02/01/1983 - City Council Regular
00020
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 1, 1983
A regular meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, February
1, 1983 at the Eagan City Hall. Present were Mayor Blomquist and City
Councilmembers Smith, Thomas, Egan and Wachter. Also present were City Ad-
ministrator Hedges, Public Works Director Colbert, City Engineer Rosene and
City Attorney Hauge.
AGENDA
Upon motion by Wachter, seconded Egan, it was resolved that the Agenda as
distributed be approved with the understanding that the application of Re-
liance Builders for preliminary plat approval of Fish Lake Addition be con-
tinued until the next regular meeting, as was the application of MGM Liquor
for off-sale liquor license. All voted in favor.
MINUTES
Egan moved, Smith seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the
January 18, 1983 meeting with the exception that on page 2, it was understood
that the Engineering Department will attempt to move the right-of-way of
Blackhawk Road as far west as possible under Project #317 to minimize the
impact on the existing homes; and further on page 3, regarding Lentsch
Realtors Waiver of Plat, condition No. 5, that the property be rezoned in the
near future to R-1 Single Family. All voted yea.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
1. Volunteer Fire Relief Association Pension Fund. John Flood, Ken
Southorn, and Dick Schindeldecker appeared on behalf of the VFD Relief Asso-
ciation requesting ratification of the pension plan increase, which has now
been approved by the Relief Association members; in addition, there would be
a By-Law change to reflect the increase in the pension, based on the revised
September 2, 1982 City Administrator's memorandum, and the copy of the By-Law
revisions of January 24, 1983 attached to the packet. Mr. Southorn indicated
that the Relief Association members have now accepted the revisions. Council-
man Smith stated that the City Council and Relief Association have been
working a long period of time on these revisions and the intent is to protect
the City in the long run and also, to assist the longer-term members who had
very small pension benefits early in their fire department careers. Smith
moved, Egan seconded the motion to approve the revisions to the pension plan
and also to approve the By-Law changes as proposed by the City Administrator.
All voted in favor.
1
0C62I
Council Minutes
February 1, 1983
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - FEBRUARY 8, 1983
Egan moved, Wachter seconded the motion to approve the setting of a
special City Council meeting for Tuesday, February 8, 1983 at 7:00 at City
Hall to constitute a joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission to
discuss the proposed Parks Master Plan. All voted yea.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
1. I-35E Local Road Construction. Mr. Colbert reviewed a 1978 Resolu-
tion of the City Council committing the City to upgrade Blackhawk Road and
Deerwood Drive to a minimum 48 foot width within five years of the completion
of the Interstate and a letter from MnDOT covering recent revisions to the
Federal Highway Administration eligibility requirements for interstate funding
was reviewed by the Council. The provision now requires that the local roads
be completed no later than the completion of the adjacent Interstate construc-
tion and a proposed Resolution was submitted acknowledging this revision.
Egan moved, Thomas seconded the motion to approve the Resolution as presented
by the staff. All voted in favor. Councilman Wachter objected to the assess-
ments as proposed.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following consent agenda items were submitted and recommended for
approval.
1. Casino Night/St. John Neumann Church. An application of St. John
Neumann Church for gambling license and 3.2 on-sale beer license for February
26, 1983 at the annual Casino Night was submitted and recommended for
approval.
2. Project #330 - Feasibility Report _ Lexington Avenue. The City
staff has now prepared the Feasibility Report for Project #330 consisting of
street surfacing and storm sewer for Lexington Avenue and it was recommended
that a public hearing be scheduled for March 1, 1983 at 7:00 p.m. at City
Hall.
3. Twin View Manor 2nd Addition - Contract #82-4 - Change Order #2.
Two changes were required in the Twin View Manor 2nd Addition - Cinnamon Ridge
1st Addition, Contract #82-4, and it was recommended that parts A and B under
Change Order #2 be approved with an additional add-on of $8,268.92.
Upon motion by Smith, seconded Wachter, it was resolved that the fore-
going Consent Agenda items, as recommended, be approved and ordered to be
implemented. All voted in favor.
2
O(, w22
Council Minutes
February 1, 1983
CEDAR GROVE 1st & 2nd ADDITIONS - PROJECT #342
STREET RECONSTRUCTION
The Mayor reconvened the improvement hearing on Project #342 consisting
of street reconstruction in Cedar Grove 1st and 2nd Additions. It was noted
that public hearings were held on December 14, 1982 and January 4, 1983 to
consider the improvements and the City staff has now sent a survey question-
naire to all property owners effected by the street project. 476 surveys were
mailed with 219 responses or 46%. A summary was submitted to the Council and
explained to the large number of neighboring property owners who were in the
audience. The Public Works Department expressed its strong recommendation for
concrete curbs and gutters because of the long-term maintenance costs and
extended life of the pavement. Mr. Colbert outlined the advantages and disad-
vantages of the concrete curb and gutter and noted that the first payment on
the assessments would not come due until May of 1985. Comments on the surveys
were also distributed to the City Council. Numerous questions were asked by
persons present, including the persons who lived on the Nicols Road service
road. Mr. Colbert recommended an agreement from the property owners along
Nicols Road to avoid a later assessment and further stated that the City
Council has an obligation to improve streets at the lowest long-term potential
cost, including on-going maintenance. Councilman Wachter recalled that the
City Council policy was adopted several years ago to support concrete curb
and gutter for street reconstruction projects; other members stated that they
were not aware of such a policy. After an extended question and discussion
period, Councilman Smith moved, Wachter seconded the motion to close the
public hearing; further, that City staff investigate the potential for the
City contributing an additional sum towards the cost of installing the con-
crete curb and gutter in lieu of the projected additional maintenance cost in
the event that such concrete curbs and gutters are not installed; further,
that the plans and specifications be prepared and that the Clerk be authorized
to advertise for bids after approval of the plans and specifications with the
understanding that the contract will not be awarded until a preliminary
assessment hearing, based upon a preliminary assessment roll, is considered by
the City Council. Council requested the staff to keep the affected residents
informed of the progress concerning the project, including the hearing when
the preliminary assessment roll is heard, noting the importance of the prece-
dent being set regarding concrete curbs and gutters on reconstructed streets
in existing neighborhoods. All voted in favor. There was further discussion
from four property owners along the Nicols Road frontage road north of County
Road #30 with three property owners favoring the reconstruction of the service
drive and one not in favor of the reconstruction, who suggested that the
service drive could be reconstructed south of Sapphire but not north of
Sapphire. Smith moved, Egan seconded the motion regarding the design of the
service road described above to retain the frontage road and to include the
design in the plans for the improvements. There was discussion concerning
whether the Council ought to request further input from the other six resi-
dents on the frontage road, but it was noted that all had been noticed and
that they were not in attendance at the meeting. Smith and Egan voted yes,
Wachter and Thomas voted no, and Blomquist abstained with the motion failing.
Staff was requested to contact the affected property owners and to attempt to
arrive at a proposed solution and to return the recommendation to the City
Council.
3
00023
Council Minutes
February 1, 1983
COUNTY ROAD #30 - DIFFLEY ROAD - PROJECT #306
The next continued public hearing convened by Mayor Blomquist consisted
of Project #306 concerning the road improvements for County Road #30 from
Nicols Road to Blackhawk Road. A hearing was first held on December 14, 1982
and continued to January 4, 1983. The County Highway Department was asked to
conduct additional traffic studies as well as address other issues regarding
the width of the road and pedestrian movement crossing County Road #30 if and
when the road improvements are constructed. A large number of property owners
were present as was County Engineer Bob Sandeen, and the traffic engineers,
including John Voss, the Dakota County Commissioner for the District. Mr.
Colbert reviewed in detail the project to date, and stated that the Minnesota
Department of Transportation would redesign the intersection of I-35E if it is
not upgraded to a 52 foot width and noted that there would be state aid
contributions based upon existing and anticipated traffic volumes. Mr. Voss
stated that there is a great deal of competition for the funds at the present
time and it is important to comply with standards. He also noted the poten-
tial for long-term costs that could arise if the road was required to be
improved again at some time in the future. There was discussion concerning
the City policy of assessment for residences along County Roads, depending on
whether there is direct access to the County Road. There were questions about
traffic controls at Rahn and also Blackhawk Roads, and Mr. Colbert stated that
there are no plans for signage at Blackhawk and County Road #30 but they can
be requested if traffic counts warrant. There were many persons who objected
to a wider road and some questioned the accuracy of the January 1983 traffic
counts. At 8:20 p.m. the Mayor moved to close the public hearing, Egan
seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Thomas then moved and Wachter
seconded the motion to order in Project #306, County Road #30 Street Improve-
ments as proposed, including the frontage roads, and further, that the City
continue to work with the Dakota County Highway Department to attempt to
reduce the width of the roadway down to 46 or to 48 feet, if possible;
further, that a stop sign be installed at Rahn Road and County Road #30.
Councilman Wachter was concerned about the slowness in the County acting to
straighten the curve in County Road #30 east of Christ Lutheran Church. Mayor
Blomquist stated she would vote yes because of the clause in the motion,
regarding an attempt to reduce the width below 52 feet if possible, but stated
that she felt that if the project had been commenced at an earlier time, that
the roadway could have been somewhat narrower. All voted in favor.
4
OCO24
Council Minutes
February 1, 1983
ROBIN LANE - PROJECT #368 - STREET IMPROVEMENTS
The next public hearing convened by Mayor Blomquist concerned the pro-
posed street improvements under Project #368 consisting of Robin Lane. Mr.
Colbert and Mr. Rosene explained the two alternate alignments and went through
the project in detail. It was anticipated that all costs would be assessed
and an estimated assessment roll had been prepared and was submitted to the
Council and all persons interested. Kenneth Hassler was present and objected
to the assessments in that he stated he would get no benefit because there was
no further use intended to his lot from Robin Lane, noting that his main
access is to Blackhawk Road. John Uban and Vasco Bernardi of Metram Proper-
ties were present and stated that they intend to buy land from Hillcrest
Development Company to gain access to Robin Lane. Hillcrest Development and
the Goodman family are the two other large property owners affected by the
project. Access to Highway #13 from Robin Lane would necessarily be vacated
for roadway purposes but retained for utility purposes. Mr. Uban stated that
alternate No. 1 is preferred, but the property owners would not object to
alternate No. 2 noting that access to Highway #13 would be extremely close
from Blackhawk, if alternate No. 1 is implemented. Mr. Bergstrom and Mr.
Pomeroy were not present nor represented. Smith moved, Wachter seconded the
motion to close the hearing, to order in the project and to authorize the
preparation of plans and specifications with the recommendations that Mr.
Hassler request a deferment until his lot, Lot 6, Blackhawk Acres, is split or
divided, and further recommended that the suggestion of Mr. Uban, that the
other property owners help to defray the assessments on the Hassler property
be implemented; further, that alternate No. 2 be utilized in the preparation
of the plans. All voted in favor.
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT #369 - SHEFFIELD ADDITION - STREETS & UTILITIES
The next public hearing convened by Mayor Blomquist consisted of Project
#369 concerning street and utility improvements to Sheffield Addition. There
was no appearance on behalf of the developer, Gabbert Development Co. and no
objections to the improvements. There were several property owners from
Lakewood Hills Addition who were concerned about a boundary line dispute along
the south line of Sheffield Addition. Egan moved, Thomas seconded the motion
to close the hearing, to order in the project and to authorize preparation of
the plans and specifications, noting the final plat had not been approved as
yet. All voted yes.
5
00025
Council Minutes
February 1, 1983
EAGLE'S NEST HOME - BETTY BASSETT
Application of Betty Bassett, Eagle's Nest Home for an amendment to the
Eagan Hills West Planned Development to allow a change in the proposed Eagle's
Nest Home and to allow R-2 as underlying zoning located on Lots 101 through
104, Block 1, Meadowlands 1st Addition, was next discussed. Mr. Hedges re-
viewed the background of the application of Mrs. Bassett and stated a public
hearing was held by the Advisory Planning Commission on January 11, 1983 to
consider the application. The amendment would include a request to change the
32 person occupancy of Eagle's Nest Home for the handicapped to an 18 person
facility and also to clarify the underlying zoning of the four lots. The
Advisory Planning Commission recommended that the application be reviewed by
the City Council to clarify the intent of the City Council when it acted upon
the application for the home in 1976. The City staff, including City Attorney
Paul Hauge, prepared a memorandum dated January 26, 1983 reviewing the
history, and Dale Runkle attached copies of Minutes and other documents to the
packet distributed to the Council. Mrs. Bassett was present and stated that
she wanted to remove the application for rezoning and requested that the City
Council only consider clarification of the underlying use on the property
within the planned development for Eagan Hills West. She distributed copies
of a July 20, 1976 letter from Charles Slocum, together with survey attached,
indicating that Parcel 3 on the Hedlund survey of 1976 did not conform with
the current four lots, but indicated that the intention was that Parcel 3 on
that survey was the parcel that was originally intended for Eagle's Nest Home,
consisting of two acres. It was noted that the acreage has now been reduced
and that the lots had been included in Meadowland 1st Addition. Councilman
Egan stated that the use should conform with the intent of the Advisory
Planning Commission and Council of 1976. Councilman Smith noted that Planning
Consultant Voss, in 1976, stated that the use was suitable and no rezoning
was required; further, that a less dense use is being proposed at the present
time. Councilman Wachter and Councilman Smith were on the Council in 1976 and
Mayor Blomquist was on the Advisory Planning Commission, each of which spoke
as to the recollection at that time when the application was submitted and
approved. A number of neighboring property owners in Meadowlands Addition
appeared, generally opposing the project. After extended discussion, Smith
moved, Egan seconded the motion that the Council be on record acknowledging
that the zoning of the property in 1976 at the time of the approval of the
Eagle's Nest Home 32 unit facility, in 1976 or prior, was for a multiple
residential use for reasons including the following:
1. He noted that Consultant Voss in 1976, stated that the property in
his Memorandum was suitable for the proposed use and that no rezoning was
required.
2. That the proposal of Mrs. Bassett at the present time is for less
dense use than that proposed in 1976.
3. That in the event that there is a reversion to the underlying
zoning, it could provide higher densities than the PUD concept if approved.
6
00026
Council Minutes
February 1, 1983
4. The developer had proposed in the original planned development, that
the parcel be a proposed outlot, not a part of the single family district
plat.
5. A building permit had been authorized in 1977 for 160 foot by 132
foot single-story structure.
6. That the land use to the south is R-2, that there is a large former
farm home to the north and that there are streets on the east and west;
further, that the four lots are larger than the standard lots in Meadowlands
1st Addition; further, that the planned development allowed for cluster home
use for up to 4 units per acre, which would appear to conform; that a town-
house proposal was approved in 1976 which would appear to reflect approxi-
mately an R-3 type zoning or use; that only one service stub was installed to
service the property; now there are four lots so that it may, even under R-1
zoning, provide for up to six handicapped persons per lot. A number of the
neighboring property owners had questions and comments, including objections
to the proposal stating that the proposed use would be too dense and possibly
the building would be too large for the site. Concerns were those of the
impact on children, the claim that there would be a number of buses involved
each day and the potential for converting the use to some other use. It was
noted that the decision was unanimous in 1976 by the Council. Lowell Berg, a
realtor, stated that the City staff had told him when he was selling homes in
the area, that the lots were zoned R-1. Mary Olson, the owner of the farm
home to the north, asked whether it's possible to build the same facility on
the 1.37 remaining acres, and Ms. Bassett stated that the facility could be
constructed and still conform with the ordinance requirements, noting that she
has acquired a building permit for the project. There are a number of single
family homes that have been built since the approval, and this appears to be
the only change in the circumstances. Councilman Egan stated that the central
issue is whether a change from 32 to 18 persons or units should constitute a
rezoning and it was his opinion that no rezoning would be required. Those in
favor were Smith, Egan, Blomquist and Thomas, against was Wachter. The motion
was adopted.
OFF-SALE LIQUOR LICENSE POLICY CHANGE
AND
MGM OFF-SALE LIQUOR LICENSE
A request had been received from Michael Gresser requesting a change in
the policy for the off-sale liquor license to accomodate an off-sale license
in the Cedarvale Theatre Building. There was no appearance on behalf of the
requesting party. It was further noted that an application had been requested
by MGM Liquors for an off-sale license in the Theatre Building, but the
application has not been submitted at the present time. Wachter moved, Egan
seconded the motion to continue consideration of the issue until the March 1,
1983 meeting. All voted in favor.
7
O(}027
Council Minutes
February 1, 1983
RELIANCE BUILDERS - FISH LAKE ADDITION - PRELIMINARY PLAT
The application from Reliance Builders, Inc. for preliminary plat
approval of Fish Lake Addition was recommended to be continued until the
February 15, 1983 regular meeting. Egan moved, Smith seconded the motion to
approve the recommendation. All voted in favor.
SHEFFIELD ADDITION - FINAL PLAT
The application of Ches Mar Development, Inc. for final plat approval of
Sheffield Addition was next considered by the Council. The owners in Lakeside
Hills Addition again appeared objecting to the south property line location,
noting that there is a discrepancy in the surveys for Sheffield Addition in
relation to the Lakeside Hills Addition north line. There was discussion
concerning the error and Mr. Colbert stated the County Surveyor will review it
for accuracy. It was also noted, however, that the Lakeside Hills property
appears to be torrens and there was concern about whether the boundary line
had been registered. Mr. Colbert further stated that if the lot line is moved
northerly, the lots in Sheffield Addition would not appear to be adversely
affected. Smith moved, Thomas seconded the motion to continue consideration
of the final plat until the staff, together with the developer and property
owners review the issue with the County Surveyor, noting that the advertising
for bids for the improvements in Sheffield Addition will not be done until the
final plat has been recorded. All members voted yes.
TWIN VIEW MANOR 2ND ADDITION, ET AL - CONTRACT #82-4
Request for final payment through the consulting engineers has been
submitted for Contract #82-4 consisting of projects #335B, #340B, #341B, and
#346B, together with Change Order No. 1 to the Wilderness Run Road Trail
Extension (MnDOT Grant) and recommended for approval. Upon motion by Wachter,
seconded Egan, it was resolved that the Council approve the fifth and final
payment under Contract #82-2 to Bituminous Roadways, Inc. in the sum of
$31,908.84 and accept the projects for perpetual maintenance. All voted yea.
CONTRACT #82-5 - COMSERV 1ST ADDITION
It was recommended that the Council accept the Comserv 1st Addition
improvements under Contract #82-5 and upon motion by Egan, seconded Wachter,
it was resolved that the fifth and final payment in the amount of $4,677.41 to
Opus Corporation for Contract #82-5 be approved and that the project be
accepted for permanent maintenance. All voted yes.
8
006 8
Council Minutes
February 1, 1983
CEDAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DRIVING SCHOOL REQUEST
A request from the Dvorak brothers for use of the Cedar Elementary School
for a Driver's Training Center was next brought before the Council. There was
no appearance by the applicants, although they were notified about the time
for the meeting. Smith moved, Egan seconded the motion to deny the applica-
tion with the understanding that it could be reinstated by future application.
All voted yes. It was further noted that future approval of the proposal
would be subject to the School District's consent.
JOINT CABLE COMMISSION UPDATE
There have been no Cable Commission meetings since January 6, 1983 with
the next regular meeting set for February 10, 1983. Telecommunication Manage-
ment Corporation is reviewing the proposal from Group W and there was discus-
sion concerning a possible joint meeting of the Burnsville and Eagan City
Councils with the Commission in the near future.
HOUSING PLAN MODIFICATION - PUBLIC HEARING
The HRA has been advised by legal counsel that the Eagan City Council
should again set a public hearing for the Housing Plan Modification, noting
that a hearing had been held in November of 1982. It was recommended March
15, 1982 be scheduled for such a hearing. The proposed single family mortgage
revenue bond program submitted to the Minnesota HFA for West St. Paul and
Eagan is ranked number two in the ranking process and apparently the state is
planning to fund three programs. Smith moved, Thomas seconded the motion to
set a public hearing for March 15, 1983 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall to
consider the Housing Plan Modification. All voted yes.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - PROJECT #297R
REASSESSMENT HEARING - JAMES HORNE
Mr. Colbert recommended the City Council schedule a separate date for a
hearing concerning Project #297R regarding the objections that have been filed
by James Horne concerning the reassessment project. It was noted that a date
had been set for March 1, 1983 and upon motion by Wachter, seconded Egan, it
was resolved that the hearing be rescheduled from March 1, 1983 to Tuesday,
March 29, 1983 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall. All voted in favor.
9
00029
Council Minutes
February 1, 1983
PROJECT #370 - DAKOTA COUNTY PLAT #1
MnDOT COOPERATIVE STORM SEWER AGREEMENT
Tom Colbert reviewed with the Council two alternates regarding a Cost-
Participation Agreement for storm sewer purposes for the pond located on
Dakota County Plat #1. He recommended that the City authorize MnDOT to pre-
pare a Cost-Participation Agreement so that the appropriate supplemental
Agreements to the contract will be executed and further recommended Alternate
No. 2. Upon motion by Egan, seconded Wachter, it was resolved that the
Council request MnDOT prepare a Cooperative Storm Sewer Agreement for Alter-
nate No. 2 of S.P.1982-51, I-35E/Cliff Road (County Road 32) and authorize the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute said Cooperative Agreement upon approval by
City staff. All voted yea. R 83-3
CHECKLIST
Egan moved, Thomas seconded the motion to approve the following checklist
dated: February 1, 1983
All voted in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
PHH
City erk
10