01/12/2010 - City Council Special
MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2010
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN ROOM – EAGAN MUNICIPAL CAMPUS
City Council members present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Fields, Bakken, Tilley
and Hansen.
City staff present: City Administrator Hedges, Assistant to the City Administrator Miller,
Director of Administrative Services VanOverbeke, Fire Chief Scott, Police Chief McDonald,
Public Works Director Colbert, Community Development Director Hohenstein, Communications
Director Garrison and Parks and Recreation Director Seydell Johnson.
I. ROLL CALL AND AGENDA ADOPTION
Councilmember Tilley moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adopt the
agenda as presented.
Aye: 4; Nay: 0 (Councilmember Fields not yet present)
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
III. JOINT MEETING WITH EAGAN’S LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
Mayor Maguire welcomed State Senator Carlson and Representatives Masin and
Obermuller. Mayor Maguire noted that Representative Hansen and Senator Metzen were unable
to attend this evening.
Mayor Maguire noted that it is the tradition of the City Council to meet with the
legislative delegation at the beginning of each year prior to the start of the legislative session.
Mayor Maguire went on to summarize the legislative priorities and positions for the City of
Eagan, including the City’s focus on three priorities, which are: 1) the need for reform and better
transparency in the relationship between the state and cities in terms of the allocation of state aid,
including the Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC) program; 2) as a result of the current
recession, it is important for cities to have greater flexibility to extend or modify existing Tax
Increment Financing districts that are not currently able to proceed with new development to
generate new tax base until markets stabilize and will support new construction; and 3) allocation
of bonding funds to erect a memorial tribute in Eagan to honor public servants who have lost
their lives in the line of duty.
Councilmember Fields arrived at 5:45 p.m.
Special City Council Minutes
January 12, 2010
Page 2
City Administrator Hedges provided additional information regarding the City’s overall
legislative priorities, including the need for the state to protect City fund balances should the
state look to utilize such fund balances to address the state’s budget deficit.
The City Council and legislative delegation dialogued about the City’s priorities. A
discussion was also held regarding the success of the Northwood Overpass, as well as the need
for additional State transportation funding in the City.
Each member of the legislative delegation provided an update on the key initiatives they
will be working on in 2010.
The City Council recessed at 6:50 p.m. The City Council resumed at 7:02 p.m.
IV. FIRE SAFETY CENTER UPDATE
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that an update is being provided on
plans for the Fire Safety Center and noted that no formal action is required by the Council. Fire
Chief Scott provided additional background on the development of the plans for the Fire Safety
Center.
Tom Ginter, of Bossardt Corporation, reviewed the proposed timeline for the project and
provided an update on the project budget. Sam Bontrager, of SEH Architects, presented updated
design plans to the Council for review and input. Mr. Bontrager also noted the recommendation
of the Finance Committee to include two alternatives with the Fire Safety Center bid, which
would be the interior remodel of Fire Station No. 3 and the remodel of the former Dispatch
Center in the Police Department.
The City Council discussed the progress to-date on the Fire Safety Center design and
budget.
The City Council provided direction for the Finance Committee to continue to review
funding options associated with the Fire Safety Center Project, and also provided direction to
include the two proposed remodeling projects as alternative bids.
V. UPDATE ON CIVIC ARENA GEOTHERMAL GRANT
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that on August 3, 2009 the City
Council approved the application for a 50 percent matching grant as part of the Recovery Act-
Geothermal Technologies Program for Ground Source Heat Pumps. Hedges noted that in
October of 2009, the City was notified that Eagan’s application had been selected for negotiation
leading to an award of $1,338,000. The grant would require a 50 percent match by the City.
Parks and Recreation Director Seydell Johnson provided additional background on the grant,
noting that if the City proceeds with the Geothermal Grant, there may be an opportunity to
leverage the grant dollars in a way to include the replacement of the west rink flooring, which is
estimated to cost approximately $500,000. It was noted that the preliminary cost estimates
indicate that with the geothermal component, combined with the low-E ceilings, will result in the
Special City Council Minutes
January 12, 2010
Page 3
near elimination of natural gas costs for the Civic Arena, which equates to $72,000 in 2009 and
$91,000 in 2008.
The City Council discussed the requirements of the grant program as well as trends in
natural gas costs. The Council directed the Finance Committee to review the proposed
Geothermal Grant, including natural gas projections and their impact on the payback period, as
well as grant requirements and the opportunity to tie in a new west rink floor.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Fields moved, Councilmember Hansen seconded a motion to adjourn the
meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Aye: 5; Nay: 0