Council Work Session

AGENDA Council Work Session Meeting 5:30 PM - Monday, August 4, 2025 Farmington City Hall, Conf Room 170 Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVE AGENDA 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS Please note that start times for each item are approximate and subject to change. 3.1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Eureka Township 2 - 16 (5:30 - 6 pm) Please review and discuss Eureka Township's proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment and provide any comments that the Council deems necessary. Agenda Item: Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Eureka Township (5:30 - 6 pm) - Pdf 3.2. CR 31 and CR 74 Corridor Study Update 17 - 25 (6 - 6:15 pm) Discussion only. Agenda Item: CR 31 and CR 74 Corridor Study Update (6 - 6:15 pm) - Pdf 3.3. City Award Discussion 26 (6:15 - 6:30 pm) Staff is seeking direction whether to pursue the development of an official City award. Agenda Item: City Award Discussion (6:15 - 6:30 pm) - Pdf 4. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE UPDATE 5. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE 6. ADJOURN Page 1 of 26  COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA MEMO To: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator From: Tony Wippler, Planning Manager Department: Community Development Subject: Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Eureka Township (5:30 - 6 pm) Meeting: Council Work Session - Aug 04 2025 INTRODUCTION: On July 2, 2025 the City received notification from Eureka Township regarding a proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment that was approved by the Town Board on June 10, 2025. Per State Statutes, the Township is required to provide notification and an opportunity for review and comment by adjacent jurisdictions. DISCUSSION: The proposed amendment includes minor text changes largely consisting of reinforcing the Townships desire to maintain a density of one dwelling unit per 40 acres. The proposed amendment also includes changes to the Township's future land use map; specifically, the inclusion of additional land within the Township to be guided "Commercial-Industrial." This includes approximately 318 acres of land adjacent to Farmington's southwestern boundary. Per the amendment, the areas where the commercial-industrial designations are being proposed is due to their location near existing businesses and transportation corridors that can serve higher intensity uses. As stated in the attached amendment, uses within the "Commercial-Industrial" guided areas may include horticultural uses, agricultural processing, transportation, repair storage, supportive sales, off-site service uses, and other similar types. Uses that require urban levels of services should not be located in these areas. According to Eureka Township Planner Nate Sparks, the definition of the commercial-industrial land use designation is "businesses that are supportive of the agricultural nature of the Township and serve community needs." Zoning regulations for this proposed land use have not yet been developed and would be once the revised comprehensive plan is implemented. Typically, comprehensive plan amendments that are received from adjacent jurisdictions are reviewed by Staff and then comments provided to the jurisdiction, if warranted. When reviewing a comprehensive plan amendment that is adjacent to the City's boundary Staff looks to ensure the proposed amendment is generally compatible with the City's land use/future land use, along with infrastructure needs, such as roads and utilities. In this particular case, the Township is looking to guide approximately 318 acres of land that is contiguous to the city's southern boundary as commercial-industrial. The portion of the city that is contiguous to these 318 acres is currently guided as Agriculture and has a development staging timeframe of post 2040 in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. At this time, Staff does not anticipate the land use guidance or development Page 2 of 26 staging timeframe changing for this area of the city with the upcoming 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. Some initial Staff comments and concerns regarding the proposed Eureka Township Comprehensive Plan Amendment include: -Is the Township planning on expanding mining operations in the newly identified commercial- industrial guided areas? If so, how will the Township address downstream water quality impacts that could result from these operations? -If the Township does not plan on expanding mining operations, the City would like to know the Township's overall goals for the land use adjacent to the Vermillion River and its tributaries, and how the Township will address downstream water quality impacts that could result from future facilities in these areas. -Will the commercial-industrial uses require upgrading of the transportation infrastructure servicing those areas? And if so, what plans are being put into place to address the potential increase in commercial-industrial traffic and its impact on the infrastructure in and around those areas? ACTION REQUESTED: Please review and discuss Eureka Township's proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment and provide any comments that the Council deems necessary. ATTACHMENTS: Eureka Township Comp Plan Amendment June 10, 2025 Eureka Township CPA Letter- Farmington Page 3 of 26 EUREKA TOWNSHP PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT JUNE 10, 2025 Regional Setting Location Eureka Township is located in the southwestern comer of Dakota County, Minnesota, on the fringe of suburban development in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan region. Eureka Township includes nearly thirty-six square miles, an area established through the U.S. Public Land Survey System (PLSS). The PLSS was a method used to survey lands in the Midwest and Westem United States during the mid-1800s. Unlike many townships in the metropolitan region which have had boundary changes over the years as nearby cities annexed land, Eureka Township's political boundaries largely remain along the PLSS boundaries. Regional Planning Designation Thrive MSP designates Eureka Township as an Agricultural community (Figure 1). Agricultural communities include areas with prime agricultural soils that are planned and zoned for long-term agricultural use. Regional policies expect Agricultural communities to limit residential development and adopt zoning ordinances and land use controls to maintain residential densities no greater than 1 housing unit per 40 acres on average. Agricultural communities are expected to manage land uses to prevent the premature demand of extension of urban services, so that existing service levels will meet demands. Eureka Township's Zoning Ordinance limits density to one single-family dwelling unit per each quarter-quarter section40 acres, except for areas of the Township where the zoning designation allows for greater density. In no case will the average density of new development within the Township exceed one dwelling unit per 40 acres. The Township has adopted this density standard to be consistent with its classification as an Agricultural community and to preserve eligibility for the Agricultural Preserves program for parcels in the Agriculture District. The Agricultural community designation is consistent with the Township's Strategic Vision, Zoning Ordinance and its goals and policies included in this 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. Vision and Context Page 1-5 Page 4 of 26 Eureka Township is strategically positioned to serve the growing demand for local agricultural products. ■ Eureka's convenient location within the metropolitan region is a natural fit for the local foods movement. ■ The Township has a diversity of farms already growing food for Twin Cities' farmers' markets and grocery stores. ■ As the metropolitan area becomes more culturally diverse, farmers from immigrant communities are introducing their cultures' farming methods, crops, and markets. This diversity in farming contributes to Eureka Township's agricultural character. ■ Nurseries are growing trees and other landscaping materials, serving local as well as wider markets. Eureka's location at the edge of the metropolitan region presents challenges as well as assets for farmers. Potential barriers for farmers of small scale and large scale operations alike include: ■ High land and housing costs for new-entry farmers ■ Active farmers reaching retirement age without a "next generation" farmer to take over the farm ■ Lack of nearby processing facilities and farm-related services ■ Lack of housing for seasonal workers and intern/apprentice housing ■ Limited options for sale of products within Eureka Township (roadside stands or local market) ■ Conflicts between agricultural and residential land uses. The Township seeks to support farms as viable businesses in Eureka Township, while also protecting the general health, safety and welfare of the community. The Township's land use regulatory authority can be used to help farmers capitalize on opportunities and overcome challenges. At the foundation of the Township's endorsement of farming is the agricultural zoning of one dwelling unit per 40 acresquarter-quarter section. As changes in the agricultural industry unfold, the Township will examine its policies and ordinances to avoid unintended or overly- burdensome restrictions that hinder the economic viability of farming. Animal feedlots are part of Eureka Township's agricultural base and contribute to the continued economic viability of agriculture in the Township. The Township plans to continue to allow for animal feedlots in Eureka while ensuring that feedlots are properly managed to protect public health and to maintain compatible land use relationships. Eureka Township's Zoning Ordinance contains standards for feedlot operations, including setbacks and animal waste management practices. Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Resources Page 2-19 Page 5 of 26  1. Maintain Eureka Township's agricultural zoning of one housing unit per quarter- quarter section40 acres. 2. Continue to support the Right to Farm when using generally accepted agricultural practices. The Township recognizes that with farming come smell, noise, dust, and slow-moving vehicles. 3. Limit the subdivision of the Township's farmland for housing and other non-farm land uses. Allow limited non-farm development provided that the impact on other land uses is minimized. 4. Provide information to residents of the potential conflicts or incompatibilities that can arise between development and agricultural uses. 5. Provide for adequate separation of new non-farm houses from existing confined animal feedlots or manure storage facilities. 6. Use local ordinances to support the commercial viability of farming. 7. Work with County and State officials to improve programs that assess farmland at a lower tax rate. 8. Encourage enrollment in farmland preservation programs. 9. Encourage units of government, institutions, or other entities doing business in Eureka Township to consider local agricultural products when making purchasing decisions. 10. Be receptive to adjusting local ordinances so that local farms can adapt to new trends in farming. 11. Avoid fragmentation of farmland in order to support a "critical mass" of farms, making farming activity more viable in the Township through the zoning ordinance requirement for a minimum of one single-family dwelling unit per each quarter- quarter section. 12. Utilize Township Ordinances to properly manage animal feedlots in order to protect public health and to maintain compatible land use relationships. Cultural Resources Goal 1. Encourage the preservation of historic sites, including structures that contribute to the rural character of the Township. Policies To achieve this goal, the Township will: 1. Encourage private owners to restore historically significant buildings. 2. Encourage the preservation and/or rehabilitation of structures that contribute to the rural character of the Township, such as barns and silos. Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Resources Page 2-22 Page 6 of 26 Agriculture Land Use, Zoning, and Permitted Uses The Township's land use goals and policies place priority on protecting its rural and agricultural character and promoting the economic viability of farming operations in the Township. The Land Use Plan guides the long-term land use in Eureka to continue as Agriculture through 2040. The goals and policies in the Natural, Agricultural and Cultural Resources chapter are consistent with the goals and policies for Land Use. All of Eureka Township is included in the Agriculture Zoning District identified in its Zoning Ordinance, and consistent with the Land Use Plan adopted in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and proposed for the 2040 Plan. The district allows the following uses: all forms of commercial agriculture and horticulture; farm buildings, accessory structures, and drainage systems; forestry, grazing and gardening; public natural areas and parks, recreation areas and preserves; single- family residential units and accessory structures; historic structures; home occupations; and private dog kennels. Uses permitted with a Conditional Use Permit include: churches, cemeteries, airports, schools, local government facilities and other government-owned facilities; agriculture service buildings, public utilities, Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS), wireless communication towers and facilities. Uses permitted with an interim use permit include: mining and extraction operations, airstrips, and automotive graveyards that comply with the ordinance. Residential Land Use Density Eureka Township is designated as an Agricultural Area for regional planning purposes by the Metropolitan Council. Regional policy includes guidance that the Agricultural areas should develop at a density of no greater than one dwelling unit per 40 acres. Eureka Township's 2040 Land Use Plan and agricultural zoning of one dwelling unit per quarter-quarter section40 acres, except for areas of the Township where the zoning designation allows for greater density. With the stipulation that in no case will the average density of new development within the Township exceed one dwelling unit per 40 acres. It is important to note that there are residential lots in Eureka Township that were created before the 1 one unit per quarter-quarter40 acres zoning restriction came into effect. Some of these lots have existing housing units while others do not. The Township and Metropolitan Council have recognized that there are lots of record in Eureka Township that do not meet the density standards of today's zoning ordinance, but that such lots may still have grandfathered housing rights. The Township's zoning and land use policies support an average maximum density of 1 one dwelling unit per quarter-quarter section40 acres, and arewhich is consistent with Regional policies. Regional Growth Forecasts-Township's Land Use Plan Consistent with Forecast Growth Through its Strategic Vision process completed in 2007, the Township made considerable efforts to identify the number of unused housing rights in order to understand the Township's growth potential. The Strategic Vision report identified were approximately 280 unused housing rights available in the Township. The Housing Eligibilities Transfer Task Force (2013) completed a follow-up inventory, and found that there are at least 200 eligible housing rights remaining in the Township. Land Use Page 3-5 Page 7 of 26 Commercial-Industrial Land Use Eureka Township supports agricultural uses as the primary long-term land use within the community. The Town also seeks to permit agricultural-supportive land uses in this plan. To this end, the Town has identified areas where there are existing Commercial-Industrial businesses and areas that would allow for future businesses to be established. Some Agricultural/Horticultural service establishments are now allowed in the Township with a Conditional Use Permit. Eureka Township will be establishing a Commercial-Industrial zoning district for the purpose of establishing new commercial-industrial businesses that are supportive of the agricultural nature of the Township and serve community needs. The areas where commercial-industrial businesses may be located are depicted on the Future Land Use map. These areas were identified as properties near existing business uses and also along transportation corridors that can serve higher intensity uses. Uses that are within character of and serving the needs of the agricultural and residential nature of the community may be permitted by zoning within these areas. Such uses may include horticultural uses, agricultural processing, transportation, repair, storage, supportive sales, off-site service uses, and other similar types. Uses that require urban levels of services should not be located in these areas. Uses permitted by zoning should not be out of character with the nature of the vicinity. If not utilized as a Commercial-Industrial use, these properties should continue to be used in a manner consistent with the Agricultural designation. Commercial-industrial land use shall utilize the Commercial-Industrial Land Use Policies: a. The type and location of new commercial-industrial development should not Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5" substantially change the rural-agricultural character of the Township or jeopardize existing agricultural enterprises in the Township. b. New commercial-industrial development should occur in a manner that allows the Township to retain control over zoning and permitting, to include control over the type, size, and location of such businesses. c. New commercial-industrial development should minimize the conflict between commercial-industrial uses and other land uses. d. New commercial-industrial development should serve the needs of Eureka Township residents. e. New commercial-industrial development should be aesthetically pleasing. Strict performance standards must be created and enforced for building exteriors, parking, landscaping, ingress/egress routes, signage, screening/buffering, and other considerations. f. New commercial-industrial development must pay for the costs of its development, including public infrastructure necessary for the development. g. New commercial-industrial development must provide financial benefit to the Township through gained tax revenue. h. New commercial-industrial development should not have an adverse impact on the quality of life of Eureka residents. In determining quality of life impacts, such things as traffic Land Use Page 3-11 Page 8 of 26  congestion, noise, light pollution, objectionable odors, health risks, and safety risks should be considered. i. New commercial-industrial development should not have an adverse impact on environmental quality. In determining environmental quality impacts, such things as air pollution, water quality, and wildlife habitat should be considered. Formatted: Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt, Not Bold, Not Italic Existing Provisions and Studies Formatted: Strikethrough Some Agricultural/Horticultural service establishments are now allowed in Eureka Township with a Conditional Use Permit. Eureka Township does not have a Commercial-Industrial zoning district. In 2011, Eureka Township convened a task force to consider the potential need to designate areas in the township for commercial and industrial uses. The Task Force completed a Market Study for commercial and industrial uses in the Township, completed a Township-wide survey of landowners to determine interest in zoning areas for those uses, and met with representatives of the Metropolitan Council to discuss regional policies and requirements for designation of new zoning districts. The Task Force findings and recommendations included the following: • The Market Study found little interest in commercial and industrial development in the Township in the near-term. This is due in part to the availability of over 300 acres of land that is ready for sale or lease for commercial and industrial development that has existing sewer and water services in nearby Lakeville and Farmington. • The Township will need to identify its own "market niche" if it intends to compete for new commercial and industrial land uses with neighboring communities. • The Task Force noted that the landowners that identified interest in potential development of new commercial and industrial uses are scattered throughout the Township. There is no concentration of interest that would allow identification of a potential zoning district for new commercial and industrial uses. • Based on the study findings, the Task Force recommended that the Township not proceed at this time to identifying areas to zone for commercial and industrial development. The Task Force recommended that this could be studied in the future as market conditions and interests change. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0" Aggregate Extraction Aggregate resources are part of Eureka Township's natural resource base, and are discussed in the Natural Resources section of the Comprehensive Plan (Chapter 2). The general location of the aggregate resources in the Township is identified on the 2040 Land Use Map. Mining of aggregate is allowed in the Township with an Interim Use Permit. The Eureka Township Mining Ordinance provides the standards for mining operations. Land use staging in areas with aggregate resources- to first consider the potential of an area for aggregate mining before urban development occurs - may become of greater importance in the future if the Township moves forward with planning for a future commercial-industrial area. Under the 2040 Land Use Plan and existing agricultural zoning, aggregate resources are adequateIy protected. The Natural Resource Goals and Policies in Chapter 2, as well as the Land Use Goals and Policies Land Use Page 3-12 Page 9 of 26 Goals and Policies The following goals and policies will guide local decision-making related to land use. Land Use Goals 1. Allow land uses that will maintain Eureka Township's rural character. 2. Encourage protection of priority natural areas and natural resource corridors through local land use decisions. 3. Promote the continuation of agriculture as the primary land use. 4. Allow limited non-farm development provided that the negative impacts are minimized primarily within areas identified as Commercial-Industrial on the Land Use Map. 5. Maintain the geographic boundaries of the Township. 6. Provide for the economic availability, removal and processing of sand, gravel, and other aggregate materials vital to the economic well-being of the region. 7. Protect solar resources and permit and regulate development of accessory residential and agricultural solar energy systems in the Township. Policies To achieve these goals, the Township will: 1. Maintain Eureka Township's agricultural zoning of one housing unit per quarter- quarter section40 acres. 2. Discourage pipelines, power lines, and other utility uses which fragment the Township's agricultural land, natural resources, aggregate resources, or that would otherwise be in conflict with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. 3. Maintain the Township's transfer of housing rights program to achieve the following goals: a. The program should be useful in achieving the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. b. The program should help relieve development pressure on large blocks of agricultural property. c. The program should allow property owners to gain revenue by selling housing rights. d. The program should be compatible with the Metropolitan Ag Preserves Program. Property owners should continue to have choices to use their land in ways that maintain eligibility in Ag Preserves. e. The program should protect opportunities for efficient and cost-effective land development for a time when public sewer and water services may become available. Such opportunities include the creation of a suitable commercial/industrial area in the Township. Land Use Page 3-16 Page 10 of 26  f. The program should be understandable by citizens. g. The program should respect landowners' rights to use their land in a way that does not significantly harm others' property nor the community's health, safety, welfare and morals. h. Administration of the program should not create an undue burden on Township government. 4. Use Township Ordinances to minimize the visual and environmental impacts of development. 5. Continue to allow agricultural/horticultural businesses and home occupations in a manner consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 6. Conduct thorough study before guiding land for commercial-industrial use. Any future updates to the zoning ordinance that would affect commercial-industrial land use shall utilize the Commercial-Industrial Land Use Policies: a. The type and location of new commercial-industrial development should not substantially change the rural-agricultural character of the Township or jeopardize existing agricultural enterprises in the Township. b. New commercial-industrial development should occur in a manner that allows the Township to retain control over zoning and permitting, to include control over the type, size, and location of such businesses. c. New commercial-industrial development should minimize the conflict between commercial-industrial uses and other land uses. d. New commercial-industrial development should serve the needs of Eureka Township residents. e. New commercial-industrial development should be aesthetically pleasing. Strict performance standards must be created and enforced for building exteriors, parking, landscaping, ingress/egress routes, signage, screening/buffering, and other considerations. f. New commercial-industrial development must pay for the costs of its development, including public infrastructure necessary for the development. g. New commercial-industrial development must provide financial benefit to the Township through gained tax revenue. h. New commercial-industrial development should not have an adverse impact on the quality of life of Eureka residents. In determining quality of life impacts, such things as traffic congestion, noise, light pollution, objectionable odors, health risks, and safety risks should be considered. 1. New commercial-industrial development should not have an adverse impact on environmental quality. In determining environmental quality impacts, such things as air pollution, water quality, and wildlife habitat should be considered. Land Use Page 3-17 Page 11 of 26  Document Path: M:\027571-000\GIS\Maps\Comp Plan\Comp Plan PRO\Aggregated Resources Date Saved: 5/22/2025 Marion Lake 202ND STW 202ND ST W FLAGSTAFF AVE 205TH ST W 20 JURA TRL 7T HULL AVE HS CEDA R AVE T W RD IXONIA AVE IN IRAN AVE EO DR AK ITERI AVE ROM EATON AVE 208TH ST W 210TH ST W ITALY AVE LAKE IBIS AVE V HOLYOKE AVE 1TH ST W ILLE BL VD 21 JU NI 212TH ST W 212TH ST W ELM PE ST R W HAMBURG AVE AY RU 215TH ST W 215TH ST W SP C E ST 217T H ST W 220TH ST W 220TH ST W FLAGSTAFF AVE ESSEX AVE 222ND ST W 225TH ST W 225TH ST W 225TH ST W DODD BLV HIGHVIEW AVE CEDAR AVE D HAMBURG AVE DENMARK AVE 235TH ST W 235TH ST W 235TH ST W Rice Lake 240TH ST W 240TH ST W 240TH ST W IDALIA AVE CEDAR AVE HIGHVIEW AVE IBERIA A VE 245TH ST W 245TH ST W 247TH ST W ESSEX AVE DENMARK AVE 250TH ST W XI E BLV D LA GA IPAVA AVE DD AV DO E 255TH ST W 255TH ST W 257TH ST W 257TH ST W HIGHVIEW AVE Chub 265TH ST W Lake 267TH ST W HA MBU RG AV E IPAVA AVE DENMARK AVE FAIRGREEN AVE GALAXIE AVE IBERIA AVE N GRE E AVE ADA AVE JAMAICA AVE DANVILL 280TH ST W 280TH ST W 280TH ST W 280TH ST W AY 46 HIGHW DANBURY AVE 285TH ST W GARRETT AVE E ISLE AVE L AV DRE X E HOLYOKE AVE 290TH ST W 29 0T H ST W FOLIAGE AVE EVELETH AVE Current Operating Mines HONOR CT 295TH ST W Aggregate Resources Railroads Water 3 0 0TH ST W 300TH ST W Township Boundary Parcels ¯ Aggregate Resources 0 3,500 Eureka Township, Dakota County, MN Feet 1 inch = 3,500 feet Page 12 of 26 Page 13 of 26 Page 14 of 26 Eureka Township Comprehensive Plan Amendment Adjacent and Affected Jurisdiction Review and Comment Form Date: 07/02/2025 To: City of Farmington Per Minnesota Statute 473.858 Subd. 2 and the Metropolitan Council, we are distributing the proposed Amendment to the Eureka Township Comprehensive Plan for your review and comment. The proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment has been e-mailed to you for your review. The Eureka Township Comprehensive Plan amendment was approved on June 10, 2025. The proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment includes minor language changes and also the inclusion of a “Commercial-Industrial” land use designation in an area where existing business uses are located. Maps within the Comprehensive Plan have been updated. You are welcome to submit comments regarding the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment by mail to Eureka Town Hall, 25043 Cedar Avenue, Farmington, MN 55024 or by email to nsparks@wsbeng.com. The sixty-day review period ends August 31, 2025, however, we would appreciate comments or an indication of no comments, as soon as possible. If there are questions regarding the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, or if additional information is needed, please contact Nate Sparks, 952-221-0540 or at nsparks@wsbeng.com. On behalf of Eureka Township, we would like to thank you in advance for your assistance and prompt response. Name of Sender : Nate Sparks Date : 07/2/2025 Page 15 of 26 Eureka Township Comprehensive Plan Amendment Adjacent or Affected Jurisdiction Name: __________________________ Please check the appropriate box:  We have reviewed the proposed Plan Amendment, do not have any comments, and are therefore waiving further review.  We have reviewed the proposed Plan Amendment and offer the following comments (attach additional sheets if necessary) ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Name of Reviewer _____________________________ Date _____________________________ Signature of Reviewer _____________________________________________________________ Page 16 of 26  COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA MEMO To: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator From: John Powell, Public Works Director Department: Engineering Subject: CR 31 and CR 74 Corridor Study Update (6 - 6:15 pm) Meeting: Council Work Session - Aug 04 2025 INTRODUCTION: In the fall of 2024, Dakota County entered into a contract with Alliant Engineering, Inc. to prepare a corridor study for the following:  CR 31 (Denmark Avenue) from CR 50 to CR 74 (220th Street/Ash Street)  CR 74 ((220th Street/Ash Street) from CR 31 (Denmark Avenue) to Honeysuckle Lane Staff will present an update on the study, key design considerations, schedule, etc. DISCUSSION: A Project Management Team (PMT) kickoff meeting was held last October and has been meeting regularly since. Two open houses have been hosted by the City, the most recent being held on July 22. A separate meeting was also held with ISD 192 representatives in April of this year. Preliminary design is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with construction expected to occur in 2027. Information prepared and displayed on boards at the recent Open House are attached for your reference; Staff will reference and discuss this information. ACTION REQUESTED: Discussion only. ATTACHMENTS: 072225 open house boards Page 17 of 26 Page 18 of 26  Project Overview PROJECT GOALS PROJECT LOCATION County Road 31 i -$ Recommend pedestrian and - I\ � 1ineSI bicycle crossing locations and Evaluate (Denmark Avenue) 2.1·2th,St,W� Main SI Knutsen Dr I� improvements along intersection control types -A between Elm·St Denmark Ave r County Road 50 and 1 � � Oak St ' y ! � Spruce St u5 County Road 74 FA R M I 1N G � 0 Develop a preferred N Walnut St ;§ u5 ci5 0 ci5 design for a new Vermillion River bridge Review the corridors for access, County Road 74 � � � Locust S u Maple St on Denmark Ave safety, speed management, (220th Street) m ::, Beech St including a grade separated and mobility improvement between greenway trail connection opportunities County Road 31 and 220th St W Honeysuckle Lane Develop a layout ••• Recommend to modernize the corridors stormwater management with an urban section and non­ improvements motorized facilities PROJECT TIMELINE September 2025 to • October 2024 to December 2024 January 2025 to August 2025 October 2025 Data Collection and Analysis Alternatives Development Recommendations and Preliminary Design Public Information Public Information Meeting #2 Public Information Meeting #1 WE ARE HERE Meeting #3 --CITYOF--- FARMINGTON County Road 31 and County Road 74 Study Page 19 of 26 �MINNESg,; Page 20 of 26  Corridor Needs Lack of a pedestrian/bicycle Optimize traffic operations to crossing of Denmark Avenue at accommodate growth the greenway Gaps in pedestrian/bicycle facilities including at the railroad crossing on 220th St. Limited pedestrian/bicycle Improve wildlife passages to Geometric improvements reduce road mortality are needed to accommodate urbanizing area Evaluate intersection control Excessive vehicle speeds for future traffic volumes with current conditions Aged infrastructure requires replacement cf/)_--# ---CITYOF--- trans ortat,on FARMINGTON County Road 31 and County Road 74 Study Page 21 of 26 we get you there �MINNESg,;  What is a Corridor Study? A corridor study is a transportation planning project that analyzes a roadway and its surrounding area to develop a long-term vision for the corridor. GOALS OF A CORRIDOR STUDY Involve the community in developing a This study will: long-term vision for the corridor • Address aging • Determine a new bridge infrastructure design for the Denmark Define policies and actions that will Avenue bridge over the • Improve pedestrian and guide how the corridor should be Vermillion River bicycle accommodations maintained or changed in the future • Evaluate reconstruction • Evaluate future crossing options for the Denmark accommodations for the Lake Marion Greenway Identify solutions that support Avenue (County Road 31) economic development segment • Determine a potential • Evaluate reconstruction school crossing location options for the 220th along Denmark Avenue Recommend future infrastructure Street W. (County Road improvements to serve vehicle and 74) segment non-motorized uses --CITYOF-- FARMINGTON County Road 31 and County Road 74 Study Page 22 of 26 �MINNESg,;  Street Section Concepts Urban Two-Lane with Continuous Alternative 1 Utility Trail Blvd Thru Thru Thru Blvd Trail Utility Two-Way Left Turn Lane (CTWLTL) Corridor Lane Lane Lane Corridor � Pros: Aeons: • Allows for driveway location • Head to head crash potential changes • Pedestrian crossing distance • Narrower roadway width • Center turn lane sometimes • Easier for emergency used incorrectly as vehicles to pass acceleration lane Utility Trail Corridor Blvd Shoulder [ Thru Lane Shoulder Median/Turn Thru [ Lane Lane Blvd Trail Utility Cor idor fJl{§ljfofrJfj Urban Two-Lane Divided with Turn Lanes � Pros: Aeons: • Raised median promotes • Wider roadway traffic calming • Doesn't work as well with • Allows for two stage closely spaced intersections crossing (refuge island) • Potential side-street access • Channelized turn lanes are restriction intuitive to drivers • Not as comfortable for • Shoulders could be used for passing stalled vehicles or Right-of-Way biking pulling over for emergency vehicles NOTES: • Evaluate curb extensions • Right turn lanes at select • Evaluate trails on each at pedestrian crossing locations side of roadway locations ---CITYOF--- FARMINGTON County Road 31 and County Road 74 Study Page 23 of 26 �MINNESg,;  Proposed Pedestrian Improvements Study Limits Evaluate Pedestrian/ Bicycle Facilities -- Provide Pedestrian Facilities Existing Traffic Signal Evaluate Intersection Control ADA Pedestrian • Better visibility for • Minimizes pedestrian pedestrians exposure to traffic conflicts • Narrower crossing distance • Provides direct route to • Median provides a 2-stage Boeckman Middle School crossing for pedestrians, building entrance which is easier and safer Increases driver awareness of ---- CITY OF---- FARMINGTON County Road 31 and County Road 74 Study Page 24 of 26 �MINNESg,;  Proposed Traffic Improvements Study Limits Existing Traffic Signal Evaluate Intersection Control Existing turn lane locations (evaluate need) f Denmark Avenue ----C�YOF---- FARMINGTON County Road 31 and County Road 74 Study Page 25 of 26 ----==,a :::;:::::::::::MINNES§r!  COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA MEMO To: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator From: David Chanski, Asst City Admin/HR Director Department: Administration Subject: City Award Discussion (6:15 - 6:30 pm) Meeting: Council Work Session - Aug 04 2025 INTRODUCTION: Staff would like to discuss the creation of an official City award. DISCUSSION: The City of Farmington does not have an official City award (or any kind of formal award for that matter). As such, there is no formal process for recognizing Staff retirements or significant departures, the completion of service by Councilmembers or Committee Members, or the recognition of community members who make significant impacts on the community. As such, Staff would like to discuss Council's thoughts on creating an official City award and consider putting together a committee to work through all the details, such as award name, criteria, selection process, design, etc. Once complete, a recommendation would be submitted to the City Council for formal adoption. ACTION REQUESTED: Staff is seeking direction whether to pursue the development of an official City award. Page 26 of 26