding are available for this. Finance Director VanOverbeke responded that Director of Public Works Colbert has said that it would be difficult to assess for storm drainage. The Council will want to look at the Storm Water Trunk Fund to do some renewal and replacement. Other than that, the Council may have to consider a tax levy. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa Indicated there are two other sources: developer dedication, which Is directed towards expansion and modification; and grants they are able to receive, which have typically gone towards improvement projects. Councilmember Masin questioned the electrical lift stations. She feels a lot of money Is being spent on that. Director of Public Works Colbert responded that that is a burden the city has to bear due to the fact that none of the wetlands In the city are connected by a creek or river. There aren't a lot of alternatives. Discussion followed. There were no other questions In regard to the Water Quality budget. Eagan Promenade Director of Public Works Colbert indicated he had a meeting with Opus and the O'Neil family regarding their share of the public improvement costs for the Promenade project. They have Indicated they have financial limitations that they can't go beyond. They would like an opportunity to present their case to the Council. They are under time constraints because they have to order steel by January 1. They feel there are greater community-wide benefits than they should be financially responsible for. Community Development Director Reichert added that the excess capacity was calculated at 15%. They feel there are different ways to calculate excess capacity and that Is what they would like to discuss. She noted that they have not shown her their entire pro forma showing the gap between costs and reasonable profit margin. She Indicated they can look at other Opus projects and see what their profit margin Is. Director of Public Works Colbert noted that the philosophy behind the calculations is that the city is at capacity. Opus feels they should only have to pay for half of the excess capacity. There is a question then If they should pay for half of the capacity, or half of the remaining capacity after the 15% credit Is given. He Indicated he doesn't feel that Opus understands the county's formula. Councilmember Wachter stated that Opus buys property at exorbitant prices and then puts pressure on the city so they can make a reasonable profit. What they pay for property is a business decision and shouldn't have an effect on city costs. Councilmember Hunter indicated he doesn't want to see a pro forma or their profit margins from other projects. This should be decided from a public policy standpoint as to what is a fair allocation of costs. Mayor Egan concurred. After some discussion, Administrator Hedges suggested they could ask Opus to put their arguments in a memo to the Council that could be distributed with the Council packet on Friday. Director of Public Works Colbert indicated he has asked Opus to get a letter to them as soon as possible. Mayor Egan stated he feels he can't make a decision on this without getting some figures. Counclimember Hunter suggested the Council get Opus' arguments and meet If they need to. Administrator Hedges noted that staff would also have to critique their arguments, which could be done on Monday and Tuesday prior to the meeting Tuesday night. Councilmember Wachter stated he would like to discuss it at a work session. After further discussion, Hunter moved, Wachter seconded a motion to move the work session to 4:30 p.m. on December 5, 1995. Aye: 4 Nay: 0 CAPONI ART PARK (At this time, Councilmember Awada was reached by telephone and participated in this portion of the meeting via telephone.) Administrator Hedges reviewed the task force recommendations, which Included a June 1996 referendum, which would be posed as one question; and the necessity to appraise 20-46 acres south of Diffley Road. He went on to say that Mr. Capons Is now offering to donate 10 acres of land north of Diffley Road to the Caponi Art Park Corporation, which would then raise money to buy the remaining 10 acres. This would be a private EAGAN SPECIAL CRY COUNCIL. MINUTES; NOVEMBER 28, 1985 PAGE 3 non-profit corporation to run the park. Access to a parking lot south of Diffley Road would be required. He gave an update on the Green Acres property, which would include special assessments of approximately $31,000; and real estate taxes of approximately $15,000, with a total just under $47,000. Councilmember Awada indicated that Tony Caporal agreed to give 10 acres of land north of Diffley Road to the foundation for the private non-profft corporation, and the other 10 acres would eventually be sold to the foundation after fund raising. She noted that Cheryl Caponl and a member of the board have been attending the meetings Instead of Tony. The task force has emphasized that If the city buys the property south of Diffley, the park will be city owned and city run. The Caponis have had to deal with that She noted the task force decided on a June referendum with the Issue to be proposed as one question. She indicated there are still questions over the amount of land to be purchased, and how the cultural center would be run and structured. The task force is stuck on those Issues, and that is where the issue of an appraisal comes In. Administrator Hedges noted that the task force has asked some very difficult questions of the Caponis to help resolve the Issues. Counclimember Awada stated she feels the result of the lawsuit on Remo's property has influenced the Caponis' attitude about this whole Issue. Counciimember Hunter clarified that the property north of Diffley Road is resolved, so the parcels south of Diffley Road are what is left to deal with. He feels Remo's property and the north 20 acres of the 40 acre parcel south of Diffley are what should be considered. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa noted that using open space considerations, the parcels to be considered would be the 40 acres south of Diffley due to Its frontage on Ouigley Lake and not Remo's property. Councilmember Hunter stated he favors Remo's property and the north 20 acres due to Its access to Diffley Road. Administrator Hedges reviewed a possible land swap between Remo and Tony Caponi. Councilmember Awada stated she thinks the Caponi's are willing to develop part of the south 20 acres for residential development. She noted the Caponi's are asking for approval of an appraisal, and all task force meetings have been cancelled except December 18 until the appraisal issue is resolved. Counclimember Hunter questioned why they would hold up operational discussions. Councilmember Awada responded that the task force needs to know if and how much land would be proposed for purchase first. The task force didn't agree on what to appraise. Some thought just the north part of the south 20 acres should be appraised. She thinks the entire property should be appraised, but the decision is up to the Council. The Council needs to decide which land should be used and the functional aspects of the cultural center, but that can't be done until they know how much money the land will cost. The appraisal will help determine what Is the best value for the dollar. Counclimember Hunter indicated that when this was started, the city was going to run the whole park. Now the city is going to buy [and, start running it and incur some operational expenses; and force the citizens to choose all or nothing with the referendum. He is getting more and more uncomfortable with the whole issue because it is so far away from what was originally Intended. Councilmember Awada stated they found out the city can't buy the land and give it to some foundation. The city must be in control of the land. Councilmember Wachter asked whether the task force discussed the sale of the south 20 acres of the 40 acre parcel south of Diffley Road and whether the proceeds from that sale would be sufficient for the foundation to get started on the north 20 acres. Councilmember Awada stated it would. The property would be taken out of Tony's name which will enable the foundation to get grants. Councilmember Hunter asked how much an appraisal will cost Director of Public Works Colbert indicated it would be about $5,000. Councilmember Awada Indicated that an appraisal will be needed at some point Councilmember Wachter asked why Tony Caponi doesn't get the appraisal. Counciimember Awada indicated the task force offered to let him get an appraisal also. Administrator Hedges added that they intend to use the same appraisal that was used in the assessment appeal. Councilmember Awada stressed that there has to be an agreement on the price. Mayor Egan indicated he is uncomfortable with this also, but feels they have come a long way from where they were a year ago. He supports an appraisal. Egan moved, Masin seconded a motion to authorize the appraisal of the 6 acre parcel owned by Remo Caponi, and the two 20 acre parcels, each split in half. Aye: 4 Nay: 0 Some discussion followed. JOINT APRNRC/CITY COUNCIL MEETING Administrator Hedges reviewed topics proposed for discussion during the joint portion of the special City Council meeting with members of the Advisory Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission. EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; NOVEMBER 28, 1995 PAGE 4 Rich Brasch, Water Resource Coordinator, reviewed the Water Resources Management Program, Including the water quality projects for Fish Lake, Blackhawk Lake west basin, Schwanz Lake, Carlson Lake and Heine Pond. He also explained the grant award funding status for both Fish Lake and Schwanz Lake and reported on special activities the city Is coordinating for those water areas. Mr. Brasch also reviewed a Dakota County environmental attitude study the city Is cooperating with as a special project He further presented ordinances that regulate lawn chemicals and pesticides, and a proposed wetland buffer. There was considerable discussion regarding the ordinances by both commission and council members present. Jon Onyagi, Recreation Supervisor, provided a detailed background on Holz Farm, reviewing various task force activities. He reviewed the success of the September 23 Open House, noting that over 600 people attended that event He also stated that the Mission Statement Is being developed for Holz Farm Park and once completed, will be presented to the City Council In addition to certain budgetary recommendations. He then stated the committee had recently received the report from S.E.H. on the structural soundness of the farm building. The committee hopes to have its report for the Council's review by late February or early March, but at this time, the commission and task force are recommending the repair of the roof. There was discussion on the cost, bids received and alternatives for funding. It was agreed that the city should proceed ahead with this roof repair and direction was given to place this Item on the next City Council consent agenda. Greg Hove, City Forester, presented a document entitled 'Metro Region Forest Resource Management Plan', a final report prepared by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. He also discussed a tree preservation ordinance In detail and after discussion by commission and council members, there was a conclusion that an ordinance would be better than a policy to govern tree preservation. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa reviewed the status of the commission's work on analyzing needs for a park referendum. He stated that more meetings will be held and a recommendation presented to the City Council In early 1996. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa also shared that the city has been placed on notice by Wescott Commons that the rent for a unit used for youth programming by the city will Increase from $350 to $725 beginning In January 1996. Commission and council members expressed a concern for the increase in cost, stating that the success of the Wescott Commons neighborhood Is due to the Dakota County HRA and City of Eagan's Involvement In developing the park and budgeting a Youth Coordinator for that neighborhood. It was further stated that this success has led to a higher occupancy and questioned their need to receive full rent for the unit being used by the city. There was consensus that the city use its one year budgetary allocation to rent the unit for six months to continue the program, and make efforts to pursue alternatives, i.e. funding through the HRA, CDBG block grant, building a shelter for the same purpose, etc. Mayor Egan thanked members of the APRNRC for being present and participating in the joint meeting. The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 p.m. DLP November 28, 1995 L Date ity erk MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL Eagan, Minnesota December 5, 1995 A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, December 5, 1995 at 4:30 p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center. Present were Mayor Egan and Councilmembers Wachter, Masin and Hunter. (Counclimember Awada arrived at 4:50 p.m.) Also present were City Administrator Tom Hedges, Director of Public Works Torn Colbert, Community Development Director Peggy Relchert, Finance Director Gene VanOverbeke and Assistant to the Administrator Jon Hohenstein. PROPOSED FINANCING PLAN FOR CENTRAL AREA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS Administrator Hedges reviewed the concerns Opus has with the financing plan for central area transportation improvements. They are concerned because the dollar amount Is higher than what was represented in the previous estimate. He complimented Opus for getting this information the Council requested In a timely manner. Director of Public Works Colbert noted that the Council needs to decide what Is a fair and equitable contribution required from the Opus Promenade development for the external transportation Improvements to the Yankee Doodle corridor and the 35E Interchange modifications. He Indicated that there is no dispute in the traffic numbers between the two consultants; however, there is a difference In the way the excess capacity credits are calculated. He stated that a base proposal was prepared on the premise that the first phase of the external improvements are being driven by the Opus proposal, and should be their responsibility. Opus has stated that the full cost of these improvements is significantly more than their budget, and have requested the City to give consideration to the value of the excess capacity resulting from the public transportation improvements and reduce their financial contribution obligation accordingly. He reviewed several scenarios Identifying various levels of credits to be provided recognizing residual benefits these transportation improvements will provide to the community at large. The scenarios included: 1) The City's current position, which is 15% 'residual' excess capacity credit applied to all improvements; 2) 58% 'Incremental' excess capacity credit applied to major bridge widening and third lane Improvements only; 3) 58% 'Incremental' excess capacity credit applied to all Improvements except the new Yankee Doodle on-ramp to 35E; and 4) 58% 'incremental' excess capacity credit applied to all improvements, which Is Opus' proposal. He reviewed the rationale for each of these scenarios. He noted that the city is foregoing special assessments, doing the Improvements early and prefinancing the county's participation to facilitate this development. Therefore, the method of determining excess capacity Is reasonable. Councilmember Wachter asked how the property owners feel about this. He feels the city and Opus are at an impasse. He doesn't want to impact the taxpayers any more than necessary. He feels it is between Opus and the property owners to work out the additional dollars needed. This is developer driven. This property will develop sooner or later, whether it Is this developer or not. Counclimember Hunter disagreed. He feels the BRW consultant study Is very dear and he agrees with their analysis. He feels the credits should be calculated as the increased capacity of the project, not a portion of the whole. He feels there Is an issue with accelerating this project for the development and foregoing special assessments. He doesn't think 58% credit for all aspects is appropriate. He feels accelerating the improvements Is worth something, but doesn't know what that amount Is. He is not comfortable deciding this large issue in such a short period of time, but understands Opus' schedule. Counciimember Masin concurred. Mayor Egan noted that these numbers are subjective. He agrees more with the BRW figures. He feels it Is more fair and equitable. He doesn't feel that shifting a large amount of the burden on the developer because of generated traffic is equitable. He would still like to work out a reasonable compromise. EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; DECEMBER 5, 1995 PAGE 2 Councilmember Hunter stated he feels the scenario calling for 58% Incremental excess capacity credit applied to all improvements except the Yankee Doodle on-ramp Is more reasonable. Mayor Egan concurred. Councilmember Masin noted that applying the 58% Incremental excess capacity to major bridge widening and third lane improvements only would leave part of the discrepancy between Opus and the property owners. She asked how the project would be financed if it goes forward next year. Finance Director VanOverbeke responded that the city would probably have to sell bonds, but it depends on how Opus pays for the Improvements. Councllmember Hunter indicated he would ward Opus to pay for some of this up front. Michelle Foster, of Opus, indicated they would be prepared to put some money up front, but doesn't know what that amount Is. Councilmember Wachter stated he feels the appropriate middle ground would be to apply the 58% Incremental excess capacity to major bridge widening and third lane Improvements only. (Councilmember Awada arrived at this time.) Councilmember Hunter stated he doesn't think $1.98 million is worth accelerating the project. He feels that is unreasonable. Considerable discussion followed concerning whether it is more equitable to apply the 58% excess capacity credit to major bridge widening and third lane improvements only, or to all Improvements except the new Yankee Doodle on-ramp; or whether some figure in between those two should be arrived at. Director of Public Works Colbert confirmed that the HOV lanes have been taken out of all scenarios. A consensus was drawn that 58% Incremental excess capacity credit Is more equitable than 15% residual excess capacity credit applied to all improvements; and that the additional value Is for acceleration of the Improvements. After considerable more discussion, Masin moved, Wachter seconded a motion to approve a 58% Incremental excess capacity credit applied to major bridge widening and third lane improvements only. Counciimember Hunter reiterated that he doesn't feel that Is reasonable; however Counciimember Awada stated she doesn't feel taxpayers should be funding Improvements for developers. Councilmember Wachter concurred. More discussion followed concerning arriving at a figure between the two scenarios, but it was felt that it would be difficult to do that because there has to be some basis for arriving at a number and justifying it. More discussion followed. Aye: 3 Nay: 2 (Egan, Hunter opposed.) Counciimember Masin noted that if Opus can't go ahead, it is due to cost. The city shouldn't have to bear the burden of these improvements. Councilmember Hunter stated he doesn't understand the rationale of applying the credit to everything but bridge widening and third lane Improvements, and discussion followed on that. Tim Mumane, of Opus Corporation, indicated that applying the credit to all Improvements but the Yankee Doodle on-ramp would have been feasible; however, this amount will be challenging. Michelle Foster added that this doesn't include right-of-way costs. Community Development Director Reichert noted that the rationale,for applying the credit to all improvements but the on-ramp Is that this ramp is replacing another one. Further discussion followed on the two scenarios, but no change was made In the decision. DUAL TRACK AIRPORT PLANNING PROCESS Assistant to the Administrator Hohensteln stated that airport traffic Is expected to Increase from 455,000 annual operations In 1994 to approximately 520,000 annual operations in 2020. There are currently unacceptable delays at the airport, and it has become necessary to come to a decision as to whether to expand the current airport, or relocate the airport to a new site in Dakota County. He reviewed some of the issues associated with both expansion and relocation of the airport, and the process and criteria used by each of the commissions to reach a recommendation. Some of the criteria used In reviewing this Issue Include: airport operations, ground access, air service, environmental, economic, community Impact, financial and strategic Issues. He noted that the expansion alternative Is estimated to cost $2.8 billion, as opposed to an estimated $4.7 billion for relocation of the airport. The costs would be borne by airport users and FAA airport Improvement funds. He then reviewed the Issues associated with this decision, which Included: 1) how each of the alternatives Impacts the City of Eagan on the basis of the criteria reviewed by the commissions; whether Eagan stands to benefit or be harmed by each of the options; and what actual impacts are expected in each of the criteria; 2) the merits of EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; DECEMBER 5, 1995 PAGE 3 the criteria from the city's perspective and whether certain criteria should be weighed more heavily than others; 3) whether the capacity of the expansion alternative is sufficient to meet the region's needs before and after the year 2020; 4) whether the capacity of the relocated airport is necessary; how likely it Is that growth will exceed projections; and whether any additional competition or economic activity will be attracted to the region because this capacity exists; 5) whether the cost estimates accurately reflect all costs for each option; 6) whether the city should support land banking as a means of ensuring that an adequate site is available If future airport demands require it; and 7) whether the city should actively support the availability of mitigation funds and mitigation tools for airport related Impacts to residents regardless of the option chosen and whether these funds should be pursued prior to the Dual Track recommendation is presented to the Legislature. Mayor Egan noted that a lot could happen at the airport, depending on whether Northwest Airlines continues to hub In Minneapolis/St. Paul. He noted there has been some talk of Northwest Airlines merging with America West Airlines. Discussion followed concerning noise contours. Councilmember Awada asked when it Is anticipated that stages 3 1 /2 and 4 aircraft will be used. Assistant to the Administrator Hohenstein noted that in the past, there has been about 20 years between stages, meaning that stage 4 could be anticipated to dominate the fleet around the year 2020. He Indicated that European countries are already talking about requiring stage 4 aircraft In the near future. He then reviewed the background of the Dual Track Airport Planning Process. He noted that the city has taken a neutral position In this debate to ensure that the best and most complete Information was available for consideration of a position. He noted that the Environmental Impact Statement comparing the two alternatives is being made available for comment. He stated that recommendations have been provided by the Advisory Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission and Airport Relations Commission, and a public information effort was pursued, as well as a public hearing opportunity. He added that there has been a lot of concern and speculation about relocating the airport to Dakota County, such as damage to the aquifer. Such concerns are addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement. For example, it has been determined that the effects on the aquifer from an airport would actually be less than that from current agricultural uses. He stated that the Advisory Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission are recommending expansion of the airport, and the Airport Relations Commission Is recommending relocation. All three commissions, however, supported land banking of the Dakota County site to ensure that the region does not need to repeat the Dual Track process. They also indicated that effective mitigation would be essential regardless of the option chosen. He then reviewed the Airport Area Community Protection Concept Package developed by staff of the cities of Bloomington, Richfield, Minneapolis, Mendota Heights and Eagan, the Metropolitan Airports Commission and the Metropolitan Council. The package includes Community Protection Tools, which Include property value guarantees, tax increment financing, preferential tax treatment for noise Impacted properties, revitalization approaches, investment banks, etc. He indicated that the City of Richfield has asked all affected cities to support the package during the upcoming legislative session. He noted that the Airport Relations Commission recommended the following additions to the Community Protection Concept Package: 1) Sound Insulation, property value guarantees, tax Increment financing and preferential tax programs should be implemented In a graduated fashion at 2 and 3 miles from 60 DNL contour, and these programs should benefit the noise affected residents without penalizing the local jurisdictions; 2) New commercial development should be encouraged in the communities most affected by aircraft noise rather than on airport property; 3) New commercial development within airport property at either the existing airport or Dakota County location should be required to make payments in lieu of taxes and fiscal disparities contributions and that fiscal disparities distributions equal to these contributions should be made to the communities most affected by aircraft noise; and 4) Eliminate fiscal disparities contribution for communities most affected by aircraft noise or at least within the 60 DNL contour. He also reviewed the operational changes recommended by the Airport Relations Commission to be vigorously enforced by the Metropolitan Airport Commission, some of which Included: Narrowing corridor operations by using newly available technology and ensuring compliance with the corridor, and absent effective and acceptable compliance, the Runway Use System should be dismantled, parallel crosswind runways should be added to provide equal capacity in every direction, and every effort should be made to equitably rt On4 EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; DECEMBER 5, 1995 PAGE 4 distribute air traffic on all sides of the airport; and that the airport should place equitable Impacts on all communities it abuts and reduce its Inequitable reliance on the Eagan-Mendota Heights corridor. He reviewed the various commission recommendations and the Dual Track Airport Planning Process Draft EIS. Councilmember Masin asked how the city can best maximize Its economic situation. If the airport is expanded, it won't be able to be expanded any further In the future. She asked about the effect of new technology on air traffic. Assistant to the Administrator Hohenstein responded that relocation could shift new growth to the southeast portion of the region, but would not reduce the rate of growth. The technology will not change dramatically. Councilmember Awada stated she feels the Legislature will choose expansion of the current airport. Assuming that, she asked whether the recommendations Include sufficient tools to protect the city in that event. Assistant to the Administrator Hohenstein responded that he thinks so, but that assumes the Legislature Includes those tools and allocations In their decision. Recommendations affect numbers, and he feels the Council needs to strategize with mitigation. Councilmember Wachter expressed his support for the recommendations regarding fiscal disparities. Councilmember Masin questioned whether the figures for expansion are accurate and asked whether more accurate figures are available. Assistant to the Administrator Hohenstein noted that the figures are constantly being revised. At 6:30 p.m., the meeting adjourned to the regular Council meeting. DLP December 5, 1995 AP-nl b4 09 Date City Clerk