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Home My WebLink About1956/05/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular 61 , May 7, 1956 COUNCIL MEETING --- MAY 7, 1956 A regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor R. C. Fernstrom at 8:18 P. M. The following Councilmen were present at roll call: Councilman Davis Councilman Ehrenberg Councilman Jorvig Councilman Schadow Councilman Wolfe Also present were the City Manager, City Attorney, and Secretary. Minutes On motion of Councilman Ehrenberg, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the minutes of meeting held April 30, 1956 were approved, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Hearing on Petition for Rezoning Pursuant to notice published in the St. Louis Park Dispatch April 19, 1956, a public hearing was had on the petition of Philip Starkey and others for the rezoning of Lots 1 and 2, Block 69, St. Louis Park Addition known as 3850 Brunswick Avenue, from Residential Use District to Multiple Dwelling Use District. The City Planning Commission's report dated May 2, 1956 on this petition approving same, was read. Robert Matzke, 3870 Alabama Avenue was present and asked what was to be done. Mr. Starkey who was also present explained that the present building is to be remodeled for apart- ments. PROPOSED ORDINANCE On motion of Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, the Secretary was directed to make a first reading of proposed ordinance amend- ing the Zoning Ordinance of the City of St. Louis Park --- rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 69, St. Louis Park Addition from Residence Use District to Multiple Dwelling Use District. On motion of Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, May 14, 1956 was set a date for second reading of above proposed ordinance, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Request for Permission to Erect a Church Directional Sign Request for permission to erect a church directional sign on city prop- erty at the NW corner of Wooddale Avenue and Oxford Street --- by Union Congregational Church was read. On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Wolfe the above request was granted subject to right of City Council to withdraw per- mission at any time, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present.' 62 May 7, 1956 Petitions On motion of Councilman Schadow, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the following petitions having been read were referredi to the Director of Public Works and City Assessor by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present: - P-1648 Petition for sanitary sewer in West 38th Street from Princeton Avenue to Ottawa Avenue - by E. L. Bristol and others. P-1650 Petition for sanitary sewer in Princeton Avenuefiasom Excelsior Boulevard to 38th Street - by Robert Arter and others. Request to Change Signature on Petition Request of Le Roy E. Miles, 3349 Sumter Avenue, dated May 3, 1956, to change his signature on petition opposing sidewalk on the east side of Sumter Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, to petition favoring the improvement was read. On motion of Councilman Wolfe, seconded by Councilman Schadow, the above request was referred to the Director of Public Works and City Assessor, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Request for Approval of Permit for Industrial Building Request by R. A. Penny for approval of issuance of a building permit for construction of an industrial building on Lot 4, Block 45, St. Louis Park Addition (5721 West 36th Street) was discussed. On motion of Councilman Ehrenberg, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the Building Inspector was authorized to issue permit for construction of above building, subject to compliance with all city ordinances and codes, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Application for On-Sale Liquor License Application by J. Philip Jordan for an on-sale liquor license to be used at 7201 Minnetonka Boulevard (Park Tavern) was read. Attorney Herbert P. Lefler appeared and spoke for the applicant. Said if the Council is going to give any more on-sale liquor licenses that they should be given to applicants known to them. If granted, the business would then be a six- day business -- at present the 3. 2 beer business is carried on seven days a week. On motion of Councilman Schadow, seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg, the above application for an on-sale liquor license was referred to the Com- mittee of the Whole by affirmative vote of all members of the Council present except Councilman Wolfe who voted no. Communications Re: Pending Action on Annexation Communications from Adolph Fine and Sam Segal concerning their petitions for annexation of their properties in Minnetonka Township to the City of St. Louis Park were read. On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg, the letters of Mr. Fine and M . Segal were referred to the Committee of the Whole, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. 63 May 7, 1956 Petition for Rezoning Petition by Leonard C. Swedlund and Stanley A. Echlund, dated May 3, 1956 for the rezoning of Lots 11 and 12, Home Addition, from Open Development Use District to Multiple Dwelling Use District, and from "A" Density to "D" Density was read. Gil Chandler, representing Ecklund and Swedlund was present and stated that no definite plans have been made for the use of this property at this time --- they would like to have it rezoned so that future plans can be made. This property is located on the NW Corner of Nevada Avenue and Cedar Lake Road. On motion of Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Schadow, the above petition was referred to the Planning Commission for advice and recommendation, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Request for Special Zoning Exception to Permit Location of A Sign Request for special zoning exception to permit the location of a 9' x 11 ' ground mounted sign at 3712 Quebec Avenue (Wilson's Drive-in), by Seven-Up Bottling Company was read. On motion of Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, the above request was referred to the Planning Commission for advice and recom- mendation, by affirmative vote f of all members of the Council present except Councilman Schadow who voted no. Re: Request for Permission to Use Property for Boarding Care Home A. D. Pieri, attorney for Mary Harris, owner of property at 3047 Toledo Avenue appeared. He was advised that the Council took this matter up at the May 7th meeting and directed the City Manager to enforce the ordinance pertaining to 3047 Toledo Avenue. After discussion, Mr. Piero was asked to check with the Fire Marshal to find out his requirements and bring his findings back to Councilman Ehrenberg who will meet with him and some of the neighbors. Re: Proposed Ordinance Establishing Rules for City Personnel, Etc. The matter of a proposed ordinance establishing a position classification plan, a compensation plan, basic personnel policy and conditions of city employment was presented for discussion. Stanley Stabno, Business Repres- entative for Local Employees Union was present and called attention to the recommendations made by the Union which were given to all Council members. All Councilmen present concurred that Mr. Stabno and City Manager Chenoweth should meet and go over this matter together, and after something definite is arrived at to present recommendations to the Council for study and action. Re: Rules and Regulations for Purchase of Insurance A proposed resolution prescribing rules and regulations for the purchase of insurance by the City was read and discussed. The City Manager was directed to redraft said resolution, incorporating the several recommendations given during discussion and place same on the agenda for the May 14th meeting. ,1 64 vat May 7, 1956 Resolution No. 240 On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, Resolution No. 240, authorizing condemnation proceedings for the acquisi- tion of Lot` 9, Block 1, Del Monte Heights Addition to St. Louis Park, the reading of which was waived by unanimous consent of all members of the Council present, was adopted by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Proposed Ordinance The reading of proposed ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Licensing Private Guaads and Watchmen was waived by unanimous consent of all members of the Council present. Various sections of this proposed ordinance were discussed. On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Schadow, the City Attorney was asked to re-write several paragraphs of proposed ordinance for clarification, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Planning Commission's Report on Request for Exception to Zoning Ordinance Planning Commission's report dated May 2, 1956 on the request of Ernest Margulas, Contractor for an exception to the Zoning Ordinance re- quiring 60' lot widths at the SW corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and West 29th Street was read, approving same. On motion of Councilman Schadow, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the above request was granted as recommended by the Planning Commission, by the following roll call vote ---- Councilman Davis, yea; Councilman Jorvig, yea; Councilman Schadow, yea; Councilman Wolfe,, yea; Mayor Fernstrom, yea; Councilman Ehrenberg, nay. Planning Commission's Report on-Petition for Vacation of Street Planning Commission's report dated May 2, 1956 on the petition of C. Stanley Kessler and Herbert H. Shellenberger for vacation of street be- tween 4257 and 4321 Brookside Avenue, approving same with provisions des- cribed therein, was read. On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the above matter was referred to the Director of Public Works to determine if the recommendation of the Planning Commission can be concurred with, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Planning Commission's Report on Request for Special Permit to Build Addition to Building Planning Commission's report on request of Barlow Realty Company for a special permit to build an addition to building on Lots 4 and 5, Bassford's Addition (4317, - 19, 21 Excelsior Boulevard) to be used for commercial 111 purposes,- approving same, was read with setback of not less than 20 feet from Joppa Avenue. On motion of Councilman Wolfe, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, a permit for above was approved, permitting a setback of not less than 20 feet from Joppa Avenue, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. 85 May 7, 1956 Planning Commission's Report on Request for Special Use Permit Planning Commission's report dated May 2, 1956 on second referral of the request of Park Assembly of God Church for a special use permit under Section 10. 3-33 of the City Zoning Ordinance for the purpose of constructing a church at corner of Minnetonka_ Boulevard and Gettysburg Avenue, recommend- ing that same be denied according to plans submitted, was read. Reverend Wm. Wacker was present. Councilman Jorvig explained why the Planning Commission recommended denial of permit. On motion of Councilman Wolfe, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the above request for a special use permit for the purpose of constructing a church at corner of Minnetonka Boulevard and Gettysburg Avenue was denied, by un- animous vote of all members of the Council present. Planning Commission's Report on Petition for Rezoning Planning Commission's report dated May 2, 1956 on the petition of Emil A. Ferch and others for rezoning Lots 4 and 5, Block 46, St. Louis Park Addition from Multiple Dwelling Use District to Light Industrial Use District was read, denying same. On motion of Councilman Ehrenberg, seconded by Councilman Davis, the above petition was denied as recommended by the Planning Commission, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. • Planning Commission's Report on Request for Special Permit to Erect Contractor's Storage Yard and Office Planning Commission's report upon the request of R. W. Giertsen for special permit pursuant to Section 10. 1-7 of the Zoning Ordinance for the loca- tion of a contractor's storage yard and office building at Webster Avenue and St. Louis Avenue (north half of Block 27, Rearrangement of St. , Louis Park), approving same, was read. The City Attorney stated that a special permit is not needed and suggested that Mr. Giertsen apply for a regular building permit. Financial Report for Period Ending March 31, 1956 The City Manager presented the financial report of the City of St. Louis Park for period ending March 31, 1956. On motion of councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Wolfe, said financial report was ordered placed on file, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Legal Opinion Re: Claims for Damages The legal opinion of the City Attorney with respect to claims for damages by Mrs. Lorraine Steeber, 3308 Webster Avenue, and Richard Kappes, 3312 Webxter Avenue, to their respective residences on account of backing up of the sanitary sewer, was read, recommending that damages in the amount of $30. 00 be paid in each case. On motion of Councilman Wolfe, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the above claims were approved as recommended by the City Attorney, and the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Treasurer were authorized to issue checks covering same, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. 66 May 7, 1956 Reports f of Department Heads On motion of Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg, the following reports of City Department Heads for April, 1956 were read and ordered filed, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present: Animal Fire Police Justice of Peace - Linnee Justice of Peace - Yngve Park and Recreation Board By unanimous consent of all members of the Council present, discussion of Park and Recreation Board was deferred to meeting of May 414, 1956. Agreement to Use Texa-Tonka Parking Lot for Detour An estimate of cost prepared by the Director of Public Works for patch- ing and sweeping the parking area in Texa-Tonka Shopping Center in the total amount of $125. 00 was read. On motion of Councilman Schadow, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the Mayor and City Manager were authorized to execute an agreement for the City with Adolph Fine for the use of the Texa-Tonka parking area as a detour during paving operations on Minnetonka Boulevard, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Action on Award of Contract for Improvement #56-4 Deferred The matter of awarding the contract for the construction of grading, paving and sidewalk --- Improvement #56-4 (Dakota Avenue approximately from West 33rd Street to the Minneapolis, Northfield and Southern Railroad tracks) was presented to the Council. Mr. Davenport of Minneapolis, North- field and Southern Railroad was present and said that his Company plans on raising the tracks at this point. He was advised to see the City Engineer about this on Tuesday, May 8th. On motion of Councilman Ehrenberg, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, action on awarding of contract for Improvement #56-4 was deferred to metting of May 14th, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Agreement for Architectural Services On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg, the Mayor and City Manager were authorized to execute agreement for the City with Brandhorst and Leadholm for architectural services in connection with erection of Pump House at Well #8, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Preliminary Draft of Codification of City Ordinances The first four chapters of the preliminary draft of codification of City Ordinances were presented, and discussed. No action taken at this time. 67 May 7, 1956 Resolution No. 241 On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Schadow, Resolution No. 241, setting May 21, 1956 as date of hearing on proposed curb and gutter construction, Improvements 56-5 to 56-14 inclusive, and proposed sidewalk construction, Improvements 56-15-21 inclusive, which have been recommended by the City Engineer at estimated costs respectively set forth therein, having been read by the Secretary, was adopted by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Employment of Engineering Aid I The request of Director of Public Works for the employment of an Engineering Aide I, was read. On motion of Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, Gene E. Schurman was employed at Engineering Aide I, Range 13, Step B, at $152. 00 bi-weekly, effective May 14, 1956, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. Bonds On motion of Councilman Schadow, seconded by Councilman Jorvig, the following bonds which have been, approved by the City Attorney were accepted by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present: Plumbing Morris L. Katz " S. J.- Scherer Request for Permit to Hold Carnival - VFW Cyril Doyle representing the St. Louis Park VFW was present and requested a permit to hold a carnival on May 22-30, 1956 at Monk Avenue and Highway #7 (SS of #7) . He was advised that no permit would be needed but an insurance policy will and that he should give same to the City 'Attorney for approval before the carnival date. i� ,/j-- _ Via.- 6f` Verified Claims '- On motion of Councilman Jorvig, seconded by Councilman Ehrenberg, the list of verified claims prepared by the Director of Finance and presented to the Council, dated May 7, 1956 in the total amount of $36, 525. 29 for vendors were approved, and the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Treasurer were authorized to issue checks covering same, by the following roll call vote: Councilman Davis, yea, Councilman Ehrenberg, yea; Councilman Jorvig, yea; Councilman Schadow, yea; Councilman Wolfe, yea; and Mayor Fernstrom, yea. Meeting Adjourned On motion of Councilman Wolfe, seconded by Councilman Schadow, the meeting was adjourned at 12:56 A. M. , May 8, 1956, by unanimous vote of all members of the Council present. R. C. Fernstrom, Mayor ATTEST: Jos ph J'tad, Secretary