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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.b. Minutes of March 10, 2004 City Council Work Sessionr ITEM# 6 B RO CI O NT COUNCIL ROCEEDINGS WORK SESSION MARCH 10, 2004 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council Work Session was held on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Droste and Council Members Riley, Shoe- Corrigan, Strayton, and DeBettignies were present. Also in attendance were City Administrator Verbrugge, Community Development Director Lindquist, Assistant Administrator Weitzel, City Engineer Brotzler, Parks & Recreation Director Schultz, and Finance Director May. DISCUSSIONS Business Park Land Use Community Development Director Lindquist addressed the issue of the potential to have residential projects within close proximity to the Business Park. Currently, the Pahls own 190 acres of property within the Business Park. The Pahls don't want to piece meal the property to developers but would rather develop the property themselves. In order to do this, the Pahls have indicated the need for revenues from residential property sales to jump start industrial development. If the development proceeds, staff is recommending the development of industrial construction concurrent with residential. Director Lindquist cited the key issues to be - heavy industrial and the ability to squeeze in residential without creating access problems, an isolated subdivision, a soft market for Business Park land, and appropriateness of the land use. Staff requested direction from the Council regarding the residential development in and/or next to an industrial area. It was the consensus of the Council that the introduction of residential areas into or next to an industrial site is not a good land use. Fund Balance Excess Reallocation Finance Director May recapped discussions with auditors regarding general funds. During the recent audit most adjustments that affect the general funds have been made. Staff is recommending that we transfer $914,299 from the general fund to the building CIP fund then encumber those funds and set $900,000 aside for the purchase of the library land. Concerns were expressed with encumbering funds and the possibility of exceeding the 55% threshold per the Fund Balance policy. Discussion continued regarding the ability to evenly allocate funds over a number of years for an anticipated expense, and significant fluctuations in the budget. It was the consensus of the Council to move the $914,299 to the building CIP fund for the purchase of land for a library. Administrative Policies Review Assistant Administrator Weitzel advised that currently personnel policies can be found in four separate books as well as in administrative memos. Weitzel noted this is confusing . and administration is difficult. Staff's proposal is to create an Employee Handbook that would combine two types of policies. The first type of policy would require Council action and would include things such as benefits, pay ranges, etc. The second type of policy would be administrative and would be decided by administration. This type would include day to day operations such as dress code, internet usage, etc. Council gave authorization to Weitzel to proceed with this project. 1 ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 10, 2004 Fireworks Ordinance City Administrator Verbrugge reintroduced the fireworks ordinance issues from last year. The ordinance that was prepared for adoption contained language that created a buffer zone around businesses that wanted to sell fireworks. Area businesses had already placed orders and if this ordinance had been adopted, these businesses wouldn't be allowed to sell fireworks. The Fire Marshal revised the proposed ordinance to remove the required buffer zone and added language that required a fire suppression system in the building where fireworks are to be sold. Discussion continued regarding the sale of fireworks from a tent, public safety, buffer zones, and fire suppression systems. Wiklund Property Preservation Park and Recreation Director Schultz presented for discussion the acquisition of the Wiklund property preservation. Schultz stated that the intended use for the Wiklund land would be to preserve the land in its natural state for educational purposes and not create park area with playground equipment or bike trails. As an update Director Schultz stated that the City will not have an appraisal done for this project because the DNR is intending to do their own appraisal. It is anticipated the DNR Metro Greenway program will provide $135,000; Dakota County Natural Areas Program, $250,000; and because the property is located in a wetland, another grant from the DNR has been applied for in the amount of $50,000 for the purchase of this land. A 55'x700' strip of land fronting the Wiklund property is owned by Mr. Bester. Mr. Bester is willing to listen to an offer from the City. Schultz anticipated a $50,000 shortfall for the acquisition of these properties. Mr. Schultz asked if Council would be in support of this project and would be willing to assist financially towards the purchase of these properties. Council expressed their support for this project and is willing to assist financially. UPDATES Athletic Complex Park and Recreation Director Schultz stated that at the last Park & Recreation Commission meeting on February 23, the Commission made'the recommendation to Council to start an active search for land for an athletic complex. Director Schultz distributed a proposed facility list based on forecasted population. Schultz expects to need about 96 acres to meet the projections for the facility. This size facility would accommodate about 30,000 residents. The Commission is asking Council to give staff authorization to start talking about this in order to bring awareness to the community about a possible athletic complex. Council directed staff to move forward with this project. MCES Issues City Engineer Brotzler recapped a meeting with MCES regarding the Empire Outfall Project. Discussion at that meeting centered on the draft agreement for a combined storm water outlet as part of the Empire Outfall project. Brotzler stated the agreement should be in place by early summer. Financing for the project is estimated at five million dollars. 2 ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS ' CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 10, 2004 Brotzler recapped his discussion with MCES regarding the City of Rosemount's sewer capacity. Rosemount Waste Water Treatment Plant provides service for all of Rosemount with the exception of southwest corner. MCES is considering building an interceptor as an alternative to expand sewer capacity to service Rosemount. The interceptor would divert sewage south to the Empire Treatment Facility. Brotzler stated there is enough excess capacity in Empire for the next 25 -30 year period which would accommodate the growth in Rosemount. Brotzler expressed concern with sewer capacity for future development. Staff requested authorization to send Met Council an unofficial land use plan to assist them with their sewer capacity review. Council was in agreement to enlighten Met Council regarding the tremendous amount of growth projected for this area. Updates City Administrator Verbrugge distributed a Memo of Understanding for the SKB Trust Fund. Verbrugge stated the amendments relate to the Interim Use Permit and details how the Trust functions. Modifications are to change the allocation for the money that is generated at the waste facility that goes into the Trust Fund. The proposal would redirect 50% of the fee revenue that goes to the Trust Fund, then onto the City. The money would be specific for items that are in the CIP. The second item provides that the Trust Fund would make a one time contribution in the amount of $500,000 for the acquisition of land for a library. Currently $100,000 is being allocated for community distribution annually. The amendment would provide for annual increases each year that would be a percentage equal to the consumer price index or at the percentage increase of residential population of Rosemount whichever number is greater. Further modifications indicate that extensive end use landscaping for this site will not be mandated. The development commitment details how the Trust Fund operates and states that it will be in force for fifteen years. A summary was provided by Mayor Droste regarding the National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference in Washington DC. City Engineer Brotzler presented an update regarding County Road 38 east of Highway 3. Brotzler stated that it was the County's intention to turn this back to the City. A proposal will be forthcoming in the next couple of months. Brotzler expressed concern regarding County Road 38, from Highway 3 to Akron Avenue, which is a dirt road, because it is the MUSA line and the City is limited to levy assessments to the south side. Development is strong in this area, and could prompt a Comprehensive Guide Plan amendment. Engineer Brotzler addressed the issue of possibly doing a study for the reconstruction of CR38 to get cost estimates so when properties are platted, we know what we are looking at for dollars. If the turn back occurs, the cost would be eligible for State aid. The regular City Council Work Session was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Maryann Stoffel Recording Secretary 3 ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 10, 2004 The City Council's Agenda Packet is Clerk's File 2004 -09. 4