12/10/2013 - City Council SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2013
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
City Councilmembers present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Bakken, Fields, and Tilley.
Councilmember Hansen arrived at 7:45 p.m.
City staff present: City Administrator Osberg, Assistant City Administrator Miller, Finance Director
Pepper, Public Works Director Matthys, Water Resource Manager Macbeth, and Director of Parks &
Recreation Johnson.
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Fields moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as
presented. Aye:4 Nay:0
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
Ill. JOINT MEETING WITH THE AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION (ARC)/
PROPOSED 2013 -2014 ARC WORK PLAN
Mayor Maguire welcomed members of the Airport Relations Commission (ARC). The Commissioners
introduced themselves. Assistant City Administrator Miller introduced the item noting it is the practice
of the City Council to meet with each of their advisory commissions at least once per year. The Airport
Relations Commission is prepared to discuss with the Council the proposed 2013 -14 ARC Work Plan.
Airport Relations Commission Chair Thorkildson gave an overview of the proposed ARC Work Plan for
2013 -14.
The City Council discussed the work plan.
The Council thanked the Commission for their work and directed the 2013 -2014 ARC Work Plan be
included on an upcoming City Council consent agenda for formal consideration.
IV. NOISE WALL UPDATE
Mayor Maguire introduced the item providing background information on the Minnesota Department
of Transportation (MnDOT) Noise Walls. Director of Public Works Matthys gave a staff report on the
first noise wall proposal located on the east side of 1 -35E, north of Deerwood Drive, and provided
additional information. Matthys noted significant communications have occurred between
homeowners, City staff, and MnDOT regarding preliminary design details and preferences regarding a
noise wall.
Pete Wasko, and John Solberg with MnDOT, provided a summary on the MnDOT Noise Wall Program.
Mr. Wasko provided a presentation on the noise wall proposal located on the east side of 1 -35E, north of
Deerwood Drive, and a new proposed tapered design along with details on alternative wall materials.
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December 10, 2013
Page 2
Mayor Maguire opened the meeting for public comment. Several residents of the Deerwood
Townhomes properties addressed the Council with questions and /or concerns about the noise wall.
The Council discussed the proposed noise wall located north of Deerwood Drive, along with the
concerns of the homeowners. Mayor Maguire noted finding a design to preserve the view and mitigate
the noise impact would be desirable. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to
direct staff to look into alternative designs and bid for concrete or wood wall, including
translucent /acrylic materials, and bring back to a future Public Works Committee meeting.
Public Works Director Matthys gave a staff report on the second noise wall proposal located on the west
side of I -35E, south of Kettle Park. Matthys noted all communication with the neighborhood has been
supportive of the noise wall. Pete Wasco gave a presentation of the noise wall.
Councilmember Bakken asked if the two noise walls could be swapped. He asked if there was a way
that MnDOT could construct the Kettle Park project earlier and construct the Deerwood one later that
doesn't hurt the City's bottom line financially.
Mr. Wasko responded it could be done through their Department Management Plan. MnDOT could
construct the Kettle Park noise wall earlier. The City would have to provide MnDOT with additional
funding to cover swapping Deerwood for Kettle Park. MnDOT would then reimburse the City the
following year, without interest being paid back. Councilmember Bakken asked staff to work up a
scenario to be presented at a future meeting. Mayor Maguire clarified that the City is not looking to
construct both walls at the same time.
The Council discussed the noise wall. After further discussion, the Council directed staff to move
forward with MnDOT on the Kettle Park noise wall.
The Council took a 10 minute break.
V. WATER CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION (EEAC)
Public Works Director Matthys introduced the item noting on October 8, 2013, the Energy &
Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) made recommendations to the Council for consideration.
Based upon the EEAC's recommendations, the City Council was asked to provide feedback and direction
on the following policy questions:
1. To what extent does the City Council wish to create goals for reduction in the use of water?
The Council was in agreement they want to further consider setting goals, based upon impact on
water resources and finances. The Council directed staff to provide additional information to help
them better understand the impact of different goals, i.e. 10 90, 15°0, or 25% reduction, and to model
what the resources required to get there would be.
In the event the reduction in drinking water is established as a goal for the City of Eagan, additional
policy questions may include:
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December 10, 2013
Page 3
Should drinking water reduction goals be established for all types of land use in the City?
The Council discussed the types of land uses and determined not to target specific land uses, but
to target specific types of water uses.
b. Should drinking water reduction goals be established for specific types of uses?
The Council discussed the types of uses and suggested irrigation or high efficiency residential
applications (i.e. shower heads, toilets, etc.) should be considered.
Should the City provide incentives to encourage a reduction in drinking water usage? If so, to
what extent shall the City provide financing for such incentives?
The Council agreed the effort should be directed at more education and awareness before
financing incentives.
Commissioner Jeff LeClair provided additional information and gave a presentation.
The Council discussed the proposed water conservation program with members of the Energy and
Environment Advisory Commission. Commissioner Nadav provided a clarification of the WaterSense
Program.
VI. REVIEW 2014 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item noting the 2014 legislative priorities were prepared with
input from each department of the City. In keeping with past practice, an effort was made not to
duplicate all of the legislative positions or policies of municipal lobbying organizations. The format has
been changed in an effort to condense the priorities and make them well- defined and more easily
understood for the public. Osberg noted if so directed by the Council, formal action will be included on
the December 17 City Council agenda. Once approved, the priorities will be sent to Eagan's legislative
delegation to have in advance of the joint meeting with the Council on January 14, 2014.
The Council reviewed the proposed 2013 Legislative Priorities and made recommendations for
additions /changes to the priorities.
VII. PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE GUN CLUB LAKE WATERSHED
MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION
Director of Public Works Matthys introduced the item noting based on previous action the Gun Club
Lake Watershed Management Organization Joint Powers Agreement will be terminated as of January 14,
2014. The City is proposing an Eagan -Inver Grove Heights Watershed Management Organization
(WMO). Water Resource Manager Macbeth gave a staff report and was available for questions.
The Council discussed the proposed Eagan -Inver Grove Heights WMO operations.
The Council was in agreement to stay status quo with the board, appointing three Eagan residents to the
board, which would also include two appointed from Inver Grove Heights with the option at a later date
to potentially change to an all elected board that would meet once a year.
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December 10, 2013
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VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
City Administrator Osberg provided an update on the SAFER Grant and Northern Educate.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Tilley moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adjourn at 9:47 p.m.
Aye:5 Nay:0
J- 7- /y
Date
Mayor