Lakeville City Council — Transcript
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Sex Offender Registry Violation and Community Safety
2025 Street Reconstruction Project (185th Street, Hayes Avenue, 170th Street)
Arbor Day 2025 Proclamation and Tree City USA Recognition
Public Works Quarterly Report - Infrastructure and Environmental Projects
Cricket Hub Sports Academy Donation and Youth Programs
Spirit of Branch and Farm 25th Edition Development - PUD Amendment and Preliminary Plat
Lord of Life Townhome Development - Preliminary Plat and Variance
Unpaid Special Charges Assessment Certification
Consent Agenda Items
Votes (9)
Citizens Comments - Sex Offender Registry Violation
John Borup, a resident at 20735 Hollands Avenue West, raised urgent community safety concerns regarding a Level 3 sex offender who has been living unreported in downtown Lakeville for approximately two years, in violation of state sex predator registry requirements. The offender's residence is located near Pan Prague festivities, Lakeville Brewing, playgrounds, Dairy Delight, and bike trails. Borup expressed concern about children walking to school and using downtown areas, and questioned whether the city has zoning authority to address the situation. He noted the offender may be living out of a car or within a local business downtown. Borup acknowledged the offender's right to move on from past crimes but emphasized the violation of registry requirements and requested city exploration of the matter.
2025 Street Reconstruction Rehabilitation Project (City Project 25-02) - Public Hearing and Contract Award
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Lee [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
The city presented a comprehensive street reconstruction project covering 1.3 miles including Hayes Avenue, Harbor Court, and 170th Street. The project includes pavement reclamation and reuse, curb and gutter replacement, enhanced storm sewer improvements, and traffic calming measures. A traffic study was conducted on Hayes Avenue and 170th Street due to resident concerns; findings showed minimum crashes (two accidents at intersections), typical residential speeds (71% of vehicles at or below 30 mph), and support for traffic calming through wider edge striping (6 inches), stop bars, and narrower drive lanes (11 feet vs. 12-13 feet). Water main improvements include lining of a 12-inch trunk line on 170th Street and replacement of bolts at gate valves and hydrants on Hayes Avenue. Special assessments were proposed for 40% of parcels on a per-unit basis; assessments decreased 5% from feasibility to bid. Five contractors bid on the project; McNamera Contracting submitted the lowest bid at 4% below feasibility estimate. Payment options include partial payment by November 15th without interest, full payment by December 15th with accrued interest, or 10-15 year assessment periods on property taxes at 3.88% interest. Deferral options are available for seniors, disabled persons, and active military duty (applications due July 7th, 2025). Construction is scheduled to begin April 15th with completion by end of August.
2025 Arbor Day Proclamation and Tree City USA Recognition
Lakeville was recognized as a Tree City USA for the 32nd consecutive year and received a growth award for exceeding standard requirements through inventory system upgrades and AmeriCorps program support. The city conducted a tree sale with 200 trees in 13 species that sold out within two weeks, indicating strong community demand for tree cover. Pickup event is scheduled for April 26th (Earth celebration). A volunteer planting event is planned for May 7th at Chadwick Park with 30 trees (building on last year's 25 participants at Independence Park). The city expanded its website to include an Arbor Day page with information on events, past plantings, and two self-guided tree tracks at parks. The proclamation emphasizes trees' benefits including clean air and water, shade, energy savings, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, wood products, jobs, increased property values, and carbon sequestration for greenhouse gas offset.
Public Works Quarterly Report - Q1 2025 Infrastructure and Environmental Projects
The Public Works Director reported on multiple ongoing projects: (1) 185th Street reconstruction and widening from Kenwood Trail to IPA Avenue with urbanization, curb and gutter, four lanes, pedestrian trails, turn lanes, and storm sewer improvements; construction begins April 15th with completion by end of August. (2) County Road 50 Hamburg roundabout project in design phase; bidding planned for late spring with summer construction start. (3) 170th Street pedestrian crossing with rapid flashing beacons connecting to North Creek Greenway Trail. (4) Market Street Plaza parking lot reconstruction to address tripping hazards and improve pavement effectiveness (late summer). (5) Street sweeping operations six days per week; 22 snow events called out this year (tracking close to 2023-2024 levels, well below historical 50-inch average). (6) Bookshore Drive lift station construction underway; Jamaica 160th/61st Street intersection closed for force main installation; completion expected early June. (7) Water well number 17 rehabilitation in Sema Park. (8) Sanitary sewer lining project 50% complete, lining 2.7 miles of clay pipe to eliminate groundwater infiltration and reduce sewer backup risk. (9) Lead and copper rules project ongoing; 900 residents still need to be contacted; 2,000 unknown material service lines identified; state grant funds available for replacement. (10) Hydrant flushing program underway to ensure functionality and remove sediments. Environmental Services received over $650,000 in grants for prairie restoration, invasive species mitigation (carp removal), aquatic boat inspection, and stormwater improvements. Spring projects include channel armoring at Burm Crossroads Basin and North Creek, sediment removal at Crystal Lake Golf Course pond, prescribed burns and stump removal at Ritter Park, and Summers Creek restoration with prescribed burns and native vegetation planting. Forestry division removed 125 ash trees in parks and rights-of-way; 815 trees scheduled for injection this summer (12% reduction from last cycle); 604 properties identified with infested ash trees (nearly half already removed). DNR EAB grant program in year two: 55 trees to be removed from parks and replaced with 110 trees; 60 additional trees planted in Aronson Park. Public engagement events include Earth Day celebration April 26th at central maintenance facility with puppet show and vendors; watershed cleanup day April 26-May 3rd; tool swaps by Qual Valley Recycling; landscaping courses May 6th (online, Dakota County) and June 2nd (in-person, Farmington Library); master landscaping course May 19th and 21st; paper shredding events in Egan, Apple Valley, and Burnsville in April, May, and June.
Cricket Hub Sports Academy Donation and Youth Programs
Crichub Sports Academy, a new organization in Lakeville, made a donation to the parks and recreation youth scholarship fund to provide access to youth programs. The organization is partnering with Lakeville area elementary, middle, and high schools to provide cricket coaching and organize cricket tournaments. The presentation highlighted the rapid growth of cricket in the United States, noting that the USA hosted the T20 World Cup last year (jointly with Caribbean islands) and the USA cricket team defeated several international teams. The city plans to open a cricket pitch on Cedar 185th Street next summer. The council took a photo with the organization representatives to commemorate the donation and partnership.
Consent Agenda - Temporary On-Sale License and Advisory Board Appointment
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Walter [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Two routine items were presented: (1) Item 6R: Temporary on-sale license for the Dakota Curling Club for their Cinco de Mayo event downtown, described as a well-executed annual event. (2) Item 6T: Resolution appointing Christy Harms to the Lakeville Area Arts Center Advisory Board, correcting an inadvertent omission from a previous resolution approval.
Spirit of Branch and Farm 25th Edition - PUD Amendment and Preliminary Plat
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Lee [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Tradition Development requested approval for the final phase of Spirit of Branch and Farm development, proposing seven detached townhomes (revival-type product consistent with 21st and 23rd editions). The property is located north of 170th Street and east of Draft Horse Boulevard. A PUD amendment is required to allow detached townhomes in the farmstead preservation area (originally restricted to specific uses). The preliminary plat shows rear-loaded townhomes with two-car garages and front doors facing Draft Horse Boulevard. Access is via private east-west ranch and farm drive. The project includes 50 striped parking spaces in the previously open field area (used for parking and events), with potential for 26 additional spaces. Extensive landscaping is planned along both streets and the private drive, as well as at home fronts and rears. The developer noted that rather than selling the final project area to a third-party developer, Tradition Development chose to develop a transitional home product between adjacent single-family areas and their office complex within the farmstead preservation area. Council Member Lee raised concerns about parking during special events (retirement parties, food truck festivals), noting that parking lots are often full. The developer responded that striping the 50 spaces will improve efficiency, employees will be encouraged to use the rear parking lot, and a "ghost plan" exists for developing 26-28 additional spaces on green space south of existing buildings if needed. Planning Commission held public hearing on March 20th with no public comment and unanimously recommended approval.
Lord of Life Townhome Development - Preliminary Plat and Variance
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Lee [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Frisbee Companies proposed a 24-unit townhome development on 5.74 acres of former Lord of Life Church property south of Dodd Boulevard. The city approved a comprehensive plan amendment in September 2024 reguiding the property to low-medium density residential with RST2 zoning. A variance is requested for cul-de-sac length of 638 feet (vs. 600-foot ordinance limit) due to existing land constraints and lot area requirements. The project includes rear-loaded townhomes with two-car driveways and significant landscaping buffers along the north side to provide a buffer between homes and church parking lot. The developer has submitted final plat plans and is eager to proceed. Pastor Jamie Thompson of Lord of Life was present; the church is not financially involved in the project but sold the land to the developer. The developer noted that Frisbee Companies has worked with the church since 2004-2005 on the initial church building. Planning Commission held public hearing on March 20th with no public comment and unanimously recommended approval. Council Member Helier acknowledged that neighbors had raised concerns during the comprehensive plan amendment process but thanked both the church and developer for meeting with neighbors and addressing questions, noting that the lack of public comment at the hearing indicates successful community engagement.
Unpaid Special Charges Assessment Certification - Spring 2025
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Walter [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
The Finance Director presented the spring certification of delinquent accounts to minimize city losses from potential bankruptcies. The certification includes: 45 delinquent utility bills totaling $9,570 (final bills for inactive accounts that have been sold); 4 nuisance abatements totaling $1,560; 7 false alarms totaling $967; and 1 tree removal totaling $1,550. Total assessments: $12,630. Property owners have 30 days from the hearing date to pay without incurring interest charges but are responsible for a $50 administration fee. Public notice was mailed to all customers and posted on the city website and published in the newspaper. No public comment was received.
Notable Quotes (29)
as a parent is uh wildly concerning. Uh apparently where he's living is uh right across from where like the Pan Prague festivities are happening, the rides, it's by Lakeville Brewing in the playground, it's by uh Dairy Delight in the playground, it's by the bike trail.
as parents of kids that walk to school, use a bike path, are in downtown Lakefall, how are we supposed to feel safe um sending them to uh having them walk to school, walk the downtown?
we know that this guy has a right to serve his time and move on with his life, but apparently he's in violation.
If you want to write down your name and contact information, give it to our clerk. We'll have our police department follow up with you.
we are planning to reclaim the pavement, grind it up, um and reuse that for the the base aggregate, dig out any soft spots with uh in the street that we come across, replacing some of the curb and gutter, not all of it, on spot areas, just the damaged curb.
we did find there are minimum crashes along this corridor. Um there were two accidents at at the intersections on Hazen on 72nd Street. Um the speeds are um are are typical of what we see for uh residential streets um on collector roads and this size of of roadway. So 71% of the of the cars on Haze are going at or below uh 30 miles an hour.
Um and our cost went down by a little over 4%. And here's kind of a breakdown of the funding split. Um all of our areas went down from feasibility through design um where we got to bids um except the storm storm sewer infrastructure fund. Um that went up by almost 50%.
The special assessment policy follows the Minnesota state statute, chapter 429 for public improvements. Um, with the street reconstruction, the city of Lakeville assesses 40% of the parcels in the project area for street and storm sewer improvements.
this is the 32nd year that Lakefield was recognized as a Tree City USA. Uh we just received our packet of information on that. So it's all official. Uh we also received a growth award this year. So, we went above and beyond just those standard requirements uh by doing a few extra things to to demonstrate our commitment to forestry uh in the community forest.
we had about 200 trees for sale uh 13 different species and they sold out with within uh two weeks. So people are definitely looking for some tree cover around the city. So nice to see that. Uh maybe look at expanding that a bit next year to to get some more people uh in on that.
trees provide many benefits including clean air and water, shade, energy savings, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, wood pro products and jobs, and increased property values while capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
The 185th Street project is now underway. Uh that's the reconstruction um and widening of 185th Street from Kenwood Trail to IPA Avenue. Uh we're urbanizing the the roadway, putting in curb and gutter, uh constructing it four lanes, putting in pedestrian trails on both sides of the road, turn lanes, and then a bunch of storm sewer improvements as well.
Our sanitary uh lining project is well underway right now. We're about 50% done with that project. We are lining about 2 7 milesi of clay pipe within the in the community. This is to help eliminate the groundwater infiltration getting into the sewer system through via cracks and separated pipes. And this also helps reduce the risk of sewer backups.
last year the city did receive over $650,000 for to support environmental uh stewardship and different projects within our communities. They range from prairie restoration to evasive specy um mitigation like carp removal um aquatic um inspection of boats and uh other lake um devices and then storm water improvements uh like storm water ponds and infiltration basins.
I was listening to a presentation from your environmental resources team recently and regarding the grant removing um invasive carp and goldfish from East Lake. I'm wondering if folks are fishing that lake and catch one of those. Is there I'm guessing we don't want that back in the lake. So, is there is there a a process or a tub?
we've we we have to follow the DNR rules. So, uh, if you're a licensed fisher person, um, you're if you're not going to harvest that fish for for use in any way, um, you're technically required to put that fish back in, even if it's a rough fish or a carp. So, unfortunately, that's that's the process that we have to follow.
I'm excited to be here this evening to welcome uh Crichub Sports Academy. They're a new organization here in Lakeville and um are making a generous donation today towards the parks and recreation youth scholarship fund which helps to provide access to programs.
we are starting this new cricket coaching academy. Uh it's basically for the kids the boys and girls of all the ages. That's what we are targeting for. Um just to share a little bit of history of cricket. Uh cricket is really growing very fast in states. Actually I don't know if you guys are aware but last year there was a cricket world cup. T20 there are different formats in the cricket. T20 World Cup was hosted in the United States along with Caribbean island and USA team USA cricket team they did beat couple of good international cricket teams so that was a proud moment for us so it's really growing very fast and that's what uh we want to start this in the heart of Lakeville we want to empower the future of cricket here
As most people know, we're excited to be able to cut the ribbon next summer on our cricut pitch right here in town on Cedar 185th.
6R is a temporary on sale license to the Dakota County or the Dakota Curling Club. They're having their Cinco de Mayo bonds downtown and so that's always a fun event that or they do great events and so that should be a good one. Then item 6T is a resolution appointing Christy Harms to the Lakeville Area Arts Center Advisory Board. Her name was inadvertently left off the resolution when you approved that the last time.
we're proposing to build seven of our revival type homes uh in this section of the development. These are essentially the same product that we built in the 21st and 23rd edition northern section of the development... rather than selling off this last portion of of the project area to a third-party developer, we would be better better served in the community, better served by us uh developing a kind of a transitional home product type between the adjacent single family areas and our office complex uh within the farmstead preservation area.
these are rear loaded town homes. So the front door will face Draft Horse Boulevard and they'll have a twocar or two driveway space driveway um rear loaded garage. Um and then the private street with on street parking to accommodate any guest parking. In addition to that, this open field space that is used for parking and for events will be paved and will be striped, so it'll be used far more efficiently. About 50 spaces will be created here with an additional 26 available for the future.
Um, and it's more so for special events. I mean, it it is a to me a little odd that folks are accessing their driveway through two parking lots. Um, but I think I can get beyond that. more of it's about in times that I've been here for either retirement parties or a food truck uh festival, these spots are pretty full. And so is there an idea of how you might manage that in the future with what looks like fewer overall parking spots?
we're going to define uh 50 50 spots there. We're going to encourage our employees to use that back parking lot rather than the on street parking lot and the HOA parking lot of which we are a member uh to the north. So, we think it'll be improved over what's there right now and um hopefully shouldn't be any problems. But we also did include um I guess a ghost plan, if you will, on that green space area directly south of our two existing buildings where we could develop another I think uh 26 or 28 spots there if it becomes a problem.
We've been working on this now for a couple years. Pastor Jamie Thompson's here too with Lord of Life. We worked with them back in 2004 and five on the initial church and this is uh kind of another phase we've talked about over the years and the church is not financially involved in the project. We've uh acquired the land from them and we're moving ahead uh hopefully through the process here and this is one more step.
The variance is in related to the length of the culde-sac. The subdivision ordinance requires or has a limit of 600 feet. Um because of just the the layout and the the existing land and lot area, they are requesting a small variance to that up to 638 ft.
I know when this was first proposed there was a lot of concern and questions by the neighbors. So I just want to thank both the church and the developer for taking your time and meeting with neighbors and going through and and answering a lot of that. So I appreciate it because clearly with no one here tonight you did a very good job at that. So um thank you.
we are doing our spring certification this evening. Um, the public hearing for these. This is um a means that the city can minimize our losses that are maybe due to bankruptcies that could be happening. Um these are for nuisance properties, false alarm charges, unpaid utility bills, and tree removal charges.
owners um of these assessment charges can they have 30 days from tonight to pay these um without incurring the interest charges and um but they would be responsible for the $50 administration fee that the city charges.
Ordinances & Resolutions (17)
Annual street reconstruction project covering Hayes Avenue, Harbor Court, and 170th Street (1.3 miles total); includes pavement reclamation, curb and gutter replacement, storm sewer improvements, and traffic calming measures
Proclamation recognizing Lakeville's 32nd year as Tree City USA and announcing Arbor Day celebration on April 26th and volunteer planting at Chadwick Park on May 7th
Revised contract with updated project location
License for Cinco de Mayo event downtown
Resolution appointing Christy Harms to advisory board (correcting previous omission)
Construction contract for 2025 street reconstruction project; lowest bid at 4% below feasibility estimate
Special assessments for street and storm sewer improvements; 40% of parcels assessed on per-unit basis; payment options include partial payment by November 15th, full payment by December 15th, or 10-15 year assessment periods on property taxes at 3.88% interest
Budget amendments and fund transfers for street reconstruction project
Professional services contract related to street reconstruction project
Preliminary plat for seven detached townhomes in final phase of Spirit of Branch and Farm development; rear-loaded design with private drive access
Amendment to original PUD to allow detached townhomes in farmstead preservation area
Vacation of easements to be replaced with final plat
Spring certification of delinquent accounts: 45 unpaid utility bills ($9,570), 4 nuisance abatements ($1,560), 7 false alarms ($967), 1 tree removal ($1,550); total $12,630; 30-day payment period without interest
Preliminary plat for 24 twin home lots on 5.74 acres; rear-loaded design with significant landscaping buffers
Variance request for cul-de-sac length of 638 feet (vs. 600-foot ordinance limit)
Vacation of easements for Lord of Life townhome development
Reguiding of Lord of Life Church property to low-medium density residential; zoning RST2