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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975/02/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETIING February 74 + 1975 tinvoy Room of the Ambassador Motor The meeting was convencQunciat lmen . m. in the were present : Hotel , The following Rose -Mary Griak Richard Graves Lyle Hanks Seymour Druskin Keith Meland Leonard Thiel Frank Fleetham the Cit Manager , Planning Director , and Acting Secretary . Also present were Y PROPOSED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ave a brief introduction to the Community Development Program The City ManagerS process and reviewed the goals and objectives of the Programa esteducitizentparparticipation followed in preparing the program together with a suggproposed not The Manager further commented that the proposed work ookprogintodaccountrtheCe plan . improvements and t the local financial support for community p � need to stablize the tax rate and provide for those programs needed but not possible under current local resources . The general national objectives of the Community Development Actwereislativev intent and comments were made as ° local ThepManagerram sstatedethat certain funding in housing and other improvements . requirements needed to complete the NDP , open space acquisition plans , etce must be considered as priority projects because of replacement of these federally supported programs by the Community Development Block Grant Program . At the request of Councilman Druskin , the City Manager clarified the fact that Community Development funds cannot be used to lessen existing City efforts . He did note that Community Development funds can be used to supplement currently budgeted activities . After a discussion regarding possible areas which should be addressed by the Community Development program goals and objectives , the City Manager noted that written goals and objectives of the City currently do not exist . It was generally agreed that the nine goals as presented and the accompanying objectives were acceptable and worthy of achievement . Councilman Thiel stated that he is extremely concerned that funds are allocated for major thoroughfare projects to protect adjacent residential areas and that these funds be used to lessen the financial obligations of adjacent commercial properties , He suggested that this item be addressed in Goal V . Transportation . He further stated that he believes it is important to protect residential neighborhoods from encroachment and deterioratirn ; to encourage people to want to live in St . Louis Park ; to provide meaningful opportunities for employment and to upgrade and maintain existing facilities . 36 spur ial tountc i 1 Minutes , February 7 - 8 , 1975 CAnac. ilesn Cir iak stated that she agrees tttat cmeerclal areas should be upgraded , in &d4ittons silt? would like to see housing upgraded ; talms of the mobile city hall , .open bou"a , neighborhood meetings , etc . expanded ; leisure and recreation activities ( i e , canoeing $ 8110w8hoeing , speed skating , etc . ) appropriately addressed . She also stated that the City should attempt to develop a volunteer resource pool . In tespvMse to a question from Councilman Meland , the City Manager stated that the C it+ ' Development Program can be amended during the year . It was generally agreed that the Community Development Program should 'help to malntai. n and stabilize the City ' s tax base and ensure a viable community . Goals and ObjEctives Goal 1 . General Government and Administration ; Several members of the Council felt that the Mobile City Hall should be utilized more and efforts should be made to strengthen neighborhood contacts , possibly through the Community Relations Commission . Goal 11 . Equal Opportunity and Protection for Individuals and Property : It was agreed that the Comprehensive Plan should contain a humman service element and that this was essential to a comprehensive Community Development Program . Councilman Hanks felt that the work programs under the goals and objectives should not specify neighborhoods ( i , e . Westwood Hills , Twin Lakes , etc . ) either in regard to planning or in regard to blight . In response to a question from `Zayor Fleetham , the Planning Director stated that. this may be the time to consider a comprehensive plan for the triangle area as paving , curb and gutter is outlined in the 1976 Capital Improvement Program for that neighborhood . Goal V . Transportation : Councilman Thiel commented that he feels the City should try LO lessen the assessment for capital improvements in commercial areas and lessen , where possible , the environmental impact of commercial areas and transportation facilities on residential neighborhoods . Councilman Druskin questioned whether or not it would be feasible to specifically mention consideration of some type of transportation for the elderly . Councilman Thiel noted that a program of this ty- pe might be economically unfeasible for the City . Goal VII : Physical and Mental Well Being : Councilman Druskin stated that he would like some sort of work program included regarding better snow plowing . Goal VIII . Leisure and Recreation : Councilman Thiel questioned whether or not it was to the community ' s benefit to install new or upgrade existing wading pools . Goal L Social and Economic Development and Cultural Enrichment : Councilman City may wish to try to establish some type of cultural Druskin suggested that the service for residents to make available information on various culture coordinating e later date he would like to events _ Councilman Druskin also staed that at som discuss with the Council various methods of providing z support of business climate . Three Year Community Development Pro ram Goal 1 , ( Paye C - 1 ) : Councilman Thiel stated that the Council may wish to consider appropriating additional money for the Mobile City Hall . Goal. II ( Page C - 3 ) : Councilman Meland noted that because of the discontinuance of nary categorical grants , the City has virtually committed itself to spendins some community development funds on the NDP area . 17 Special Council Minutes , February 7 - 8 , 1975 P has been thinking about the _ 4 ; Councilman Druskin stated that he fund to Provide low Goal IV ( Page C to set up some type of revolving possibility of trying ouis Park in order to rehahitheaCityoguaranteeing interest loans to residents haveof banksprovide loan money , with One possibility might or subsidizing portions of the loan . Goal V . ( Page C - 4 ) : Councilman le iak stated that she felt more emphasis should be walks and more monies budgeted under that category * placed on side that he does not favor construction of Goal VIII ( Page C- 8 ) . Councilman Thiel stated a band shell in Shelard Park . • Councilman Druskin stated that he does not twould have tothat ebeity Goal IX . ( Page C - 9 ) _ Coun ment funds that should implement programs with Community Develop may wish He suggested that the City y funded from general tax tunies attoolatorimplement some community development programs . to use Community Education some type of list showing Councilman Meland requested that staff attempt to draw ped through other grant how much in Community Development rums or would be needed to complete programs begun with other federal grants . Pro g The meeting recessed at 12 : 25 p . m . The meeting reconvened on February 8 , 1975 at 9 : 10 a . m . in the Board Room . I - 394 : Councilman Thiel suggested that the City appoint a sub - committee of individual interested in I - 394 and thats - the City's representative on the I - 394 Citizens Committee hold meetings with this subcommittee to keep them up - to - date s for I - 394 . The City Manager stated that as soon as staff is able to find out when representatives to the citizens committee will be appointed by the State Highway Department , the Council will be notified . Five -Year FAU Program : In response to a question from Councilman Graves , the City Planner stated that Belt Line Boulevard might more easily be completed with State Aids Due to the nearby Bass Lake area , if it were to be done under FAU , an environmental impact statement would be needed . Councilman Griak requested that a pedestrian bridge be added at West 16th Street and County Road 18 frr 19-78 . The City Manager noted that the FAU program must be submitted by February 28 , 1975 . He also noted that the Council may wish to authorize engineering on some of these projects so it will be completed should funds become available . Councilman Graves stated that since these roads will have to be constructed some day , it may be well to begin the engineering . It was agreed by the Council to authorize staff to prepare and submit the Five Year FAU Pkogram as presented . with the addition of a pedestrian bridge at 16th and County Road 18 . Louisiana Avenue Extension - The Director of Public Works explained the plan for the Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue intersection . He noted that staff has met with the railroads and it is now necessary to proceed with a hearing before the Public Service Commission to discuss cost participation of the railroads in the total costs of this project . He also noted that the City may have to reorient the loading docks and / or parking areas at Cardinal Glass and M . L . Gordon Sash and Door as a result of Louisiana Avenue extension . Mr . Larry Gardner of Bather , Ringrose , Wolsfeld , gave a progress report on the bridge design and noted that the environmental impact statement has been submitted to the State . 38 gpecisl Council Minutes , February 7 - 8 , 1975 Th* Council agreed to authorize staff to set public hearings on this project . Staff vae also requested to send a letter to the City ' s legislators requesting thea to urge the Public Service Commission to consider this matter . RESOLUTION N0 , 5208 It was moved by Councilman Thiel , seconded by Councilman Graves , to waive reading and alopt Resolution No . 5208 entitled " Petition for Public Service Commission Hearing " . The motion passed 7 - 0 . The Cite Manager gave an up - date on the negotiations urith Park Properties and Mill City Plywood regarding the spur track south of Walker . It was moved by CouniIIman 'Thiel. , seconded by Councilman Hanks , to authorize staff to negotiate for the needed land and obtain necessary appraisals . The motion passed 6 - 0 - 1 ( Councilman Druskin abstained ) . Status of 1. 975 Paving Projects - The Director cf Public Works noted that staff is moving towards the completion of design work on the South Oak Hill project and as soon as information is available , it will be forwarded to the Council . Staff was requested to report back to the City Council with up - dated costs to provide the needed improvements in the West 28th Street area . Staff was also requested to investigate the feasibility of making a greenway rather than improving that street on Florida Avenue south of Cedar Lake Road . Groundwater Study ; Creosote Area - Councilman Meland suggested that words referring to pollution , etca be deleted from the study outline as presented . The City Manager stated that authorization was needed from the Council to submit this proposed study to the State Health Department and Pollution Control Agency for consideration . It was moved by Councilman Graves , seconded by Councilman Thiel , to permit staff to submit the study outline to the appropriate agencies . The motion passed 6 - 0 ( Councilman Druskin was out of the room ) . Fest 36th Street , Oxford Connection and Landscaping - The Director of Public Works explained the design for the roadway and pointed out existing and proposed parking areas . The Council agreed that the curb to curb design for West 36th Street was satisfactory . A representative from Bailey and Associates explained three alternatives CO providing landscaping / pedestrian facilities in this area . Councilman Thiel suggested that the location and need for bus shelters be verified through the MTC . In response to several questions from Councilman Druskin , the Finance Director explained the various financing involved with the landscaping alternz� tivey . Councilman Druskin questioned whether or not this type of improvement was appropriate for 36th Street or should be implemented in some other area . Councilman Griak and Graves both .felt that since the area has been deter torating and the street is currently under improvement , this appears to be the lol :tc. a =l time to implement other improvements . 39 inutes , February 7 - $ ) 1975 Special Council M lighting , maintenance , landscaping , The consultant answered several questions regarding etc . proceed with the preparation for the council agreed to authorize staff to plan * The City C designated intermediate landscaping P public hearing with the ussion on where sidewalks should be located th disc schools , etc . ) ; if they should Sidewalks - There was a lengthy routes to parks and i . e along major thoroughfares , how sidewalks could best be ( streets ; Councilman Thiel be placed on one or both sides onsible for snow removal . of sitting sidewalks financed ; and who would be pwish to consider a policy p the sidewalks suggested that the Council may hazard involved , requires the least right - of -way acquisition on one side ; unless there was a definite safety s were to be should be located on the sills . wHecfurther suggested that if sidewalk or the fewest retaining walls * the City could pay for one side and property put on both sidsidefsplitstreet , cost of the second sidewalk : owners on each said that snow removal and sidewalk maintinaresidential areas Counce wi ilman Hanks suggested that sidewalks difficult problem to resolve and be constructed at a maximum width of four feet * was requested to prepare the following information forCedar Lake Council andlconsion one dsideion : Staffq ( 1 ) constructing sidewalks on the north S1dardf where needed , with the City paying ( preferably the north ) of Minnetonka Boule , of the one - half the cost of the sidewalk and the properties a. longructineach slaesidewalk on street splitting the other one -half of the cost , ( 2 ) cons g the north side of Excelsior Boulevard from Brunswick to Meadowbrook Road utilizing the same financing principle . The Council agreed to authorize staff to proceed with establishing dates for sidewalk public hearings and requested that staff prepare graphics in order to adequately explain the proposals . Bicentennial - Councilman Thiel stated that he does not favor having individuals who are seeking elective office on the City ' s Bicentennial Committee . The Council agreed that this was a reasonable proposal . it was agreed that the Council Bicentennial Committee would meet at 6 : 30 p . m . on February 20 , 1975 to organize a City Bicentennial Committee . Mayor Fleetham noted that the proprietors of the proposed theatre at Shelard Park may be willing to donate the receipts from their grand opening to the City ' s Bicentennial efforts . Advisory Boards / Commissions ; Rotating Chairmanships - Councilman Druskin stated that since the resolution was adopted requiring chairmanships on advisory boards and commissions to rotate , he has been contacted by representatives of several commissions stating that they feel that boards and commissions should be able to determine their own otganization . For this reason , he is no longer in support of rotating chairmanships . He noted that he will bring this item up at the February1 $ ' 1975 Council meeting . Councilman Graves stated that he feels there is a problem if one person tends to dominate the commission and other members begin relying too much on the chairman for actions . 40 Special Council Minutes , February 7 - 8 , 1975 Scheduling of Meetings with Commissions -- It was agreed to meet with the Charter Conmissien. on Monday , February 17 , 1975 at 8 : 00 p . m . and with the Human Rights Commission that same evening at 9 : 30 p . m . Oak Park Village ; Status Report - The City Planner noted that the HRA would like to udverclse for proposals for this area during March . He then explained various concepts for developing the site . The Council agreed that of all the alternatives except for Alternative 2A , were acceptable for proposal consideration . The Council agreed to meet on March 3 , 1975 at 7 : 30 p . m . with the HRA . Acme Site PUD - The City Planner explained the characteristics of the site and showed alcernatives for development . He noted that this item will soon be on the Council agenda for preliminary consideration . Councilman Hanks suggested that these alternatives might be shown at the Minikanda Oaks meeting on February 11 , 1975 . Housing Assistance Program - The City Planner outlined the steps necessary for developing a Housing Assistance Program and noted that staff hopes to have it completed for Council action within two to three weeks . Development Districts - Councilman Graves suggested that the City may be able to aid a private developer in obtaining land in order to properly develop the Model Block under one ownership . It was moved by Councilman Thiel , seconded by Councilman Graves , to refer the Development District Concept to the Planning Commission for review and comment . The motion passed 7 - 0 . I . lncoln Del Proposal - The City Manager explained the proposal recently submitted by the Lincoln Del for redevelopment of their property and the surrounding ' area . He showed several alternatives for possible development submitted by the Lincoln Del. representatives . He further explained that the representatives of the Lincoln Del would like to work with the City in redeveloping the entire area . Councilman Druskin noted that this is an opportunity to improve the entire area which has started to deteriorate . The Council agreed to meet at 7 : 00 p . m . on February 25 , 1. 975 with representatives of Lincoln Del to discuss the proposal . Schedul. in S .) er_ ia_ 1 Council Me-g - 7t was moved by Councli twan. Graves , seconded by Councillllan Hanks , to meet from 6 #o30 to 10 : 30 p . m . on Monday , February 10 , 1975 . The motion, passed 7 - 0 . Cotinc i l- man LNel. and left the meet- ing . Coun. c: f Lrnao Drtaskl. n tlien recalledthat he cor.i .a_ a' ' not atte ►_ :. the neer i_i:ig nn Monday night and Hlrggcasted that i. t be rescheduled • , ' It a" mtencatc l � con �eej- in �lltim A r occonded by Councilman `1' hie .l. , that therCounc , . _ __ S ( 0 _ a 5 ; `i0 l ) . in . opt. 'L' uc' sc1 <�. y , i'' ebru �� ry 11. , 1. 975 • The motion. passed 6 - 0 ( Councilman ML-A.- u Wri Ej r. ic � i i) re' sC� t11. ) . Pry► vent' tGcl Fund .' k� e C• .-1- ty Manager gave a brief ief :summary Of the f unction Of cr �Cri.ine F' r �► vcbntJott Fund xL' was n. i; reed to talk about this matter farther itt L1tc: `l,, uro �j (jjjy meeting , 'February 11 , 1 . 975 41 Minutes , February 7 - 8 , 1975 Special Council Manager stated that the state The City a polo to • Food Service Polic Wish to adopty Sunday Li uor Licenses , food service requirements at licensed regarding food service and the inuncil may law is vague g give sufficient direction to staff eralnexamples of situations that could e g . He gave several liquor establishments inter interpreted as violations of the food service law . • be required P q • regarding what types of entrees which soul that food After a lengthy discussion reg g it was generally which food should be served , liquor and the. hours during able on Sundays at establishments with Sunday Q service should be avail • 1 10 : 00 p . m . and that there should be a minimum of licenses from 12 : 00 Noon untl modifications , it was generally agreed three entrees available . With these two regulations submitted to the Council were satisfactory * that the proposed g Food Service Po for Liquor - After a lengthy discussion regarding reasonable Y Q percentage of the floor space guidelines for food service and whether or not a P it was establishment should govern the amount of food servFcbruaQrul11 ) 1975o in the evening , e Y agreed to discuss this matter further on Tuesday g � stated that Harold Aretz of the Miracle Mile Liquor Violation - The City Manager Miracle Mile Liquor Store had plead guilty to owning moreatterrWilllbelpla � ed on licenses than is permitted by law . He stated that this m a future Council agenda for action . The meeting was adjourned at 5 : 25 p . m . i MayorrankG . Fleetham r . , At$.e a-t : A4," IZ 1% 4 Susan Workman , Actg . Secretary I' 42