11-22-05 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
November 22, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:35 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Bill Kilian; Fred Wroge; Susan Rosenberg; and Sue
Sandahl.
Steven Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Jim
Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Randy Hughes, Operations
Superintendent; Mark Hall, Fleet/Park Maintenance Supervisor; Cheryl
Krumholz, Recording Secretary; Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
Staff Present:
Item # I
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed the background, history and need related to the
proposed new City maintenance facility. The purpose for the update is to receive City Council
feedback/direction on supporting the continuation of the project, including site-building design, costs,
funding and public involvement process.
Public Works Director Eastling explained the three proposed sites which includes the existing
garage site (3.32 acres), 66th Street/Cedar Avenue site (3.8 acres: 2.2 acres of MAC land, 1.6 acres
of MnDOT land) and Taft Park storage site (1.25 acres).
Public Works Director Eastling explained within the last year, the City learned that a portion of
the 66th Street/Cedar Avenue site is not owned in fee by MnDOT but is owned by Irwin Ketroser,
subject to a highway easement in favor of MnDOT. The City has obtained an appraisal to estimate
the value of Mr. Ketroser's interest.
Related to this Worksession item, a Closed Executive Session of the City Council is
scheduled at the end of the November 22 Regular City Council meeting. The Council will review the
offer being made to Mr. Ketroser for the underlying rights to a portion of the 66th Street/Cedar
Avenue site.
Council Member Wroge asked if more MAC land was available.
Public Works Director Eastling answered he was not aware of any land.
Council Member Kilian suggested the design include a second story to reduce the building
footprint. A less expensive structure could be built on the Taft Park site so equipment storage could
be swapped due to changing seasons. He questioned keeping the Taft Park space.
Special Worksession Minutes
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November 22, 2005
Public Works Director Eastling said an option would be using the Taft site for storage if the
garage stays at the current location.
Council Member Kilian said the Cedar site is free land with only building costs. The current
garage site has potential redevelopment value for the City.
Public Works Director Eastling stated the Cedar site can only be public use of the land.
Mayor Kirsch added there is value of the nearness of the MnDOT facility at the Cedar site.
Public Works Director Eastling said MnDOT promotes efforts between government entities.
Council Member Kilian said there could be additional benefits to the City with the close
proximity to MnDOT.
Operations Superintendent Hughes said there has been no maintenance for six to eight years
on the existing garage site. There is a fear the roof may fall in from the snow and stalls are not used.
Fleet/Park Maintenance Supervisor Hall added that there are just inches of clearance for
some of the snow equipment.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:03 p.m.
Date Approved: December 13, 2005
(~~~
Cheryl K umlio Z .
Recording Secretary