HomeMy WebLinkAbout04A - Draft June 15 Meeting Minutes
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Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2009
DRAFT
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Present were Mayor Haugen, Councilors Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar, City Attorney Pace, Public
Works Director Albrecht, Parks and Fleet Supervisor Friedges, Transportation Services Director Kansier,
Community DevelopmenUNatural Resources Director Parr, Finance Director Erickson, Assistant City Man-
ager Meyer, Administrative Assistant Green and Communications Coordinator Peterson.
PUBLIC FORUM
The Public Forum is intended to afford the public an opportunity to address concerns to the City Council on
any subject that is of community interest, provides information required by the Council to complete its du-
ties or is provided by agencies representing citizens of Prior Lake. The Public Forum will be no longer than
30 minutes in length and each speaker will have no more than ten minutes to speak. The City Council will
not take formal action on Public Forum presentations.
Assistant City Manager Meyer explained the concept of the public forum.
Comments:
Mark Peller, 3065 Lake Haven Court, President of Prior Lake Athletics for Youth (PLAY), spoke regarding
the lighting at Ryan Park stating he also addressed the Parks Advisory Committee during the public hear-
ing. Stated he is thankful for PLAY's partnership with the City to serve the youth of the City. Wants to ex-
tend the hours that the lights are on at Ryan Park to 11 p.m. which would be in line with the Ponds and
Memorial Parks and would accommodate baseball and softball tournaments. Having the flexibility to have
lights on allows games in the tournament scheduled to be finished.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Haugen moved item 7C, Presentation on Habitat for Humanity, to Old Business so the Council
could take action if desired.
MOTION BY MILLAR, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS MODIFIED.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
MOTION BY MillAR, SECONDED BY ERICKSON TO APPROVE THE JUNE 1, 2009, MEETING
MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson and Millar. Hedberg and leMair abstained due to their absence at the
meeting. The motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Assistant City Manager Meyer reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.
A. Consider Approval of Invoices to be Paid.
B. Consider Approval of Treasurer's Report.
www.cityofpriorlake.com
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Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245
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C. Consider Approval of Building Permit Report.
D. Consider Approval of Animal Warden Report.
E. Consider Approval of Fire Call Report.
F. Consider Approval of Resolution 09.086 Approving the 2009 Prior Lake Outlet Channel Joint
Powers Agreement Reimbursement.
G. Consider Approval of Resolution 09.087 Declaring Radios and Water Treatment Equipment as
Surplus and Directing Disposal.
H. Consider Approval of Resolution 09.088 Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Joint Powers
Agreement with the City of Chaska for the 2009 PGA Championship.
I. Consider Approval Resolution 09.089 Approving an Agreement to Allow the Temporary Storage of
a Structure on the Property at 16037 Tahinka Place NW.
J. Consider Approval of a Temporary Liquor License Extension for Basement Bar & Grill.
K. Consider Approval of Refuse Hauler Permit Renewals for 2009-2010.
L. Consider Approval of a Taxicab License for Safe Transport LLC.
M. Consider Approval of Resolution 09.090 Approving the Conditions for Issuing Building Permits for
the Bluffs of Northwood Meadows.
N. Consider Approval of Resolution 09.091 Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Execute a
Cooperative Agreement with Scott County for the McKenna Road and CR 42 Intersection Signal
Construction.
O. Consider Approval of Resolution 09.092 Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Execute a
Cooperative Agreement with Scott County for the CR 83 Reconstruction.
Councilor Hedberg requested that item 5N, Consider Approval of Resolution 09.091 Authorizing the
Mayor and City Manager to Execute a Cooperative Agreement with Scott County for the McKenna Road
and CR 42 Intersection Signal Construction, be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Councilor Millar requested that item 5L, Consider Approval of a Taxicab License for Safe Transport LLC,
be removed from the Consent Agenda.
MOTION BY ERICKSON, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
MODIFIED.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried.
Hedberg: Commented regarding the intersection signal that anticipated traffic growth with the opening of a
YMCA will qualify with proper warrants for installing a signal light and that the project was submitted for
stimulus funding. Asked when the City will receive final notice on whether or not it will receive such fund-
ing.
Albrecht: MnDOT has initiated the process for receiving the money. Hope to have the final letter of ap-
proval in 4-6 weeks. Construction will not begin until the approval letter is received.
Hedberg: Delighted to receive stimulus money and the signal will be needed when the YMCA opens.
Millar: Stated that the service of late night cabs to provide safe transport fulfills a safety issue in our com-
munity.
MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY MILLAR TO APPROVE ITEM 5L, A TAXICAB LICENSE FOR
SAFE TRANSPORT LLC; AND ITEM 5N, RESOLUTION 09.091 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH SCOTT COUNTY FOR THE
MCKENNA ROAD AND CR 42 INTERSECTION SIGNAL CONSTRUCTION.
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VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried.
PRESENTATION
Consider Approval of a Report Relating to Emerald Ash Borer
Parks and Fleet Supervisor Friedges provided information on the life cycle of the Emerald Ash Borer,
symptoms of infestation and procedures 0 follow if detected. Spoke of its origination and how it spreads.
Noted that injections can save individual tree, but injections must be continued throughout the life of the
tree. Commented on plans developed with Scott County to assure consistent action in the event the EAB
is found in Scott County, including identifying an area to stockpile the wood of ash trees that are taken
down. The City intends meet with SCALE to consider partnerships opportunities for sharing equipment
and personnel to respond to EAB.
Comments:
LeMair: Expressed concern that Prior Lake is on the cutting edge of plans to contain the spread of the
infestation questioning why other groups have not been proactive in trying to find solutions. Asked what the
average caliper inch size of a ten-year old tree is.
Friedges: Replied that a ten-year-old tree would be approximately 10-12 caliper inches and would have to
be injected every two to three years for the rest of its life cycle to save it.
leMair: Asked if the wood of an infected tree can be burned.
Friedges: Within the quarantine area.
LeMair: Asked if the wood in the stockpiled area will be burned.
Friedges: Replied it would probably be ground up and the materials used for mulch on trails or burned in
energy plants. Added that the EAB cannot survive in wood that is ground to a size of less than one inch.
Erickson: Asked how an ash tree can be identified.
Friedges: Replied that ash has a seven-leaf grouping that is distinctive and suggested that people search
online for pictures and a description.
Erickson: Suggested that such pictures be placed on the City Website.
Millar: Asked if there is a plan for how to handle this in public areas of the City.
Friedges: Replied that a plan will be based on the Department of Agriculture determination of how wide-
spread it is. Stated that if it is already widespread, it cannot be slowed; but if it is detected early and trees
are removed outside the perimeter of the detection area, it can be slowed. Slowing the infestation will allow
spreading the cost of removal and replanting.
Hedberg: Commented that the City cherishes its tree cover and it sounds as if there would be a chance to
reforest if infestation is slowed. Asked if the City is beginning to plant new trees near where ash trees cur-
rently grow.
Friedges: Replied that the tree planting budget has not increased in the last few years and those efforts
may have to be stepped up. Stated that the City has been diversifying its tree planting program with 20
different species for a long time, in order to avoid the impact of something like EAB. Added that if a dis-
tressed ash is found when the Parks Department is conducting its usual tree removal, it will be taken down
at that time.
Haugen: Expressed appreciation that staff has been involved with other cities and SCALE to devise a
complete and cost effective approach.
Consider Approval of a Report Identifying Proposed 2009 Budget Reductions
Finance Director Erickson identified projected General Fund revenue shortfalls for 2009. Reviewed the
reduction in expenditures already undertaken and explained that staff worked collaboratively to identify fur-
ther budget reductions in the event that they are needed. Efforts were made to minimize impact on current
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services. Suggested things to consider for 2010 shortfalls including review of services, contracts and forti-
fication of revenue sources.
Comments:
Hedberg: Commented that the City is facing tight economic conditions. Noted that this 2009 reduction is
about seven percent of the General Fund budget. Pointed out that the first $226,000 cut from the budget
last fall had a direct tax impact; and this additional $475,000 reflects reduced revenues from fees, etc.,
which are revenue sources other than taxes. This cut will not have an effect on the tax burden of residents
and businesses. Asked what amounts of salaries are proposed to be reallocated to enterprise funds.
J. Erickson: Replied that it is approximately $90,000-$95,000.
Hedberg: Stated that he watches the transfer of monies closely and believes that this transfer of funds is
realistic for a portion of the engineering and public works departments to be allocated to enterprise funds as
that is where the work is being done. Will look at the analysis to assure that such allocations can be ap-
plied over time. Clarified that the contingency fund will be reduced by $27,191 to achieve the $475,000
reduction.
J. Erickson: Affirmed.
Hedberg: Stated that the contingency is for a rainy day fund and it will be good to save as much of it as
we can for future. Will support the recommendation.
LeMair: Commented that the City has been ahead of the curve in planning for reduced revenues. Be-
lieves it is important to look at temporary vs. permanent budget cuts and determine which cuts could be
permanently eliminated in 2009 so they do not have to be considered again in 2010. Stated that he did not
see the sale of assets such as city-owned lots on the list. Agreed that the contingency fund is important,
but at some point it may have to be spent to save a service. Will support.
Erickson: Agreed the City has a tight budget and cautioned the Council to remember that it may have to
say no to some requests to spend money.
Millar: Agreed that the cuts will affect all of us as the City has come to expect a high quality of service from
all departments, but the impact of not having enough funds is now being experienced.
Haugen: Stated it is important to keep sight of the mission as services and budgets are evaluated. Wants
quality of life not to be compromised beyond necessity. Stated that the City needs to look at revenue
streams, partnerships and volunteerism, and continue to focus on programs that are critical for the commu-
nity. Believes the City has a strong fund balance and spending it down is not the answer.
MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY LEMAIR TO APPROVE THE REPORT IDENTIFYING
PROPOSED 2009 BUDGET REDUCTIONS.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried.
Update on the Prior Lake Community Garden
Community Development and Natural Resources Director Parr reported on the number of plots rented
and listed the sponsors who contributed to make the garden possible. Suggested that some of the six
empty plots might be used by organizations who would donate the harvested food to organizations such the
food shelf at CAP. Parks and Fleet Supervisor Friedges described the construction of the plots. Ex-
plained that the old farm machinery that was donated to the City a few years ago is on display. Parr indi-
cated that compost had been brought in that was from the SMSC compost site. Friedges indicated that
water that is used for the gardens is from the original well.
Comments:
Erickson: Asked if parking areas around the garden have been designated.
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Friedges: Replied that a parking area has been flagged off. Added that an old root cellar was retained
and gated.
leMair: Commented that the project is a nice offering to citizens.
Hedberg: Commented that the garden is something that people have been looking forward to and is a
beautiful space.
Millar: Encouraged everyone to look at the space and noted that it could not have happened without part-
nerships and the sponsors who funded it.
Haugen: Complimented the staff's leadership and a great project.
MOTION BY ERICKSON, SECONDED BY MILLAR TO APPROVE THE REPORT.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
Consider Approval of Liquor License Renewals for 2009.2010.
Assistant City Manager Meyer reviewed the requirements for license renewal and identified the busi-
nesses who applied for renewal.
MOTION BY MILLAR, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried and the public hearing
opened at 7:24 p.m.
Comments:
No person stepped forward to speak.
MOTION BY MILLAR, SECONDED BY ERICKSON TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried and the public hearing
closed at 7:25 p.m.
Comments:
LeMair: Supports renewal of the licenses.
Erickson: Noted that one business is not renewing its license. Suggested that the licensed businesses
encourage use of the new taxi service that will be operating late hours.
Millar: Will support.
Hedberg. Will support. Commented that the businesses have cooperated well with the Police Department.
Noted there have been only seven violations of selling to minors in the past five years which reflects re-
sponsible businesses.
Haugen: Commented that the business that is not renewing its license has had past violations of selling
tobacco to underage persons and chose not to renew its liquor license.
MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY MILLAR TO APPROVE LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS FOR
2009 - 2010 AS PRESENTED.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of a Franchise to Integra Telecom for
Cable Communication Services
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Assistant City Manager Meyer reported that the areas of concern expressed at the last Council meeting,
service areabuild-out and PEG grants have been addressed. Indicated that an additional cable franchise
would provide competitive choices for cable services as well as additional PEG capital fees to defray PL TV
15 equipment costs.
Comments:
LeMair: Wants to offer competition in the marketplace. Currently there is no competition in services and
pricing for cable service and believes the constituents of Prior Lake should have that. This will offer compe-
tition in services and price. Will support.
Hedberg: Commented on the complications of this franchise. The Council is considering a cable franchise
under cable law, but the proposal includes telephone service as well as high speed Internet access. Noted
that part of Prior Lake already has a competitive alternative for such triple-play options. This proposed
agreement has been framed with a short franchise term because technology will continue to change and
future changes will determine how and what services are delivered. Believes new entrants into City must
be given time to establish themselves before City imposes non competitive financial requirements. The
PEG grant will be madeover time to allow Integra time to gain customers. Believes the agreement has
been structured fairly, will offer more services for City residents and establishes a fair competitive field. Will
support.
Millar: Believes that providing competition is in the best interest of our citizens and agreed the PEG situa-
tion is fair. Will support.
Erickson: Believes the build out requirement in the law was to prevent companies from providing service
in lower economic areas and that scenario is not an issue. Commented that telephone service is offered in
many ways and cable companies can offer telephone as well as cable services. Agrees on how the pay-
ment of the PEG grant is structured.. Will support.
Haugen: Stated that the City has been informed that there may be conflict between state and federal law
regarding when build-out must occur, but believes the state and federal law can be harmonized. Believes
the franchise agreement creates a level playing field. Added that the reason the decision was postponed
from the last Council meeting is because the full Council was not present. Expressed the desire that this
will lead to success for both Integra and Mediacom and that the citizens throughout the become the bene-
factor of competition between them.
MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY LEMAIR TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 09.093 AUTHORIZING
THE ISSUANCE OF A CABLE COMMUNICATION FRANCHISE TO INTEGRA TELECOM.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried.
Consider Approval of Ordinance 109.xx Amending Prior Lake City Code Section 703 Relating to
Thomas Ryan, Jr. Memorial Park Closing Time
Assistant City Manager Meyer provided history of lights in the park explaining that a public hearing was
held in 2006 and described the concerns expressed at that time. Spoke of donations from the Shakopee
Mdewakanton Sioux Community and Prior Lake Athletics for Youth that helped to pay for the installation of
field lights at parks. Advised the Council that another public hearing was conducted by the Parks Advisory
Committee last week regarding extending the closing time of Ryan Park and relayed the comments made
at the hearing. The PAC approved a recommendation to extend the closing time to 10:30 p.m.
Comments:
LeMair: Stated that when he served on the PAC, one of the first issues addressed by that committee was
the lack of facilities to play ball. It has been a challenge to keep up with the growth of programs. Stated
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that PLAY does much to organize the use of the fields, scheduling games, keeping the fields nice and as-
suring that everyone has fair playing time. Stated that the City needs fields and the lights and, considering
the amount of money invested in them, it would be foolish not to make the best use of them. Much feed-
back has been received in the past two weeks on this topic and it is clear that change is hard. People want
development and improvements, but not the noise and distraction that go with it. Believes consideration
needs to be given to what is best for the community. Stated there are two fields that are open until 11 p.m.
and it is consistent to make this adjustment to an 11 p.m. closing time for Ryan Park.
Erickson: Stated he was the liaison to the PAC in 2006 when public hearings were held and statements
were made that nearby residents would agree to a 10 p.m. closing time, but did not want it to be changed
from that. Noted that the nearby homes were built before the park was. Asked how many tournaments
are held during a year.
Mark Peller (president of PLAY): Three tournaments.
Erickson: Asked if extending closing to 11 p.m. was only intended for the tournaments.
Peller: Stated there may be rare extra inning games or weather contingencies. Estimated that games
would rarely go past that point.
Erickson: Commented that some cities have a rule of no inning starting later than two hours from the be-
ginning of the game. Asked if that rule could be in place with the traveling games.
Meyer: PLAY does have those measures in place.
Peller: Added that rules are put in place based on what the City has mandated for lights off. Currently
that is less than two hours after the start of the second game.
Erickson: Stated he could support closing hours to 10:30 p.m. or 15 minutes past the end of the game,
whichever is earliest. Suggested that PLAY add the rule that no inning be started later than two hours after
the starting time of the game. Suggested that permits for tournaments include an 11 p.m. closing time.
Believes the additional cost of more lighting hours should be recouped.
Millar: Asked if the lights are run automatically or if a staff person turns them off.
Friedges: Replied that is done by staff.
Millar: Stated that means there is additional cost for staff in addition to the lights. Asked how long an av-
erage game lasts.
Kent Deavers (PLAY traveling baseball director): Replied that 11 out of 33 games were lost this season
because they ran out of time. Added that when games finish early, staff turns the lights out early.
Millar: Commented that there is a lot of pressure on the fields for baseball, softball and soccer. Believes
the closing time for the parks should be consistent and the greater good would be addressed by changing
the closing time to 11 p.m.
Hedberg: Stated the Park, Athletic and Recreation (PAR) Task Force considered facilities used between
the school district, Savage and Prior Lake. The Task Force identified long-term priorities and first on the list
was to use existing facilities more fully. Ongoing use of the ball park is in line with that recommendation.
Believes that the lights should be turned off as soon as practical and that should be communicated to the
participants. Would support 11 p.m. lights off time, which is consistent with the other ball parks.
Haugen: Recalled that the City asked for $700,000 from PLAY and SMSC to light the ball field to allow
more games and the alternative was to buy more land and build more fields. Thanked PAC for holding the
public hearing, but noted that few people attended it and there was significant communication to Council
members after the public hearing Believes the lighting should be consistent for all parks. Noted that hav-
ing a lights-off time at the Ponds and Memorial Parks has not been an issue for those neighborhoods.
Noted that noise, lights and garbage were issues that were raised at the public hearing and asked the
PLAY leadership to communicate with their organizations to address those issues. Asked what age groups
are using the fields.
Peller: Ages 12-15.
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Haugen: Commented that those age groups bring a fan base of family members. Asked what the average
length of game time is for those age groups.
Peller: Two hours and 15 minutes.
Haugen: Commented that games that consistently last longer should be moved along by the umpire.
Asked Friedges to compare the diffusion of lights at Memorial vs. those at Ryan Park.
Friedges: Replied that the light spillage system at Ryan is the best deflection system on the market today.
Lighting behind the pole is similar to moonlight. Studies were conducted after installation and staff learned
that spillage met the specifications projected.
Haugen: Added that traffic is from parents as these players do not have their own driver's license. Asked
how the City can make sure that lights do not stay on unnecessarily.
Friedges: Replied that staff manages the lights so they can be turned off early and energy saved. The
staff person circulates around the parks and opens and closes facilities throughout the evening.
Haugen: Noted that start times of games should not be modified with changing the closing time. Sug-
gested that 5:45 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. start times, with no inning starts after 10:20 p.m., should allow for the
game to finish, clean-up time and lights out at 11 p.m.
Deavers: Responded that there are different age levels and they playa different number of innings.
Erickson: Reiterated that no inning should start after two hours after game starts.
Deavers: Responded that rule is currently in place along with a set finish time.
Peller: Added that the second game is starting at 8 p.m., but that is where the teams are running out of
time and not finishing by 10 p.m. Stated that PLAY will strive to be out of the park by 10:30 p.m" but the
11 p.m. closing time would bring all parks into alignment.
LeMair: Stated it seems complicated to have to track when each game starts and suggested the rule
should just say that no inning starts after 10:30 p.m.
MOTION BY LEMAIR, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 109.09 AMENDING
SECTION 702.400 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE RELATED TO THE CLOSING TIME FOR THOMAS
RYAN JR MEMORIAL PARK CLOSING AT 11 P.M., NO INNING SHALL START AFTER 10:30 P.M. AND
LIGHTS SHOULD BE TURNED OFF AT 10 P.M. WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried.
Consider Approval of a Resolution Accepting a Feasibility Study for the CR 21 Watermain Replace.
ment Project
Public Works Director Albrecht described four alternatives for replacing the watermain on CR 21. Staff
recommends option B due to anticipating it will have minimal impact with any future bridge or CR 21 recon-
struction, eliminates fiber optic repair conflicts, minimizes impacts to CR 21 and private property and im-
plies fewer contingencies. Stated that easements would need to be acquired and recommended using
SRF to act on the City's behalf in that acquisition. Stated he would report on the status of easements at
July 20 meeting.
Comments:
Hedberg: Supports option B believing the retention of trees and landscaping is important and the direc-
tional drilling is least invasive. Asked the estimated cost of easements.
Albrecht: Replied it is estimated to be $30,000 to $50,000 for all of the properties.
Millar: Supports option B.
Erickson: Added that the extension of CR 21 will bring more traffic and vibrations under the bridge could
become greater. Will support option B.
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LeMair: Acknowledged the knowledge and experience of staff and supports the recommended option B.
Believes the City cannot afford to have that line go down.
MOTION BY LEMAIR, SECONDED BY MILLAR TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 09.094 ACCEPTING THE
FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR THE CR 21 WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried.
A Presentation Regarding Habitat for Humanity
Community Development and Natural Resources Director Parr provided a history of how the City came
into possession of the lot at 3631 - 170th Street. Described issues of integrating a future home on that lot
into adjacent neighborhoods, the value of the lot and the legality of transferring the lot to an end user. Ex-
plained that Habitat for Humanity is considering moving an existing house onto the property which may
provide cost savings for them over constructing a new house. Displayed the house that is proposed to be
moved to the lot and described the intended improvements. Asked the Council to consider whether the
City wants to transfer the land or sell the land; prefers new construction or moving an existing house for re-
use; whether the re-used house would fit in the neighborhood; and whether the City wants to partner with
Habitat.
Comments:
LeMair: Asked if costs for moving the house are known.
Chad Dipman (land acquisition manager for Habitat for Humanity): Replied they have received an estimate
of $14,000 to move the house, exclusive of moving power lines.
leMair: Asked if the path for moving the house is identified.
Dipman: Relayed the route and indicated that if no power lines had to be dropped, there is no fee for day-
time moving.
LeMair: Commented that it is not his first preference to have re-used house, but believes that to be the
decision of Habitat. Favors transferring the lot to Habitat believing that placing the property on the tax rolls
will recoup the cost of the lot. Believes that providing more affordable housing in the City is desirable and
this is a step toward that.
Erickson: Stated that he supports Habitat for Humanity, but does not agree with donating the lot believing
it belongs to the taxpayers and the City is dealing with financial shortfalls. Believes if the lot were offered at
a reasonable price, it would sell and a home would go up just as fast as with Habitat for Humanity. Monies
for the sale would go into the street oversize fund which is used for items the City has to pay for.
Hedberg: Commented that an objective of the 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan is to have more affordable
housing. Supports a transfer of the property to Habitat. Stated that selling the property would not affect the
general fund which is the fund affected by budget shortfalls. Agreed with reuse of the proposed building
and that the proposed improvements will allow it to blend in with the existing neighborhood,
Millar: Agreed with Councilor Erickson's remarks that the lot could be sold, but favors a transfer of the lot
to Habitat for Humanity. Would agree to the re-use of the house if Habitat believes that is the best option
for them, and that remodeling and landscaping would allow it to fit in the neighborhood.
Haugen: Supports the transfer of property. Believes there will be many beneficiaries involved with this
project. Believes there is merit in having the new construction and putting people to work on it, which helps
the community to focus on it. Many people in the community indicated they wanted to work on it. Asked
why Habitat believes that re-using a house would be better.
Dipman: Agreed that Habitat generally would not want to re-use a donated house as they are usually
small and old and there is no nearby lot to move it to. Those considerations do not apply to this particular
house. Expects to save $80,000 - $90,000 in house construction costs by using this house rather than
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constructing new. Commented on the volunteer time and community engagement by identifying the exca-
vation, concrete, residing, roofing, interior remodeling and garage construction as needing to be done,
which will require five to six weeks of volunteer time. Added that donations could be sought for excavation,
plumbing and mechanicals, etc.
Haugen: Asked if an insurance policy can be placed on a home that has been moved to another founda-
tion.
Dipman: Replied that was unknown to him adding that Habitat has done house moves in the past and pre-
sumes the new owners were able to get homeowners insurance.
LeMair: Asked how volunteer time and tradesman donations can be made.
Dipman: Replied that people step forward when word gets out that a house is going to be put up. People
can call the main Habitat for Humanity number for more information.
MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY MILLAR TO ACCEPT THE REPORT AND REFER THE
PROJECT TO STAFF AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR PROCESSING WITH THE BASIS OF
SUPPORT FOR TRANSFERRING THE LOT TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND RE-USE OF THE
HOUSE.
Haugen: Added that the tax revenue will equal the transfer amount.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. Erickson opposed. The motion carried.
Parr: Commented that the house is being donated by the Schrank family.
Haugen: Asked if there would be financial reimbursement from Habitat for Humanity for the land through
the HRA process.
Parr: Replied that there has been no talk of revenue from the Scott County CDA at this point. Some
communities have had such transactions but the circumstances are unknown at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Approval of an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map for Property Located at 14291 Timo.
thy Avenue, 14311 Timothy Avenue and 6880 Boudin Street
Community Development and Natural Resources Director Parr reviewed the request by EFH Realty
Advisors, Inc. to amend the zoning map to change the use district from R-1 to C-2 for the above properties.
Parcels are currently designated C-CC. Reviewed adjacent uses and explained the permitted uses in C-2
zoning as well as uses permitted by Conditional Use Permit. Stated that the Planning Commission con-
ducted a public hearing.
Comments:
Erickson: Supports. Stated he will look at any Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requests to assure devel-
opment occurs in a way that will work with the neighborhood.
LeMair: Will support. Interested in what allowances will be made with a CUP to assure that the integrity of
the neighborhood is protected.
Hedberg: Will support. Noted that the City is obligated to zone a property in line with comprehensive plan
designation. Key steps of platting and CUPs will be taken with staff and public hearings. Stated this is a
"tweener" kind of location that deserves C-2 zoning, but is immediately adjacent to a residential neighbor-
hood.
Millar: Will support. Reiterated that he will consider any CUP closely as he has concerns that the devel-
opment be good for the neighborhood.
Haugen: Will support commenting that this zoning is in sync with the comprehensive plan.
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City Council Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2009
DRAFT
Pace: Asked if an application has been filed for a CUP and on what date.
Parr: Affirmed that an application was filed previous to June 1.
MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY LEMAIR TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 109.10 AMENDING
SECTION 1101.700 OF PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE AND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FOR THE CITY OF
PRIOR LAKE.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried,
OTHER
Community Events
Erickson: Stated that concerts are held in Lakefront Park every Thursday night.
LeMair: Thanked all who came to the grand opening of his new building last week.
RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council moved to executive session at 9:31 p.m.
RECONVENE
The Council reconvened at 10: 17 p.m. Mayor Haugen reported that the Council discussed labor negotia-
tions with LELS and gave direction to legal counsel on how to proceed with those negotiations.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further comments from Council members, a motion to adjourn was made by LeMair and seconded
by Millar. With all in favor, the meeting adjourned at 10:18 p.m.
Kelly Meyer, Assistant City Manager
Charlotte Green, Administrative Asst.
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