HomeMy WebLinkAbout060396 Regular MINUTES OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY COUNCIL
June 3, 1996
1. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Andren called the meeting of the Common Council
to order on Monday, June 3, 1996 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present
were: Mayor Andren, Councilmembers Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader and
Schenck, City Manager Boyles, Public Works Director Anderson, Planning
Director Rye, Parks and Recreation Director Hokeness, Assistant Engineer
Wingard, Finance Director Teschner, Assistant City Attorney Walston, and
Assistant City Manager/Recording Secretary Tremere.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor Andren led the Pledge of Allegiance and
welcomed everyone to the meeting.
3. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
The Mayor noted the correct spelling of Duane Melling's last name on page 6.
MOTION BY GREENFIELD, SECONDED BY KEDROWSKI TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 20, 1996 MINUTES AS
AMENDED.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, and Schenck;
Mader abstained since he was not at the previous meeting; the motion carried
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Consider Approval of Invoices to be Paid.
B. Consider Adoption of Resolution 96-65 Approving the Final Plat of The Res 9665
Wilds 2nd Addition and Developer's Agreement. . The Wilds
C. Consider Approval of Final Payment for Prior South, Project #94-02. Proj. 9402
D. Consider Utilization of a Money Manager to Enhance the City's
Investment Portfolio Return. l~loney Mgr
E. Consider Approval of Appointment of New Member to the Planning
Commission.
16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
MOTION BY KEDROWSKI, SECONDED BY MADER TO APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA, EXCEPT FOR ITEMS 4-A, 4-B, AND 4-D,
WHICH WILL CONSIDERED SEPARATELY.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader and
Schenck, the motion carried.
The first item was Item 4-B, Consider Adoption of Resolution 96-65 Approving
the Final Plat of The Wilds 2nd Addition and Developer's Agreement.
Councilmember Mader observed that the language in the draft resolution did not
refer to the developers agreement. The City Manager recommended adding a
Condition No. 7 specifying approval of the developers contract.
MOTION BY KEDROWSKI, SECONDED BY SCHENCK TO APPROVE
RESOLUTION 96-65 APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF "THE WILDS
2ND ADDITION" AND DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT AND SETTING
FORTH CONDITIONS TO BE MET PRIOR TO RELEASE OF THE
FINAL PLAT
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader and
Schenck, the motion carried.
The next item was Item 4-D, Consider Utilization of a Money Manager to
Enhance the City's Investment Portfolio Return. - Councilmember Mader noted
recent Council discussion and he reviewed the data in the Staff Agenda Report.
He said he had considered the positive and negative aspects identified in the
Report, and he concluded the upsides were not that prevalent. He recommended
the Council retain the present process with staff-managed investments. Extensive
discussion ensued.
Councilmember Kedrowski disagreed and noted the Council had asked staff to
bring recommendations to the council; as city grows, outside services with special
expertise are needed to assist staff. Councilmember Mader stated the firm in this
case would not advise staff, but, rather, would invest City money He also
commented that the record presented in the report includes a banner year; the
Council should look at the other four years; it is not clear this is needed.
Councilmember Kedrowski asked Finance Director Teschner to speak to the
recommendation. Director Teschner noted the ranking of the C.H. Brown money
management firm; a "worst case" scenario was shown to indicate the possibility of
a drop in interest rates. He confirmed Councilmember Mader's observation that
the Brown firm would have control of the money.
M060396.DOC 2
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
Director Teschner stated the past performance was impressive, and the evaluation
should be for the long term. The staff concern is to maximize the rate of return,
and this program offers a way to do that with minimal risk.
Councilmember Schenck observed that the staff record is so good so far; thus, the
question, why change? Director Teschner responded that he does not have the
resources of a money manager. Councilmember Schenck wondered if the Council
could invest only about $500,000, with staff managing the rest. The Council
could ultimately review the comparative results through periodic staff reports.
Councilmember Mader explained that he does not see this as a high risk
investment, but it is a change in the city's philosophy and practice, and the
increase in return is not significant. Councilmember Greenfield said he
appreciates Councilmember Mader's point; and, Councilmember Kedrowski's
concern is one of timing. The amount is relatively not substantial in terms of
overall investment strategy, thus, the City should track the timing of investments
more carefully.
The Mayor stated she could not support the recommendation and the Council
should continue to be conservative with the public's money.
MOTION BY ANDREN, SECONDED BY MADER TO DENY THE
PROPOSED MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Schenck, and Mader;
Kedrowski, nay; the motion carried.
The next item was consideration of Item 4-A, Consider Approval of Invoices to be
Paid. Councilmember Greenfield asked Director Teschner to clarify the park
supply items.
MOTION BY GREENFIELD, SECONDED BY KEDROWSKI TO
APPROVE THE INVOICES SCHEDULED FOR PAYMENT JUNE 4, 1996.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader and
Schenck, the motion carried.
5. PRESENTATIONS - None
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
7. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Consider Approval of Resolution 96-62 Waiving Park Support Fees for Res 9662
Independent School District #719 for the Westwood Elementary SchlOCk Sup Fees
M060396.DOC 3
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
Improvement Project. - The City Manager explained the purpose of the
action and the recommendation.
Marge Kinney from the Prior Lake School Board inquired whether the
consideration was for only the Westwood Elementary School project. The
Mayor and the City Manager responded in the affirmative.
MOTION BY KEDROWSKI, SECONDED BY SCHENCK TO
APPROVE RESOLUTION 96-62 AUTHORIZING PARTIAL FEE
WAIVER FOR WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
Ms. Kinney thanked the Council for the action.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader
and Schenck, the motion carried.
B. Consider Approval of Vacation of Street Easement for portions of
Chatonka Beach Trail. - The Mayor stepped down as she had at the public
hearing, due to a conflict of interest; she handed the gavel to Mayor Pro
Tem Greenfield. The City Manager explained the background per the
Staff Agenda Report, and the need for a 4/5 vote. He explained that the
public hearing has been held and closed.
MOTION BY KEDROWSKI, SECONDED BY MADER TO
9629
APPROVE RESOLUTION 96-29 VACATING PART OF THE
Chatonka
ROADWAY EASEMENT (RETAINING UTILITY EASEMENT) Bch Trl
LOCATED ON THE OLD CHATONKA BEACH TRAIL,
LOCATED NORTH OF EXISTING BEACH STREET AND EAST
OF BLUEBIRD TRAIL
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader
and Schenck, the motion carried.
The meeting recessed at 8:08 p.m. and the Mayor resumed the chair and the
meeting at 8:12 p.m.
C. Consider Approval of Change Order for Northwood Road Improvement
Project. - The City Manager introduced the item and explained the .Chg. Order
recommendation per the Staff Agenda Report. 1~ Road
MOTION BY KEDROWSKI, SECONDED BY SCHENCK TO
AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 AS A DECREASE IN THE
AMOUNT OF $1,466.58 TO VALLEY PAVING, INC.
M060396.DOC 4
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
Councilmember Greenfield clarified the purpose of the change order.
Councilmember Mader commented about the Staff Agenda Report and
possible savings. Assistant Engineer Wingard explained how estimates
are made, especially where milling is involved. Quantities are measured
daily, and the estimates could change somewhat
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader
and Schenck, the motion carried.
D. Consider Approval of Cooperative Agreement between the City of Prior CSAI-I 21
Lake and Scott County for County Road 21 (from Fish Point Road to the
east city limits). The City Manager explained that the County has
completed the necessary work to get the project underway. He said there
were several issues for the Council to discuss: street lighting, landscaping,
and restricted parking along County Road 21.
Director Anderson explained the proposed street lighting; he recalled
earlier Council discussions on the extent of lighting; he noted evolution of
trail planning and discussions of whether trail lighting was needed or even
desired. Staff has determined that some of the existing wood poles are
rotting and will be maintenance problems. Traditional lighting fixtures
have been viewed negatively. Plans were prepared without lighting; thus,
the issue for the Council is whether to include it.
He explained a second issue is the landscaping and the recommendation to
acquire equipment that would be retained by the city once the work in the
County Road 21 project is done. He noted the practical difficulties in
planting and the staff position that the proposed equipment would enhance
productivity; the alternative is to include the landscaping in the contract.
The Mayor recalled that the Council allocated money for lighting and
asked whether the amount--about $100,000--was adequate. Director
Anderson said the amount appears to be inadequate, given the cost of the
light standards used elsewhere along County Road 21. He explained
approximately $70,000 more than estimated in the original project study
was necessary to get the appropriate lighting. Councilmember Mader
clarified that the proposed fixtures would be of materials other than the
existing wood.
Extensive discussion ensued. The Mayor cited the Staff Agenda Report
and observed that the specific costs for lighting were not clear. The City
Manager commented that, over time, the cost estimates have changed.
Director Anderson confirmed for the Mayor that the spacing between light
fixtures was less. Councilmember Kedrowski verified that the closer
spacing would result in better lighting.
M060396.DOC 5
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
The Mayor said there were also questions about the landscaping. She
recalled that the original plans represented to the public what bonds were
needed for; while lighting was included, the proposed landscaping is a
change. Further discussion ensued and Director Hokeness and Director
Anderson explained the source of materials.
The Mayor questioned the acquisition of equipment for the tree planting;
the City did not include equipment in the bond issue; she asked the City
Attorney about the use of bond proceeds for purposes not specifically
stated in the bond sale. Attomey Walston responded; he said that,
generally, the capital acquisition that would benefit this project and other
projects should be. in accordance with contracting laws. Director
Anderson responded to the Mayor that the staff finds the proposed
acquisition would be lawful and appropriate. The Mayor suggested that
the attorney should investigate this.
The Mayor said she also was concerned about the cost of a city entrance
monument--about $12,000--which was not specifically addressed in the
bond sale information. She questioned the need for the monument.
Councilmember Kedrowski clarified with Director Anderson the proposed
tree spade and trailer acquisition. He asked the City Attorney about the
appropriateness of acquiring the equipment. Attorney Walston said he
would need to research the law and report to the Council. The Mayor said
the item should be tabled so the Attorney can check on the matter.
Director Teschner said he did discuss this with the City's bond attorney at
Briggs and Morgan; it was noted that the original project was broadly
defined, and the Council has a wide latitude on this. He said a written
opinion could be obtained.
Councilmember Mader said he saw three issues: first, the lighting; and he
prefers to light the way for safety and security; second, the tree spade and
trailer may make practical and economic sense; however, they should be
purchased with funds from the equipment fund not the bond proceeds;
third, the proposed monument is outside the realm of landscaping and was
not in the original bond sale information. He suggested that the Council
should deal with the lighting issue, and treat the equipment issue and
monument as independent matters.
MOTION BY MADER, SECONDED BY ANDREN TO APPROVE
RESOLUTION 96-60 APPROVING PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CSAH 21, THE COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT WITH SCOTT COUNTY AND STREET LIGHTING
M060396.DOC 6
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
PER THE ORIGINAL APPROVED PLANS, WITH FUNDING FOR
LANDSCAPING AND THE ACQUISITION OF A TREE SPADE
AND TRAILER TO BE REVIEWED FURTHER
The Mayor indicated that the Council should strike specific language in
the draft resolution to accomplish the purpose of the motion. Director
Anderson recommended that staff could revise the resolution per Council
direction and return it at a subsequent meeting. The Mayor agreed and
withdrew the motion; Councilmember Mader withdrew his second.
MOTION BY ANDREN, SECONDED BY KEDROWSKI TO
TABLE FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF CSAH 21 PROJECT
IMPROVEMENTS AND TO DIRECT STAFF TO REVIEW THE
ITEM IN LIGHT OF COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND RETURN
WITH AN OPINION FROM BOND COUNSEL AND A REVISED
DRAFT RESOLUTION.
Further discussion ensued about the source of funds and the priority the
tree spade and trailer had with other capital items included in the
Equipment Fund. Councilmember Schenck stated the project was a
mandate within the context of the original bonding; the equipment
acquisition proposed by staff makes sense.
The Mayor commented that the key issue was the apparent tendency to use
bond proceeds for purposes other than those included in the initial bond
issue plans; this constitutes a policy developing based upon practice which
is a problem.
Councilmember Schenck asked, if the monument is considered part of the
landscape program, how much should the Council pick apart the
landscaping? Councilmember Mader said he does not consider the
monument a part of the landscaping. Councilmember Greenfield noted the
Council's effort to pick lighting fixtures based upon best interests of city.
The Council should not box itself in with plan details that are consistent
with the purpose of approved projects.
Councilmember Kedrowski withdrew the second to the motion to table.
Councilmember Mader seconded the motion to table. The Mayor called
for a vote.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren and Mader; nays by Greenfield,
Kedrowski and Schenck, the motion failed.
M060396.DOC 7
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
Councilmember Kedrowski said there were three issues to be clarified: 1)
the street lighting; 2) the acquisition of a tree spade and trailer and the
appropriateness of using bond proceeds; and, 3) the inclusion of a City
entrance monument. He suggested that the Council should vote for or
against each item with no alternatives.
MOTION BY KEDROWSKI, SECONDED BY SCI-IENCK TO
TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF STREET LIGHTING
RELATIVE TO THE CSAH 21 PROJECT.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Mader, Kedrowski
and Schenck, the motion carried.
MOTION BY KEDROWSKI, SECONDED BY GREENFIELD TO
AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $18,000 OF
GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND PROCEEDS TO PURCHASE A
TREE SPADE AND TRAILER AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF
FOR THE CSAH 21 PROJECT.
The Mayor reiterated her concerns. Director Hokeness clarified that he
was unable to dedicate city staff to landscaping future county road
projects. During further discussion, Councilmember Greenfield asked
whether the tree spade and trailer would be used for city landscaping
projects, albeit not county highway work. Director Hokeness responded in
the affirmative.
Councilmember Mader said his concern is that there seems to be
conflicting views on the priority to get this equipment. He referred to
Director Teschner's remarks, and said this is either a good investment or it
is not. The City should not buy the equipment just because there is money
available for a project. The Mayor agreed and called for a vote.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Greenfield, Kedrowski and Schenck,
nays by Mader and Andren. The motion carried.
The meeting recessed at 9:18 p.m. and resumed at 9:26 p.m.
Councilmember Greenfield said the purpose and desirability of city
entrance monuments was clear: they provide identity and they are part of
the public landscaping; further, they can be lighted and be part of the
public lighting; therefore making a positive statement about the city.
MOTION BY GREENFIELD, SECONDED BY SCHENCK TO
AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $12,000 OF
GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND PROCEEDS TO PURCHASE A
M060396.DOC 8
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
CITY ENTRANCE MONUMENT AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF
AS EITHER A LIGHTING OR LANDSCAPING TREATMENT, OR
BOTH, FOR THE CSAH 21 PROJECT.
The Mayor said she is concemed that a monument for that kind of money
is displacing other projects which are unfunded or underfunded.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Greenfield, Kedrowski and Schenck;
nays by Mader and Andren. The motion carried.
E. Receive Report on Lot Coverage Limitations in the Residential Zoning
Districts. - The City Manager reviewed the recommendation of the Staff
Agenda Report and commented that the file research indicated the specific
reason for the current standards was unclear. The Mayor recalled the
general reasons, including concerns about density and small lot sizes.
Councilmember Kedrowski commented that the Council had discussed the
matter in some detail earlier; he asked the Planning Director for his views.
Director Rye said he saw a high probability of additional variance requests
unless the maximum lot coverage standards in the R-2 District are
repealed as well. The Mayor commented that there are not that many
vacant lots in that district. Director Rye agreed that there may not be a
critical situation in the short term, but the lack of consistency among
districts could have long term implications. He suggested that the lot
coverage issue needs to be reconsidered, and he recommended that the
issue be reviewed within the context of updating the entire ordinance.
MOTION BY ANDREN, SECONDED BY KEDROWSKI TO Lot Coverage
ACCEPT THE STAFF REPORT ON LOT COVERAGE
LIMITATIONS IN THE RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS AS
SUBMITTED.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader
and Schenck, the motion carried.
8. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider Approval of Resolution 96-64 Approving a Request of Robert W. . 9664
Ostdiek to Permit the Construction of a Pole Building in the R-1 Suburban Pole Barn
Residential District. - The item was introduced by the City Manager.
Director Rye explained the Staff Agenda Report, including the
consideration by the Planning Commission. He said that the matter before
the Council was whether to allow the proposed pole building; the matter of
an area variance was considered by the Commission. The City Code vests
with the Council the final determination of allowing pole buildings,
M060396.DOC 9
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
regardless of the need for variances. He explained the staff
recommendation for denial; he suggested that the Council may consider
direction to review the zoning of the property at some time.
The Mayor commented that this is odd area from a zoning perspective; it
is rural with suburban characteristics. She disagreed with the Planning
Commission action, but supports approval of the pole barn without
variances.
MOTION BY ANDREN, SECONDED BY KEDROWSKI TO
DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE REQUEST OF ROBERT W. OSTDIEK TO PERMIT THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A POLE BUILDING IN THE R-1
SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT AT 4510
JACKSON TRAIL N.E.
Discussion ensued and Councilmember Kedrowski reiterated what was
before the Council at this time. He suggested the approval should include
specific reasons for the action. The City Attorney concurred, as did
Assistant Manager Tremere who recalled the history of another pole barn
allowed in this area. The Council had specified the reasons for the
approval. Councilmember Mader verified that the Planning Commission's
action was to approve an area variance.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader
and Schenck, the motion carried.
B. Consider Approval of 1997-2001 Capital Improvement Program - The Cap Improvem
City Manager introduced the item and noted there are several issues: Program
annual tax impact, community park funding, library improvements,
developer-requested projects, and Five Hawks-Highway 13-CSAH 23
signals and realignment project.
Director Anderson responded to questions from Councilmember
Greenfield regarding projected costs. Councilmember Mader said the
purpose of the Council consideration at this time is to provide guidance for
planned capital needs. Funds earmarked for one thing should not be used
for other purposes.
Councilmember Kedrowski commented about the library proposals and
indicated the "redecorating" option mentioned in the Staff Agenda Report
should address Americans with Disabilities Act issues. The City Manager
said the Council could allocate the funds, and if the ADA modifications
become an issue the available funds can be used, whatever amount is
M060396.DOC 10
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
approved for general remodeling. The improvements are not in the CIP
now, direction from the Council is needed.
Councilmember Kedrowski inquired whether the redecorating will make
that much difference as to the use of the building. The City Manager
commented on possible uses of the Library Building and said the need for
at least basic remodeling is fairly urgent.
Director Teschner presented the financial data and explained the
recommendations, including not spreading funds for the library
improvements over five years.
Councilmember Mader commented that the library is not a high point in
the City, and the Council has heard from citizens about the need for
improvements, including a new facility. If the building is to go, then the
City should not invest in substantial improvements. However, since there
are not long term plans or funding for a new library, then the City should
repair it.
Councilmember Kedrowski suggested the costs could be spread over two
years. The Mayor said the Council need to address this now; there are
some other options including relocating the facility to other available and
suitable areas.
Director Teschner reviewed funding options; he said that Council
Contingency funds may be available and there could be a fund balance
later in the year. The traditional CIP route is not the sole way to do this
project.
Councilmember Kedrowski commented about the signals and realignment
near Five Hawks; he said the issue was the priority for this project, given
the new road in the area. Director Anderson responded. The Mayor
recognized Mr. Dar Fosse, Five Hawks Principal, who recalled the petition
to get a signal. He explained the traffic concerns given the new
developments, and said there is a basic issue of safety. He requested that
the signal be given high priority.
Councilmember Greenfield inquired about the levy impact of the Five
Hawks project. Director Teschner said there would be none, given the use
of MSA funds for some of the improvements. There was further
discussion about whether this project could be done in 1997.
Director Anderson commented on the collector street fund and the policy
to avoid the use of ad valorem taxes. The Mayor suggested keeping the
M060396.DOC 1 1
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
project in the 1998 plan which would allow the school district to finalize
its organizational plans.
Councilmember Kedrowski asked about funding from other agencies. The
City Manager responded and indicated other agencies are waiting to see
what the City's position is. Director Anderson said that there have been
discussions with others, including MnDOT and the school district, about
the need for a feasibility study, the cost to be shared. The purpose of
including it in this CIP was to determine the Council's interest.
The Mayor said the interest is there; the City has always known that there
would be a signal at this location; the City should get commitments from
other agencies. Director Anderson said 1998 was more realistic given the
Right of Way acquisition process.
Councilmember Kedrowski supported the parks element and the
developer-requested projects.
MOTION BY KEDROWSKI, SECONDED BY GREENFIELD TO
APPROVE THE PROPOSED 1997-2001 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AS SUBMITTED; WITH LIBRARY
REDECORATING AND ADA IMPROVEMENTS TO BE STUDIED
FURTHER AS TO TIMING AND FUNDING.
Discussion ensued about the estimated tax impact; Director Teschner
explained that the 2% tax capacity valuation growth estimate was
intentionally conservative.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Kedrowski, Mader
and Schenck, the motion carried.
C. Consider Approval of Process for Preparation of Revised Zoning
Ordinance. - The City Manager reviewed the Staff Agenda Report and the
recommendation from the Planning Director. The Mayor asked who
might be on such a committee, it would seem the group would need
persons who have a distinct background in planning and land use matters.
Director Rye suggested representation from the development community,
the business communities, and residents, noting that the Planning
Commission provides citizen input on such matters, too. The Mayor said
that if there is a committee, all members should be residents of Prior Lake
and no one should have a current conflict of interest.
Councilmember Mader stated that the Planning Commission is a good
sounding board, and he questioned whether there was a need for a separate
M060396.DOC 12
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
committee; he suggested that the Planning Commission could get the
project going. Director Rye explained that the committee would be a
sounding board for the Planning Commission which ultimately is charged
with the ordinance upkeep and modifications by State Law. He said the
issue is how much weight to give a committee. Councilmember Mader
said a committee should not be given extra weight over residents.
Councilmember Greenfield stated the City has good resources in place
including staff and planning commissioners; the hearing process is in
place; he questioned the need for special committee.
Councilmember Kedrowski asked whether a purpose of the committee was
to lessen staff workload for this project. Director Rye responded that was
not the purpose; he has had experience with ordinance revision projects
where such committees were successfully used to present the interests of
stakeholders and to build a sense of ownership in the project among
members of the community.
The Mayor recounted that the city has had some experience with
committees where some members did not always have the greater good of
Prior Lake in mind. She said the taxpaying resident should be deciding
the standards the City will use; developers and others will have
opportunity for input. She said that staff is the best resource and does not
have special interests to protect that would be contrary to those of the
residents.
Councilmember Kedrowski acknowledged the Mayor's comment, but he
said there are people in the community who could be tapped, such as
former Planning Commission members who could provide good input.
Councilmember Greenfield commented how the Comprehensive Plan
hearings and process worked; there was substantial input and the end
product was completed without a special committee.
MOTION BY MADER, SECONDED BY ANDREN TO NOT
AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ADVISORY
COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE INPUT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A
NEW ZONING ORDINANCE.
Upon a vote being taken, ayes by Andren, Greenfield, Mader and Schenck;
nay by Kedrowski, the motion carried.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
Councilmember Kedrowski inquired about the City Hall Fountain. The City
Manager said that it was on the list of things to do which has given way to the
M060396.DOC 13
Minutes of the Prior Lake City Council June 3, 1996
storm damage cleanup activities. He said the pickup project has been going well;
he noted that some residents were putting materials other than storm damage
products out for pick up.
Councilmember Greenfield inquired about the abandoned cement plant on County
Road 44. The City Manager said the City needs to obtain a cost estimate from the
City Attorney as to the legal process required for condemnation and elimination.
Councilmember Kedrowski recalled the County was willing to participate. The
City Manager said the ownership has not been interested in voluntarily
eliminating the problem.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
11. ADJOURNMENT
The Mayor adjourned meeting at 10:39 p.m. /
Recording Sec"feta/y~' ~
M060396.DOC 14