HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/11/28 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MINUTES
STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK CTTY COUNCIL
Monday, November 28, 1994
The meeting convened at 7.00 p m
Present were Councilmembers Jeff Jacobs, Ron Latz, Robert Young, Gail Dorfman and Mayor
Lyle Hanks
Also present were the City Manager (Mr Meyer), Director of Community Development (Mr.
Hagen); Planner(Ms. Erickson), and Asst. to the City Manager(Mr Larson)
Gene and Joanne Murphy joined the session to discuss the problem with their dogs They said one
of their dogs will be put to sleep by April 1 which should eliminate the problem they are having
with their neighbor. Mayor Hanks said he would be speaking to the neighbor
1 Request to rename a portion of W 36th St
Ernie Petersen showed a map and gave brief background on this request. A petition had been
received from residents stating there is confusion between 36th St. and 36 1/2 St. resulting in mail
II delivery errors. Four alternatives were suggested for the renaming of 36th St.
There was a suggestion to post a"Dead End" sign on an experimental basis to see if this reduces
the traffic. It was also suggested the Post Office be contacted about the request pointing out that
mail delivery is a problem and eliciting their help
It was the consensus to revisit this issue again in six months
2. Environmental Health Program
Mr. Petersen explained that he had heard from the City of Hopkins which was interested in
entering into a one year contract with St. Louis Park to provide licensing services rather than
turning their program over to the County which would be more expensive.
There was discussion about the present fee structure and future proposed schedule.
It was the consensus to explore further with Hopkins and to make an adjustment to the fee
schedule to cover the City's costs in administering this program.
This item will be on the Dec. 5 agenda for formal action.
3 Purchasing and Contracts
Mr Larson explained this item had been referred to the Charter Commission to consider raising
the City Manager's authority to advertise for bid from $15,000 to $25,000
He said the Charter Commission was in favor of this provided a bid board be established whereby
companies would have access to a list of equipment, merchandise, materials, services and any type
of construction work that the City intended to purchase with a value up to $25,000. He said the
City Attorney was of the opinion this proviso was inconsistent with other sections of the Charter
which cover the authority of the City Manager
This item will be on the Dec. 5 agenda with a recommendation that it be returned to the Charter
Commission with the request to consider only the issue of increasing the minimum limit at which
contracts for purchases and services would require the City Manager to advertise for bids.
4 Designation of Community Development Director as Housing Authority Executive
Director
Mr. Meyer said this was one of the recommendations coming from the management study of the
department.
Councilmember Young had some concern about issues bypassing the City Manager, but
acknowledging that he would remain sensitive to any such issues, did not view it as a problem.
It was the consensus this was appropriate and should be incorporated in the position profile being
prepared for the Community Development Director position. No further Council action is
required.
5. Solicitation for traffic consultant for Honeywell site redevelopment
Mayor Hanks felt it important that the City have a consultant to speak for its interests just as a
consultant hired by Ryan would speak for its interests. He felt a City consultant was needed to
research the overlay ordinance developed during the I-394 construction.
Councilmember Latz had two items he would like to see explored: (1)difference between
traffic generated by a Lund's and a Cub; and(2) for Council to receive a report in writing rather
than just a verbal presentation.
Councilmember Jacobs said he'd like the scope of any consultant's research to include looking at
the Penn Ave./I-394 interchange area which he characterized as a disaster.
This item will be on the Dec 5 agenda for action
6 Update on Minnetonka Blvd./Hampshire Ave traffic signal
Councilmember Dorfman said Commissioner Andrew had indicated an interest in holding a public
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hearing before the County Commissioners to look at this request. A letter from Commissioner
Andrews was noted which indicated difficulty in justifying a signal at this intersection. However,
he was amenable to continued negotiations and has asked Vern Genzlinger, Hennepin County
Director of Public Works, to work with the City's Engineer to try to find an acceptable solution.
7 Minneapolis West Business Center land located in Golden Valley
This item concerns 70 acres of land in the southwest quadrant of I-394 and Hwy 100, all but 5.8
acres of which is in St. Louis Park, the remainder in Golden Valley. MEPC is interested in seeing
its property developed and is requesting the two cities work out an arrangement whereby the
piece of land in Golden Valley becomes part or under the control of St. Louis Park so that all is in
order should a development proposal arise
Mr Meyer said he had been in contact on several occasions with the City Manager of Golden
Valley but that no decision has yet been reached
Council directed that staff continue its discussions with Golden Valley and keep Council apprised
of any developments.
8 Proposed Neighborhood Revitalization Fund
Judie Erickson, Community Development, addressed this report. Neighborhood organizations
could get a lift by establishing a fund which would be available to organized neighborhoods for
self-directed improvements and community building efforts.
Councilmember Dorfman felt that the Neighborhood Revitalization Commission needs to establish
criteria for distribution of funds and make a recommendation to the City Council.
Mr. Meyer said one idea was to create a revolving fund from which funds would be distributed
and evaluate its effectiveness after a period of time.
Councilmember Jacobs asked about liability issues in case of an accident when materials have
been purchased with City funds.
Mr. Meyer said it was his understanding St. Paul had a similar program in place and staff will
check with them to see how their program works
Councilmember Jacobs suggested that perhaps businesses in the community might be approached
to contribute to the revolving fund.
Consensus was for staff to research the liability issue and return the item to the Dec 12 study
session
9 Tax-forfeit property. 4820 Excelsior Blvd
Mr Hagen briefed Council on this property located directly east of the US Swim& Fitness Club.
Mayor Hanks asked if there was any value for someone to purchase the property and remove the
building and parking ramp and has anyone talked to the sports club to see if they have any interest
in the property
The consensus was to proceed with an investigation of the implications of buying the property for
future reuse. The study would include acquisition cost, demolition cost, interim land uses and
environmental issues. Upon completion of the study, staff will report back to Council.
10 1994 wage and benefit program
Mr. Wysopal reviewed his report and explained the cafeteria plan to Council.
Mr. Meyer said department heads have been looking at the salary plan which was adopted years
ago. Their conclusion, because of the complexity of studying the plan, was to use the same model
for 1995 and direct their efforts in early 1995 to come up with a more flexible plan.
A resolution adopting the 1994 wage and benefit program will be on the Dec. 5 agenda.
The study session adjourned at 8.40 p.m.
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ecording Secretary