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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984/01/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularMINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA January 9, 1984 1. Call to Order A regular meeting of the St. Louis Park City Coun- cil was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Lyle Hanks. 2. Presentations 3. Roll Call None. The following Council members were present at roll call: Ronald Backes Keith Meland Thomas Duffy Larry Mitchell Jerrold Martin Richard Strohl Lyle Hanks Also present were the City Manager, the Director of Planning and the Director of Public Works. 4. Approval of Minutes It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Backes, to approve the minutes of the December 19, 1983 Council meeting as presented. The motion passed 5-0-2 (Councilmen Martin, Strohl abstained). It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to approve the minutes of the special City Council meeting held December 29, 1983. The motion passed 5-0-2 (Councilman Strohl, Mayor Hanks abstained). 5. Approval of the Agenda It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Duffy to approve the consent agenda for January 9, 1984 with the following change: • removal of item 9a from the consent agenda (Councilman Backes). The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Backes, to approve the agenda for January 9, 1984 as presented. The motion passed 7-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6a. Duraps rental bond program It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by February 6, 1984. Councilman Martin, to continue the hearing to The motion passed 6-0-1 (Councilman Backes abstained). City Council meeting minutes January 9, 1984 6b. Otterlei Addition, Final Plat eso ution o. - There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the hearing closed with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-01 entitled, "Resolution giving approval for final plat of Otterlei Addition." The motion passed 7-0. 6c. Special permit: Herman Request of Alen Herman for a special permit for property at 4625 Minnetonka Blvd. Bernard Herman, architect, showed overlay of the proposed development. He explained that this was the same property that have been approved for a development by the Council in 1982. He briefly described the project saying there would be no three-bedroom units, underground parking would be avail- able. He said this would be a smaller, more simplified design from what was previously approved. He stated the four major modifications from the previous plan would be that the building is smaller, thereby creating 400 ft. more open space; the setback is increased from 15 ft. to 30 ft. thereby reducing the slope of the ramp into the underground garage; the fire access lane and ramp have been widened from 15 to 40 ft; and the creation of two additional parking spaces by a redesign of the lot. There being no one further wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the hearing closed with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a later date. Councilman Backes asked what the rental rates would be, to which Mr. Herman said these were not rental units, but condominiums which would be priced at $85,000+. Councilman Mitchell commented that the project was without amenities which would attract younger persons. Mayor Hanks said previous Council discussion relating to this project con- cerned parking and that it was to house senior citizens. In response to a question from Councilman Backes, the Director of Planning said the parking ratio for this project was figured on a two -person per dwelling requiring 54 parking spaces. He said in this instance, the re- quested 44 parking spaces was significantly reduced and the ration came out at 1.6 parking spots per unit. He said generally a ratio of 1.7 or lower usually resulted in problems with parking, overlow onto adjacent properties, traffic, etc. The Mayor asked if there were any comparable developments in this same general area, to which the Director said this area had mainly seen condominium con- versions, for example on Lynn Ave. Marjean Cooper, who lives across Minnetonka Blvd. from the proposed project, -2- City Council meeting minutes January 9, 1984 said she thought it was to be senior citizen housing and now it looks as though it's open to anyone. She felt that was too many people for such a small piece of land. She wondered if it was acceptable under the Compre- hensive Plan. The Director of Planning said this area was designated in 1978 as medium density, and that two years ago, Council had designated it as hi -density. Thomas Goodman, attorney for the developer, said since Council had adopted the hi -density classification for this parcel and previously approved a similar plan, there was no reason to deny it at this time as the circumstances have not changed. It was moved by Councilman Backes, seconded by Councilman Mitchell, to approve the concept plan. Councilman Duffy said he did see a substantial change from what Council had previously approved in that it was to be restricted to people 40 years of age and over. Councilman Mitchell asked where the project would go now, to which the City Manager said it would go to the Planning Commission, and then another public hearing would be held. The motion to approve the concept plan failed 3-4 (Councilmen Duffy, Meland, Strohl, Mayor Hanks opposed). 6d. Special permit: Anderson Request of Gene A. Anderson for a special permit 'Resolution No. - for properety at 6221 Cambridge Ave. There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the hearing closed with the right of Council to reopen and continue it at a later date. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Strohl, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No., 84-02 entitled, "A resolution granting permit under Sectioins 14-156(18) and 14-171(3) of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit a minor automotive repair facility for property located in the I-11ndustrial District at 6221 Cambridge St." The motion passed 7-0. 6e. Control Data special permit Request of Control Data for a minor amend - Resolution No. 84-03 ment to an approved special permit for property at 3965 Meadowbrook Rd. It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Meland, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No.84-03 entitled, "A resolution rescinding Resolution No. 6873 adopted on June 15, 1983 and granting permit under Section 14.123.100(2) of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit construction of an addition to an industrial building within 200 ft. of the F-1 Floodway District for property located in the I-1 Industrial District at 3965 Meadowbrook Rd." -3- City Council meeting minutes January 9, 1984 Councilman Martin wondered what was the difference between an amendment to a special permit and a minor amendment, to which the City Manager said it was actually a matter of interpretation. The motion to approve passed 7-0. 6f. Variance: Janice Uhde Resolution No. - Request of Janice Uhde for a variance for property at 3811 Zarthan Ave. So. The Director of Planning showed an overview of the strip of property involved, and the City Manager explained they were requesting the variance so that a privacy fence could be constructed on that strip of land. There being no one further wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the hearing closed with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date. It was moved by Councilman Backes, seconded by Councilman Martin, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-04 entitled, "A resolution granting variance in lot width and lot area from Section 14-138(5) of the Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit a lot with a width of 43 feet and an area of 2,831 sq. ft. instead of the requires; 60 feet in width and 7,200 sq. ft of area in she R-3 two family residence district at 3811 Zarthan Ave." The motion passed 7-0 6g. Variance: General Realty Request of General Realty for a variance .Resolution No. 84---95 for property at 7916 Minnetonka Blvd. Marshall Tannick, attorney, said the variance from the landscaping requirement was requested to allow additional parkiri� for the veterinary clinic proposed for the site and adjacent businesses. There being no one further wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the hearing closed with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Backes, to waive - reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-05 entitled, "A resolution granting variance in parking from Section 14-158(3) and 141-187(3)(g) of the Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit parking in a sideyard abutting a street having a setback of six ft. instead of the required 15 ft. in the B-2, general business district, at 7916 Minnetonka Blvd. and 2931-2935 Texas Ave. So." Councilman Martin felt this was a good use for this property. Councilman Mitchell wondered why Council had been so adamant against allowing a similar variance on landscaping setback for the property on Cambridge St. Councilman Duffy said that property was the only one remaining in the City's overall plan for upgrading the Cambridge/Oxford area and that all others had complied. 4 City Council meeting minutes January 4, 1984 The motioin to approve passed 6-1 (Councilman Mitchell opposed) PETITIONS, REQUESTS, COMMUNICATIONS 7a. Met Council appointment Letter from Robbinsdale Mayor Raymond Mattson asking for the City's endorsement of Harvey Lange to be nominated to the District 11 Metropolitan Council seat recently vacated by Pat Hasselmo. Councilman Backes said the nomination of Mr. Lange was no doubt worthwhile; however, he was aware of one St. Louis Park resident who had applied for the position. He felt that the Council should not take any action at this time of Mr. Mattson's request. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to receive the letter for filing. The motion passed 7-0. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 8a. Lot recombination: Manley Resolution approving request for lot recom- eso ution No.o - bination: Ann Marie Manley It was moved by Councilman Martin, reading and adopt Resolution No. variance in lot width and lot area Code relating to zoning to permit a each with a width of 50 ft. and an 60 ft. in width and 7,200 sq. ft. in district at 3153 Maryland Ave." The motion passed 7-0. 8b. Einck denial Resolution—U4-07 seconded by Councilman Duffy, to waive 84-06 entitled, "A resolution granting from Section 14-133(5) of the Ordinance lot recombination resulting in two lots, area of 6,281 ft. instead of the required area in the R-2 single family residential Resolution of denial: Einck It was moved by Councilman Duffy, seconded by Councilman Martin, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-07 entitled, "A resolution of findings regarding the application of Richard R. Einck for a variance under Section 14-173(6) of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit a landscaped front yard setback of zero ft. instead of the required 20 ft. for property located in the I-1 industrial district at 6530 Cambridge St." The motion passed 7-0. 8c. Excelsior Blvd. special Amendment to approved special permits permit amendments relating to walkways and trash container exterior on Excelsior Blvd. -5- City Council meeting minutes January 9, 1984 Councilman Meland felt it was appropriate to delete from the approved special permits the portions wherein property owners were not in compli- ance. He added that this action did not preclude any action by Council in the future as related to the special permits. Councilman Duffy said the Housing and Redevelopment Authority has agreed to the relocation of the walkway to the front of the affected buildings and that the HRA was working on gaining the cooperation of the owners for participating in a mall concept. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Backes to authorize preparation of resolutions which would delete the section referring to the walkway. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin, to change the section of the Fresh Promise approved special permit pertaining to the exterior finish on the trash container from a stucco finish to latex paint. The motion passed 7-0. 8d. Transfer of funds Ordinance transferring funds and providing appropriation for salary adjustments for year ending December 31, 1984 The City Manager said this ordinance does not cover non-union personnel. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to waive reading and set second reading for January 16, 1984. The motion passed 7-0. 8e. False alarm fees First reading of an ordinance amending the fees charged for false alarms Councilman Martin wondered why a firm with more employees is allowed only two false alarms, while a firm with fewer employees is allowed more than two. The City Manager responded that with multiple tenants or employees it is more difficult to control the setting off of false alarms. Councilman Backes was very concerned that increasing the fees might prevent employees from reporting false alarms, thereby overlooking a potentially serious, if not fatal, occurrence. Councilman Strohl wondered how much of the time/manpower expended was covered by the proposed increase, to which the City Manager said that was not possible to determine accurately but it was hoped this would serve as more of a deterrent, rather than a user fee . City Council meeting minutes January 9, 1984 It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to waive first reading, set second for January 16, 1984 and authorize summary publication. The motion passed 7-0. REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES 9a. Acreage at Hwy. 18/W. 36th 17 -acre parcel at W. 36th St. and Highway 18 Councilman Backes said he was concerned to the reference of "public need" relating to this parcel and wondered if the City ought to be involved in its development, i.e., public need and the contingent provision of public services. Mayor Hanks asked if Council had given staff direction to proceed on this matter. The City Manager said the direction was to go ahead with a purchase agreement. The purchase agreement is still under scrutiny by the County, but that is seen as a formality at this point. He said it was vital as to when the County offers it for sale. Councilman Backes said he was concerned about the difference between a public need for the parcel vs. the development of the parcel. The City Manager said the property could be developed without the City's involvement as a developer. Mayor Hanks said if it comes to sale of the property, he would hope any developer would have a chance to purchase it. Councilman Backes said Council had been approached in late 1983 by a party interested in purchasing the land. Councilman Mitchell asked if he was correct that the County was under no obligation to sell to the City, to which the City Manager said that was correct. Councilman Backes said he wouldn't want the City Council not to react to a public need, but that he did not necessarily concur. No action was required on this matter. 9b. Snowplowing equipment Mayor Hanks said he would like to see the City take a more conserva- tive approach to the problem. Councilman Mitchell asked the status of the present equipment, to which the Director of Public Works said the bobcat was 2-3 years old and -7- City Council meeting minutes January 4, 1984 the other equipment 10-15 years old. He said the equipment can be used all year round. Mayor Hanks wondered if two bobcats could be kept busy, to which the Director said one bobcat for sure, but he wasn't sure about 2. Councilman Strohl said anything to clear the sidewalks would get his support. Mayor Hanks asked if they weren't talking just about main route sidewalks as he didn't want to mislead the citizens Councilman Mitchell asked how long it would take to clear the main routes to which the Director said with the snowblower one to two weeks; with the bobcat approximately 30 days. The City Manager said the issues of how fast the plowing should be done and what would be plowed need to be studied by the Council. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Strohl to approve alternative #2 of staff's report (purchase of two snowblowers and one new bobcat loader). More discussion followed in the same vein as the previous comments. It was moved by Councilman Backes to call the question. The motion passed 7-0. The motion passed 4-3 (Councilmen Backes, Meland, Mayor Hanks opposed). It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Strohl, to authorize the transfer of funds for the purchase of two snowblowers and one new bobcat. Councilman Strohl said this really was a matter of public safety. Mayor Hanks asked how many sidewalks were to be cleared. He said he was happy to support the expenditure, but he felt a policy on how many side- walks and which ones was crucial. It was moved by Councilman Backes, seconded by Councilman Meland to call the question. The motion passed 7-0. The motion to transfer funds failed 4-3 (Councilmen Backes, Meland, Mayor Hanks opposed). Five votes were required for passage. It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to approve Alternative 1 of staff's report (purchase of one snowblower attachment for the City's bobcat). The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilman Backes, seconded by Councilman Meland, to auth- in City Council meeting minutes January 4, 1984 orize the transfer of the necessary funds for purchase of the equipment. The motion passed 7-0. 9c. Sick leave incentive program Mayor Hanks asked what was gained by this action. The City Manager said that staff would not have to return to Council each year with a request to continue the program for that year. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to authorize continuation of this program on a permanent basis. The motion passed 7-0. 9d. Sunset Ridge bond Release of letter of credit for Resolution Wo -7794-08 Sunset Ridge Business Park It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-08 entitled, "Resolution accepting completion of work and authorizing release of letter of credit for Sunset Ridge Business Park." The motion passed 6-0-1 (Councilman Martin abstained). 9e. Planning Commission minutes 9f. BOZA minutes (G. HRA minutes 10a. Boards and Commissinns The minutes of the Planning Commission meetings of December 7 and 14, 1983 were ordered filed by consent. The minutes of the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held Dec. 22, 1983 were ordered filed by consent. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority minutes from its meeting held Dec. 13, 1983 were ordered filed by consent. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Council made the following liaison appointments to the Boards and Commissions: Representative Alternate Planning Commission Larry Mitchell Ronald Backes Parks & Recreation Advis. Comm. Lyle Hanks Jerry Martin Board of Zoning Appeals Richard Strohl Keith Meland Building Construction Codes Advis. Comm. Ronald Backes Jerry Martin Community Relations Commission Jerry Martin Richard Strohl a City Council meeting minutes January 9, 1984 Councilman Mitchell expressed his concern about people being reap- pointed to various boards and commissions merely because they were interested in being reappointed. He was concerned about the City being fully represented by all of its citizens and cited the current status of the Planning Commission wherein no resident from the fourth ward sits on that commission. NEW BUSINESS lla. Towing contract It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to authorize execution of a contract with Quality Auto Body for towing and impounding for 1984. The motion passed 7-0. MISCELLANEOUS - 12a. Claims Mike Bocko, 5824 Shepard Cir., Champlin E. P. Gillette, 2309 Lake of the Isles Blvd., Mpls. By consent, the claims were referred to the City Attorney for action. 12b. Communications from Mayor Mayor Hanks brought up the issue membership in the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Councilman Backes felt the City should maintain its membership for one more year. Councilman Duffy asked what the City received for its money, to which the Mayor replied basically it was the information that was mailed to him. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Strohl, to renew the membership. It was then moved by Councilman Backes that the matter be deferred until January 16 to allow Council a bit more time to think about the matter The motion passed 7-0. 12c. Communications from City Manager The Manager discussed the meeting -10- City Council meeting minutes January 9, 1984 schedule and agendas for the study sessions on January 23 and 30. Mayor Hanks was concerned as to how the Jan. 30 meeting on Louisiana Ave. was to be formatted, i.e., is this to be an open discussion, is staff make a presentation, is Council making a presentation. Councilman Strohl said all in attendance will be looking for comments and ideas on this proposed project. He said that mainly all present are there to listen to any and all comments, suggestions, ideas. Mayor Hanks felt it was important to stress that it is new ideas being sought, not a rehash of all that has come before. Councilman Martin commented this project has been in the works for the past 12-15 years and this is really the last leg. Snowplowing on Excelsior Blvd. - The City Manager said that the snowplowing maintenance of Excelsior Blvd. east of Highway 100 has been on on-going problem. People traveling this section of Excelsior Blvd. think the City is responsible for plowing and maintenance of this section and are continually calling the City with their complaints. The Director of Public Works, in conversation with the State, feels the City could handle snowplowing of this section of Excelsior Blvd., that it would take about one hour additional time on the part of City crews and that the State would reimburse the City for this work. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Backes, to explore this proposal further with the State. The motion passed 7-0. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS, CONTRACT PAYMENTS 13. Verified claims It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Strohl, that the list of verified claims prepared by the Director of Finance dated January 9, 1984 in the amount of $92,149.50 for vendor claims and $12,174.05 payroll claims be approved and that the City Manager and City Treasurer be authorized to issue checks in the appropriate amounts. 14. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:14 p.m. ond a motion by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Duffy, which passed 7-0. a mi ecor ng Secretary -11_