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Home My WebLink About1987/03/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session 4c MINUTES STUDY SESSION 11], ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA March 9, 1987 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. - 2. Roll Call The following members wereresent at roll call : Allen Friedman, Thomas Duffy, Y, Keith Meland, David Strand, Lyle Hanks. Also present were the Assistant City Manager and Administrative Assistant. and City Manager. 3. Private wells The Mayor gave a brief history of this item in that it had previously been before the City Council under a subsidy program of 40% for abandoning private wells. He asked whether most people know there is a well when they buy the home. Councilman Friedman responded that home sales within the last 5-8 years indicate that buyers are not aware that there is a private well on the property. 1111 The Mayor asked about the number of wells in the City. The Assistant City Manager reported that the Hickok report indicated there are 625 private wells. Councilman M'_land asked about the methodology of the study. The Mayor responded that he thought the entire city was canvassed. Councilman Meland stated it was his understanding that only the creosote area was studied and a projection on the entire city was made based on that. Councilman Strand said he could see a clear public need for the removal of Dutch Elm diseased trees as it was a clear danger to the environment, but could not see an equal public need for private well abandonment. Councilman Duffy stated that every home built before the citY system s stem went in has a well . Councilman Friedman stated that St. Louis Park was at an unfair advantage since it enforces state law-through its housing inspection program. The Mayor stated he was concerned the policy to abandon wells was never a Council decision. He asked whether the Remedial Action Plan specifies any action with respect to private wells. The City Manager said no. ILO The Mayor asked the average depth of a private well , and the City Manager said he would guess approximately 100 ft. Councilman Friedman stated that most private wells are 35-40 ft. Councilman Strand stated that the City has an obligation to enforce state law. Councilman Meland suggested that the City offer a program whereby the homeowner is assessed and the assessment may be held until the home is sold. Councilman Friedman asked whether the City could bid out the program on an annual basis. The City Manager said it would be something to look into but well drillers may respond that each case has to be reviewed on an individual basis. The Mayor stated that a City subsidy of 40% up to $200 would result in a budget figure of $120,000 for 600 wells. The remainder would be assessed. Councilman Meland stated that this would not be a significant budget figure if it were spread over a 5-year time period. Councilman Duffy suggested a lower percentage subsidy for no interest. The Mayor suggested that homeowners be required to get two bids and accept the lowest responsible bidder. 4. Inspectional Services Councilman Backes arrived at 7:40 p.m. The City Manager stated that the housing inspection program gets into the area of code interpretation. He stated that it infringes upon the seller and buyer. He added that the inspectors sometimes go outside their authority. 411 Councilman Duffy questioned the complaint answering procedure. Councilman Friedman stated that the City could learn about customer relations from Dayton Hudson Corp. This could be applied to all City departments. Councilman Strand recommended a City ombudsman. The City Manager polled the Council on the number of complaints involving conflict they have received during the year. Councilman Duffy responded 5-7; Councilman Strand, 10; Mayor Hanks stated he probably doesn't receive one a month; Councilman Meland, 50; Councilman Friedman stated he would have to check his records. Councilman Mitchell arrived at 7:45 p.m. Councilman Friedman_ _stated_ _that___existing ___staff apologizes for the system in that the person responsible would have to be apart from the system. The City Manager suggested mediation or a consultant under which an individual appointment could be set and a log of hours could be maintained. Councilman Friedman stated that this could monitor employees. The Mayor stated that reports could be submitted to the City Council of everyone who has been involved. Councilman Backes suggested a postcard type followup survey with those who have received an inspection and returned to a third party. Councilman Friedman raised concerns about reinspections and the identification of additional violations. He suggested it would only it be limited to the 1111 initial inspection. Councilman Mitchell asked what if a clear safety violation is found. Councilman Friedman stated there would be no reason for that if the checklist is followed. Councilman Strand asked why the same person doesn't go back for the reinspection. The City Manager responded that staffing does not always allow that. Councilman Friedman stated that "no guarantee" should be on every single form used. The City Manager stated that the City Attorney was looking into this. The City Manager then recapped the discussion as follows: 1. The way people are handled; 2. Postcard survey 3. Customer services department in which the Council may want the department accountable only to the Council . Councilman Meland stated he didn't receive any complaints until four years ago and asked if any employees have changed. 11110 The Mayor suggested the buyer and seller be informed only of safety violations and not include, for example, painting. Councilman Mitchell asked how many different inspectors there are. The City Manager stated there is one designated as inspector and as many as three may be staffeifor high peak times. The City Manager stated that the checklist used could be brought back before the Council . Councilman Mitchell__asked for a summary of the number of inspections and the number of complaints received. 5. Single family rental homes Councilman Strand recommended alternative one in the staff report. He was not in favor of licensing. The Mayor recommended looking into being more restrictive in the code with respect to parking of vehicles on front lawns. Councilman Mitchell questioned availability of access to the state rent credit program. 6. Central gym 41111 The City Manager reported that the cost would be $300,000-$400,000 and the Council decided not to pursue this issue. 7. Legal rates The City Manager informed the Council that in billing practices the civil attorney has submitted fees ranging from $35/hr. to $135/hr. and wanted to bring this before the Council to verify this was the agreement. The City Council stated that this was the agreement and that it would be important to track for a six-month timeframe and at that point, may wish to change. 7. TwinWest coffee The City Manager informed the City Council of the State of the City address that was going to be held in City Hall on Wed. , Mar. 11 -at 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. 8. Meeting with Senator Moe The City Manager reported that a meeting has been scheduled for Thurs. , Mar. 12 at 9:30 a.m. in Senator Moe's office which will include representatives from the Governor's office regarding Hwy. 7/Louisiana Ave. funding. The Mayor and Councilman Meland stated they would also be present. 9. Hwy. 7/France Ave. 411 The City Manager reported that Minneapolis has scheduled this project for 1989 and would include widening the bridge and four lanes. He stated that it would be timely to bring the proposal for the Hwy. 7/France Ave. inter- section back to Council . 9. Zoning meetings The Council recommended that the zoning ordinance be placed on its next study session agenda to discuss as meetings with the neighborhood are being scheduled. 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at-9:117 p.m. &&a0 5 armen Kaplan Administrative Assistant