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02/04/1997 - City Council Regular MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL Eagan, Minnesota February 4, 1997 00038 A regular meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, February 4, 1997 at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center. Present were Mayor Egan and Councilmembers Wachter, Awada, Masin and Blomquist. Also present were City Administrator Tom Hedges, Senior Planner Mike Ridley, Director of Public Works Tom Colbert, and City Attorney Jim Sheldon. ~ Councilmember Blomquist moved, Councilmember Masin seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 ~~~~~ Councilmember Awada moved, Councilmember Wachter seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 ~~ / Councilmember Blomquist moved, Councilmember Masin seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 Councilmember Wachter moved, Councilmember Masin seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 ~~ FINANCIAL SUMMARY/CLOSE OUT RECOMMENDATIONS, MUNICIPAL CENTER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT City Administrator Hedges provided an overview. Councilmember Blomquist asked for clarification on some of the figures contained in the memo from the Director of Finance. She said that the money the Council had previously authorized for the Single Family Housing Bond Fund was supposed to be used for housing. She further said that she disapproves of any remaining fund balance being used for the ice arena. Mayor Egan commented that all the money that was intended for the housing fund went toward housing and the balance remaining is the interest earned on the initial amount. Councilmember Awada questioned the need for the $75,000 Phase II landscaping allocation. City Administrator Hedges stated that a breakdown of the landscaping cost will be provided to the City Council. Council member Awada requested that the $75,000 Phase II landscaping allocation be excluded from consideration at this time until further information is provided. Councilmember Awada moved, Councilmember Masin seconded a motion to approve the close out recommendations for the Municipal Center construction project excluding the $75,000 Phase II landscaping allocation until further information is provided. Aye: 4 Nay: 1 (Councilmember Blomquist opposed) RESPONSE TO QUESTION REGARDING CONFLICT OF INTEREST City Administrator Hedges explained the response that was provided to the City Council by the City Attorney in regard to the question of conflict of interest raised at the January 21 City Council meeting. Council member Awada asked if a conflict would exist if a Council member owns stock in the company they EAGAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; FEBRUARY 4,1997 PAGE 2 00039 are employed by. City Attorney Sheldon stated that it would depend on whether a Councilmember is a contract or non-contract employee. Councilmember Masin clarified that no criticism was intended toward Northwest Airlines in regard to this issue. She stated that it is important to define the proper conduct of Councilmembers. She suggested that the City Council could adopt a Code of Ethics. City Administrator Hedges noted that the League of Minnesota Cities' Handbook provides a working understanding of acceptable conduct of Councilmembers. He added that the Councilmembers' code of ethics is at their own discretion. He further added that examples of other cities' Codes of Ethics could be provided to the City Council as per their direction. Councilmember Wachter said that each Councilmember should rely on their conscience and must use common sense in determining their conduct. He felt there was no need for further rules and regulations. Councilmember Blomquist mentioned that she had researched other statutes which may apply in governing Councilmembers' conduct. Councilmember Awada requested that staff copy the section pertaining to elected officials' conduct in the League of Minnesota Cities' Handbook and distribute the information to the Council. In addition, Councilmember Masin also requested that copies of what other cities have adopted as Codes of Ethics be distributed to the Council. ~ In regard to Item C, Pet Shop License Renewals - Heartland Pets. 1960 Cliff Lake Road' Walmart. 1360 Town Centre Drive: Wetworld. 3390 Coachman Rd #206: Pet Food Warehouse. 1296 Town Centre Drive (revisited). Councilmember Blomquist asked for clarification on one of the pet shop licensing regulations. In regard to Item D, Tobacco Sales License - Tobacco Etc.. 1430 Yankee Doodle Rd.. Councilmember Wachter stated that he would vote against this item out of concern for youth. In regard to Item G, Street Name Change - City of Eagan. Hampton Drive to Denmark Avenue. Councilmember Wachter said that the latest revision being requested is acceptable to him. In regard to Item H, Extension for recording conditional use permits for Richfield Blacktop. Council member Blomquist asked if the neighboring property owners were notified of the request for extension. Senior Planner Ridley said that City staff wants to ensure that everything is in order before the CUP is recorded at Dakota County. City Administrator Hedges reiterated that the request for extension is being made on behalf of the City. In regard to Item K, Approve Agreement with Dakota County Parks for trail grooming Council member Blomquist asked for clarification on the need for this agreement. Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that the neighboring cities have cooperative agreements that allow them to loan equipment to each other. He further stated that this agreement will allow Dakota County to provide the equipment and operator to groom cross country ski trails and the tubing hill at Trapp Farm Park and bill the City for the work. Councilmember Blomquist asked if it would be more economical for the City to purchase their own equipment. Vraa explained that the equipment would be too expensive to purchase based on the limited need of the City. A. Personnel Items Item 1. It was recommended to approve the hiring of Tami Wheelock as a GIS Technician in the Utility Division. Item 2. It was recommended to approve the hiring of a person to be recommended as the part-time Building Maintenance Worker in the Parks Department. EAGAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; FEBRUARY 4,1997 PAGE 3 00040 Item 3. It was recommended to accept the resignation of Brian Distad from his position of temporary part- time Recycling Intern. Item 4. It was recommended to approve the hiring of Chris Larson as a temporary seasonal Boot Hockey Official. Item 5. It was recommended to approve the termination of David Sorby from membership in the Volunteer Fire Department as recommended by the Executive Board of the Volunteer Fire Department. (This item was continued to the February 18 City Council meeting.) Item 6. It was recommended to approve Pat Trembley, Mike Morotz, Bill Knoll, Steve Plaschko, Joe Werden and Jon Stevenson as apprentice members of the Eagan Fire Department. Item 7. It was recommended to approve the hiring of John LeMieux as a seasonal street maintenance worker. B. Resignation. APC Alternate position. It was recommended to accept the resignation of Shawn Hunter as the alternate to the Advisory Planning Commission. C. Pet Shop License Renewals - Heartland Pets. 1960 Cliff Lake Road: Walmart. 1360 Town Centre Drive: Wetworld. 3390 Coachman Rd. #206: Pet Food Warehouse. 1296 Town Centre Drive (revisited). It was recommended to approve renewals of pet shop licenses for Heartland Pets, 1960 Cliff Lake Road; Walmart, 1360 Town Centre Drive; Wetworld, 3390 Coachman Road, #206; Pet Food Warehouse, 1296 Town Centre Drive, as presented. D. Tobacco Sales License - Tobacco Etc.. 1430 Yankee Doodle Rd. It was recommended to approve a tobacco sales license for Tobacco Etc., located at 1430 Yankee Doodle Road. (Councilmember Wachter opposed) E. Temporary Beer License - Mens Club Party at West Publishing to be held Saturday. March 1. It was recommended to approve a temporary beer license for the West Publishing Mens Club Party on Saturday, March 1, 1997. F. Final Planned Development - Decalla Properties. LLC for Lot 2. Block 1. Rahn Ridge 2nd Addition. It was recommended to approve a Final Planned Development for Lot 2, Block 1, Rahn Ridge 2nd Addition located west of Rahncliff Road, just north of the new Hedlund Engineering building. G. Street Name Change - City of Eagan. Hampton Drive to Denmark Avenue. It was recommended to approve the changing of the street name "Hampton Drive" to "Denmark Avenue" at the southeast intersection of Lone Oak Road and Interstate 35E. H. Extension for recording conditional use permits for Richfield Blacktop. It was recommended to approve a 60 day extension of the time for recording Conditional Use Permits for Lot 5, Block 3, Letendre Addition No.2, located east of Highway 13 and north of Letendre Street at 3206 Sibley Memorial Highway. I. Vacate Easements. Receive petition/schedule public hearing (Lot 17. Block 2. Suncliff 5th Addition). It was recommended to receive a petition to vacate a drainage and utility easement for Lot 17, Block 2, Sun Cliff 5th Addition, and schedule a public hearing to be held on March 4, 1997. J. Vacate Easements. Receive petition/schedule public hearing (Lot 1 and 2. Block 3. Eagandale Corporate Center). It was recommended to receive a petition to vacate a drainage and utility easement for Lots 1 and 2, Block 3 Eagandale Corporate Center, and schedule a public hearing to be held on March 4, 1997. EAGAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 4 00041 K. Approve Agreement with Dakota County Parks for trail grooming. It was recommended to approve an agreement with Dakota County Parks Department to provide cross country trail and tubing hill grooming and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. L. Approve Resolution amending Eagan Comprehensive Plan - Oak Hills Church. It was recommended 97.10 to approve a resolution amending the Eagan Comprehensive Guide Plan on approximately 14 acres, from D-1I1 Mixed Residential (6-12 units per acre) to PF Public Facility to allow construction of a church located at the southeast corner of Yankee Doodle Road and Coachman Road in the NW 1/4 of Section 16. Councilmember Awada moved, Councilmember Wachter seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 ~ CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE BURNSVILLE/EAGAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION, AND SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT COMMISSION City Administrator Hedges provided an overview. Kurt Augustin was appointed to the one-year alternate position on the Advisory Planning Commission by Council ballot. Council member Wachter moved, Council member Awada seconded a motion to direct staff to advertise in the local newspapers for the position on the Burnsville/Eagan Telecommunications Commission. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 Councilmember Awada moved, Councilmember Wachter seconded a motion to direct staff to advertise in the local newspapers and contact the Chamber of Commerce regarding the business representative position on the Solid Waste Abatement Commission. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 Councilmember Masin suggested contacting the three local high schools to see if any students would be interested in applying for the position on the Burnsville/Eagan Telecommunications Commission. Councilmember Blomquist stated that she is not opposed to this idea but said this issue should be discussed at a Council worksession and a policy drafted. Discussion continued regarding students serving on various commissions. Councilmember Awada stated that this position should be advertised and hired with an adult member and the issue of student representation should be discussed at a future work session. ~ Tom Pederson, addressed the City Council and asked for clarification on the resolution of the conflict of interest issue and whether the minutes from the January 7 meeting were approved as written. Mayor Egan said that there were no changes to the minutes. Mr. Pederson stated that the accusation made by one of the Councilmembers was unfounded in regard to another Councilmember having a conflict of interest. ~ CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS - DART TRANSIT City Administrator Hedges provided an overview. Senior Planner Ridley gave a staff report. Dan Oren, representing Dart Transit, addressed the Council and discussed their business operations and explained their need for additional space. He stated that they do not have any immediate need to expand their building because they have employees at several sites in town, but they need additional space for EAGAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 5 00042 outdoor storage. He further stated that they need the space now and he did not feel they can wait until the Trucking Study is completed. Gary Santoorjian, representing the applicant, addressed the Council and reiterated Dart's need for outdoor storage. Chuck Torkilson, 510 Rolling Hills Circle, addressed the Council and stated that it would be appropriate to wait-until the Trucking Study and the Highway 55 and T.H. 149 study are completed before the application is approved. He said that T.H. 149 cannot handle an additional 500 cars per day. He expressed his concern for the potential increase in accidents near the intersection of Highway 55 and T.H. 149. He stated that an Indirect Source Permit would be required for the driveway to connect the two existing properties. He further stated that the proposed landscaping on the Sill's property would only cover half of the facility and would not block the view of the property owners. He summarized by saying the applicant should wait until the two studies are complete and they should come back to the Council with more concrete plans. Mayor Egan said that if an additional 500 cars per day is proposed to be added to T.H. 149 additional reassurance would be needed in regard to the Indirect Source Permit. Senior Planner Ridley stated that the proposed use does not require a mandatory ISP, but he added that the City could require one. He also clarified the access to the parcels from the Borchert-Ingersoll Road. John Young, member of the Eagan Small Business Association, addressed the Council and stated that the Trucking Study being conducted is very complex and could take a long time to complete. He further stated that he is concerned about the retention and growth of existing businesses in the City and he suggested that the Council should approve the applicant's request. He added that the increased traffic as a result of this use could help to obtain funding from the state because of the additional congestion on T.H. 149. Mr. Santoorjian stated that they are not trying to circumvent the process but have business needs that must be met. He explained that they are trying to avoid additional expense in the preparation of detailed plans if the City Council is going to deny the request for outdoor storage. He said that they understand the residents' concerns about the increased traffic, but he added that stifling development will only delay the needed improvements to T.H. 149. He clarified that they are satisfied with the access from the private road. Mr. Oren explained that the sites are to be used primarily for trailer storage. Councilmember Wachter stated that the City requires grading and development plans to be completed prior to the approval of a CUP. Senior Planner Ridley said that the applicant did not want to . put more money into plans until the use is approved. Mr. Oren noted that if the request is approved the proper plans will be submitted for Council approval. Councilmember Wachter said that it is difficult to approve the CUP with so many details unknown. Mayor Egan said that the Council could be viewed as unreasonable if they grant preliminary approval to this applicant and then deny other applicants' requests for preliminary approval. City Attorney Sheldon stated that a CUP is permitted if certain conditions are met that are imposed by the City Council. Mayor Egan commented that he was concerned that the review process is conceptual at this point and if the Council approves the request, they would be locked in to the approval of the CUP regardless of what plans are submitted by the applicant at a later date. Councilmember Wachter said that he is uncomfortable with the access to T.H. 149. He added that the traffic study results are important to know before approval is given to this request. Council member Masin stated that the Council should try and work with Dart and asked if T.H. 149 is upgraded could something be done to address the safety concerns of residents in the area with regard to the intersection at Highway 55. City Administrator Hedges explained that the two main components being addressed in the 00043 EAGAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 6 Trucking Study are transportation and land use designation. Councilmember Wachter stated that the Council does want to try and accommodate Dart, but he added that they need to go through the necessary steps in the application process. Councilmember Blomquist further added that the Council does not have enough information from the Trucking Study or the applicant to make an informed decision. She stated that Dart should be involved in the Trucking Study process. Councilmember Awada noted that the property is zoned industrial and the traffic that is proposed will be less that what would be generated from a residential development. Councilmember Blomquist reiterated that the problem is not with the proposed use but rather that the application is incomplete. Mr. Oren said that the issues would all be addressed according to the City's rules and regulations. He stated that their company is not within the Trucking Study boundary. Councilmember Blomquist added that the boundaries need to be re-examined and that Dart should be included. City Administrator Hedges noted that the Trucking Study needs to be expedited as soon as possible, but the issue here is not with the Trucking Study but rather the City Council policy that concept plans are not considered as an official action for a development proposal. He further stated that any approval of a concept plan precludes the public hearing process for a proposed rezoning, subdivision or planned development. Councilmember Wachter moved to deny the request for the Conditional Use Permits. Councilmember Blomquist asked whether the Council should deny the request or continue the item. Mayor Egan stated that the applicant needs to provide the necessary details and asked if the item could be continued so the applicant could submit a complete application. City Attorney Sheldon said that the Council has the ability to continue the item and impose a 60-day extension to the agency action deadline to allow the applicant to submit the necessary information. Mayor Egan asked if the detailed plans would need to be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Sheldon stated that the Planning Commission would have to hold a public hearing. Councilmember Masin stated, and Mayor Egan concurred, that the Trucking Study was not intended to restrict existing businesses from expanding but rather to provide direction for new trucking development. Councilmember Blomquist moved, Councilmember Masin seconded a motion to continue the request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow off-site outdoor storage of trucks on the "Kwik Trip" parcel, located west of T.H. 149, south of Stark's restaurant, in the east half of Section 12 and a Conditional Use Permit to allow outdoor storage of trucks on the "Sills" parcel, located west of T.H. 149, south of Stark's restaurant, in the east half of Section 12 for 60 days to allow for a final application. Councilmember Blomquist asked if the applicant wanted the continuance. Mr. Oren stated that they would be willing to supply the additional information and would like the item continued. A vote was taken on the motion: Aye: 5 Nay: 0 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - AMOCO City Administrator Hedges provided an overview. Senior Planner Ridley gave a staff report. John Kosmas, representing the applicant, addressed the Council and provided an overview of the proposed use. He noted that the proposed motor fuel sales will be for servicing the local trucking industry and not the public at large. Councilmember Masin raised a concern about the lack of an attendant at the fueling station. Mr. Kosmas stated that all safety measures are in place and the facility is equipped with an automatic shut off process in the event of a fuel spill. He added that the tanks have to be installed according to state regulations. Carlee Cashin, also representing the applicant, addressed the Council and stated that the facility EAGAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; FEBRUARY 4,1997 PAGE 7 00044 in Roseville has been in operation for two years and no problems have been experienced. Councilmember Wachter raised a question about the subdivision of the lots in the future and the access. Mr. Kosmas provided an explanation regarding the access. Mayor Egan noted that a letter has been received raising concerns about noise levels, odors and environmental issues. Senior Planner Ridley noted that this proposal will serve the existing truck traffic in the area and this facility will reduce the need for individual private fueling stations on various sites. Councilmember Awada moved, Councilmember Blomquist seconded a motion to approve a Conditional Use Permit to allow motor fuel sales on Lots 14 and 15, Block 5, Eagandale Center Industrial Park No.3, subject to the following conditions: 1. The proposed underground fuel storage tanks shall be subject to review by the State Fire Marshal. 2. Detailed grading plans showing impacts of all grading shall be submitted at the time of building permit application. 3. An upland pre-treatment pond with a minimum wet volume of .05 acre-feet should be constructed to treat storm water runoff from the site prior to discharge to the wetland. 4. An additional .12 acre-feet shall be excavated from the wetland according to a plan approved by the City's water resources coordinator. 5. Outlet skimmer structures, designed in accordance with City standards, should be constructed on the outlet pipes for both the proposed pond and the existing wetland. 6. The developer shall dedicate drainage and ponding easements over the wetland adequate to incorporate the calculated high water level plus three feet. 7. The developer shall dedicate an adequate drainage and utility easement over the outlet pipe from the wetland. 8. No filling or draining of the jurisdictional wetland located partially within the site is allowed. 9. A revised Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan will be required for staff review at the time of grading permit application. 10 The developer shall preserve the riparian vegetation around the wetland partially located on Lot 15. 11. Cash dedication for parks and trails is required prior to issuance of a building permit. 12. Lots 14 and 15 Eagandale Center Industrial Park NO.3 shall be combined prior to issuance of a building permit. 13. Lots 14 and 15 Eagandale Center Industrial Park NO.3 shall be re-platted into one lot or subdivided within one year of Council approval. 14. A sign permit is required for the proposed monument sign in accordance with Sec. 4.20 of the City Code. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 EAGAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 8 00045 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT. RYAN COMPANIES City Administrator Hedges provided an overview on this item. Senior Planner Ridley gave a staff report. Kevin Hoffman, Property Manager for Cliff Lake Centre on behalf of Ryan Companies, addressed the Council and explained the number of deliveries that are made on average each day to the centre and the overall traffic volume. Council member Wachter asked if the delivery trucks would be diesel fueled and if the fumes would be cause for concern. Councilmember Masin stated that a letter was received from a neighboring resident and she asked for clarification on how far away from the site they are. Mayor Egan noted that this use is permitted at this location and each parent would have to determine if they feel the business location is a safe place for their children. He added that the daycare would constitute a low-intensity use of the property. Councilmember Masin moved, Councilmember Awada seconded a motion to approve a Planned Development Amendment to allow construction of an outdoor play area in conjunction with a day care on Lot 2, Block 1, Cliff Lake Centre, located in the SW 1/4 of Section 29 subject to the following conditions: 1. The proposed outdoor play area will be located as shown on plans submitted by the applicant dated 12/31/96. 2. The outdoor play area will be entirely enclosed with a six foot fence and supervised by Montessori staff. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CRIME BILL LEGIS LA TION 97.11 City Administrator Hedges provided an overview. Councilmember Blomquist moved, Councilmember Wachter seconded a motion to approve a resolution amending Minnesota Statute 124.912. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 Mayor Egan summarized the meeting that was held on January 24 with the Mayors, City Administrators/Managers and School Board officials at the City of Eagan. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS, FEBRUARY 18 AND 25 Council member Wachter moved, Councilmember Masin seconded a motion to schedule Special City Council meetings for February 18 and 25 at 5:00 p.m. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 PROJECT 682R & 692R, RESCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARINGS (DEERWOOD TOWN HOMES & OLD SIBLEY HIGHWAY) Councilmember Awada moved, Councilmember Masin seconded a motion to reschedule the public hearings for Project 682R (Deerwood Townhomes - Trunk Watermain) and Project 692R (Old Sibley Highway - Streets & Utilities) for March 4, 1997. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 EAGAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; FEBRUARY 4,1997 PAGE 9 00046 ~ Director of Public Works Colbert told the Council that funding was approved by MnDOT for the EVP project in the amount of $200,000. He also provided an update on the request for funding for the signal at T.H. 13 and Blackhawk Road. He added that the project was not considered to be successful, but said that funding may be possible if layouts of the proposed road design are submitted. He further added that a joint agency staff meeting is scheduled for February 18. Discussion continued regarding the T.H. 13 corridor study and the cost. Colbert asked the Council if the T.H. 13 corridor businesses should be approached to see if they would be willing to help finance the cost of the corridor study estimated at $50,000. Councilmembers concurred that the businesses should be contacted to help support the cost. Councilmember Blomquist stated that staff should approach the businesses along T.H. 13 through the SBA Transportation Committee. Councilmember Wachter requested a copy of the forestry report containing an update on oak wilt. He mentioned that he would like to see if the activities taking place at the Wescott Service Center could be held at the schools so the City could save on the cost of rent. Council member Masin stated that she believes the success of the program is because of the accessibility the youth have to the Wescott Service Center in their own neighborhood. She said if the programs are moved to the schools, bussing would be needed. Councilmember Wachter added that it should be the County's responsibility to manage these programs financially. City Administrator Hedges stated that funding alternatives should be pursued with the local schools and the County. Council member Wachter commented on the budget document and stated that, in the future as building in the City declines, the City will be faced with the dilemma of decreased revenue. Mayor Egan commented on the bus tour he participated in with other state legislators. He also commented on the successes of many of the metropolitan cities. He mentioned that he spoke with Dr. Robert Monson, Superintendent of School District 197, and he is concerned with ISD 197's image and how that can be improved. Councilmembers Awada and Blomquist stated that additional information is needed from each of the three school districts that are in Eagan. Councilmember Masin mentioned the upcoming transportation symposium that will be held on February 25 and stated that people involved with the Trucking Study might be interested in attending that meeting. She said that she attended the University of Minnesota tennis match on Saturday and presented Helen Wang with the proclamation proclaiming February 1, 1997 as Helen Wang Hometown Day in the City of Eagan. She further said that she invited Ms. Wang to attend an upcoming Council meeting to be formally acknowledged. She commented that the meeting of the Eagan Business Forum was worthwhile. Councilmember Blomquist thanked Director of Finance VanOverbeke for the answers he provided to the questions raised at the last Council meeting pertaining to the bills list. She said she would like to address the issue of food expenditures and the drafting of a policy at a future worksession. She raised questions about the cellular phone use by each department and requested the expenses be further explained in detail. She stated that the Council should be examining each department in the City to see what the operational budget is being spent for. She further stated that the Parks Department would be the best department to begin examining. Councilmember Masin asked if the Council should be micromanaging instead of setting policy. Mayor Egan explained that the Council does examine each department's operational expenses when the budget is reviewed each year. Councilmember Blomquist requested that she would like to start the review process earlier than late fall to provide leadership to staff. Councilmember Wachter asked if radios are installed in vehicles in addition to cellular phones and feels that if they are this would be a duplication. Councilmember Awada stated that the length of presentations during worksessions are too long and there should be more time for discussion amongst the Council on the various issues on the agenda. She suggested examining one department in depth per year. Councilmembers concurred that the Parks Department would be a good department to start with. EAGAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 10 00047 Councilmember Blomquist commented about the Chapter No. 464 legislation enacted last year that was distributed to each Councilmember. She mentioned that if any member of the Council is interested the MSP noise mitigation program findings are available. She stated that she received a comment from a resident about the City's involvement with the Fourth of July events. City Administrator Hedges noted that the City has participated financially in the fireworks event and Public Works, Police and Fire Department personnel have been utilized during the event as well. He clarified that the City has always taken the position that this is not a City government event, but rather coordinated by volunteers in the community, such as the Lions and Lioness. Councilmember Blomquist stated that the City should not be in the lead nor should the City coordinate these activities. Councilmember Masin requested that a letter be sent to Jensen's Supper Club thanking them for their dedication of proceeds to the Friends of the Farm to help with the Holz Farm project. ~ Councilmember Blomquist had a couple of questions on the bills list. Councilmember Wachter moved, Mayor Egan seconded a motion to approve the check register dated January 30, 1997 in the amount of $6,418,308.30. Aye: 5 Nay: 0 ~ The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. MLK February 4, 1997 Date ~Q~ If you need these minutes in an altemative form such as large print, braille, audio tape, etc., please contact the City of Eagan, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122, (612) 681-4600, (TDD phone: (612) 454- 8535). The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status or status with regard to public assistance.