04/17/1989 - City Council Special
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MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
April 17, 1989
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Monday, April
17, 1989, at the Eagan Municipal Center Building. Present were Mayor Ellison,
City Councilmembers Egan, Gustafson, McCrea and Wachter. Also present were
Director of Public Works Colbert, Director of Community Development Runkle and
City Administrator Hedges.
PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE FACILITY SPACE NEEDS ANALYSIS
City Administrator Hedges reported that monies were budgeted in 1988
to complete a Space Needs Analysis for future facility and land needs to
culminate growth within the City's Public Works and Park Maintenance staff. He
introduced Mark Swenson, a consultant with the firm BRW, who was retained to
prepare the Space Needs Analysis Study. Mr. Swenson provided an introduction
of the Study, followed by a detailed analysis of space requirements for building
type, a set master plan and an office addition. Mr. Swenson spoke to the need
for purchasing additional land, stating approximately 5 acres as needed. He
further reported that a total capital expense is estimated at $1.9 million. He
presented conceptional drawings for the building expansion and a discussion as
to how the mechanical and other existing facilities could be retrofitted with
the existing building. Concerns were expressed about the projection for new
employees relative to population. There was a desire expressed to purchase the
land as soon as possible to examine future expansion capabilities by the City.
City Councilmember Gustafson suggested that the City consider a lease or some
other arrangement to secure the property and defer payment and proceed with
discussion with Blue Cross.
After a number of remarks and questions by the City Council, a
direction was given to the City Administrator and Director of Public Works to
accept the Needs Analysis as prepared by BRW and generally authorizes the first
phase of a Feasibility Report to proceed with the phased expansion.
PRESENTATION REGARDING MTC OPT-OUT
City Administrator Hedges stated that the six (6) communities.,
including Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Prior Lake, Rosemount and Savage hired
the firm of Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch, Inc., who has now completed a study that
considers alternatives for the six (6) communities to opt-out of the MTC bus
service. Mr. Peter Fausch and Joe Corin of the firm, Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch, Inc.
were introduced and Mr. Corin provided a number of remarks regarding results of
the opt-out study. He stated that currently communities in the six (6) Cities
pay property taxes in the amount of $2.4 million, when only $1.4 million is
required for necessary subsidy. He stated that the additional $1 million could
be retained and used for expanded bus service within the six (6) Cities. Mr.
Corin did state that the Cities do not have the choice to have all or any portion
of the $1 million returned as a tax credit. He further identified needs, such
as 1) peak service to downtown, 2) peak service to other activity centers, 3)
midtown service from downtown and 4) local service.
Eagan City Council Special Meeting
April 17, 1989
page 2
Mr. Corin then explained peak service options which provide the
following: 1) continue existing service, 2) expand existing service, 3) revise
to trunk/feeder, and 4) additional local service. He stated that all peak
opportunities such as local fixed ride or dollar ride are options the Cities
could pursue in future years if they agree to opt out of the MTC bus service.
He further reviewed with the help of visual aids how park & ride sites would be
utilized as collection points for both downtown bus travel and city transit
needs.
Mr. Fausch stated that the Cities must consider their opt out choice
by July 1 of this calendar. He cautioned the City Council that the first one
or two years of service will more than likely be similar to the bus service that
is provided by the MTC. Mr. Fausch further indicated that once the Cities have
had an opportunity to organize and define their needs, inner-city bus service
could be developed to meet other transportation needs. Mayor Ellison stated that
there may be some benefit to Eagan operating its own inner-city bus system and
that should remain as an option as our Community Development Department further
reviews the opt-out alternatives.
Upon completing a presentation of various conclusions and
recommendations, Mr. Corin stated that all the six (6) Cities would be invited
to a joint meeting on May 17, 1989 to further consider the opt-out opportunities.
OTHER BUSINESS
The City Administrator reviewed the proposed Board of Review meeting
to be scheduled for May 9, stating that there could be as high as 400 persons
similar to the attendance in 1988 and suggested that another location be
scheduled to better accommodate the public. Members of the City Council
expressed their support of pursuing that location that could better serve each
of the residents the May Board of Review. The City Administrator also updated
the City Council on the golf ball incidents that impact properties on Falcon Way
adjacent to Carriage Hills Golf Course, the fact the City plans to contract for
the farmer to grow soybeans on the 65 acres recently acquired from HUD and
reviewed hazardous home removal legislation that would be applicable to the
Goins property located at 4010 Mica Trail.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20
p.m.
TLH
April 17, 1989
Dated City Clerk