City Council Minutes 08-09-2004 Special
MINU ES
WORKSHOP MEETING- MO TICELLO CITY COUNCIL
LIBRARY E P ANSI ON
Monday, August 9, 2004 - 6:00 p.m.
Members Present:
Roger Carlson, Glen Posusta, rian Stumpf and Bruce Thielen.
(Robbie Smith arrived late)
Members Absent:
None
1. Call to Order.
Mayor Thielen called the meeting to order at 6: 15 p.m. Also present at the meeting were Ed
Kodet Jr. from Kodet Architectural Group Lt ., Jacque Gordon and Sandra Foster from the
Monticello Library Board and Margo Askin, ibrarian.
2.
Ed Kodet. reviewed some of the planning wo k that has been done to date and noted the key
statement in this project is "how the library orks."" How the library works" is part of the
total master plan. Mr. Kodet stated that the riginal RFP was for a 3,000 sq. ft. expansion and
what they are proposing is a little less than th t in footage but is more efficiently laid out.
Mr. Kodet noted that a public library looks, els and works differently than a bank. Ed Kodet
stated that one person should be able to man ge the entire building. For this reason they are
proposing to change the entrance of the build' ng. It is also suggested that the office/work
area be moved to the area of the building adj cent to where the drive through for the book
drop-off is located. He noted that there is area that is proposed for program space but this
space could also be leased for a coffee shop. The expansion covers a number of additions
and some remodelling. One expansion woul be 1,000 sq. ft. to the west; another addition
would be to the south where the courtyard is ow and one small expansion area of 166 sq. ft.
This would come to approximately 2,800 sq. ft. Expanding further to the west which could
add 3,800 sq. ft. would be in the next expans on phase.
Bruce Thielen asked if the canopy would ha e to corne off. Ed Kodet stated that there is
nothing that they have seen that indicates wh ther the canopy is insulated. Ed Kodet felt that
in Phase II the canopy would be removed. E Kodet said when you go to Phase II you would
need to sprinkle the whole building and then he clearance in the canopy area would create
some problems as far as duct work. Ed Kod t said the most important aspects of the
expansion was the work space along the driv through area.
Ed Kodet presented a budget analysis and no ed that once a design has been approved more
detailed cost estimates can be arrived at. Th existing building as 5,900 sq. ft. The
addition/remodeling estimates range from $4 4,200 to $610,210.00. This is based on the
assumption that with the expansion they cou d still use the existing mechanical system. Ed
Kodet noted that Phase II expansion could b done as a shell. It is estimated that removing
the canopy would run between $10,000-$15, 00.
Bruce Thielen asked how construction costs re coming in and if their firm felt confident in
their cost estimates. Ed Kodet noted that coo rete is being rationed in some states so factors
like that could influence pricing. Bruce Thie. en asked if the architect could get alternate bids
so the Council could chose which items they ant done.
Brian Stumpf asked how long the Phase I pro ect expansion would last before the City would
need to look at their next expansion. Jacque Gordon, Monticello Library Board, indicated
that from discussions with staff and other bo d members it was felt that they would be
looking at Phase II expansion after five years and that the City Council might feel it would be
reasonable to look at doing the shell. Margo skin stated that the expansion would make
better use ofthe existing space even if the ad ed space was not the full 3,000 sq. ft. originally
proposed. Sandra Foster said this plan woul set the foundation for future expansion. Rick
Wolfsteller noted that furniture, equipment . d architect fees are in addition to the $500,000
budgeted.
Glen Posusta stated he is not sure about teari g the canopy down and he expressed his concern
about constructing a shell because then the C ty is committed to that layout and there is the
possibility that something could change. Br e Thielen stated he was on the Library Board
when discussion were held on remodeling th old library building. He noted a considerable
amount of money would have had to be spen just to keep the mold out and the building
would have had required substantial repairs. hile he was somewhat disappointed that the
canopy couldn't be used, he felt the if the ex ansion better utilized the space and met the
needs of the library that should be the empha is.
John Simola asked if there was expansion to he west, could the existing mechanical system
handle the expansion. Ed Kodet thought they would need another system although there might
some capacity in the existing system as far as the boiler but not for the air conditioning.
Bruce Thielen asked what the City was being asked to do tonight. Ed Kodet stated that the
Library Board felt comfortable with the Phas I work. The question is on Phase II. Ed Kodet
said the existing building is a good building ut he did question the use of the canopy area
partly because of the perimeter drains. The q estion is whether the City can get by without
their plan of using the canopy area. Bruce T ie1en didn't have a problem if they had to
remove the canopy. Fred Patch stated that if udget was not a consideration he would like to
proceed with all phases as planned
Bruce Thielen asked if they should approve p ans and specs for the shell as an alternative. In
either case it is likely the canopy will be gon . Ked Kodet said estimates will be provided
along the way. Consensus was to proceed wi, h this plan with the canopy being removed and
the shell being constructed and come back to a future council meeting to ask for approval of
the plans and specifications.
Workshop closed at 7:00 p.m.
\)~ ~~~~
Recording Secretary
MINU ES
WORKSHOP MEETING - MO TICELLO CITY COUNCIL
CSAH 18/1-94 IN ERCHANGE
Monday, August 9, 2004 - 5:00 p.m.
Members Present:
Roger Carlson, Glen Posusta, rian Stumpf and Bruce Thielen.
Members Absent:
Robbie Smith.
1. Call to Order.
Mayor Thielen called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. Also present at the meeting were Bret
Weiss and Doug Weiszhaar from WSB and ssociates.
2. Review of CSAH 18/1-94 Interchan e Pro ect.
Jeff O'Neill stated that the City is at the poi t where they need to authorize certain actions to
keep this project schedule going. These acti ns include authorizing plans and specifications,
authorizing appraisals, determining assessm nts and costs, and authorize land acquisition.
Bret Weiss identified a number of projects t at would be done as part of the overall
interchange project. These include: 1) The outh Frontage Road; 2) Chelsea Road
Reconstruction; 3) Fallon Avenue Overpass; 4) 7th Street Extension; 5) Construction ofthe
north/south road between 7th Street and CS H 75. A north frontage road is also proposed but
is not included in the cost estimates for this roject.
This project came about because MnDDT s arted talking about changing their bridges.
MnDDT switched engineers and is no longe looking at changing their bridges. The City has
urged MnDOT to continue with the interch ge project. Bret Weiss noted that a developer
has an interest in the Bondhus/Dahlheimer roperty so there is development proposed in the
area of the interchange. Bruce Thielen not d that the City owns a piece of the property in the
area for a trail and that could be utilized in t e north frontage road project. Glen Posusta
asked if the residents in the area were aware of the north frontage road that was being
proposed. Bret Weiss noted that this is just a schematic drawing and has not been designed
out.
Brian Stumpf asked about the bridge overp ss and if it would affect the new pathway bridge.
Bret Weiss indicated that the pathway bridg would not be affected.
Bret Weiss reviewed the component projec s. The South Frontage Road would be designed
this year and constructed in 2005. 7th Stree and the North/South Street would be designed
over the winter with a spring plan approval d construction in 2005. Some trunk sanitary
sewer that is necessary would be bid in late fall with construction completed by June 2005.
The design work for the CSAH 18 interch ge would begin this fall with the contract awarded
in late summer of 2005 and construction to ake place from September 2005 through
Council Special Meeting Minutes - 8/9/04
September 2006. The time frame for the Ch lsea Road improvement and the Fallon Avenue
Overpass called for design work being done i 2005 and construction in 2007.
Brian Stumpf asked with the CSAH 18 interc ange completed how important was the
construction of the Fallon Avenue overpass. ret Weiss indicated that the federal highway is
looking for a commitment form the City to b ild the Fallon A venue overpass and the
north/south road. Ifthese are not built, then. nDOT will not build the interchange. Doug
Weiszhaar stated that MnDOT is not requirin a specific date that these road wills be built but
they want to know that they are in the City's Ian. This is required as part of the interchange
approval.
John Simola asked if any progress had been ade in getting the easements needed for the
sanitary sewer line. John Simola also asked bout access from the St. Benedict's site. St.
Benedict's stated they did not want to share access with heavy truck traffic. Brian Stumpf
felt the 7th Street extension is very important specially where 7th Street and Minnesota street
meet. The 7th Street extension would be $50 ,000-$750,000. With Chelsea Road you have
link on the south side of the freeway and wit 7th Street you have a link on the north side. Bret
Weiss stated that if these streets are done wh n development is taking place, a higher
percentage of the improvement cost can be assessed against the developer. Glen Posusta felt
getting the access across the railroad track w s important and wanted to know the status of
that. City Attorney, Matt Brokl updated the ouncil on the current status. The railroad
company has sent a letter saying that if one a cess is closed they will agree to another.
Doug Weiszhaar also brought up Freeway Fi Ids. The slopes of the ramp would extending 10'
to 20' feet into the ballfields. There are two ays MnDOT could proceed I) acquire the
property from the City; or 2) temporary ease ent for construction. Doug Weiszhaar said the
problem with MnDOT acquiring the land is b cause the area is used for recreation, a special
procedure needs to be followed. He felt the b st thing to do would be to allow MnDOT to
proceed on a temporary construction easeme t.
Brian Stumpf asked the Council's opinion on the extension of 7th Street on the west end.
Bruce Thielen suggested that perhaps some 0 the funds from the sale of the Remmele
property could be utilized for the 7th Street ex, ension. Brian Stumpf felt the Council should
direct Rick W olfsteller to get cost estimates fI r the extension and look at funding options.
Glen Posusta said he felt if the City is pushin for it they should pay for it. Bruce Thielen
stated that for some of the improvements pro . osed there is not development taking place that
is looking for these improvements. Brian St pf stated it was a transportation issue. John
Simola asked about the demolition of the Kr er house and ifthe 7th Street extension should
be included as part of this project cost.
Construction of the interchange project is to s art September 2005 and be completed in 2006.
The purpose of the South Frontage road woul be as bypass route for roughly 6-8 months.
Ryan Companies development would be ope ing approximately October of2006. John
Simola asked what assurances the City would get from Ryan Companies that they would
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Council Special Meeting Minutes - 8/9/04
commit to construction. Matt Brokl indicate the City would get agreements from the
developers. Rick W olfsteller questioned wh ther the waivers should be obtained before the
project proceeds further. John Simola asked ifthe developer was uprooting any of the cost.
Bret Weiss said this has not been discussed et in any detail.
Property acquisition will proceed once the a praisal work is completed. John Simola asked
whose parcels were needed. Bret Weiss indi ated land would have to acquired from
Resurrection Lutheran Church, Shawn Wein d, the School District, Liberty Bank and A YR.
All property acquisitions would need to be a quired by April 2005. Appraisals would need to
be back by December so that the quick take rocess can be initiated
Rick Wolfsteller indicated that the cost for ding the Fallon Avenue Overpass would have to
be included in the money borrowed for the r st of the project because by itself there is not
20% of assessment. Matt Brokl indicated th t the Church was not in favor of the overpass.
Rick Wolfsteller covered some financial con ems. Based on the City's share ofthe project
being approximately 13.8 million plus uproo ing the cost for the County's share ofthe project
as well uprooting MnDOT's share for anum er of years until the City is reimbursed would
make it necessary to bond for 23.7 million. bout 7.5 million would have to come from taxes
if 23 million is borrowed. This means $72 ,00 per year would have to be levied in taxes.
He noted a development like the one propos d by Streeter/Ryan Companies would generate
$150,000 a year in city taxes to offset the $7 5,000 needed each year.
Bret Weiss stated that Fenning Avenue was he area that was getting the best houses and he
felt the interchange would increase their pro erty values. Bret Weiss didn't want people to
thing that the interchange was being done fo the Streeter development alone. Glen Posusta
asked if Hawk's or Liberty Bank were going.to derive any benefit from the interchange
improvement. Glen Posusta questioned the aimess ofthe amount being assessed. Glen
Posusta felt the developer should be paying ore. Glen Posusta stated the City didn't kick in
any money for improvements on this side of he freeway. Bret Weiss noted that the City
picked up 3-4 million on cost for the TH 25 mprovements. Glen Posusta was also concerned
that this would add a lot to the City's taxes d the City's tax rate would remain high. Bret
Weiss pointed out that there are advantages i doing the interchange at this time rather than
doing it in the future, primarily because ther is development ready to take place that can pick
up some of the cost.
Brian Stumpf asked about 30 million in bon ed debt. Rick W olfsteller noted that within 10
years the majority ofthe debt would be paid ff. Brian Stumpf asked about the Orchard Road
interchange and where that fits into place. B et Weiss indicated that until development steps
up to pay for the Orchard Road interchange ot much would happen there. Development
could be ten years out or as much as twenty ears out. Matt Brokl stated that one of the risks
of not doing the interchange project now is t at property will develop and no undeveloped
property will be left at the time the interchan e goes in.
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Council Special Meeting Minutes - 8/9/04
Bret Weiss stated the Council is being asked 0 authorize surveying and geotechnical work
and go out for appraisals. At the next meetin the Council would be asked to authorize plans
and specifications. Rick W olfsteller asked a out getting an agreement from the property
owners. MnDOT has an agreement in writin to fund certain components of the project.
Whatever the cost is for those components t is what the state will pay.
Bret Weiss indicated that Patch and Messner would be the appraisal firm. Out of a total
estimated project cost of$28,819,041, appro imately $4,300,000 could be assessed. MnDOT
would pick up $3,601,576; the County's shar would be $1,857,427; sewer trunk charges
would fund $2,970,000 and the City would p ck up $13,857,909.
Bruce Thielen queried the Council on their r action to the interchange proposal. Roger
Carlson questioned the debt amount and whe her Moody's had standard amounts for debt for
communities the size of Monticello. Rick W If steller noted that while the City is bonding for
20 million 6-7 million would have to corne fi om taxes. Bruce Thielen suggested going back
to look at what dollars are being generated b development taking place. Glen Posusta said on
one hand he would like to see development t e place but it bothers him the taxpayers have to
pay for this to happen.
Bruce Thielen stated that proceeding with this project is a certain leap of faith because you
don't know what the spinoff will be. Brian tumpf said the City has gone too far to back out
now. Matt Brokl said the biggest risk will c me two weeks from tonight when the Council
authorizes plans and specifications.
The workshop closed at 6: 15 p.m.
UQ..uTV) ~A..-\;> s ~-~,
Recording Secretary
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