02/20/1996 - City Council Special MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
4111 EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
February 20, 1996
The City Council workshop was held on February 20, 1996 at 5:00 pm at the Eagan Municipal Center.
Present were Mayor Egan and Councilmembers Wachter, Awada, Masin and Hunter. Also present ere City
Administrator Tom Hedges, Community Development Director Reichert, Finance Director VanOverbeke,
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa, Public Works Director Colbert, and Police Chief Geagan.
PRESENTATION/MVTA SERVICES
The workshop session began with Mayor Egan introducing representatives of the Minnesota Valley
Transit Authority who were present to provide a brief presentation of their services. Administrator Hedges
explained that the MVTA had hired Springsted &Associates to conduct a survey used in six member cities to
help accommodate each of those communities' future transit service needs. Following distribution of the
surveys to the City Council and Department Heads, the MVTA was invited to receive input from each of the six
cities participating.
Beverley Miller, Executive Director of the MVTA, stated that they would like to provide a brief update
about MVTA services and have the Counci provide input so they can better assess current transit service in the
community and identify future service needs. MVTA is also soliciting the Council's reaction to various transit
and transportation funding alternatives and to determine the extent of the Council's support of the MVTA in
general to determine if there is the opportunity for City/MVTA collaborative efforts.
When asked what feedback the Council had received relative to MVTA services, it was noted that most
Councilmembers had not received much input with the exception of McKenzie Foster who had addressed the
Council on February 6 with her concerns. Mayor Egan stated those concerns were primarily related to
timeliness, offensive diesel smell in the vehicles and inadequate heat in the vehicles. It was felt that the public,
in general, is not familiar with the Council representation to the MVTA and doesn't usually know where to go
with their complaints. It was also noted that the people who use the MVTA on a regular basis have very specific
opinions of the service being provided.
• When asked if it was felt there was a general lack of knowledge of services, Mayor Egan opined that
although the ridership has increased drastically, people don't connect bus service with City Hall if they have
questions. Councilmember Hunter opined that unless there was a"hub" in Eagan,people will most likely not
make a strong association with MVTA and the City of Eagan. Councilmember Awada stated she did not know
many people that ride the bus and doesn't see a catalyst currently that appears to be changing that trend.
When asked if the Council saw a need for a"hub" in Eagan, Mayor Egan responded that there may be
several benefits to providing one. Councilmember Wachter commented on how busy the Blackhawk Park-n-
Ride is but suggested that they consider providing a phone in the shelter along with a survey to solicit riders
input.
MVTA representatives asked what options the Council would recommend for funding given the current
budget pressures. Mayor Egan commented that the Legislature has been tampering with the gas tax dollars and
if they propose to fund transportation with a gasoline tax increase, that increase then needs to be specifically
dedicated for that purpose. Councilmember Awada opined that public transit should only be used in areas
where it is needed,( i.e. inner cities) and should be self sustaining. Councilmember Hunter agreed stating that
people will most likely not use public transit until it becomes painful to use 494, 35W or any of the other major
thoroughfares. Hunter concluded that if people could have the flexibility of getting from point A to B using
public transportation, it may be more widely used.
Mayor Egan thanked the representatives from MVTA for their information and follow-up on the survey.
He encouraged them to continue soliciting input as to how they can better provide service to the area.
DEERWOOD RESERVOIR LOGO
Public Works Director Colbert stated that the City Council had reviewed various concepts for a logo
design on t he new Deerwood Reservoir and directed staff to proceed with a layout of the City's tree and name.
Now that the final layout has been prepared, Colbert continued, it is being brought back to the City Council for
any final comments. Colbert clarified that the base bid will provide for basic black to be used for lettering, the
tree canopy and outline of the tree trunk. An alternate bid will also be solicited requesting a cost for a green
canopy and brown trunk.
After a brief discussion, Councilmembers expressed their agreement with the design. They commented
on how important this logo would be since it would be very visible. Staff was directed to proceed with the
plans as presented
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MINUTES, FEBRUARY 20, 1996
• PAGE 2
BISCAYNE AVENUE/PROJECT #687
Public Works Director Colbert stated that the City Council reviewed the proposed improvements to the
Hailey's First Addition associated with the draft feasibility report for Project 687. In addition, a pre-project
appraisal was performed to try to determine maximum benefit associated with those improvements. Since the
estimated cost exceeded the preliminary appraised value of four representative properties, the Council directed
staff to review the project to try and reduce the scope of improvement to more closely reflect the estimated
benefit.
It was noted that staff has revised the proposed project and reduced the scope of the improvements.
The proposed assessments of$451,600 for Project 687 drop to $214,300 for Project 687R. Without the storm
sewer, as was originally planned, drainage will occur through an open ditch and between lots. Colbert stated
that staff has researched this issue extensively and is looking for direction from the Council.
Councilmember Awada asked if the improvements outlined on Project 687R are adequate. It was
noted that the change will allow for front yard definition with curb and gutter; sewer water and drainage will be
provided. Director Colbert commented that this puts off the decision of future upgrades for Gun Club Road and
asked how this was to be handled since the existing proposal provides service only to Hailey's Addition.
Councilmember Hunter opined that the revised solution of 687R provides for that. Although he doesn't like to
put off improvements, Hunter expressed agreement with proceeding with Project 687R. Councilmember
Wachter concurred stating this portion of work should be done and the Council will deal with the next issue
when it presents itself. Staff was directed to schedule a public hearing for Project 687R.
After receiving positive comments from residents affected by this project, Colbert added that the work is
scheduled for this year and that the assessment costs do not include water hook-up. Director Colbert also stated
• that he would encourage access from Red Pine Lane rather than Gun Club Road for the owner of Parcel 021-79.
OTHER BUSINESS
A special City Council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, 7:00 pm. Hunter moved,
Awada seconded a motion to schedule the meeting. Aye: 5 Nay: 0
CAPONI vs. CITY OF EAGAN
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR DIFFLEY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
Jim Sheldon, City Attorney, provided a settlement proposal from our attorney on behalf of Anthony
Caponi which modifies special assessments for the water, utility, tunnel and streets improvements. The City
Attorney was given direction to further negotiate a settlement.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm to the regular Council meeting.
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