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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978/09/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regularl. 2. 3. 4. MINUTES CI'I'1' COUNCIL MEETING ST, LOUIS PARK, MIN�ESOTA September 18, 1978 . . Certificate o Appreciation - President Pro Tem Backes stated ___---- Rose-Mary Utne had been called out of town unexpectedly and could not �e present to personally receive the Certificate of Appreciation pre- pared in recognition of her dedicated years of service to the residents of St. Louis Park as Councilman (1971-1978) and as an expression of gratitude f or her concern for and total commitment to the community. He continued that with Council permission, the plaque would be properly presenCed to Ms. Utne. Introduction - President Pro Tem Backes introduced and welcomed Councilman John Ralles, Fourth Ward Councilman. He continued he had been administei-ed the Oath of Of f ice on September 11, and has thus far participated in three special Council meetings. Councilman Ralles thanked the said he would devote as much a better community in which t Call to Order Invocation Roll Call Council time as o live. for making him its choice and possible in making St. Louis Park A regular called to meeting of the Ci�y Council was order by President Pro Tem Backes at 7:40 p.m. No invocation was given. The following Councilmen were present at roll call: Ronalcl Bacices John Ralles Keith Meland Also present were the City Manager, City Attorney, Director of Public Works. A roval of Minutes Martha Elstrom Lyle Hanks Jerrold Martin Director of Planning and It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman I-�anlcs, to aPprove �he minutes of the s ecial Ci�y Council meetings held Augusf the P • and the minutes o and September 5�tld>Se tember 5, 1978. tneetin�; he P regu1ar The motion passed by a majority vote. C1ty Counc il ►n:tnul��, 5�p tetnber 18, 1978 5 , �'j� r. ov� •1-. of A ,encla t ion P�s s�d 6-0 , �� Wa� m�v�� by Counc3lman Meland, seconded by to apprvve the con�ent agenda ��tln�il.man �tanks, 1978 � �$ presented. ' rox SepCe1nber 18, The mo 5econded by Councilman Martin, to appr.ove It w��s moved by Cciunc�lman jl�n�«' additions: 10e, �ember 18, 7.978� WiGh �h� �ollowing ortin Cit d for S�P� • lld Resolution supp g y the a�en � TraL Eic 5tucly Idalio Avenue/We�o arbirratiion. � of Riclif ield �pP�a�- relaLing The moCion passed 6-0. 6a. Im rovement 78-�►1; Excelsior Boulevard Sidewalk PUBLIC HEARINGS Improvement No. 78-41, s3dewalk, north side of Excels3.or Boulevard, Methodist Hospital to Brunswi.ck Avenue, as described in Notice of Hearing published September 6 and 13, 1978. R. Donald Hawlr.inson, 4118 Linden Hills Boulevard, stated Stella Hawkinson, 3997 arid 3999 Dakota �venue, is no� in favor ot.�hWalk willl lacetthe£ollowing reasons: The ten feet required for boulevard/side P sidewa1k very close to the building; the number of pedestrians observed in the area does not appear to warrant a sidewalk; it would not appear necessary to facilitate access to the bus stops for hospital employees in that the bus stops are located in front of the hospital; there are no retail areas nearby; he also e�cpressed concern about the expense and maintenance. In respons� to President Pro Tem Backes, the Director of Public Works stated he had not meC with the property owner. He added an existing fence must be relocated; the engineering survey did not indicate the proposed sidewalk loca.tion would interfere with existing buildings. Councilman Hanks noted that Ms. Hawkinson was permitted for street right of way. at the time of the street construction, to retain existing head-in parking in exchange It was moved by Councilman Hanks, seconded by Councilman Meland, to continue the hearing to October 4, 1978, and that staff report on the distance between the buildings and the sidewalk plus County participation in the project f und ing . The City Manager explained the County is currently £ormulating its 1979 budget; the City wi11 submit an app lication for funds, but a commitment cannot be expected until January, 1979. Councilman Hanks suggested staff also determine whether the County wo�Id consider and fund a sidewalk located at the curb line. Gerald Dokka, representing Methodist Hospital, noted the proposed sideWalk would abut 125 front feet of hospital property and asked how the assess�n� would be determined. The Gity Manager explafned the cost of the improvement would be asses�e� t0 abutting properties. City Council minutes, September 18, 1978 i, . , ,,,,� �a�k Chrlsty, 3 9 Dakota .Avenue, explained that when the h�s it V P al ,:as built 20 Years ago, a portion of her property was required for street � �igFtr of way; she was assessed $5,000 for street improvements. She did not concur with the present plan which would require an additional ten fee � t and an additiona assessment. She was also concerned that in ac uiring ' ro erties p , 9 residential p p , the hos ital would be destroying the residentia2 . character of the ne g borhood. She explained a chain link fence exists 4.5 feet from the curb; the plan also requires removal of bushes and trees, and the sidewalk will lie within a short diszance of her garage. . �}�e Pres. Pro Tem note the hospital has revised its plan for the residential properties it owns; he also suggested.the City could consider diminishing the width of the boulevard. Mr. Jack Christy stated the City has not maintained the street right of way. Councilman Hanks explained the normal procedure is that the property owner maintains his right of way up to the curb; upon sidewalk installation, the subj ect right of way will be maintained by the City. The motion passed 6-0. 6b. Park National Bank; Resolution No. 6109 6c. bd. Application for registered land survey,Park National Bank, Highway 12/Vernon Avenue, as described in Notice of Hearing published September 6, 1978. ' There being no one wishing to speak, the President Pro Tem declared the hearing closed. Ir was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by reading and adopt Resolution No. 6109, entitled for registered land survey." The motion passed 6- 0. Shelard Vacation Councilman Hanlcs, to waive "Resolution giving approval P etition of Shelard Companies and Darrel,Farr to vacate public utility easements, Lot 1, Block l, Shelard Park, As described in Notice o� Hearing published August 30, 1978. There being no one wishing �o spealc, President hearing closed. It was moved by Councilman Hanks, seconded by first reading ot the ordinance and set s�cond The motion Ho=�. Ex ansion passed 5-0-1 (Presidenl; ermi�t�.n8 eXpansion Ordinanee Code amendm�nt�P as single-family houses, o£ n,onconforniing ublished describ�d :Ln Notice o� Hearin8 P Au�uet 30, 1978. .. Pro Tem Bnckes declared the Councilman Elstrom, reading f or October Pro Tem �ackes abatained). to waive 4, 1978. � City Council minutes, no one wisliing t� There being hearing closed. speak, It was moved by Councilman Hanks, first reading of ordinance and set The motion passed 6-0. 6e. Variance, 7240 Cedar Lake Road PETITIONS 7. None. 8a. Highway i2; Resolution No. 6110 September 18, 197$ the President Pro Tem declared rhe seconded by Councilman Elst�om, to waive second reading for October 4, 1978. Request of Sol's Superette for variance at 7240 Cedar Lake Roadr noticee�ublishedapplicant, hearing cancelled pe P September 13, 1978• ESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES adopt Resolution No. H�ghway 12 corridor Resolution authorizing participation in Highway 12 corridor task forces. It was moved by Councilman Elstrom, seconded by Councilman Meland, Co waive reading and � 6110, entitled "Resolution authorizing participation in task forces." The motion passed 6-0. 9a. Housin Authority REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Minutes of Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting held September 12, 1978. There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered to be received for f iling. 9b. Community Relations Co�ission 9c. Human Rights Commission ...,... _ r-.r.....,�...�_. Minutes of Community Relations Commission meeting held August 10, 1978. There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered to be received for filing. Minutes of Human Rights Commission meeting held August 16, 1978. There being no discussion, the minutes caet�e ordered to be received for filing. � W' �.ity Counril minutes, SEpteniber 18, I978 ,:.1 • I', � . �,' �' i_y �., -..;ission _ _.- 9�, TXaf f ic Stud}� 181; - Resolution No. 6111 � riinutes o£ Planning Commission meetings held September 6, 1978 (two}. There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered to be received for filing. Traffic Study No. 181; West 41 Street and Alabama Aveaue. , In response to Councilman Hanks, the City Manager explained the neighborhood requested four-way stop signs; staff recor�ends the placement of two-way stop signs. It was moved by Councilman Aanks, seconded by Councilman Martin, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6111, entitled "Resolution authorizing placement of signs for traffic control at intersection of West 41 Street and Alabama Avenue," and directing staff to review the intersection in 90 days to determine if f our-way stop signs are warranted. The motion passed 6-0. 9f. Txaffic Study 182; Resolution No. 6112 Traff ic Study No. 182; Natchez Avenue between Excelsior Boulevard and Vallacher Avenue. Councilman Hanks summarized the staff report for the benefit of the audience. He explained the recommendation before the Council was to replace the one-hour parlcing limit on Natchez Avenue with no parking from Excelsior Boulevard to Vallacher Avenue. T.M. Jacobson, 3901 Natchez Avenue, explained the disturbance to the neighborhood occurs mainly on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights. He suggested it may Ue appropriate to consider parking restrictions for Vallacher Avenue in the future. It was moved b Councilman Hanks seconded by Councilman Martin, to waive � � y �6112 entitled "Resolution amending reading and adopt Resolution No. � Resolution No. 3850 authorizing placement of signs for trafficamendedlton Natchez Avenue from Excelsior Boulevard tC1ia11�a�nag�rAshall�continue to study include "Be it further resolved that the relate to adjacent residential parking problems in the area and as they streets." for the convenience of the residents, parking Councilman Elstrom wondered 1f� hours. could be allowed during the day Mr o son stated the area only contains two residences and the owners . Jac b favor the proposed restrictions. The motion pas5ed 6-�• � 3934 Ottawa Avenue, stated the Later in the meeting, Phillip E• 0'Brien, neighborhood is particularly concerned with the oP eration of certain ard which attract tlndesirable ejW�11tpetition sibly businesses on Excelsior Boulev �S being organized which illegal activities. He said a grouP �ior to the renewal of the Council to consider regulating these businesses p licenses in the coming year. ;<1 �, 3 __ ., ,,..._ _:'� 9g. \ City Council minutes, September 18, 1978 Hanks stressed that if the neighUorhood group has Council.man i�, should be presented to the evidence of illegal activities, sta ff immediately and not at license renewal in December. specif ic Council and esident Pro Tem Backes asked Mr. 0'Brien to arrange an appointment with Pr • • f abling the City to investigate the the City Manager and the Pollce Chle en char es prior to addressing the Council at license renewal. g Mr. 0'Brien explained prior to meeting with Traffic Study 183 he would prefer to organize the neighborhood group the City Manager. Traffic Study No. 183; Yosemite Avenue between Excelsior Boulevard and West 39 5treet. Councilman Hanks explained the parking problem appeared to be intensified due to the occupancy of several vacant buildings in the area and the filling station on the corner which has trucks parked in the area. He explained the staff recommendation which would disallow parking on Yosemite Avenue to 550 feet north of Excelsior Boulevard from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and wondered if the residents agreed with the proposal. David Foty, 3956 Yosemite Avenue, explained the neighborhood f eels by � preventing on-street parking, the traff ic will increase both in numbers and speed. He also felt many persons travel Yosemite and other neighborhood streets to avoid traffic lights on their way to Shopper's City. He explained the traffic also poses a threat to his children as they play in the street.. He suggested the following alternatives: 1) the creation of a deadend or barricade behind the point where the Pizza Hut and Shell Station are located. He admitted, however, this would force the traffic to use Zarthan Avenue; 2) barricade the street diagonally, diverting traffic, similar to s�me streets in southwest Minneapolis; 3) extend the median on Excelsior Boulevard beyond Yosemite Avenue. Douglas Horn, 3952 Yosemite Avenue, concurred with Mr. Foty. He also noted the signs which are to prevent heavy trucks from using these s�reets are inef f ective. Councilman Hanks agreed additional signs banning heavy vehicles are needed at the periphery of the area leading to the residential streets. He noted the traffic count of 450 vehicles per day on Yosemite Avenue does not exceed what is expected on a residential street; however, he concurred that a prohibition of parking could increase vehicular speed. He also felt the Council must reject any alternatives which would shift the traff ic to the other residential streets. Mrs. Sand, 3945 Yosemite Avenue, said she realized the trucks to travel Yosemite Avenue but e�lained it is by school buses, for funerals and by semi trailers . necessity for fire also frequently utilized It was moved by Councilman Hanks seconded b Councilman Martin, to table the item allowing the Engineering Departmentyto evaluate the proposals and recouunend alternatives which more meet the criteria of the neighborhood, for review by the neighborhood. The motion passed 6-0. ;. �� _...,�-� .,. �cre�t � � : . r'�-� � � r.tin City Council minutes, September 18, 1978 � West 22 Street/Nevada Avenue street lighting. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded 1iy . Councilman Meland, to approve installation.of rWo overhead street lights in the vicinity of West 22 Street and Nevada Avenue and assess the excess construction cost to each property owner propartionately according to the number of units in each complex. The motion passed 6-0. g�, Meadow Tree; &esolution No. 6113 9j. 10a. Final plat approval of revised Meadow Tree Addition consisting of five lots (tabled September 5, 1978). The City Manager announced a cashier's check for the required subdivision bond had been presented to the City on September 18, 1978. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to remove the item from the table. The motion passed 6-0. It was moved by Counc ilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6113, entitled "Resolution giving approval for final plat of Meadow Tree Addition." The motion passed 6-0. Project Costs City Manager's Certificate of total improvement proj ect costs. ' There being no discussion, the Certificate was ordered to be received for filing. � Appointments UNFINI5HED BUSINESS Appointments commissions. to City advisory boards and It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Maxtin, to d�fer rea o m nt to the Police Civil 5ervice Commission to SeptemUer 25, 1978. pp int e The motion passed 6-0. Counci1man Hanks re ferred to the vacancy in Council alt��n�r�l�e°WouldIInotifYf Zoning Appeals and said if he is unab1ei8o �ac�n� a m��t g' a Council re�resentative to aL-tend �n h P lOb. Nature Center; Resolution No. G114 and-explained the proposed as indicated on Alternative Land acquisition Westwood Hill�$E55)ronmental Education Centex iM� & �• No. The City Manag�r exiYibi.����i,nalPparcel reduction in the size of the 2 o f tl�e report . rhe area required City Council minutes, SePtember In response to questions, he stated it had buildings on the site could be utilized by 18, 1978 not been determined if the existing the Nature Center. seconded by Councilman Hanks, to waive It was moved by Councilman Meland, �� . � 'n and aclopt Resolution No. 6114, en�itled Resolution authorizing taking readi g ark purposes," authorizing condemnation of the of land by eminent domain for p parcel as represented in Alternative 2. The City Manager further explained that with LAWCON, State CoAununity Development monies, the City has adequate funding tion. The motion passed 6-0. lOc. Meadowbrook Road Traf f ic Signal gran�s and for land acquisi- Excelsior Boulevard/Meadowbrook Road temporary traffic signal requested by S& L Company (M. & C. No. 78-56) . Councilman Hanks noted the Council. has approved the installation of a signal in the past; the item was not approved by the City of Hopkins. He referred to the proposed Hopkins senior citizen housing complex to be constructed at Monk Avenue/�xcelsior Boulevard which will increase the need For signalization in the area. He also wondered i� it is appropriate to assess the petitioner for temporary improvements. - It was moved by Councilman Hanks, seconded by Councilman Meland, to approve construction of temporary intersection improvement/traff ic signal at Excels.ior Boulevard/Meadowbrook Road. The motion passed 6-0. President Pro Tem Backes requested that staff prepare a resolution f or adoption October 4, 1978, requesting the Hennepin County Board to continue to work toward a permanent solution of the Excelsior Boulevard/Meadowbrook Road traffic problem with definite movement toward a solution in 1979. lOd. Economic Development Director Economic development director (deferred June 5, July 17, August 7 and 21, 1978); of Housing and Redevelopment Authority. from report It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin, to defer the item for review at the joint meeting �aith the Housing Authority later in the evening. The motion passed b-0. Later in the evening, the Council/Housing Authority deferred tnis item for consideration at the special meeting to be held September 26, 1978. 10e. Traffic Study Re uest Proposed traffic study; West 31 Street/Idaho Avenue (requested by Councilman rieland). Councilman Meland explained there has been neighborhood concern expressed relating to the number of accidents whictt haye occurred at the above intersection. City Council minutes, September 18, 1978 It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Elstrom, to reinitiate a traffic s tudy of the area f or Council review in October, 1978. The �notion passed 6-0. l�a, xi�hway 7/Ottawa Avenue; Resolution No. 6115 NEW BUSINESS Highway 7/Ottawa Avenue improvement project. It was moved by Councilman Hanks, seconded by Councilman Meland, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6115, entitled "Resolution adopting the Minnesota Department of Transportation position on the relocation costs of the sanitary force main involved in the improvement of Trunk Highway No. 7 from Highway 100 to Inglewood Avenue." The motion passed 6-0. llb. Bridge Replacement ; Resolution No. 6116 City's system which is Virginia Avenue bridge replacement. The Director of Public Works explained the bridge is the sole remaining structure in the substandard in height and width. It was moved by Councilmam Meland, seconded by Councilman Elstrom, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6116, entitled "Resolution authorizing submission of application for funding for construction of the Virginia Avenue bridge." Councilman Hanks suggested the Cily may wish to consider posting sigris at the bridge �o prohibit trucks. President Pro Tem Backes design preparation. The motion passed .6-0. llc. License Revocation lld, said staff will addreae this concern during final the ordinance and set second The motion paBBed 6-0. Labor Rel.ations Act; Re�o1—n No. 6117 Revocation of licenses; amenclmenL- to Sec�ion 13-115 of the Ordinance Code. It wae moved by Councilman Meland, seconded Uy Councilman �Ianks, ta waive firsti readin� of , reading �or Ocrober 4, 1978. Resolu�ion supp orting �he City o.L• Rich��.eld ppeition rel�aCing to labarCou'e��man Meland). legislation (r�Quest�d by. Councilman Me1an re�erred to a commun3cation dated Augus�ts��`�w�78t �p�r�s��ns City o� Richfield seekins su�Par� from SL•. T�O1��'�, t`hekMinnesota Public �mp�loyees �he compulsory binding arbitrati.on Provisians o �elature several yeara Labor Relatians Act which was mandated bY the 5t�te Leg 12a. Cit Council minu�eS, SeP�ember 18, 1978 . Y until the present, been tested ago and which has n.ot, �ined the Act causes public bodies to acc�iPttaxes expl. have no contr , making processes of which they �S home • • and a measure of the City apnr�prlate debate, removed. _ in Court. He results oF decision- " are increased without rule powers has been seconded by Councilman Elstrom, to It was moved by Councilman Meland, . . and ado t Resolution No. 6117, enCitled "Resolution opposing waive reading P costs of government brought about by the activity of unaccountable prlvate i lude " . . . accountable institutions," arner�ding paragraphs 6 and 7 to nc individuals acting as public bodies." Councilman Martin wondered if the compulsory binding arbitration section is deleted from the Act, if public employees would be given the right to strike. The motion passed S-1 Damage Claims 12b�. Communications from Mayor 12c. Communications f rom City �Ianager 13a. Verified Claims 13b . 14. (Councilman Martin opposed). MISCELLANEOUS None. None. None. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS the total approved, to issue Upon motion by Councilman Hanks, seconded by Councilman I"Ieland, the list of verif ied claims prepared by the Director of Finance and directed to the City Council dated September 18, 1978, in amounts of $502,611.69 for vendors and $14,828.56 for payroll were and the City Manager, City Clerk and City Treasurer were author�zed checks in the same amount by a vote of 6-0. Contract Payments Adj ournment Attest: Beverly �` Recording Secretary None. On motion by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin, the meeting was adjourned at 9:�.2 p.m. Ronald Backes President Pro Tem