1995-01-17MINUTES- COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE- JANUARY 17, 1995
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. Members present: Mayor Bob Polston
Councilmembers Andrea Ahrens, Mark Hanus, Liz Jensen and Phyllis Jessen. Also
present: John Cameron, City Engineer; Bruce Chamberlain, Planning Consultant and
Ed Shukie, City Manager.
City Manager Ed Shukle introduced Bruce Chamberlain who reviewed the progress on
the Lost Lake Canal dredging project (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
ISTEA - 1997). Discussed were items such as the soil testing and survey work that
has been done by soil consultants and the City Engineer. Also discussed was work
that is being done by an environmental firm. It was pointed out that the various
permitting agencies will be asked to meet with City officials later this winter regarding
the number of permits that are going to have to be required for this project. Also
discussed was an open house for the public to actually see the plans for the canal
dredging project and offer suggestions and provide input on the entire project. Ed
Shukle then introduced John Cameron, City Engineer, to discuss the proposed
alignment for Auditor's Road. Cameron presented a very preliminary drawing
indicating where the alignment is proposed to be along with properties that would
have to be acquired in order to obtain the necessary right-of-way for the project.
Council consensus was to direct the Engineer to prepare a Right-of-Way Plan which
will specifically lay out the alignment and will have estimated costs on property
acquisition. Bruce Chamberlain presented information concerning ISTEA grant funds
that are currently available for projects to take place between the years 1998 and
2000. He pointed out that one idea was to have a bus shelter, park and ride facility
and transit related project around the Lost Lake property. He found out that th~.se
were not eligible activities, although, these types of projects might be considered this
coming fall when another cycle of funding will begin. Chamberlain suggested that this
application should be directed towards a trail and landscaping development plan along
Auditor's Road and around to the Lost Lake site. He proposed five items:
Construction of a trail from Commerce Boulevard along Auditor's Road,
along the Lost Lake boat turn around area and on to the Lost Lake site.
Landscape in the parkway area between Auditor's Road and Lost Lake
as well as adjacent to the trail on the Lost Lake site.
Installation of the landscape features including benches, trash
receptacles, lighting and necessary electrical work.
Construction of a floating board walk from the Lost Lake site near the
ball fields to the commons area at the Lost Lake subdivision.
Proiect administration, design and engineering.
He pointed out that under item #4, that the floating board walk becomes a very
expensive item. He feels that due to environmental constraints with the wetlands and
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, that this may not a feasible
alternative at this time. After further discussion, it was suggested that a resolution
be prepared for the January 24, 1995 regular City Council meeting which will outline
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a proposed project for the ISTEA program based upon items//1, 2, 3 and 5 above.
City Manager Ed Shukle then reported on the Westonka Community Center Task
Force's recommendation to the Westonka School Board. He indicated that the task
force has been in existence since September, 1994. He indicated that he had been
giving reports to the Council at various Committee of the Whole meetings and keeping
them informed as to the direction of the task force. He gave background to the
Council regarding the purpose of the task force. He indicated that the school board
had assembled the task force to identify whether or not the bond amount, as part of
the school district's referendum, (1.9 million) should be spent to remodel the existing
high school to bring it up to code requirements. He stated that the task force
reviewed many different options and concluded that the best option would be for the
school district to demolish the existing facility and that a new community center be
placed on the site. He talked about joint powers agreements that exist between
school districts and cities related to community centers and other facilities. He
explained that there is a possibility that the cities within the school district could issue
revenue bonds which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the cities, but are
paid for by the revenues that are pledged through the fees collected on the facility.
He discussed the various uses within the proposed new facility and reviewed those
with the Council. He further stated that the task force would make a formal
presentation at the next Committee of the Whole meeting to present this idea and to
develop support from the City in paying for a survey that would be conducted by a
professional survey firm to find out whether there is any interest within the area to
support a new community center facility. The City Council briefly discussed the
matter and will await the presentation by the task force. The City Manager also
indicated that he is currently researching specifically the bond issue idea from the
standpoint that the cities would issue bonds and lease the facility back to the school
district for their use and other community uses over a period of time. More
information will be available at a later date on this matter.
The status of the Mound Housing and Redevelopment Authority was briefly discussed.
']'he City Manager indicated that historically, former mayors and councilmembers have
served on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. There are currently twc
vacancies on the board and it is necessary to fill those seats. The idea of the City
Council becoming the Housing and Redevelopment Authority was discussed and after
further discussion, it was agreed that an article be placed in the Laker indicating that
there are two vacancies and soliciting applications for those vacancies.
Proposed guidelines for plantings on commons/public lands were briefly discussed.
This matter is continued until the next COW meeting.
Goal setting issues as prepared by Councilmember Jensen was briefly reviewed and
will be on the next COW agenda.
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Od'~er business discussed inciuded a ~ri~k for ice Ckating at Mound Bay Park in front of
the Depot, It was noted d~at the next meeting for the Committee of the Whole is
scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 1995 at 7:30 Pfvlo Upon motion by Jensen,
seconded by Ahrens and carried unanimously, the meeting was adjourned at 111 PM.
Resp. ectfutly submitted,
_i I ,'? t
Ed Shukle, Jr,
City Manager
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