03/06/2000 - City Council Special
AGENDA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday
March 6, 2000
4:45 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL & AGENDA ADOPTION
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
III. VILLAGE PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
DISCUSSION (CEDAR/TH 13)
IV. COMMENTS/CAROLYN RODRIGUEZ
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
V. OTHER BUSINESS
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MEMO
city of eagan
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES
DATE: MARCH 3, 2000
SUBJECT: SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING/MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2000
A Special City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 6, for the purpose of: 1)
discussing future steps in reviewing the Village Plaza Redevelopment Concept and 2) receiving
comments and a discussion with Carolyn Rodriguez, Metropolitan Council representative.
VILLAGE PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT CONCEPT DISCUSSION (CEDAR/TH 13)
At the direction of the City Council, the Village Plaza, a redevelopment concept for the Cedar/13 area, was
scheduled for a Special City Council worksession. On Tuesday, November 16, 1999, the Cedar Avenue and
Highway 13 Redevelopment Task Force voted unanimously to approve the redevelopment study report and
forwarded it to the Eagan City Council to review critical implementation recommendations including the
following:
• Architectural standards
• Communications
• LRT/transit
• Parking structures
• Relocation
• Traffic and access
The City Council accepted the study and the recommendations of the task force at their City Council
meeting held on December 14, 1999. Direction was given to staff to present the Village Plaza Study to
various advisory commissions during the month of January 2000, which was coordinated by Assistant City
Administrator Verbrugge. Staff is addressing the critical implementation recommendations suggested by
the task force and is prepared to discuss certain issues that require public policy consideration by the City
Council. For additional information, refer to the memo entitled, "Village Plaza Redevelopment Concept
Discussion" enclosed on pages 4. through a.
ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED:
To provide staff direction regarding future meetings and implementation steps to continue further progress
on the Village Plaza Redevelopment Concept.
COMMENTS/CAROLYN RODRIGUEZ, METROPOLITAN COUNCIL REP
Each year, Metropolitan Council representative Carolyn Rodriguez has asked for time to appear
on a Special City Council agenda. Her schedule allows her to appear at the Special City Council
meeting at approximately 5:45 p.m. There is no specific agenda; however, two matters that
affect the City of Eagan are the Comprehensive Guide Plan review and TEA 21 funding.
For Council background, the following is being provided on the Comprehensive Guide Plan
update:
Comprehensive Guide Plan Update
Background
On September 7, 1999, the City Council granted preliminary approval to the Draft
Comprehensive Guide Plan and directed staff to submit the document to the Metropolitan
Council (Met Council) for review and comment.
The Met Council received the Plan on September 24, 1999. City staff received a letter on
October 14, 1999 from the Met Council stating that the proposed plan was incomplete for
review. In part, the letter stated "The plan appears to be quite well done; however, there
are a couple items for which additional information is needed..." these included sanitary
sewer, individual sewage treatment systems, and water supply.
Status
The additional information requested have been provided to the Met Council and they
have informed staff that the Plan is now considered complete. A `completeness' letter is
being prepared and should be received by City staff in the near future. This letter will
reference the end date of the Met Council's sixty-day time frame to review and provide
formal comment on the City's Plan.
Issue
The only outstanding issue from the Met Council's perspective is not one of
completeness but rather a concern regarding the amount of land to be designated for
medium and high density residential land uses. City staff is working with Greg
Ingraham, the City's Planning Consultant, to clarify the existing and future housing needs
and market demand for the City and'we will likely suggest refinements to the Housing
Section growth forecast. This information will be brought to the City Council for review
within the next several weeks.
umm
The Plan Update is considered complete and the Met Council's sixty-day review period
will likely expire in late April 2000. Staff is currently reviewing the Plan's Housing
Section, housing market demand, and refining the housing growth forecast for Eagan.
This information will be compiled and brought forward for Council review in the coming
weeks.
a2
TEA 21 APPLICATIONS
The City of Eagan has applied for transportation funding through the MVTA for the park & ride
site at the intersection of Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob Road and is under consideration for
possible transit hub improvements in the Greater Cedar/Trunk Highway 13 area. It is necessary
that TEA 21 applications are consistent with local comprehensive plans and also that the timing
for a Comp Guide Plan and the TEA 21 funding request are consistent. The City of Eagan meets
the criteria under the time schedule for submittal of the local comprehensive plan.
There is no official action on this item.
OTHER BUSINESS
There are no items under Other Business for the Special City Council meeting agenda.
/S/ Thomas L. Hedges
City Administrator
Attachments
TLH/vmd
3
MEMO
city of eagan
TO: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES
FROM: ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR VERBRUGGE
DATE: MARCH 1, 2000
SUBJECT: VILLAGE PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT CONCEPT DISCUSSION
Following the City Council's special meeting with the Cedar/13 Task Force on December 14, 1999,
direction was given to staff to share the concept with the advisory commissions during the month of January
and receive their feedback. Based on that direction, I presented the concept before the Advisory Parks
Commission on January 10 and the Airport Relations Commission on January 11. I also shared the concept
with the Economic Development Commission on January 24 and the Advisory Planning Commission on
January 25. The comments from the APrC, ARC and EDC are attached to this memo on pages A_
through. The Advisory Planning Commission chose to make no comment other than to say the task
force had produced a good report and the concept looked promising. The APC will be actively involved in
the planning process for any redevelopment and chose to withhold their comments until there is greater
detail in the plan.
Staff was also directed at the December special meeting to continue studying next steps toward
implementation of the concept. Because redevelopment is relatively new to the City of Eagan, staff felt it
would be beneficial to visit with other communities that have much more experience in redevelopment.
During the month of December, I visited with the City Manager of Edina, Gordon Hughes, and the Richfield
Community Development Director, Bruce Palmborg. In January, Hopkins City Manager Steve Mielke and
Golden Valley City Manager Bill Jo es met with Eagan staff to discuss their experiences. A summary of
that meeting is attached on pages through 10 . All of these communities have had significant
redevelopment and our discussions with them were very enlightening.
One of the most consistent themes presented by each of the cities was the critical need to have the City
Council educated on policy issues regarding redevelopment and provide a shared vision for the entire area.
Before beginning to consider the future of the redevelopment area, either in part or as a whole, it is
important that staff provide a very clear understanding of the policy decisions that need to be made to
accomplish the goals and objectives as determined by the City Council.
The City's planning consultant, Greg Ingraham, has been asked to give a short presentation to the City
Council in the form of a general discussion about redevelopment. Mr. Ingraham has significant experience
in this area as the former Planning Supervisor for the City of Bloomington and as an ongoing consultant to
the City of St. Louis Park in their efforts to redevelop the Excelsior Boulevard and Highway 100 area.
Following a general overview of redevelopment, City Attorney Mike Dougherty will be asked to discuss
land use issues such as rezoning, Comprehensive Guide Plan amendments and a number of other topics
related to planning and implementation. Finally, City staff will begin discussing the next steps toward
implementation including the preliminary financial analysis. Dave MacGillivray of Springsted will be
present to discuss the financial feasibility and financial policy issues related to redevelopment.
Notification of this special meeting was direct mailed to over 80 property owners in and around the study
area, Cedar/13 Task Force members, and individuals who indicated interest in being on the regular contact
list. That letter is attached on pages I through j A. Notice of the special meeting was also made on
the local cable access channel and the City's website, as well as the standard publication in the newspaper
of record.
At the conclusion of the presentations by staff and consultants, it would be beneficial to staff if the City
Council were to discuss and answer several questions. Among the policy issues that we should receive
direction on are whether the City Council wishes us to take immediate steps to implement zoning and
Comprehensive Guide Plan changes to meet the concept recommendations. As part of the rezoning, the
City could also pursue an overlay district (zoning district) to establish architectural design and control
standards. Communications has been frequently sited as a priority for this process. Does the City Council
wish to take immediate steps to begin educating property owners in the study area and the entire community
about potential redevelopment? Would the City Council like staff to utilize special marketing pieces and
newsletters to aid in this communication effort? Other communities have used an ombuesperson as a
neutral third party during redevelopment. Is the City Council interested in utilizing a redevelopment
ombuesperson for this process?
ssistant City Administrator
Attachments
JV/vmd
S
g(ffi
city of eagan MEMO
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMIEMBERS
FROM: JOHN RUDOLPH, APrC CHAIR
DATE: MARCH 3, 2000
SUBJECT: APrC COMMENTS REGARDING VILLAGE PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT
CONCEPT
The Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission has reviewed the Village Plaza Redevelopment
Concept for the Cedar Avenue and Highway 13 study area. In addition to discussion at the regular
January meeting of the APrC, a subcommittee met with Assistant City Administrator Verbrugge to
discuss the concept in greater detail. Below are the most significant preliminary points that the APrC
felt are important from our perspective of the needs for open space and recreation amenities.
• APrC should be consulted when identifying goals for open space and parks dedication with
potential developers.
• The Village Plaza Concept is not just a daytime center and it is not just for shopping. The concept
must be developed in a way that also serves neighbors and develops an old downtown type of feel.
Any redevelopment concept must recognize the importance of being a daytime and nighttime
attraction.
• The amount of surface parking is a concern, however, it may be compensated with green islands
and medians in the lots. Creative water management engineering that includes a series of fountains
and ponds throughout the green space would allow greater runoff and better hydration. Striping
for designated bike lanes should be included on all new roadways. Bike paths must be clearly
defined and connected to greater regional bike paths.
• All roadways should be accompanied by sidewalks to both enhance safety and encourage
pedestrian traffic movement through the district. The roadway redesign must take into
consideration the bluff residential areas of Cedar Grove.
The key message from our Commission is that the APrC can bring something to the table as an active
partner and wishes to be of great assistance in the redevelopment process. We look forward to
working with the City Council as this exciting project moves forward.
MEMO
city of eagan
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: TED GLADHILL, ARC CHAIR
DATE: MARCH 3, 2000
SUBJECT: AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION REVIEW OF VILLAGE PLAZA
REDEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
The Eagan Airport Relations Commission has reviewed the Village Plaza and voted to support the
recommendations made by the Task Force. It must be stated that the redevelopment study area is in a
location that will receive significant overhead air traffic beginning in the year 2003 when the new
North-South Runway becomes operational. Although most of the proposed redevelopment area is
outside the projected 60 DNL contour, the ARC feels that great consideration must be given to the
impact of airplane noise when approving final plans in the redevelopment district.
The ARC feels that two of the Commission's recommendations must be given the greatest weight in
implementing any redevelopment. The first is that construction standards be applied to any new
housing so that residential units are compatible with Noise Impact Zone 4. These construction
standards would most likely include windows and doors that meet very stringent sound transmission
criteria. The second vital recommendation to making any new development in an impact zone
successful is notification. All potential homeowners must be notified in advance that the development
is in a noise impacted area and the details of the impact area clearly defined to them prior to any
purchase agreement being signed.
One final point, seemingly minor but significant in the eyes of the FAA, is recognition of height
limitations on any potential high-rise office or hotel or residential unit. The proposed redevelopment
area is at a point roughly three miles from the end of the new North-South Runway and just east of the
approach path for arriving aircraft, as well as being flanked to the east and west by departure paths.
FAA tower must be consulted for glide slope parameters and height restrictions when considering
high-rise uses.
With those comments, the ARC offers its support for a redevelopment concept that we feel is in the
best interest of the entire Eagan community.
,•.;i MEMO
city of eagan
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: JULIE STACKHOUSE, EDC CHAIR
DATE: MARCH 3, 2000
SUBJECT: VILLAGE PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
The Economic Development Commission received a presentation from Assistant City Administrator
Verbrugge in January regarding the recommendations of the Cedar Avenue and Highway 13
Redevelopment Study Task Force for the concept known as Village Plaza.
The EDC had two representatives on the Task Force and was regularly updated on the process and
progress of the Task Force at our monthly meetings. A third member of the Task Force who
represented the business community interests, Hugh Fitzgerald, is also a recent addition to our
Commission. The EDC has strongly supported the redevelopment study in the past and after
reviewing the Task Force's recommendations, continues that support for the future redevelopment of
the Greater Cedarvale Area.
Discussion among the EDC produced the following comments to be submitted to the City Council for
consideration during its deliberations.
• Communication is extremely important. It is vital that the City maintain constant and open lines of
communication to businesses and homeowners that may be acquired as a result of the
development, as well as keeping surrounding communities and the community at large updated on
a regular basis regarding redevelopment.
• Traffic patterns are very important and access issues must be a priority when designing any new
development in the area.
• Financing of the project must be responsible and take into consideration the interests of the
impacted business community.
The Economic Development Commission is eager to assist the City Council in any way possible to help
make the Village Plaza Redevelopment Concept a reality.
17
MEMO
city of eagan
TO: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES
FROM: ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR VERBRUGGE
DATE: MARCH 1, 2000
SUBJECT: MEETING WITH BILL JOYNES AND STEVE MIELKE
Reviewing meeting notes of the January 11, 2000 meeting with Hopkins City Manager Steve
Mielke and Golden Valley City Manager Bill Joynes, I have prepared the following summary of
the meeting. The comments of Joynes and Mielke essentially fall into three categories - City
Council action, financing, and developers.
City Council
Both Mr. Joynes and Mr. Mielke stressed the importance having their respective City Councils
agree to a vision for any proposed redevelopment. Typically, redevelopment occurs over several
years. In the case of Golden Valley, some of the redevelopment has taken almost 20 years
requiring a continued recommitment by their City Council to an ongoing long-term vision. They
also commented that most plans call for a rezoning, requiring a 4/5ths vote, again suggesting a
commitment to the vision and plan for redevelopment.
Financing
Golden Valley and Hopkins have both relied mostly on pay-as-go tax increment financing to
make redevelopment go. It was important for both cities to a have a financial plan, and then even
more important to be sure that the plan was followed.
It was recommended that the development agreements include security up front; perhaps two
years of lost increment in the event the developer pulls out, and requiring a specific amount when
they close on the property. A reimbursement agreement should be executed to cover all
administrative costs including attorney's fees, soil conditions, etc.
Acquisition and relocation is an expensive process. Relocation costs are generally paying market
values at 1.5 - 2 times actual costs. It is important, they said, to accept that the City may have
paid too much for relocation. The City must closely monitor the negotiations between the
developer and acquired properties to be sure that the developer doesn't have just its interests in
mind, but the interests of the City as well. During relocation, the City must remember that it is
ultimately paying in the end.
A number of communities are shortening up the length of TIF districts to avoid taking hits on
LGA/HACA.
Developers
There was some discussion regarding RFPs versus public meetings to select a developer or
developers for a given project. The RFP needs to avoid placing too many restrictions on the City
and the developer, while the public meeting approach leaves little room for negotiation, in
particular, for the purchase price of the land.
Remember, they said, that the developer will want exclusivity, while the City will want options.
Developers also typically view TIF as their money, while the City needs it to for expenses. It is
important to have a consistent philosophy of what will be subsidized and what will not.
Neither of the two cities had generally applied architectural standards. They suggested that the
market would drive aesthetics. At times, both have used landscape architects to consult with
architects and create compatible developments to other areas of the community. It was also said
that having a number of developers would potentially raise the development standard for the
architectural requirements.
yam,----
Assistant City Administrator
city of aagan
PATRICIA E. AWADA
Mayor
PAUL BAKKEN
February 17, 2000 BEA BLOMOUIST
PEGGY A. CARLSON
SANDRA A. MASIN
Council Members
Dear Cedar/13 Study Area Interested Individual: THOMAS HEDGES
City Administrotor
E. J. VAN OVERBEKE
City Clerk
The Eagan City Council will be conducting a special meeting on Monday, March
6 at 4:45 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Eagan City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob
Road. The purpose of the meeting is to begin discussing future steps related to
the Cedar Avenue and Highway 13 Redevelopment Study concept proposal, also
known as the "Village Plaza" concept.
We want to make sure you know about the meeting and to be sure you know that
you are always welcome to attend these meetings.
The City Council has not met to discuss the "Village Plaza" since the special
meeting in December when the Cedar/13 Study Area Task Force shared its
recommendations with the Council. At that time, the City Council directed staff to
share the concept with the City's advisory commissions and to further study
some of the issues in the concept before scheduling another special meeting.
In January, the "Village Plaza" concept was presented to the Advisory Parks &
Recreation Commission, the Airport Relations Commission, the Economic
Development Commission, and the Advisory Planning Commission. Staff also
met with leaders of other communities that have done extensive redevelopment
to be sure that Eagan would positively benefit from their experiences.
At the special meeting on March 6, you can expect the following points to be
discussed:
? The moratorium in the study area was allowed to expire by the City Council
on February 9, 2000. The City Council and staff will discuss what measures
may be pursued to ensure that new development, which may be inconsistent
with the goals of the "Village Plaza", does not occur.
> Zoning and Comprehensive Guide Plan land use designations in large
portions of the study area will need to be amended if redevelopment is to
occur. The timing of when those changes might be made will be discussed.
(over)
MUNICIPAL CENTER THE LONE OAK TREE MAINTENANCE FACILITY
3830 PILOT KNOB ROAD THE SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND GROWTH IN OUR 3501 COACHMAN POINT
EAGAN. MINNESOTA 55122 1897 EAGAN, MINNESOTA 55122
PHONE: (651) 681-4600 PHONE: (651) 681-4300
FAX (651) 681-4612 Equal Opportuntty Employer FAX: (651) 681-4360
TDD (651) 454-8535 www.cityofeagan.com TDD: (651) 454-8535
Cedar/13 Meeting Notice
February 17, 2000
Page 2
> Infrastructure changes will be necessary to improve vehicle access into and
through The Village Plaza and surrounding neighborhoods. The matter of
when and how these improvements are made will be discussed.
Creation of a potential redevelopment district for the purpose of providing
financial options will be discussed.
Again, this meeting is open to the public and you are encouraged to attend. The
meeting will also be televised live on local cable access channel 16, and a
rebroadcast schedule will be available after that. The City Council and staff are
both determined to keep this process open and well communicated. As always,
your comments are appreciated.
Please feel free to call me at 651-681-4603 with any questions, or e-mail me at
iverbruQQe( citvofeaaan.com.
Sincerely,
Jamie Verbrugge
Assistant City Administrator
Copy: Mayor and City Council
Cedar/13 Redevelopment Task Force
/a