HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/08/01 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL
Monday, August 1, 1994
1 Call to order
Mayor Hanks called the meeting to order at 7:30 p m
2 Presentations
Mayor Hanks read a proclamation for"National Night Out, Tuesday, August 2, 1994"
3 Roll call
The following Councilmembers were present at roll call: Jeff Jacobs, George Haun, Allen
Friedman, Robert Young, Gail Dorfman and Lyle Hanks
Also present were the City Manager(Mr Meyer), City Attorney(Mr Sheehy); Director of
Community Developmen (Mr Hagen); Engineering Supervisor(Mr Moore) and Assistant Fire
Chief(Mr. Stemmer).
4 Approval of minutes
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Haun, to approve the
minutes of the July 18, 1994 Council meeting
The motion passed 4-0-2 (Councilmember Young, Mayor Hanks abstained).
It was moved by Councilmember Haun, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the
minutes of the City Council study session held July 25, 1994
The motion passed 5-0-1 (Councilmember Young abstained)
5 Approval of agenda
It was moved by Councilmember Dorfman, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the
consent agenda for August 1, 1994 with the following deletion and addition to the regular agenda
Item 12a
The motion passed 6-0
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Dorfman, to approve the
agenda for August 1, 1994
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City Council meeting minutes
August 1, 1994
The motion passed 6-0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6a. Temporary liquor license Holy Family Fall Festival
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 Jacobs, to approve
The motion passed 6-0
6b Temporary liquor license Jewish Community Center
There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the hearing with the right of Council to
thereafter reopen and continue it to a fiiture date
It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Dorfinan to approve
The motion passed 6-0
6c. Change in Ward boundaries
The proposal is to change the boundary between the Wards 1 and 2 so that it would run along
Minnetonka Blvd In addition, it is proposed to add a new precinct to Ward 1.
Theresa Samudio, 2947 Quentin, spoke in favor of the proposal. Most of the people in this
immediate area identify more with Ward 1 than with Ward 2
Leonard Getsken, 2912 Glenhurst, spoke in favor of the proposal as well
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 said there were no political implications in this, it is an attempt to bring the
Neighborhood Revitalization Program into closer proximity with the residents involved
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It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Dorfman, to approve first reading,
set second for August 15, 1994 and authorize summary publication
The motion passed 6-0
Councilmember Young asked about realignment of other Ward boundaries as had previously been
discussed. Councilmember Friedman said this alignment was not a question of population; rather purely
based on the fact that requests had been received from residents who more clearly identified with another
Ward He felt consideration of other Ward realignment could be looked after the completion of the census
Mr Meyer noted the effective date of change was January 1995
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Dorfman to authorize preparation
of a resolution adding a new polling place for Ward 1
Councilmember Dorfman noted that the new boundaries would remain in compliance with State Statutes
The motion passed 6-0
,
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Dorfman, to authorize preparation
of a resolution adding new polling place and precinct lines for Ward 1.
The motion passed 6-0
6d Vacation Utility easement west end of Knollwood Mall
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 Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Haun, to approve first reading and
request that staff bring the ordinance back for second reading at such time as the water line relocation has
been completed and an easement granted, and authorize summary publication.
The motion passed 6-0
6e Vacation Sidewalk at Tower Place
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 Haun, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve first reading, set
second for August 15, 1994 and authorize summary publication
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The motion passed 6-0
PETITIONS, REQUESTS, COMMUNICATIONS
None
RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
8a. Police contract
Resolution 94-101
Councilmember Young commended inclusion of a flexible benefit program for employees He asked if the
plan included health care reimbursements, daycare reimbursements
Mr Wysopal said the City has a flexible spending program which would be blended into the cafeteria plan
It was moved by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember Haun, to adopt Resolution 94-101
entitled "Resolution approving the labor agreement between the City of St Louis Park and the Law
Enforcement Employees' Union Local 320 and establishing salaries and insurance contributions for the
years ending December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1995.
The motion passed 5-0-1.
8b Building heights in C-2 District
Ordinance 94-2002
Councilmember Young noted that this affects one building only in Ward 4 In the event the building should
burn, it can't be built to the same height as before The reason for that provision is that 75 ft. is the height
to which most fire ladders can reach safely He felt this was a valid provision in the ordinance which was
passed in 1992 and he could not support this amendment to the ordinance at this time.
Mayor Hanks asked what would happen if the tower in Shelard Park burned. Mr. Hagen said that building
could be rebuilt to 22 stories because the zoning is Office, not C-2
It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Haun, to adopt Ordinance No
94-2002 entitled "An ordinance amending the St Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to zoning by
amending Section 14 5-5 3(G)(1)
The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Young opposed)
8c. Resolution naming election judges
Resolution 94-102
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It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve Resolution
94-102 entitled "A resolution designating election judges and polling places for the September 13, 1994
primary election."
The motion passed 5-0
8d Frauenshuh development Ordinance amendment
Resolution 94-103
Richard Wicka was present to answer questions and briefly described the changes
It was moved by Councilmember Haun, seconded by Councilmember Friedman, to adopt resolution 94-
103 entitled "A resolution approving an amendment to the Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) under
Section 14 6-7 of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to zoning for property zoned "0" Office, C-
2 Commercial and R—C High Density Multiple Family Residence Districts located at the northeast
quadrant of Excelsior Blvd. and Highway 100
The motion passed 6-0
REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES
9a. Temporary parking restrictions Holy Family Fall Festival
Resolution 94-104
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Friedman, to adopt Resolution
94-104 entitled "Resolution authorizing temporary parking restrictions along W Lake St between
Zarthan Ave and Alabama Ave"
The motion passed 6-0
9b Signal: Excelsior/Monterey/W 38th Coop agreement with Hennepin County
Resolution 94-105
It was moved by Councilmember Haun, seconded by Councilmember Friedman, to adopt Resolution 94-
105 entitled "Resolution authorizing execution of cooperative agreement No. PW-33-05-94 with
Hennepin County establishing responsibility in the construction, operation and maintenance of the
Excelsior Blvd (CSAH3)/Monterey Dr/W 38th St traffic signal system"
The motion passed 6-0
9c Minnetonka Blvd./Hampshire Ave Traffic signal
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It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Young, that a resolution of
approval be prepared and brought back to the Council
Mayor Hanks asked if a survey had been done of how many people actually cross Minnetonka Blvd at
Hampshire
Mr. Moore said staff has done a study and found significant numbers of people using that intersection not
only from the neighborhood but others who park their cars there and proceed to Lenox.
Councilmember Friedman said he has a tough time getting across the intersection on most occasions.
Cars do not slow down for people in crosswalks.
Councilmember Dorfman asked if the City did proceed and had someone do design work, would this
preclude any involvement with the County
Mr Meyer said the City wouldn't preclude involvement with the County if some study were done;
however the County has put the City on notice that because it's not a warranted signal, they will not
participate in a cooperative agreement. The City will continue to try to persuade the County both to
approve the signal as well as funding for it, but he felt it a reasonable expectation that it will probably be
financed totally by the City
Councilmember Friedman felt there is great expectation that the County might see it clearly to allow the
elderly, who also vote in County elections, have the benefit of a signal at this intersection. That might be
County staff's opinion, but does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the County Board. He felt if there
was some need for Council to be involved at the political level, that the rest of Council would be willing to
contact them-- certainly he would.
The motion passed 6-0
Councilmember Friedman felt it appropriate that the City Manager let Lenox know of the Council's action
tonight and perhaps suggest the seniors may wish to talk with their representative on the County Board
9d County Road 25/County Road 5 Request for MSA funds
Staff wishes to request Municipal State Aid funds to finance permanent traffic signals at Hwy 7 and
Minnetonka/Lake St
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Haun, to adopt Resolution 94-106
entitled"Resolution requesting appropriation of Municipal State Aid funds"off-system"
for the County Road 5 and 25 intersection traffic signal system S A P 163-20-23, City Project
No 93-10 "
The motion passed 6-0
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It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Haun, to adopt Resolution 94-
106 entitled "Resolution requesting appropriation of Municipal State Aid funds"off-system"
for the County Road 5 and 25 intersection traffic signal system S A.P 163-2023, City
Project No. 93-10."
The motion passed 6-0
9e. Minutes: Planning Commission`
By consent, minutes ordered filed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
l0a Boards and commissions
Mayor Hanks said a letter has been received from Bob Bennett who will be resigning from the Fire
Civil Service Commission upon completion of his term on October 1
10b Academy of Family Mediators Pulitabs at Gipper's
Resolution 94-100
It was moved by Councilmember Haun, seconded by Councilmember Dornan, to adopt Resolution
94-100 entitled "A resolution of the St. Louis Park City Council approving issuance of a premises
permit for the conduct of lawful gambling "
Linda Wilkerson was present to answer questions
Councilmember Young asked if the organization had done any projections on revenue of volume or
volume of sales from pulltabs for the next year or so.
Ms. Wilkerson said based on past experience they were projecting approximately $44,000 net for the
next 12 months Gross would be $60,000 x 12 months Prizes come to about $60,000 per month
Councilmember Young asked if the organization had made any plans or projections for sharing some
of the proceeds with the community or its organizations.
Ms. Wilkerson said they have in the works a December 1 conflict resolution symposium that the
Board of Directors will be hosting A specific dollar allocation has not yet been set. Children First will
be a collaborator in this symposium
The motion passed 6-0
NEW BUSINESS
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11 a Radio system, Fire Department
Dwaine Bagley, Capitol Communications, was present to speak against rebidding the system. He
reviewed the history of their involvement in upgrading the communications system at the new Police
facility In general much of the equipment contained in that bid is the same as that required for the
Fire Department Capitol offered to extend favorable pricing to the City for the Fire Department
project but it was declined. In June another bid for the Fire system was submitted, the low compliant
bidder, the only bidder. Because of the complexities of the system, very few two-way radio companies
are capable of such an undertaking If they have to rebid, there is a possibility they will be penalized as-
their pricing will have been divulged to competitors.
A lengthy discussion ensued. Council concerns included budget constraints, in an effort to lower the
bid price were substantial changes made in the contract that would require re-bidding; question of
whether or not elements of a contract can be negotiated.
Leonard Koehnen, consultant to the City on the Police and Fire communications systems, was present
to address a number of complex and technical questions asked by Councilmember Friedman. He
reviewed in detail the three components of the bid package. He said in an effort to seek more than one
bid, which was what was expected, he fax out some 12 notices to communications companies
throughout the Twin Cities.
Six firms picked up specifications but the only bid received was from Capitol Communications
Councilmember Friedman asked why would staff go out for a re-bid. Mayor Hanks responded
because of concern that the City is not meeting the bidding requirements because others might want
to bid if specifics of the package are changed. Mr. Meyer said specifications would not be changed;
what would be adjusted would be the amounts to be awarded in order to bring it closer within budget
as well as adjustments for specific line items..
Councilmember Friedman asked the City Attorney if the bid documents did indicate to the bidders
that the City could eliminate certain items, it seemed to him that was the basis upon which it was bid
or not bid.
The City Attorney responded that if the bid specs clearly reserved the right for the City to pick and
choose among the line items, and reasonable discretion were exercised, he believe the City would
have a basis for going forward. However, he had not reviewed the documents
It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Dorfman, to accept the bid
of Capitol Communications subject to the review of the bid documents and approval by the City
Attorney; if he approves, then allow staff to proceed -- if not, it comes back to the Council.
During the interim, the City Attorney had had an opportunity to look at the bid specs and quoted from
the general specifications"Add/Delete". "The City reserves the right to increase or decrease any line
item or delete any item in its entirety due to budgetary constraints." His opinion was this provided
some discretion, it leaves open the issue (a separate issue under State law) about how far one can go
in substantial changes
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The motion failed 3-3 (Councilmembers Jacobs, Young, Mayor Hanks opposed; Councilmembers
Haun, Friedman, Dorfman in favor)
Councilmember Jacobs was not comfortable with the City Attorney being the arbiter in this matter
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Young, to accept the bid of
Capitol Communications
The motion passed 6-0
1 lb Change Order#2. Excelsior Blvd. improvements
Resolution 94-107
It was moved by Councilmember Haun, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 94-
107 entitled"Resolution pertaining to Change Order No 2 for Project No. 93-23, Contract No
3068 "
The motion passed 6-0
MISCELLANEOUS
12a. Damage claims Scott Hill
Councilmember Young asked for details on this claim. The City Manager provided them stating the
claimant had cut his foot on some object at the pool Councilmember Young said because he was
relatively new on the Council, he would like to be provided with copies of damage claims
It was moved by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to refer the claim to
the City Clerk and City Manager The motion passed 6-0
12b Communications from the Mayor
Mayor Hanks reviewed the City Manager's memo re upcoming meeting dates
12c Communications from the City Manager
No communicatiqns
CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS, CONTRACT PAYMENTS
13a Verified claims
1
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By consent, the list of verified claims prepared by the Director of Finance dated August 1, 1994 was
approved and payment authorized in the following amounts Vendor claims. $479,791 91 and payroll
claims. $54,623 96
City Council meeting minutes
August 1, 1994
13b Contract payments - Partial
By consent, approve th't following partial payments and authorize payment.
1 Midwest Asphalt, north/south frontage roads CSAH 25 east of TH 100 Amount: $18,584 83
2 DMJ Corp , parking lots Amount. $101,074 52
3 Valley Paving, mill/overlay, Park Place Blvd Amount: $73,583 79
4 Hardrives, Inc , street reconstruction, street lighting and traffic signal systems Amount
$167,979 53
14. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9.20 p m.
W AlocAL
.yor Hanks
ecording Secretary
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