Loading...
12/08/2003 - City Council Special MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2003 5:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MUNICIPAL CENTER City Councilmembers present: Mayor Geagan, Councilmembers Carlson, Fields, Maguire, and Tilley. Staff members present: City Administrator Hedges, Assistant to the City Administrator Lord, Fire ChiefKriha, Director of Communications Garrison, Communications Coordinator Foote, Community Television Program Manager Hotchkiss, Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa and Water Resources Coordinator MacBeth. I. ROLL CALL AND AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Geagan noted that he wanted to have enough time to discuss each of the items prior to the JP 47 discussion and, therefore, requested that the Council discuss the proposed Telecommunication Commission budget, CIP Part I and the web page demonstration, in that order. Councilmember Tilley moved; Councilmember Fields seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as amended. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard. III. PROPOSED 2004 BURNSVILLE / EAGAN TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION AND COMMUNITY TELEVISION BUDGETS City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that the BETC and Community Television budget were reviewed by the Bumsville City Council on November 25, 2003 and are slated for final adoption on December 15. Hedges also added that the Commission is working on a five-year budget per the City Council's direction. Communications Director Garrison provided an overview of the budget. Garrison noted that there is a $192,000 decrease in the BETC fund balance with a corresponding $150,000 increase in capital expenses to begin replacing ageing equipment, primarily the twenty-year old mobile production van. The City Council discussed the budgets as proposed. The Council requested that staff continue to look at how to maximize the joint powers arrangement between the cities of Burnsville and Eagan. Councilmember Fields moved; Councilmember Maguire seconded a motion to direct the BETC and Community Television budgets to the December 16 regular agenda for consideration on the Consent Agenda. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 City Council Minutes December 8, 2003 Council Workshop Page 2 IV. CIP PART 1/ FIRE STATION IMPROVEMENTS City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that the five-year Part I CIP for 2004- 2008 includes five Fire Department capital building projects. Three of those projects are proposed for 2004 including: 1.) the addition of ventilation to the basement area and installation of restroom/shower facility for the Fire Administration Building at an estimated cost of $90,000; 2.) reconstruction of the parking lot at Fire Station No.5 at a cost of $50,000; and, 3.) renovation at Fire Station No.3 that would include a new roof, new carpet, expansion of the dispatch room and north bay to accommodate a second vehicle at a projected cost of$325,000. City Administrator Hedges noted that the purpose of the discussion tonight is for the Council to offer their input into the proposed projects; however, staff is not seeking approval of the CIP expenses at this meeting. Fire Chief Kriha presented an overview of the projects being proposed. The City Council discussed the proposed projects. The City Council inquired as to how many people are currently using the Fire Administration work-out facility. The City Council also asked for justification/need for the improvements. Lastly, the Council asked what the cost would be to only improve the ventilation in the Fire Administration building. The City Council voiced their support of the reconstruction of the parking lot at Fire Station No.5. The City Council also voiced their support for the renovation of Fire Station No.3; however, they did inquire as to whether or not there are enough personnel to support a second line vehicle. The Mayor also requested that staff provide a breakdown as to the number of volunteers that the Fire Department currently has at each station, both day and night. The City Council also discussed projects that are proposed for the future, which include a training site for live bum of vehicles, confined space training, hazardous materials training and car extrication in 2006. Also proposed for a future project is the addition of Fire Station No.6, estimated at $3.5 million which includes cost to purchase the land, construction of the building, and purchase of equipment. The Council asked whether the City has looked at partnering with other municipalities in order to secure land for the training site. The Council also discussed the need for Fire Station No. 6 as well as potential locations. City Administrator Hedges noted that a 6th station may be an item for referendum as was the case on all the other fire stations. Chief Kriha added that a location near Wescott Avenue and Lexington Avenue has been discussed. The City Council requested that along with an update on the number of volunteers in the Fire Department that a chart with concentric circles showing response time also be provided to the Council. V. EAGAN WEB PAGE DEMONSTRATION City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that since receiving Council approval in January 2003, a cross departmental team of City staff have been working extensively with two vendors to completely redesign the look and functionality of the Eagan web page. Director of Communications Garrison provided a visual overview of the new web site and content management system which is scheduled to go live by the end ofthe week (December 12). The City Council inquired as to whether a development plan is in place for the web site. The Council asked that there be interactivity opportunities with staff and citizens on issue-specific items. Council also asked that packet materials be provided on the web site. The City Council thanked staff for all of their work on the web site. City Council Minutes December 8, 2003 Council Workshop Page 3 The City Council recessed at 6:30 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 6:35 p.m. VI. JP 47 / ALUM DOSING - FISH LAKE AND BLACKHAWK LAKE PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER LAW STUDY UPDATE City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that during the past ten-years, the City has focused water quality resources on public information and education, water management strategies and capital improvement projects to improve the water quality of Fish Lake and Blackhawk Lake. Since the 1998 construction of a "pilot" alum dosing facility next to Hurley Lake, the City has been evaluating the effects of the facility and the water quality of Fish Lake and down stream water bodies (including Blackhawk Lake). Hedges added that the dosing facility, under permit by the state, operated from 1998 through 2000. Furthermore, for the past several months, staff and the City Council have discussed whether to reopen the alum dosing facility for long-term operation or look at other alternatives to provide water quality benefits. Hedges noted that no action was requested or required at the December 8th workshop. Rather, the purpose of the meeting is to provide additional clarification by the City Council on the dosing facility and other alternatives. City Administrator Hedges also noted that per the direction of the City Council at the November 18 Listening Session, the City Administrator's office contacted the City of Shore wood to discuss the status of the phosphorus fertilizer law and, further, draft correspondence to Representative Cox and the City's legislative delegation to seek a permanent ban on both the use and sale of phosphorus fertilizer. Hedges presented draft correspondence to the aforementioned representatives. Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth provided a presentation and overview of the alum dosing program. Numerous members of the public addressed the City Council regarding the issue of alum sludge in City Pond lP:47 and alum dosing. The following comments were made: A.) Mr. Patrick McCarthy spoke against the project and noted that he would like the portion of the property being discussed as a potential alum settling pond to be included in the Dakota County Conservation Easement. McCarthy also commented that he was not previously compensated for the lift station constructed on his property. 8.) Kurt Swartz, 1690 Blackhawk Cove, asked numerous questions to the City Council including: 1.) Why isn't the existing facility operating? 2.) What is the objective of the alum dosing project? 3.) What is the result if we do not operate the project? 4.) What is the proposed cost of the project? C.) George Bohlig, 1680 Blackhawk Cove, complimented the City for their work in water quality. He also added that he is concerned with the constant change in Blackhawk Lake's water level and hopes that the City will be able to improve the speed in which water leaves the lake. City Council Minutes December 8, 2003 Council Workshop Page 4 D.) Dean Tenquist, 3723 Denmark Court West, asked the Council about the effects of the treatment on wildlife. E.) Charlie Hanf, 3702 Denmark Avenue, noted that the treatment has been effective in the past and inquired as to what the plans are to remove the current sludge from lP-47. F.) Mark Gallaway, 3803 Blackhawk Ridge Place, noted that he has seen the quality of the water at Blackhawk Lake decrease over the past few years. He also inquired about the dramatic changes in water level in Blackhawk Lake, and asked what the impact of the change in balance has on wildlife. He also asked the Council about the impact of the sludge down stream. G.) Linda Haugen, 3718 Denmark Court East, provided a handout to the City Council. Ms. Haugen noted the need for 18 inches of sludge to be removed from lP-47. She also added that the sludge has killed the pond and it smells very badly. Haugen added her concerns regarding access to lP-47 and commented that 30 trees have been cut down in order to have access to lP-47. Haugen offered numerous alternatives to alum dosing, including the City of Apple Valley's use of rain gardens. Haugen inquired about the expense of the alum dosing project as well as the impact of the newly enacted phosphorus law on phosphorus levels in the water bodies. D.) Don Christenson, resident on the northwest side Fish Lake, inquired about the cost to operate the existing facility and also asked what the City will do with the sludge once it is removed. He also inquired about the remaining five hundred acres within the watershed that are not proposed to be treated. Lastly, he inquired about runoff from Pilot Knob Road as well as the affects of lead waste from neighboring car washes and fishing sinkers. E.) Mike Carrazco, resident on the south side ofFish Lake, inquired about the purpose of the dirt mound on the north side of Fish Lake. Mayor Geagan asked that City Administrator Hedges and Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth provide responses to the questions raised by the residents. City Administrator Hedges responded to the question regarding monetary reimbursements to Mr. McCarthy in regard to the lift station on his property. Hedges noted that a reimbursement was made to Mr. McCarthy and stated that he would provide the information gathered by staff to show record of the reimbursement. Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth noted that the current alum dosing station ceased operations in 2000 due to the accumulation of sludge and also noted that the state permit expired in 2002. Macbeth and the City Council discussed the goals and objectives for the alum dosing project and also discussed the proposed costs. Macbeth estimated that to remove the sludge, purchase the land, construct the basin, and operate the station would cost approximately $127,000 per year over ten-years. Included in the $127,000, would be continuing operating costs of $77,000 per year. In response to inquiries regarding changes in lake water levels, Macbeth noted that there are no plans in place to alter water levels. Macbeth noted that Eagan's lakes hold water for flood control, which results in changes in levels ("bounce"). Macbeth noted that he would defer the question regarding the bounce Blackhawk Lake to Engineering for a response. City Council Minutes December 8, 2003 Council Workshop Page 5 In response to questions regarding the effects of alum dosing on wildlife, Macbeth noted that the short term effects have been negative on bottom-dwelling animals in JP-47 due to sludge accumulation; however, the long term effect is positive as the water quality/clarity increases and, therefore, is beneficial to water plant life. Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth and the City Council discussed the potential timeline for removal of sludge from JP-47. Macbeth noted that direction is needed from the City Council before the sludge can be removed. In response to the effects on downstream water bodies, Macbeth stated that phosphorus contents downstream would be reduced and, therefore, water quality of downstream bodies could be improved. Macbeth and the City Council discussed alternatives to alum dosing, in particular, rainwater gardens in neighboring cities. Macbeth noted that rainwater gardens can be successful at small spatial scales, however, many rainwater gardens would be needed to deal with 2,500 acres of a watershed. Macbeth and the City Council discussed the legalities of the alum dosing program as well as the issues of the trees being removed from the Haugen's property. Both Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa and Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth stated that the alum dosing project was permitted by the state and, therefore, supported by the Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources. Macbeth added that trees were replaced on the Haugen's property with their full involvement and acceptance. In response to questions about the 500 acres that are proposed not to be included in the alum dosing project, Macbeth noted that an analysis in 1994 identified where the City should focus its attention because it identified thatJhe area draining through JP-47 (2,500 acres) contributes the most phosphorus. Macbeth noted that no lead monitoring has been done on the lakes, but he noted that lead is a naturally occurring element and lead also is deposited from the atmosphere:. In response to whom would regulate/supervise the alum dosing project, Macbeth noted that the City would need a state permit that would require the City to conduct regular monitoring to verify compliance with the permit. Lastly, Macbeth commented on the berm on the northeast comer ofFish Lake, noting that it was built in the early 1980's to create a settling area as a storm water management practice. The City Council inquired about the smell of the new pond should the alum dosing project be approved. Macbeth noted that the smell would be minimized due to water depth on top of the sludge/settlement. Macbeth added that the reason a smell exists on JP-47 is that the water body is shallow and the organic matter decomposes when exposed to air. Mayor Geagan invited other residents who have an interest in the JP-47/alum dosing project to speak. City Council Minutes December 8, 2003 Council Workshop Page 6 John Ward, 1634 Murphy Parkway, provided a handout to the City Council and noted that he is a member of Friends of Eagan Core Greenway. Mr. Ward said there were alternative solutions to alum dosing as well as environmental solutions. Jack Conrad, 7872 Sunset Drive, also a member of Friends of Eagan Core Greenway stated his concerns with the costs of the proposed project and the condemnation that would be needed. Mr. Conrad inquired about the legalities of condemnation, the costs of the project, and other alternatives to the proposed alum dosing. Joan Bohlig, 1680 Blackhawk Cove, noted that she is very concerned about the trees around Blackhawk Lake that have died from high water levels and also stated that the algae on the lake is very bad. Don Holmes, 936 Waterford Drive, recommended that the City take their time on this project to consider the funding. He also added that education is critical if the project is implemented. Todd Haglind, 1484 West Pond Road, noted that the lake looks like a swamp in the summer. Mike Nelson, resident on Denmark Court, noted that he does not want problems in his backyard to benefit the water quality for others. Ms. Haugen again addressed the City Council with her concerns about the legality of the project. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa, at the request of Mayor Geagan, again noted that the project was permitted by the state. Vraa also added that at the time the project was implemented, informational meetings were held with the residents. City Administrator Hedges again noted that no action is required at the December 8th workshop, however, action would be needed if the City Council wanted to remove the sludge from JP-47 during the 2003/2004 winter season. The City Council recommended that they consider the removal of the current sludge from JP-47 as a separate issue from the proposed alum dosing project. The City Council provided direction to staff to include the approval of plans and specifications for the removal of the sludge from JP 47 on the December 18 City Council meeting to be included on the Consent Agenda. The Council also asked for a cost breakdown regarding the removal of sludge from JP-47. Councilmember Carlson and Councilmember Fields left the meeting at 8:35 p.m. VII. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business to be discussed. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Maguire moved, Councilmember Tilley seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Aye: 3 Nay: 0