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Agenda HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL FINAL AGENDA . September 7, 2004 7:30 pm THIS FINAL AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE START OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Schedule: 7:25 pm - HRA Meeting 7:30 pm - City Council Meeting Work Session at conclusion of City Council meeting I. CALL TO ORDER II. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS (Public must fill out a Speaker Request Form. Three minute limit for each person) III. REPORTS 1. Zoning and Planning IV. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of August 17, 2004 City Council Meeting 2. Minutes of August 24,2004 City Council Work Session . 3. Minutes of August 31,2004 City Council Work Session 4. Ratify prior month's disbursements 5. Miscellaneous license applications 6. Approve appointment to Park Board, Elizabeth Dorn; (Memo) - Maxwell 7. Resolution 2004-072 ordering public hearing for 2004 miscellaneous assessments; (CR2004-149) - Genellie 8. Dutch Elm disease stump removal and reforestation funding; (CR2004-139)- Vogtman 9. Resolution endorsing creation of Alternative Energy Lab at the Depot Coffee House; (CR2004-136) - Genellie 10. Second reading for Ordinance 04-927 (Memo) - Anderson 11. Change benefit amount for Fire Department Relief Association; (CR2004-137) - Magdal Vote: Brausen _ Thompson Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell - V. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Revenue bond hearing for Hopkins Mainstreet School for the Arts; (CR2004- 132) . Kerrigan Vote: Brausen _ Thompson _ Rowan _ Johnson Maxwell - . QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CALL THE RAZZLE LINE - 939-1421 (The Razzle Line is the City of Hopkins voice message system) VI. OLD BUSINESS 1. Second reading of Ordinance 2004-929, amending Sections 710 and 715 of the City Code; (Memo) - Genellie . Vote: Brausen _ Thompson_ Rowan Johnson - Maxwell - - VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. CUP, United Methodist Church sign; (CR2004-14i) - Anderson Vote: Brausen _ Thompson _ Rowan _ Johnson - Maxwell - 2. Site plan review, Parker office building; (CR2004-142) - Anderson Vote: Brausen Thompson Rowan Johnson - Maxwell - 3. CUP, Parker office building; (CR2004-i43) - Anderson Vote: Brausen _ Thompson Rowan Johnson - Maxwell - 4. Zoning Ordinance amendments, signs; (CR2004-144) - Anderson Vote: Brausen _ Thompson _ Rowan _ Johnson - Maxwell - 5. Site Plan review, Meadow Creek garages; (CR2004-145) - Anderson . Vote: Brausen Thompson _ Rowan Johnson - Maxwell - - 6. Approve PUD agreement, former Hopkins House Hotel; (CR2004-148)- Anderson Vote: Brausen _ Thompson Rowan Johnson Maxwell - - 7. Site plan review, Starbucks Coffee; (CR2004-146) - Anderson Vote: Brausen _ Thompson Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell - 8. CUP, drive-thru for Starbucks; (CR2004-147) - Anderson Vote: Brausen Thompson Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell - 9. Approve Preliminary Levy, (CR2004-150) - Harkess Vote: Brausen Thompson _ Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell - 10. First reading of Ord 2004-931 amending Section 703 of the City Code (deferred assessments; (CR2004-138) - Genellie Vote: Brausen Thompson _ Rowan _ Johnson - Maxwell - . i1.Approve 2004/05 HMEA contract; (CR2004-135) - Genellie Vote: Brausen Thompson _ Rowan _ Johnson _ Maxwell_ VI. ADJOURNMENT . License Applications for ApPJ"oval Lie Type Fee: Knollwood Amoco Gasoline Station, ea_ Additional Pump $132.00 Gasoline Station. First Pump $75_00 Tobacco Sales $200.00 Car Wash $100.00 525 Blake Road North Total Fee $507_00 Lie Type Fee: Waste Management - Savage/Burnsville Each Refuse Vehicle $625_00 Refuse Collector $75_00 the City of Hopkins Total Fee $700.00 . . Wednesday. Septel/lher 0].2004 Page] of] ( . A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on August 17, 2004, in the Council Chambers of the Hopkins City Hall. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council Members Brausen, Thompson, Johnson, and Rowan. Also, present were staff members Genellie, Stadler, Kerrigan and City Attorney Jerry Steiner. I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. II. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS There were none. III. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS 1. Chemical Health Commission Bert Schmidt reported that the Chemical Health Commission held a meeting . on August 5th. Vidya reported on the garage sale and other fund-raisers. They will continue with them. Management is being restructured. The students will have more control. The Commission asked how they could contribute to the Depot. The response was that the Depot needs more volunteers. Mike Borowiak gave an update on Reduce the Use and student surveys. Mr. Schmidt stated that he was surprised that the use of alcohol was much the same between athletes and non-athletes. The Minnesota Student Survey will not be done until February 2005. This will delay the town meeting. IV. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of August 41 2004 City Council Meeting 2. Minutes of August 101 2004 City Council Work Session 3. Second Reading Establishing Site Plan Review Process (Memo) 4. Second Reading, Zoning Ordinance Amendments, Flood Plain (Memo) 5. Second Reading, Charter Amendment (Memo) . 6. Accept FEMA Grant and Approve Expenditures for Fire Prevention Display (CR2004-133) August 17, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 , 7. Approve Contract with Brimeyer Group, Inc. to Conduct a Search for . a City Manager (Memo} George Magdal, Fire Marshal, responded to Mayor Maxwell's questions about item six, stating that the ongoing cost would be $1050 per year. The charge is for web site access. People will observe the display and then be able to go on-line to take the test to see what they have learned. The evaluation is a large part of the program. After two years, the City can discontinue. An evaluation could be set up the City's our web site. Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member Rowan seconded a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously. V. NEW BUSINESS 1 . Resolution Endorsing the Formation of the Alternative Voting Task Force (CR2004-130) The Hopkins Charter Commission is recommending that the City Council . endorse the creation of a task force to examine alternative voting systems. The task force would review studies that have been done and examine the use of alternative voting systems in other jurisdictions, study the feasibility of using an alternative voting system in local municipal and school board elections, and prepare a report that would be delivered to the Hopkins Charter Commission no later than April 2005. In response to Mayor Maxwell's question, Ms. Obermaier stated that San Francisco is using the same machine that the City is. A firmware has been developed for them to use the machines in an alternative election this year. Ms. Obermaier said that she is not aware of any plans to use a different machine in Minnesota. Council Member Rowan moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2004-059, endorsing the creation of an "Alternative Voting Task Force". A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously. 2. Approve Construction Cooperative Agreement, Hopkins . Crossroad/Minnetonka Boulevard Intersection Project (CR2004-1 34) August 17, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 .. , On July 20, 2004, The City Council approved final construction plans for the Hopkins Crossroad/Minnetonka Blvd intersection. The proposed construction cooperative agreement between Hennepin County, Hopkins, and Minnetonka will set the cost participation and maintenance responsibilities of the parties, Hopkins portion of the project is $558,184.40. The amount includes approximately $16,000 for spare signal poles and mast arms. The County will pay $2,286,233 and the City of Minnetonka will pay $842,224.19 for the project. Hopkins portion will be paid from the Minnesota State Aid fund, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Strom Sewer Utility Funds. The City of Hopkins will be responsible for maintenance of the intersection streetscape!landscape elements and will store two spare signal components for Hennepin County. Council Member Johnson asked if the conditions that were previously set were incorporated into this agreement and, if not, could they be? City Attorney Steiner answered that he had not reviewed the agreement. Council Members discussed the conditions and the right-turn lane. City Manager Genellie stated that the item could be continued for more information. Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a . motion to continue the Hennepin County Agreement #PW 19-01-04 to the September 7th meeting. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously. 3. Approve 2004/2005 Sergeant's Contract (CR2004-131) The contract will allow a 2.25% wage increase effective January 1, 2004, a .75% increase effective June 27, 2004, and a 2% wage increase effective January 1, 2005. The contract will also allow a $55.00/month insurance increase for 2004. The increase will apply only to single plus one, single plus children, and single plus family. Single coverage will remain at $535 per month. Employees hired after January 1, 2004 who have single insurance will receive a maximum of $475 per month. In 2005, the City will contribute one half of the average increase in family insurance, with no increase for single insurance. The contract will also give investigating sergeants $25.00 per day when they are on call. Council Member Thompson moved and Council Member Rowan seconded a motion to approve the 2004/2005 Contract for the Sergeant's Union. A poll . of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously. August 17, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 '. VI. ADJOURNMENT . There being no further business, Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member Rowan seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was. adjourned by unanimous consent at p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Terry Obermaier, City Clerk COUNCIL MEMBERS . ATTEST: Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor . August 17, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 . August 24, 2004 Page 1 . l\fiNUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - August 24, 2004 A work session of the Hopkins City Council was called to order by Mayor Gene Maxwell at 6:30 p.m. on August 24,2004, at the City Hall. Council members Brausen, Johnson, Rowan and Thompson were present. City personnel present were: Acting City Manager Jim Genelhe; Economic Development Director Jim Kerrigan; and Housing Coordinator Kersten Elverum. Also present were L. Joe DeWit and Reuben Johnson of SuperValu; David Menke and Michael Ramme of Opus; Sid Inman of Ehlers & Associates; Bob Deike; and Jim Brimeyer of the Brimeyer Group. North Annex Redevelopment Discussion Mr. Kerrigan briefly summarized the history of the North Annex property and the development agreements to date. SuperValu has asked that the development agreement be revised to anow a 3- or 4-phase project, getting reimbursement through TIF for each phase. They feel the prompt demolition of the present buildings is very important. Mr. DeWit said they had tried for a year to get another medical developer. In the process they learned their drawbacks: that the present site is not schedule-friendly ~ the demolition, TIF and development agreement slow the process too much; the site isn't visibly ready; there are not enough large users available; they need a master developer. They heard the site was starting to get a reputation for being "unresponsive." Therefore, they decided to team up with Opus. Already . they have started site planning and reinterviewing brokers previously contacted. They would like to use the TIF off the warehouse to demolish the present building. In order to be competitive with the needed deck parking they would need TIF dollars as the project proceeds. Opus and SuperValu have engaged a broker - North Star Partners, adding later they are a locally owned Cushman affiliate, which gives them international connections Mr. Menke said present planning is for a high-density "campus" with probably 3 buildings. He feels it could be similar to Crescent Ridge at 394/Crossroads. The present market is very soft yet. He made an informal survey and was told there is only 1 possible user for over 300,000 sq. ft; for 100-200,000 sq. ft. there might be 3, but for 50-100,000 sq. ft. there could be 12. One of his own clients had a choice of 50 possible locations in the southwest metro area. However, he feels the proposed plans could draw in users. He showed drawings of two possible plans, one of which incorporated a small hotel. In both the primary access would be from Excelsior Blvd., with 2nd St. NE being a secondary access. Both plans incorporated a water feature; he noted the railroad is a negative issue, but the new intersection ameliorates that to some extent. While the plans include the small lot north of 2nd S1., he indicated Opus would try to work around that if Hopkins requires it. Mr. Inman added Hopkins had got the statutory cut-off for TIF extended to 2008, which is a "severe drop-dead date." This is a deadline for spending the money, not finishing construction. He later added he feels the TIF will work as the total is less that the old Medica plan. The issue is the time frame. Mr. Kerrigan added the second intersection should probably have a traffic light. Answering Council questions, Mr. Menke said from Highway 169 one would see mostly buildings due to the elevation. Undeveloped land will be seeded. They will not interfere with the trail in any way. (Mr. Inman noted the law has changed so Opus could not be reimbursed for any . expenses related to the trail.) The possibility of future light rail transit will be looked at in future planning. (Mr. Kerrigan noted Medica has mentioned possible "Livable Community" money from MET Council in that regard.) A possible hotel should not add, but should lessen, traffic problems, as peak traffic hours would be different. Traffic engineering will be part of the next step. (Mr. August 24, 2004 . Page 2 Kerrigan noted Medica studies had been for 600,000 sq. ft. of office space and had shown with a . second intersection light that would not be a problem.) The number of employees for the campus could be estimated at about 1,200. Mr. Johnson said with a single user, many services (restaurant, day care, etc.) are done in-house. With multiple users as envisioned here, those services would move out into the conununity. The phased plan offers greater flexibility, but added there is still the possibility of a single user. The search will look for all users. Mr. DeWit noted that a single- user development is not very adaptable to "second generation" use; a campus such as this could keep finding occupants. Mr. Brausen said the plans are good-looking but the phasing is of concern in case it does not finish by the deadline: due to those concerns, he will be very careful with development agreements. Mayor Maxwell said he is not thrilled with the idea of a hotel as he feels it would not generate the jobs that offices would. He feels the north piece needs to go to Hopkins. He does not favor mixed use or retail. Mr. Inman, answering Mayor Maxwell, said the maximum available for demolition is $1.5 million. Mr. Kerrigan added the development agreement has to be redone before that can start. General Consensus was that staff should work with SuperValu and Opus on a development agreement. The demolition of the present building is important. Search Consultant Mr. Brimeyer asked for feedback on who should be involved in his information-gathering process. He also gave Council a tl:ntative timetahle. General Consensus was Mr. Brimeyer should get feedback from Council members, . department heads. employees. board and commissions, superintendent of schools, HBCA (perhaps through letters), and a public forum at the fire station on Sept. 7 at 6:00 p.m. He should "start from scratch" rather than using what the Council had found. Mr. Brimeyer should have a profile ready on Sept. 21 at 6:30. Mr. Genellie should meet with Mr. Brimeyer to draw up an interview schedule and get that to the Council for feedback. Preliminary Budget and Lev}' Mr. GenelIie conferred with Ms. Yager by phone Friday. The budget as it now stands ($8.4 million) \vould result in a 7.65 % levy. which would equal a 1 % increase in taxes. The low increase is due to the increased tax capacity (over $2 million). This breaks down as levy for debt, $1.3 million; capital levy. $25,000; HRA levy, $10,000; general levy $285,000; overage of police facility from reserves. For budget purposes, $75,000 = 1 % increase in taxes. The preliminary levy must be set September 7. The levy for debt could be adjusted by the levy swap discussed previously. He personally feels a 6 % levy increase would be sufficient, and then residents would see their taxes go down. Mr. Brausen said that would be a moral victory for the Council. Mr. Thompson suggested setting the levy at a 0 increase. Mayor Maxwell noted Council could reduce the levy after the initial levy limit, but could not increase it. Other Ms. Johnson asked when Minnetonka Blvd. would be finished. She also asked when the old Wendy's would be demolished. Mr. Genellie will check out these issues. Mayor Maxwell asked why signs were up yet on lS' Sr. N. . Mr. Thompson asked about Ms. Sanders. Mr. GenelIie showed photos taken by Nancy of the south side. General consensus was the south side was screened sufficiently. Mr. GeneI1ie said Mr. Stadler met with Ms. Sanders but he has not talked to him yet. Mr. Thompson asked about deadlines on diseased Dutch elm removal. -. - -- t August 24, 2004 Page 3 . Mayor Maxwell checked Council members received a commissions letter. He asked if the overtime issue being discussed in the news concerned Hopkins. Mr. GeneIlie said it does not as most city employees are unionized or supervisory. Mr. GenelIie said some have asked if Blake School could buy the houses near them. They can, but they would need a CUP to use them for anything other than housing. He said a residential meeting in the 4th St. neighborhood was well attended and the answer to the parking problems may be fairly simple. When he receives the meeting minutes he will forward them to the Council. Mayor Maxwell said he will call Nancy about Hopkins Dodge. Mr. GeneIlie reminded Council of the employee picnic at Shady Oak Beach. Mr. Thompson moved adjournment. Ms. Johnson seconded. On a 5-0 vote, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Kasey Kester, Secretary COUNCIL MEMBERS: . ATTEST: Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor . .- . l . . August 31, 2004 Page 1 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - August 31, 2004 A work session of the Hopkins City Council was called to order by Mayor Gene Maxwell at 6:30 p.m. on August 31, 2004, at the City Hall. Council members Brausen, Johnson, Rowan and Thompson were present. City personnel present were: Acting City Manager Jim Genellie; Public Works Director Steve Stadler; Utilities Superintendent Mike Lauseng; and Finance Director Christine Harkess. Also present were: Tony Heppelmann of WSB & Associates and Brent Lindgren of Hennepin County Transportation Department. Water Meter Replacement Mr. Genellie briefly summarized the history of water meter replacement. Under present discussion was the issue of payment for water meters larger than 1". He said there are several options for the Council: following the proposed ordinance and not paying for any meter over 1" (no cost to the city); paying for replacement of larger meters for condominiums and town homes (costing an estimated $78,000); giving a credit to town homes and condominiums equal to the cost of a 5/8" meter for each larger meter they replace (costing an estimated $42,000). Answering Council member questions, Mr. Lauseng said city personnel cannot replace the . larger meters as they require plumbing which would need to be contracted out; Mr. Genellie noted labor costs were not included in the estimated costs as they were too difficult to estimate; Mr. Lauseng said inspection is part of the process when city personnel take the transponder over and get a base reading. He noted that his crews read 3400 resident meters in the time it takes to read 400 commercial meters. Mr. Genellie said transponder costs are the same for all meters up to 11/2", Mr. Stadler estimated the cost of a compound one - that is, one with two transponders - at $545. Mayor Maxwell asked those in the audience how many meters they would need replaced: of those present over 8011/2" and 162" meters would be needed. He then invited conunents from the audience. One person commented this amounted to "another double charge" as the complexes don't get garbage and snow removal; Mr. Lauseng noted they do not get charged for those services. Someone asked about meters which had been retrofitted; Mr. Lauseng said most meters since 1990 would be a current model and added the national average for a water meter is 15 years. Mayor Maxwell added recalibration costs can be equal to the cost of a new meter. Mr. Lauseng added if any resident damages a meter through negligence, such as water pipes allowed to freeze, they must pay for the replacement. Someone commented that the charge for a larger meter would be more economical when divided among the number of residents, Another added that is why they feel discriminated against; the city pays $400 for each homeowner, then won't pay much less for each complex resident. Mr. Lauseng said the city had not said what size meters to install; building owners chose larger meters because they were more economical per unit. Mr. Brausen added the issue is simply to verify meters, and the inspection process would cost owners the same as a new meter. Mr. GenelIie added that replacement of larger meters would not be cost effective for the . city because of the need for outside plumbers. The owner of an apartment building felt the new ordinance should include apartments as well as condominiums and town homes as they also pay taxes. Mr. Lauseng noted owners of all new homes must pay for their own meters. An audience member commented the large meters save the city billing costs, and added "I-inch meters", not . J > August 31, 200.:1- . Page .2 ., single- family," should he the terminology used in the ordinance. Someone commented the ordinance was written in 1974; it needs to be "brought to the future" and recognize that condominiums and town homes are homesteaded just like single-family residences. Answering a complaint that the Council was treating people as objects, Mr. Brausen said the Council was trying to make sure every user was paying fairly for the water they used. They felt it was fairer to ask users to upgrade than to enforce the testing requirement already in place, which would cost about the same as a new meter and leave many residents having to pay again for a new meter if the old one did not pass the requirement. Answering audience questions, Mr. Maxwell said the time frame for replacing meters has been extended to 4 years; the proposed fine would be prorated for that length of time - if eight meters needed to be replaced, 2 would need to be replaced or subject to fines each year. Mr. Lauseng added the process would be the same as that for single-family residence fines. Mayor Maxwell then closed the public discussion. Mr. Thompson commented everyone was talking about fairness; single-family homeowners pay much more in taxes than condominium and town home owners. Mr. Brausen said another option for the Council would be to do nothing new but to enforce the requirement for a meter check. He asked about the water rate raise scheduled for 2005; Mr. GeneItie said Ms. Yager had estimated that water meter rates be raised three times in the next 10 years. Ms. Yager had said that if the water revenue went up due to more acc..:urate readings one of these raises may not be needed. Mr. Stadler said the new meters \vould record low flows, such as those caused by leakry toilets. which the older models did not. Mayor Maxwell noted that cost of meters was probably a tax . deductible item. He asked about the research into apartments; Mr. GeneIlie said it was felt apartment buildings were commercial units. He suggested the term "owner-occupied" to make the distinction from condominiums and town homes. Mr. Stadler added county recording as individual owners could also be used. Mr. Maxwell asked what information the Council would want next Tuesday. This included information on rates - why they are what they are, etc.; a history of water consumption; a double- check that the city has indeed gotten the best possible price break on the larger meters for residents. showing their savings; CL1sts for option 3 with 1" meters; 1112" meter costs. General Consensus was to have language for option 3 (credit to town homes and condominiums equal to the cost of a regular meter) drafted, Mayor Maxwell suggested using 1" as a baseline. Mr. Stadler noted that if the program passes, a letter would go out. Shady Oal{ Road Project Mr. Stadler said the presentation was to show basic roadway design and traffic volume options for the proposed widening of Shady Oak Road from Highway 7 to Excelsior Blvd. Mr. Heppelmann said that 3-lane basically means one through lane in each direction plus a central turning lane; 4-lane means two through lanes in each direction plus turning lane. All plans assumed a trail on one side and a sidewalk on the other side. Cross-sections just north of Excelsior Blvd. and just south of Highway 7 would be about the same for both; the middle portion would need 20 feet more right-of-way for the 4-lane option. He added the advisory committee has already reconunended that Excelsior Blvd. to Bren Road be upgraded to 4-lane. There will be some takings, but these have not been looked at yet. . He showed 2025 traffic simulations for each option noting the 3-lane with a west leg would cause ba<.:kup to Excelsior Blvd and an average delay of 54 seconds. which is deemed "unacceptable." Answering Council questions, he said presently the roadway is 48-52' and has no i I . . August 31, 2004 Page 3 trail. The 4-lane would be 92 feet with both a trail and sidewalk. Mr. Stadler added this would be equivalent to the upgrade of Excelsior Blvd. Mr. Heppelmann said federal funding would help with the 8' trail costs. Sidewalks are 5-6'. The trail and sidewalk could be combined, but Minnetonka might not approve that. Hennepin County is recommending 4 lanes. The final decision is basical1y a consensus among the two cities and the county. The 2025 traffic numbers were arrived at by taking present counts, projecting developments, and then estimating. Justification for the west leg, since it does not diminish delay time, is consolidation of merging traffic and shortening of queues; it was first suggested by the Minnetonka city engineer. Mr. Heppelmann asked for feedback from the Council on operations. General Consensus was 4-lane was the only realistic option, although members were concerned about businesses along Shady Oak. They al1 agreed alignment issues were critical and that buffering issues were important. Mr. Rowan asked for a good differentiation between "taking the building" and "expansion will be close." Ms. Johnson asked if the option of helping businesses use their present back facade as the new front entrances with new approaches to them would be feasible. I Mr. Heppelman added the choice between 3- or 4-lane had not been taken to Minnetonka as they seemed to assume it would be 4-1ane. He1U1epin County Community Works will pay for a study to look at redevelopment possibilities with the alignments. Answering questions, Mr. Lindgren said projected costs are $8 million or more. Mr. Stadler said he felt no work would start till 200712008. They will come to a work session in October with some alignment options. Ajoint . meeting with Minnetonka will be held in November. Preliminary Budget and Levy Mr. Genellie introduced Finance Director Christine Harkess to the Council. She said she had rechecked Ms. Yager's figures and found them "right on" - a 7.65 % levy would equal a 1 % increase in taxes. The low increase is due to the increased tax capacity (over $2 million), which is largely due to decertification of a TIF district plus some new construction. Mayor Maxwell asked what other cities were passing for levies and was told Plymouth is passing a 10% levy, Minnetonka and Golden Valley a slightly lower levy. Mr. Genellie added they are passing higher levies because they are afraid they will not get the market value credit. He estimates that about a 7% levy would result in a zero increase for the "average homeowner," adding some would see increases and some decreases at that level. Ms. Harkess said this year's budget is a strong argument for TIF districts - the big rise in tax capacity means homeowners get a big break in their taxes. If the city had not looked far ahead, there would not be this break for them now. Mr. Brausen commented she should stress that in her presentation at the Council meeting. General Consensus was that by next Tuesday the Council needs the debt levy options. They want a preliminary levy resolution that will result in a zero increase in taxes for the average homeowner. Ms. Harkess said the Council would need to pass a resolution covering the amount of the HRA amount that would come from other sources and the HRA has to pass a resolution for the HRA levy. It was agreed the Truth in Taxation hearing should be December 13 at 6:30 p.m., with a possible continuation date of December 20. . Other Mayor Maxwell noted Ms. Elverurn had had a baby girl. Mr. Genellie said Mr. Stobbe thinks his basement flooding is due to the city. City staff is ~ I " August 31,2004 . Page 4 confident this is not the case. It will probably go to conciliation court. Mr. Thompson asked about the Interlachen property issue. Mr. GeneUie will check on Mr. Stadler's progress on getting easement information, Mr. Brausen moved adjournment, Ms. Johnson seconded. On a 5-0 vote, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Kasey Kester, Secretary COUNCIL MEMBERS: . ATTEST: Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor .