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Agenda 09-22-1994 CITY OF ELK RIVER 0 REGULAR MEETING OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE AGENDA Thursday, September 22, 1994 7 p.m. City Hall - Council Chambers ITEM NUMBER 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 110 2. CONSIDER 9/22/94 AGENDA 3. CONSIDER 8/25/94 MINUTES 4. PRESENTATION OF TRANSPORTATION PLAN 5. PRESENTATION OF CITY SEWER AND WATER DISTRICT 6. PRESENTATION OF EAST TRUNK HIGHWAY 10 FEASIBILITY STUDY 7. OTHER BUSINESS 8. FUTURE MEETING 9. ADJOURNMENT 09/20/94 8:24 AM • lowEB P'4144 • MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER STEERING COMMITTEE HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994 Members Present: Chairman Minton, Committee Members: Hank Duitsman, Dick Hinkle, Mary McDevitt, Lloyd Barthel, Arne Engstrom, Keith Holme, Chris Kreger, Dave Anderson, Mark Lucas, and Bill Birrenkott. Committee Member Mary Eberley arrived at 7:05 p.m. Members Absent: Committee Members Dana Anderson, Manly Glines, Pat Dwyer, and Merry Sipe Staff Present: Steve Ach, City Planner; Terry Maurer, City Engineer 1. Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Steering Committee was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Minton. 2. Consider Steering Committee Agenda • A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 22, 1994 STEERING COMMITTEE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED 11-0. 3. Consider August 25, 1994 Steering Committee Minutes Dick Hinkle asked that the recording secretary verify the name, address and number of acres of the resident on page 6, paragraph 10. The minutes list Debbie Turner, 206th Avenue, as owner of 300 acres. CHRIS KREGER MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 25, 1994 STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES. DICK HINKLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 11-0. 4. Presentation of Transportation Plan City Draft Transportation Study County Transportation Study The City Engineer, Terry Maurer, stated that the City's transportation plan was drafted in 1993. The conclusion of the plan was the City needs to plan for arterial roads. He explained that arterial roads are needed to allow traffic flow east and west through the City. Terry noted that the reason the transportation plan is still in draft form is that they are waiting for the County to adopt a transportation plan that could be tied to the City's plan. He stated that some City roads could become major arterial roads and some county roads could become mainly local use roads. Terry indicated that the City is currently working with Mn/DOT on a • corridor study identifying major access points on Highway 10 on Highway 169 to the northern boundary. He stated they will be determining which access points IIKAXA 1711 r'r7.,.""t (71 rt 1,:sAti, 7.1 • • • Steering Committee Minutes Page / September 22, 199441/‘ 2 y are needed and which ones could be eliminated, and also, signalization needs. Terry Maurer indicated that they hope to complete the study in 8-9 months. Waco Street Bridge - High priority--there currently are plans to acquire land in this area for access. Terry Maurer explained the need for an access to funnel traffic from this area north to Highway 169 bypassing the downtown area. Also this bridge will provide a quicker emergency response time to the area north of Elk River. Terry stated that they will possibly use State Aid funds to identify right-of-way, and they are working with Mn/DOT on the bridge issues to locate funding. East Highway 169 Frontage Road - The City Council has authorized a study of commercial traffic flow east of Highway 169 from Main Street up to 197th Avenue. Terry stated he will have a response back to the Council some time next month. Other Issues Current Municipal State Aid IMSA) System Terry Maurer explained that MSA is a method whereby gas taxes are funneled back to cities with populations over 5,000. Larger cities have traffic that uses the roads but does not pay taxes there. The gas tax helps fund roads adequate in size to carry the traffic. The City is allowed to have approximately 20 percent of its total mileage on the system. As the City grows in population, more streets are added. He cited the following streets with MSA designation: 221st Avenue, Tyler, • Fillmore, Waco, the Snake Trail, 173rd, Orono Parkway to Joplin, the Industrial Park, School Street and Highland Road. Terry explained that when the Transportation Plan is finalized, the designation of some of these streets may be changed. Terry Maurer explained that the goal of the MSA system is to end up with an integrated system of trunk highway all the way down to municipal streets. Terry further explained that an MSA street must begin and end on either a trunk highway, a County State Aid road, or another Municipal State Aid Highway. He noted that the City of Elk River receives approximately $350,000 per year in gas tax. There are approximately 221/2 miles of streets in the City's MSA system. Each year this is increased due to new developments. Nine percent of the State' s gas tax is funneled back to the approximately 110 cities in the State with populations over 5,000. One-half of the 9 percent is distributed to the cities per capita, and the other half is based on needs. Need is determined by the dollar amount that would be needed to bring MSA streets in a particular city up to MSA standards. Dick Hinkle questioned whether it was true that the City must assess 20 percent of road construction costs in MSA projects. Terry Maurer stated that the 20 percent rule applies to bonding for improvements. He explained that 20 percent must be assessed, or a referendum must be held. Also, he stated that if 50 percent is assessed and the other half paid by tax dollars, a referendum is not required. Further discussion followed regarding the need for arterial roads. Terry Maurer explained that the City hopes to work with Sherburne County on a plan so that arterial roads running through the City of Elk River can be connected to arterial • roads through other parts of the county. Chair Minton asked for more detail on the plans for the east-west arterial road, identified as "A". Terry Maurer explained Steering Committee Minutes Page 3 September 22, 1994 44 • that this road would run between the golf course and Woodland Trails Park, across to Highway 169. He further explained that once the placement for arterial routes A and B have been determined, future development can be planned to preserve the open space for the roads. Hank Duitsman stressed the importance of the City moving ahead with a transportation plan. Terry Maurer stated that he feels it is necessary to have a plan from the County before moving ahead, so that the system can be tied together. Discussion followed regarding an arterial road connecting with Anoka County on the City's eastern boundary. Terry Maurer stated that once the county determines their transportation plan, the county must decide which roads will be turned back to the City. Then the City needs to lay out a plan for a collector system to tie into these main arterial roads. Arne Engstrom stated that county will be working with the City regarding placement of the arterial road. Hank Duitsman stated that it is also important the system tie in to Big Lake's arterial road plan. 5. Presentation of City Sewer and Water District Wastewater Treatment Terry Maurer stated that the existing wastewater treatment plan has a capacity of just under 1 million gallons per day. Presently, the plant treats 650-700,000 gallons per day which is approximately 70 percent capacity. He noted that plans are in process now to upgrade the facility to a 2.2 million gallon capacity. Assuming a 4 percent growth rate, this capacity should serve the City for approximately 20 years depending on the economy and growth. He expects that at the year 2010, the City will probably need to consider another major expansion for approximately 3.2 million gallon capacity. He stated that there is room on the property for several expansions, but the City may need to acquire additional land. Terry Maurer explained that the treated water from the plant is discharged into the Mississippi, which is considered protected waters. He stated that the as the number of gallons of water discharged into the Mississippi increases, the treatment quality requirements increase also. Water System Terry Maurer provided an overview of the water system. He identified the wells and water towers in the City as follows: Wells - Old City Hall 650 gpm (gallons per minute) -Cretex Plant 850 gpm -Gary Street 1,000 gpm -Hillside Estates 1,000 gpm -Jackson Avenue (not used at this time) 411 Steering Committee Minutes Page 4 September 22, 1994 �4 • Water Towers -Cretex 100,000 gallons -School District 1,000,000 gallons -Hillside Estates 500,000 gallons -Gary Street 1,000,000 gallons -Jackson Avenue 100,000 gallons -Utilities are planning a 1 million gallon tower on Gary Street near existing well and lift station Terry Maurer stated that using the 4 percent growth projection, this storage capacity should serve the City for the next 20 years. He stated that one exception may be the need for another tower before developing the northern tier. Utilities Terry Maurer provided an overview of the current urban service district, showing the existing lines, those under construction and those that have been awarded bids. He noted that the western area construction will begin this fall which will extend sewer and water west to the County Government Building and north under Highway 10. Also, a project is being completed that will extend trunk sanitary sewer and water from School Street, through Elk Park Center up to Hillside Crossing. Terry further explained that in the future there may be a need for a 3rd or 4th phase of the Western Area. Also, an expansion may need to be done in • the County Road 13 and up through to Tyler Street. He noted that the facilities are in place to service the property in the Urban Service District. Terry Maurer explained how the northern boundary of the urban service district was determined. Steve Ach questioned the limitations in developing the northern area. Terry indicated that he did not project any limitations at this time, for serving that area with sewer and water in the future. He stated that there is some excess capacity in the lines from the industrial park to the treatment plant. Discussion followed regarding the capacity of the existing utilities and the potential for limitations in future development. 6. Presentation of East Trunk Highway 10 Feasibility Study Future Trunk Extensions East Trunk Highway 10 Feasibility Study Exhibit 1 - Outlines the two study areas; the Primary Study Area, and the Ultimate Study Area. Terry Maurer explained that the Primary area is bounded on the north by 5th Street, on the south by the Kelly Farm, on the west by the Mississippi River, and on the east by the center of Kliever's Marsh. The "Ultimate Study Area" includes the Primary Study Area and further extends to the east and south corporate limits. Terry Maurer noted that the primary study includes costs for extending sewer and water to a core area east along 10. The ultimate area includes costs for oversizing so • that a larger area may be serviced in the future. Steering Committee Minutes Page September 22, 1994 5 4 44 • Exhibit 2 - City Zoning Map showing Primary and Ultimate Study Area Exhibit 3 - Project population distribution Exhibit 4 - Primary Study Area Trunk Sanitary Sewer Terry Maurer stated that the study was directed toward providing gravity sewer wherever possible. Due to the flat nature of the land in the study area, there would need to be a system of lift stations and forcemains to pump up to the lift station. Exhibit 5- Ultimate Area Trunk Sanitary Sewer Terry Maurer explained how oversizing the lines would service a much larger area. This would be similar to the system now used in the City, with specific areas serviced by lift stations. Discussion followed regarding sewer usage by residential versus industrial. Hank Duitsman commented that the City does not intend to force sewer on residents in the northern area unless they really want it. He stated that the City does want to encourage development to provide jobs and he expects that the City will begin holding public hearings in approximately 4 months to extend utilities down to 165th Avenue. Terry Maurer stated that the key in planning sewer is to make the extensions in phases, based on usage. Terry also explained that the most significant cost of the • project is not always the size of the pipe, but rather, the cost for digging and dewatering. He stated that the larger the pipe is, the larger the service area can be; thus, the more cost efficient. Exhibit 6 - Primary Study Area Trunk Water Terry Maurer explained plans for the proposed trunk watermain and water tower. Terry Maurer reviewed the estimated costs for the trunk sanitary sewer and water improvements, as outlined on pages 24 through 27 of the East Trunk Highway 10 Feasibility Study, dated September 1994. He summarized that project costs for the Primary Study area are approximately $7.6 million; costs for the Ultimate Study Area would be $13.6 million. The total cost for the entire project and adding 28,000 people to the system would be about $20 million in expenditures. Terry noted that the costs are initially more to build in the Ultimate Study Area, but the assessment rate would go down, compared to the Primary Study Area. Bill Birrenkott stated that in using a growth rate of 2.5 percent, he estimates that the project would pay for itself through connection charges. Terry Maurer stated that in planning the project, he based the phasing stages on the need for additional lift stations. Steve Ach added that the City would plan for a mix of industrial, commercial and residential land use in each of the phasing processes. Hank Duitsman stated that the City does not plan to force the extension of sewer • and water in the County Road 12 area unless the farmers and large land owners want it extended for residential development. He stated that the Council is Steering Committee Minutes Page 6 44)4 September 22, 1994 411 • planning to discuss study on October 24th and would hold public hearings if they decided to look at this area further. Roger Eull, 11880 Boston Street, owner of 80 acres behind the Red Carpet Inn Motel, stated that their property has been in the family for 60 to 70 years. He stated that 40 acres are rented out as crop land and that his daughter and her husband own a home on 3 or 4 acres, and that the rest is used for hunting and wood cutting. He stated that he would not want to lose the property, but that he would be forced to sell if sewer and water assessment were levied. Mr. Eull asked what the timetable would be for completing the project. Terry Maurer estimated that it would be late 1996 before the treatment plant would be upgraded and hookups for development would probably be available in Spring 1997. Discussion followed regarding cost effectiveness of extending sewer and water to the industrial and commercial areas first versus residential development. Further discussion followed regarding the cost for storm sewer. Arne Engstrom asked if the East Highway 10 study included costs for street restoration. Terry Maurer noted that the major costs were included such as jacking under Highway 10 and the interchange. He stated that if the highway corridor were followed, the lines would be run in the ditch area. Discussion followed regarding the role of the Steering Committee in whether or • not the East Highway 10 project moves ahead. Steve Ach stated that the role of the Steering Committee is to plan for the long term growth of the area. Mary Eberley indicated that she felt the Committee should either be included in decision now or else they should wait until the Council makes a decision and then look at the area to plan for future development. Terry Maurer stated that it was his understanding that this committee would determine the boundary for the urban service area and the zoning for properties in that area. The City Council will then determine when the services will be extended. Dave Anderson stated he feels the Council should use caution in proceeding with this project, taking into consideration how it will affect property owners. Chris Kreger stated that he felt the Council must deal with the financial issues and the Steering Committee must determine land use issues. Hank Duitsman stated that the Council will not make a decision on the East Highway 10 improvement issue until hearings are held. Dick Hinkle stated that finances will dictate where sewer and water will go and that this committee's responsibility is to come up with a plan. Terry Maurer stated that he felt these costs are manageable and would not hinder development. Roger Eull stated that he does not have plans to sell or develop his property at this time, and asked that the Council take into consideration the impact of a large assessment. Steering Committee Minutes Page 7 A> September 22, 1994 4, • Steve Ach stated that the City is increasingly receiving inquiries for industrial development opportunities on property serviced by city water and sewer. Arne Engstrom expressed his concern that the industrial property in Elk River will soon be taken up and is in favor of setting aside property now that can be serviced by sewer and water. Mike Gertz, Riverview Heights, expressed his concern that the transportation plan shows a major arterial road cutting through the park trail system. Hank Duitsman stated that the Building and Zoning Administrator, Steve Rohlf, has several options planned for the arterial road in question. Dave Anderson stated that a high quality park system is developing, with the Golf Course, Woodland Trails and the recently acquired Shiely property. He stressed that the City Council look at all the options before making a decision on the arterial road placement. Mike Dejarlais, Rush Circle, stated that the Department of Natural Resources is interested in the gun club property as a scientific nature study area. He stated that he did not want to force the gun club out, but that if the DNR were to acquire the property in the future, it could be tied in with the park system. He stated that he felt it would be a great mistake to cut a road through this park system. Mr. Dejarlais provided an alternative plan for a major east-west arterial road and also for a collector road in the western part of the City. • Discussion followed regarding options for the road, such as placing a bridge over the park or a tunnel-type underpass for the trail. It was the consensus of the Steering Committee to include Mr. Dejarlais' proposal in their deliberations regarding the transportation plan. 7. Other Business Chair Minton asked that a letter from Dan Steffens be entered into the official record of the Steering Committee minutes. Chair Minton asked if staff could prepare a statement explaining the purpose of the Steering Committee. 8. Future Meeting The next meeting of the Steering Committee will be Thursday, October 27, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. The topic of discussion will the Southwest Area of the City. 9. Adiournment There being no further business, DICK HINKLE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. MARY EBERLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 12-0. • Steering Committee Minutes Page 8 � September 22, 1994 44 • The Steering Committee meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Kleckner Recording Secretary • •