Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986/07/28 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionMINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA July 28, 1986 1. Call to order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call The following Council members were present at roll call: Ronald Backes, Thomas Duffy, Allen Friedman, Larry Mitchell, David Strand and Mayor Lyle Hanks. 3. City Hall landscaping The City Manager discussed the need for a plan for landscaping City Hall. Assistant City Engineer Carlton Moore discussed specific areas that were addressed in the proposal including drainage problems, maintenance surrounding the foundation area and an irrigation system. He stated that this request should be considered as a special permit request. He discussed in detail the following 11 areas identified as areas for improvement: 1. Entry from Minnetonka Blvd. and public image 2. Drainage correction underground garage northwest corner of building 3. Roof top plaza/lunch/activity area 4. Future lounge/lunchroom improvements 5. Northeast foundation 6. Overgrown plant materials screen 7. East parking lot 8. East slope correction 9. Parking lot entry/foundation plan 10. Landscapped island 11. Park/tennis court edge He indicated that items 3 and 4 are proposed not to be included with the proposal since there is no appropriate plan at this time for correction. This would reduce the cost of the improvement to $50,830. Councilman Mitchell asked how many hours of staff time would be required to complete the work. Jim Grube, Director of Public Works, stated that for the drainage correction, it would take City crews 3 days for a 3 -person crew, and 1 day for tree plantings for a 3 -person crew. Councilman Friedman asked how the landscaping around the foundation would reduce the maintenance. Carlton Moore explained that with the mower overhang, the mowers would be able to mow up to the point of the timber. Councilman Friedman asked whether the landscapped islands could be curb blocks. Carlton said that would make it difficult for snow removal. Councilman Strand added that the PlanningCommission no long%rMNse on new construction. Councilman Mitchell asked how staff arrived at the cost. Jim Grube stated that a variety of different contractors were contacted. Study session minutes July 28, 1986 2. Mayor Hanks commented that at a minimum something needs to be done on the east side. Councilman Friedman requested staff provide information regarding the cost and crew time to accomplish this work and what work it would detract from. The Council directed staff to prepare a preliminary engineering report for its August 4, 1986 meeting. 4. Dog ordinance Councilman Mitchell stated that he would like to work more directly with this ordinance and see that an effort be made to review and concentrate on the existing ordinance. 5. Building permit fees Councilman Mitchell asked how these building fees compare with other communities. Harvey McPhee, Director of Inspectional Services, stated that the fees that are proposed are almost identical to the fee schedule that was recently adopted by the City of Minnetonka. Councilman Backes stated that at the Building Codes Commission meeting, the Commission felt that the theory behind this type of fee structure was good. Councilman Backes stated that he would be interested in working with Harvey on the building permit fees. Councilman Friedman asked what is the cost to the department for the inspections and what the City receives for the fee permits. He asked if the City was covering its costs now. The City Manager stated that we are not currently covering our costs. Councilman Duffy stated that the concept of the fee being based on a percentage makes sense. Staff was directed to provide information regarding costs of the inspectional services and the revenue currently received from permits. 6. Prosecuting attorney Councilman Strand stated that he felt the request for proposal met Council's objectives. He added that the City should send the request for proposal to the firm the City currently contracts with. He also stated that he has a list of all prosecution firms that could be a basis for deciding who to invite to submit proposals. The City Manager stated that he has received letters some firms indicating an interest in serving in this capacity. Councilman Strand stated that those firms should be notified as well. Councilman Backes asked what is the advantage of a large firm. Councilman Strand responded none. 0• Study session minutes July 28, 1986 3. Councilman Backes asked what is the advantage of a small firm, to which Councilmam Strand said that a smaller firm would be hungry and would utilize the City of St. Louis Park as a significant account. Councilman Strand suggested working with the City Manager to send out the scope of services. He added that the Police Department should be consulted regarding names of firms to contact. Staff was directed to place the scope of services on the August 4, 1986 agenda. The following subcommittee was appointed to develop the list of firms to which the proposal would be sent: Councilmen Friedman, Strand, Meland and Mayor Hanks along with the City Manager. The subcommittee will be meeting at 7:00 on Aug. 4. It was added that anyone who asks for a proposal should be sent one. 1. Senior housing rental Councilman Strand asked whether we are ahead of schedule in terms of rental housing. Bill Thibault, Planning Director, stated that given the Comprehensive Plan is a 20 -year projection, we are probably ahead of schedule. He added that we are ahead because of certain bonding programs and the type of assistance that the City provides. Councilman Strand asked how do you decide the best use for the land. Mr. Thibault stated that the Comprehensive Plan defines the best use. The City Manager added that there is a section in the Planning Commission report that discusses the relationship of use to the Comprehensive Plan. Councilman Strand stated that he was concerned with approving a request that changed the Comprehensive Plan to a more intense use. Councilman Mitchell asked if information was available regarding a five-year history for the rental of single-family homes. He also asked whether the City could identify where those rental single-family homes are located. He stated that the City needs to buffer single-family homes and needs to protect owner occupied homes. Councilman Strand asked whether staff could identify the senior population and provide a five-year projection, identifying the housing available and identify what would be a good mix to meet the City's needs. The City Manager stated that the City has a report based on 1980 census data that is broken down by neighborhoods that would provide that information. 8. I-394 Mayor Hanks asked whether Str ar-Roscoe is the best firm to do the job. The CitY Mu-jiager replied yes, that they have had experience on I-394 planning and are currently working with the City of Minnetonka on a similar study. Councilman Mitchell stated his concerns about Cedar Lake Rd. Councilman Strand asked what does this study do for the Met Council EIS process. Study session minutes July 28, 1986 4. The City Manager stated that the City can use it for its own purposes in terms of evaluation and it can provide data for the EAW review by the Met Council. He stated without any data submitted, the City is totally relying on the Met Council's information and its decision. Councilman Mitchell requested that Cedar Lake Rd. be specifically mentioned and included in the study and traffic alternatives to Cedar Lake Rd. be identified. Staff was directed to place the I-394 study on the August 4, 1986 Council meeting. 9• Krinke wall Councilman Strand asked why the City is responsible. The Mayor stated that the wall was built as a result of widening the street which was a City project, and the wall has deteriorated and needs to be replaced. Council directed staff to place this item on the August 4 agenda. 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Carmen Kaplan Recording Secretary