Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984/05/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularMINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA May 21, 1984 1. Call to Order A regular meeting of the St. Louis Park City Council was called to order by Mayor Lyle Hanks at 7:30 p.m. 2. Presentations Mayor Hanks read a resolution of appreciation who is leaving the city in June. Dt•waskmovedkby, Councilmanndent Melandf secools, onded by Councilman Duffy, to adopt Resolution No. 84-65 entitled, "Reso- lution of Appreciation to Dr. Mike Hickey." The motion passed 6-0. Mayor Hanks read a proclamation establishing May 20-26 as "Minnesota Tem- porary Job Opportunity Week." 3. Roll Call The following councilmembers were present at roll call: Thomas Duffy Larry Mitchell Jerrold Martin Richard Strohl Keith Meland Lyle Hanks Also present were the City Manager, City Attorney, Director of Public Works Director of Planning, City Assessor. 4. Approval of Minutes It was moved by Councilman Duffy, seconded by Councilman Stroh], to approve the minutes of of the City Council meeting held May 7, 1984. The motion passed 6-0. It was moved by Councilman Mitchell, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to approve the minutes of the study session held May 14, 1984 with the following change: correct the date of the meeting in the heading. The motion passed 4-0-2 (Councilmen Strohl, Meland abstained). 5. Approval of Agenda It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Mitchell to approve the consent agenda for May 21, 1984 as presented. The motion passed 6-0. It was moved by Councilman Duffy, seconded by Councilman Meland, to approve the agenda for May 21 with the following additions: 7c. Parking at 2920 Huntington; 7d. Street water problem at 4017-12 Utica; llg. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency The motion passed 6-0. „ -87- City C)uncil meeting minutes May 21, 1984 6a. Suburban Taxi Public Hearings Suburban Taxi: Request for Certificate of Public Conveyance Ron Bartels, Suburban Taxi vice president, asked that the Council consider issuing them some licenses even if it could not be the 25 licenses they have requested. He said that Richfield and Bloomington were consid- ering similar requests at their Council meetings. Councilman Martin said that the FTC had sued Minneapolis for restraint of trade when it failed to issue licenses. He said that presently St. Louis Park does not have a cap on the number of issues that can be issued. 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 Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland to deny the request. In response to a question from Councilman Meland, the City Attorney said as to the question of Council acting in an anti-competitive manner, public need must be taken into account. If proof of need does not exist, then Council's action of denial would be substantiated. Councilman Strohl said he was opposed to denial because the issue of public liability was too crucial. Councilman Duffy said he was perplexed by Town Taxi having 33 licenses, but only 5 or so cabs apparently service St. Louis Park. He wondered where or how to stop issuing licenses. Councilman Martin said that if the City licenses anyone or everyone, the residents will end up paying for it as it's the corporations who do the greatest taxi business. He felt any applicant for licensing had to show the Council a need for same. Councilman Mitchell said he would like to see direction relative to limitation of competition from a consultant. Mayor Hanks asked if it were necessary to go to an outside consultant for assistance with a survey. The City Manager said a survey of restaurants, bars, medical facilities, etc. could be done by staff. Mayor Hanks felt the 8nly problems in getting taxis seemed to be in storms or when it is -35 ' Councilman Duffy wondered if issuing of a certain number of licenses was pulling figures out be pursued. of the air,and felt the study of need should City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 The City Attorney said one option might be a restriction of hours cabs could operate in the City. In answer to a question from the Mayor, the City Manager said he was not sure how long a survey would take. If it were done now, it wouldn't have much impact on winter and that perhaps users of cabs could be asked to reflect on their needs. The motion to deny failed 2-4 (Councilmen Duffy, Mitchell, Strohl, Mayor Hanks opposed). It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to authorize staff to proceed with a survey of public need. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilman Strohl opposed). It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland to reconsider the motion. The motion passed 6-0. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Duffy to continue the hearing to the first meeting of September 1984. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilman Strohl opposed). 6b. Airport & Airline Taxi Corp. Request for Certificate of Public Conveyance Nathan Shaw, Airport & Airline Taxi Corp., said Bloomington had asked the State Hearing Examiner to assess the need for additional licenses. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to continue the hearing to the first meeting in September. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilman Strohl opposed). 6c. Excelsior Blvd. improvement Improvement project, Excelsior Blvd. eso u ion o. - (cont. from May 7) Steve Carney, Office Furniture, said that the additional on -street parking planned east of his business was now acceptable. 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 Martin, seconded by Councilman Duffy to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-66 entitled " Resolution ordering improvement, ordering preparation of plans, specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for Improvement No. 83-32: Recon- struction, Excelsior Blvd. from T.H. 100 to Louisiana Ave." The motion passed 6-0. City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 Councilman Mitchell inquired about parking so close to a bus stop and wasn't that previously discussed as creating a hazard. The City Manager said moving the bus stop to the east of Brunswick would avoid that hazard. 6d. Assessment hearin : Excelsior The City Manager reviewed the assessment. Blvd. improvement Resolution No. -67 The City Assessor said that paving, curbs and gutters utbers were beautification. being assessed, only landscaping, lighting and other said it was City policy for Council to defer assessments to homes on commercial property until the land use changes. Leo Smiler, representing the Minneapolis, Northfield and Southern Railway said his firm was protesting its assessment as they accrued no benefit. Tom Shottenbauer, representing the American Legion, commented that snow removal storage would be lost and that they were negotiating with the State to use the east side of their building for snow storage. He wondered why they were being assessed for lighting when the lights adjacent to the building and off/on ramps were quite new. The City Assessor stated the existing lights were some 20 years old and that state and federal funds had been used for their installation. Jerry Dokka, Methodist Hospital, stated the assessment was satisfactory to them; however, any taking of hospital property had not been discussed with them. The Director of Public Works explained that detailed discussion of any project did not commence until the project was approved. Mayor Hanks read a protest from Fred G. Anderson Company relative to its assessment. There being no one further wishingto speak, the Mayor declared the hearing closed with the right of Coucil to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date. A discussion followed on the assessment for the street lighting on Louisiana and Texas. The Director of Public Works explained there was no set policy but differed from project to project. Councilman Martin asked what percentage was being assessed to which the City Assessor replied 75%. Councilman Martin asked if that was based on outside money, state aid, or what. He felt it might be more equitable to set an assessment Policy for collector streets. -90- City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 Mayor Hanks thought this would be quite difficult to set up because each project is different. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-67 entitled "Resolution adopting assessment Improvement No. 83-32: Street lighting, signals, decorative paving, landscaping, sidewalks, parking bays and bus bays on Excelsior Blvd. from Louisiana Ave. to Highway 100" with the proviso that residential usage be assessed at the residential rate and deferred until there is a change in the land use. The motion passed 6-0. 6e. Wooddale street lighting Improvement 78 -IOC: Street lighting, Wooddale from W. 36th St. to Goodrich Ave. The City Manager replied, in answer to .Council's question of May 7, that the City would not incur a liability for not installing the proposed street lighting as lights are already there. He suggested this project could be held in abeyance until the Hwy. 100/W. 36th St. project is completed. Jerry Posey, Minnesota Rubber, said the company requests the project not be done. With no on -street parking and no sidewalks for walking, they fail to see any benefit. 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 Duffy, seconded by Councilman Strohl, to reject the improvement. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilman Meland opposed). The City Manager suggested Council might want to pass the resolution designating Wooddale Ave. as a Municipal State Aid street with an eye to future improvements. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-68 entitled "Resolution designat- ing Wooddale Ave. from W. 36th St. to a point 1145 feet south as a Municipal State Aid Street." The motion passed 6-0. 6f. Variance: 7704 13th Lane Allan Timners, applicant, explained his eso u ton o. _947-79 request for the variance to construct a garage on the only section of his property available. The back of the property sharply drops off, prohibiting a garage being built there. -91- City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 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 Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-69 entitled, "A resolution granting variance in front yard setback from Sections 14-104(35) and 14-133(5) of the Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit a garage with a setback of two feet instead of the required 30 feet in the R-2 single family residential district at 7704 13th Lane." The motion passed 6-0. 6g. Variance: 7915 Application for a variance: 7915 Minnetonka 1`i n e on a vd. Blvd., for parking space having fewer Re so I ution--N—o.--U- 7 0 than 6 spaces There being no hearing closed and continue it one wishing to with the right at a future date. speak, the Mayor declared the of Council to thereafter reopen It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Meland, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-70 entitled, "A resolution granting variance in front yard setback from Section 14-248(4) of the Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit a parking area having fewer than six spaces with a front yard setback of six feet instead of the required 20 feet in the B-2 general business district at 7915 Minnetonka Blvd." The motion passed 6-0. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, COMMUNICATIONS 7a. Highway 7/HRA Communication from Housing and Redevelopment Authority relative to Highway 7 Council received for filing a communication from the HRA relative to the creation of a Redevelopment District in the Highway 7 corridor. The Authority's decision was that there should not be a Redevelopment Project at that location. 7b. Bass Lake development Klodt proposal for Bass Lake development Councilman Martin felt it was appropriate for the Planning Commission to review the proposal first with special attention to items D and F. Mayor Hanks wondered what was the railroad's position. -92- City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 The City Manager questioned the proposed closing of Brunswick Ave. Mayor Hanks commented the recurring question was always the railroad and its crossing. He felt the Council would not want to hold someone up from going ahead on a project because the railroad issue was not resolved. In answer to a question relative to establishing a tax increment district, the City Manager said staff would need some more specific direction from Council. Mayor Hanks asked what would be involved in coming up with some figures for creation of a tax increment district, to which the City Manager responded establishment of a tax increment district involves issuance of bonds, contribution to the fiscal disparities pool, assurances being given to bond purchasers, and so forth, all of which would entail a great deal of work to provide any figures. He said staff would be able to provide, in-house, railroad crossing costs and beautification of Bass Lake park. Mayor Hanks said he would like to know Area would even qualify as a tax increment district. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to proceed to get some answers as to the feasibility of the project as outlined in the Klodt proposal. Councilman Meland felt the project would be a good opportunity for the City to expand its tax base. The motion passed 6-0. 1c. 2924 Huntington Councilman Duffy said a resident was concerned about the unavailability of off-street parking at that address. The resident must move her car every two hours and has received two citations. He asked if staff would investigate what options might be available to alleviate the situation. ld. Utica Ave. Councilman Duffy said there was a drainage problem at the cul-de-sac on Utica at 41st. Apparently water drains away from the existing drain, creating a large puddle in the street. He asked if staff could figure out how to remedy this situation -93- City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 8a. Purchase of condenser Second reading of an ordinance transferring Ordinance No. 1626-87F funds for acquisition of an evaporative condenser It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Meland to waive reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1626-84 entitled "An ordinance authorizing the transfer of funds and providing appropri- ation for the acquisition of evaporative condenser." The motion passed 6-0. Councilman Martin left the chambers. 8b. Councilman Martin Laws 1984, Chapter 574, Sec. 17 relating to retirement benefits It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy to table this item. The motion failed 3-2 (Councilmen Mitchell and Strohl opposed). Councilman Mitchell wondered why deferral was a suggested action, to which the Mayor replied that some questions needed answers. Councilman Mitchell felt the item should be addressed and asked what time was needed. The City Manager said the Police Relief Association needed additional actuarial figures. It was moved by Councilman Mitchell, seconded by Councilman Meland to defer the matter to June 4, 1984. The motion passed 5-0. 8c. Waste Control Commission Resolution No. - Proposed study of Metro Waste Control Commission Councilman Meland said the City had built its own system and that over the last 10 years, the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission was the cause of every cost. He felt that the City's money was used to subsidize other cities' sewer system. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-71 entitled "Resolu- tion supporting independent management study of the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission." The motion passed 5-0. 8d. Securities for collateral Resolution No.84-72 It was moved by Councilman Duffy, seconded by Councilman Meland -94- City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-72 entitled "Resolution approving securities for collateral from Shelard National Bank, St. Louis Park, MN." The motion passed 5-0. 9a. Tax -forfeited land Resolutions 94--79—, 84-79a Study of public need for tax -forfeited properties it was moved by Councilman Meland, secondeo by Councilman Duffy, tco waive reading and adopt the following resolutions: No. 84-75 "Resolution approving designation of nonconservation lano snown on classifica-.on list '664 -NC' bj 3oaro of County Com-n-,ssioners of Hennepin County (1353 Idaho Ave. So.; 4056 Vernon Ave. So.; 4125 Wooddale Ava. So;" and No. 84-78a -kesciution authorizi.;.: E-ppl ication for of tax-forfe:. :G;cs ;IE?', Utah Dr. ) 11 '.he motion passed 5-0. 9b. HRA financial report Annual financial disclosure statement: HRA It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Stroh], to receive for filing the annual financial disclosure statement of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The motion passed 5-0. 9c. Assessment rates 1984 street assessment rates It was moved by Councilman Mitchell, seconded by Councilman Strohl that the 1984 street assessment rate remain at $16.00 per front foot. The motion passed 5-0. 9d• Traffic Study No. 320 Traffic Study No. 320: First and Republic It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-73 entitled "Resolution authorizing installation of parking controls on Republic Avenue." The motion passed 5-0. 9e• Lake Forest speed limit Speed limit reduction in Lake Forest It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Mitchell, to direct staff to file for a variance with MnDOT for speed reductions on Forest Road/Parklands/Cedarwood Road and Parkwood Road in the Lake Forest area. Councilman Strohl said the residents were concerned about several blind curves on these roads. -95- City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 Councilman Meland commented there were other streets with a reduced speed limit because of their width. The motion passed 5-0. 9f. Wooddale Ave. RR tracks Preliminary engineering report: Railroad tracks over Wooddale Ave. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to approve the maintenance alternative and enter into an agreement with the railroad. The City Manager said the planned crossing will be rubberized and can be moved. The crossing will be semi-permanent for 3-4 years. He added that if the crossing were to be relocated in the future, staff would talk to affected businesses relative to cost-sharing. Councilman Duffy asked if a safety gate would be necessary, to which the Director of Public Works said it would since federal funds are being used for the project. The motion passed 5-0. 99. Twin Lakes bring a report back to Council. The motion passed 5-0. 9h. Traffic Study No. 321 It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Strohl to direct staff to evaluate the condition of Twin Lake and Traffic Study No. 321• Republic and 33rd St. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-74 entitled "Resolution authorizing installation of parking controls on Republic Avenue." The motion passed 5-0. 9i. Burger King easement It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Mitchell to approve the agreement and authorize execution of it. The motion passed 5-0. 9j. Hi hway 7/Minnetonka Blvd. Councilman Strohl felt the Community Relations omnission couIT-To—oF at a proposal for an entrance to the City at this intersection. It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Meland that the matter be directed to the CRC for its consideration. City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 Mayor Hanks commented that there is a landscape architect on staff and perhaps he should be asked for his input. Councilman Meland amended the motion to first ask the City's landscape architect for his input. The motion passed 5-0. 9k. Special permit amendment 5101 Parkdale Dr. The applicant said the amendment was to add an additional square footage for a tenant which they will take from existing warehouse space. Additional parking will be needed also, but this does not change any aspects of the approved special permit. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Mitchell to approve the amendment. -97- The motion passed 5-0. 91. Lake/Dakota improvement Assessment hearing: Lake/Dakota improvement project The City Manager asked that if Council set the assessment hearing that a neighborhood meeting be set so the assessment rates can be explained. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Strohl to set the assessment and public hearing for June 18, 1984. The motion passed 5-0. 9m. 29th St. & Edgewood It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Mitchell to direct staff to hold a neighborhood meeting and come to Council with a report and recommendation. The motion passed 5-0. 9n. Cable TV minutes The minutes of the Cable TV Commission meeting held April 26 were ordered filed by consent. 90• BOZA minutes The minutes of the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held April 26 were ordered filed by consent. 9P. Planning Commission minutes The minutes of the Planning Commission held May 2 were ordered filed meeting by consent 9q• NRA minutes The minutes of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting were ordered filed by consent -97- City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 9r. April financial report 9s. 1983 financial report 10a. Boards and Commissions The April 1984 financial report was ordered filed by consent. The 1983 financial filed by consent. UNFINISHED BUSINESS statement was ordered The following people were appointed to the Human Rights Commission: Ruth Ann Licht, James Fisk, Eleanor Krohn. Mayor Hanks said that John Palmer would be moving from the City thus creating an opening on the Planning Commission. Interviews with students interested in serving on Boards and Commissions will be set for June 4 and June 18 prior to the Council meeting. NEW BUSINESS Ila. Relocation of polling place Relocation of Ward 3, Precinct 4 polling Re—solution ion o. 84 75 place It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Mitchell, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-75 entitled "Resolution authorizing relocation of Ward 3, Precinct 4 polling place." The motion passed 5-0. llb. Intoxilyzer lease It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-76 entitled "Resolution approving agreement with the State of Minnesota for lend/lease of breath testing instruments." The motion passed 5-0. llc. Classic Motor Co. It was moved by Councilman Strohl, seconded by Councilman Mitchell to set an administra- tive hearing on a liquor license violation at the Classic Motor Company on June 4, 1984 at 7:00 p.m. The motion passed 5-0. lld. Council Chamber furniture Purchase of furniture for Council Chambers It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy to prepare bid specifications, advertise for bids, waive first reading of an ordinance transferring funds and set second reading for June 4, 1984 relative to the purchase of furniture for the Council Chambers. The motion passed 4-1 (Councilman Strohl opposed). -98- City Council meeting minutes may 21, 1984 Ile. Media Specialist position. The motion passed 5-0. llf. IDB entitlement allocation ment and to develop Industrial The motion passed 5-0. It was moved by Councilman Duffy, seconded by Councilman Mitchell to authorize the establishment of a full-time Media Specialist It was moved by Councilman Duffy, seconded by Councilman Meland, to authorize staff to submit certification to the Department of Energy and Economic Development to obtain entitle - Development Bond criteria. 11g. PCA Councilman Mitchell felt it was important that members of the Pollution Control Agency appear before Council to explain progress of the carbon filtration system. It was moved by Councilman Mitchell, seconded by Councilman Strohl, to invite Mike Hansel and Susan Brustman of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to appear at an upcoming City Council meeting to update the Council on the progress of the carbon filtration system. The motion passed 5-0. MISCELLANEOUS 12. Claims None. 12b• Communications from Mayor Mayor Hanks said there was to be a recycling seminar on June 6, 1984 at 6:30. Al interested persons are invited to attend. Mayor Hanks announced that Susan Gardebring had been named Chairman of the Metropolitan Council. 12c• Communications from City Manager The City Manager reminded those present of the "Rockin' at the Rec" concert to be held at the Rec Center on May 26. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS, CONTRACT PAYMENTS � 3a. It Claims It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Duffy, ab the list of the Director verified claims, prepared Y -99- City Council meeting minutes May 21, 1984 of Finance dated May 21, claims and 56,652.06 for Manager and City Treasurer amounts. The motion passed 5-0. 1984 in the amount of 51,301,143.55 for vendor payroll claims be approved and that the City be authorized to issue checks in the appropriate 13b. Contract Payments 1. Final payment: Victor Carlson b Sons, curb drop program. Amount $22,019.87. It was moved by Councilman Mitchell, seconded by Councilman Meland, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 84-77 Project 83-12, entitled ContractR 1594'tlon andacapprove work on curb drop program, its payment. The motion passed 5-0. 14. Adjournment It was moved by Councilman Stroh], seconded by Councilman Duffy, that the meeting be adjourned at 10:05 p.m. ayor P4t smith, Recording Secretary -100-