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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/05/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA May 9, 1994 Call to order Mayor Hanks called the meeting to order at 7 : 00 p.m. Present were Jeff Jacobs, George Haun, Ron Latz, Robert Young, Gail Dorfman and Lyle Hanks . Also present were the City Manager (Mr . Meyer) ; Director of Community Development (Mr. Hagen) ; Director of Public Works (Mr. Grube) ; Asst . to the City Manager (Mr. Larson) , Finance Director (Ms . McBride) , and Asst . to City Manager (Mr. Wysopal) . 1 . Report on community/business survey_ Bill Morris, Decision Resources, Inc . , presented to Council the results of the recently-conducted residential and business surveys in the City. Mr . Morris said he was in the process of compiling a comprehensive report on the two surveys which will be given to Council . 2 . Cable TV Franchise: Change of ownership Mr. Larson said the public hearing is scheduled for May 23 which will be continued to June 20 with action required on July 18 . Attorney Barry Grogan is reviewing the proposal for St . Louis Park, Bloomington and Fridley. Mayor Hanks noted this was not a buy-out of Nortel by Paragon, that the franchise ordinance in place remains in place . Rather, Paragon will oversee operation of the system. Councilmember Dorfman asked that someone talk with Susan Miles as there was very little concrete information at the Paragon breakfast . 3 . City vehicle policy Mr. Larson reviewed the memo. This policy has been in place for some months but it had been bumped from several study session agendas . Councilmember Dorfman assumed evidence of vehicle insurance on the part of all parties participating was in order. 4 . Evergreen Award Mr. Wysopal said the suggestion was to make the Evergreen Award committee more of a citizen-based rather than staff-based and that the award be limited to landscaping. It is hoped this will encourage greater citizen involvement in the program. Mayor Hanks said he had spoken to a representative of the only existing garden club in the City and they were interested in getting involved. Ward Councilmembers were encouraged to nominate outstanding examples of landscaping as well . 4a. Minority contracting and purchasing Mr. Meyer said staff had been approached by a local businessman encouraging the City to participate in an effort to develop a minority contracting and purchasing program. He explained the complexity of this matter in re establishing a set-aside program and the requirement of a disparity study. With the growing diversity in the City' s population, it was noted this could be a problem in the future. Councilmember Latz said he would like to know what the City does to encourage minorities to respond to bids . It was the consensus that staff continue to pursue this matter. 5 . Autumn Lodge Trading Company loan Autumn Lodge Trading Company desires to purchase equipment and fixtures to equip a food production plant in St . Louis Park. The City has received a grant from the MN Department of Trade and Economic Development which in turn will be used to make a low interest loan to the company. It was staff ' s opinion there is no financial risk to the City. It was the consensus that the loan be made to Autumn Lodge Trading Company and that it be placed on the May 23 agenda for formal action. 6 . Maid of Scandinavia property alternatives Staff ' s memo discussed various alternatives for the Maid of Scandinavia property which has been vacant for several years . John and William Smith have indicated an interest in turning the building into an office/warehouse/industrial use . Another alternative is for the City to purchase the property, demolish the building and sell the land. Staff had become aware of a purchase agreement for a synagogue to be located there . This would involve a change in the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance and was not a choice of the Council . Mayor Hanks noted the biggest problem with the property is II access . It was the consensus of Council to take no action at this time. 7 . Non-conforming uses Mr . Hagan suggested staff spend more time analyzing non- conforming uses . Amortization of Al ' s Liquor and Apple Valley Red-E-Mix was discussed. Staff was proposing the creation of a "non special permit" non- conforming uses category and Council directed that this be taken to the Planning Commission and thereafter return to Council . 8 . High technology incubator project Staff sought Council ' s thoughts on whether the City should put its economic development resources into subsidizing existing spaces for an incubator project or stimulating construction of new modern facilities . This subject will continue to be explored with no action being suggested at this point . 9 . American Realty property Councilmember Young had a number of question : Where did the maximum 75 ' height allowance come from? What other buildings in the City might be in a similar situation? Was this requirement in existence when they purchased the property? Would like documentation of two million drop in value . Mr. Hagen said he would provide answers to those questions . 10 . Review of County Road 25/Minnetonka Blvd. signal system Mayor Hanks said he felt the City must move forward on installing permanent traffic signals at this intersection. Councilmembers agreed and directed staff to proceed with the project . 11 . Special assessment options for Proiect 94-01 It was noted this roadway is within the Belt Line Industrial Park and doesn' t receive much public travel . Mr. Grube said the City' s Special Assessment Policy stipulates that street improvements within commercial/industrial areas be fully financed through the levy of special assessments . Council directed Mr. Grube to meet with the affected property owners to discuss the special assessment . 12 . Capital Improvement Program Councilmembers had not had sufficient time to study this document having received it on Friday. It will come back to an upcoming study session for review. 13 . City/Honeywell partnership Mr. Meyer reviewed the report . It was the consensus of Council to continue discussions and to request an audit of the Honeywell proposal to ensure its cost competitiveness. A more comprehensive report will come back to Council at its next study session. 14 . Crosswalks Mr. Meyer gave a verbal report on crosswalks. It was the consensus that the Police Department remain sensitive to the issue of pedestrian safety in crosswalks and warn motorists or issue citations as needed. 15 . Council retreat It was the consensus to cancel the Council-only meeting scheduled for Thurs . , May 19 and that the all day session on Fri . , May 20 be for Council and staff . Mr. Meyer discussed the outline of suggested topics . Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9 :45 p.m. 60)? (41 ecording Secretary