11/02/1993 - City Council Special
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MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
November 2, 1993
A Special City Council meeting was held on Tuesday, November 2, 1993 at 4:30 p.m. for the
purpose of continuing discussion on the proposed Municipal Center/Public Safety Building Project. Those
present were Mayor Egan and City Councilmembers Awada, Hunter, Masin and Wachter. Also present were
Director of Finance VanOverbeke, Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa, Volunteer Fire District Chief Dilola,
Director of Public Works Colbert, Director of Community Development Reichert, Chief of Police Geagan,
Chief Building Official and Project Manager Reid, Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein and City
Administrator Hedges. Also in attendance were Mike Stowe, E & V Construction Management, and Dewey
Thorbeck, Thorbeck Architects.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT/MANN THEATER
City Council member Awada asked that the City Council briefly review an issue she raised to the City
Administrator concerning the proposed development agreement for the Mann Theater project. She stated
there Is an inconsistency with Condition #29 of the September 29 City Council minutes which granted the
approval of the Mann Theater development and Exhibit D as presented by the developer. City Administrator
Hedges explained that the City Council minutes referenced by City Councilmember Awada specifically state
'a maximum of one restaurant may be considered on the eastern side of the unplatted portion of Outiot G
and a proof of parking of 55 stalls for the theater shall be designated on the west side of the parcel for a
minimum of one year from the date of the theater opening.' He further stated that Exhibit B, submitted with
the proposed development agreement, positions the restaurant on the western side of the unplatted portion
of Outlot G and the proof of parking on the eastern side which Is different from the official minutes. Director
of Community Development Reichert stated that at the direction of the City Administrator, the discrepancy
was researched and it appears that there was confusion late In the meeting as to whether the proof of
parking stated In Condition 29 meant east of the Town Centre shops or on the east side of Outlot G after
listening to an audiotape of the meeting. She also stated that from a planning perspective, if a restaurant
is to be developed as a part of Outlot G, the building is better placed on the west side for visibility,
aesthetics and access. She also Indicated that locating the restaurant on the eastern side of the outlot
would place the facility adjacent to Blue Cross Blue Shield encouraging parking on their property. Director
of Community Development Reichert also stated that the developer, Mr. Martin Colon representing Federal
Land Company, feels that a restaurant location could only work on the western portion of the property and
also has Indicated that the residual piece may be used for an office type building if the proof of parking Is
no longer necessary after a one year analysis. City Councilmembers appreciated the explanation and
clarification stating that the matter would be further addressed at the regular City Council meeting on
November 2 when the item is scheduled for official action.
MUNICIPAL CENTER/PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING PROGRAM
City Administrator Hedges stated that the purpose of the meeting is to focus on a building alternative
for the Municipal Center/Public Safety Building Program. He stated that seven (7) alternatives have been
reviewed which include Alternatives 1 through 5 and 4A and 5A. City Administrator Hedges further stated
that after holding meetings on October 12 and 19 and the field trip on Monday, October 25, Alternatives 4A
and 5A Including City Council modifications, appeared to be the consensus alternatives. He briefly reviewed
the background, highlighting efforts of the focus groups and steering committee, reviewed eight (8) Council
Issues that had been raised during the last ten (10) days requiring present or future direction and the
concept plan preferred by the steering committee, which is 5A.
Page 2/EAGAN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
November 2, 1993
Mr. Thorbeck reviewed concept drawings for three (3) alternatives and further stated that a selection
criteria sheet he completed on all three (3) alternatives provides the strongest recommendation for
Alternative 5A. Mr. Stowe provided a cost analysis of all three (3) alternatives. The total project costs
ranged from $6 million to $6.3 million when considering ultimate build-out. The range between the costs
of the alternatives Is 5%.
Further Council consideration was given to proper footprint and schematic design to allow detailed
plans and specifications to move forward. It was suggested that the preliminary building program should
anticipate the City's needs for the next ten years with the flexibility to expand and remodel as necessary
beyond that point. The Council discussed the scale of costs In the context of the needs Identified. Wachter
stated that past experience with building projects suggested that the City not short-change itself In the short-
run because It would have to pay a premium for the same improvements later. There was further discussion
regarding the need to meet space needs effectively while being cost conscious for the overall project.
Certain design details were identified as requiring additional information. In particular, the Council
requested additional information on cost savings associated with a 16 hour holding facility for the Police
Department rather than a 72 hour holding facility which had been discussed earlier in the process. In
addition, the Council did not decide whether to include a new City Council Chambers on the main level of
the remodeled City facility or not.
It was pointed out that the costs of the freestanding police facility were relatively well defined
regardless of the details associated with the municipal center remodeling. As such, the Council could adopt
a preferred alternative to allow detailed plans and specifications for the public safety building while
continuing to review the remodeling and reuse of the existing building. Upon motion by Wachter, seconded
by Hunter, all members voting In favor, the City Council directed the Steering Committee, architect and
construction manager to move ahead with floor plan alternative 5A consisting of a new police facility and
remodeling of the municipal center to Incorporate administrative and fire space needs. As part of the
direction, the Council deferred a decision on the new City Council Chambers and the extent of the full
basement until a later date.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Special City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
TLH
November 2, 1993 to,
Date City Clerk