Citizens Comments - North Creek Development Wetland and Eagle Habitat Concerns
No formal vote; council committed to follow-up
Dissent: None; council acknowledged concerns and committed to coordination with Fish and Wildlife Service and clarification on stipulations
Jeff Caral (17616 Fairfax Avenue, Farmington) presented survey data from Midwest Natural Resources indicating that a wetland area previously classified as entirely wetland has been reduced to only a small section after development work. He expressed concern that the remaining wetland may be classified as man-made and therefore developable, but wanted verification from the EPA. He also raised concerns about eagle habitat protection, noting that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicated eagles were present on the property and that a 600-foot buffer from eagle nests is required for any development. Caral stated he forwarded information to the EPA and the firm that conducted the study to verify the wetland classification. He also inquired about the status of 11 stipulations that should be completed before development begins. The council committed to follow-up on both the fish and wildlife concerns and clarification on the stipulations.
Parks and Recreation Quarterly Report (December - February)
No formal vote; informational report with council questions answered
Dissent: None; council expressed satisfaction with report
Parks Director Macy Archin presented comprehensive quarterly report covering multiple initiatives. Grand Prairie Park construction is progressing with framing completed on field support building and structural steel installed on main building; goal is to open pickle ball courts, playground, splash pad, and challenge course by July 2025, with grandstand completion by mid-2026. Spyglass Park Phase 2 received 53 resident comments from 230 emails distributed; plan adjusted based on feedback and scheduled for 2025 construction. Strategic planning for Recreation Department and Heritage Center completed two days of sessions with implementation plan in development. New Parks and Recreation website with dedicated landing page and URL launching later in 2025. Park maintenance operations included 52 seasonal staff managing 10 ice rink sites with 14,000+ users over 49 days; notable retirement of Mark Desan (19 years service) and three new staff hired. Proxys locking system installation completed at multiple facilities. Recreation facilities have 59 pavilion reservations and 95 shelter reservations. Special events included Santa Secret Store (500 participants), Illumination Walk (200), and new Jigsaw Jubilee puzzle contest (sold out). Art Center holiday sale generated $5,800 in sales; pottery program has nearly 300 participants. Heritage Center memberships exceeded 1,670. Summer-fall brochure mailed to all residents with registrations filling quickly.
Consent Agenda - Multiple Items (6A-6U, excluding 6R)
5-0 Approved (all in favor)
Dissent: None; Item 6R pulled for separate discussion
Moved by Council Member [Name not specified] [Item 6] · Seconded by Council Member [Name not specified] [Item 6]
City Manager Miller highlighted several items: Item 6E is a resolution awarding construction contracts for 185th Street Expansion Project (between Iava and County Road 50) with roundabout. Items 6F and 6G are fire department donations. Item 6O recognizes Safety Signs sponsorship of summer concert series. Item 6P lists park department donations. Item 6U is a resolution accepting bids and authorizing contracts for First Responder Skills Training Center. Council Member Lee requested Item 6R be pulled for separate discussion.
Orchard Trail Encroachment Agreement - Lake Maran Private Dock
5-0 Approved (Dan Walter - Yes, Joshua Lee - Yes, Michelle Vulich - Yes, Luke Kellier - Yes, John Burmel - Yes)
Dissent: None; Council Member Lee's concerns were addressed through discussion of the removal provision
Moved by Council Member Dan Walter [Item 6R] · Seconded by Council Member [Name not specified] [Item 6R]
Council Member Joshua Lee pulled Item 6R for discussion, raising concerns about an encroachment agreement with Michael Lesnau for a private dock on public property (Basset Park) on Lake Maran. Lee expressed three main concerns: (1) the dock extends across the full width of the public property, creating a significant barrier to public access; (2) precedent for adjacent property owners to extend docks onto the lake, increasing congestion; and (3) Lake Maran is already busy with boat traffic. Council Member Vulich noted that the agreement includes a provision allowing the city to remove the dock if the property is needed for public use, which he found acceptable. Lee clarified that his initial concern was whether the property technically qualifies as lakefront, noting it didn't appear to touch water. Director Goodroad explained that the property owner provided information showing the property does touch shoreland in the northwest corner, giving it riparian rights, though water hasn't touched the property for a long time (last documented in 1997 satellite imagery). Lee stated he was comfortable with the agreement given the removal provision. Council Member Walter moved to approve.
Airlake DEA Second Edition Preliminary Plat
5-0 Approved (Joshua Lee - Yes, Luke Kellier - Yes, John Burmel - Yes, Dan Walter - Yes, Michelle Vulich - Yes)
Dissent: None; council expressed enthusiasm for the project
Moved by Council Member John Burmel [Item 7A] · Seconded by Council Member [Name not specified] [Item 7A]
Conor McCoy from Kimley Horn presented preliminary plat for Dakota Electric to split Lot B of Airlake DEA First Edition into Lot 1 and Outlot A. Property is located north of 225th Street and west of Flag Staff Avenue, zoned I2 General Industrial and guided industrial on comprehensive plan. The 176,500 square-foot facility will include 70,000 square feet of office space (two-story) and operational space for enclosing fleet vehicles and materials. Access from both 225th Street and 222nd Street (to the north). Parking for guests and employees in two locations. Landscaping concentrated on perimeter due to industrial nature. All setbacks and parking requirements met. Elevations include stone, architectural metal, and glass. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on February 20 with no public comment. Director Goodroad noted coordination with township regarding 225th Street access and 222nd Street alignment (township property). Discussion included potential paving agreements with MAC related to runway expansion. Council Member Lee asked about previous agreements for paving east of Hamburg, which Director Goodroad indicated may be contingent on runway expansion but couldn't confirm details off-hand.