04/29/1997 - City Council Special
00138
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
April 29, 1997
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, April 29, 1997 at 5:00 p.m. at the
Eagan Municipal Center. Present were Mayor Egan and City CounciImembers Wachter, Blomquist, Awada
and Masin. Also present were City Administrator Tom Hedges, Assistant to the City Administrator
Hohenstein, Director of Public Works Tom Colbert, Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa, Superintendent of
Recreation Peterson, Senior Planner Freese, Fire Chief Jensen, Planner Julie Farnham, and Associate Planner
Pam Dudziak. The Advisory Planning Commission Members who were present included Heyl, Burdorf,
Bakken, Frank, Segal, Carlson and Augustin. The Economic Development Commission Members who were
present included Goff, Voracek, Reimer and Young.
EAGAN ROTARY CLUB AMPHITHEATER PRESENTATION
Mayor Egan welcomed members of the Eagan Rotary Club Amphitheater Committee. City
Administrator Hedges stated that he had received, on behalf of the City of Eagan, a plaque that will include
the names of recipients of the Outstanding Public Safety Award for both Fire and Police. He stated that Scott
Heath, of the Eagan Police Department and Christopher Grubb, of the Volunteer Fire Department were the
1997 recipients of the award. City Administrator Hedges further stated that the plaque will be displayed in
the lobby of the Municipal Center Building. Mayor Egan thanked the Rotary Club members for the
recognition they give to both Police and Fire employees on an annual basis.
City Administrator Hedges provided some background on the Rotary Club amphitheater project.
Dr. Tom Wilson, a member of the Rotary Club, was acknowledged as the spokesperson for the Rotary Club
who then proceeded to share the vision for an amphitheater facility. He stated that the Rotary Club has been
meeting for several months to develop a program, a budget and explore locations that might be possible for
the amphitheater. He stated that the vision for the amphitheater includes an opportunity for concerts, plays,
corporate gatherings and other community events. Dr. Wilson further stated that the location most favored
by the Rotary Committee is the oak grove located south of the Unisys commercial building and north of the
Lockheed Martin parking lot, presently owned by Joe Miller. He stated that the advantage of this location is
the large and existing parking lot, topography that is desirable for an amphitheater and other natural
amenities, all of which reduce the project cost. Dr. Wilson introduced other members of the committee
including Quinn Hudson, John Curlee, who is also President of the Eagan Rotary, Ann Carlon and Kevin
Lanigan. A six (6) minute video prepared by the Eagan Rotary Club was then shown to the City Council and
audience that described accomplishments of the Rotary Club and a further description of the proposed
amphitheater project. Dr. Wilson provided some projected cost elements stating that the entire project,
incfuding land, parking, City fees, structure, audio, lighting and furnishings is estimated at $1.8 million
dollars. Dr. Wilson stated that if the Unisys site were secured through a donation and the City could utilize
the 1,000 car parking space available at Lockheed Martin, the total cost of the project would be reduced for
approximately $300,000 which is the cost of the structure, audio and furnishings. He further stated that the
Rotary Club is looking for a partnership with the City to make the project happen. Dr. Wilson further stated
that on behalf of the Eagan Rotary Club they will provide a solid financial support for the project.
City CounciImember Wachter spoke to the site location stating that it is his opinion that the
Municipal Center site campus contains a lot of development possibilities including a potential site for the
amphitheater. City CounciImember Blomquist stated that she is in agreement with City CounciImember
Wachter that the Municipal Center Campus should be considered as a site and provided some background
on how the 40 acres was initially purchased with federal revenue sharing funds. She further complimented
the Rotary Club for the concept, expressing some concern about a financial commitment by the City in lieu of
the fact that a park bond referendum failed for land acquisition in the fall of 1996. City CounciImember
Wachter asked the architect, David Kroos of the firm Boarman, Kroos, Pfister, Vogel & Associates to review
some concept drawings for additional use including the amphitheater parking, a second civic arena and
swimming pool facility that could be developed on the 40-acre site. Mr. Kroos presented some concept
drawings providing those illustrations. Mr. Paul Mickelberg also of the firm Boarman, Kroos, Pfister, Vogel
& Associates provided some additional comments expanding on the parking options. He stated that the
Municipal Center site will not accommodate 1,000 parking spaces; however, the amphitheater and other uses
could accommodate approximately 300 parking stalls. There was some discussion regarding a parking ramp
which Mr. Mickelberg stated is possible; however, they can be costly to construct.
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EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; APRIL 29, 1997
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City CounciImember Masin stated that she supports the design that was presented in the video. She
also stated that the concept for an amphitheater and central park was explored as a part of the Promenade
project and, given the fact that it will not proceed at that location, she expressed a desire to include the
amphitheater as an element in a more comprehensive central park development. Mayor Egan stated that a
central area park has been given consideration and an amphitheater would be better suited as a part of the
park; however, the failed bond referendum has placed limitations on land acquisition and development for
the central park options. City CounciImember Masin also stated that bussing people to the amphitheater for
performances might be an alternative to a larger parking area.
Mayor Egan stated that it is important for the City to consider a proper location and funding and
what facilities belong in a central area park. City CounciImember Blomquist stated the municipal site is
central to the community and, having viewed the drawings presented by the architect, would adequately
accommodate the amphitheater. Quinn Hudson of the Eagan Rotary Club stated that the program
presented by the Rotary Club stated that it has been the opinion of the Rotarians of the Rotary Committee
that approximately 600 to 1,000 spaces would be necessary to provide ample parking for the variety of
programs offered at the amphitheater.
City CounciImember Wachter stated the Municipal Center site should not be ruled out and again
raised arguments for placement of the amphitheater at that location. He stated that some of the reasons
presented for including an amphitheater in a central area park, such as the once-a-year fireworks display,
should not drive the location for other uses. He further stated that cost is a factor if more land is purchased
stating that there would be no land purchase necessary if the Municipal Center site is developed for the
amphitheater.
John Curlee, President of the Eagan Rotary Club and member of the Amphitheater Committee,
stated that it is his opinion, after hearing a presentation by the Wallace Group on the Community Survey,
that residents of Eagan want to further their sense of community, have facilities that bring people together,
which is the vision for the amphitheater, providing church services, concerts, corporate picnics and other
related activities. He stated that the survey results presented by the Wallace Group do encourage a central
area park and preservation of open space.
Mayor Egan stated that he would like to further frame the support and nonsupport and ask for
Council input on the Rotary Club's proposed amphitheater project. City CounciImember Masin stated she is
100% behind the concept and would like to further pursue other locations in the community besides the
Municipal Center site before proceeding further with the amphitheater project. City CounciImember Awada
also agreed that the concept is wonderful and would like to add Patrick Eagan Park as a site to consider for
the amphitheater in addition to the Municipal Center location. City CounciImember Blomquist stated that
she is in support of the project and would also support Patrick Eagan Park and the Municipal Center site as
options for the location of the amphitheater. She further stated that a number of special interests are after the
park site funds and it is incumbent upon the City to be careful how those dollars are spent and for that
reason would like to consider sites owned by the City to develop the amphitheater.
City CounciImember Wachter stated that he would like to work with the Rotary Club and see the
amphitheater constructed. He further stated that rather than spend more dollars on land the same dollars
should be applied toward parking, which is necessary at the Municipal Center location. He further stated
that he is definitely in support of the concept.
City CounciImember A wada stated that the City Council should tour sites including the Municipal
Center site, Patrick Eagan Park, and possibly reconsider the Unisys site for the proposed amphitheater
project.
City CounciImember Masin stated that she would like the City Council to consider the Dart parcel
located at the intersection of Lexington and Yankee Doodle Road before the property is sold for
development. She stated that this is a site that would be conducive for a central area park. City
CounciImember Awada stated that she would add the Dart parcel to the possible sites; however, she feefs
the acquisition of that property is not real feasible. City CounciImember Blomquist stated that the Dart site is
not feasible and that money is an issue. She further stated that the bond referendum failed during the fall of
1996 and the City Council should not be considering the acquisition of property as a result of the action
taken by the voters in that referendum.
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EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; APRIL 29, 1997
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Mayor Egan asked that the discussion be concluded and suggested that the City Council walk the
sites with the Rotary and Park Commission members. He stated that a date will be selected for a tour. Dr.
Wilson stated that the committee had also looked at Skyhill Park; however, that location did not seem as
feasible as the Unisys site. Mayor Egan stated that the tour of the amphitheater sites is a high priority for
City Council action during the next few weeks. He further thanked members of the Eagan Rotary Club for
their commitment to the City of Eagan and vision for the amphitheater project.
FIRE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
City Administrator Hedges provided some background stating that there were a number of
questions raised about the cost and that the architect was directed, along with the Fire Department Building
Committee, at the April 15 City Council workshop to look at various ways to reduce the square footage and
preliminary cost estimates in an effort to meet the budget guidelines that were established at $1.5 million
dollars for this capitallroject. Mr. David Kroos, representing Boarman, Kroos, Pfister, Vogel & Associates,
was present and state that the Fire Department has taken a reduction in square footage for the revised
plans as presented. Mr. Kroos further explained why the costs were greater than $1.5 million dollars. He
explained the construction costs and other project costs stating that in order to reach the $1.5 million dollar
budget the project will need to be scaled back, which reduces some of the program elements that have been
identified for the Fire Department. He further reviewed the project estimates with the cost reductions.
Fire Chief Jensen stated that it was unfortunate that the architect who presented the original costs
did not include all of the project costs such as test borings, fees and other related expenses. City
CounciImember A wada stated that she would like to review the original architect project costs so she can
better understand why the $1.5 million dollars was established as the capital budget amount for the project.
City CounciImember Blomquist stated that she would like the Public Works Committee to review the
project. City CounciImember Masin stated that the City should not give up more space and if the Fire
Administration project is to proceed it should meet the programs as proposed by the Fire Department
Building Committee. City CounciImember Wachter suggested an exposed basement which could possibly
eliminate the need for a second story addition at this time. He further stated that the training room facilities
could be placed in the lower level (basement facility) and the entire structure could be designed for a second
story addition to be constructed at a later date.
City CounciImember A wada expressed concern about the budget and again a desire to consider
another site that might lower the construction cost. Mayor Egan stated that another site would cost
additional dollars in land purchase and would prefer to reduce the cost estimates for furniture and wood
beams and agreed with City CounciImember Wachter to consider the concept of an exposed basement for
the training room facilities with the capability of adding the second story addition at a later date.
Fire Chief Jensen stated that it is critical that the Administration building include the basic space for
the Fire Department programs or it might be in the best interest of the City to not proceed with the project at
this time.
David Kroos, representing the architectural firm, stated that he has cut back every conceivable way
and it is necessary for the City Council to determine what are the priorities the City would like to achieve
with this project. City CounciImembers expressed a desire to meet the objectives set forth by the Fire
Department Building Committee and retain the basement as well as the ambulance facility. City
CounciImember Awada suggested the original concept to add the Fire Administration building as an
addition to the Police Department should at least be reviewed.
After further discussion, Mayor Egan stated that in an effort to bring the discussion to closure, he
would direct the Public Works Committee to review the Fire Administration project with the architects
giving consideration to one 1) an addition to the Police Department building, 2) an exposed basement with
the ability to add a second story addition in the future and 3) further reduction of furniture, wood beams
and other cost saving measures.
TEEN MEETING FORUM UPDATE
City Administrator Hedges stated that at the April 15 regular City Council meeting he was directed
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EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; APRIL 29, 1997
PAGE 4
to place the teen meeting forum item on the Special Council worksession allowing the City Council to have a
dialogue regarding the teen meeting forum that was held at the Eagan City Hall on Sunday', April 13 and to
discuss the agenda for a second meeting that is scheduled for Sunaay, May 4. City Councilmember Masin
stated that she has attended youth summit meetings and explained the purpose of the teen center forum as
an opportunity to bring the youth of Eagan together for the purpose of discussing their needs in the
community. She made reference to an article that appeared in the newspaper that addressed the need to
listen and work with youth. She stated that copies would be provided to the City Council. City
CounciImember Masin stated that the meeting was very successful and was an opportunity for
approximately 15 young people to express their opinions and what they like about the community, what
tfiey would like to see changed in the community, how they view obstacles to establishing a teen center and
what youth involvement means to the group. City CounciImember Masin made reference to information
that was compiled at the meeting by the youth in attendance.
City Councilmember Blomquist stated that she spoke with Dr. Richard Hardell who is an expert in
work with families, which includes teens, and shared the process that would allow for a roundtable
discussion with the Ministerium and suggested that the City delay any further action to dialogue with the
teens until later this year. She stated that possibly the City, in conjunction with the Ministerium Association,
could use Dr. Hardell as a facilitator to help address teen issues. City Councilmembers concurred that the
Ministerium is the group that should further address teen needs.
City CounciImember Wachter stated that he is not in favor of having any more meetings and would
prefer to use an expert such as a Dr. Hardell instead of City staff who are trained in service delivery. Mayor
Egan stated that the City does not have staff that can address social programming and further that the City' 5
Parks and Recreation staff is more geared to recreational activities which is the mission of the City: He
further stated that he would like the City to work with schools and churches that could help facilitate the
goals of all entities. He further stated he does not see a direct role by the staff. City CounciImember Wachter
further stated that staff should not be working on a teen center or a teen speak out at this time, but would
consider some role in the future.
CounciImember A wada stated that she would support getting people to the meeting on May 4 and
then turn it over to the Ministerium. City CounciImember Blomquist stated that she is not in agreement with
inviting a number of people to the May 4 meeting and that it should be limited to the teens and Ministerium.
City CounciImember Masin asked about involving youth on commissions further stating that it has
been discussed as a goal but never pursued.
City CounciImember Blomquist stated that the City is not an expert in family and teen activities and
we need to further support churches and schools for their assistance.
Mayor Egan stated that the meeting scheduled for May 4 will continue; however, staff will only
notice the teens and the Ministerium for their attendance. He further stated that the Ministerium should be
encouraged to attend the May 4 meeting and let them decide who should be invited to future meetings.
Mayor Egan further stated that the entire teen center issue should be deferred until contact is made with
the Ministerium
LOST SPUR PROGRAMS
City Administrator Hedges stated that the Parks and Recreation staff has been meeting with
representatives of the Osman Shrine Temple to consider a collaborative arrangement between the Lost Spur
and the City of Eagan to provide some level of golf programming by the City. He stated that a number of
efforts were made to contact the Lost Spur representative in recent weeks to determine if the City could
provide some services during 1997. He stated that that the Director of Parks and Recreation was contacted
by Mr. Sigvertsen, Chair of tfie Long Range Planning Committee for the Osman Shrine Temple, and it
appears there is a strong interest for a collaborative effort with the City, but not until 1998.
City Councilmembers expressed their continued interest in pursuing some joint programming with
the Lost Spur to provide recreation programming.
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EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; APRIL 29, 1997
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TRUCKING STUDY
Mayor Egan invited the Economic Development Commission and Advisory Planning Commission
members who were present at the meeting to join the City Council at the table. City Administrator Hedges
introduced the item by providing an overview of the process to this point. He indicated that the Advisory
Planning Commission was given direction in the summer of 1996 to review issues associated with the
trucking industry and trucking land uses in the City of Eagan. He indicated that since that time, the APC
has been involved in a lengthy public process. He said that the Economic Development Commission had
asked for an opportunity to review the economic development issues associated with the issue in late
February and that both groups have been working on their respective findings since that time.
Paul Bakken of the Advisory Planning Commission reviewed a series of findings which he indicated
were the basis for the Commission's policy recommendations. He indicated that while many types of
businesses have trucking components, the Commission defined trucking as those situations where the
primary uses for outdoor storage, freight terminals and truck sales, leasing and service. He indicated that
the Commission had defined a number of issues or problems associated with trucking uses including visual
aesthetics, noise, air quality, hours of operation, location with respect to other uses and traffic. He indicated
that the Commission was especially sensitive to visual corridors within the City including a series of
. gateways and visual impact zones where trucking uses may be inappropriate or would need to be heavily
screened. He said that the Commission has specifically identified some properties within four areas as being
marginal for trucking uses based on these findings, including the Trunk Highway 55/149 and Burr Oaks
area, the McKee area, the central area vicinity and the southeast industrial area.
Carla Heyl noted that if the Council concurred with the findings presented, the Planning .
Commission is requesting direction from the City Council on whether to proceed with revising zoning and
land use standards based on the problems identified. She said that the City should be especially sensitive to
the relationship between trucking uses and residential uses. In particular, she noted that the City should
address the effects of screening and setbacks, noting that setbacks do not affect noise mitigation as much as
screening does and that screening is a primary means of limiting visual impacts. With respect to outdoor
storage, she stated that the City's Zoning Code should recognize the difference between commercial and
industrial storage and that the current Code treats both types under the same regulations. She indicated that
specific performance standards should be developed for trucking uses, especially where they abut
residential properties. With respect to the transportation and congestion impacts on residential road users,
she stated that the Commission had concluded that the City cannot solve transportation issues on state and
county roads or directly prohibit truck operations in appropriate locations on such roads.
She indicated that the APC believed that the City should identify alternative zoning options on
parcels which are marginal for trucking. She defined those areas as being inappropriate due to size, location
and other factors. She also indicated that noise analysis and noise mitigation should be included in future
transportation corridor studies so the issue can be addressed by source rather than by mitigation.
Commission Member Heyl asked the City Council to provided direction by agreeing or disagreeing with the
findings which had been presented.
Mayor Egan thanked the Planning Commission for its report and said that the quality of the
conclusions was worth the wait. He stated that he also appreciated the Commission's focus on common
sense solutions and performance standards as a means of regulating impacts rather than stigmatizing the
trucking industry. The Mayor then asked Bruce Goff to present the findings of the Economic Development
Commission.
Commission Member Goff thanked the City Council for allowing the Economic Development
Commission to address the issue and stated that the Commission had avoided duplicating the Planning
Cominission's efforts by reviewing the issue on the basis of the City's approved economic development
goals. He stated that the key findings of the Economic Development Commission were that employment
from trucking firms relates positivefy to the City's goals by providing predominantly living wage jobs and
those jobs were held by residents of Eagan in comparable proportions to other businesses. He stated a
review of certain examples indicated that the tax base benefit of trucking was comparable to other industrial
activities involving outdoor storage, but that it was apparent that tax base was enhanced where trucking
facilities were combined with headquarters operations or other uses in addition trucking. He also said that
trucking has a strong relationship to other businesses in the community. In addition, the highway system
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and airport make Eagan a natural location for transportation related firms.
Like the APC, Commission Member Goff stated that the EDC focused on the importance of positive
corporate image and that trucking firms do need to make an effort to present a positive appearance. He also
indicated that the transportation industry raises the image of Eagan by getting the City's name out to a
variety of customers in a variety of locations. He stated that the Commission feels it is necessary to know
more about the impacts of trucking on the City's transportation infrastructure and noted that more research
may need to be done to ensure that tax base contributions are proportionate to the impacts on infrastructure
and services.
Commission Member Goff also stated that increasing costs over time may require some firms to
move farther out, as has been the case in the St. Paul Midway area and in Roseville and Bloomington. If that
is the case, he noted that the City may need to engage in cost participation for redevelopment activities to
replace these facilities. Primarily, he noted that the EDC feels it is important for the development
community and residents to have clear direction on the Council's expectations regarding trucking locations
and standards.
City CounciImember Blomquist stated that she is delighted with the outcome of the study and
appreciates the hard work by the Commissions and staff. Referring to the APC report, she stated that in
addition to locations indicated, she feels that Highway 13, between Cedar Avenue and Yankee Doodle Road,
may also be a visual impact zone and that Highways 55 and 149 and the Lone Oak Road area represent a
gateway to the community which should also be considered in the visual impact discussion. City
CounciImember Awada noted that visual impacts in corporate headquarters locations such as the Dodd
Road-West Publishing area be considered as well. Commission Member Heyl noted that the Commission
had focused on what it perceived to be the main entrances to the City and the high volume traffic areas.
Commission Member Goff stated that the Economic Development Commission's business survey with West
Publishing noted concerns about the visual aspects of Highway 149 as well.
Mayor Egan stated that in the northern part of Eagan aircraft noise is as significant as truck noise for
neighboring uses. He said that he understands that the City is being criticized by some businesses because
of the signiticant numbers of trucking and transportation uses in the community.
City Councilmember Blomquist stated that she is supportive of the Zoning Code modifications
indicated in the APC report. City CounciImember Wachter complimented all who worked on the study and
stated that it was very well done. He said that there is a need to get cooperation from the county and state to
improve the transportation infrastructure because road capacity limits and future industrial development
and expansion.
Mayor Egan asked the Commissions what types of feedback were necessary for them to continue
their work. Commission Member Heyl responded that the issues identified are interconnected and should
be considered together. She said that screening relates to setbacks which relates to performance standards
and so on. Commission Member Bakken stated that the City should establish clear, understandable
standards so businesses and residents have clear expectations for commercial and industrial land uses.
Mayor Egan stated that the City needs high standards, but that they treat everyone fairly. Commission
Member Burdorf stated that the APC has enjoyed good relationships and participation with the trucking
industry and certain residents in the course of the study and that that would be helpful in development fair
standards. He went on to say that the City staff needs to be commended and did an excellent job in
providing Commission support for the studies. He stated that the City of Eagan is fortunate to have such an
excellent City staff.
With respect to the City's image, City Administrator Hedges noted comments by a recent
development prospect who indicated that Eagan appears to be shifting from a corporate and headquarters
focus to a trucking focus. Mayor Egan stated that a number of firms have expressed in interest in relocating
to Eagan and that he doesn't see a reduction in interest in the City just because the transportation industry is
present. Senior Planner Freese requested that the Council provide specific direction to the Advisory
Planning Commission regarding the content of Code changes and the process to be followed. Assistant to
the City Administrator Hohenstein stated that the Economic Development Commission has also asked for
additional direction concerning next steps for this issue. City Councilmember Wachter stated that the
Planning Commission should follow the process outlined it its report. City Councilmember Awada stated
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EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; APRIL 29, 1997
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that the prime goal of the City is to provide clear direction as noted in the Economic Development
Commission report. She said that she agrees with the basic screening and setback examples provided by the
Planning Commission.
It was noted that the outdoor storage issues raised a number of smaller questions concerning
different land uses. City Councilmember Wachter stated that he opposes a number of outside storage
practices going on in the City presently. City Councilmember Blomquist stated that she believes the number
of outdoor storage provisions relate better to commercial land uses than to industrial ones. She stated that
the Commission had identified the appropriate questions and appears to be headed in the right direction to
address them. City Councilmember Awada stated that the outdoor storage issue requires more work
outside of the trucking issue. Senior Planner Freese suggested that the Commission separate the commercial
and industrial outdoor storage standards and return recommendations for Council consideration.
City CounciImember A wada stated that the most important thing is what the properties look like so
screening and setbacks are important. Commission Member Burdorf stated that because screening and
setbacks may not be sufficient in certain visual impact areas that the APC is looking at making trucking a
non-use in those areas. City CounciImembers Wachter and Awada said they would support that approach.
Commission Member Carlson stated that restrictions on marginal use areas may also make them non-use
areas for trucking.
City CounciImember Blomquist said that the Commissions have done an absolutely fantastic job and
that they should move forward with the issues they have outlined. With respect to the Economic
Development Commission's findings, the Council directed that the Advisory Planning Commission
recognize the need to retain existing trucking businesses in its development of performance standards. It
was indicated that the APC should also be careful with limitations on future trucking locations and
development and not unnecessarily limit the ability of existing companies to operate and expand. The APC
should also recognize the EDC finding that reasonable and appropriately high standards for trucking
development will be beneficial by shifting the cost component of supply and demand. The Council
indicated that the issue of excess wear and tear on the transportation infrastructure is interesting, but that
impacting that depends on state and county cooperation, thereby, limiting the value of further work on the
issue. The Council did acknowledge and suggest that the Economic Development Commission revisit the
City's economic development goals and identify and updates and modifications which may be appropriate
at the present time. With respect to transportation funding, City Councilmember Awada asked if the
Commission was suggesting that the state formula for local street improvements be changed. Commission
Member Young said that transportation funds should be focused within the seven-county metropolitan area
where the impacts are the greatest and that this could offset some of the impacts of concentration of truck
traffic in and around Eagan. Mayor Egan asked how the formula would be changed. Director of Public
Works Colbert stated that the formula is set in statute and would require a legislative change. Mayor Egan
stated that he would be happy to talk with legislators but that he does not hold out much hope because of
the complex political nature of the issue. City CounciImember Awada stated that the City should not
expend effort in this regard since changes of the state transportation funding formula will not happen.
Commission Member Young asked what the plans are for Highway 13 in 1998. Mayor Egan
referred the question to Director of Public Works Colbert. Colbert stated that the scope of the Blackhawk
Road traffic signal improvements extend so closely to existing medians at Silver Bell Road and Yankee
Doodle Road that MnjDOT has agreed to extend the project to those medians. Unfortunately, he indicated
that the state has not increased its funding to correspond with the increased scope.
City Councilmember Blomquist asked how the City could enforce the inappropriate truck route
prohibitions on Lone Oak Road between Highway 13 and Pilot Knob Road. Director of Public Works
Colbert responded that the County will not restrict trucks on Lone Oak because it gets state aid money for
that segment. City Councilmember Blomquist stated that the City should address it as a safety issue.
Commission Member Burdorf agreed that it is a safety concern. Mayor Egan noted that the City does not
have jurisdiction over the area, but that we can contact the County Board and ask for additional efforts in
limiting such traffic. He asked the Commissions and staff to move forward expeditiously on the next steps
which have been identified. It was noted that one of the activities will be to identify alternative uses on
parcels identified as inappropriate for trucking and that such locations may also be inappropriate for other
outdoor storage.
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EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES; APRIL 29, 1997
PAGE 8
City CounciImember Awada stated that she believed that the City should limit additional trucking
uses along Highway 13. She stated that there area enough such uses in that location already. City
Councilmember Blomquist stated that she agrees with that point, especially because of the visual impacts of
trucking in the area. Commission Member Burdorf indicated that the Planning Commission did not address
Highway 13 in its analysis because it is already mostly developed. Commission Member Bakken again
noted that any findings should consider effective means of noise mitigation.
Mayor Egan thanked the Commissions again for their hard work and commission members excused
themselves from the meeting.
OFF-STREET PARKING AND STORAGE
Senior Planner Freese referred to the packet materials and indicated that there are differences
between the two alternatives depending upon the Council's direction. City CounciImember Awada stated
that the second alternative is what she believed the Council wanted originally and said that the City should
move forward with it. City CounciImember Blomquist agreed and the Mayor noted that there was
consensus to give staff direction to move forward with the second alternative.
April 29, 1997
Date
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City Clerk
TLH