09/27/1994 - City Council Special
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
September 27, 1994
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, September 27, 1994 at 5:00 p.m.
at the Eagan Municipal Center. Present were Mayor Egan and Councilmembers Wachter, Awada, and
Hunter. (Councilmember Masin arrived at 5:15 p.m.) Also present were City Administrator Tom Hedges,
Finance Director Gene VanOverbeke, Police Chief Pat Geagan, Assistant to the Administrator Jon
Hohenstein, Cable Coordinator Mike Reardon, and Chief Building Official Doug Reid.
RESOLUTION REGARDING PROPOSED LEGAL CITATION SYSTEM
Administrator Hedges stated he received a call from West Publishing to discuss a new legal citation
system being proposed by the U.S. Justice Department. They are asking the City to take a position to
support saving jobs for the City of Eagan. He explained the proposal by the government to try to provide
a service that already exists in the private sector. It has been noted that it will cost $100 million initially to
duplicate this service. They are also concerned about government censorship. He noted that the Mayor
has already agreed to write a letter to the Attorney General and encouraged other Council members to write
letters if they wish also. He added that sample letters are available in his office.
Councilmember Wachter indicated a concern about saving jobs and stated he intends to write a
letter. Wachter moved, Awada seconded a motion to approve the resolution. Aye: 5 Nay: 0
R-94.71
MUNICIPAL CENTER EXPANSION & REMODELING
Administrator Hedges stated that Council input and direction Is needed to facilitate preparation of
detailed plans and specifications. He noted the project is nearing the end of design and development.
Dewey Thorbeck, architect for the project, reviewed the site plan and floor plans for the project.
Councilmember Wachter had various questions regarding the energy efficiency of the building.
Administrator Hedges indicated a decision needs to be made on the pedestrian lighting outside the
building. Councilmember Awada stated she thought a decision on the lighting wouldn't be made until an
overall ornamental lighting program was developed for the downtown area. Administrator Hedges indicated
the Council can wait to decide on the fixtures; however, the conduit should be installed at a minimum. Also,
four parking lot lights will be needed regardless for liability purposes. The Council directed that the conduit
be installed to permit future installation of pedestrian lighting.
Dick Stewart, of Electronic Interiors, reviewed the audio-visual proposal for the Council Chambers.
He noted the community room will retain a lot of its current equipment to permit it to be used for overflow
from City Council meetings, community group meetings, staff training, etc. The control room equipment will
be moved to the new Council Chambers. He reviewed the camera system and visual display equipment
being proposed.
Administrator Hedges noted that the dias in the community room was originally planned to be
demolished; however, it was decided to leave it in at least for now to see if it would be utilized in that room.
It can always be removed at a later date. Discussion followed on why this dias couldn't be utilized in the
new Council Chambers.
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EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
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Mr. Stewart noted that a ramp will have to be added to the Council dias to meet ADA regulations.
A question was raised as to why this ramp is needed if the dias may be removed in a couple of years. Mr.
Thorbeck Indicated that it is an ADA requirement.
The number of monitors In the new Council Chambers was discussed and whether Council members
will be sharing monitors. Dick Stewart indicated there will be 10 monitors to accommodate the largest
commission. Discussion followed on the costs associated with this electronic equipment. Wachter stated
he feels If the monitors won't be used substantially In the community room, that some of them should be
moved to the new Council Chambers. Administrator Hedges reminded the Council that the community room
Is Intended to be used for overflow in the Council Chambers. Mr. Stewart stated that If the council wants
to move the monitors, he will have to take another look at the room configuration.
A question arose as to what computer capabilities are needed with this system. Mayor Egan stated
he feels computer capabilities should be Installed because they will be utilized in the future. Hunter and
Awada disagreed, noting that technology changes so fast that the equipment will have to be replaced in
several years anyway. Wachter Indicated he would like more information before making a decision on this.
Hunter stated that the two things that are needed are what the use factor will be in the existing Council
Chambers, and the costs associated with this equipment. Awada noted that some of this equipment isn't
needed now anyway. Mr. Stewart stated he can check with other metro cities to see what type of equipment
they have. Masin asked whether the new system will have phone-in capabilities. Mike Reardon, Cable
Coordinator, noted the current system has that capability.
The Council indicated general approval of the city hall floor plans, but asked for additional
Information on the audio-visual system before giving approval to that element.
Dewey Thorbeck reviewed the building materials and samples and showed several types of chairs
to be used for the lobby areas and Council Chambers. The question again arose about moving the Council
dias. Administrator Hedges stated that possibility was explored by the steering committee and it was felt
it wasn't cost effective. Thorbeck added that it Is actually cheaper to build a new one.
Dewey Thorbeck reviewed the carpeting to be used, and showed several types of lighting fixtures
and furniture for the lobby area. Awada stated she doesn't feel money should be put into additional lighting
for this building since it is already over the original estimate. Hunter concurred that the extra lobby lights
are not necessary. Mayor Egan stated he feels the building should mirror the image of the community. He
doesn't think the light fixtures should be eliminated yet. They could be taken out later if necessary. Wachter
stated he doesn't want the building to be exquisite; however, he wants it to be something everyone will be
happy with. He would like to see how the bids come in before making a decision on this. Thorbeck
Indicated he could do the lobby light fixtures as a bid alternate and the Council can decide that when the
bids come in.
The Council reviewed and gave approval to the color samples for the building interiors following
questions concerning specific finishes and their cost. The Council also reviewed several furniture concepts
for the lobby areas and directed staff to incorporate simple, durable furniture with some light oak trim. The
Council reiterated its direction that used and reconditioned furniture be used to the maximum extent
possible.
At this time the Council was joined by the Burnsville City Council and the Cable Commission to
discuss the Commission's role and activities. Cable Coordinator Reardon gave an update on rate regulation
and federal legislation affecting cable rates. The Councils discussed emerging cable television and the
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EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
PAGE 3
Information superhighway and its relationship with cable television. The Councils indicated the importance
of local and government access television and asked how it can be guaranteed in the federal communica-
tions legislation. They requested more frequent updates on the Commission's activities, especially briefings
on emerging technologies.
In particular, the Councils discussed whether the optimum size of service areas for local access
facilities might be larger than those currently served. The Councils asked that the Commission incorporate
a study of the best means of providing and funding local and government access programming in the future.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
DLP
September 27, 1994
Date City Clerk
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the City of Eagan, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122, (612) 681-4600, (TDD phone: (612) 454-8535).
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activities, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex,
disability, age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance.