HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984/04/23 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionMINUTES
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
April 23, 1984
Call to Order
The Mayor called the study session to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present were Councilmen Thomas Duffy, Ronald Backes, Jerrold Martin
and Keith Meland
Also present were the City Manager, Director of Public Works, Director
of City Development, Zoning Inspector, Assistant to the Manager and
Administrative Assistant to the Manager.
Police Chief Profile
Council discussed the development of a profile for the vacant Chief
of Police position and the extent to which they should become involved
in the process. Mayor Hanks expressed his appreciation for having
been asked by the Civil Service Commission for input on the project.
Council's comments and concerns were recorded by the Assistant to
the Manager and will be incorporated into the final profile.
Sign Ordinance
Council considered a draft of the Purpose and Definitions sections
proposed for the sign ordinance and a matrix of sign regulations by
type of sign.
It was suggested by staff that due to its importance the Purpose section
be refined and rewritten as a final step in development of the ordinance.
Councilman Duffy concurred and stated his -concern for the inclusion
of a well-written, comprehensive statement of purpose.
Council commented on several portions of the Definitions section and
reached a general consensus on the following issues:
"Off -premise Sign" - the part of a business sign which advertises
a product (or manufacturer) which is served on the premises should
be treated as an on -premise sign. Also, the word "exclusively" should
be removed from the definition.
"On -premise sign" - the word "exclusively" should be removed from
the definition.
"Public signs - public signs should be required to conform to the
same area and setback requirements as private signs. Staff should
check into language required to allow existing public signs which
would be non -conforming in accordance with the new ordinance to be
grandfathered.
Also, the phrase "or any identification sign at any public park, public
school or public community center" should be removed from the definition.
Council study session minutes
April 23, 1984 2.
"Changing sign" - the language should be clarified to avoid any conflicts
with the definition of "flashing sign." The terms "alternating" vs.
"static" were mentioned.
"Height" - the height of a sign should be measured from the highest
point of the sign to its base.
"Portable sign" - the word "durable" should be reviewed for consideration
by staff.
"Temporary sign" - the term "non -durable" should be reviewed for redefin-
ition by staff. Consideration of a time limit for temporary signs
should be included in a review of the definition.
"Matrix" - temporary signs should be included in allowable sign area
and should have limitations on individual sign area. Also, the word
"required" should be use: _e acre clearly define the prohibition from
occupying parking spaces.
Council directed staff to put the ordinance into first draft form and
to then prepare to contact the business community for a public hearing.
Highway 7 Redevelopment Plan
Council discussed the development of a tax increment district along
the Highway 7 corridor. Staff was directed to draft a proposal for
the HRA and to solicit their comments in reference to the proposed
district.
Following a discussion of the properties located near Highway 7 and
Texas Avenue, Council directed staff to look at options for moving
of the north frontage road, constructing a cul-de-sac on Walker Street,
project costs and different alternatives.
Reilly Tar
The City Manager informed Council of recent communications with State
and Federal officials and representatives of Reilly Tar and Chemical
Co. The Director of Public Works presented a study concerning the
effect of reducing certain aspects of the financing plan from a 100 -year
schedule to a 25 -year schedule. Council directed staff to continue
work on the project and gave the City Manager approval to deal with
the PCA prior to a scheduled meeting with representatives of Reilly
Tar.
Other
A goal -setting session for staff and Council is scheduled for Monday,
April 30 at 5:30 p.m.
An announcement was made that the Liquor Committee meeting will be
set for a later date.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Cris Gears, Recording Secretary �iX4