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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993/05/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular 4a MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA May 17, 1993 1. Call to order Mayor Lyle Hanks called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. 2 . Presentations Mayor Hanks read a resolution Resolution 93-49 in honor of Gene Gustafson who is retiring after 30+ years with the City. He also presented to Mr. Gustafson a plaque on behalf of the City Council . 3 . Roll call The following Councilmembers were present at roll call : Jeff Jacobs, George Haun, Allen Friedman, Larry Mitchell, Gail Dorfman and Lyle Hanks . Also present were the City Manager (Mr. Meyer) , City Attorney (Ms . Pace) , Dir. of Public Works (Mr. Grube) , Dir. of Community Development (Mr. Hagen) and Interim Finance Director (Mr. Rambow) . 4 . Approval of minutes It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, to approve the minutes of the May 3 Council meeting with the following addition: Item 8a. Zoning Ordinance Amendments, add that staff had provided Council with a report on solar access as this had come up at a prior meeting. The motion passed 6-0 . It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the minutes of the May 10 study session with the following additions/corrections : Item 3 , Mr. Rambow clarified that the $67, 000 savings was for the restructuring of the improvement bonds that are being refunded; there is an approximate $45, 000 that will be saved by calling in and redeeming three issues on the agenda this evening; Item 6, change "in conjunction with" to "contact; " Item 13, residency requirements for board/commission members, Mayor Hanks noted this only applied to youth members and until staff provides further information, it can stand as is . 53 . The motion passed 6-0 . 5 . Approval of agenda It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, to approve the consent agenda for May 17, 1993 . The III motion passed 6-0 . It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Dorfman, to approve the agenda for May 17 with the following additions/changes: Delete item 7a; add llc. Land acquisition for public purpose; add 11d. Tax increment financing: Excelsior Blvd. development; 12d. Communication from Councilmember. The motion passed 6-0 . PUBLIC HEARINGS 6a. Fill in floodplain (Bateson) It was moved by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to continue the public hearing to June 7, 1993 . The motion passed 6-0 . 6b. Maytag Addition: 5305 Parkdale Vacation of utility, alley, drainage easements in May- tag Addition, 5305 Parkdale. There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the hearing with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date. In answer to a question, Mr. Hagen noted the City was in receipt of letters of approval from all utility companies involved. Councilmember Dorfman asked if the utility companies would be paying for the moving of power lines and would they be undergrounded. Mr. Hagen said they would pay for moving but he did not know if they were to be undergrounded. The City Attorney said one or two technical matters were being reviewed and would be shared with the applicant . Mayor Hanks asked that a comment on those technical matters plus information on undergrounding come back to Council on the second reading. It was moved by Councilmember Dorfman, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve first reading, set second for June 7, 1993 and authorize summary publication. The motion passed 6-0 . 54 . 6c. Preliminary/final plat Bell Addition, 5305 Parkdale Resolution 93-50 There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the hearing with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date . It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, to adopt Resolution 93-50 entitled "Resolution giving approval for preliminary and final plat of Bell Addition and granting variances for front yard setbacks and yards facing Parkdale Dr. and Cedar Lake Rd. The motion passed 6-0 . 6d. Park Center Blvd. reconstruction Resolution 93-51 There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date. Councilmember Haun said he had received some concerns from businesses in the area relative to how long the construction would take and its affect on their business . Mr. Grube compared this reconstruction project with the Monterey to 38th project of last summer which was managed fairly well . The same considerations for dust control and expediency will be implemented on this project . The project will likely commence at the end of July with paving completed by Labor Day and completion during September. It was moved by Councilmember Haun, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 93-51 entitled "Resolution ordering improvement Project 90-23 approving plans and specifications and authorizing receipt of bids for reconstruction of Park Center Blvd. from W. 36th St. to the west entrance to Byerly' s/Target Stores . " The motion passed 6-0 . 6e. County Road 25 North/south frontage road re- construction Dave Hill, General Office Products, again expressed his opposition to the project . They feel the cost exceeds the benefit to them. Jim Thompson, 3040 Ingelwood, felt there would be no benefit to himself or the adjacent property owner to have a frontage road installed. 55 . Jeff Shaneletter, 4725 Hwy. 7, was in agreement with Mr. Thompson. There being no one further wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the hearing with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date. Councilmember Haun, having heard from a number of residents, wished to defer this matter for further study. He acknowledged the project may be warranted, but was not completely sold on it and the majority of the people affected by it are opposed. It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, to reopen and continue the hearing to June 21, 1993 and put on the June 14 study session. Councilmember Mitchell asked how deferral would affect the timeframe of the project. Mr. Grube said staff feels the project must be done within the next three years . Deferral to the June 14 study session would probably still allow the project to be completed this year if that was Council 's wish. Councilmember Jacobs had reservations as well. Should the frontage road break through the Joppa/Inglewood area, he would like some idea of the impact that might have on the potential development in this area, what kind of traffic is on that road now. He would also like ideas on other possibilities for paying for the project. He understood there was some suggestion to use an assessment rate more commensurate with what is done in residential rather than commercial areas and he felt that should be clarified. The motion passed 6-0 . PETITIONS, REQUESTS, COMMUNICATIONS None . RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 8a. Zoning ordinance amendment Off-street parking for small Ordinance 93-1917 medical/dental offices It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Dorfman, to adopt Ordinance 93-1917 entitled "An ordinance amending the St . Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to zoning by amending Section 14 : 6-1.3 (A) (12) . " The motion passed 6-0 . 8b. Parking ramp licensure It was moved by Councilmember Ordinance No. 93-1918 Friedman, seconded by Council- 56 . member Mitchell, to adopt Ordinance No. 93-1918 entitled "An ordinance amending the St . Louis Park Ordinance Code related to insurance requirements for parking ramp inspectors by amending 111 Section 13-119 . " The motion passed 6-0 . 8c. Restructuring bond issue Resolution 93-52 Mr. Meyer updated the Council on information received today on bank interest rates which would affect refunding of the 1983 issue; the other issues are being called in and redeemed. In answer to a question from Councilmember Friedman, Mr. Meyer said any bonds issued in 1993 are subject to the $10 million limit and the restructuring could affect any bonds issued for Park Nicollet in 1993 . Mr. Hagen said Park Nicollet is anticipating the sale of bonds for construction of the mall/medical office building as well as the building to be located west of the existing building. Since going over the $10 million cap will affect the basis points, Councilmember Friedman asked if there was any possibility of structuring the bonds so they are issued in two increments . Mr. Hagen said he had not had time to research this . Mr. Steilen said if the dates in the redevelopment agreement remain firm, Park Nicollet will have to close the bond financing for both buildings before July 30, 1993 . The last he has heard from the developer is that they intend to combine the $11-$12 million necessary for the new project with other refinancing they are doing on behalf of Methodist Hospital and the existing tower. He noted these are revenue bonds, not general obligation, for which the City acts_ as a conduit with no obligation. Councilmember Friedman asked for more information on how this affects the City in its bonding. Councilmember Friedman asked why this was a negotiated sale rather than going for bid. He really preferred going to bid. Mr. Rambow said it was the terminology to be used in advertising, find out who has the best bids and then negotiate the sale from there . Ms . Pace said specifications and request for proposal would be prepared and the City will have discretion in evaluating which proposal it believes is in the City' s best interest . In answer to questions by Mr. Meyer, Mr. Rambow replied the amount of the sale was estimated based on refunding the bonds, 57 . the issuance costs and escrowing the funds until 1995 when the original issue could be paid off. The size of the denomination of the bonds would be open to negotiation but he believed $5, 000 increments . Councilmember Mitchell asked that the financial advisor be present at the June 7 meeting. It was moved by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Haun, to defer this item to June 7, 1993 . The motion passed 6-0 . It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Haun, to adopt Resolution 93-52 entitled "Resolution authorizing redemption of general obligation improvement bonds of 1979, general obligation improvement bonds of 1977 and general obligation redevelopment bonds of 1976 . " The motion passed 6-0 . 8d. Amendment : Special assessment rate Resolution 93-53 Councilmember Friedman asked about the dollar amounts in the resolution -- were they new, is this setting forth a new plan for these projects . Mr. Meyer said the only change was in paragraph 12 which sets forth the method for determining the interest rate on special111 assessments . At a future time he would like to see Council take up the rest of the assessment policy because staff would like to see a more consistent policy on assessments, especially commercial assessments . It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell to adopt Resolution 93-53 entitled "A resolution amending Resolution 88-152 establishing assessment policies for improvement projects. " The motion passedf 6-0 . REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES 9a. Groundwater pumpout well installation Resolution 93-54 It was moved by Councilmember Haun, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 93-54 entitled "Resolution accepting the City Engineer's report, establishing improvement project 93- 19 ordering the improvement, approving plans and specifications and authorizing staff to solicit and/or advertise for bids for Phases I and II . " 58 . The motion passed 6-0 . In answer to a question from- the Mayor, Mr. Grube said the 111 proposal provided for the installation of a near-surface well in the vicinity of Gorham and First St. At some future date, Council will be asked to approve a pumpout well in Jorvig Park. These two pumpout wells are for sure. 9b. Street lighting along 37th St Revised City Engineer's Resolution 93-55 report It was moved by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 93-55 entitled "Resolution accepting the revised City Engineer' s report, establishing improvement Project 90-69 ordering the improvement and authorizing staff to obtain written quotes for installation. " The motion passed 6-0 . 9c. Capital Improvement Program Resolution 93-56 It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, to adopt Resolution 93-56 entitled "Resolution approving 1993-1997 Capital Improvement Program. " The motion passed 6-0 . 9d. Void 9e. Charter Commission meeting May 6 9f . April 1993 financial statement 9g. Housing Authority minutes April 13 9h. Minutes Neighborhood Revitalization Commission 9i . Planning Commission minutes Mav 5 9j . Cable TV Commission minutes Mav 3 9k. Parks and Recreation Commission minutes May 12 Items 9e-9k ordered filed by consent . UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10a. Boards and Commissions It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Dorfman, to accept the resignation of Karen LeMay Coggins from the Fire Civil Service Commission and that a letter of thanks be sent to her. 59 . NEW BUSINESS lla . Police station Specifications/plans for office Resolution 93-57 furniture/equipment It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 93-57 entitled "Resolution approving plans and specifications for the purchase of furniture and equipment for the Police station, and authorizing staff to enter into two contracts through Hennepin County with Metro Systems and Burton Equipment . " The motion passed 6-0 . 11b. PAL, Inc., Application to conduct raffle It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Haun, to approve the request and waive the 30-day waiting period. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Friedman opposed) . llc. Land acquisition for public purpose Resolution 93-58 Mr. Meyer said notification had been received from a third party the City had solicited to attempt to acquire property for the relocation of the water tower in relation to the Park Nicollet project . This party had said they would be willing to consider a purchase offer. The report before Council requests passage of a resolution authorizing the payment of $13 , 500 option to Evergreen Land Services to acquire rights to that property. Mr. Grube said the City Attorney' s office is working with staff on the drafting of that document . It was moved by Councilmember Haun, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, to adopt Resolution 93-58 entitled "Resolution authorizing acquisition of land purchase option rights at Lot 3 , Block 2, Beltline Business Park. " The motion passed 6-0 . lld. Modified tax increment financing plan Excelsior Blvd. redevelopment project Mr. Meyer said it has been the intent to move ahead with the creation of a modified tax increment financing plan for the tax increment financing district . Accelerating the process were legislation basically eliminating the creation of TIFs after June 30, 1993 which did not pass, and another piece of legislation which would do essentially the same has been introduced in the House . 111 The concern is that the House legislation having been read and standing as outstanding legislation could have the impact of causing a cloud on the issuance of the bonds. Staff' s desire is to move ahead as quickly as possible so the TIF can be implemented prior to June 30 . In order to implement this, the TIF plan must be circulated to the County and School District in order to provide them with a 30-day comment period. It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to proceed with implementation of the plan and to set a public hearing on the TIF plan for June 21, 1993 . The motion passed 6-0 . MISCELLANEOUS 12a. Damage claims Cheryl Chanen Gertrude Lapides Ray Paskoff Sue Page John Wald By consent, claims referred to City Clerk and City Manager. 12b. Communications from the Mayor Mayor Hanks reminded Council of the AMM annual meeting on May 26 . On May 26, a hearing for the Cedar Lake Rd. neighborhood will be held. The area is Sumter to Virginia Also reservations for the League of Minnesota Cities June 8-11 conference in St . Cloud should be made. 12c. Communications from City Manager Mr. Meyer referenced the memo from Mr. Grube on a speed monitoring device. Mr. Meyer reminded Council that the public hearing on Park Nicollet scheduled for the Planning Commission on May 19 was re- scheduled for June 2 . Council was reminded of the Council/Board and commission reception on May 24 . 12d. Communication from Councilmember Councilmember Haun said he had received a request from a neighborhood to hold a meeting relative to problems with parking in a residential neighborhood primarily in the Vallacher area. He requested staff to hold a neighborhood meeting concerning these problems . Moved by Councilmember Haun, 111 59 . seconded by Councilmember Friedman. Motion passed 6-0 . Councilmember Dorfman said Council had received information that residents had received notification that construction is to begin on W. 26th St. the week of May 24 . She wondered if the residentsIII of 25th St. been notified of the bus re-routing. Also, she had been informed that the hours of the buses had been changed last October so instead of stopping at 10 :00 p.m. , they go until midnight during the week and whereas they never ran on weekends, now they run Saturdays and Sundays. She wondered if during the nine weeks of construction on 26th, the buses could go back to the old hours. Mayor Hanks suggested staff express Council 's concerns to the MTC. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS, CONTRACT PAYMENTS 13a. Verified claims By consent, the list of verified claims prepared by the Interim Finance Director dated May 17, 1993 was approved and checks authorized to be distributed in the appropriate amounts : Vendor claims : $732, 891 . 98; Payroll claims : $13 , 952 . 78 . 14 . Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8 :55 p.m. III tV, Alavve- Ly a W. Hanks Mayor at 1)- iSuvuth • ecording Secretary 60 .