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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/27/2006 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, held December 27, 2006, at 5:30 o’clock p.m., at Apple Valley Municipal Center. PRESENT: Mayor Hamann-Roland; Councilmembers Bergman, Erickson, Goodwin, and Grendahl. ABSENT: None. City staff members present were: City Administrator Lawell, City Clerk Gackstetter, City Attorney Hills, City Engineer Manson, Finance Director Ballenger, Assistant Finance Director Broughten, Associate City Planner Dykes, Assistant City Administrator Grawe, Human Resources Representative Haas, Public Works Director Heuer, Parks and Recreation Director Johnson, Police Chief Johnson, Acting Community Development Director Lovelace, Police Captain Marben, Police Captain Rechtzigel, Human Resources Manager Strauss, Liquor Operations Manager Swanson, and Fire Chief Wassmund. Mayor Hamann-Roland called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Everyone took part in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Grendahl, moving items 4.C – Resolution Writing Off $4,882.49 of Non-Sufficient Funds Checks for 2006 and 4.F – Solid Fencing Construction Agreement with Dakota Electric to the regular agenda, and approving the agenda for tonight’s meeting, as amended. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. AUDIENCE Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if anyone was present to address the Council, at this time, on any item not on this meeting’s agenda. No one was present to speak. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if the Council or anyone in the audience wished to pull any item from the consent agenda. There were no requests. MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Bergman, approving all items on the consent agenda with no exceptions. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving the minutes of the special meeting of December 11, 2006, as written. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 2 MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving the minutes of the regular meeting of December 14, 2006, as written. Ayes - 4 - Nays - 0 - Abstain - 1 (Erickson). MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving issuance of a 2006 Coin-Operated Amusement Device License for Coinstar Entertainment Services, Inc., at Denny’s Restaurant #7793, 7805 – 150th Street W. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving the Apple Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau 2007 budget and marketing plan, as attached to the Assistant City Administrator’s memo dated December 27, 2006. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving the Joint Powers Agreement with the Dakota Communications Center to operate a 911 dispatch facility, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving the License Agreement with Uponor Wirsbo, Inc., for encroachment into the drainage and utility easement on Lot 1, Block 1, Wirsbo Second Addition, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving an Agreement for Right of Entry, Correction of Development Agreement Default and Disbursement of Performance Security Escrow Funds with Apple Valley Leased Housing Associates II, LP; Weis Builders, Inc.; and Turnstone Apple Valley, LLC; in connection with the Timbers of Apple Valley property (formerly Pennock Place Senior Apartment); and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving release of subdivision financial guarantees for Legacy 3rd Addition and Legacy Square, and a reduction of financial guarantee for Legacy Square – NRMP from $9,512.50 to $3,512.50, as listed in the Community Development Department Specialist’s memo dated December 22, 2006. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. Resolution No. 2006-237 MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman. adopting awarding the contract for City Wide Telephone System, to Matrix Communications, Inc., the low bidder, in the amount of $192,946.05; subject to approval of the maintenance agreement by the City Administrator and City Attorney, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary documents. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving an Agreement for 2006 Cured in Place Pipe Repairs to Sewer Lines with Visu-Sewer Clean & Seal, Inc., in the amount of $35,430.00, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 3 MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving an Agreement for Water Treatment Plant Variable Frequency Drive Installation with Muska Electric Company in the amount of $20,105.00, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. Resolution No. 2006-238 MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, adopting approving a Retirement Enhancement and Benefit Alternatives (REBA) Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) Plan; which approves the Joint Powers Agreement for a REBA Program, the REBA VEBA Basic Plan Adoption Agreement, the REBA VEBA Trust III Trust Agreement, and the REBA Member Administration Agreement; and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary documents. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving hiring the full time, part-time, and seasonal employees as listed in the Personnel Report dated December 27, 2006. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving the Grant Contract with OSHA accepting $5,000.00 towards the purchase of safety equipment, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. END OF CONSENT AGENDA WRITING OFF NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS CHECKS Councilmember Bergman noted several bad checks were written at the liquor store and some individuals wrote bad checks several days in a row. He asked if it would be advisable to install a machine that verifies checks at time of purchase or if staff has considered a policy of no longer accepting checks. Councilmember Grendahl noted one customer wrote a check for $410.00 and asked if there is a policy stating the maximum amount for which a check may be written. The Council directed staff to investigate the benefits of check verifying equipment, the possibility of no longer accepting checks, and whether or not there is a policy or if it would be prudent to set a maximum amount for which a check can be written. Resolution No. 2006-239 MOTION: of Bergman., seconded by Erickson, adopting authorizing writing off $4,882.49 of insufficient fund checks and uncollectible debts against operations of affected funds for 2006. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. INTRODUCTION OF NEW POLICE OFFICER BROUGHTEN CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 4 Police Captain Marben introduced newly hired Police Officer Zachary Broughten to the Council. The City Clerk administered the oath of office to Officer Broughten. Officer Broughten’s father, Police Officer John Broughten, presented him with his badge. The Council congratulated Officer Broughten and welcomed him to his new position. COBBLESTONE LAKE COMMERCIAL Mr. Lovelace reviewed his memo dated December 21, 2006, on the Updated Cobblestone Lake Development Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) and Mitigation Plan. The AUAR was adopted in 2001, and is required to be updated every five years. The Cobblestone Lake Development is 323 acres and is located in the southeastern corner of Apple Valley. The Updated AUAR adds a fourth scenario, which includes a regional retail center instead of a combination of neighborhood shopping, offices, and services, and has up to 39 acres of park and open space. Mr. Lovelace stated the Updated AUAR was distributed and published as required. Only one comment was received. It was a comment from the Metropolitan Council stating they concluded the Updated AUAR was complete and accurate. Resolution No. 2006-240 MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Erickson, adopting approving the Updated Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) and Mitigation Plan for the Cobblestone Lake development. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. Mr. Lovelace then reviewed the request by Ryan Companies and Cobblestone Lake Development, Inc., for a Comprehensive Plan amendment, rezoning from Planned Development No. 703/Zone 8 to Planned Development No. 703/Zone 6, a preliminary plat and site plan/building permit authorization in connection with the proposed Cobblestone Lake Retail development. The petitioner proposes increasing the “C” (Commercial) area from 23 acres to 30 acres. The area to be rezoned is located on the southeast corner of the future 153rd Street W. and Pilot Knob Road. The petitioners are proposing a Target retail store, a bank, four freestanding multi-tenant retail buildings, and two freestanding restaurants. The only action before the Council this evening is the Comprehensive Plan amendment and directives to staff. After the Metropolitan Council approves the Comprehensive Plan amendment, action on rezoning, preliminary plat approval, and the site plan/building permit authorization will be brought back to the Council. Mayor Hamann-Roland asked the representative from Target to update the public on its plans for its current store. Mr. Tom Carrico, Real Estate Manger for Target Corporation, clarified there are no plans to close the current store. It is one of Target Corporation’s most successful stores. It was expanded and remodeled in 2002 and will likely be updated again in the 2010-2011 timeframe. Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if the existing store might be cycled for remodeling sooner. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 5 Mr. Tom Carrico said it may be, but he would not want to say it will be and then not be able to deliver. Councilmember Grendahl asked if Target Corporation is 100 percent committed to the design of the building. Mr. Tom Carrico said yes. Councilmember Bergman asked when staff expects to get approval from the Metropolitan Council on the Comprehensive Plan amendments. Mr. Lovelace said he would expect to receive a response from the Metropolitan Council in about 30 days. He stated Ryan Companies and Target Corporation are looking to come back to the City Council the first part of February. Staff has every intention to try to meet their schedule. Councilmember Bergman asked if staff is aware of any concerns the Metropolitan Council may have on the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Lovelace said he spoke with the sector rep and there does not appear to be any major issues. Although there is an increase in the number of acres identified as “C” (Commercial), the total square footage remains at 300,000. Councilmember Goodwin commented on how well the process worked, stating everyone involved, especially the neighbors, should be congratulated. It was quite an undertaking with a positive result. Resolution No. 2006-241 MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Goodwin, adopting approving submitting to the Metropolitan Council an amendment to the 2020 Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Guide Plan increasing the amount of “C” (Commercial) from 23 to 30 acres and changing the designation of property north of 157th Street W. from “MD” (Medium Density Residential) to “C” (Commercial) and changing the designation of property south of 157th Street W. from “C” (Commercial) to “MD” (Medium Density Residential). Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Bergman, directing staff to draft an ordinance rezoning the 30-acre site on the southeast corner of the future 153rd Street W. and Pilot Knob Road from “PD-703/Zone 8” (Planned Development) to “PD-703/Zone 6” (Planned Development). Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Bergman, seconded by Grendahl, directing staff to draft documents for approval of the final plat for Cobblestone Lake Fifth Addition. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. PROPERTY TAX LEVY & 2007 CITY BUDGET CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 6 Mr. Ballenger described the budget process and meetings held to consider setting the property tax levy and 2007 City budget including a public hearing on December 11, 2006. He said he would like to start with the same video presented at the Truth-in-Taxation hearing. It is a short video titled “14 Reasons Why Property Taxes Go Up and Down”. It was prepared by the Association of Minnesota Counties, in cooperation with the League of Minnesota Cities and the Minnesota School Boards Association and does a nice job explaining factors that can impact property taxes. Mayor Hamann-Roland left the meeting at 6:06 p.m. Mayor Hamann-Roland returned at 6:09 p.m. The Council and audience watched the videotape. Mr. Ballenger then presented details of the budget and tax levy as covered at the public hearing. State aids were approximately $3 million in 2001 and are now projected at zero. There is no Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC) projected in the 2007 budget. Total 2007 revenue is shown as $42,663,707 and the total 2007 City budget is $42,327,443. The General Fund budget is $22,847,111, a 5.2 percent increase over 2006. The proposed tax levy is $20,094,045. Budget highlights include four new positions and a shift of dispatcher wages from Personnel Services to Commodities. Other factors contributing to the increased budget are the rising cost of energy, goods and services, and maintaining an aging infrastructure. Mr. Ballenger also presented tax calculations on a median valued home. Resolution No. 2006-242 MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Erickson, adopting approving setting the City tax levy collectible in 2007 at $20,094,045 and approving 2007 budgets with total revenue of $42,663,707 and expenditures of $42,327,443. Councilmember Goodwin noted that currently 76 percent of the General Fund revenues comes from property taxes. If the City still received $3 million in state aid, that percentage would be substantially lower. The loss of state aid has had a considerable impact on the General Fund budget. Councilmember Bergman asked why Apple Valley is projecting a five percent increase in building permit revenues over the last two years while other cities are projecting a decrease and laying off building inspectors. Mr. Ballenger said proposed projects such as the Cobblestone Lake Development are taken into account. Approximately five percent of the General Fund revenues comes from licenses and permits. Staff believes the projected numbers are realistic and represent sustainable building permit revenues; however, the total amount has dropped in the last couple of years. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 7 Mr. Lawell stated projected building permit fee revenues for 2007 are down from 2006. The City is able to meet building inspection needs by utilizing contractual building inspectors during peak periods. Councilmember Bergman asked how the proposed Target impacts projections. Mr. Ballenger said there was a 15 percent increase in commercial/industrial permits last year in spite the fact residential permits were down. Similar trends are expected in 2007. Councilmember Grendahl said she has a different opinion regarding basic services and has received calls from residents concerned about tax increases. She referenced data from the 2006 residential opinion survey which indicated approximately 50 percent of the residents surveyed stated their taxes were high or somewhat high. She reviewed 2005 tax comparisons that indicated Apple Valley had higher taxes than several surrounding communities. She further said taxes have increased at a greater rate than the population. Mr. Ballenger responded there are many factors which can contribute to property tax rates, just as the video indicated. One factor which has a significant impact is a city’s commercial/industrial base. Businesses pay a higher tax rate and typically use fewer services. Apple Valley has a relatively low commercial/industrial tax base. Mayor Hamann-Roland added the Council is working to attract businesses and build the commercial/industrial tax base. However, Apple Valley’s size and location also impact its ability to attract commercial/industrial businesses. Councilmember Erickson said it is true that property owners typically indicate their property taxes are too high and yet they would like more services. Many do not see a correlation between the two. Councilmember Goodwin said it would be valuable to see the comparison of expenditures per capita. Apple Valley is very close to other cities in its costs per capita. It costs a certain amount of money to provide basic city services. The real difference is the property tax base. Many cities on the list presented by Councilmember Grendahl with lower property taxes are cities with a higher commercial/industrial tax base. Councilmember Goodwin further said it is important to identify specific items to be cut. When a good portion of the budget consists of costs related to staff and costs the City does not control but are necessary for operations, such as gas and electric, it is very difficult to eliminate enough items to have an impact. Councilmember Bergman asked what the cost of providing the buckthorn program was in 2006 and the number of residents using it. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 8 Mr. Heuer said 2006 numbers have not yet been compiled. In 2004, it cost $38,000 and approximately 822 cubic yards of buckthorn were picked up. In 2005, it cost $47,666 and approximately 1,033 cubic yards were picked up. He did not have the number of sites but stated the program is popular and an increasing number of residents are utilizing it. Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if grant dollars are available to help fund this program. Mr. Heuer indicated there are none which he is aware of. He further indicated there has been an increased emphasis from the watersheds to remove buckthorn. Mayor Hamann-Roland said the buckthorn removal program is a preventative program to save the City’s forests. Sometimes replacing a loss can be more expensive than helping to prevent it. Councilmember Bergman asked how many other communities have a buckthorn program. Mr. Heuer said he has not surveyed other communities. Councilmember Erickson said there is not a book which dictates which services a city should provide and the manner in which it should provide them. He asked how much is budgeted for the street overlay. Mr. Heuer said approximately $2.2 million, of which 65 percent comes from the General Fund and 35 percent comes from the Utility Fund. Mr. Erickson said the City does not assess the $2.2 million for the street overlay. If it did, the budget could be reduced by the same amount. He indicated he is not recommending assessing for the street overlay, and thinks Apple Valley’s program is appropriate. However, if that amount was assessed, Apple Valley’s taxes may be similar to other cities. Councilmember Grendahl stated she has recommended several specific cuts to the budget, including $12,000 in annual dues for the Municipal Legislative Commission. She also voiced concern over the City’s dues for the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce. Councilmember Goodwin acknowledged the items offered by Councilmember Grendahl, but spoke of identifying significant dollars which could have a real impact. Councilmember Bergman commended past Councils for their foresight in establishing the current overlay program. He believes it is an item which should be budgeted and not assessed. He asked how much reserve revenue is left in the Golf Course Fund. Mr. Ballenger said zero. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 9 Councilmember Bergman said neighboring golf courses have closed. He noted the recent lawn mower purchase depleted the Golf Course Fund reserves. He expressed concern over a zero reserve and the condition of the club house. He asked staff what the future plans are for the golf course. Mr. Ballenger said the hope is 2007 revenues will start rebuilding reserves in the Golf Course Fund. Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if Councilmember Bergman was recommending additional funds be invested in the golf course. Councilmember Bergman stated something needs to be done with the golf course and he wants to know what those plans are. Councilmember Grendahl said she believed the residential opinion survey indicated there was no support to build additional golf course facilities using tax payer dollars. She believes the golf course should be self sustaining. Councilmember Bergman asked staff to explain why the City was denied a recent grant to help control curlyleaf on Long and Farquar Lakes. Mr. Heuer said the Department of Natural Resources indicated the City was ineligible for the grant due to the lack of public access on those lakes. Councilmember Bergman questioned whether it was staff’s intent to obtain the public access to these water bodies necessary to receive this type of grant and if the City was going to treat curlyleaf in 2007. Mr. Heuer said there is no intention of obtaining additional public access at this time. The money budgeted for water quality will be used for improvements other than treating curleyleaf. Councilmember Bergman said he is not looking at cutting services. As for the positions that are proposed, he would support one. He recommends postponing the other three positions until 2008. Mayor Hamann-Roland asked Councilmember Bergman if he understood the two utility positions were being funded out of the Sanitary Sewer Fund. Councilmember Bergman said he understood that but felt the funds should be collected for a full year before the maintenance worker position was added. Mayor Hamann-Roland said residents can see a direct correlation between with the increased sewer rates and the added utility positions. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 10 Mr. Heuer said in October of 2005 the City was notified its wastewater flow, during a rainfall event, exceeded the discharge goal set by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES). The City was very fortunate to have the Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) surcharge, which could have had over a $1 million impact, dropped. Part of the reason Apple Valley was able to get the charge dropped is because of the programs in place for maintaining the sanitary sewer system. The proposed Utility Maintenance Worker would also assist in maintaining the storm sewer. In addition, the Vermillion River Watershed Management Organization is proposing 20 percent of the City’s inlets, outlets, and ponds are inspected and maintained annually. That will have a substantial impact on the current workload. Vote was taken on the motion: Ayes - 4 - Nays - 1 (Grendahl). WATER AND SEWER RATES Mr. Ballenger presented the proposed water and sanitary sewer rates for 2007. The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) has increased its charges for wastewater treatment. The cost of energy for pumping water and sewer has also increased. The overall combined rates for water and sewer represent a 3.2 percent increase on the average home. The last rate increase was in 2004. Resolution No. 2006-243 MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Erickson, adopting setting the sewer and water rates and related procedures, effective January 1, 2007. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. 2007 EMPLOYEE PAY AND BENEFIT PLAN Ms. Strauss reviewed the proposed 2007 Pay and Benefit Plan. The plan details pay scales, job titles, and job evaluation points for all exempt and non-exempt employees who are not represented in a collective bargaining unit, as well as the City’s contribution towards employee group insurance. Ms. Strauss said her memo highlighted changes from the 2006 plan. Resolution No. 2006-244 MOTION: of Bergman, seconded by Goodwin, adopting approving and implementing the 2007 Employee Pay and Benefit Plan. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. INTERIM LAND USE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – MAGELLAN Mr. Lovelace reviewed the request from Magellan Company for an amendment to the interim land use ordinance which would allow them to construct a 625-square foot building addition onto an existing lab. Magellan is located on the northeast corner of 150th Street W. and Flagstaff Avenue. The lab addition would house new testing equipment necessary to ensure compliance with Federal standards. Magellan is currently conducting testing inside a mobile testing facility. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 11 MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Erickson, waiving the procedure for a second reading Ordinance No. 802 and passing amending the Section 157.01 of the City Code regarding the Industrial Land Use Study to allow Magellan to obtain a building permit for a 625-square foot building addition. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. FENCING AGREEMENT WITH DAKOTA ELECTRIC Mr. Lawell said the Council had previous discussions with representatives of Dakota Electric Association (DEA) regarding installation of solid fencing around the north and west sides of the Fischer Substation located on the southeast corner of County Road 42 and Galaxie Avenue. The cost of the fence is estimated at $198,145.00, with DEA paying 15 percent and the City paying 85 percent, with a maximum to the City of $168,423.00. If the Council approves the agreement DEA will order the necessary materials to complete the construction. Construction will begin in early 2007, with a completion date of July 1, 2007. Councilmember Erickson said it is impossible to hide a 50-foot substation behind a 12-foot wall. He asked if the solid fencing was a concern for the Police Department, considering officers will not be able to see beyond the fence as they drive by. Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if Councilmember Erickson would prefer a vegetation screen or other alternative. Councilmember Erickson stated he did not find it objectionable for an electric substation to be visible. Mayor Hamann-Roland asked the Police Chief for his thoughts on safety. Police Chief Johnson said the police will not know if someone is behind the fence, but feels it is more an issue of aesthetics versus a security matter. Councilmember Bergman asked if graffiti was a concern and if the fence around the substation in Lakeville has had issues with graffiti. Mr. Randy Poulson, of Dakota Electric Association, said the fence around the substation in Lakeville has had graffiti once. The fence is a stained concrete product and is relatively easy to clean and restain. Councilmember Goodwin noted the fence is expensive but is of commercial quality and should last 30 years or more. The Fischer Substation is located on a visible corner in the downtown area, and believes the fence will make the site considerably more attractive. Councilmember Bergman asked staff to explain the use of the electrical franchise fee. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 12 Mr. Lawell said the City currently has an electrical franchise fee. Dakota Electric indicated franchise fee funds can be used for this project. The City intends to use franchise fee funds for this project. There will be no increase in the franchise fee rate because of this expenditure. MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Bergman, approving the Solid Fencing Construction Agreement with Dakota Electric Association, for screening around the Fischer Substation, as attached to the City Administrator’s memo dated December 22, 2006, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 3 - Nays - 2 (Erickson and Grendahl). SET INFORMAL MEETING Mr. Lawell stated there are a number of items proposed for discussion at the informal Council meeting of January 11, 2007. Due to the timelines requiring action and the expected length of discussion, he asked if Council might consider a 6:00 p.m. start time. Councilmember Grendahl said she is not opposed to the earlier start time but indicated previous engagements may not allow her to arrive prior to the regularly scheduled time. Mr. Lawell said considering Councilmember Grendahl’s role in the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and issues surrounding Cedar Avenue, the Cedar Avenue Corridor discussion will be positioned later on in the agenda. MOTION: of Bergman, seconded by Goodwin, changing the start time for the informal Council meeting on January 11, 2007, to 6:00 p.m. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. INTRODUCTION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRUCE NORDQUIST Mr. Lawell introduced newly hired Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist. Mr. Nordquist served as the Housing and Redevelopment Manager for the City of Richfield. The Council congratulated Mr. Nordquist and said they are excited about him joining the Apple Valley team. Mr. Lawell thanked Acting Community Development Director Tom Lovelace and all of the Community Development Department staff for their tremendous efforts over the past year, especially considering they have been working short staffed. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Hamann-Roland reminded everyone to stay off thin ice. She then wished everyone a happy and healthy New Year. Councilmember Erickson thanked everyone for their support and wishes for good health since his recent diagnosis of lung cancer. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 27, 2006 Page 13 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Goodwin, approving the calendar of upcoming events as included in the City Clerk’s memo dated December 22, 2006, and noting that each event listed is hereby deemed a Special Meeting of the City Council. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. CLAIMS AND BILLS MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Erickson, to pay the claims and bills, check registers dated December 20, 2006, in the amount of $2,836,729.15; and December 27, 2006, in the amount of $407,075.72. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, to adjourn. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 o’clock a.m.