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09/09/2003 - City Council Special MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2003 5:30 P.M. EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER - COMMUNITY ROOM I. ROLL CALL AND AGENDA ADOPTION City Councilmembers present: Mayor Geagan, Councilmember Fields and Councilmember Maguire (Councilmembers Carlson and Tilley were not present). Staff present: City Administrator Hedges, Assistant to the City Administrator Lord, Director of Community Development Hohenstein, Senior Planner Ridley, Director of Administrative Services VanOverbeke and City Attorney Dougherty. City Administrator Hedges informed the Council that Councilmember Tilley would not be present, as she is out of state visiting an ill family member. Hedges also noted that Councilmember Carlson would not be present due to an injury. Councilmember Fields moved; Councilmember Maguire seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Aye: 3, Nay: 0 II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard. III. CONSIDERATION OF CITY CODE AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE VALID REGULATION FOR VENDOR BOXES City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that per the request of the City Council, further research was conducted regarding the City's ability to restrict news racks, news stands, or vendor boxes, such as those used to provide Job Digs employment guides. City Administrator Hedges informed the City Council that per discussions with the City Attorney, the City is not able to license vendor boxes, however, the City can restrict the boxes by location as long as the locations are reasonable in the eyes of the law. The City Council discussed public safety concerns, aesthetics, etc., regarding the vendor boxes. The Council also discussed the City of Crystal's code, which restricts vendor boxes. Councilmember Fields moved; Councilmember Maguire seconded a motion to include on the September 16 Consent Agenda an item directing the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance amendment modeled after the City of Crystal in regard to the restriction of vendor boxes. Also included in the motion was direction for the agenda item to include restrictions regarding chaining of vendor boxes to City poles. Aye: 3, Nay: 0 Special City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2003 Page 2 IV. DIRECTION REGARDING DONATION OF HISTORIC HOMES City Administrator Hedges introduced the item, noting that per the Council's direction, staff researched the cost to relocate the historic home currently located on the property owned by Mr. and Mrs. Copeland, as well as the home located on the former Sanford property, now being developed by Manley Development, Inc. City Administrator Hedges provided a summary of the Historical Society's input regarding the two homes. In the comments prepared by the Historical Society, they noted that there was not a lot of internal historic value in the former Sanford home; however, there are five other properties in Eagan with historic value, including the home located on the Copeland site. The City Council discussed the cost and value of preserving the two homes. The City Council directed that the Historical Society provide more information regarding the five properties that were noted as having historical value, and set criteria for determining historical value of property. The Council also asked that the Historical Society discuss potential uses for the properties with historic value. The Council also requested that the home located on the Copeland property also be included in the Historical Society's analysis. V. CONSIDERATION LETTER/RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR METRO GREENWAYS APPLICATION/CAPONI STUDY COMMITTEE UPDATE City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that the Caponi Study Committee, which includes Councilmembers Carlson and Maguire, has been in ongoing communication regarding the Caponi property. Hedges stated that the Committee has requested that the Council consider providing a letter or resolution of support to accompany the Metro Greenways Grant Application being submitted by Mr. Caponi. Hedges presented a draft resolution for the Council's consideration. Councilmember Maguire noted the work that has been done thus far by the Council's subcommittee regarding preparation of an agreement for purchase of a portion of the Caponi property. Maguire stated that the City cannot commit to details of a funding plan at this time; however, the City can offer support of preserving the land through a resolution. Councilmember Fields moved; Councilmember Maguire seconded a motion to support the resolution supporting Mr. Caponi's application for the DNR Metro Greenways Grant. Aye: 3, Nay:O VI. UPDATE AND DISCUSSION FOR CEDAR GROVE REDEVELOPMENT AREA City Administrator Hedges introduced the item, noting that the City Council requested an opportunity to review the current status of the Cedar Grove Redevelopment Area and discuss policy issues and program elements that pertain to the continued implementation of redevelopment activities in the Cedar Grove area. Hedges introduced Community Development Director Hohenstein, who presented a summary of the history of the Cedar Grove Redevelopment Area, as well as the current status and potential future plans for the area. Hohenstein also summarized the project accomplishments to date in the Cedar Grove area. Special City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2003 Page 3 Hohenstein introduced Ms. Mary Bujold of Maxfield Research, Inc., who presented a report on an updated market study for the Cedar Grove area. Ms. Bujold and Mr. Jim Prosser, of Ehlers and Associates, discussed with the City Council the market study's implications for the redevelopment programs contemplated in the various sub-districts of the Cedar Grove area. The City Council recessed at 6:50 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 7:03 p.m. The City Council discussed the process being taken with developers in the Cedar Grove area. The Council also discussed the importance of transit in the area, including light rail and/or bus transit. The City Council also discussed the various land use opportunities available in the area. The Council, along with Director Hohenstein and Ms. Bujold, discussed the timing of redevelopment. Ms. Bujold and Mr. Prosser both noted that redevelopment often takes an incremental approach, as projects underway provide a stimulus for future development. The City Council discussed the traffic constraints that exist in the Cedar Grove area. Hohenstein noted that the road improvements that have been made in the Cedar Grove area have increased traffic capacity; however, traffic constraints still remain. The City Council thanked Director Hohenstein for the very helpful presentation, and it was noted that the next step is for the two absent City Councilmembers to view the tape of the presentation, and schedule Council discussion either at the September 16 City Council meeting or at a workshop in October. The Council inquired when a final vision needs to be determined; to which City Administrator Hedges noted that a final decision on the vision is not needed immediately, however, a decision must be made sometime soon for redevelopment to be successful. The City Council discussed the long term visions and goals for the Cedar Grove area and noted that the goals would be reaffirmed at the September 16 City Council meeting. The City Council discussed forming a subcommittee to address the Cedar Grove Redevelopment Area, including certain financial questions; however, the Council chose to withhold a decision on who would make up the committee until the September 16 City Council meeting. The City Council discussed the proposed changes to the Nicols Ridge Development, as the agreement has been reassigned from Delta Development to US Homes. The City Council discussed the modifications being proposed. Director Hohenstein introduced Mark Parranto of Delta Development and Bill Pritchard of US Homes. Mr. Pritchard provided a history of US Homes development, including development in Eagan. Pritchard also explained the product being proposed for the Nicols Ridge Development. The City Council discussed the changes in architecture being proposed. The City Council voiced their support for the proposed architectural changes. The Council also was in consensus that the phasing and performance guidelines for the Nicols Ridge Development are acceptable. The City Council discussed the financing mechanisms for the Cedar Grove Redevelopment Area, in particular, its designation as a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. The City Council, along with Community Development Director Hohenstein, discussed the next steps in the redevelopment process and financial questions that remain. City Administrator Hedges summarized the discussions regarding the Cedar Grove Redevelopment process, and noted that tapes of the September 9,2003 City Council workshop would be provided to Councilmembers Carlson and Tilley. Hedges also noted that the formation ofa Cedar Grove Area subcommittee will be included on the September 16 City Council meeting agenda. Councilmember Maguire moved; Councilmember Fields seconded a motion to recess the City Council meeting at 8: 13 p.m. Special City Council Meeting Minutes September 9,2003 Page 4 VII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY The City Council convened as the Economic Development Authority (see September 9,2003 Economic Development Authority minutes). Councilmember Fields moved; Councilmember Maguire seconded a motion to reconvene as the City Council. Aye: 3, Nay: 0 VIII. OTHER BUSINESS Consider Revised TIF Development Plan / US Home Corporation Councilmember Fields moved; Councilmember Maguire seconded a motion to continue the Consideration of a Revised TIF Development Plan / US Home Corporation. Aye: 3, Nay: 0 Silver Bell Liquor City Administrator Hedges inquired with the City Council about a new ownership proposal of Silver Bell Liquor. Councilmember Fields noted that the establishment needs a new owner, rather than a relative of the previous owner. The City Council was in agreement with Councilmember Fields. IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION City Administrator Hedges announced the following items that would be discussed in Executive Session: I.) Reiling v. The City of Eagan 2.) JP 47 Condemnation 3.) Dodd Road Assessment 4.) Legal Action by Doris Dahline v. The City of Eagan and Keystone Development The City Council entered into executive session. X. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Maguire moved; Councilmember Fields seconded a motion to adjourn the City Council workshop at 8:30 p.m. Aye: 3, Nay: 0