02/21/1995 - City Council Special
00031
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
February 21, 1995
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, February 21, 1995 at 5:00 p.m.
at the Eagan Municipal Center. Present were Mayor Egan and Councilmembers Wachter, Masin and Hunter.
(Councilmember Awada arrived at 6:00 p.m.) Also present were City Administrator Tom Hedges, Community
Development Director Peggy Reichert, Director of Public Works Tom Colbert and Finance Director Gene
VanOverbeke.
PRESENTATION OF MLC HOUSING REPORT
Bob Renner and Cindy Thomas, of the Municipal Legislative Commission, gave a presentation of
their housing report, reviewing the history of legislation affecting local government aid, HACA and other state
aid. The Orfield legislation was discussed, along with a new bill that was introduced that would capture all
value of all property in the metro area. Eagan would be a loser if this legislation is passed, because Eagan's
tax capacity is over the average for the metro area. Therefore, it would lose tax capacity and would have
to make it up in property taxes.
Mr. Renner indicated that 30% of the cities are over the average, and 70% are under. He Indicated
that he received a call from the Governor indicating he would like his chief of staff to meet with MLC cities'
representatives on February 27.
Councilmember Wachter stated he gets the feeling that Eagan should stop encouraging
development. It seems to hurt the city more than help. Mayor Egan added that Myron Orfeld has moved
his campaign to churches to support his legislation. He and Counciimember Wachter attended a meeting
at a local church where figures and facts provided by Orfield were highly Inaccurate.
Cindy Thomas reviewed how this report was arrived at, noting she gathered other housing studies
that have been done. She noted they were all using different standards and different scopes, and it seemed
as though the reports were working from the conclusions backwards. (Councilmember Awada arrived at
this time.) She pointed out several examples.
Counciimember Hunter asked who this report has been distributed to, and Mr. Renner replied that
it has been provided to all MLC cities and legislators. They also hope to meet with the editorial boards from
the newspapers. He doesn't think it will change their minds, but It provides a balance to some of the
information that Is being presented.
Counciimember Hunter asked how the public relations effort is coming. Mr. Renner indicated they
are in the process of hiring a public relations firm, and hope to have someone hired by the first of the
month.
CAPONI ART PARK CORRESPONDENCE
Councilmember Masin noted that Tony Capons would like to meet as soon as possible on this. She
indicated she feels there has been a lot of inconsistency regarding this project. Councilmember Awada
concurred, Indicating that whatever the City comes up with, it can't cost Mr. Capons a lot of money.
Councilmember Hunter stressed that there has to be a grading plan. Councilmember Wachter concurred,
indicating the city needs to see what is feasible and what his plans are for the park. Community
Development Director Reichert noted that his board needs to decide that. She added that she thinks Mr.
Caponi wants the city to be in the forefront of his fund raising. Administrator Hedges agreed that a plan Is
EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; FEBRUARY 21, 1995
PAGE 2
needed. Councils change, the Caponis ideas change, and neighborhoods change. He feels it is imperative
to know what is planned for the park.
Councilmember Hunter stated he feels Mr. Caponi's letter is asking the city for money.
Councilmember Awada concurred. She suggested to him that he sell some of his property. Mayor Egan
noted that Mr. Capon! is trying to draw an analogy with the fund raising for the civic arena. He has told him
that he needs to think of his fund raising efforts more regionally. It Isn't a valid analogy.
After more discussion, Mayor Egan suggested that another letter be drafted to Mr. Caponi outlining
the City's position. The Council concurred.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.ra
DLP
February 21, 1995
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