HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/10/10 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MINUTES
STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL
October 10, 1994
The meeting came to order at 5:00 p.m.
Present were Councilmembers Jeff Jacobs, George Haun, Robert Young, Gail Dorfman, Allen
Friedman and Mayor Lyle Hanks.
Also present were the City Manager(Mr. Meyer); Director of Community Development(Mr. Hagen);
Director of Public Works(Mr. Grube); Acting Director of Public Works(Mr. Moore); Director of
Parks and Recreation(Mr. Gears) and Finance Director(Ms. McBride).
Budget Discussion
Council reviewed the budget from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
The study session commenced at 6:45 p m
1. Recruitment: Public Works Director
ICouncil discussed the three proposals before them from The PAR Group, Jensen-Oldani and The
Brimeyer Group.
Cost comparisons and scope of work for each proposal were discussed.
It was the consensus of the Council the The Brimeger Group be offered the contract to conduct the
search. Staff was directed to prepare the appropriate resolution for consideration at the October 17
City Council meeting.
2. Deer Management
Director of Parks and Recreation Cris Gears reviewed his report.
Councilmember Jacbos said he had seen a television news report about deer management activities on
Fire Island in New York and asked that the Director see if he could get a report or relevant
information about that program. Mr. Gears said he would get the report.
Councilmember Dorfman asked it the number of the herd was up again and if they must be reduced.
She asked about the immunocontraception program. Mr. Meyer said the DNR remains interested in
conducting such an experimental program.
Mr. Gears said the next step would be to conduct an aerial survey when the trees are bare to try to
ascertain how many deer are in the area of the Nature Center and to try to determine from where they
are coming and where they are going.
The subject of deer on private property came up. Mayor Hanks understood there was a program
available to remove them, but the property owner would have to pay. Councilmember Friedman would
like to see a moratorium on removal of deer from private property at this time.
Councilmember Young said he'd like to see some active publicity to encourage residents to donate to
the Deer Fund.
3. Walker/Louisiana Ave. area development issues
This item was discussed in conjunction with the Hwy. 7/Louisiana intersection area development.
Questions arose as to where the soccer fields would be relocated if development were to occur. It was
decided that a traffic signal at Walker and Louisiana remain in the capital improvement program but
that no action be taken at this time until further discussion/decision is had relating to the development
of this intersection. Council was concerned that any changes in this area at this time would adversely
affect residents accessing Walker and Oak Hill Parks.
4. Hwy. 7/Louisiana Ave. intersection area redevelopment
Randy McKay and Dick Strassburg of Frauenshuh were present to discuss this item. Mr. Hagen
displayed a photo of the intersection which indicated the parcels Frauenshuh would be interested in
developing. Frauenshuh was seeking exclusive developer status.
Councilmember Friedman asked what does the City want to leave untouched.
Councilmember Dorfman said since there are personnel changes planned for the Community
Development Department, perhaps it would be advisable to wait on this until people are in place.
It was the consensus further discussion was needed, and Councilmember Friedman said he's like to see
a game plan for the entire City--what would be good for potential development, what should be left
alone for now.
5. Comprehensive Plan Amendment -Metropolitan Council Water Quality requirements
Staff was seeking Council direction relating to design standards for new storm water ponds that will
reduce contaminant loadings from surface water run-off and that the City' must include in its storm
water plans the MPCA's Urban Best Management Practices or equivalent.
It was the consensus of Council that a resolution be prepared incorporating the two above-mentioned
points and that it come to the October 17 Council meeting for action.
6. Undergrounding NSP overhead lines along Cedar Lake Rd. from T.H. 169 to Jersey Ave.
ILou Howard and Jim Elling from NSP were present to discuss this item.
Mr. Howard said it was actually more expensive to maintain underground lines than the present
overhead wires
Council had a number of questions re the expense of undergrounding; impact on surrounding streets;
impact of relocating poles.
Mr. Howard said a consideration was the lead time needed to order all the equipment for such a
project.
Councilmember Dorfman asked that Council be provided with a previous staff memo when there was
consideration of undergrounding along Minnetonka Blvd.
Mayor Hanks suggested looking closely at the numbers first followed by a meeting with the Cedar
• Lake Rd. Task Force to discuss the project with that group.
7. Places of worship-Directional signs
This item was removed from the agenda as a group who wished to speak to the item was not present.
I8. Minneapolis Chain of Lakes
Mr. Grube reviewed his report before Council Basically staff was seeking authorization to bring the
proposed Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Clean Water Partnership to the Council for action on October
17. Improvements to be considered in this Partnership include Twin Lakes dredging; Twin Lakes
sedimentation basin/westland improvements; and flood management.
Councilmember Friedman asked what the partnership meant. Mr. Grube said Minneapolis wants to
clean up Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles in which the City would cooperate and Minneapolis
would cooperate in the dredging of Twin Lakes which is a high priority to the City.
It was the consensus that the agreement come to the October 17 meeting for action.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
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Recording Secretary `