Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout4A - Minutes November 5, 2007 Regular 4A City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT CALL TO ORDER Present were Deputy Mayor LeMair, Councilors Erickson, Hedberg and Millar, City Manager Boyles, City Attorney Pace, Public Works Director/City Engineer Albrecht, Assistant City Engineer Poppler, Water Re- sources Engineer Bintner, Planning Coordinator Moore, Assistant City Manager Meyer, Communications Coordinator Peterson and Administrative Assistant Green. Mayor Haugen was absent. 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. Speakers receive a maximum of ten minutes; less if there are more than three speakers. Topics of discussion are restricted to City governmental topics rather than private or political agendas. Topics on the agenda may be addressed except those topics that are part of a public hearing or public information hearing. The City Council will not take formal action on Public Forum presentations. City Manager Boyles explained the concept of the public forum. Comments: Doug Lind, 16937 Simkins Circle SW, stated he is a member of the Prior Lake Snowmobile Association and Sno-Trails; and they are trying to help find a way for community snowmobilers to have access to trail systems, monitor riders and keep the trails going through CR 21 and CR 82 so people won't use unsanc- tioned trails. Believes if CR 21 and CR 82 were closed to snowmobilers it would close access to New Mar- ket, Savage, etc. Believes if the trails aren't sanctioned, people would use them anyway and there would be no way to monitor them. States they want to help with financial assistance to add another patrol person for monitoring. Recommends that it become a ticketing issue rather than a warning if riders do not follow the rules. Tyler Lind, 16937 Simkins Circle SW, commented that he is also a member of the snowmobile club. Stated that snowmobiling is a fun activity for both youth and adults and if trails were taken away there would be nowhere to ride without getting into trouble with citizens and the Police Department. Kelley Roszak, 14581 Glendale Avenue SE, stated she grew up snowmobiling and it is a part of life as much as hunting, fishing and pot luck suppers. Stated snowmobiling is a big part of their family tradition and they want to be able to do so from their home. Understands growth and change, but fears that losing trails could lead to the end of snowmobiling in the community. Stated there are 3,000 registered snowmo- biles in the community and they want it to continue. Craig Rix, 14948 Highland Ct NE, believes trail system is needed for safety. Stated he is training his chil- dren about the laws of trails, safety and private property. Commented that ditch and private property riding is not safe because there are too many obstacles. Jesse Anderson, 14162 Natalie Road, stated he rides on Savage trails and in Cleary Lake Park and that it would be difficult to get in and out of town if the trails are taken away. Believes businesses would suffer if snowmobilers could not get into town. Mark Salisbury, 3449 Willow Beach Trail SW, stated this area is unique because of the lakes and under- stands that snowmobiling is just one of the activities on the lake. Commented that city trails provide an op- portunity to teach courteous snowmobiling, etc. Asked for the chance to maintain the trails as they were for www.cityofpriorlake.com 1 Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT a year to try it out. Noted that many snowmobilers spend money in Prior Lake and it is a socially cohesive place. Chris Hesch, 14975 Storms Circle SE, displayed pictures of his family snowmobiling and commented on his choice to live in Prior Lake because of year-round recreational opportunities. Understands there are issues about some of the accesses and believes they can be worked through. Stated that snowmobiling is a family activity and he believes that residents and snowmobilers can co-exist. APPROVAL OF AGENDA LeMair: Recommended moving agenda item 9E, Consider Approval of the Snowmobile Task Force Re- port, forward on the agenda. Boyles: Stated that a representative from Scott County would be arriving after 7 p.m. who might be a re- source for the report. Hedberg: Commented that it is important to have the Scott County representative at the meeting and rec- ommended moving item 9E to the point in time when that representative arrives. MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY MILLAR TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS REVISED. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES MOTION BY ERICKSON, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 15, 2007, MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Boyles reviewed the items on the consent agenda. A. Consider Approval of Invoices to be Paid. B. Consider Approval of Change Order #6 City hall and Police Station Project. C. Consider Approval of Resolution 07.181 Amending a Final Planned Unit Development and Develop- ment Contract for Stonebriar and a Resolution 07.192 Approving the Combined Preliminary and Final Plat for Stonebriar 2nd Addition. D. Consider Approval of a Resolution 07.182 Approving an Amendment to the Final Planned Unit Devel- opment Plan for Northwood Meadows. Hedberg: Requested that item 5A, Approval of Invoices to be Paid, be removed from the Consent Agenda. MOTION BY MILLAR, SECONDED BY ERICKSON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS MODIFIED. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. Hedberg: Noted payments for Pike Lake Park and reminded the public that earlier in the year the City learned about the possibility of acquiring over 30 acres to preserve primarily as a natural area. Stated that it has been accomplished with the City spending only 40% of money required to purchase it. LeMair: Confirmed that the City commitment was $500,000 which leveraged an addition $1.3 million from other sources. MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY ERICKSON TO APPROVE THE INVOICES TO BE PAID. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. 2 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT PRESENTATION Youth Appreciation Week City Manager Boyles informed the Council that the Prior Lake Optimist's Club requested that a proclama- tion be made declaring November 12 -16 as Youth Appreciation Week in Prior Lake. Deputy Mayor Le- Mair read the proclamation. Chemical Health Week. Janine Alcorn, Independent School District #719, commented on the importance of recognizing the risks of youth using alcohol, tobacco and drugs. She provided statistics on alcohol-related car accidents and the financial costs to all citizens of chemical use. Asked everyone to be aware of what they can do to change attitudes noting that adult choices set examples. Deputy Mayor LeMair read the proclamation declaring November 12 -16 as Chemical Health Week in Prior Lake. PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearing to Consider Approval of a Resolution Approving the Nondegradation Report for the City of Prior Lake and Authorizing Staff to Prepare a Record of Decision and Submit the Report to the MPCA for Review. Water Resources Engineer Bintner described the report to be submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Con- trol Agency before December 1. Stated that Prior Lake was required to undertake this water quality study along with 30 other cities and that Prior Lake was one of the first cities required to do the study based on being a developing city. Noted that this is a low bar for water quality as the nondegradation requirements are to meet the same level of pollutants that existed in 1988. Informed the Council that 400 tons of sedi- ment are collected by ponds per year which lets us know that at least that much has to be taken out of the ponds each year to keep it out of the lakes. Comments: Millar: Asked what happens when too much phosphorus or suspended solids enter the lakes. Bintner: Replied that phosphorus makes plants more productive and such high productivity is not wanted in a lake. Noted that Upper Prior and Spring Lake are impaired because of high phosphorus. Millar: Asked about the standard required in this report. Bintner: Replied that the study finds that Prior Lake is meeting the nondegradation standard meaning that there is at least no greater than the 1988 level of contaminants. Noted that at that time farm land already had a lot of pollutants running into the lakes. Stated that the MPCA has found problems within the water- shed of not meeting the standard usage identified as fishable and swimmable. Millar: Stated the City will have to be diligent to make sure lakes and streams are in good shape. Erickson: Commented that the DNR required a sediment dam to be set up where Spring Creek goes into Spring Lake during the reconstruction of TH 13. Stated that the dam has been removed and asked if Prior Lake does anything to assure the function of the dam is met since the water drains into Prior Lake. Bintner: Replied that such issues are handled by the Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District. Noted he is not familiar with the dam referred to, but it is not in City jurisdiction. Erickson: Asked if the City would monitor that when the area is annexed in the future. Bintner: Replied that if it is under Watershed District ownership, it will remain under their ownership. Deputy Mayor LeMair declared the public hearing open. Comments: 3 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT Jerry Meysembourg, 15330 Edgewater Circle, commented that the City has already imposed a zero per- cent phosphorus ordinance for the City which is a positive step. Reports from watershed will show im- proved quality over the years and to say Prior Lake and Spring Lake are unfit for fishing and swimming is not a true statement. Stated he was watershed board manager for seven years and the water clarity and water quality has improved over the years. Spoke of systems installed years ago to improve the water quality and that reports will show it is better now than it was in the past. MOTION BY ERICKSON, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried and the public hearing closed at 6:52 p.m. Comments: Millar: Stated he will be interested to see the reports. The lakes and springs are so important to us and we should strive to have the cleanest water possible. Hedberg: Agreed that water quality is an important objective and that Spring Lake is a challenge because it has been subjected to agricultural runoff for so many years. Much phosphorus is embedded in the sedi- ment and it cannot be mined out. Agreed that over a long period of time, it is important to focus on improv- ing water quality. Erickson: Asked if there is any signage on stormwater areas that show it is going to drain to the lake which might discourage people from putting things they shouldn't there. Bintner: Replied that many of the newer castings used in catch basins indicates that it drains to a water body. Albrecht: Commented that as the City renews and replaces castings, the new castings are used as well as stenciling. LeMair: Asked when the City will be required to do the report again. Bintner: Replied that the report does not have to be redone. LeMair: Asked if the City will be reimbursed the $34,000 that was expended on the report. Bintner: Replied that it was an unfunded mandate. LeMair: Stated the report lets us measure where the City is at and commented that he agrees with the idea of stenciling drains and that we should attempt to stencil all of them. MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY MILLAR TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 07.183 ACCEPTING THE NONDEGRADATION REPORT FOR THE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PREPARED A RECORD OF DECISION AND SUBMIT THE REPORT TO THE MPCA FOR REVIEW. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. Public Hearing for City of Prior Lake Part 2 Wellhead Protection Plan. Public Works Director Albrecht reviewed the highlights of the report and introduced John Greer, a hy- drologist from Barr Engineering. Commented that Part 1 of the Wellhead Protection Plan identified what areas of town influenced the well heads and noted that one of the wellhead areas is considered to be a high vulnerability area meaning the wells are susceptible to things occurring in the area that could pollute them. Part 2 consists of the management strategies for the City to protect the wellhead areas and focuses on education, planning and data collection. Described the strategies for those focus areas. Comments: Erickson: Noted the ordinance regarding watering restrictions has changed and the report should be re- vised to incorporate those changes. Albrecht: Concurred. 4 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT Erickson: Asked about the problems of Class V wells that are referred to in the report. Greer: Replied that Class V wells are associated with properties that had such things as auto repair busi- nesses with unlined pits for waste. Erickson: Asked the time period when such wells were used. Greer: From the 1960s and prior. Noted that these would not be currently operating businesses but did in the past and the City needs to identify where there could have been Class V wells. Hedberg: Asked how many of the businesses in the industrial park with private septic systems are in the process of hooking up to the City infrastructure. Albrecht: Replied that two of the larger properties will be hooking up with the initial phase. The other properties cannot hook up until the infrastructure is extended. Hedberg: Asked how many residences in the Credit River township are in the high vulnerability area of the wellhead. Albrecht: Replied there are approximately 13 with the newer properties having newer septic systems that meet current code. Hedberg: Noted that residences that go down to Markley Lake are mostly in a low vulnerability area. Albrecht: Concurred. Millar: Asked how much of a concern the commercial area is. Albrecht: Replied there is sewer and water extended to the property and the City can determine whether or not it wants to push the issue. Noted there is much equipment there so there is potential for oils and chemicals to leak into the ground. MOTION BY ERICKSON, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried and the public hearing opened at 7:12 p.m. Comments: No person stepped forward to speak. MOTION BY ERICKSON, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried and the public hearing closed at 7:13 p.m. Comments: Hedberg: Stated this is another step in taking care of the natural resources in the area and it is important to not allow any contaminants to get into the water supply. A master plan is in place for the development of the industrial park for economic development and the reason for a master plan is to have a practical mechanism for the properties in the high vulnerability area to be able to get off private septic systems. Millar: Stated it is a basic responsibility of a city to protect and manage its water system. LeMair: Commented the City has spent a lot of money on the infrastructure for such things as new wells and a water treatment plant; and we need to take the steps to protect the well head area. MOTION BY ERICKSON, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 07.184 ADOPTING THE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE WELLHEAD AND SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN PART 2 VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of a Resolution Vacating a Drainage and Utility Easement Lo- cated on Lot 3, Block 1, McCormick Acres. 5 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT Planning Coordinator Moore informed the Council that Ryland Homes wants to add an adjacent lot to the existing Stonebriar Planned Unit Development; and that utilities need to be shifted to accommodate the additional parcel. MOTION BY MILLAR, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried and the public hearing opened at 7:18 p.m. Comments: No person stepped forward to speak. MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY ERICKSON TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried and the public hearing closed at 7:19 p.m. Comments: All members of the Council indicated their support. MOTION BY MILLAR, SECONDED BY ERICKSON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 07.185 PROVIDING FOR THE VACATION OF THE EXISTING DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS ON LOT 3, BLOC 1, MCCORMICK ACRES. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. OLD BUSINESS Consider Approval of a Resolution Designating I & S Engineers and Architects as Architect for the Jeffers Pond Interpretive Center Construction Project and Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Enter into a Modified Form of the AlA Professional Services Contract Therefore. City Manager Boyles reviewed the history of the project and indicated there is $1.6 million designated for the construction of an interpretive center intended to be a multi-purpose building. Informed the Council that the building committee requested proposals, interviewed four finalists and is recommending I & S Engi- neers and Architects because their proposal recognized constraints of the parcel, the need for parking on the property, incorporated the concepts of learning, future building expansion and concurrent uses of the building. Noted that 1& S has a good track record with the City and they were also the lowest bidder. Comments: Millar: Described the experience with I & S from his work on the fire station committee explaining that they listen to what is wanted and are professional. Believes planning for a possible future addition to the build- ing is good. Will support. Hedberg: Commented that this will be an impressive building that will be open to the woodlands and creek. Encouraged everyone to go to see the site. Asked about the amount allocated to design and engi- neering services. Boyles: Replied that no specific amount is dedicated for this service. Hedberg: Commented that I&S is the lowest bid and will provide good results. Noted that the City's total cost will be up to $280,000 of the $1.6 million facility, Jeffers Foundation donated the land and through di- rect grant and a grant attached to a conservation easement will provide over $1.2 million and the School District will provide $200,000 for furniture and fixtures. Will support. Erickson: Agreed the design for expansion is good and the passive solar energy efficiency and rain gar- dens will display ways people can incorporate those ideas into their own buildings. 6 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT LeMair: Asked if the facility will be built into the bluff area. Kansier: Identified the bluff line and stated the building will not encroach into it. LeMair: Concluded this is a great opportunity for the City by leveraging $280,000 for a significant project and it is a great opportunity for the community to use and experience many parts of the space on the prop- erty. MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY MILLAR TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 07.186 ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF I & S ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS AS ARCHITECT FOR THE JEFFERS POND INTERPRETIVE CENTER PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MODIFIED AlA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT THEREFORE. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. Consider Approval of a Resolution Appointing Persons to Serve on the Prior Lake Area Community Safety Task Force. City Manager Boyles explained that the Council desired to provide an enhanced level of effort regarding community safety to comply with the Safe and Healthy Community Vision Element. Noted that Level III predatory offenders moving into the area accentuated the sense of need to take action. Described the po- tential participants for a task force and added three representatives from the Shakopee Mdwakanton Sioux Community. Recommended Police Chief O'Rourke and himself as staff support to the task force. Re- quested the Council to consider whether their participation should be as members of the task force or liai- sons to the task force. Comments: Hedberg: Stated he is glad the City is moving quickly as his personal interest is to not only deal with the broad issue, but also to protect kids. Believes the Council should appoint a chair to the task force and rec- ommended that it be O'Rourke. Requested more discussion regarding membership of councilors vs. liai- son status. Erickson: Noted that the traffic advisory committee functions with a staff person serving as chair. Ques- tioned the number of people recommended for this task force as it pertains to meeting space and time. LeMair: Replied that the Long Range Planning Committee that developed the 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan had 150 people involved and believes this number of people would be manageable. Millar: Agreed. Noted that the task force will deal with the broad issue of safety throughout the community and the group would be broken down into subcommittees. Hedberg: Noted that the long range planning process was a focused one-day event with follow-up activi- ties. Believes this task force may have long life as a community group and the large representation makes sense because there are so many topics. Erickson: Believes that membership should be narrowed down if it is to be a long-term task force, but a large group would be good for the initial meetings. Believes council members should be liaisons rather than members and that liaison appointment should only be through December 31. Millar: Commented that he is glad to see so many citizens wanting to be a part of this because safety is- sues affect all of us. Believes council members should be liaisons. Concurred with the recommendation to have O'Rourke as chair because of his knowledge and background on safety issues. Agree that initial meetings should be all encompassing and follow up meetings could be of subcommittees. Not sure how it will work to have liaisons attend all of the subcommittee meetings. Erickson: Queried whether council members who are not liaisons could be observers at the meetings. Millar: Noted this task force could establish a template for other cities and that when dealing with sex of- fenders, all communities are one, big neighborhood. 7 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT Hedberg: Agreed council members should be liaisons rather than members. Should make appointments now even though don't know results of elections because initial organizing activities will begin in the next two months. LeMair: Concurred with recommendation of appointing O'Rourke as chair. Stated he is agreeable with being a liaison to the task force, but after having been involved in two sex offender notification meetings in the last few weeks he feels a need to protect family and neighbors and has ideas about how to do that. Boyles: Noted that by posting the meetings, all council members can participate as members of the com- mittee and serve for as long as the work lasts. Pace: Suggested that as members, the Councilors can continue the work regardless of their term of office. LeMair: Affirmed he would rather be a member of the committee. Erickson: Believes the City Attorney should be member of the committee and noted that if posting each meeting allows more than two council members to be on the committee, he would also like to serve on it. Millar: Stated he would also like to be at the task force meetings, but believes it is a time to listen to the membership. LeMair: Asked Police Chief O'Rourke if he is willing to chair the task force. O'Rourke: Affirmed. Boyles: Will bring timeline for actions back to a future meeting. MOTION BY MILLAR, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 07.187 APPOINTING PERSONS TO SERVE ON THE PRIOR LAKE AREA COMMUNITY SAFETY TASK FORCE. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. RECESS Deputy Mayor LeMair called a recess at 7:55 p.m. RECONVENE The meeting reconvened at 8:02 p.m. Consider Approval of the Snowmobile Task Force Report. Police Chief O'Rourke identified the topics addressed by the task force such as speed limits, location of trails, private property and enforcement. Acknowledged members of the committee including representa- tives of the snowmobile club, Scott County and residents. Discussed trouble points of access to and across the lake and made recommendations to resolve the issues connected to them. The snowmobile club has received approval from Tractor Supply to use their lot as a park and ride for snowmobilers with appropriate signage which will include trail maps and snowmobile ordinances. Recommended a hot line be established for callers with complaints, issues and inquiries to be able to get immediate feedback. Noted that the hot line would allow them to track the areas of complaint to assist in enforcement. Stated that there are 3,000 snowmobiles registered in Prior Lake and 6,000 in Scott County and that a mailing would be sent to registered snowmobilers with a reminder of pertinent ordinances. Suggested that enforcement efforts would be conducted in conjunction with the DNR and the Sheriff's Department using their snowmo- biles for enforcement. Noted that park ordinance and snowmobile ordinance need to be synchronized and reflect current practices. Public Works Director Albrecht discussed issues with CR 21 and CR 82 ex- plaining the alternates considered. Stated that Scott County has not approved CR 81 for snowmobiling so the task force is recommending that the sidewalk on the south side of CR 82 be used for snowmobiles for a trial period of one year. Proposed a trail along the north side of CR 21 recognizing that there are safety issues and that it will not resolve long-term use issues. A neighborhood meeting was held with residents along the proposed CR 21 route with safety concems expressed. Police Chief O'Rourke spoke of the costs associated with the recommendations: signage for park and rides, fencing in Sand Point, Grainwood 8 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT and retaining walls, street signs for Main Avenue, (the hot line would be incorporated into City phone sys- tem for no additional expense), mailings, snowmobile trail markings by the club and enforcement costs. Estimated costs are not to exceed $5,150. Stated he received an email from the snowmobile club offering to pay for sign age costs and requesting that the $5,150 be used for enforcement efforts. Comments: LeMair: Queried whether the trail could cross to the south side at CR 21 and Franklin to use the bitumi- nous path. Albrecht: Replied the task force did not look at that because it is a plowed trail connection to the down- town for pedestrians and they felt eliminating the only pedestrian trail to downtown was not an option. Pro- posed the sidewalk on the north side of CR 21 from Franklin to Hwy 13 could be used for pedestrians so the bituminous trail on the south could be for snowmobiles. LeMair: Agreed that is a good alternative to try for a year. Erickson: Stated the task force improved communication between the snowmobile club, city and non- snowmobilers; made snowmobilers aware of a CR 21 problem; helped county, city and club to try to come up with solutions for several issues; and helped come up with park and ride solutions. Recommends that this become a standing committee that meets annually to review these items. Committee has worked to make snowmobiling safe and allow us to continue to have trails in Prior Lake. Signage is a good idea and believes there should be additional posting on all roads and streets that are illegal to have snowmobiles. Agrees with the CR 82 recommendation. Questioned whether pedestrian use is high enough to prohibit the use of the section of the south side of CR 21. Albrecht: Believes the pedestrians utilized the south side of CR 21 from Franklin to TH 13 because it is plowed. Many people don't realize there is a sidewalk on the north side and it would have to be publicized. Erickson: Asked if the south side trail connects to trails in Cleary Park and if people would have to cross CR 21 to continue their walk to get to Cleary. Albrecht: Affirmed. Noted the pathway would need to be evaluated. Has observed that pedestrians don't like crossing TH 13 in the winter. Noted there is a stop light at Franklin where pedestrians would to cross to the north at the crosswalk. Would have to do some education. There is a stoplight at Franklin. Erickson: Agreed it sounds like a good altemative. Millar: Thanked people in the audience for attending the meeting. Believes this is the "tip of the iceberg" for issues to be dealt with for future growth. Believes the Sand Point alternative makes sense but a neighborhood meeting needs to be conducted first. Asked if there should be signage for a crossing over 21 through Grainwood Park. Albrecht: Replied that it is a County road and he will recommend it to them. Millar: Believes park and ride snowmobile lots will be the wave of the future. CR 82 alternative seems to be the only one and he will support it with the contingency that it is reviewed in the spring. CR 21 solution may be viable. Asked if the lights will be installed on the Franklin intersection before it snows. Albrecht: Replied the lights should be operational by Thanksgiving. Millar: Stated it is important to balance the wants and needs of snowmobilers with those of the residents. Believes it is important for snowmobilers to police their own and let violators know that they could be wreck- ing it for others. Supports moving the trail to the south side of CR 21 from Franklin to TH 13. Hedberg: Commented on his appreciation of the effort that went into developing this report and that he generally supports the recommendations. Anticipates the south end of the city boundaries being connected to rural areas well into the future and believes that the challenges that snowmobile recreationists are facing need to be solved to fulfill the 2030 vision of being a rural-feeling, recreational city. Agrees the task force should be a standing committee to annually consider what works and what doesn't. Supports maintaining trails on 82 and 21 because the right process has not been followed due to lack of time. Believes this year's usage should be reviewed in April with a report to the Council by June so that any proposed changes 9 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT can have time for feedback from snowmobilers and anyone else involved. Does not like the idea of trails degrading over time, but the wear is an unknown. Supports the newest alternative for CR 21 to use south side from Franklin to Hwy 13 and recommends making that change to the report. Believes no decision should be made on a proposed Crest Avenue trail for a year in order to get the neighbors involved. LeMair: Advocates having snowmobiles in the community believing it gives the City character. Disap- pointed that the trail issue was not addressed several months ago by the County and believes there is lack of support from County to resolve it. Commented that the additional crossing on CR 21 shouldn't affect anyone too much but needs to be communicated residents. Noted that when we spoke with people on the north side of CR 21 most concerns were about safety. Favors trying the CR 82 proposal, the Grainwood crossing over CR 21 and the park and ride lot. Believes the task force should remain small and meet once or twice a year to not use too much staff time. Crest Avenue/Sand Point can be delayed until a neighbor- hood meeting can be held. Albrecht: Asked the Council to amend both 82 and 21 when approving the report. Erickson: Asked to have signage on all County roads in the city that are illegal to have snowmobiles to be added to the report. Boyles: Stated the City can ask the County to do that. If they decline, then the City can consider another decision. Millar: Asked for signage for the CR 21 crossing by Grainwood. MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY ERICKSON TO ACCEPT THE REPORT WITH THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS: 1. The snowmobile trail on CR 82 will be on the south side of the highway. 2. The snowmobile trail on CR 21 will follow the report's recommended course until it reaches Franklin Trail where it will cross to the south side of CR 21 to proceed to TH 13. 3. A public meeting will be conducted by April 1, 2008 on the CR 21 and CR 82 trail segments and a re- port will be provided to the Council by June. 4. A decision on the Crest Avenue/Sand Point Park crossing will be deferred to next year. 5. Staff will pursue signage from the County for all County roads in the City; both crossing locations and where snowmobiling is not legal. 6. The snowmobile task force will be retained as a standing committee. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. LeMair: Requested the City Attorney to provide her legal interpretation on the County's justification for not allowing CR 81 as an option for a legal trail. RECESS Deputy Mayor LeMair called for a recess at 9:20 p.m. RECONVENE The meeting reconvened at 9:25 p.m. Consider Approval of Resolutions with Respect to the Communications Advisory Committee: 1) Amending Bylaws, and 2) Appointing Members. City Manager Boyles outlined the proposed amendments to the bylaws and highlighted the qualifications of proposed appointees. Comments: 10 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT Hedberg: Commented that both candidates are enthusiastic, experienced with various elements of tech- no logy and interested in helping Prior Lake improve its communications program. Recommends both can- didates. Millar: Concurred with Hedberg comments about the candidates and noted he may recommend a future combination of the technology committee and communications committee. Erickson: Will support. LeMair: Will support. Stated it is nice to have more qualified candidates than there are vacancies and we should allow them both to give their time to the community. Welcomes them. MOTION BY MILLAR, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 07.188 ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITIEE. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. MOTION BY MILLAR, SECONDED BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 07.189 APPOINTING DAVID ELBON AND HANS JACOBSEN TO SERVE ON THE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. Consider Approval of a Resolution Declaring the Costs to be Assessed, Ordering Preparation of an Assessment Roll and Establishing the Date of the Assessment Hearing for Improvements on Ida Circle and Trunk Highway 13 (City Project #O6.11). Assistant City Engineer Poppler informed the Council that twelve bids were received for this project with the lowest bid 25% lower than the engineer's estimate. Reconstruction of street and storm sewer will be assessed only to Ida Circle properties as it does not provide special benefit to properties located on TH 13. A public hearing needs to be scheduled for the assessment hearing. Public Works Director Albrecht reminded the Council that this is not a typical manner of assessing a project; but that since this is a first time sewer and water in this area and there will be larger assessments than a standard street project, the Council authorized assessing the project ahead of time to allow an assessment hearing, a thirty-day appeal period and planning for the project to start in the spring. Comments: Hedberg: Recalled that originally the City planned to assess 100% for the project which would have amounted to more than $30,000 per residence; but the Council determined to treat the street and storm sewer like they would any other project in the city and assess 40% of the stormwater and street improve- ments and assess the sanitary sewer and watermain utilities across all of the properties. Bids are lower than estimated so assessment numbers are attractive when compared to the projections at the beginning of this project. Will support. Millar: Concurred that this is the next procedural step to get to the public hearing. Erickson: Asked if any problems are anticipated from the low bidder and queried about the bidder being much lower than the other bids. Poppler: Replied that the City received two bids that were low out of the 12 received. Noted that contrac- tors know who else is bidding which enhances competition and many of them were interested in this pro- ject. Identified the low bidder as S. M. Hentges and noted that they have completed several projects around the City. Albrecht: Commented that there is not a lot of work available on a city level and we received a lot of bids from contractors trying to line up work for next year. LeMair: Will support. Commented that the lower pricing should alleviate some of the friction with the resi- dents. 11 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2007 DRAFT MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECONDED BY MILLAR TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 07.190 DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE IDA CIRCLE AND TRUNK HIGHWAY 13 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND ESTABLISHING THE DATE OF THE ASSESSMENT HEARING AND PUBLICATION THEREOF. VOTE: Ayes by Erickson, Hedberg, LeMair and Millar. The motion carried. NEW BUSINESS No new business items were brought before the Council. OTHER Community Events Millar: Encouraged everyone to vote. Erickson: Wine Tasting and Food Sampling event is scheduled Thursday and tickets can be purchased from the Chamber office. LeMair: Premiere Dance Academy has its grand opening Tuesday night. ADJOURNMENT With no further comments from Council members, a motion to adjourn was made by Millar and seconded by Erickson. With all in favor, the meeting adjoumed at 9:42 p.m. Frank Boyles, City Manager Charlotte Green, Administrative Asst. 12