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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7. Approval of Minutes: May 04, 2004 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION SHAKOPEE,NUNNESOTA MAY 4, 2004 Mayor Schmitt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with Council members Helkamp, Lehman, Menden and Joos present. Also present: Mark McNeill, City Administrator; Judith S. Cox, City Clerk; R. Michael Leek, Community Development Director; Bruce Loney, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Jim Thomson, City Attorney; Mark Themig, Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director and Dan Hughes, Chief of Police. The pledge of allegiance was recited. Helkamp/Menden moved to approve the Agenda as written. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Schmitt noted he attended a couple of meetings. He noted he attended a kids voting program meeting and this voting program looked like it would happen in this community. He noted he attended the Shakopee Showcase and that turned out to be a busy event. He noted there was a St. Francis Regional Medical Center Expansion project presentation at the hospital that looked to be beneficial for the community as a whole. The followingitem was added to the Consent Agenda. 15.E.!. Authorize Advertisement for Two Public Works Maintenance Operators. The following item was removed from the Consent Agenda. 15. F.5. Resignation from the Telecommunications Commission. HelkamplLehman moved to approve the Consent Agenda as modified. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Schmitt asked if there were any citizens present in the audience who wished to address any item not on the agenda. Clifford Stafford, 2338 Eagle Creek Boulevard, approached the podium with concerns regarding the Shenandoah Apartments along County Road 16. He stated that he and other residents were concerned about noise, lights and the size of the berm on the apartment property. He stated the City Council and the developer assured him when this final plat was approved that these concerns would be taken care of and the berm with the trees and shrubs would be sufficient to take care ofthe light and noise. He stated the berm had different heights in different areas and was not doing the job it was stated it would do because of the new grade level for the apartment. He would like some satisfaction on this matter. He was promised this concern would be taken care of. The berm was supposed to be four to five feet above the first floor elevation and it was not. Mr. Leek addressed this concern. He noted staffwas following up with this concern. Mr. Leek stated the developer had been informed that if the berm was not at the elevations stated in the final plat that was approved in 2001, he was at risk to continue planting trees on the berm as it was now. Mr. Leek noted that nothing could be found in City records that noted this berm height needed to be uniform the entire Official Proceedings ofthe May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -2- length. Mr. Leek noted the approved plan suggested a berm height between seven and nine feet along the stretch east of Alysheba Road. Mayor Schmitt asked that a letter be sent to the Council members and the residents concerned about this benn, including Mr. Stafford, regarding the elevations ofthis berm when City staff and the developer came to some conclusion regarding the berm. Cncl. Lehman asked if the continuous size of the berm in future developments could be addressed? Mr. Leek addressed this question. John Delbow, resident living across from the berm in question, approached the podium and noted they were assured that the berm would be nine feet from the finished grade of the buildings. He stated much fill had been added; he just wanted this developer to comply with the finished grade of the building. He1kamp/Lehman moved to approve the meeting minutes for April 6, 2004. (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). Helkamp/Lehmanmoved to approve the billsin the amount of$439,628.74 plus $36,690.61 for refunds, returns and pass through for a total of $476,319.3 5 (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). [The list of bills is posted on the bulletin board at City Hall for one month following approval] . Cncl. J oos noted he too attended the Shakopee Showcase and he did not think the attendance was a much as the previous year. He noted he did attend the Shakopee Public Utilities Commission (SPUC) meeting and at that meeting it was noted that the MMPA did accept SPUC into their organization. Cnc1. Joos noted SPUC was working on their new building and some electrical undergrounding issues. Cncl. Menden noted he had the opportunity to attend the walkable communities workshop and he complimented staff on organizing this workshop. He noted this workshop was quite eye opening and he had a new appreciation for sidewalks. He noted getting into Huber Park was pedestrian challenged. He noted he was liaison to the School Board and it was noted at the last meeting what the population explosion in Shakopee had been by new births for the last two months. The population explosion continued to be influx as well as new births. He noted he attended a Vision Shakopee meeting and they discussed the Fanners Market and possible funding mechanisms for Vision Shakopee. Cncl. Menden noted he would follow-up on the meeting time with the Vision Shakopee Board. Cncl. Lehman noted he attended a Park and Recreation Advisory Board meeting (PRAB) where the Huber Park design and architecture was discussed. He noted the parkland/cash dedication was discussed on a couple of plats and the Teen Center grand opening was discussed. Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -3- Mayor Schmitt noted the grand opening for the Teen Center was Thursday, May 6,2004 at 7:00 p.m. at the Teen Center. He noted everyone in the community was invited to attend. Cncl. Helkamp noted he attended a Chamber of Commerce board meeting and their financials were reviewed. He reported these financials were excellent. He noted he had heard a concern regarding the Excel Energy pipeline coming through town. He noted the Chamber of Commerce would be hosting a wine tasting at the Wilds that was open to the public. He noted he attended a Visitors Bureau meeting where their marketing plan was discussed. Cncl. Helkamp stated that the City lodging tax was up because of more use ofthe hotels and motels in Shakopee. He stated he also attended a St. Francis/St. Gertrude's expansion presentation. He thought this presentation was very informative. He noted May 12, 2004 the information regarding the St. Francis/St. Gertrude expansion would go public. Helkamp/Menden moved to recess at 7:29 p.m. for the purpose of conducting the Economic Development Authority meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Schmitt re-convened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Helkamp/Lehman offered Ordinance No. 702, Fourth Series, An Ordinance Of The City Of Shakopee, Minnesota, Amending Chapter 11.61 Parking, and moved its adoption. (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). Mr. Leek, Community I>eve10pment Director, reported on the Final Plat for Park Meadows First Addition located east of Staghom Drive and north of Valley View Road. Mr. Leek noted this first phase of the Park Meadows Final Plat located north of Valley View Road would consist of sing1e- family residential homes. Mr. Leek noted that no delineation for parkland had been designated on the final plat; a condition was in Resolution No. 6053 stating the final plat needed to be revised to show this parkland dedication taking place in the first phase of the development. He noted park dedication was only in the form of land dedication for this plat. He noted the amount of land being dedicated for parkland along with the land dedicated for trails was all that was required based in the ordinance. He noted a letter from one of the close residents, Beverly Koehnen. Mr. Leek clarified a condition in Resolution No. 6053. This condition pertained to revising the final plat regarding the ponding area between Block 2 and Block 4. He noted this ponding area was different in the final plat from the preliminary plat and this condition was addressed to the preliminary plat of Park Meadows First Addition and carried forward to the Final Plat Resolution No. 6053. He noted the calculations had been reviewed by the City Engineering Department and were in order to the best of his knowledge. Mr. Leek commented on Ms. Koehen's concerns regarding the ponding. He noted Ms. Koehnen would like to see an aeration system in the pond with the Homeowners Association responsible for the maintenance of the aeration system. Mr. Leek noted he was of the understanding that this plat would not have a Homeowners Association. He noted the lot lines had been drawn so the lot lines meet underneath the drainage area and the pond so the individual property owners had responsibility with the City having a drainage and utility easement to maintain the area around the Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -4- pond. He stated the City Engineering Department expected about five to six feet of water in the pond. Cncl. Lehman discussed the berming along Valley View Road. Mr. Leek noted he would follow-up with the berming question. He stated that this would be a low-volume collector street. Cncl. Lehman and Cncl. Helkamp would like the berming responsibility spelled out clearly in the final plat document. Mr. Leek noted language could be added. Cncl. Lehman was also concerned about a trail. Mr. Leek addressed this question regarding the trail that was provided for but not required to be constructed at this time. Mr. Leek stated there would be a trail easement provided at this time and this trail easement could be used in the future. Mr. Leek noted when the properties to the east, between this development and County Road 83, developed the trail could be constructed at that time. Mayor Schmitt noted he was comfortable with leaving the berming option to the property owner. Cncl. Helkamp noted there would be a cul-de-sac at the end of Winterberry Lane. Mr. Leek noted why a cul-de-sac was not required for Meadowlark Lane. Cncl. Lehman asked if any street in this plat connected up to 17th Avenue. Mr. Leek addressed this question. Ms. Beverly Koehnen, 2036 County Road 83, approached the podium with concerns about the final plat map. Ms. Koehnen was ofthe opinion that the final plat map and Resolution No. 6053 did not agree. Mr. Leek noted there could be some minor changes to the final plat but the final plat was generally consistent with the preliminary plat. Ms. Koehnen had some administrative. concerns with Resolution No. 6053 matching the final plat. It was noted that the final plat map did not show the ponding. Ms. Koehnen was concerned about 1) the drainage ponds becoming mosquito festering grounds 2) where the flow of water from the drainage easement would go and 3) if the ground would be too wet to grow any crops. She was concerned about her walkout basement getting all the water runoff. Mr. McNeill noted that with the drainage and utility easement, the Mosquito Control Agency would be allowed to enter the ponding area and do their thing. The City Attorney agreed with Mr. McNeill's statement regarding the use of the drainage and utility easement. Mr. Leek noted that Mr. Loney pointed out that the City had very good access to that drainage and utility easement. Ms. Koehnen addressed the elevations and soils in the drainage area she was concerned about. Mr. Loney, Public Works Director/City Engineer, stated that he thought the language in the conditions regarding the ponding need to be re-addressed and cleaned up. Mayor Schmitt noted that Resolution No. 6053 would be reviewed by the City Attorney to make sure everything was in order and done correctly. Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -5- Jason McCarty, Westwood Professional Services, Project Engineer for this project, approached the podium to explain what was happening with the pond. He noted the storm water was infiltrating ,underneath the pond. He was working with staff to get an underground infiltration system designed. He noted none of the water left the pond; the pond was/would be designed so the water in the pond would infiltrate into the ground from inside the pond. There was enough water storage area inthe pond for a 100-year storm. Mr. Loney noted because a lot of work had been done in this area regarding drainage, the developers in the area were now being required to have infiltration ponds. Mr. Loney stated if anything water was being taken away from Mrs. Koehnen's property and not added because of the water channel in the area now. Mr. Loney stated the drainage was not a problem. LehmanlMenden moved to table the Final Plat for Park Meadows First Addition to allow staff time I to review the issues of Ms. Koehnen regarding drainage and the administrative concerns regarding Resolution No. 6053 and the final plat; and, staffwas directed to meet with Ms. Koehnen regarding her concerns. Motion carried 3-2 with Cnc1s. Helkamp and Joos dissenting. Mr. Loney reported on the improvements for Weinandt Acres 1 st Addition Street Reconstruction, Project No. 2004-1. LehmanlMenden moved to remove the improvements to be ordered for Weinandt Acres 1 st Addition Street Reconstruction, Project No. 2004-1 from the table. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Loney showed the area proposed for improvements for Weinandt Acres 1st Addition Street Reconstruction, Project No. 2004-1 via the document camera. The blanket drainage easement on the property owned by the Welch's (to the north), in favor ofthe City and the residents in Weinandt Acres 1 st Addition, had been the reason for this issue to be tabled at the April 6, 2004 meeting. Mr. Loney noted City staff and Mayor Sclnnitt met with the residents of Weinandt Acres and the blanket drainage issue had been resolved. Mr. Loney noted the City Attorney drafted a drainage agreement for a 50-foot drainage easement along 29th Avenue to the west edge of 29th Avenue and then a 10- foot drainage easement down to the lake. Mr. Loney noted the Welch's also agreed to hold the City and the residents of Weiuandt Acres 1 st Addition harmless of any natural drainage and they would accept the drainage that would occur from Weinandt Acres on their property. Mr. Loney thought the amount of easement was adequate to provide drainage and if drainage swales needed to be created the amount of easement was sufficient for this to be done. Mr. Loney stated the Welch's needed to sign and agree to this drainage easement and the City would need to sign this agreement also after all the releases of the blanket easement had been signed by the residents ofWeinandt Acres 1 st Addition. Mr. Loney noted what releases needed to be signed. Mayor Schmitt and Mr. Loney noted that ifthis project could proceed now, this project could be bid with the Valley View Road project in order to realize some savings. Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -6- Mayor Schmitt noted that he had some discussions with the key players out in the Weinandt Acres 1 st Addition and he felt this was an agreeable solution for all. The residents ofWeinandt Acres were willing to move forward at this point. Jim Thomson, City Attorney, stated a single document that all affected parties could sign could get to be very cumbersome because of all the items that needed to be addressed. Mr. Thomson stated he would look into doing one document, if after looking, it was determined that it would be a simple matter, he would do one document or possibly one document for each addition. Cncl. Lehman noted there was a verbal agreement but no signatures. Jim Thomson, City Attorney, stated that if the Council went ahead and ordered the Weinandt Acres 1 st Addition project tonight, he fully expected the agreements to be signed quickly. He noted the Weinandt Acres 1 st Addition project needed to come back before the Council so the plans and specifications could be approved; they were just being ordered tonight. The City Attorney also noted the release for the Weinandt Acres property already covered the Boldt property where one of the easements was located. Mr. Loney noted that if this project were approved tonight it would still be questionable if this project could get done yet this construction year; he did think it was possible, however. There really was no reason to table this issue any longer. This project still needed to come back before the Council and if the agreements were not signed by that time then the Council could vote not to do the proj ect. Julie Welch, 2700 Santee Trail, Prior Lake, approached the podium and stated that they (the Welch's) were in agreement with the easement agreement. She thanked Mayor Schmitt for facilitating the meeting between the residents of Weinandt Acres and them so a solution could be found (for reducing the size of) the blanket drainage easement. Harry Weinandt, 1259 Maxine Circle, approached the podium and stated that he talked to the residents in Weinandt Acres and they agreed to the easement agreement also. Mr. Weinandt stated this was really not what the residents wanted but this was what they agreed to. They really needed the project to be done. He thanked the Mayor for negotiating an agreement that all could live with. Tom Schneider, 1577 Mike Court, approached the podium and thanked the City for all of their effort. He noted there was total compliance to the agreement. He did not want to see this project tabled again. He felt there was a good comfort level for this agreement and the required signatures would be coming. Stephen Zastrow, 2910 Marcia Lane, approached the podium and thanked Mayor Schmitt as well as City staff for their accomplishment (agreement). They (residents in Weinandt Acres) finally realized that the blanket agreement needed to be lifted and the original easement proposed by the City was excessive. He noted he would do whatever was necessary to move forward. Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -7- The City Attorney noted that a new resolution would need to come back to vacate the City's interest in the blanket easement; he saw no problem with this item. MendenlHelkamp offered Resolution No. 6032, A Resolution Ordering An Improvement And Preparation Of Plans And Specification For Weinandt Acres 1 st Addition Street Reconstruction Project No. 2004-1, and moved its adoption. It was noted by Mr. Loney that ifthe signatures were not all received by the time the bids came back, this proj ect could be eliminated from the bid and the Valley View Road Proj ect could still move forward if that was the Council's wish. Motion carried unanimously. LehmanlHelkamp moved to authorize the appropriate City Officials to execute the drainage agreement between the City of Shakopee and Brian and Julie Welch as prepared by the City Attorney after the Weinandt Acres property owners have executed the appropriate releases of the blanket easement and after the Welch's have executed the drainage agreement. Motion carried unanimously. Helkamp/Lehman moved to declare the items listed in the attachment to the letter dated April 26, 2004 from Sergeant Craig Robson, (CC Document No. 348) as surplus property and authorize staff to appropriately dispose ofthese items. (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). Helkamp/Menden moved to recess at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Schmitt re-convened the meeting at 8:41 p.m. Mr. Themig reported on the selection of a design firm for Huber Park. Mr. Themig gave some background on Huber Park. Mr. Themig noted the fill process for Huber Park was reaching completion and now the City had the opportunity to move into the final design and construction documents for the park. He noted what had taken place as far as Huber Park was concerned. He noted five proposals had been received for this project. He noted the master plan needed to be followed and there were a number of issues that needed to be addressed i.e. riverbank stabilization, options for the performance area, restrooms, play areas, access. Mr. Themig noted several firms went together in the design process (a team approach was used). He noted no one firm alone had all the expertise in every area. Mr. Themig noted he talked with the interview panel for this request for proposal (RFP): Mr. Hullander, Mr. McQuillan, Mr. Loney, Ms. Schaffer and Mr. Themig. Mr. Themig noted all five firms were interviewed and following the interviews all five firms were ranked. Mr. Themig noted Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates came out on top. Mr. Themig noted some of the work from Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates. Mr. Themig stated that Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates proposal cost was the second lowest but Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -8- there was a significant difference between the abilities of the lowest bidder and the second lowest bidder. Mr. Themig noted there were some additional services that were not included in the proposal but probably should have been. These are: 1) sound and noise issues, 2) pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Sommerville Street and Hwy 101, 3) grant applications for funding, 4) permitting, 5) engineering services for lighting and 6) 3D modeling of the plan. Mr. Themig noted all five candidates were consulted about noise and they felt noise would be an issue and the noise should be looked at [to look at this issue would be approximately $5,000]. Mr. Themig noted the crossing of Sommerville Street and Hwy 101 became apparent when the walkable communities workshop took place [to look at this issue would cost approximately $4,000]. Mr. Themig noted there were grants out there; the City just needed to find them. He thought there would be efficiency in letting the firms get the permits, there was no money in the RFP for engineering for lighting for pathways, etc [and to study this issue would cost approximately $800]. Mr. Themig noted the 3D modeling consisted of putting the plans together in such a way as a person could view what it would be like to be in the park [to look at this type model the additional cost would be approximately $4,500 for the three options]. Mr. Themig stated that it appeared the costs for the Huber Park design would exceed what had been budgeted for and additional funding would need to come from the Park Reserve Fund. He noted what money was in the Park Reserve Fund at this time. He also noted that Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates was proposing a two phase approach with the first phase focusing on conceptual design for the whole park with specific construction documents and very specific construction documents for the riverbank stabilization. This riverbank stabilization could possibly be done this fall and winter and the rest ofthe phase (rest of the park improvements) could be done in 2005 or however the City wanted Huber Park phased. Cncl. Lehman noted the fabulous presentation that Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates gave to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board for this project. He was disappointed that they were not in attendance at the meeting tonight. Helkamp/Lehman moved to authorize the appropriate City Officials to enter into agreement with Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlick and Associates for final design and construction documents for Huber Park. Mr. Themig noted he would like to come back to Council with firm numbers from Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates, for the additional services of 1) sound and noise issues, 2) the intersection of Sommerville Street and Hwy 101, 3) grant applications for funding, 4) permits, 5) lighting and 6}the ability to do some 3D modeling of the plans. Cncl. Helkamp recommended that staff come back to Council with firm numbers from Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates, for the additional services of 1) sound and noise issues, 2) the Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -9- intersection of Sommerville Street and Hwy 101, 3) grant applications for funding, 4) permits, 5) lighting and 6) the ability to do some 3D modeling of the plans. He would like the number for some 3D modeling be focused on because he felt that was a luxury item. Cncl. Menden agreed with Cncl. Helkamp and Cncls. Lehman and Joos and Mayor Schmitt thought several of the community members would like to see this 3D modeling. Cncl. Lehman thought this project was going to be phased over three to five years initially. Mayor Schmitt thought this project would probably be phased in. He thought the City was looking at three years for this project. Motion carried unanimously. Helkamp/Lehman moved to authorize the appropriate City staff to advertise for two additional maintenance operators in the Public Works Department. (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). Helkamp/Lehman moved to appoint Jeffery Sindelar to a custodian position at a starting pay rate of Grade 1, Step C ofthe 2004 Pay Plan, contingent upon successful completion of the pre- employment physical and background checks. (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). Mr. Loney reported on the job description for maintenance supervisors for the Public Works Department. He noted in the organizational study that was done by Short, Elliott, Hendrickson (SEH) it was recommended that two positions be created for maintenance supervisors for the Public Works Department, thereby, creating a better management team. One position tailored for a Street and Sewer Supervisor and one position tailored for a Parks Supervisor. Mr. Loney reviewed the structure of the Public Works Department. Mr. Loney noted this was the number one recommendation of the study done by SEH. He noted a job description had been prepared by him with the help of Lloyd Pauly from SEH and Mark Themig from the Parks and Recreation Department. He noted that these job descriptions had been reviewed by Rod Kelsey of Kelsey, Dettman and Riley; Mr. Kelsey noted in his review process that these positions should be paid at a Pay Grade 7 ofthe City's Pay Plan. Mr. McNeill, City Administrator, and the Labor Relations that he deals with also reviewed the job descriptions; he noted that these positions were being reviewed to see if these positions were an exempt position or a non-exempt position. Mr. Loney noted there was some money in the budget for these positions. Mr. Loney noted these new positions had much more management responsibilities, evaluating, disciplining and direction of employees than the current lead maintenance positions required. Mr. Loney noted with the creation of these two new supervisory positions he would not be looking at filling the current two lead positions at this time if they became vacant. Mr. Loney stated the goal of the Public Works Department was if the supervisory positions were approved there would not be full-time lead positions any longer. Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -10- Helkamp/Menden moved to adopt the job descriptions for the maintenance supervisor positions within the Public Works Department and authorize the filling of those positions. (CC Document No. 349) Mr. Loney noted there was interest in these positions internally. Motion carried unanimously. LehmanlHelkamp offered Resolution No. 6041, A Resolution Amending Resolution No. 5982, Which Adopted The 2004 Pay Schedule For The officers And Non-Union Employees Of The City Of Shakopee, and moved its adoption. Motion carried unanimously. Helkamp/Lehman moved to set Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. to review the actions ofthe tobacco licensees: Hennen's Texaco, 807 East 1 st Avenue and Twin Cities Stores, Inc. dba Oasis Market #528, 615 South Marschall Road. (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). Helkamp/Lehman moved to direct staff and the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for consideration by the Council that will create two precincts out of both Precinct 7 and Precinct 9 as outlined on Exhibit B attached to the memo dated April 30, 2004, from Judith S. Cox, City Clerk. (CC Document No. 350) (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). He1kamp/Lehman offered Resolution No. 6051, A Resolution Designating Director to Logis, and moved its adoption. (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). Helkamp/Lehman moved to approve the renewal of the volunteer firefighters insurance policy with a three-year premium of $2,602.00. (Motion carried under the Consent Agenda). Mr. McNeill, City Administrator, stated that the City had received Noreen "Dixie" Duffy's resignation from the Telecommunications Commission. Mr. McNeill noted that ifthere was a good candidate available from the previous interviews for this position that candidate then would be asked if they were interested in the current position. LehmanlHelkamp moved to accept the resignation of Noreen "Dixie" Duffy with regrets from the Shakopee Telecommunications Commission and direct City staffto advertise the filling of the position immediately. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. McNeill reported that last Monday, April 26, 2004, the Council in a special workshop heard presentations from two candidates for the strategic planning facilitator contract. Mr. McNeill noted these were two very capable firms with distinctly different styles. Staff did not have a recommendation; the choice was the Council's to make. Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page-ll- Cncl. Lehman felt the Council needed to decide if the strategic planning process really needed to take place. He did not think the process needed to take place. He felt growth needed to be slowed down but there were other ways to slow down growth (like a percentage of MUS A every year). He did not think a 20-year vision would be very accurate. Cncl. Lehman had some grave concerns regarding the strategic planning process. Cncl. Menden disagreed with Cncl. Lehman. He thought this was a good opportunity for citizens and staff to sit down and plan a vision for the City. Cncl. Helkamp felt this would be a good exercise for the City and residents to go through. He felt there was sufficient merit to the outcomes of the exercise to justify the cost. Cncl. Helkamp recommended Anne Carroll be awarded the facilitators contract. Cncl. Joos stated he saw value in the planning process, but didn't like either presentator. Mayor Schmitt noted he was an advocate for doing the strategic planning. He wanted to see the residents involved up front. He felt there was a lot of merit to doing this. This community had many talented people. He noted the people of the community deserved a chance. Helkamp/Menden moved to direct staff to negotiate a contract with Anne Carroll of Carroll, Franck & Associates forthe strategic planning facilitator contract. Motion carried 3-2 with Cnc1s. Lehman .andJoos dissenting. Mr. McNeill noted that at the goal setting session facilitated by Don Salverda eleven goals were established. He noted at a staff meeting to beheld May 5,2004 it would be determined who would be responsible for the action for each goal. These decisions would then be brought back before the City Council at a future meeting for action. Mr. McNeill noted tonight a draft mission statement was before the Council. Mr. McNeill noted one ofthe first steps of the goal setting session was for the Council to adopt a mission statement. Cncl. Lehman did not agree with the order ofthe goals presented by staff tonight. Cncl. Lehman and Mr. McNeill discussed the order of the goals. Helkamp/J oos moved to adopt the mission statement as proposed. "The mission of the City of Shakopee is to provide the opportunity to live, work,. and play in a community with a proud past, promising future, and small town atmosphere within a metropolitan setting. The City will provide customer-friendly, high-quality public services that are intended to meet the changing needs of its residents and the community at large." Cncl. Lehman noted he would like to change one word in the mission statement. He would like to see the word "high" deleted from the wording "high-quality services". The motion maker, Cncl. He1kamp, did not accept this change. Motion carried unanimously. Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -12- Mr. McNeill reported on tax considerations for the Blue Lake peaking plant that was being proposed. Mr. McNeill noted that there was a bill before the legislature regarding this peaking plant. Mr. McNeill noted that negotiations were being held with Scott County, the City of Shakopee and Excel Energy regarding the City and Scott County's support for this bill at the legislature. Mr. McNeill noted this would change the way taxes were paid on an improvement that is scheduled to go online in June 2005. Mr. McNeill oriented and explained the proposed peaking plant. Mr. McNeill stated normally, the additional taxes generated from these two new facilities for Scott County would be $215,000 per year and for the City of Shako pee the taxes would be $200,000 per year. Mr. McNeill stated that Excel Energy would prefer not to do annual payments for the taxes, rather they preferred a cash payment up front in lieu of taxes for the next 20 years. The net present value of that has been negotiated to be a payment to the City of $504,000 starting in 2006 and would continue annually for five years. The total payment would be $2.5 million dollars to the City. Mr. McNeill noted there was an interest rate built into the payment of about 7 ~ percent based on what Excel Energy received as their rate of return. Mr. McNeil noted that if this arrangement was acceptable to the Council, staff was recommending that this money received in lieu oftaxes be earmarked for park development. Mr. McNeill stated there were still some unresolved issues with Excel Energy. Mr. McNeill noted that this agreement was just for the two new gas-fired turbines. Excel Energy would continue to pay taxes on the balance of the plant as they are doing now. Mr. McNeill updated the Council on just what was before the legislature regarding the Blue Lake Peaking Station. It was felt that 20 years was the life of the gas-fired generators. Cncl. Helkamp stated that he thought it would be very beneficial to use the gas-fired generators. He like the idea of getting the money up front and using the money for parks. Helkamp/Lehman moved to direct staff to continue to negotiate with Excel Energy, but to otherwise endorse the concept as presented on the way taxes would be paid on the two gas-fired generators to go on line in June 2005. (CC Document No. 351) Mr. McNeil noted the City had some concerns for the use of gas-fired generators. There were some environmental issues also. It was noted there were environmental concerns as well as route concerns regarding the pipeline. The environmental issues could be heard at one of the upcoming public hearings on this peaking plant issue. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Themig led the discussion on the proposed Park and Recreation Reorganization. This specifically focused on the park planning and natural resource portion ofthe parks. He noted this proposal would 1] create a Park and Landscape Designer position (technical landscape architect), 2] it would create a Natural Resource Specialist position (this too was a technical position) and 3] eliminate the Natural Resources Director position. Official Proceedings of the May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page -13- Mr. Themig explained what the two new positions would be doing. He stated these two new positions could provide enhanced services in house. The Natural Resources position that the City now has is more administrative and the new positions would be more technical. Mr. Themig noted how much money was spent from 2000 to 2003 for consultants doing park and natural resource projects for the City. This was an attempt to reduce this cost. Mr. Themig noted with all items considered the total impact to the budget for these two new positions would be about $6,000. Mr. Themig stated there was a need for these two positions. Cncl. Menden wanted to eliminate the Natural Resource Director's position in the best way possible. Cncl. Joos noted the City has shown the need for the technical aspect for each of the proposed new positions. Without the technical aspect the City was left vulnerable in the natural resources and parks areas. Cncl. Lehman really did not want to duplicate services. Cncl Lehman noted he just received this item and he would not support it until he had read it. Helkamp/Joos moved to eliminate the Natural Resource Director's position and separate the employee currently serving in that position effective June 4, 2004 and to place the Natural Resource Director on reduced job duty status as of May 5, 2004 and to assist the current Natural Resource Director by providing up to $500 of reimbursable funding for out placement services that could be used over the next six months and to create a Park and Landscape Designer position and approve the job description and create a Natural Resource Specialist position and approve the job description and to advertise for the Natural Resource Specialist and the Park Landscape Designer positions. (CC Document No. 352) Cncl. Menden noted he would support this position because it was best for the community as a whole. Motion carried 4-1 with Cnc1. Lehman dissenting. MayorSchmitt noted the Teen Center Grand Opening Thursday, May 6,2004 at 7:00 p.m. at the Shakopee Community Center; the Excel Energy meeting on May 10, 2004 at the City Hall Council Chambers and the Enviromnental Quality Board public hearing May 17, 2004 regarding the proposed Excel Energy pipeline. Cncl. Menden was concerned about the Rezoning in the Beckrich Estates area. Mr. Leek addressed this concern. Helkamp/Lehman moved to recess at 10:28 p.m. for the purpose of conducting an executive session to discuss labor negotiations. The motion carried unanimously. Mayor Schmitt re-convened the meeting at 10:45 p.m. Mr. McNeill announced that the council members were coming out ofa closed session and that no action was taken during the closed session. Official Proceedings ofthe May 4, 2004 Shakopee City Council Page-14- Lehman/Menden moved to adjourn to Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. U~.J. G'f ludith S. Cox City Clerk Carole Hedlund Recording Secretary