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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.c. Minutes of March 9,2005 Work SessionI2 ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 9, 2005 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council Work Session was held on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at 7:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The later start time was due to Dakota Electric's Partners in Progress program held in Eagan, Minnesota. Mayor Droste and Council Members Shoe Corrigan, Sterner, Baxter and DeBettignies were present. Also in attendance were City Administrator Verbrugge, City Engineer Brotzler, Community Development Director Lindquist, Finance Director May, Police Chief Kalstabakken, Parks and Recreation Director Schultz, Communications Coordinator Cox, and Water Resource Coordinator Donnelly. DISCUSSION Resident Survey/Decision Resources City Administrator Verbrugge introduced Dr. Bill Morris from Decision Resource Ltd. to give an overview of the recent phone survey in Rosemount. Since 1997, the City has undertaken surveys approximately every two years to measure resident's satisfaction and help direct staff and City Council on goals and priorities. Dr. Moms reported that the average phone call was 37 minutes in length. The longest call was over two hours which set a new record for survey responses. The survey has a correction factor of or 5 points. Dr. Morris presented the survey results in comparison to the last four surveys. The population has increased to over 20,000 and most people who have moved into Rosemount in the last two years have come from other cities in Dakota County. One out of five residents was from out -of- state, and 36% of the population was over 55 years of age. Rosemount received excellent scores in city service satisfaction putting it in the top 25% of all metropolitan suburban ratings Residents were not interested in raising taxes to expand services. Residents felt safe at home and felt crime was down. Residents showed a strong sense of neighborhood with 25% participating in block parties. The question for an athletic complex showed the highest support for a youth center, then a senior center, next an aquatic center, and last a ice sheet. Dr. Morris noted that those interested in swimming included senior citizens. Residents had concerns about the new growth here and wanted the small town feel to remain. Dr. Morris explained that key questions are rotated from their location within the survey, first, middle or last sections, in order to avoid the influence of fatigue on the resident which may affect their answers. Dr. Moms said that if a referendum is being considered the residents would need to be educated about the need and cost. Lebanon Hills Regional Park Stormwater City Engineer Brotzler presented a map that showed the 11,000 -acre water shed in Rosemount that flows north into Eagan and Lebanon Hills Regional Park area. Rosemount has not diverted the water flow in this area. It is all rural residential lots, mostly undeveloped land. Dakota County Parks and the City of Eagan are looking for solutions to the flooding that has occurred over the past few years. When the Dakota County Parks developed Lebanon Hills Regional Park in 1980 they choose not to accommodate Eagan's need for additional storm water drainage with larger pipes. Brotzler presented a draft resolution outlining a policy for Rosemount to manage drainage in the 11,000 -acre water shed. Eagan proposed two solutions; 1) hold all the water in 1 ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 9, 2005 Rosemount at a cost of $1.5 million; or 2) upgrade Eagan's system at a cost of $900,000 to $1,090,000. Engineer Pete Willenbring, WSB Associates, Inc. noted in his memo dated January 21, 2005, that there are approximately 20 ponds available to store runoff in the Rosemount watershed. A ten -day snowmelt could be contained in these basins. These basins are on private property, so permission from the property owners would be needed unless the City undertakes condemnation proceedings. City Engineer Brotzler suggested that Rosemount contributes about one -third the area so an improvement to the Eagan lift station could be split three ways with Dakota County Parks and City of Eagan. Mr. Brotzler noted that in a 1980 report for the Vermillion River Watershed, Rosemount was mistakenly reported as being entirely in that watershed. The northern section of Rosemount has 11,000 acres that drain north to Eagan. City Council Member Shoe Corrigan noted that preserving open space is a benefit to all residents. She noted that partnering, to be part of the solution, is better than being part of the perceived problem. Mayor Droste noted that in 1993 the Comprehensive Guide Plan met with strong opposition from the Metropolitan Council to develop higher density than rural residential. Eagan followed that recommendation on their southern border and Rosemount kept rural residential zoning on their northern border. Mayor Droste did not agree with the DNR action to stock Holland Lake with trout which requires stricter preservation regulations. Council Member DeBettignies noted that a cooperative solution is good, but Rosemount is not part of the problem. DeBettignies said the drainage was not planned out properly. Mayor Droste noted that there may be group assessments for the Vermillion River Watershed preservation in the amount of $5 million. Council Member Baxter was willing to spend some money to be a good neighbor but it must serve a benefit directly to Rosemount and be a reasonable cost. It was noted that future councils may not agree. City Administrator Verbrugge and City Engineer Brotzler were directed to draft a letter to the City of Eagan and Dakota County Parks Department presenting cooperation with willing property owners to manage storm water. Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan City Engineer Brotzler is recommending amendments to the Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan written in 1998. This established wetland management strategies and objectives in relation to land development. The plan is designed to maximize the benefit that surface waters can provide to the environment and community. The amendments recognize new legislation affecting wetland management which protect and preserve higher quality wetlands. City staff formed a wetland task force consisting of Water Resource Coordinator Chad Donnelly, Utilities Commissioner Joan Schnieder, Planning Commissioner John Powell, Planning Commissioner Weisensel, WSB Engineer Andi Moffatt, and Council Member Kim Shoe Corrigan. Mr. Brotzler said a public hearing will be held April 5, 2005 at the regular City Council meeting for the first reading of the amendments. Mayor Droste called for a ten minute break. The meeting resumed at 9:40 p.m. Budget Encumbrances Finance Director Jeff May made a presentation on the General Fund balance and encumbrances for the 2004 budget. The Fund Balance Policy dictates that reserves are to be held at 55% of the 2 ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 9, 2005 next year's operating budget. Rosemount is fortunate to have increased residential building going on that will supply additional income for Rosemount. The Brockway development will not be on the tax rolls for several years because it is part of a a Tax Increment Financing District. Finance Director May reported that staff is instructed to be conservative and they are told they do not have to spent it or lose it at the end of each year. The State Legislators will more than likely remove the Market Value Homestead Credit which will lower State aid for Rosemount. Staff recommends it would be best to reflect the 55% final year -end fund balance without encumbering for this potential cut. It will be reviewed after the legislative session is over. The reserves help cover these types of changes. Mayor Droste noted that it is not appropriate for govennnent to have savings accounts because the residents should be able to have those savings under their own control. City Administrator Verbrugge noted some large expenses coming up; 1) the architects report on St. Joseph's potential use and 2) bonding on Fire Station #2. The amount to be redesignated to the CIP Funds is $590,000 for building projects. Liquor License Ordinance Amendments Police Chief Kalstabakken and Community Development Director Lindquist presented the liquor ordinance that currently restricts the total number of on -sale liquor licenses to six. It also restricts the on -sale "bar" (Type A) from being located adjacent to or within 300 `of County Road 42. The two existing bars, Celts and Shenanigans, are located on Highway 3. Class B liquor licenses require 51% food and non alcoholic beverage sales. The proposed amendments adopt the provisions of MN State Statute and, in addition, restricts the number of Class A licenses to two (2). Community Development Director Lindquist noted that residents have indicated they would like to have more good restaurants that serve liquor. The past council desired the development along CR 42 to offer more retail opportunities than just bars so they added more restrictions. Discussion ensued regarding the necessity now for the CR 42 restriction. Council Member Sterner hoped that if any relocations of the two existing bars would occur, staff and Council would be helpful in relocating them in Rosemount. Lindquist noted that Rosemount has limited inventory of parcels available for development. Council Members Baxter, DeBettignies, and Sterner were okay with bars on CR 42. Mayor Droste noted that the townhome owners on 151 West, south of CR 42 would not be pleased with allowing bars there. Council Member Shoe Corrigan reminded Council that this may also be an issue when the intersection at CR 42 and TH 52 are reguided. Staff was directed to place this on the agenda under Old Business for discussion and action on March 15, 2005. 800 MHz Radio Police Chief Kalstabakken presented an update on information related to the transition to an 800 MHz radio system. This transition was recommended as part of a mandated radio study and plan that was prepared for Dakota County Public Safety agencies beginning in 1997 and last updated in 2004. Dakota County will pay for the building of the infrastructure needed for the 800 MHz system. It is quite likely that the implementation of the 800 MHz system will result in some consolidation of dispatch centers. There are currently six dispatch centers in Dakota County. The move to 800 MHz and consolidation of dispatch centers are separate issues but intricately related. The cost of 800 MHz and the allocation of grant money from the Metro Radio Board encourages the consolidation efforts. 3 ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 9, 2005 There are two separate groups working on similar aspects of the radio system implementation within Dakota County. The groups are the 800 MHz implementation group and the HiPP dispatch consolidation group. Each has sub committees working on design and policy issues. Although separate working groups, the groups have common membership and are sharing information. Because of timelines related to the spending of grant funds and the need to submit a plan to the Metro Radio Board, decisions are being made quickly. This does not directly impact Rosemount, but does impact the cities that operate dispatch centers. Rosemount will not need to make a decision on dispatch options until at least the time when any consolidated 800 MHz dispatch center is functional. At that time, Rosemount may still remain contracting with Eagan for dispatch services or switch to the 800 MHz system. Because Eagan just updated their radio system, it is likely they will continue to operate their center for a few years after the 800 MHz system is operational. Rosemount has a very favorable financial agreement with Eagan in comparison to other contracting cities within Dakota County. It is anticipated that Rosemount's only cost to transition to the 800 MHz system will be the replacement of portable and mobile radios. These radios are more costly than the current VHF radios, costing about $2000 each for the portables. Council will be updated as additional information is learned and as Rosemount moves into the decision making time period. UPDATES Park Signs Parks and Recreation Director Schultz displayed new signs recommended for identifying Rosemount's parks with the new city logo. The six signs with Rosemount's marketing Visual Identity System (VIS) were budgeted for in 2004 and 2005. The material is a durable plastic lumber with green background and white lettering. There will be a landscaped area around each sign. Council agreed to complete the new signs for the Family Resource Center, Bloomfield Park, Birch Park, Claret Park, Jaycee Park and Winds Park. Mayor Droste asked about additional signs to be placed at Schwarz Pond Park and Erickson park. Mr. Schultz will look at funding resources to determine if additional signs can be ordered. Fire Station #2 City Administrator Verbrugge reported that the architect is ahead of schedule and a public hearing is scheduled for April 5, 2005 at the regular City Council meeting. The bond must state a not -to exceed cost which is recommended at $2.63 million. Moody Bond Rating will complete a community tour soon in the hope of upgrading the City's rating. Mayor Droste reported that the Fire Department has strong support for the new fire station. Staff did receive one negative phone call from a resident against the fire station and the library due to tax increases. Volunteer Recognition Rosemount will host an appreciation dinner on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 for people that have contributed to the community. This will include people in local organizations, schools, city commissions, staff, and police reserves. Alan Cox will be looking for nominations to recognize people for their accomplishments. 4 ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 9, 2005 Council briefly discussed ordering new shirts with the new VIS on it. It was thought that residents would be interested in ordering Rosemount shirts from the web page, newsletter, and at Leprechaun Days. City Administer Verbrugge noted a resident of Rosemount Woods Mobile Home Park requested an ordinance be developed to protect the home value of the residents there. This will likely be discussed at a future work session. The City Council and City Staff recommended planning a goal setting session on April 22nd and 23' with Craig Raputty to discuss a fifteen -year vision. Mayor Droste noted that the American Legion was honoring the police officer and Firefighter of the year on March 12. Council Members Baxter, DeBettigmes, Sterner and Shoe -Comgan will attend. The meeting will be noticed. Motion by Mayor Droste to adjourn the meeting at 11:20 p.m. Second by Sterner. Ayes: Five. Motion carried. Linda Jentink, City Clerk Recording Secretary The City Council's Agenda Packet is Clerk's File 2005 -10. 5