CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
March 20, 1997
Minutes of the special meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, held March 20th, 1997, at 8:00 o’clock p.m., at Apple Valley City Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Humphrey; Councilmembers Erickson, Goodwin, Grendahl, and Sterling.
ABSENT: None.
City staff members present were: City Administrator Gretz, City Clerk Mueller, City Attorney Sheldon, Bond Counsel O’Meara, Assistant to the Administrator Grawe, Parks & Recreation Director Johnson, Community Development Director Kelley, and Public Works Director Miranowski.
Mayor Humphrey called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. The Councilmembers and everyone in attendance 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 meeting as amended. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
PARK IMPROVEMENT/DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
Kay Butler, a V.A.A. board member, representing People for Parks, was present to request that the Council set a park bond referendum, with one question, for May 20, 1997, as discussed at the March 4, 1997, meeting. Mr. Johnson said the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee met March 18th and supports one bond referendum question of $8,370,000.
MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Sterling, directing preparation of the necessary documents to set a special election on May 20, 1997, for a one question referendum of $8,370,000 for park improvements.
Councilmember Grendahl said the survey, conducted by Decision Resources, indicated the proposal will need to be communicated to the public and asked what is planned. Ms. Butler said the V.A.A. will mail information to its membership, an information kiosk will be set up at the library, they will use a calling tree, and meet with residents. The R.A.A.A. supports the proposal and will work with them also.
Councilmember Erickson asked why an outdoor swim facility is proposed rather than an indoor pool? Mr. Johnson said an indoor pool would cost approximately $7,000,000 plus additional operating and maintenance costs. Revenue from an outdoor pool will support the operating and maintenance costs. The new YMCA in Burnsville and three middle schools have indoor pools.
Councilmembers Goodwin and Sterling spoke in favor of one question on the referendum.
Mayor Humphrey expressed concern that there are very necessary items included in the proposal that will be difficult to provide if the referendum fails.
Vote was taken on the motion. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT/DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
Mr. Miranowski reviewed a proposal to expand Lebanon Cemetery, located at the southeast corner of County Road 42 and Pilot Knob Road, from two acres to ten acres. The estimated cost to acquire eight acres and make needed improvements is $750,000.
Wilt Anderson, 5441 West 134th Street, was present and asked the Council to include expansion of the cemetery as a separate question at the May 20, 1997, election. It has been operating with volunteer help and without expansion it will have to close. He suggested a private management firm could be contracted with to operate it.
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Grendahl, directing preparation of the necessary documents to include a referendum question for $750,000 of cemetery improvements at a special election on May 20, 1997. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
Mr. Gretz advised the Council that the resolution setting the election and detailing the questions will be prepared for the March 27, 1997, meeting.
MVTA ADVANCE FUNDING REQUEST
Mr. Gretz reviewed the letter from the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) dated February 28, 1997, requesting advance funding of a portion of the tax levy. He noted the Council discussed the request at its meeting of March 4, 1997, and requested the MVTA provide a 1997 budget. He distributed a copy of the budget received March 19, 1997, showing revenue and expenditures of $8,555,788.
Mr. Gretz distributed proposed amendments to the Joint Powers Agreement drafted by the City Attorney. It includes termination language and amends the process for budget approval. Mayor Humphrey asked that the amendments be reviewed further at an informal meeting. He noted the MVTA Board will be considering the budget at a meeting March 26, 1997.
MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Sterling, directing that a letter be sent from the Council to the MVTA advising that the 1997 budget received March 19, 1997, is inadequate for a $8,500,000 operation and offering City Staff assistance in providing more details. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Sterling, appointing Councilmember Grendahl as the City’s alternate representative to the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
MVTA TRANSIT HUB
The Council received a memo dated March 17, 1997, from Mayor Humphrey concerning property for a proposed transit hub east of Cedar Avenue and south of 155th Street. It discusses HRA and EDA assistance in allowing private development of the site. Mayor Humphrey said he would like to discuss this further at the focus session set for March 22, 1997.
FOCUS SESSION
The Council was reminded that the informal focus session is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., on March 22, 1997, at the Canterbury Inn, in Shakopee.
MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Goodwin, to adjourn. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 o’clock p.m.