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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985/06/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularMINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA June 17, 1985 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lyle Hanks at 7:30 p.m. 2. Presentations None. 3. Roll Call The following members were present at roll call: Ronald Backes Jerrold Martin Keith Meland Larry Mitchell Richard Stroh] Lyle Hanks Also present were the City Manager, City Attorney, Director of City Develop- ment and City Assessor. 4. Approval of Minutes It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin, to approve the minutes of the June 3, 1985 City Council meeting. The motion passed 5-0-1 (Councilman Strohl abstained). 5. Approval of Agenda It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Mitchell to approve the consent agenda for June 17, 1985. The motion passed 6-0. It was moved by Councilman Backes, seconded by Councilman Martin to approve the agenda for June 17, 1985 with the following additions: a correction in the motion for item 9c and the addition of item 9k Community Education budget. The motion passed 6-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6a. Hiichway 7 frontage road Highway 7 south frontage road west Resolution No. 8F -W_ of Texas Ave. (cont. from June 3, 1985) It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Mitchell to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 85-80 entitled "Resolution ordering improvement, ordering preparation of plans, specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for improvement no. 85-10: Paving, curb and gutter, miscellaneous work" amended to include the proviso that no work be done unless State Aid funds are made available. -89- City Council meeting minutes June 17, 1985 Councilman Backes asked what timeframe this would involve, to which Council. man Meland replied probably next year. Councilman Martin wondered in the City could enter into an agreement with MnDOT prior to receiving funds, and the City Manager replied that the City could not advertise for bids until there is a cooperative agreement with the State. 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. The motion passed 6-0. 6b. Street lighting Projects 85-23, 85-24: Street lighting Several residents spoke in opposition to the project: Lorraine Woulett felt the project was unnecessary and that the current fixtures were adequate; Charles Cline said he had conducted a survey and only 1 person was in favor of the project. He felt the ones to profit from the project were the businesses. Carl Woullet wondered if the traffic problems in the area would be remedied. Councilman Strohl said he was not aware that the project was being proposed to solve any traffic problems. The City Manager said that was correct. He said the project was to provide more energy efficient fixtures and provide for the undergrounding of the lines. Councilman Martin felt that some adjustment in the cost of the project could be discussed at the assessment hearing. He felt the Community Relation Commission could study the question of City-wide assessment for this project because it's on a main thoroughfare, and perhaps look at all improvements being assessed City-wide. 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. Councilman Meland felt the benefit of this project accrued to all residents who travel Wooddale Ave. just as the Louisiana Ave. and Texas Ave. improve- ments benefit all residents. He said he was comfortable with the City paying for this improvement. Councilman Backes felt that businesses as well as residents should profit from an adjustment in the assessment. -90- City Council meeting minutes June 17, 1985 Councilman Meland was not in full agreement with that since most of the businesses were closed at night. Councilman Mitchell wondered if such a policy would be equitable relative to the residents who have paid for improvements in the past. It was moved by Councilman Meland to approve the project with no assessment to residential property owners. The motion died for lack of a second. It was moved by Councilman Mitchell, seconded by Councilman Meland to study the item more fully at a July 8 study session and continue the public hearing to July 15, 1985. Councilman Martin could not see any benefit of talking about the project at a study session and believed that the project had to be brought to the people who have to pay for it. Mayor Hanks said the Community Relations Commission did a fine study on sidewalk improvements a few years back, but it did not receive residents' support. He said he would not want to put the CRC through a similar study on street lights. Councilman Backes felt that each proposed project is unique and that it is very difficult to come up with a policy that will fit each project. Councilman Strohl asked to add to the motion that a report be brought back to Council showing the energy savings. The motion to continue passed 4-2 (Councilman Backes, Mayor Hanks opposed). 6c. Variance request: Meyer Variance request: Elmer Meyer, Resolution No. bb -81 side yard setback at 2855 Joppa Ave. 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 Strohl, seconded by Councilman Meland, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 85-81 entitled "A resolution granting variance in side yard setback from Section 14-128(5) of the Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit an addition with a side Yard setback of one foot instead of the required nine feet in the R-1 single family residence district at 2855 Joppa Ave. So." The motion passed 6-0. -91- City Council meeting minutes June 17, 1985 6d. 6e. Freeman: Curb cuts Resolution 85-BT— Request for amendment to approved plan, Wallace Freeman: To permit curb cuts on Lots 1 and 2, Willow Grove 2nd addition in Shelard Park. Councilman Backes said he would not be participating in this matter. Warren Spannus, representing the applicant noted three changes in the resolution: (1) that the square footage be changed from 68,000 to 90,000; that there be added written notification if any violation occurs; and that they would like to request access for emergency vehicles from one tract to another. Councilman Mitchell asked if this matter had been discussed with townhouse residents or the homeowners association, to which the response was no. Councilman Mitchell asked if there were notification to property owners in the area, to which the Director of Planning responded that only those within 350 feet of the proposed curb cuts had been notified per City ordinance. 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 Strohl to approve the curb cuts, waive reading and adopt Resolution 85-82 with it amended per Mr. Spannus' request: "A resolution granting permit under Section 14-195 of the zoning ordinance amending the general site plan for Shelard Park and to permit a curb cut on the north side of Betty Crocker Dr. 156 ft. east of the west line of Lot 2, Block 3 Shelard Park." Councilman Mitchell asked about future traffic lights, and the City Manager replied they were planned for in 1986, the benefitting property owners to be assessed. Mayor Hanks asked the status of the traffic concerns, to which the Manager replied a comprehensive traffic study is currently being carried out. The motion passed 5-0-1 (Councilman Backes abstained). Carlson: Cluster housing Special permit: Victor Carlson for cluster housing at 1650-70 Brunswick Dave Carlson presented an overview of the project. Councilman Strohl inquired as to why the Planning Commission had denied the project, to which Mr. Carlson replied that apparently there were architectural inconsistencies relative to the neighborhood, -92- City Council meeting minutes June 17, 1985 Councilman Backes asked how the present plan differed from the 1982 proposed plan. Mr. Carlson said the original plan featured three double units and one single, a concept not financially prohibitive. Bernice Nieman expressed her concern over the increased traffic this project would produce getting onto Cedar Lake Rd. 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 Backes to authorize preparation of a resolution of approval. Councilman Strohl said the neighborhood feels their property values will be hurt and that increased traffic will create additional hazard. They would hope more thought was given to the project and that the scale be reduced. Councilman Martin said there was adequate land available for a development, but the peculiar shape of the land dictated a cluster arrangement such as was being proposed. Mayor Hanks felt the concerns over traffic hazards were exaggerated and that the land owner has paid his assessment for this public street. Councilman Mitchell expressed his concerns relative to the project's closeness to the railroad tracks. The motion passed 4-2 (Councilmen Mitchell and Strohl opposed). 6f. Vacation City of St. Louis Park: First reading of an ordinance vacating a portion of an alley between Alabama and Brunswick, 36th St. and Railroad Ave. There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the meeting 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 first reading, set second reading for July 1, 1985 and authorize summary publica- tion. The motion passed 6-0. -93- City Council meeting minutes June 17, 1985 69. Vacate utility Request to vacate utility easement: � Dan Bar Homes, south of 13th Lane, i west of Rhode Island 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 Mitchell to waive first reading, set second for July 1, 1985 and authorize summary publication. The motion passed 6-0. 6h. Hwy. 7: Zarthan/Webster Project 84-20: Hwy. 7 frontage road, Zarthan/Webster Jim Davis felt that the neighborhood meeting had been held at a poor time and not enough emphasis had been made on the importance of the meeting. David Bending felt the road should be closed. He was concerned about the hill on Xenwood and the reduced visability at the intersection. Ann Bell felt the traffic is being diverted into their neighborhood. i She felt a redistribution of the assessment was in order. Several other residents spoke to express their opinions of the project. When all had spoken, the Mayor declared the hearing closed with the right of Council to thereafter reopen it and continue it at a future date. It was moved by Councilman Strohl to continue the hearing to the first meeting in August and do a traffic study. The motion died for lack of a second. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland to order in the project with no cul -de -sack at a 24 -ft. width. At Councilman Meland's request, the City Assessor discussed the assessment for this project. Councilman Meland felt this assessment should be handled similar to street reconstruction projects back in 1975 or so instead of just assessing those fronting on the frontage road. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilman Stroh] opposed). It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Strohl to continue the hearing to July 1, 1985. The motion passed 6-0. -93a- City Council meeting minutes June 17, 1985 None. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 8a. Pension legislation Resolution relating to pension Resolution No. 85-793 legislation It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 85-83 entitled "A resolution approving Laws 1985, Chapter 261, Sections 32, 33, 34 and 35 relating to pension benefits for St. Louis Park firefighters." The motion passed 6-0. REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES 9a. Condemnation: Excelsior Blvd. Resolution No.85-84 9b. 9c. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Strohl, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 85-84 entitled "Resolution authorizing taking of land for highway purposes, Excelsior Blvd. widening, City Project 83-32." The motion passed 6-0. Sale of houses Proposed sale of houses on Louisiana Ave. It was moved by Councilman Backes, seconded by Councilman Martin, to not proceed with the sale of homes on Louisiana Ave. The motion passed 6-0. Water Conservation Committee It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Mitchell to temporarily discontinue the water conservation program. The motion passed 6-0. Mayor Hanks asked that letters of thanks be sent to the committee members. -94- City Council meeting minutes June 17, 1985 9d. Traffic signal: 16th/Vernon It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin, to accept recommendations of staff's report to retain a consultant to study the proposed traffic signal The motion passed 5-1 (Councilman Strohl opposed). 9e. Mini -warehouses; Minor amendment to special permit: Resolution No. 85-88.1 Mini -warehouses, Louisiana Ave. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Backes to approve the minor amendment and amend Resolution 7521,by the adoption of Resolution No. 85-88.1. The motion passed 6-0. 9f. Traffic study: 39th/Zarthan Ave. Resolution No.85-87—It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Strohl to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 85-85 entitled "Resolution authorizing the installation of temporary stop signs on Zarthan Ave. at W. 39th St." The motion passed 6-0. 9g. Rental bond program It was moved by Councilman Martin, Resolution No. 85-86 seconded by Councilman Mitchell to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 85-86 entitled "Resolution establishing the date for a public hearing on a proposed housing program pusruant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C and authorizing publication of notice therefore." The motion passed 6-0. 9h. Housing and Redevelopment Authority minutes 9i. Planning Commission minutes 9j. May financial report By consent, the starred items were ordered filed. 9k. Community Education budget It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin to approve the Community Education budget as presented to the Council. The motion passed 6-0. 10a. Boards and Commissions UNFINISHED BUSINESS The following appointments to Boards and Commissions were approved Reappointment of John Iacono, Shelton Fisher and Joe Casey to the Human Rights Commission and J. Dudley Moylan to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. -95- City Council meeting minutes June 17, 1985 NEW BUSINESS lla. Bid tab: 1985 street work supplies It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Strohl to designate Koch Asphalt and J. L. Shiely as the lowest responsible bidders and authorize execution of contracts with those companies for $60,050 and $59,900 respectively. The motion passed 6-0. llb. Bid tab: Pedestrian bridge It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland to reject all bids and authorize staff to meet with the consultant to review plans in an effort to reduce costs. The motion passed 6-0. llc. Change order: Repair of Well #12 The motion passed 6-0. lld. Change order: Redevelopment of Wello. 10 The motion passed 6-0. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin to approve the change order. It was moved by Councilman Stroh], seconded by Councilman Meland, to approve the change order. MISCELLANEOUS 12a. Claims Scott Nelson, 6232 Vincent Ave., Richfield Penelppe Pittelkow (Smith Motors) 4419 Excelsior Blvd. Lorraine Levine, 2222 Oregon Ct., St. Louis Park Ron Brokhausen, 8211 157th Lane, Ramsey, MN By consent, the claims were referred to the City Clerk and City Attorney. 12b. Communications from Mayor Mayor Hanks reported that the City's jail facility in City Hall received a good report from a recent inspection. The Mayor reminded Council of the Congress of Cities meeting in Seattle, Wash. Dec. 7-11. He also reported that Party in the Park is in full swing, all preparations being finalized. -96- City Council meeting minutes June 17, 1985 12c. Communications from the City Manager The City Manager reported that the bids to Hennepin County for the Excelsior Blvd. project were $140,000 over the engineer's estimate which means the City's portion would increase by some 10%. The County feels it may be advisable to postpone the project until the summer of 1986. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS, CONTRACT PAYMENTS 13a. Verified claims and that the City Manager and City checks in the appropriate amounts. The motion passed 6-0. 14. Adjournment It was moved by Councilman McIand, seconded by Councilman Martin to approve the verified claims prepared by the Director of Finance dated June 17, 1985 in the amount of $790,491.34 for vendor claims and $11,532.24 for payroll claims Treasurer -be authorized to issue It was moved by Councilman Backes, seconded by Councilman Martin to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m. The motion passed 6-0. fat Smith Recording Secretary -97-