HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987/04/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session (2) ill!' MINUTES
STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL
April 6, 1987
1 . Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9: 10 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Present were Council members Backes, Duffy, Friedman, Meland, Mitchell , Strand
and Mayor Hanks. Also present were the City Manager, Assistant City Manager
and the Administrative Assistant.
3. Inspectional Services
The City Manager noted that staff had supplied a report to the City Council
on the home inspections program March 27, 1987. He noted that a number of
housing condition reports had been attached to the staff report. He asked
Council members if there were any items reflected on these housing condition
reports which gave them concern.
Councilman Backes noted that the intent of the program was to enforce the
code that was existing at the time a house was built. He questioned such
items as GFI receptacles and the requirement of a three-prong electrical
outlet for a refrigerator.
Councilman Friedman noted two concerns with the housing inspection program.
The first area of concern involved ihe_ap.pa-ar_ance aspect of housiflg in-spections.
As an example, he asked what it means to require new gutters. He also indicated
that such things as painting and replacing shutters hate been required in
some instances. The second area of concern identified by Councilman Friedman
involved the problems occurring on the re-inspection when new items are sometimes
added to the housing condition report. He also agreed with the staff report's
identification of the difference in approach that is used by inspectors who
normally work with the trade inspections.
Councilman Friedman added that _the St_ Louis Park housing �nspectien - ro ram
has raised the expectations of buyers who are aware of the program and believe
that they are purchasing a home that is fully up to code.
After further discussion of the housing inspection program, the City Manager
was asked to look into the following areas: (1 ) conduct training; (2) revise
the form and handouts; (3) include a disclaimer on housing inspection forms;
(4) review procedures used for the electrical inspections and for general
appearance of a structure; and (5) limit housing inspection to those violations
found on the first inspection report.
4. Private wells
A discussion on private wells was deferred to the next study session.
5. Highway 7/France Ave. intersection
The City Manager provided an update on this construction project and noted
that Minneapolis is prepared to move forward on its portion of this project.
Council requested that minutes of previous neighborhood meetings be distributed.
It was suggested that further neighborhood meetings be held to discuss changes
planned for this intersection.
6. Budget fund balances
The City Manager noted that on the recommendation of the City Auditor, some
consideration has been given to transferring funds to cover the accrued liabili-
ties posed by unused sick leave and vacation leave. He noted that this item
may appear on a future agenda.
7. Time transfer station
Councilman Mitchell asked if condemnation of property for the time transfer
station had begun. It was noted that MnDOT will be the agency responsible
for condemnation of this property and that the City has the right to challenge
MnDOT's use of condemnation for this purpose. Council requested to be kept
up to date on this issue.
8. Future Council meetings
The City Manager advised Council that a presentation on the Capital Improvement
Program has been scheduled for April 20 at 6 p.m. in the Council chambers.
He noted that the legislative update would follow at 7 p.m.
9. Adjournment 4
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
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Sharon G. Klumpp
Recording Secretary