HomeMy WebLinkAbout020303 Regular REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
February 3, 2003
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCl;~
Present were Mayor Haugen, Councilmembers Blomberg, Petersen, and LeMair, City Manager Boyles, City Attorney Pace,
Public Works Director Osmundson, Community Development Director Rye, Police Chief O'Rourke, Parks Maintenance
Supervisor Friedges and Administrative Assistant Meyer. Councilmember Zieska was absent.
The Chamber observed a moment of silence in honor of the
Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy.
Adrianne Prettyman was present to sing the National Anthem.
PUBLIC FORUM: The Public Forum is intended to afford the public an opportunity to address concerns to the City
Council. The Public Forum will be no longer than 30 minutes in length. Items to be considered as part of the
Council's regular agenda may not be addressed at the Public Forum. Topics of discussion are also restricted to
City governmental topics rather than private or political agendas. The City Council will not take formal action on
issues presented during the Public Forum.
No persons were present to address the Council at the public forum.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Petersen: Asked that two presentations be added. Under 8B a for 2002 Building Permit Report, and under 8C for a 2002
State Funding Budget Report.
Hau.qen: Requested adding an item at 8D to comment on the privatization of the Dance program.
Boyles: Noted that the Executive Session of the City Manager had been conducted prior to the meeting since the agenda
for the work session left extra time. The item remains on the agenda for Council comment.
MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY LEMAIR TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen and LeUair, the motion carried.
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 21, 2003 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MOTION BY LEMAIR, SECOND BY BLOMBERG TO APROVE THE JANUARY 21, 2003 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
AS PROPOSED.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen, Blomberg and LeMair, the motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA:
(A) Consider Approval of Invoices to be Paid.
(B) Consider Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Two 2003 Police Squad Interceptors from State
Cooperative Purchasing Contract.
(C) Consider Approval of 4th Quarter Investment Report.
16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
City Council Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2003
(D) Consider Approval of Authorization of a Lump Sum Payment to the Scott County Highway Department for LED Signal
Light Improvements to the CSAH 21 / TH 13 Intersection Split Phasing Project.
Boyles: Reviewed the Consent Agenda items.
Petersen: Asked that Item (B) be removed.
Hau,qen: Asked that Item (D) be removed.
MOTION BY BLOMBERG, SECOND BY PETERSEN, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED,
REMOVING ITEMS (B) AND (D).
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen and LeUair, the motion carried.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA:
(D) Consider Approval of Authorization of a Lump Sum Payment to the Scott County Highway Department for LED
Signal Light Improvements to the CSAH 21 / TH 13 Intersection Split Phasing Project.
Petersen: Discussed the current traffic problems on CSAH 21, especially at TH13. Asked the staff to comment on the
funding for the split phasing, and the improvements proposed.
Osmundson: Explained split phasing, and further noted that the City's portion of the payment is for LED light bulbs which is
an upgrade to the project. The City is responsible for power costs for the lighted intersection and using LED light bulbs
should show a return in approximately 5 years. Updated the Council that the project has been approved by the County, but
that the electrical circumstances require that construction of the improvement be delayed until spring.
Petersen: Asked if there would be a turning arrow.
Osmundson: Confirmed.
MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY LEMAIR TO APPROVE AUTHORIZATION OF A LUMP SUM PAYMENT TO THE
SCOTT COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT FOR LED SIGNAL LIGHT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CSAH 21 / TH 13
INTERSECTION SPLIT PHASING PROJECT.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, BIomberg, Petersen, and LeUair, the motion carried.
(B) Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Two 2003 Police Squad Interceptors from State
Cooperative Purchasing Contract..
Hau.qen: Asked the Chief of Police to review the State process for identifying pursuit vehicles and why smaller vehicles are
not utilized.
O'Rourke: Explained there are only 4 vehicles certified as police pursuit rated vehicles. Discussed the process for
certifying, the dgorous impact on the vehicles on a daily basis, the equipment the vehicles need to contain, and the
ergonomic and heavy-duty standards that are required.
Petersen: Commented that there is some advantage to the Police force having identical vehicles, particularly with quick
response. Officers wouldn't need to get acclimated to a different vehicle every time they get in the car.
City Council Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2003
MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY LEMAIR, APPROVING RESOLUTION 03-16 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF
TWO 2003 POLICE SQUAD INTERCEPTOR FROM STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING CONTRACT.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen and LeUair, the motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
PRESENTATIONS
Recognition of High School State Tournament Participants in Girls Soccer, Cross Country Track, and Girls
Swimming and Diving.
Hauflen: Commented on the partnering effort the City has undertaken with the School District to recognized the
achievements of area youth. Introduced each of the coaches for Girls Soccer, Cross Country Track and Girls Swimming
and Diving. The Coaches, in turn, introduced each of their team members present and noted their individual or team
accomplishments.
2002 Building Permit Report
Rye: Discussed the development activity and the number of building permits issued, referring to a very extensive article in
the last issue of the Prior Lake American. Discussed that a product of development is increased land values and market
value of properties. In turn, the high cost of land drives the issue of increase density. Further noted that 2002 appears to be
unique as far as volume, although the City continues to anticipate similar volume of building permits and similar results over
the next several years.
Status Report on State Funding Budget
Boyles: Discussed the degree of the shortfall faced by the State of Minnesota, noting that at some point cities will probably
be asked to absorb some of the impacts of the State deficit. The two biggest cuts the City of Prior Lake expects include
local government aid in the approximate amount of $48,000, and the Market Value Credit in the approximate amount of
$400,000. The timing of these types of cuts is unknown. It is also likely that communities, such as Prior Lake, who would not
be as significantly impacted as other communities by loss of that aid, may be impacted through an additional sources. Staff
has evaluated the various scenarios and anticipated these types of action by the State, which was staff rationale for
recommending an increase in 2003 Contingency account from $50,000 to $150,000. In light of the unknown, the staff will
also be closely evaluating its expenditures, including being careful with adding any new personnel.
LeMair: Asked what determines a community's level of State aid, and what communities can do to be independent rather
than dependent.
Boyles: Explained that local government aid is a formula based program intended to calculate what the need of a
community was in terms of spending and their ability or lack of ability to generate the appropriate revenues. Some of those
types of programs have already been cut, such as the Homestead Agriculture Credit Assistance.
Petersen: Commented that it seems a shame that communities that line up to depend on State aid have the rug pulled out
from under them. Very thankful that Prior Lake does not find itself in that position.
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Blomber.q: Commented that she attended a community forum with the State Senator and Representative who echoed the
City Manager's comments that the aid cuts will be stepped back over time so as to not drastically impact overnight those
communities who have become so dependent. Believed the Council acted prudently by increasing the City's Contingency
account balance for 2003.
Hau.qen: Agreed with the comments of the Councilmembers and suggested that the City Manager fully evaluate the need
for budgeted personnel.
Status Report on Privatization of the Dance Program
Boyles: Discussed that in light of the State's recommendation for cities to fully evaluate mechanisms for sharing costs
within their communities and neighboring communities, and to look for ways to cut expenses, the City staff has initially
discussed the possibility of privatizing the Dance program. Advised that at this point, the City is only in the process of
collecting information and evaluating various scenarios. If the matter where to proceed, the item would come before the City
Council, and the process would include public input, as well as evaluation from the Parks Advisory Committee and Dance
Advisory Committee.
LeMair: On a preliminary analysis, believed there were positives and negatives in privatizing the program.
Hau.qen: Commented that it is important for the public to understand that at this point that this is in the evaluation stages,
and that the Council does not intend on making a quick turnaround of this program. The City understands that this program
is important to our community and will only continue to grow. The process is to evaluate what is the best direction for the
program so it can continue to meet the community's needs.
OLD BUSINESS:
Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Enter into a Joint Powers Agreement
with Scott County for Acquisition of Easements for CSAH 42 Trunk Utilities Improvements (City Project #02-01).
Osmundson: Reviewed the agenda in connection with the staff report.
Petersen: Believed it makes sense to have the County negotiate for us since they are already negotiating similar properties
in the area.
Boyles: Asked if the Scott County calculates the City's the cost of the acquisition agent on a proportional basis.
Osmundson: Noted that the fee are charged as part of the cooperative agreement through the construction enginnering.
Blomberq: Commented that the cooperation appears to make sense in order to facilitate the project.
MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY BLOMBERG TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH SCOTT COUNTY FOR ACQUISITION OF EASEMENTS FOR CSAH 42
TRUNK UTILITIES IMPROVEMENTS (CITY PROJECT #02-01).
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen and LeUair, the motion carried.
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Consider Approval of Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance Section 1101.504 Pertaining to Fences on Corner
Lots Adjacent to Collector Streets.
Rye: Reviewed the agenda item in connection with the staff report.
LeMair: Asked if the Council had discussed changing the opacity.
Blomber,q: Understood that the Council did not discuss opacity with the assumption that if homeowners wanted 6 foot
fences, they wanted them for privacy.
Rye: Confirmed.
LeMair: Believed that the Council thoroughly reviewed many different scenarios in order to accommodate as many people
as possible.
Haugen: Noted that Planning Commission Chair Tony Stamson also participated in the discussions.
MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY LEMAIR TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 03-03 AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE
SECTION 1101.504 PERTAINING TO FENCES ON CORNER LOTS ADJACENT TO COLLECTOR STREETS.
LeMair: Also thanked Tim House for his participation in the process and providing valuable information to the Council.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen and LeUair, the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Approval of a Resolution to Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Staff to Advertise for Bids
for Trails and Basketball Courts as identified in the 2003-2007 Capital Improvement Program.
Fried.qes: Reviewed the agenda item in connection with the staff report.
Blomber,q: Asked that even though the residents have petitioned for the half basketball court at Glynwater Park, given the
fiscal prudence this Council has discussed requiring, is it necessary at this time.
Fried.qes: Noted that the cost of the court would be about $5000. Staff will attempt to get financial cooperation from
P.L.A.Y. Hoops in the Park to offset some of the costs, but advised that the funds are available in the CIP.
LeMair: Asked how it is determined what parks get basketball courts.
Fried.qes: Explained that the basketball court program is relatively new. P.L.A.Y committed funding for several courts, and
now placement of additional courts is primarily based upon information received from residents through the City officers and
feedback from P.L.A.Y.
Boyles: Explained the park dedication fees charged to developers are part of the subdivision process. Those fees go into
the Capital Park Fund and can't be spent for any purpose other than park development.
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February 3, 2003
Fried.qes: Added that staff also does as much of the work in-house as possible, including preparation of plans and
specifications, grading and backfilling, erosion control, and landscaping. All of which keep the costs of trails down and
supplements the money available in the Capital Park Fund.
Blomber,q: Appreciated the staff's assessment of needed trails and the ability to use those trails for cross purposes.
Hau,qen: Asked if at Memorial Park there is future plan for additional parking, and would additional parking impact the
proposed placement of the trail.
Friedges: Advised there is limited space available for additional parking, and any future parking needs would probably have
to be located along Jordan Avenue. Noted that the Amateur Baseball Association has been attempting to get a State
tournament together with Shakopee, and there are criteria, such as ample parking, associated with attracting those types of
tournaments.
Petersen: Asked how quickly the Hass Lake area is being developed, and if constructing trails at this point would
predispose them to being destroyed dudng construction of the homes.
Osmundson: Advised that the homes in that area are above the trail, which is along the lake. The City prefers to construct
the trails as early as prudent so that future homeowners know the placement of trails and how they may impact the
properties at the time they purchase the home.
Petersen: Asked if the trail connection north of CSAH 82 along 82 would be a tunnel.
Osmundson: Advised that tunnels and bddges are very expensive, and the discussion will come up as the area is
designed dudng 2003 for reconstruction in 2005. The staff was considering a trail on one side and a sidewalk or trail along
the other. Tunnels are much less expensive than bridges.
Blomber,q: Asked how proposed trails are being received by existing communities.
Fried,qes: Neighborhoods are typically very receptive.
MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY LEMAIR TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-17 APPROVING PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR TRAILS AND BASKETBALL COURTS
AS IDENTIFIED IN THE 2003-2007 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen and LeMair, the motion carried.
The Council took a brief recess.
Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the initiation of Eminent Domain Proceedings with Revised Legal
Descriptions for the Property Required for Right-of-Way for the Ring Road Phase 2 (City Project 01-01) and the
CSAH 23 / Five Hawks / Ring Road Phase 3 (City Project 02.06).
Osmundson: Reviewed the agenda item in connection with the staff report.
Pace: Clarified that some of the parcels have already been authorized to be acquired through condemnation, but we are
seeking reauthodzation due to the realignment of the roadway which resulted in changes in legal descriptions and the
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February 3, 2003
amount of land needed. Also, the Thrift Store property is included in the proposed eminent domain as a fail safe in the event
the purchase of the property in not completed. Advised that just because a quick-take action is initiated, it doesn't preclude
the City and property owner from negotiating an acceptable agreement.
BlomberR: Commented on her experience with the dangerous traffic around the EZ Stop area. Supported the action in
order to move forward. It appears that the City staff has made good-faith efforts to negotiate with the property owners.
Believed that the action supports the overall needs of the growing community.
LeMair: Supports the staff recommendation because it is necessary to provide for the overall safety of the community,
including installation of a lighted intersection at Five Hawks.
Petersen: Supported the construction of the roadway. Asked why Phase I of the Ring Road was not being used.
Osmundson: Explained that the road is not complete and there are some safety concerns with opening the road before the
connection is complete.
Haugen: Hopeful that negotiations with the property owners can continue and move forward. Proceeding with this project is
necessary to continue the development and re-development of the area and eliminate traffic concerns.
Blomber.q: Commented that the realignment of the roadways at Tower Street, Panama Avenue and the 170th Street further
alleviates a difficult intersection.
MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY LEMAIR TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-18 AUTHORIZING THE INITIATION OF
EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS WITH REVISED LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE PROPERTY REQUIRED FOR
RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR THE RING ROAD PHASE 2 (CITY PROJECT 01-01) AND THE CSAH 23 / FIVE HAWKS / RING
ROAD PHASE 3 (CITY PROJECT 02-06).
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen and LeMair, the motion carried.
Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Enter into Purchase Documents for
Property Located at 16950 Panama Avenue in Connection with Construction of Phase III of the Ring Road.
Boyles: Reviewed the agenda item in connection with the staff report.
Petersen: Asked about traffic control at the new intersection south of the Five Hawks light.
Osmundson: Advised that initially there will be a two way stop, but noted that once the new post office is opened, the
intersection may require a four-way stop.
Hau.qen: Commented that the price of land continues to escalate, and appreciated the City's ability to honor the existing
Lease thereby offsetting the overall cost of the property.
MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY LEMAIR, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-19 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND
CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO PURCHASE DOCUMENTS FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 16950 PANAMA AVENUE
IN CONNECTION WITH CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE III OF THE RING ROAD.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen, and LeMair, the motion carried.
City Council Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2003
Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Execute a Labor Agreement for the
Period 2003-2005 with Law Enforcement Labor Services Inc. Representing Police Officers and Detectives.
Walsh: Reviewed the agenda item in connection with the staff report.
LeMair: Asked if the officers are satisfied with the adjustments.
Walsh: Believed that the union vote was unanimous, and that the officers overall feel compensated.
Petersen: Commented how outrageous health care insurance costs have become.
Walsh: Noted that all cities and private industries are experiencing the similar increases, but there is no doubt that
increases in the costs for health insurance are difficult to swallow. Explained that the City is in a joint purchasing group
which does help to keep costs down as much as possible.
Blomber,q: Asked why the contract is negotiated for a three year term. ~
Walsh: Explained that often times negotiations can be tense or difficult. The idea is to keep the normal flow of business as
consistent as possible for the longest term.
Hau,qen: Asked if the employee is paying an increased percentage of the health insurance costs.
Walsh: Yes, the premium is increasing approximately 11% to $783, noting that for the first year of the contract, the
employee is paying a $54 increase, while the City is paying $25 increase.
Hau,qen: Noted that as people live longer, it costs much more to stay healthy. The trend will likely continue until there are
amendments to overall health care in this country.
MOTION BY LEMAIR, SECOND BY BLOMBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-20 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LABOR AGREEMENT FOR THE PERIOD 2003-2005 WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
LABOR SERVICES, INC. REPRESENTING POLICE OFFICERS AND DETECTIVES.
VOTE: Ayes by Haugen, Blomberg, Petersen and LeUair, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS / COUNClLMEMBER REPORTS
Executive Session to Conduct City Manager Performance Evaluation.
Hauflen: Explained that the City Manager evaluation had taken place in Executive Session prior to the regular meeting as
part of the regularly scheduled City Council work session where there was time available due to the postponement of
discussion concerning site analysis. Discussed the Council's satisfaction with the City Manager's performance and the
overall staff performance in either completing, or making significant progress on, many of the City Council identified goals
for 2002. Discussed his opinion that it is important to separate performance review from salary review, in order not to tie the
value of performance directly to compensation. Advised that salary consideration will be deferred for that reason, and, at the
request of the City Manager, until the full staff compensations have been completed.
LeMair: Agreed with the Mayor in the great efforts and accomplishments of staff over the course of 2002, despite an
aggressive list of goals.
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Other Business to Note
Boyles: Reviewed the City's participation in the Scott Joint Prosecution Association, noting the benefits to the City and that
this type of partnering is an example of the measures encouraged by the State. In an unrelated matter, discussed an
invoice from the County for services provided the City relative to development construction. Used the invoice as an example
to show the importance of designating developer related fees to specific funds. Those funds are needed to pay for services
of this type. Also advised that the Scott County Board recently appointed Bill Schmokel to fill Dave Moron's vacancy on the
Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed.
Frank Boyles,-City I[/lanager K~y r~eye~ecording Secretary