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03/28/1989 - City Council Special MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL March 28, 1989 A special City Council meeting was held on March 28, 1989 in the Eagan Municipal Center building. Those present were Mayor Ellison and City Councilmembers Egan, Gustafson, McCrea and Wachter. Also present were Police Chief Geagan, Fire Chief Southorn, Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa, Director of Finance VanOverbeke, Director of Public Works Colbert, Director of Community Development Runkle, Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein, City Attorney Sheldon and City Administrator Hedges. RIDGEHAVEN ADDITION Mr. Steve Ramsey appeared requesting final plat approval for Ridgehaven Addition. The City Administrator stated that all agreements and related documents are in order for City Council consideration pertaining to the final plat. In a motion by City Councilmember Gustafson, seconded by City Councilmember Wachter, with all members voting in favor, the final plat for lZidgehaven Addition was approved. R-89.11 STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE City Administrator Hedges reviewed the status of the top six (6) goals that were identified at the February strategic planning retreat attended by all members of the City Council and management staff. He reported that much emphasis is being placed on greater communications with the residents identified as the second highest priority. REVIEW OF R-4 ZONED PROPERTY City Administrator Hedges reviewed the top goal identified at the strategic planning session as the reevaluation of R-4 zoned property to a lesser residential classification. He stated that the Department of Community Development has coordinated a study of all R-3 and R-4 zoned property and D-III and D-IV comp guided property throughout the City. Kristy Marnin, Planner I, reviewed a map that identifies all multi-family zoned and comp guided property that is remaining in the City. Director of Community Development Runkle provided an analysis of certain parcels stating that many tracks of land have been down zoned as a result of the strong single family market. He also reviewed the history of each parcel to identify special assessment rates, planned development agreements and a review of the present zoning and comprehensive guide plan designation. Mayor Ellison suggested that the staff review each parcel and make a determination as to which R-4 property would be best suited as R-l. City Attorney Sheldon spoke to the legal parameters suggesting that if the City Council makes a reasonable set of findings to change the residential zoning category and if the City contacts the landowner and enlists their cooperation, a down zoning can occur. City Councilmember Egan asked that the staff prepare a set of standards to evaluate each of the parcels. Mayor Ellison requested the Department of Community Development to research what the percentage of multiple dwelling units are in other cities suggesting an inventory of density in comparable cities would be helpful for the analysis. Eagan City Council Special Meeting 42 March 28, 1989 page 2 Director of Community Development Runkle stated that the analysis should be completed within 90 days. There was no action required on this item. COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE City Administrator Hedges provided an update on the community center project by making a reference to a February 27, 1989 memo in which he identified the most frequent responses as to why the referendum failed. He summarized the comments to be 1) a community center competes with the private sector's health clubs, 2) I would have voted "yes" if the complex would have included an outdoor swimming pool, 3) I would have voted "yes" if the complex did not include an ice facility, 4) I would have voted "yes" if the complex had not included a gymnasium, 5) I would have voted "yes" if the facility did not include a swimming complex, 6) the complex was too large and should be scaled back; however, when asked what should be eliminated, there was generally no response, 7) I voted "no" because the debt amortization and operating budget were unclear and, finally, the most frequent response was directly related to the high property tax increases caused by recent school referendums, expanded county projects and the reapportionment of suburban property tax dollars to greater Minnesota. Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa also provided an update on the community center referendum stating that he has been contacted by several community groups asking for direction on what their alternatives are for various space needs. City Councilmember Gustafson suggested that the City Council decide on a direction and respond to the public about the community center project. He further commented that regardless of how each resident voted, the community needs to know what action is intended by the City Council relative to a future referendum. City Councilmember McCrea stated that it was obvious to her that a strong no vote is reason to shelve the project for at least a year. City Councilmember Wachter stated that the land and community center concept is a good investment and that the City should wait until the senior high school is operating and then reevaluate the project. City Councilmember Egan stated that possibly the City miscalculated on the City's support for a community center and suggested that the City wait a period of time and address all the issues that were raised by the public. He further complimented the plan and architect and agreed with City Councilmember Wachter that the City should wait for completion of the high school to determine the impact that use will have on the City's need for certain components of the community center. Mayor Ellison again expressed his support for the concept of a community center but agreed that the project should be delayed for at least two years. He further stated that the City will continue to grow in population and the need will be greater over the next one to two years. OTHER BUSINESS City Administrator Hedges reminded the City Council of various meeting dates and also that Mr. Ken Iverson who resides at 1565 Red Cedar Road was the first recipient of the "Cash for Trash" promotion for the recycling program. Eagan City Council Special Meeting March 28, 1989 page 3 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:40 p.m. TLH March 28, 1989 O-A A Dated Cit Clerk