HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/2001CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
October 9, 2001
Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota,
held October 9th, 2001, at 8:00 o’clock p.m., at Apple Valley Municipal Center.
PRESENT: Mayor Ha mann-Roland; Councilmembers Erickson, Goodwin, Grendahl, and
Sterling.
ABSENT: None.
City staff members present were: City Administrator Lawell, City Clerk Mueller, City Attorney
Dougherty, City Engineer Gordon, Finance Director Ballenger, Assistant Planner Bodmer,
Assistant to the City Administrator Grawe, Public Works Director Heuer, Police Chief Johnson,
Community Development Director Kelley, Police Captain Lohse, City Planner Lovelace,
Administrative Assistant Pederson, Human Resources Manager Strauss, and Fire Chief
Wassmund.
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 Erickson, seconded by Sterling, approving the agenda for tonight’s meetin g 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. Representative Chris Gerlach gave a brief overview of the
2001 Omnibus Tax Bill. He commented on the goals; equal tax relief across the state and reform
to make property tax a local tax. The general education levy and transit operating levy were
taken over by the state. Homestead credit aid was eliminated and local government aid was
redistributed. Property tax classifications have been adjusted and a new statewide business
property tax implemented. Overall the net result is an average 18.8% reduction in total property
taxes for Apple Valley property owners.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, approving all items on the consent agenda with
no exceptions. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, approving the minutes of the regular meeting of
September 25th, 2001, as written. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
October 9, 2001
Page 2
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, proclaiming October as Breast Cancer
Awareness Month and October 19th, 2001, as National Mammography Day. Ayes
- 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, proc laiming October 16th through November
23rd, 2001, as 2001 Minnesota Manufacturers and Technology Month. Ayes - 5 -
Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, approving designation of Weston J. Seifert as
General Manager for Old Chicago, in connection with its on-sale liquor license, at
14998 Glazier Avenue, as described in the City Clerk’s memo dated October 5,
2001. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, approving designation of Christopher M.
Turner as Manager for Chipotle Mexican Grill, in connection with its on-sale beer
and wine licenses, at 7638 West 150th Street, as described in the City Clerk’s
memo dated October 5, 2001. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, approving a Contract for Use of Fire Safety
House with the City Rosemount for Fire Prevention Week activities on October 10
and 11, 2001, as attached to the Fire Marshal’s memo dated October 2, 2001; and
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, confirming scheduling a joint informal meeting
with the Planning Commission, at 7:00 p.m., on December 12, 2001, as described
in the Community Development Director’s memo dated October 5, 2001. Ayes - 5
- Nays - 0.
Resolution No. 2001-181
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, adopting electing to
participate in the Local Housing Incentives Program under the Metropolitan
Livable Communities Act during the calendar year 2002. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, approving release of the $142,265.00 financial
guarantee for Hidden Ponds 3rd Addition Utilities. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
Resolution No. 2001-182
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, adopting receiving
the preliminary engineering report for Project 99-119, Cobblestone Lake Phase
One Utility and Street Improvements, and setting a public hearing on it, at 8:00
p.m., on November 8, 2001. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
Resolution No. 2001-183
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, adopting directing
the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for Project 99-119,
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
October 9, 2001
Page 3
Cobblestone Lake Phase One Utility and Street Improvements. Ayes - 5 - Nays -
0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, approving Change Order No. 2 to t he contract
with Meisinger Construction Company for ALF Ambulance Office Expansion at
Fire Station No. 1 in the amount of an additional $6,887.00. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, accepting Project 98-539, Cemetery Street a nd
Parking Lot Improvements, as final and authorizing final payment on the contract
with Valley Paving, Inc.-South, in the amount of $10,793.54. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, setting the City contribution towards employe e
health/dental/life group insurance at $530.00 per month for eligible non-union
employees effective January 1, 2002, as described in the Human Resources
Manager’s memo dated October 4, 2001. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl , approving temporary assignment of Todd
Kitzman to the position of Streets Foreman as listed in the Personnel Report dated
October 11, 2001. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Grendahl, approving hiring the seasonal employees as
listed in the Personnel Report dated October 11, 2001. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Fire Chief Wassmund reviewed the schedule of activities taking place during the week of October
8-12, 2001, for Fire Prevention Week, as detailed in his memo dated October 5, 2001. Open
houses are being held at all three Fire Stations along with visits to schools and drills. Diamond
Path School presented a check, in the amount of $3,079.72, that is being donated to New York
firefighters’ relief on behalf of the Apple Valley Fire Department. He also informed the Council
that the City received a 2000 Life Safety Award from the Residential Fire Safety Institute. The
Council thanked him and the Department for all they do for the City.
FISCHER MARKET PLACE 6TH EASEMENT VACATION
Mayor Hamann-Roland called the public hearing to order, at 8:26 p.m., to consider vacating part
of an easement on Lot 1, Block 1, Fischer Market Place 6th Addition, and noted receipt of the
affidavit of publication of the hearing notice. Mr. Lovelace reviewed his memo, dated October 2,
2001, describing the proposed vacation, at the southeast corner of 147th Street and Florence
Trail, where the Barnes and Noble building is being constructed. The easement is 30 feet wide in
this area and an 18-foot wide easement for utilities is adequate. The Mayor asked for questions
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
October 9, 2001
Page 4
or comments from the Council and the audience. There were none and the hearing was declared
closed at 8:29 p.m.
Resolution No. 2001-184
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Sterlin g, adopting completing
vacation of part of the drainage and utility easement on Lot 1, Block 1, Fischer
Market Place 6th Addition. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MAJESTIC RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Ms. Bodmer reviewed her memo dated October 5, 2001, describing revised layouts for the
proposed Majestic Ridge subdivision, located southeast of 138th Street and Cedar Avenue, as
requested by the Council. Three options were presented and all include seven lots. Of the three
options, the third offers the most separation of new houses from the existing neighborhood. It
would require variances for a hammerhead turn around, between Lots 5 and 6, and front building
setbacks of 20 feet. The houses would be closer to Cedar Avenue than shown in the original cul
de sac layout
The Council asked whether there had been further comments from the neighborhood besides
providing screening and additional trees along the rear lot lines. Ms. Bodmer said there was some
concern about lot sizes and the distance of houses from the rear lot lines. One neighbor stated
they preferred Option 3.
The Council asked for information about snow removal issues if a hammerhead turn around were
installed. Mr. Heuer said an additional 15 feet at the end of the hammerhead would be needed for
snow storage. Parking would have to be prohibited in the hammerhead area. The south end of
the street would have to be extended onto Lot 7 and its driveway adjusted to connect at a right
angle to the street.
Mr. Diedrich, the developer, showed a revised plan for Option 3 setting the houses on Lots 5, 6,
and 7 at 35 feet from the street. He described the Palomino Lakeside Meadows area where
smaller lots were allowed a number of years ago due to a pipeline location. He showed photos of
current homes with trees that have matured.
Councilmember Erickson asked what precedent might be set by allowing a hammerhead turn
around? Ms. Bodmer said this is in-fill development and as these difficult sites are looked at they
are trying to be creative. Once an option like this is allowed, it may lead to other requests. If it is
allowed, the reasoning for approval should be specified.
Paul Kinney, 13845 Glazier Court, said he prefers Option 3. It moves the new houses away from
the back yards and saves trees. There is a powerline along the back yards and he would prefer
screening done on the new lots. They would prefer allowing only two lots south of the existing
house rather than three.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
October 9, 2001
Page 5
Mayor Hamann-Roland asked Mr. Diedrich if he could develop the property as six total lots? He
said he would have to consult with his partner, but the site would probably lose more trees if Lots
5 and 6 were combined. Ms. Bodmer reviewed the tree preservation plan and said it appears
there would be no net gain. The cul de sac option removes more threes than the hammerhead
option, but house pads would have to be located to determine which trees could be saved.
Mayor Hamann-Roland asked Mr. Diedrich if he would agree to looking at the plan again and
working with Staff to see whether the property could be developed with six lots? He indicated he
would look at revisions.
MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Sterling, at the request of the petitioner, extending the
60-day rule for a decision the proposed Majestic Ridge subdivision, to consider
alternative lot and road options at the Council meeting of October 25, 2001. Ayes
- 5 - Nays - 0.
DCSWCD SERVICES AGREEMENT
Mr. Heuer reviewed his memo dated October 9, 2001, concerning a proposed agreement with the
Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (DCSWCD) for development review and
construction site inspection services. The Dakota County Board approved the agreement on
October 4, 2001.
Brian Watson, District Manager, was present and said they currently have contracts with nine
communities to provide these services and are flexible in working with different cities on their
needs. They will review new development plans. During construction, they will make site
inspections. They will also assist with administration or implementation of the Wetland
Conservation Act. With the increased request for services, they will be dedicating an additional
half time employee to work on contracts at the first of the year.
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Goodwin, approving an Agreement for Development
Review and Construction Site Inspection Services with the Dakota County Soil
and Water Conservation District as attached to the Public Works Director’s memo
dated October 9, 2001; and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same.
Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
HILLCREST ACRES/HOME DEPOT
Mr. Lovelace reviewed the Planning Commission recommendation concerning Hillcrest Acres
development; a 36-acre site located south of County Road 42 between Flagstaff and Foliage
Avenues. Planned development zoning is requested for a variety of commercial uses along with a
seven-lot preliminary plat. Home Depot is proposed to be constructed on Lot 6. He described
the proposed building, access, landscape plans, storm water retention pond, and traffic circulation
plans. The east-west drive and access to County Road 42 will be private streets. Only Flagstaff
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
October 9, 2001
Page 6
and Foliage Avenues will be public streets. The developer submitted revised site and grading
plans today
John Dietrich, of RLK-Kuusisto, engineer for the developer, said they agree with the City Traffic
Engineer’s recommendations on traffic circulation and general signage. They are requesting that
the accent stripe on the Home Depot building be painted rather than glazed tile. The Menard’s
building north of County Road 42 has a painted stripe and they are asking for that option. Cost is
an issue due to the high cost of site development.
Jennifer Maxwell, the architect for Home Depot, said a precedent was set with allowing a painted
accent on Menard’s and they would like to be treated similarly. A provision in the building permit
approval requires ongoing maintenance of the structure and would give the City authority to
ensure maintenance and repair.
The Council discussed the issue of the exception to the requirement for integrally colored building
materials that allowed a painted band on the Menard’s building. Mr. Lovelace said he is not sure
that the original intent was to allow an exception for Menard’s. The building was constructed
with a common wall along the west and the band only appears on the front of the building. This is
the first building in the Hillcrest Acres development and would set a precedent for the site.
Another large building is a potential user for Lot 7 to the west.
Ms. Maxwell said Home Depot might be willing to have the painted band trim only on the front of
the building. If paint is not allowed, she would be willing to work with Staff to find an agreeable
material. If the material is other than paint, they would like to consider putting it only on the front
of the building.
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Grendahl, directing Staff to begin preparation of a
planned development ordinance and agreement for the 36-acre Hillcrest Acres site,
allowing for a variety of commercial uses, subject to Planning Commission review
of the draft prior to Council consideration, as recommended by the Planning
Commission. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
Resolution No. 2001-185
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Goodwin, adopting approving
the seven-lot preliminary plat of Hillcrest Acres, located south of County Road 42
between Flagstaff and Foliage Avenues, with conditions, as recommended by the
Planning Commission.
Councilmember Sterling asked how many fast food restaurants will be allowed on the site?
Mr. Lovelace said a limit of two Class II restaurants are being considered. The drive-thrus
are being limited to restrict the number of vehicle trips that could be generated on the site.
Gene Pedersen, representing the property owner, said they are only asking for one fast
food restaurant with a drive-thru and one convenience store/gas station on the site.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
October 9, 2001
Page 7
Vote was taken on the motion. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Sterling, including a provision in the planned
development ordinance for Hillcrest Acres limiting the uses to allow one fast food
restaurant with a drive-thru and one convenience store with gasoline sales. Ayes -
5 - Nays - 0.
Mr. Dietrich said they agree with the requirement for a retaining wall and screening wall for
Home Depot, but ask that the screening wall be 10 feet high instead of 13 1/2 feet. They do not
agree with closing the drive aisle on the east side of the building and believe they can restrict
customer traffic with signage. The drive aisle and 13 parking spaces are needed for access around
the building and maintenance. Home Depot’s risk manager recommends it have access to all sides
of a building due to hazardous materials it contains. They also want an outdoor display area for a
garden center on the north side of the building.
Mr. Lovelace said the 13 1/2-foot screening wall is the same as was required for Walmart.
Approval of the separate outdoor garden center was not recommended. It was not recommended
that the drive aisle on the east side be eliminated, only that it be terminated at the south end to
prevent traffic from driving through. Glen Van Wormer, the City’s traffic consultant suggested a
partial island could be used to restrict the south end to one lane along with signage.
Mr. Lovelace said an outdoor garden center could be defined as a conditional use in the planned
development ordinance and the requirements specified. Ms. Maxwell said Home Depot would
only use the outdoor garden center for sale of live plant materials.
MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Goodwin, including a provision in the planned
development ordinance for Hillcrest Acres providing for outdoor sales of live plant
materials under a conditional use permit and specifying its requirements. Ayes - 5
- Nays - 0.
Resolution No. 2001-186
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Grendahl, adopting approving
the site plan and authorizing issuance of a building permit to allow for construction
of Home Depot on Lot 6, Block 1, Hillcrest Acres, with conditions, as
recommended by the Planning Commission, except allowing a drive aisle along the
east side of the building with a partial island restricting access and installation of
signage and allowing the architect to work with Staff to determine acceptable
material for the integrally colored trim band. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
Resolution No. 2001-187
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Sterling, adopting ordering
preparation of a preliminary engineering report for Project 00-141, Hillcrest Acres
Utility and Street Improvements. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
FISCHER SAND & AGGREGATE CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
October 9, 2001
Page 8
Mr. Lovelace reviewed the Planning Commission recommendation on conditional use permit
amendments for Fischer Sand & Aggregate mining operations on two sites south of County Road
42. The first request is to create a new mining area and attached to the Barton operation. The
second request involves what was called the McNamara site that received preliminary approval in
1999. That site’s mining and reclamation was to have been completed by December 31, 2003.
An extension of that time frame to the year 2008 is requested.
Mayor Hamann-Roland asked if these could be combined into one permit? Mr. Dougherty said
they probably cannot be combined because they involve such different time lines.
MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Erickson, directing Staff to prepare amendments to the
existing Barton Sand & Gravel conditional use permit to allow Fischer Sand &
Aggregate to mine the most westerly area with conditions for berming and
restricting distance to residential zones as recommended by the Planning
Commission. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Sterling, directing Staff to prepare amendments to the
conditional use permit approved for the former McNamara property, extending the
time frame to 2008, to allow Fischer Sand & Aggregate to mine site subject to
completing the Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezoning and other conditions
as recommended by the Planning Commission. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
SEASONS ON THE PARK/SHACKELFORD, ET AL, IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. Gordon reviewed his memo dated October 9, 2001, describing bids received on October 4th
for several combined improvement projects. The bids greatly exceeded estimates and it is
recommended they be rejected. One reason for the high costs was the requirement for completion
this year. The recommendation is to rebid the projects with completion in 2002. The project
included a small section of sidewalk on Germane Avenue. In order to install that sidewalk this
year, separate quotes could be obtained on that work by itself.
Resolution No. 2001-188
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Goodwin, adopting rejecting
all bids received October 4, 2001, for Projects 99-106, Seasons on the Park
Utilities and Streets; 99-117, Shackelford Addition Utilities and Street; 00-144,
East Valley Plaza 3rd Addition Sidewalk; and Germane Avenue Sidewalk; and
authorizing advertising for receipt of bids, at 2:00 p.m., on November 1, 2001,
with a revised completion date, for all items except Germane Avenue Sidewalk.
Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
COMMUNICATIONS & CALENDAR
The Council received a memo dated October 5, 2001, with a calendar listing upcoming events.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
October 9, 2001
Page 9
CLAIMS AND BILLS
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Goodwin, to pay the claims and bills, check registers
dated September 26, 2001, in the amount of $16,068,848.85; and October 3,
2001, in the amount of $284,333.96. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Sterling, to adjourn. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:19 o’clock p.m.