HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956/04/23 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular 48
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April 23, 1956
REGULAR MEETING APRIL 23, 1956
A regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by
Mayor R. C. Fernstrom at 8:04 P. M.
Invocation was given by Reverend Milo Gerberding of Cross of Christ
Luthern Church.
The following Councilmen were present at roll call:
H. J. Bolmgren
H. C. Davis
Robert Ehrenberg
Torval Jorvig
- Kenneth Wolfe
Also present were the City Manager, City Attorney, and Secretary.
Minutes
On motion of Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, the
minutes of meetings held April 14 and 16, 1956 were approved by unanimous
vote of all members of the Council present.
Public Hearing on Petition to Vacate Street
Pursuant to notice published in the St. Louis Park Dispatch April 12,
1956, a public hearing was had on the petition of Thomas H. Lentz and Joyce
C. Lentz, his wife, for the vacation of Edgewood Avenue from Cedar Lake
Road to Franklin Avenue; Franklin Avenue from Edgewood Avenue east to east
line of Lot. No persons appeared.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
A proposed ordinance vacating "that part of Franklin Avenue as laid
out and dedicated in the plat of Supreme Park, First Division, Village of St.
Louis Park, lying west of the easterly line of Lot 1, Block 2, Supreme Park,
First Division, Village of St. Louis Park, extended northerly to the north line
of said Franklin Avenue, and lying easterly of the southwesterly line of Lot
2, Block 2, Supreme Park, First Division, Village of St. Louis Park, extended
northwesterly across Lot 1, Block 2 and northwesterly to the north line of said
Franklin Avenue", all according to the plat of Supreme Park, First Division,
Village of St. Louis Park, on file and of record in the office of the Register
of Deeds of Hennepin County, was read by the Secretary.
On motion of- Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, April
30, 1956 was set as date for second reading of above proposed ordinance, by
unanimous vote of all members of the Council present.
City Planner Recommended
Mrs. Ernest Marotta, Local Study Chairman, League of Women Voters
of St. Louis Park presented a letter dated April 23, 1956, agreeing to support
the hiring of a Master Planner for the City --- which was read to the Council.
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April 23, 1956
Request for Special Zoning Exception to permit Location of Sign
Request for special zoning exception to permit the location of a 6' x 78'
roof and ground mounted sign at 6005 Highway No. 7 (Seirup's Garage) by
Suburban Sign Company was read.
RESOLUTION NO. 236
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, Reso-
lution No. 236, granting permit under Section 10. 3 of the Zoning Ordinance of
the City of St. Louis Park to Suburban Sign Company to erect a wall sign
78' x 6' on building at 6005 State Highway No. 7, having been read was
adopted by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present.
Request for Waiver of Setback Requirements of the Zoning Ordinance
Request of Suburban Sign Company, dated April 19, 1956 for a waiver
of setback requirements of the Zoning Ordinance to permit the west 48' of
above sign to extend clear to the north property line, was read.
On motion of Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, the
above request was granted by unanimous vote of all members of the Council
present.
Request for Waiver of Setback Requirements - By L. L. Charlson
Lynn L. Charlson 's written request for waiver of front yard setback
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance to permit a 23' setback at 2212 Glenhurst
Avenue, together with a sketch showing the layout, and petition approving same
signed by neighbors -- for the purpose of adding eight feet onto his garage
was presented by Councilman Ehrenberg.
On motion of Councilman Bolmgren, seconded by Councilman Jorvig,
the above request was approved as per sketch, by unanimous vote of all members
of the Council present.
Request for Permission for White Cane Drive - Minn. Organization of Blind
Request by Minnesota Organization of the Blind, dated April 18, 1956
for permission to have a White Cane Drive in St. Louis Park, June 7 or 8,
1956 was read. No action. We have no regulations governing this type of
drive. Clerk was directed to so advise them.
Notice of Hearing on Petition for Increase in Express Rates
Notice of hearing from Minnesota Railroad and Warehouse Commission
to be held on Wednesday, May 2, 1956, at 10. 30 A. M. in the Commission
Hearing Room, 470 State Office Building on the petition of the Deephaven Bus
Company, Inc. for an increase in express rates for the transportation of
passengers between Minneapolis, Deephaven, and Excelsior was read.
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Bolmgren,
the above notice was referred to the City Attorney to check and decide whether
we should take any part in this hearing, by unanimous vote of all members of
the Council present. _
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April 23, 1956
Communication from Meadowbrook Manor, 'Inc.
Letter from John C. Cassidy, Manager of Meadowbrook Manor, Inc.
concerning (1) Ornamental Street Lights --- Contractor doing the work has
on several occasions broken the wires, leaving them without lights; (2)
Sign and Planter erected by them behind existing curb line on their property
--- the City Engineer has advised that the new plan for Meadowbrook Boule-
vard and Meadowbrook Lane is to decrease! the size of the opening of both
of these streets onto Excelsior Boulevard was read.
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg,
this matter was deferred for one week to get information from the City
Engineer as to the status, of this matter, by unanimous vote of all members
of the Council present.
Letter Re: Abandoned Basement Home at 3256 Webster Avenue
Letter from C. J. Peterson, 3250 Webster Avenue, dated April 12,
1956 concerning the status of the City's program to eliminate basement homes,
particularly the one at 3256 Webster Avenue, was read.
On motion of Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg,
the above matter was referred to the City Attorney and City Clerk to advise
Mr. Peterson of the Council's position regarding this, by unanimous vote
of all members of the Council present.
Revised Preliminary Plat of Penn Realty Plaza Subdivision
Request for approval of a revised preliminary plat of Penn Realty
Plaza Subdivision by Penn Realty Company, dated April 19, 1956 was discussed.
It was moved by Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Jorvig
that action on this plat be deferred until Carl Gardner and Associates (City
Planners) have an opportunity to view the plat and made their recommendation,
with a time limit of deferral set for June 1st. Harlon Roy said some
platters have turned down this piece of ground and that the Council should
encourage Mr. Schwartz and not hold him up too long. Mayor Fernstrom
answered that the Council is doing what they can but want the use of the pro-
fessional opinion we have ordered this evening from Carl Gardner and Associates.
The above motion was restated by the Secretary and passed by unani-
mous vote of all members of the Council present.
Petition for Paving Zarthan Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets
Petition of Richard N. Motllestad, 2629 Yosemite Avenue and others,
received April 16, 1956 for the paving of Zarthan Avenue between 28th and
29th Streets was read.
On motion of Councilman Bolmgren, seconded by Councilman Jorvig
the above petition was referred to the Department of Public Works and
City Assessor's office for checking and report, by unanimous vote of all
members of the Council present.
51
April 23, 1956
Proposed Ordinance Establishing a Position Classification Plan
A proposed ordinance establishing a position classification plan, a
compensation plan, basic personnel policy and conditions of City Employment
was presented for consideration of the Council. Mr. Stabno, Union
Representative requested that action be deferred until May 7th --- after he
has met with members of the Union.
On motion of Councilman Wolfe, seconded by Councilman 'Davis, action
was deferred on above proposed ordinance to May 7, 1956 by unanimous vote
of all members of the Council present.
Resolution No. 237 --- Refunding Sewer Assessments
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg,
Resolution No. 237, REFUNDING MAIN TRUNK SEWER #2 AND 2-I SANITARY
SEWER #498 ASSESSMENTS to Arthur J. Finklea, 5124 Morningside Road on
Lots 17 and 18 (Wly 80'), Block 8, Browndale Addition for years 1954 and
1955 in the total amount of $105. 90, having been read by the Secretary, was
adopted by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present.
Request for 7' Ceiling - John Nevin --- 3810 Princeton
John Nevin was present and said that the City Building Inspector asks
for an 8' ceiling in basement and the present ceiling is 7'. To change to
an 8' ceiling would necessitate lifting of floor 1 ', cut all plumbing, etc. His
plan is to use this basement for office space and same will be air conditioned
and not unhealthy. There will be four offices in basement and four offices
on first floor.
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, the
Building Inspector was instructed to issue a remodeling building permit for
3810 Princeton, allowing for a 7' ceiling height in basement, by unanimous
vote of all members of the Council present.
Report of Committee of Whole Re: Annexation
Report of Committee of the Whole meeting held April 13, 1956 on
petitions for annexation of property in Minnetonka Township west of County
Highway No. 18 and north of Cedar Lake Road was read, approving same
subject to the legal status of the petitioners --- the City Attorney was asked
to check all the petitions and report which were in order and annexable,
was read.
It was moved by Councilman Ehrenberg, seconded by Councilman
Wolfe that action on this matter be deferred until May 14 and we have the
legal opinion from the City Attorney as to the legal status of petitions and
an opinion as to whether lot sizes on future plats submitted for this area
can be held-fer-deter *nation- 4ti-1- -get regulated by an ordinance adopted
after filing of application for approval of plat. Motion was passed by un-
animous vote of all members of the Council present.
52
i<
April 23, 1956
Report on St. Louis Park City Insurance - IBy Councilman Schadow
A written report by Councilman Schadow on insurance held by the
City, stating that our present method of handling the City's insurance through
Associated Agencies is the most effective, and outlining qualifications for
any licensed insurance agent to become a i member, was read.
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Bolmgren,
action on this matter was deferred to meeting of April 30, 1956, by unanimous
vote of all members of the Council present
Letter Re: Proposed Operation of Public Recreation Program by City
Letter from School Board regarding 'the proposed operation of the public
recreation program by the City, dated April 19, 1956, stating that they were
in general agreement with the plan, etc. was read and ordered filed.
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the
subject of Park and Recreation Board was ordered placed on the agenda for
April 30, for discussion, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council
present.
Letter Re: Cost of Gas Mains Relocations - Minneapolis Gas Company
Letters from the Minneapolis Gas Company dated April 13, 1956, re-
garding cost of gas mains relocations made necessary by changes in street
alignment or grade were read. A proposed letter by the City Manager to
the Minneapolis Gas Company in reply to their letters was read.
On motion of Councilman Wolfe, seconded by Councilman Davis, the
letter drafted by the City Manager to the Minneapolis Gas Company was
approved, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present.
I
Date of Council Meeting for Week of May 28
The City Manager reported that the (Council Meeting scheduled for May
28, 1956 conflicts with St. Louis Park day 'at Bloomington Stadium. On
motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg the meeting
scheduled for May 28 was canceled and matters to be taken up on that night
will be taken up at meeting of June 4, 1956, by unanimous vote of all
members of the Council present.
Re-sale Prices of Materials Purchased by Water Department
The matter of re-sale prices of materials purchased by the City Water
Department for re-sale --- meters, stop boxes, etc. was discussed. It was
moved by Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Bolmgren that the Water
Department be authorized to add 15% to the prevailing cost of material pur-
chased by them for re-sale to the public to cover cost of handling. Motion
was passed by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present.
Reinstatement after Leave of Absence - Le Rosy Freiborg
The matter of reinstatement after leave of absence for Armed Forces
of Le Roy Freiborg, a water department employee was presented to the
Council.
53-
April 23, 1956
Reinstatement After Leave of Absence, continued
On motion of Councilman Bolmgren, seconded by Councilman Wolfe,
the Council concurred with the recommendation of the City Manager to re-
instate Le Roy Freiborg as a City Employee with classification of Water
and Sewer Maintenance I, Step D at $160. 00 biweekly, effective April 24,
1956, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present.
Request for Variation of Denisty District Regulations of Zoning Ordinance
Request for variation of athe application of the density district
regulations of the City Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 15. 4) at Texas Avenue, to
permit construction of ag.e e within 9' of rear of house -- by Paul R.
Norby, was read.
On motion of Councilman Bolmgren, seconded by Councilman
Ehrenberg the above request for variation of the application of the density
district regulations of the Zoning Ordinance was granted, and the Building
Inspector was directed to issue building permit according to plans submitted,
by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present.
Comprehensive City Plan
(1) A resolution adopted by the Joint Committee of City Council
and Planning Commission acknowledging the need and advisability of pro-
fessional assistance in the preparation of a comprehensive City plan, and
recommending that the acceptance of the proposal of Carl Gardner and
Associates for this purpose be placed on the agenda of the City Council
for meeting of April 23, 1956, was read. (2) A resolution adopted by the
School Board on April 16, 1956, favoring and endorsing a long-range
program of City planning, was read. (3) The Mayor and City Manager
made a report 'on their visit with Mr. Gardner of Gardner and Associates,
stating that the price given in the proposal received from them was a firm
price -- the work and pay for same would come out of three years appro-
priation. Approximately $8, 000 to $10, 000 for 1956; $20, 000 for 1957,
and the balance in 1958.
Councilman Davis presented a resolution in favor of Carl Gardner
and Associates proposal, and after reading same, moved for its adoption.
Motion was seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg. Councilman Bolmgren
read a report prepared by him which was primarily in opposition to this
motion, stating that he would vote against the motion to adopt the resolution.
Councilman Davis spoke at length on his resolution and the hiring of Carl
Gardner and Associates for City planning. Councilman Wolfe thanked
Councilman Bolmgren for his splendid report, and then spoke in favor of
Councilman Davis's resolution, stating that after 24 years we should make
an appraisal of our zoning matters. The Secretary re-stated the above
motion to adopt resolution, and same was adopted by the following roll call
vote: Councilman Davis, yea; Councilman Ehrenberg, yea; Councilman
Jorvig, yea; Councilman Wolfe, yea; Mayor Fernstrom, yea; Councilman
Bolmgren, nay. (Resolution No. 238 Approving the Hiring of Carl Gardner
and Associates to Prepare a Comprehensive City Plan in Book 1 of Resolu-
tions).
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April 23, 1956
Bonds
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, the
following bonds which have been' approved by theCity Attorney were accepted
by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present:
Gas Installation Bond Northwestern Blaugas Company
Contractors Bond - J. N. Gleason --- for furnishing
liquid asphalt, plant mix, and other
road materials specified in contract
dated February 27, 1956.
Verified Claims 1
On motion of Councilman Bolmgren, seconded by Councilman Jorvig,
the list of verified claims prepared by the City Clerk and presented to the
Council, dated April 23, 1956 in the total amount of$13, 109. 99 for vendors
was approved, and the City Manager, City iClerk, and City Treasurer were
authorized to issue checks covering same, by the following roll call vote:
Councilman Bolmgren, yea; Councilman Davis, yea; Councilman Ehrenberg,
yea; Councilman Wolfe, yea; and Mayor Feirnstrom, yea.
Partial Payments on Contract Work
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Bolmgren,
the following payments on contract work, presented by the Director of Public
Works were approved, and the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Treas-
urer were authorized to issue checks for their respective amounts by unani-
mous vote of all members of the Council present:
PARTIAL PAYMENT CERTIFICATE NO. I
Water Main, Projects 55-107, 108, 109
Contractor, Wolff Construction Company
Contract Price, $38, 16,1. 35
Contract Date, January 9, 1956
Amount of this payment, $20, 208. 49.
PARTIAL PAYMENT CERTIFICATE NO. I
Pumps, Piping & Appurtenances, Wells 8, 10, 3
Contractor, Max Renner Well Company, Inc.
Contract Price, $40, 755. 80
Contract Date, February 10, 1956
Amount of this payment, $4, 865. 62.
Meeting Adjourned. '
On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, the
meeting was adjourned at 12:29 AM, April 24, 1956, by unanimous vote
of all members of the Council present. 1
,,,„
ATTEST: R. C. Fernstrom, Mayor
/ / /
AG. i4di _I__4 _ _-
Jose�•h Ju-f d, Secretary
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