HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/14/2009 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota,
held May 14th, 2009, at 8 00 o'clock p.m., at Apple Valley Municipal Center
PRESENT Mayor Hamann-Roland, Councilmembers Bergman, Goodwin, Grendahl, and
LaComb
ABSENT None
City staff members present were City Administrator Lawell, City Clerk Gackstetter, City
Attorney Dougherty, City Engineer Manson, Public Works Director Blomstrom, Associate City
Planner Bodmer, Associate City Planner Dykes, Assistant City Administrator Grawe, Finance
Director Hedberg, Parks and Recreation Director Johnson, Police Chief Johnson, Police Captain
Marben, Community Development Director Nordquist, Human Resources Manager Strauss, and
Fire Chief Thompson.
Mayor Hamann-Roland called the meeting to order at 8 00 p.m. Everyone took part in the
Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION of LaComb, seconded by Bergman, approving the agenda for tonight's meeting, as
presented. 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 requested 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 Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving all items on the consent agenda
with no exceptions. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving the minutes of the regular meeting
of April 23, 2009, as written. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-54 accepting,
with thanks, the donation of $200 00 from American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 1776,
for use by the Police Department. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 2
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, authorizing issuance of a Temporary On-Sale
Liquor License by Minnesota Liquor Control to Apple Valley American Legion,
Post 1776, for an outdoor area at 14521 Granada Drive, valid on July 3 and July 4,
2009 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, authorizing issuance of a Temporary On-Sale
Liquor License by Minnesota Liquor Control to Apple Valley American Legion,
Post 1776, for an outdoor area at 14521 Granada Drive, valid on September 12,
2009 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-55 approving
issuance of a lawful gambling exempt permit, by the State Gambling Control
Board, to Apple Valley Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 1776, for use on
July 4, 2009, and waiving any waiting period for State approval. Ayes - 5 -Nays -
0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving issuance of a new 2009 License to
Operate Filling Station to City of Apple Valley, Central Maintenance Facility,
6442 140th Street W ,City of Apple Valley, Valleywood Golf Course, 4851 125th
Street W ,Apple Valley Golf Course, 8661 140th Street W , AVR, Inc., 15497
Pilot Knob Road, Dick's Valley Service, Inc., 6781 146th Street W ,Independent
School District 196, 14445 Diamond Path W , Lamperts, 14555 Galaxie Avenue,
and the State of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, as described in
the City Clerk's memo dated May 11, 2009 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving the Hobby Kennel Permit for 2009
for Elizabeth Pagel and David Murphy, at 14799 Hallmark Drive Ayes - 5 -Nays
-0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-56 amending
change/petty cash funds at Valleywood Golf Course. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-57 amending
access to bank safety deposit box. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-58 amending
2009 Utility Rates and approving base charges during each billing cycles even
when there is no water consumption or if the property is unoccupied. Ayes - 5 -
Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-59 accepting
OSHA Safety Grant in the amount of $9,958 40, as attached to the Public Works
Superintendent's memo dated May 14, 2009 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 3
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving the OSHA Grant Contract with
Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry, Occupational Safety and Health
Consultation Unit, accepting $9,958 40 towards the purchase of safety equipment,
and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving the License Agreement with St.
Paul Growers Association, Inc., for a Farmers Market in the Municipal Center
parking lot on Saturdays from June 21, 2009, through October 24, 2009, from
8 00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same.
Ayes-S-Nays-0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, authorizing funds in an amount not to exceed
$2,000 00 for a joint broadband education initiative with Dakota County and other
cities, as described m the Assistant City Administrator's memo dated May 14,
2009 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-60 approving
reallocation of special assessments relating to land subdivided for Apply Valley
East Family Addition area. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving the reduction of financial guarantee
for Wensmann 13th Addition, from $30,000 00 to $7,500 00, as listed in the
Community Development Department Assistant's memo dated May 14, 2009
Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-61 setting a
public hearing on June 11, 2009, at 8 00 p.m., to consider vacating easements on
Lots 5, 8, and 9, Block 12, Cobblestone Lake 3rd Addition. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving aone-year extension of site
plan building permit authorization for Lots 1-8, Block 2, Cobblestone Lake South
Shore, as described in the City Planner's memo dated May 11, 2009 Ayes - 5 -
Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolutions No. 2009-62 approving
the site plan and authorizing issuance of a building permit to allow construction
of two single-family dwelling units on Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Cobblestone Lake
South Shore, with conditions as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving the Agreement for Hayes
Community and Senior Center Presentation Room Audio Video System with
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 4
Tierney Brothers, Inc , in the amount of $33,250.27, and authorizing the Mayor
and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving the Agreement for Hayes
Community and Senior Center Multipurpose Room Audio Video System with
Tierney Brothers, Inc , in the amount of $42,610.26, and authorizing the Mayor
and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-63 awarding
the contract for AV Project 2009-105, 2009 Miscellaneous Utility Improvements,
to K.A. Witt Construction, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of
$267,804.35 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, accepting Redwood Tenms Court Fence as
final and authorizing final payment on the agreement with Midwest Fence &
Manufacturing Company, in the amount of $17,985 00 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, accepting Metal Fence Section Fabrication as
final and authorizing final payment on the agreement with Minnetonka Iron
Works, LLC, in the amount of $12,004.20 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving Freedom Days Events for 2009, as
described in the Recreation Supervisor's memo dated May 8, 2009 Ayes - 5 -
Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-64 approving
the employee performance evaluation schedule for City employees. Ayes - 5 -
Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, adopting Resolution No. 2009-65 amending
the 2009 Employee Pay and Benefit Plan. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by LaComb, approving hiring the full time and seasonal
employees and resignation of employees, as listed m the Personnel Report dated
May 14, 2009 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
AMEND 2009 UTILITY RATES
Mr Hedberg described the changes to the 2009 utility rates, the reason behind said changes, and
the billing process for vacant properties and snowbirds as dust approved. In order to provide
consistency, all accounts will be billed base charges during each billing cycle even if there is no
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 5
water consumption or if the properly is unoccupied. In addition, consumption thresholds were
adjusted to reflect three-month consumption levels for quarterly billing. Accounts that were
billed at the higher thresholds will receive a credit to their account.
Mayor Hamann-Roland acknowledged that the switch to quarterly billing was never intended to
be a rate hike.
POPPY DAYS PROCLAMATION
Ms. Heike Cybart of the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Committee was present. She read
the proclamation, proclaiming May 15 - 17, 2009, as "Poppy Days" and May 2009 as "Poppy
Month" The Council thanked the Auxiliary for its efforts in remembering those who have died
in war by distributing the memorial flowers.
MOTION of Grendahl, seconded by LaComb, proclaiming May 15-17, 2009, as "Poppy
Days" and May as "Poppy Month" and asking citizens to pay tribute to those who
have died in war in the name of freedom. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
The Mayor presented the proclamation to Ms. Cybart.
MEMORIAL DAY PROCLAMATION
Mr Lloyd Cybart, on behalf of American Legion, Post 1776, read the proclamation proclaiming
May 25, 2009, "Memorial Day" He invited everyone to the ceremonies at 11 00 a.m. at the
Apple Valley American Legion Memorial located behind the American Legion Post on Granada
Avenue
MOTION of Grendahl, seconded by LaComb, acknowledging the Federal Proclamation of
May 25, 2009, as "Memorial Day" and asking citizens to remember those who
were casualties and inured in the various wars and police actions of the United
States. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
The Mayor presented the proclamation to Mr Cybart.
Councilmember Goodwin and the Council thanked the veterans for their service.
2009 SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL 581
Mr Hedberg described Assessment Roll No 581, totaling $182,175.36, for delinquent utility,
mowing and snow removal charges. Approximately 665 properties are identified on this
assessment roll. Several of those property owners have since paid their charges. Following
approval of the assessment roll, customers will still have 30 days to pay their accounts without
receiving any additional charges. Accounts which are not paid will be certified to the County
Auditor to be levied on the 2010 property tax statements.
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Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 6
Mr Hedberg informed the Council a written objection was received regarding the property
located at 7721 145th Street W., PID O1-81201-050-08 They have delinquent charges of
$433 78 and $273.55 He said the attorney for this account holder acknowledges receipt of the
bills.
Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if counsel advised to remove this item from the assessment roll.
Mr Dougherty said it is the Council's choice. He added that the property owner will have 30
days to negotiate with the lender and may also file an objection.
Mayor Hamann-Roland called the public hearing to order, at 8 19 p.m., on Special Assessment
Roll No 581 and noted receipt of the affidavit of publication of the hearing notice. The Mayor
asked for questions or comments from the Council and the audience. There were none and the
hearing was declared closed at 8.20 p.m.
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by Goodwin, adopting Resolution No. 2009-66 approving
and levying 2009 Special Assessment Roll No 581, for delinquent utility,
mowing, and snow removal charges, in the total amount of $182,175.36 Ayes - 5
-Nays - 0
2009 SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL 582
Mr Hedberg described Assessment Roll No 582, totaling $1,280 00, for delinquent false alarms.
Six properties are included in the assessment. No written objections have been received.
Mayor Hamann-Roland called the public hearing to order, at 8.21 p.m., on Special Assessment
Roll No 582 and noted receipt of the affidavit of publication of the hearing notice. The Mayor
asked for questions or comments from the Council and the audience. There were none and the
hearing was declared closed at 8.22 p.m.
MOTION of LaComb, seconded by Goodwin, adopting Resolution No. 2009-67 approving
and levying 2009 Special Assessment Roll No 582, delinquent false alarm
charges, in the total amount of $1,280 00 Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
ORDINANCE AMENDING LIQUOR IN CITY PARKS
Mr Johnson gave the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 95 of the City Code
regulating consumption and possession of intoxicating liquor m City parks. He added that the
amendment removes the requirement for a permit for beer consumption in Alimagnet Park. He
then reviewed a chart comparing the existing ordinance to the proposed ordinance as they relate
to alcoholic beverages m City parks.
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Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
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Councilmember Goodwin said he requested this chart because it has become apparent to him
through recent conversations, emails, articles, etc ,that the public has a misunderstanding of the
current ordinance There is not a ban of alcohol m City parks. He clarified that m all City parks
except Alimagnet currently beer is allowed as well as wine and hard liquor with a City permit. In
addition, with a permit, beer, wine, and hard liquor are also currently allowed in Alimagnet Park.
He thanked staff for coming to the Council with a revised ordinance removing distilled spirits, or
hard liquor, from the parks.
Councilmember Goodwin stated he spoke with the City Attorney earlier this week and learned
the only requirement to get a permit to consume alcohol in City parks is that the person must be
at least 21 years of age He asked if they must be an Apple Valley resident.
Mr Dougherty responded no
Councilmember Goodwin asked if the ordinance could be written to only allow Apple Valley
residents in good standing to get a permit.
Mr Dougherty responded no
Councilmember Goodwin asked if the City could refuse someone known to be a gang member to
get a permit.
Mr Dougherty responded no
Councilmember Goodwin said this ordinance was written in 1980 and updated in 1982. It is
important to understand that in all parks, including Alimagnet Park, a person of questionable
character, who does not live in Apple Valley, can currently get a party permit and set up 100
bottles of booze if they want. He asked if that was correct.
Mr Dougherty said yes, he believes it is.
Councilmember Goodwin said the revised ordinance removes hard liquor from City Parks,
whereas, today rt is allowed in all parks with a permit.
Mayor Hamann-Roland said she was surprised to learn there is no discretion for denying a permit
based on character
Mr Dougherty said there is discretion for conduct not for character
Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if the ordinance could be revised to state "legal adults" instead of
"persons"
Mr Dougherty said for clarification the language could be changed to read "persons 21 years of
age or older" He then explained a fudge's order as it relates to laws and illegal actions.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 8
Mayor Hamann-Roland said she would recommend amending the language to read "persons 21
years of age or older"
Councilmember Grendahl does not believe the City is regulating conduct in Alimagnet Park right
now She commented about keeping items on the website current, and noted the March 17
minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee were not posted as of today
Mr Johnson responded that minutes are posted to the website after they are approved, similar to
other committees.
Councilmember Grendahl said the minutes should have been posted following the May 12
meeting. She then compared the public processes used by the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Committee and the Urban Affairs Committee in responding to issues. She noted the Urban
Affairs Committee used the results of the garbage and recycling survey, to which 216 people
responded, m formulating their opinion regarding amending the garbage ordinance. Whereas, the
petition with 200 names in support of keeping alcohol out of Alimagnet Park appears to be being
ignored. She then commented about the request at the informal work session for police officers
at the senior center when alcohol is served. She questioned why alcohol would be a problem at
the senior center but not in City parks.
Councilmember Grendahl said the City of Robbinsdale recently voted against the installation of a
disc golf course in Sochacki Park. She read excerpts from an article on the Internet about
Robbinsdale's decision, citing various concerns voiced by residents including changing the
dynamics of the park. She said Alimagnet Park residents are treated like outcasts when they call
in to complain, yet, problems with disc golf are happening all over
Councilmember Grendahl said she was at the park today and saw 29 people turn around m 30
seconds. She is guessing not one person was over 21 years of age To introduce alcohol in the
parks with all the other concerns at this park appalls her She has not received one phone call
from a resident asking for alcohol in Alimagnet Park. She said she usually listens to both sides,
but does not see a second side on this issue. She does not believe the Council is listening to the
concerns of the neighborhood.
Mayor Hamann-Roland cautioned in stating the Council has not paid attention to this issue. She
noted she has walked the trails, visited the park with Ms. Johnson, and has been up there several
times.
Councilmember Bergman noted the installation of a disc golf course in the City of Robbinsdale
required mayor renovation of the park including cutting down multiple trees. No trees were
removed in Alimagnet Park. He then said he has always prided himself on listening to residents
on the issues. He believes he has gone above and beyond on this issue He added that it is the
first issue he has been involved v~nth during his 12 years of City government in which no one is
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 9
willing to compromise He then asked if there was a fee to obtain the party permit back in 1980-
1982.
Mr Johnson responded there was no fee.
Councilmember Bergman asked if there is a fee today
Mr Johnson said no
Councilmember Bergman asked if an individual could get a permit for 365 days.
Ms. Gackstetter responded she believed rt would be allowed provided the Council approved rt.
Councilmember Bergman said he is a firm believer m fairness, working with the neighborhood,
and m keeping everything uniform and standardized between the parks.
Councilmember Goodwin said he was at Alimagnet Park nine times this spring, including four
trips in the early evening. The park was being used during each visit. In the early evening, there
were mostly young men. He described what he witnessed. He did not hear swearing or see
public urination when he was there. Unfortunately, he acknowledged rt is likely there is also
swearing at other parks and complexes as well. He does not know how to eliminate it, unless the
parks are ehmmated.
Councilmember Goodwin stated Alimagnet Park is 65 acres and disc golf takes two to three acres
of rt. Not one tree was cut down to install the disc golf course. He compared Alimagnet Park to
Redwood Park, which is fairly close. He has not heard a word about Redwood Park and people
can drink beer there There have been conversations with other people in the area who do not
have a problem with Alimagnet Park. One individual who was asked to come to the meeting
stated they did not want to publicly share their feelings about not having issues with the park
because they live in the area and they know their neighbors are upset. He added that adult
softball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and a variety of other sports are taking place at various other
parks. It is likely, at times, there is some swearing. In addition, on occasion an adult may have
an adult beverage following one of these activities. There is nothing so different about this park
that it should be treated differently and have a separate set of rules. He asked if rt would be
easier for the Police Department if rt had one set of rules or regulations for all parks.
Police Chief Johnson responded it would be easier from an enforcement standpoint. He added
that often times the people who are cited for beer in Alimagnet Park indicate they did not know rt
was not allowed in that park.
Councilmember Goodwin pointed out the proposed ordinance would prohibit or restrict distilled
spirits or hard liquor in 49 parks, while slightly lessening the requirements in 1 park. In addition,
it would create uniformity by applying the same rules m all parks.
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Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 10
Councilmember Grendahl said there are three parks identified in the Comprehensive Plan as
community parks, they are Alimagnet Park, Farquar Park, and Redwood Park. She then read the
definition of a community park as identified in the Comprehensive Plan. She said one neighbor
counted 100 people walk up the hill in Alimagnet Park in one hour, and suggested finding out
how many thousands of people use the park each day She added it not only affects their front
yards, it affects their backyards. During a recent visit, she noted dogs were not on leashes. She
questioned how the City enforces ordinances in this park. She asked the Police Chief how many
people have been cited for drinking m Alimagnet Park.
Police Chief Johnson said he would have to run the numbers, but guessed there would be close to
a dozen since the first of this year and maybe 201ast year
Councilmember Grendahl asked if there was a recent complaint regarding two vehicles retying
their engines and racing.
Police Chief Johnson described the incident as detailed in the police report.
Councilmember Grendahl suggested giving the neighborhood credit for giving over 1,000 hours
to remove buckthorn from Alimagnet Park. She questioned the amount of time City staff spent
removing buckthorn.
Mr Johnson said City staff and various volunteer groups also spent more than 1,000 hours
removing buckthorn from Alimagnet Park.
Mayor Hamann-Roland said the City definitely wants to thank residents and other groups who
have volunteered their time to better the parks, their surroundings, and areas in which they live
Councilmember LaComb said she believes the Council has tried very hard to assess what makes
Alimagnet Park and all the various parks unique. She referenced the City map which lists the
various amenities at each park. The current ordinance allows consumption of beer in 49 parks.
The absence of that right does not seem to have made a positive difference. She thinks
consistency and actions by the Police Department in the next several months will change that.
She added that all parks need to have the kind of interest all five members of the Council have
shown towards this park. All of the Council Members have spent time in Alimagnet Park
because of the complaints that have come up over and over She is unsure what one issue will
satisfy anyone in the neighborhood. If the ordinance is amended and there is consistency
amongst the parks, then the Council can compare apples to apples.
Councilmember Bergman said over the last week or so Parks maintenance staff monitored the
number of alcoholic containers in trash barrels. He noted the findings were included m the
agenda packet.
Councilmember Goodwin said Alimagnet is probably going to get some special attention, which
may be unfair to the other parks. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Chair indicated
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 11
there has been discussion about having adult supervision in the park a couple nights a week
during the summer when the park is most actively used. He asked if there is money in the budget
for this.
Mr Johnson replied that after scrutinizing the budget, he believes there is enough funding to hire
a supervisor to work several hours, three nights a week. He also talked with the Police Chief
about continuing bicycle patrol and undercover operations.
Mayor Hamann-Roland commented that the park m her neighborhood also affects residents'
front yards and backyards. She noted the park which she lives next to shows the highest number
of users coming into her neighborhood. Because of that, she has sensitivity to many of the things
being said.
Councilmember Grendahl said she does not believe hiring a supervisor to patrol the park will be
beneficial if they cannot write a ticket. She suggested moving the money to the Police
Department or contracting with the Police Department and having them provide the added patrol.
Mr Johnson replied that like other parks, when adult supervision is present, 99 percent of the
time there are not issues. When an issue does arrive, the supervisor can call the Police
Department. The police are very quick to respond and arrive within a matter of minutes.
Councilmember Grendahl said she dust offered a compromise, but does not see anyone
compromising on the other side either
Mayor Hamann-Roland said she believes the City is stepping up its enforcement efforts. In
addition, plain clothes officers are watching the neighborhood and the park.
Police Chief Johnson said it is safe to say there is no other park in the City getting as much patrol
as Ahmagnet, and rt is the only park m which the Police Department has done plain clothes
detail. There have been six plain clothes details so far After checking the records, he reported
there have been 21 citations issued for possession of alcohol m Ahmagnet Park since the first of
the year
Mayor Hamann-Roland acknowledged that when she first moved next to the park, she was
shocked with the magnitude of people coming through the neighborhood to recreate in the park.
People regularly throw their trash down and occasionally they act stupid. But over the course of
time, she came to realize most of the people coming to the park were acting responsibly and
simply enjoying good clean, all-American fun. When visiting Ahmagnet Park, she has also seen
wholesome behavior She is happy kids are getting exercise in a natural setting and spending
time with each other
Mayor Hamann-Roland wants Apple Valley to prohibit hard liquor in the parks. She also wants
the ordinance to state "persons 21 years of age or older", incorporated into the language, to
ensure there is no question by anyone that the Council would condone children having alcohol.
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Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 12
She has thought long and hard about this decision, and has concerns after learning the City has no
discretion to deny permits for hard alcohol in the parks. If she voted against the amendment, she
would be voting against prohibiting hard liquor in the parks. That is contrary to what she
believes makes sense It is important to be good role models when being around children, and
having hard liquor in the parks is not the way to do that.
MOTION of Grendahl, seconded by Hamann-Roland, amending the language of the
ordinance to prohibit all alcohol in all parks except by permit.
Councilmember Goodwin said that would be going too far in reverse Thirty-five to forty
years ago no one had beer or alcohol in their parks. Over the years, it has progressed and
now most communities allow beer or beer and wine m their parks. A huge percentage of
Apple Valley's adults are responsible people. The suggested revision would not allow
them to have a beer or a wine cooler in any park without big brother's approval. Apple
Valley shares a park with the City of Burnsville. On one side of the park, adults can drink
beer and on the other side they cannot. The Council heard from the Parks and Recreation
Director and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Chair who indicated there are
not problems in any of the other parks in which beer is currently allowed. Now the
Council is considering a change that would be so restrictive that an average person could
not drink a beer or wine cooler without the City's approval.
Councilmember Bergman pointed out that the Council compromised at the last Council
meeting when rt approved televising the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
meetings. He added that there was a very small number of people who made that request
and yet the Council took action.
Councilmember Grendahl said there were other issues that contributed to that request
including the new senior center and the Valleywood clubhouse.
Councilmember Goodwin commented about the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Committee meeting which was televised on Tuesday He found the meeting very
informative and complimented the members on doing a great job
Councilmember Grendahl agreed, but noted the public will not know which day to watch
the meeting if the dates listed on the website are incorrect.
Mayor Hamann-Roland said the Council has directed staff to ensure the dates are properly
listed. She questioned how much time it would take to issue permits for alcohol
consumption in all parks.
Ms. Gackstetter said rt would certainly take more time on behalf of the City Clerk. In
addition to receiving the application and preparing the permit, each application would
need to be prepared as an agenda item for Council approval. That process also requires a
minimum two-week turn around for processing. She was unsure of the number of
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Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 13
permits that would be processed for all the parks and questioned if the Parks and
Recreation Director might have a better idea as to the number
Mayor Hamann-Roland asked how much the City would need to budget for processing
permits.
Mr Johnson said he was unsure and did not want to give the Council the wrong number
but guessed it would be a significant amount.
Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if another person would need to be hired to handle the
workload.
Mr Johnson said if people want to get a permit for every day of the year there could be a
lot of permits. It is hard to know the potential impact.
Mayor Hamann-Roland acknowledged there may be a cost implication to the proposed
motion.
Councilmember Grendahl asked if there was a fee for the permit.
Mr Johnson said no
Councilmember Grendahl suggested a fee be added and individuals receiving permits pay
the costs associated for processing them.
Mayor Hamann-Roland noted it could be a considerable amount of money She then
commented about the fact that Valleywood Golf Course, which is also a park, would not
be allowed to sell liquor Liquor sales is one of the things Valleywood does to generate
revenue as an enterprise fund.
Councilmember Grendahl stated she believes the sale of liquor at Valleywood is different
than people bringing liquor into the parks.
Vote was taken on the motion. Ayes - 1 -Nays - 4 (Bergman, Goodwin, Hamann-
Roland, LaComb).
MOTION of Bergman, seconded by Goodwin, amending the language referencing "persons"
to read "persons 21 years of age or older" and passing Ordinance No. 859
amending Chapter 95 of the City Code regarding consumption and possession of
intoxicating liquor in City parks.
Mr Lawell advised that there was a revised ordinance distributed yesterday which
specifically references alcohol at Valleywood Golf Course, and that is the ordinance from
which everyone should be working.
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Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 14
Vote was taken on the motion. Ayes - 4 -Nays - 1 (Grendahl)
ORDINANCE AMENDING BUILDING CODE
Mr Aden gave the first reading of the ordinance amending Section 150 O1 of the City Code,
regarding Building Code Adopted by Reference, Scope The proposed change will update the
ordinance to reflect the. Minnesota Energy Code which will be adopted by the State on June 1,
2009 The Minnesota Energy Code includes a Residential Energy Code, Chapter 1322, and a
Commercial Energy Code, Chapter 1323
Councilmember Grendahl asked the estimated costs the residential improvements would add to a
new home.
Mr Aden said he was unsure of the costs at this time
The Council directed staff to provide estimated costs for the improvements at the second reading.
The Council accepted the first reading. The second reading will be May 28, 2009
ORDINANCE AMENDING GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION
Ms. Dykes and Ms. Bodmer gave the first reading of the ordinance amending Chapter 50 of the
City Code, regarding garbage and recycling collection.
Ms. Dykes reviewed various definitions, the history behind the ordinance amendment, the current
code requirements, and residential haulers' concerns. Specifically, the haulers mentioned
environmental, safety, and aesthetic concerns.
Ms. Bodmer said the Urban Affairs Committee discussed the haulers' concerns at their meetings
on August 25, September 16, and October 29, 2008, reviewed various studies and reports
provided by Dakota Valley Recycling Coordinator Sue Bast; and conducted a panel discussion
with licensed residential haulers, a member of the Governor's Climate Change Advisory Group,
and Eureka Recycling. She recapped the discussions and recommendations of the Urban Affair
Committee, the City Council's direction at the November 6, 2008, informal meeting; the results
of the public survey, to which 220 residents responded, and the public meeting results. At rts
meeting on May 4, 2009, the Urban Affair Committee voted 6-1 to recommend approval of the
amendment to the ordinance to allow curbside garbage and recycling collection, biweekly
recycling collection, and day-specific collection zones. The dissenting vote wanted weekly
recycling collection instead of biweekly
Mayor Hamann-Roland wants to be sure residents know garbage cans do not belong in the street,
because they create a public safety hazard. In addition, she hopes the revised ordinance will
cause a reduction in the haulers' current fees, resulting m a savings for residents. According to
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 15
one hauler, Apple Valley's rates are the highest due to garage-side collection, and this ordinance
amendment should cause a reduction.
Councilmember Grendahl said she would like staff to check comparable rates for surrounding
cities. She too would expect to see the rates go down. She then thanked staff and the Urban
Affairs Committee for a very organized and participatory process.
Councilmember Goodwin said Apple Valley fought a good fight in keeping its current ordinance
relative to garage-side garbage collection for as long as rt has. Twenty-five years ago many
communities had garage-side collection. Over the years, communities have switched to curbside
collection because of haulers' rates and technology Apple Valley is the last city m the metro
area that still has garage-side pickup Even the City of Edina switched to curbside collection
before Apple Valley
The Council accepted the first reading. The second reading will be May 28, 2009
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
MOTION of Grendahl, seconded by LaComb, approving the calendar of upcoming events as
included in the City Clerk's memo dated May 11, 2009, 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 Bergman, seconded by Grendahl, to pay the claims and bills, check registers
dated April 30, 2009, in the amount of $226,334 84, May 6, 2009, in the amount
of 713,107.37, and May 14, 2009, in the amount of $14,955,568 81 Ayes - 5 -
Nays - 0
CLOSE MEETING -ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE
Mr Dougherty asked the City Council to convene m a closed session, under the provisions of M.S
471 705, to discuss litigation involving Jorge Allen, et al, regarding ponding.
MOTION of Grendahl, seconded by Goodwin, to close the regular meeting and convene in
closed session to discuss with the City Attorney litigation involving Jorge Allen,
et al, regarding pondmg. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
The meeting was closed at 9 58 p.m. and the Mayor and all Councilmembers convened in the Regent
Conference Room, at 10.05 p.m., along with City Attorney Dougherty, Mr Clifford Greene of
Greene Espel, City Administrator Lawell, City Clerk Gackstetter, and Public Works Director
Blomstrom. Mr Dougherty advised the Council that its discussion must be limited to matters for
which the meeting was closed and if issues are discussed outside of this meeting the attorney-client
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
May 14, 2009
Page 16
privilege will be lost. Discussion followed regarding the litigation involving Jorge Allen, et al,
relative to ponding.
The Council reconvened in open session at 10 19 p.m.
MOTION of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, to adjourn. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0
The meeting was adjourned at 10.20 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Pamela J Gackstetter, City Clerk
Approved by the Apple Valley City Council on S - 28- O ~