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03/31/1992 - City Council Special r.} T°i.v 3 MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL Eagan, Minnesota March 31, 1992 A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, March 31, 1992 In the lunchroom of the Eagan Municipal Center building, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Those present were Mayor Egan and City Councilmembers McCrea, Pawlenty and Wachter. City Counclimember Awada was hospitalized for an emergency surgery and was unable to be present for the meeting. Also in attendance were Director of Community Development Runkle, Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa, Director of Finance VanOverbeke, Director of Public Works Colbert, Water Resources Coordinator Brasch, Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein and City Administrator Hedges. COUNCIL/STAFF RETREAT City Administrator Hedges summarized the 105 page copy of the computer generated results of the Council/Staff Retreat that was held on February 21 and 22, 1992. He stated that the Information reviews the three main sections: 1) overview and discussion of trends affecting the City, 2) discussion and preliminary scale vote of general fund service units and 3) a paired comparison exercise covering all twenty- one service units. Mayor Egan asked which results are more relevant, those received in the first vote or the second vote when the Council and staff prioritized twenty-one (21) service units. Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein stated that the results of the second vote are more meaningful given the experience of a first vote, benefit of discussing those results and additional Information and discussion about each service unit preceded the second vote. City Councilmembers expressed the value they received in the resource allocation management plan exercise they completed at the retreat with City staff. City Council member Pawlenty stated that the results and prioritization of service units be further considered when the annual operating budget is considered for ratification. City Administrator Hedges stated that the information shared and compiled at the retreat provides a strong foundation for future decision-making by both the staff and City Council and will be considered and used for future organizational and budget decisions. Mayor Egan again acknowledged the success of the retreat and-stated that no formal action is required on this item, but encouraged the City Administrator and staff to share the results during the preparation of the 1993 budget. DOUBLETREE HOTEL/LASALLE GROUP FINANCING REQUEST City Administrator Hedges stated that a group of investors approached the City staff Indicating their desire to execute a purchase agreement and acquire the Doubletree Hotel, formerly the Compri. He further stated that this group of investors are seeking any economic assistance the City or State can provide as a means to collateralize or secure their investment. He further stated that staff has researched various alternatives that were suggested by the Investors and it appears that the only funding mechanism available is the Omni 504 Program administered by the Department of Trade & Economic Development. City Counclimembers responded by stating their opposition to use of any City funding, but expressed a willingness to support a letter to DTED requesting their consideration to provide a low Interest loan to the group of investors for the acquisition of the Doubletree Hotel. City Administrator Hedges stated that in a telephone conversation with City Councilmember Awada, she expressed her reluctance and opposition to any City financing toward the Doubletree Hotel acquisition as requested by this group of investors. Mayor Egan suggested that a letter be drafted by the City to the State of Minnesota encouraging their review and consideration for the Omni 504 Program, which can provide a loan up to $750,000 less fees if the project is considered eligible by their standards and regulations. Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein provided additional comment regarding the program. There was no official action required on this item. Page 2/EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 31, 1992 WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT UPDATE Mayor Egan welcomed members of the Advisory Planning Commission and Advisory Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission to the meeting for the purpose of hearing an update by Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator, on various aspects of the water quality management program. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch presented the work plan elements of the 1992 water quality management program stating that completion of the Schwanz Lake Clean Water Partnership, Implementation of the Clean Water Partnership Project for Fish and Blackhawk Lakes, continued public education and Information efforts, improvement of the reliability and accuracy of the City water quality model In Fish Lake and Blackhawk Lake drainages, providing assistance to residents with water quality related problems, expanding the Fish Management Program, continuing in-lake and i itiatirg run off sampling programs and overseeing administration of the Wetlands Conservation Act for the City are among many of the major work plan elements planned for the water quality management program. He further stated that reducing Impacts In new developments regarding lake water quality In a cost effective manner and developing and implementing a capital Improvement program for certain ponds are also important priorities. City Counciimember Wachter emphasized the Importance of public education and awareness In the area of restricting phosphorous as a fertilizer ingredient within the City. He further indicated that an ordinance restricting the use of phosphorous should be reviewed and given consideration by the Council as a pro-active measure to protect the integrity of water quality In ponds within the community. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch stated that the only City he is aware of that has a severe restriction on the application of phosphorous as a fertilizer Ingredient Is Shoreview, who restricts the content of phosphorous In any fertilizer to 3 percent. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch further reviewed major accomplishments for 1991 which included: 1) review and recommendations for appropriate water quality mitigation measures for over 28 development proposals, 2) education which Included a resident water quality survey, newsletter articles and many presentations to residents, school and other community groups, 3) the construction of a nutrient base in JP 67, implementation of the Schwanz Lake Clean Partnership Program Grant Project and a grant application for Fish Lake and Blackhawk Lake restoration, 4) more Intensified City operations, including street sweeping and district drainages of high priority lakes, weed and algae harvesting and mowing programs that mitigate any phosphorous or grass clippings In a public water body and 5) the sampling/monitoring of thirteen City lakes. After questions and comments by members of both Advisory Commissions and discussion by the City Council, Mayor Egan commended Mr. Brasch for his excellence in implementing the water management program. Mayor Egan further stated that Eagan has gained a very positive reputation throughout the seven county metropolitan area for Its leadership and Implementation of the water quality management program and also as a first In the Implementation of the water quality management plan adhering to an environmental mandate by the State of Minnesota. Mayor Egan thanked members of the Advisory Planning Commission for their attendance and participation in the water quality management update and on behalf of the City Council, stated that he was looking forward to a joint meeting with the Advisory Planning Commission during the month of April. JOINT ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION/ CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION Mayor Egan again welcomed and acknowledged six (6) members of the Advisory Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission and encouraged a discussion on any topics members of the Commission or City Council felt were appropriate relative to parks, recreation and natural resources. Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa covered three (3) topics, Including: 1) construction of Diffley Road and use of granular material from the Lexington/Diffley athletic field site, 2) update on the status of the Caponi Art Park and 3) the status of Blackhawk Park. Page 3/EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 31, 1992 Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa stated that the Courty Is in need of approximately 96,000 cubic yards of granular material for a sub-road base for the Diffley Road improvements. He stated that the City could allow the successful bidder for the Diffley Road improvemerrts to buy sand and gravel from the Lexington/Diffley site and in exchange, require the successful cartractor to grade the site, or at least a portion of the site to athletic field standards and then reseed the site to start the process of park development. Members of the Advisory Commission and City Council expressed support for the use of granular material and the first phase development of the athletic field as outlined by the Director of Parks & Recreation. Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa also reported on various issues, mainly the wall and underground tunnel that are being proposed as alternates for the Diffley Road project to serve the Caponi Art Park. City Counciimembers and members of the Advisory Commission discussed the importance of the Art Park Foundation, concerns over the funding Issues for both the retaining wall and pedestrian tunnel and also an agreement the City Attorney's office is coordinating In response to the proposed costs associated with Diffley Road Improvements. City Councilmembers expressed a concern that the City does not have dollars committed or available to participate in the cost of the wall, further commenting that if a wall is constructed, either Mr. Capons or proceeds from a future foundation would be obligated to that cost. Following a staff presentation concerning the proposed tunnel, City Councilmembers again expressed a concern about the financing and further that there be assurance that the tunnel is a connecting public right- of-way or a pedestrian crossing. Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa also provided an update on the status of Blackhawk Park improvements, stating that several other parkland projects have delayed staff time for preparation of the Blackhawk construction documents. However, it Is the Intention of the City to present construction documents on that park project during the month of May. He further stated that the City still has a contract from the State of Minnesota to provide park funding in the amount of $140,000 to be matched by the City's parksite fund for the improvement of Blackhawk Park. This contract expires at the end of 1992 unless the first phase of construction is under way. Mayor Egan asked for input on the swimming pool/indoor arena project as a discussion Item. Commission members stated that information Is the key, further commenting that many persons they have contacted were unfamiliar with the details or cost of the project. There was also discussion regarding a philosophy toward more user fees, a request by the Chairperson of the Advisory Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission, Jack Johnson, to consider updating the Park Master Plan In the near future and further discussion regarding reduction of fees for developers. OTHER BUSINESS There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. to attend the Schwanz Lake informational meeting in the Council Chambers. TLH March 31. 1992 Date City Clerk