HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/24/2023 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
August 24, 2023
Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota,
held August 24, 2023, at 7:00 o'clock p.m., at Apple Valley Municipal Center.
PRESENT: Mayor Hooppaw; Councilmembers Bergman, Goodwin, Grendahl, and Melander.
ABSENT: None.
City staff members present were: City Administrator Lawell, City Clerk Gackstetter, City
Attorney Hills, Community Development Director Benetti, Parks and Recreation Director
Carlson, Deputy Police Chief Dahlstrom, Police Chief Francis, Assistant City Administrator
Grawe, Human Resources Manager Haas, Finance Director Hedberg, Fire Chief Nelson, and
Police Lieutenant Spillers.
Mayor Hooppaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Everyone took part in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Goodwin, approving the agenda for tonight's meeting,
as presented. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
AUDIENCE
Mayor Hooppaw asked if anyone was present to address the Council, at this time, on any item
not on this meeting's agenda.
Mr. Joel Kiekbush, from Warrior 196 Leadership Foundation, invited the public to register for a
memorial 5K on September 9,2023, at 9:00 a.m., at Eagan High School campus, honoring the
lives, service, and sacrifice of fallen military from the Cities of Apple Valley, Eagan, and
Rosemount. The money raised supports scholarships at four ISD 196 high schools.
Mr. Adam Airhart-Swanson, 5991 134th Street Ct., said he and his neighbors were present as
concerned residents regarding safety issues as a result of violent acts by a client residing in a
group home located at 5971 134th Street Ct. He stated it has resulted in numerous 911 calls and
police reports. Many feel it is unsafe for themselves and their children to be outdoors. He
described several violent incidents caused by this client. He noted the Minnesota Department of
Human Services has opened an investigation into this case. He acknowledged that it is a very
complex issue and asked for the Council's help in resolving it.
Discussion followed.
Mayor Hooppaw thanked Mr. Airhart-Swanson for contacting the State, because the Council is
limited in what it can do to regulate these licenses.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
August 24, 2023
Page 2
Mr. Fred Airhart said they have contacted many agencies for help and a formal investigation is
currently underway. He noted the police have been very helpful. He asked the Council for their
help and support with this violent situation.
Discussion continued.
Councilmember Goodwin stated the Council is not the correct legislative body because there is
little the Council can do. He said the changes need to come from the State because they have the
authority to change the rules. He recommended contacting our legislators.
Councilmember Melander said this is a terrible situation and the neighborhood should not have
to live with it.
Mr. Bob Schulte, 5978 134th Street Ct., described the safety shield staff members use when
dealing with this client. He suggested the Council ask our legislators to implement a three-
strikes-and-you're-out rule.
Ms. Carol Luce, 5995 134th Street Ct., said she lives on the corner. She said some neighbors
have videos of this client beating up other residents of the group home. In addition, this person
has repeatedly tried to push people into the street on Johnny Cake Ridge Road and has, himself,
run out into the road and was almost struck by a car. She said she feels it is so dangerous she can
no longer walk her dog outside.
Ms. Kay Schutte, 5978 134th Street Ct., said this person causes damage to other people's
property. He constantly pulls plants out of the planters at the church on the corner.
The neighbors described several other incidents.
Councilmember Bergman said the system is flawed. The State and the County need to get their
act together.
Councilmember Goodwin also suggested the neighbors contact Dakota County Commissioner
Mary Hamann-Roland for help.
Ms. Emily Schug, Dakota County Deputy Director in Social Services, said this is a difficult and
challenging situation for all involved. She wants to let everyone know that they are committed
to solving this situation. She appreciates the strong partnership they have with the Apple Valley
Police Department. She offered to facilitate a community meeting.
The Council continued discussion.
Mr. Gil Acevedo, Dakota County Deputy Director in Social Services, said this is a very serious
issue and they want to be part of the solution. One of the difficulties is that group homes have a
very complex licensing process. He does not want people to feel terrorized in their own
community. There is a U.S. Supreme Court judgement related to this issue and Minnesota is
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County,Minnesota
August 24,2023
Page 3
following the Olmstead Act. The County is willing to look deeper to see how to resolve this
situation and work with the community.
The Council expressed concern about a dangerous situation that is continuing to occur. They
would like the situation to be resolved instead of it lingering on for months.
Mayor Hooppaw suggested starting with the community meeting.
Ms. Carol Luce asked the Council for help with the Police Department. She would like the
Police Department to do more because it is a safety issue.
Police Chief Francis described actions they can take and provided examples of what they have
done. Police Department personnel are not mental health experts. They are present for safety
concerns and to respond to crimes. Employees of the group home indicate they don't need help
and are not willing to press charges for assault. If there is no victim of a crime, it limits what
officers can do.
Councilmember Grendahl suggested the group home hire full time security guards.
Discussion followed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Hooppaw asked if the Council or anyone in the audience wished to pull any item from the
consent agenda. There were no requests.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving all items on the consent agenda
with no exceptions. Ayes- 5 -Nays -0.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving the minutes of the regular meeting
of August 10, 2023, as written. Ayes- 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving changes in officers for Red Robin
International, Inc., d/b/a Red Robin Gourmet Burgers& Brews in connection with
the On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License and Special License for Sunday Liquor
Sales at 15560 Cedar Avenue, naming Joshua Todd Wilson as President and
Treasurer, and Sarah Anne Mussetter as Vice President and Secretary, as
described in the City Clerk's memo. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving issuance of a new 2023 License to
Sell Tobacco and Tobacco Products to Apple Valley Tobacco, LLC, 15748
Emperor Avenue, as described in the City Clerk's memo. Ayes - 5 -Nays- 0.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
August 24, 2023
Page 4
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving release of subdivision financial
guarantees for Magellan 2nd Addition, and Orchard Place 2nd Addition, as listed
in the Department Assistant's memo. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman,proclaiming an extension of the community
festival "Music in Kelley Park' to include September 10 and 17, 2023. Ayes- 5 -
Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, adopting Resolution No. 2023-111 setting a
public hearing, at 7:00 p.m., on September 28, 2023,to consider vacating
easements on Outlot D, Scott Highlands Third Addition. Ayes- 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, adopting Resolution No.2023-112
approving the final plat for Rudolph Woodland Addition(4857 Dominica Way),
and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, adopting Resolution No. 2023-113
approving a 10-foot side setback variance on Lot 5, Block 7, The Oaks of Apple
Valley II, with conditions as recommended by the Planning Commission. Ayes -
5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman,authorizing Project 2023-172, Booster
Station Rehabilitation Phase 1. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving the Legal Services Agreement
with Taft Stettinius& Hollister, LLP; Law Office of Kevin Madonna, PLLC; SL
Environmental Law Group PC; Douglas & London,P.C.; and Levin, Papantonio,
Rafferty, Proctor, Buchanan, O'Brien, Barr, Mougey, P.A., for PFAS litigation, as
attached to the Public Works Director's memo, and authoring the Mayor and City
Clerk to sign the same. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving the Sub-recipient Agreement for
Fiscal Years 2023 through 2025 for Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG)with Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA), and
authorizing the City Administrator to execute the necessary documents. Ayes - 5
-Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving the License Agreement for
retaining wall encroachment at 12023 Gantry Lane (Lot 12, Block 1, Briar Oaks
of Apple Valley 1 st Addition), and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign
the same. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman,approving the agreement with Carr's Tree
Service, LLC, for Project 2023-148, 2023 Ash Tree Stump Grinding, in the
amount of$44,446.28, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the
same. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
August 24, 2023
Page 5
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving the agreement with Hoffman&
McNamara Nursery and Landscaping, for Project 2023-160, 2023 Parks Ash Tree
Replanting for MN DNR grant, in the amount of$50,281.00, and authorizing the
Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. Ayes- 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman,approving Change Order No. 1 to the
agreement with TMI Coating, Inc., in the amount of an additional $15,500.00; and
accepting Project 2023,132,Valleywood Reservoir Rehabilitation, as complete
and authorizing final payment in the amount of$23,290.25. Ayes- 5 -Nays- 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, accepting Apple Valley Municipal Center
Carpet and Base, as complete and authorizing final payment on the agreement
with Henricksen& Company, in the amount of$119,093.70. Ayes- 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman,adopting Resolution No.2023-114,
amending the 2023 pay and benefit plan. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving the personnel actions as listed in
the Personnel Report dated August 24, 2023. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman,to pay the claims and bills, check registers
dated August 2, 2023, in the amount of$2,013,365.28, and August 9, 2023, in the
amount of$2,222,373.86. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION REFERENDUM
Mr. Carlson provided an update on the Parks and Recreation Bond Referendum and highlighted
the projects proposed with each question. A public informational brochure will be mailed to all
Apple Valley homes in September. To help the public learn about what is being proposed, staff
are hosting a series of public informational open houses. He encouraged the public to attend a
meeting or contact him with any questions.
Councilmember Goodwin said he is happy the information clearly shows the residents what it is
going to cost.
Mayor Hooppaw thanked staff and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for all their
work.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Lawell congratulated Councilmember Bergman on his appointment as the At-Large
Representative to the Metropolitan Council's Noise Oversight Committee.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
August 24, 2023
Page 6
Police Chief Francis announced that due to the dangerously hot weather,the Police and Fire
Departments postponed its first annual Public Safety in the Park event to September 13, 2023,
from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Goodwin, approving the calendar of upcoming events
as included in the Deputy City Clerk's memo, and noting that each event listed is
hereby deemed a Special Meeting of the City Council. Ayes - 5 -Nays- 0.
MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded Bergman,to adjourn. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Pamela J. G c ste r, City Clerk
Approved by the Apple Valley City Council
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on GI 14 I23 Clint Hooppaw, Mayor