03/21/2000 - City Council Special
00075
MINUTES OF A
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
March 21, 2000
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, March 21,2000 at
5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center Building. Present were Mayor Awada and
Council members Blomquist, Carlson and Masin. Council member Bakken was absent on
military duty. Also present were Senior Planner Ridley, Director of Finance VanOverbeke
and City Administrator Hedges.
AGENDA
Councilmember Masin moved, Council member Carlson seconded a motion to
approve the agenda as presented. Aye: 4 Nay: 0
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Awada asked if there were any visitors to be heard; there was no one in the
audience to speak under "visitors to be heard".
MET COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE/CAROLYN RODRIGUEZ
Mayor Awada introduced the City of Eagan's Metropolitan Council Representative,
Carolyn Rodriguez, and invited her to share an update on activities currently under review by
the Metropolitan Council. Metropolitan Council Representative Rodriguez stated that things
were going well with the Met Council's review of the City of Eagan's Comprehensive Guide
Plan. She further stated that action by TAB for the upgrade of the MVT A transit station at the
Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob Road intersection is on schedule. Representative Rodriguez
stated that this MVT A transit station site has a strong commercial and residential density and
the final approval should be given at an upcoming Metropolitan Council meeting.
Representative Rodriguez also stated that the Met Council is attempting a more
integrated approach basis to the review and acceptance of Comprehensive Guide Plans. She
stated that the review of development plans must connect with transportation planning. She
also stated that a major issue that is before a 24 member Land Use Planning Committee at the
Met Council is an effort for containment of urban sprawl which has encouraged greater use of
mass transit and encourages the reverse commute.
Representative Rodriguez emphasized the need for affordable housing opportunities
for employees and seniors and spoke to a grant the City of Mendota Heights has received for a
mixed use housing and transit development. Mayor Awada stated that the City has provided
several housing opportunities for seniors in the City. Representative Rodriguez stated that
housing is necessary for seniors and for those starting out in their careers, such as teachers and
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Special City Council Meeting Minutes
March 21, 2000
Page 2
other similar professions. She stated that it is becoming necessary to link housing with
employment opportunities. City Councilmember Masin asked if the housing element is okay
as presented in the Comprehensive Guide Plan. Representative Rodriguez stated that the
housing plan is acceptable and added that the amount of high density is under review with the
City.
City Councilmember Carlson asked about the MUSA line expansion. Representative
Rodriguez stated that this is an issue with the Met Council's objective to contain urban sprawl
and stated that fee structures might be changed to reflect the true cost of new development.
Representative Rodriguez also stated that the Met Council is moving toward an objective to
rehabilitate housing units for the purpose of preserving the housing stock in the core cities.
Mayor Awada stated that the City of Eagan is considering a property maintenance ordinance
that will help preserve the community's housing stock.
Council member Masin addressed renumbering of gates at the International Airport
stating that there could be some confusion for passengers and users at the airport.
Representative Rodriguez commented on the need for the renumbering.
Mayor Awada thanked Metropolitan Council Representative Carolyn Rodriguez for
her attendance and update and for appearing at the City Council meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
TLH
MARCH 21, 2000
Date
-IYlcuuLt)OJUh
City Clerk