HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993/04/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session 4b
MINUTES
EDA/CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
April 26, 1993
1. Call to order
Mayor Lyle Hanks called the meeting to order at 6 :25 p.m.
2 . Roll call
Present were Lyle Hanks, Allen Friedman, George Haun, Larry
Mitchell, Gail Dorfman, Jeff Jacobs, Doug Franzen, Dave Hagen,
Jim Grube, Charlie Meyer, Jim Steilen and Clint Pires.
3 . Update on Park Nicollet matters
Jim Grube reviewed the report which described plans to move
contamination from the old Wilkins site to approved facilities in
Rosemount, Minnesota and Oregon, Ohio. Lower than expected costs
for this work due to competition were noted. Jim Grube said staff
would proceed as indicated unless the EDA felt differently. EDA
consensus was to follow staff 's recommendation.
Jim Grube also reported that negotiations with the owner of the
desired water tower relocation site were progressing well with
the per square foot costs appearing acceptable. Negotiations will
continue. -
4 . Adopt A Block/Park
The City Council consensus was to not publicize this program at
this time. Council said the program was a good idea, yet felt it
should further consider issues of whether parks should be
adopted, identification of specific streets (segments) to be
included and safety concerns (e.g. , vests) for those performing
the work. This item is to be reviewed again at an upcoming study
session.
5 . Property boundaries of parcels being conveyed to Park Nicollet
and Frauenshuh
Dave Hagen reviewed EDA options for use of the westerly portion
of the parcels to be conveyed to Park Nicollet or Frauenshuh. He
indicated that there may be some desire to look at use of this
area for pedestrian ways or commercial activity. Doug Franzen
indicated his pleasure at being at this stage of development and
desires to continue with this project to keep up with the tight
111 schedule. At the end of the discussion, the consensus was to
continue the project as scheduled and have the EDA attorney and
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developers ' attorneys draft a letter of understanding stating
that use of the subject area has not been finally determined and
the EDA and developers will discuss its development prior to any
activity on it.
6 . Nagel property: Westwood Hills Nature Center
Following review of the developer's proposal by Dave Hagen, the
Council directed that staff provide additional information on the
City's legal responsibility for maintenance of the gravel road
leading to the Nagel property and that no further action with
respect to the development be taken at this time.
7. Bateson proposal
Dave Hagen reported that the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
was unable to take action on a permit request from Mr. Bateson
due to its late arrival and will not be able to do so until its
May 27 meeting. Since the DNR must also act prior to Council
acting, this item was not discussed further.
8 . Zoning amendments (solar rights)
Following discussion of the issue of solar rights, the Council
decided to not make any changes to the proposed zoning ordinance
amendment that would eliminate any requirements for ensuring
solar access to one and two-family residences .
9 . Disposition of tax-forfeit property (6900 W. Lake St. )
Following discussion of the three options presented, Council
directed that staff prepare a resolution to approve the sale of
the parcel at public auction.
10 . Community Development Block Grant program
Council directed that pursuant to its April 19 meeting and
further discussion, the City/ADA compliance program not be
funded. In its place, funding requests for CIP/Private
Rehabilitation, SCS/Outreach/Counseling, Resource, Inc./Equipment
Purchase, JFCS/ACT and CASH/Homeline would be approved for
funding. Staff was directed to prepare amendments for the
required public hearing. In addition, staff was directed to
contact the West Hennepin Human Services Planning Board regarding
the possibility of an in-kind contribution from the City.
11. Joint meeting of Board and Commission members
Monday, May 24 was set as the probable date for a joint meeting
of board and commission members. The session will be held 7-9
p.m. in the Council chambers. It was agreed that the Mayor will
make brief introductory remarks and the City Manager will
describe the general roles of advisory boards and commissions
including some Charter provisions; how the City Council deals
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with input from these boards and commissions; and Council options
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for acting on recommendations made to it . A representative from
each board and commission will then make a brief (5-7 minute)
presentation on its activities. Staff was also directed to
prepare and send to each current and new member an orientation
packet .
12 . Potential land exchange with Minnetonka
Council directed that in lieu of a land exchange, staff pursue
the concept of Minnetonka annexing the subject parcels in
exchange for either a one-time payment of a percentage of the
City portion of the property taxes into perpetuity.
13 . Fire Department management study - Phase 1
Council directed that staff communicate with the consultant to
verify May 10 for the initial meeting with Council and June 7 for
the follow-up meeting with Council . Staff was also directed to
have the consultant arrange for prior individual telephone
interviews of Council members through Pat Smith.
14 . Other business
a. Proposal from William Smith - The Council indicated that it
was not interested in pursuing acquisition of the parcel in the
northeast quadrant of Virginia Ave. So./W. 28th St. until the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has indicated that the
environmental contamination present has been removed.
b. Ward boundaries - Staff provided Council with timeframe
information for changing ward boundaries . Council said this item
may be added to the May 3 agenda if it is ready.
c. Operation Rescue - Council indicated its support for
maintaining the public safety in any incident that may occur in
conjunction with Operation Rescue in St . Louis Park this summer.
Council requested further information on preparations being made.
d. Taco John's sign - Staff was directed to check sign
requirements and needs in conjunction with the Taco John's
restaurant at Knollwood Mall . There apparently is not sufficient
available room for the proposed sign.
e. Zoning ordinance - The Council directed staff to identify a
date for additional review of the zoning ordinance and propose a
format for same.
The meeting adjourned at 8 : 17 p.m.
/ 411/AAM
Clint Pires
Recording Secretary
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