City Council

REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – APRIL 17, 2018 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Julie Trude, April 17, 2018, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Sheri Bukkila, and James Goodrich Councilmember absent: Valerie Holthus and Mike Knight Also present: City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz City Attorney, Scott Baumgartner Others PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE RESIDENT FORUM No one was in the audience that wished to speak to the Council. AGENDA APPROVAL Additional supplemental information was added: - Item #6A – Accept Resignation & Approve Planning and Zoning Commission Appointment Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Goodrich, to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 absent (Knight and Holthus). APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 27, 2018 Workshop Meeting: The Workshop meeting minutes were approved as presented. Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Goodrich to approve the March 27, 2018, Workshop meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 absent (Knight and Holthus). Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 17, 2018 Page 2 April 3, 2018 Regular Meeting: The Regular meeting minutes were approved as presented. Motion by Goodrich, Seconded by Bukkila, to approve the April 3, 2018, Regular meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 absent (Knight and Holthus). CONSENT ITEMS Item 2 Approve Payment of Claims Item 3 Accept Petition/Order & Adopt Assessment Roll/18-24/714 – 140th Lane NW (See Resolution R028-18) Item 4 Award City Contract/Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Injections/18-25 Item 5 Approve 2018 Transportation Plan/16-39B Item 6 Approve 2018 Abatement Contract Item 6A Accept Resignation & Approve Planning and Zoning Commission Appointment Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Goodrich, approval of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 absent (Knight and Holthus). ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT Commander Lenzmeier gave the monthly Sheriff’s Report. He noted over 1,100 calls have been answered year to date. He highlighted the “save” by bystanders (in Andover) as they intervened during a heart event of an employee. Body cameras will be fully deployed by June 4, 2018. The body camera policy is posted on their website. Mayor Trude thanked the Sheriff’s Office for their help with the Maddie Rooney Day parade on March 24th. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS/17-44/CROSSTOWN BLVD. NW OVERLAY Mr. Berkowitz identified in the City’s 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan is a bituminous overlay of Crosstown Boulevard NW from Hanson Boulevard NW to 161st Avenue NW. Overlays are an effective construction method to prolong the life of the pavement. Before Anoka County turned back Crosstown Boulevard to the City in 2006, they reconstructed the roadway. Because of the traffic volume on this segment of road it is a good time to complete an overlay to prolong the life another 15 years. The project will include milling the existing pavement surface and placing 1.5” of bituminous Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 17, 2018 Page 3 over the existing roadway. Right turn lane and bypass lane improvements will be constructed at Yellow Pine Street NW and Avocet Street NW. The project will take place this summer after Fun Fest is over and be substantially completed prior to school starting this fall. Construction would require the road to be closed to through traffic from Bluebird Street NW to 161st Avenue NW. A detour will be put in place to assist motorists. This project is anticipated to extend the life of the streets in this area another 15+ years before a reconstruction would be considered. The total estimated project costs are $910,410. In accordance with the City of Andover’s Roadway Reconstruction Assessment Policy, a portion of the improvement cost is proposed to be assessed to the benefitting properties. There are 17 parcels that are proposed to be assessed with this project. One undeveloped parcel is proposed to have three-unit assessments with two assessments being deferred on an appreciation/depreciation scale, payable if the property is sold, developed, or access is requested onto Crosstown Boulevard NW. Due to the limited number of properties fronting the improvements, it is not reasonable nor feasible to assess the typical 25% of the actual construction costs. The estimated assessments at that percentage would be near $12,000 per unit. A flat rate of $1,800 per unit is proposed to be assessed to benefit properties fronting the improvements. The flat rate would be assessed over a 5-year period at 4.5% interest. This assessment rate is in line with similar projects that have recently been completed. The project will be funded by a combination of Municipal State Aid Funds and special assessments. The total assessment amount is $34,200. The remaining balance will be funded by the City of Andover through Municipal State Aid funds and is estimated to be $876,210. Mr. Berkowitz highlighted the effort to keep to the 6-week timeline. Mayor Trude noted that detour signage is very important for these projects. Mr. Berkowitz stated residents can plan for this assessment expense going forward, rather than wait for an assessment hearing in October and then the assessment is due one month later. After the amount is certified, the interest immediately accumulates for a full year and could be paid the next November, as there would be no financial benefit to pay it off any sooner. Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Goodrich, to open the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 absent (Knight and Holthus). Brandon Riedel, of 928 Crosstown Boulevard NW, expressed concern regarding people driving up and down Crosstown Boulevard. He wondered how much traffic is allowed on a County Road because he feels it is a dangerous situation in the area. He noted construction has started on a large development area, linking up to Crosstown Boulevard, adding more traffic. The history of the road includes it being a county road originally and then switching to a public road. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 17, 2018 Page 4 Of the 17 parcels that are being accessed he felt that 3 were vacant lots, or even more. He also questioned how many of the homes were owned by those living there. Some residents stated they did not receive a notification letter from the City. Mr. Riedel indicated the neighborhood did not have sidewalks, parks, curbs, etc. He felt the assessment was high for a residential area that was not brand new. Mayor Trude noted these were important topics. She also explained how the resident mailings are handled. One of the neighbors in the audience noted that taxes have recently risen and the neighborhood has older houses, built 40 years prior. They also pointed out the road has not been accessed previously. Mayor Trude noted time extensions for payments could be considered. The resident went on to note the right and left turn lanes should not be accessed to the residents as they are not using them to access their neighborhood. Cole Peterson, of 939 Crosstown Boulevard NW, expressed concern about the amount of traffic and the speed of the vehicles. He also noted the cement trucks, semi-trucks and busses/vans that are required to stop for the railroad tracks. This road has been resurfaced three times with no curb, or shoulder and it is without a ditch. Due to the traffic their household has experienced being rear-ended backing out of the driveway, over the years. He wondered if a better road would increase the traffic. Mayor Trude stated the City is not charging the neighborhood for the turn lanes. Furthermore, in this case, they looked at the fees for similar sized properties. Mr. Peterson encouraged the Council to reconsider the fixed amount to be assessed. Mr. Berkowitz said he understands the concern for safety for the children. There will be a crossing arm at the railroad tracks. If there is enough funding for trail construction, a trail for this area is the next project “in the hopper.” He noted Winslow Cove was developed in phases, and had about 20 lots, at first. Long term, Xeon Street will go all the way down to Andover Boulevard which will send traffic to the south. It was a County road in 2006, and then turned over to the City. The plan to improve this road was moved up one year because of planned construction on Hanson Boulevard (to a 4-lane divided roadway). Mr. Berkowitz confirmed there were 12 residential properties to assess. The turn lanes (left and right) are to be funded by the City. Everyone in the City helps pay for improvements, with their taxes. In this residential area everyone would pay the same amount, if this method was not used, it would be an assessment of 25%. Everyone in the City pays for their road when they need improvement, and if you live on a City street, residents all share in the payments. He confirmed new developments are charged a percentage of improvements. He also commented that the City could order a speed study for the street. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 17, 2018 Page 5 Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Goodrich, to close the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 absent (Knight and Holthus). Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Goodrich, to approve Resolution No. R029-18, ordering the improvement of project no. 17-44, Crosstown Boulevard NW overlay. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 absent (Knight and Holthus). SCHEDULE MAY WORKSHOP MEETING Mr. Dickinson requested the Council schedule a May Workshop meeting to discuss topics as detailed in the staff report. The Council discussed the draft agenda and available dates. Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Goodrich, to schedule a May Workshop Meeting on May 22, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 absent (Knight and Holthus). ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT City Staff updated the Council on the administration and city department activities, legislative updates, updates on development/CIP projects, and meeting reminders/community events. (City Administrator) Mr. Dickinson confirmed 13 new home permits had been issued. This has made for a slower start this year. In 2018 the City does not expect as many new home starts as in 2017. Mr. Dickinson is continuing to follow the WDE legislation. He is also working on fiscal disparities legislation. He’s interested in a comprehensive property tax review. Budget processing has begun. The Community Center is hosting one of the largest pickleball tournaments in the upper Midwest on May 4th with close to 300 participants. (Public Works/City Engineer) Mr. Berkowitz commended staff on the snow removal over the weekend storm. They did a good job and put in 25-30 hours and then were back at it again. He encouraged those listening to thank Mark Becker and his Public Works crew for their contributions. The city covers 35 square miles. Mr. Berkowitz noted the snow will melt very quickly, once it gets warm, so he asked for caution in the use of the parks. He asked residents to be cautious and supervise their children so they will be in good condition for the whole summer. There have been two pre-construction meetings on the west side of town – starting mid-May. There will be some trees needing removal. They are also working on a trail project that will connect an inner loop of the City. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 17, 2018 Page 6 Mr. Dickinson indicated they are looking to replace a few sirens and getting underserved areas corrected. The City of Andover had fire vehicles in Linwood in response to a fire call. Arson and other extenuating circumstances were involved. The Fire Chief participated in the State Fire Honor Guard. “Hats off” were expressed to the department for saving a Lab puppy falling into a pond due to melting ice. MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT (Mayor Trude) The National Mayors Water Challenge is happening for 2018. Residents can go to mywaterpledge.com. Someone will win $5,000 and can designate a charity to receive the new vehicle. There are daily prizes. Currently, Andover is 42nd on the list. There will be a paper shredding truck on Recycle Day. Note this is when the City sells seedlings as part of the commitment to improving the environment. This is in conjunction with the Tree City USA honor. The Council is busy with new housing developments and projects along with the budget for 2019. She has had phone calls about the trails. RECESS AND RECONVENE The City Council meeting was adjourned to a Closed Session: Property Negotiations at 8:25 p.m. The City Council meeting reconvened at 8:43 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Goodrich, to adjourn. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 absent (Knight and Holthus). The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marlene White, Recording Secretary Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 17, 2018 Page 7 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – APRIL 17, 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE..........................................................................................................1 RESIDENT FORUM.......................................................................................................................1 AGENDA APPROVAL.................................................................................................................. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES........................................................................................................... 1 CONSENT ITEMS..........................................................................................................................2 Item 2 Approve Payment of Claims......................................................................................... 2 Item 3 Accept Petition/Order & Adopt Assessment Roll/18-24/714 – 140th Lane NW (R028- 18) ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Item 4 Award City Contract/Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Injections/18-25.............................. 2 Item 5 Approve 2018 Transportation Plan/16-39B.................................................................. 2 Item 6 Approve 2018 Abatement Contract...............................................................................2 Item 6A Accept Resignation and Approve Planning & Zoning Commission Appointment Error! Bookmark not defined. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT.................................................2 HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS/17-44/CROSSTOWN BLVD. NW OVERLAY (R029-18)............................................................................................2 SCHEDULE MAY WORKSHOP...................................................................................................5 ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT.................................................................................................... 5 (City Administrator).................................................................................................................... 5 (Public Works/City Engineer)..................................................................................................... 5 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT...........................................................................................................6 (Mayor Trude)............................................................................................................................. 6 RECESS Closed Meeting-Property Negotiations 6 RECONVENE 6 ADJOURNMENT........................................................................................................................... 6