08/01/1995 - City Council Special
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
August 1, 1995
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, August 1, 1995 at 5:00 p.m. at Black
Hawk Middle School. Present were Mayor Egan and Councilmembers Wachter, Awada, Masin and Hunter. Also
present were City Administrator Tom Hedges, Fire Chief Dale Nelson, Director of Public Works Tom Colbert, Parks
and Recreation Director Ken Vraa, Assistant to the Administrator Jon Hohensteln, and Finance Director Gene
VanOverbeke.
(Councilmembers and staff toured the Unisys site at 4:00 p.m. prior to the special Council workshop.)
TEN YEAR FIRE DEPARTMENT CIP AND STATION IMPROVEMENTS
Administrator Hedges gave an overview of this Item. Councilmember Hunter reviewed several items on the
Fire Department CIP for the last several years, noting there are discrepancies from year to year and some of the
amounts have changed. Fire Chief Nelson gave an explanation of these discrepancies. Discussion followed on
Improvements to Fire Station #1, with Fire Chief Nelson noting that that is their highest priority right now.
Administrator Hedges noted that the Council needs to prioritize these items and decide how they will be funded.
Land banking for Station #6 was discussed. Mayor Egan expressed a concern about spending more money
on property than its fair market value. Councilmember Awada noted that all of the numbers have gone up, and as
a result of that, all of these items won't be funded. Administrator Hedges suggested that the Council decide how
much of the Community Investment Fund should be spent and then prioritize the items on the list. The Council
should then decide how much they would like funded from a bond referendum. Funding possibilities were
discussed.
Discussion followed on the remodeling of Fire Station #1 and alternatives to save money. Brick versus
stucco was discussed, as well as the insulation factors. Councilmember Hunter asked why remodeling of the fire
station was number 4 on the CIP list in 1994, and now is top priority. Fire Chief Nelson explained that they are
getting new equipment and It won't fit unless modifications are made. Councilmember Hunter asked whether other
stations will need renovation in the next ten years. Fire Chief Nelson responded that station #3 is in good shape,
but they are looking at an expansion. Station 2 has been getting improvements done by the firefighters.
Councilmember Awada asked whether these improvements made by employees and volunteers Is being
documented. Fire Chief Nelson noted that that information is in their annual report.
Fire Chief Nelson noted that the executive board wanted to know whether it is still feasible to have the south
side of the police facility and Councilmember Hunter Indicated that It is still a possibility. Councilmember Wachter
noted that if it is feasible, he would not be opposed to it. He would prefer that to spending money for more land.
Mayor Egan noted that In regard to the remodeling of Fire Station #1, the Council can either build it with
brick exterior; build it with a stucco exterior and Insulate ft; do nothing; or go back to the original budget and require
that they do the remodeling with that amount. Councilmember Wachter indicated he doesn't have a problem with
stucco exterior. Mayor Egan concurred. Councilmember Masin indicated she doesn't like stucco for a public
building. It doesn't blend with the look of the community. She would at least like the front to be brick.
Councilmember Awada suggested the Council set a dollar amount and let them decide how they want to do it.
Counciimember Wachter suggested $250,000 as an amount, and Awada and Egan concurred with that amount.
Hunter moved, Awada seconded a motion to set the budget at $250,000 for the remodeling of Fire Station
#1. Aye: 5 Nay: 0
Discussion followed concerning whether to utilize the property north of Wescott and east of Lexington, and
the tax forfeit property that Is being acquired for a training facility.
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EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; AUGUST 1, 1995
PAGE 2
MUNICIPAL CENTER SITE DEVELOPMENT
Administrator Hedges reviewed the final phases of the Municipal Center site development, noting that the
amount of money in the budget left for landscaping will not meet the city code requirements for landscaping. He
indicated that the Council could waive the requirements; but added that the city is under a certain amount of scrutiny
from the public to match our own development standards. Councilmember Wachter suggested the landscaping be
done in phases. Councilmember Awada stated she feels the civic arena site should be done this year. Discussion
followed concerning ADA requirements for handicap accessibility to the upper level, and how that can be met at the
civic arena. The Council gave direction to proceed with the first phase of landscape improvements for the site with
the remainder of the site plan to be phased in over 3-5 years. The Council also directed staff to proceed with the
civic arena sidewalk improvements as outlined.
Assistant to the Administrator Hohenstein reviewed the different types of signs and options available to the
Council for site signage. Councilmember Wachter indicated he favors a brick sign due to the fact that there is
excess brick available from the project and it would blend with the building. He asked whether it could be made
higher so a reader board could be placed on top of the sign. Assistant to the Administrator Hohenstein indicated
he can look into it, but it may affect the budget. Director of Public Works Colbert noted that an aluminum sign could
be back lighted, but brick would have to have flood lights. It was felt that an aluminum sign would have better
visibility.
Councilmember Awada pointed out that the sign needs to have enough flexibility to change It when the city
logo changes. Councilmember Masin indicate she favors brick or a combination of brick and aluminum. After some
discussion, Administrator Hedges summarized the Council's wishes to use a combination of materials with as much
brick as possible, with some flexibility to change logos and lettering, and with a reader board If possible.
OTHER BUSINESS
Administrator Hedges reviewed the tour of the Unisys site, noting that the Councilmembers who toured the
property felt it had a lot of potential for a central park concept. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa Indicated he will
be doing some concept drawings.
Administrator Hedges reviewed the situation that arose on the civic arena with the unions, noting he and
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa went before the Trades Council. He feels they had a very good meeting. He
indicated that after explaining to them that the only way this project could have been made possible was with the
sweat equity, they seemed to be willing to work something out. They were told that if the City can get the
subcontractors for the dehumidification using union workers, the union will make up for the $27,000 in sweat equity.
If the City doesn't do this, a picket situation could develop which could delay the opening. He added that there is
ice time already rented out that would have to be cancelled, which would not be a very good situation. Some
discussion followed.
At 6:30 p.m. the meeting adjourned to the regular Council meeting.
DLP
August 1, 1995
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Date Clerk
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