HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05-09-2006 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
May 9, 2006
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting to order in the Council Chambers, 3400
Plymouth Boulevard, on May 9, 2006 at 5:45 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Bildsoe, Stein,
Willis, and Black.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Hurlburt,
Park and Recreation Director Blank, Public Works Director Cote, Administrative
Services Director McGann, Financial Analyst Kohn, and City Clerk Paulson.
County Road 101 Cost Sharing Agreement
Public Works Director Cote discussed the proposed cost sharing agreement with the
County for the reconstruction of County Road 101. He stated this agreement does honor
the understanding the City and County reached when the City approved layout No. 4 on
October 11, 2005. He noted that the County would acquire four properties for the
intersection realignments at no cost to the City. The County also considers a significant
portion of the proposed retaining walls to be for construction purposes; therefore, the City
wouldn't be responsible for those costs. The City would be credited for the portion of the
trail on the east side of the roadway and would only share in the costs of the trail north of
26th Avenue.
Mayor Johnson stated she is concerned that the City needs to sign off on the relocation
benefits before anything is executed, as it relates to the County purchasing those
identified properties. She stated if there are voluntary sales without relocation benefits,
she is sensitive to that.
Craig Twinem, Hennepin County Senior Project Manager, stated that the County would
be responsible for all those costs, so there would be no cost to the City. This includes
relocation benefits; therefore, there is no need for the City to sign off anything. He stated
that the County isn't soliciting voluntary sales.
Councilmember Black stated this project is very close to a lake, and she asked if soil
drillings have been done in that area. Guy Nowlan, Hennepin County Senior Project
Manager, stated the County would be conducting those tests at no expense to the City.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 9, 2006
Page 2 of 3
Councilmember Slavik suggested that additional language be added to Article 15 of the
agreement to the effect that the design of the project needs to be in conformance with
layout No. 4 that was approved by the Council in October 2005, and if the project costs
exceed 10%, the agreement would need to come back to the City.
Mr. Twinem spoke against the additional language. He explained that the County is
allocating additional time in designing the construction plans and right-of-way costs. If
the costs would increase, the vast majority of the costs would be the County's
responsibility. If they would need to come back to the City for another approval, that
would definitely delay the process and cost more money. He stated they would be in
contact with City staff frequently.
Councilmember Slavik stated she is concerned if the City would need to contribute
additional funds to this project after already contributing $3 million.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe to
accept the agreement at this point with the understanding that this agreement would be
on a future Council agenda with an approving resolution.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Black to
amend the main motion to amend Article 15 of the agreement to include language that the
project design needs to stay substantially with what was approved in October 2005 and if
the project costs exceed 10%, it needs to come back to the City (the exact language
would be reviewed by the City Attorney).
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if there is already a contingency on this project. Mr.
Twinem replied there is a 30% contingency, which they hope is conservative.
There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Mayor Johnson, to add
language to Article 3 that relocation costs would be at the County's expense. This
motion was then withdrawn.
Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Mayor Johnson to amend
the main motion to the first sentence under Article 2 of the agreement to state "It is
anticipated that the properties located at the following addresses within the City will be
acquired in total by the County, including, but not limited to relocation costs attorneys'
fees, and litigation costs."
Councilmember Bildsoe requested that this language also be reviewed by the City
Attorney.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 9, 2006
Page 3 of 3
Public Works Director Cote reiterated that this agreement would be on a future Council
agenda with the approving resolution.
There being no further discussion on the amendment, the motion carried.
The Council then voted on the amended main motion and with all members voting in
favor, the motion carried.
Councilmember Willis led the Council in a discussion regarding the retaining walls, and
perhaps using decorative or architectural treatment on the retaining walls as they abut
lakes and some residential areas. It would soften the look.
Mr. Nowlan stated the Council could redo their estimate as that was one area that was
reduced in October 2005 in order to save costs.
Councilmembers Stein, Black Willis, and Bildsoe stated they would support the County
reviewing this area again, and Hewitt, Slavik, and Johnson stated to leave the walls they
way they are currently designed.
County Road 47
Councilmember Hewitt noted that improvements would need to be made to County Road
47. She stated in order to widen County Road 47 under the I-494 bridge, the bridge
would need to be repaired.
Public Works Director Cote stated the County expressed reservations on installing
temporary signalization at County Road 47 and Vicksburg Lane. He indicated that they
are concerned that vehicles could go air bound at a green light due to the grade on
Vicksburg Lane. He noted that he just received from the County an alignment change for
County Road 47 which could relieve some their concerns.
Mayor Johnson stated it's necessary to temporarily upgrade the County Road 47 and
Vicksburg Lane intersection. She requested that the Council schedule a joint meeting
with the County to discuss this issue.
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting
adjournPa Paulson, City Clerk