HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995/10/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MINUTES
STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL.
Monday, October 9, 1995
Mayor Lyle Hanks called the meeting to order at 7 00 p.m.
Present were Councilmembers Jeff Jacobs, Sue Sanger, Ron Latz, Robert Young and Gail
Dorfman
Also present were the City Manager (Mr Meyer), City Clerk (Ms Flanagan); Director of
Community Development (Mr Harmening), Economic Development Director(Mr Anderson);
Finance Director (Ms. McBride) and Asst Finance Director(Mr Felton)
1. Theater licensing ordinance -Proposed amendment
This issue was under discussion following a June 26 Council meeting when a representative of
the Mann Theatre expressed concern related to the method of calculating the license fee
IStaff's report explained the license fee is based upon the number of seats, that each screen is
viewed as a separate theatre resulting in increased fees; and that not all cities license theatres and
those that do have fees ranging from $84 to $566 per year
It was pointed out one reason for licensing is to limit the number of businesses. There was no
record of the police having problems at any of the City's theatres. Also having them licensed
allows some measure of control of the hours of operation
Councilmembers felt deriving some revenue from issuance of licenses was welcome but found it
hard to justify licensing.
Several suggestions were brought up: Set a license fee proportionate to the seating, institute a
minimal license fee.
It was the consensus of Council that the item be placed on a formal agenda with potential actions
of leaving the arrangement as is, amending the ordinance to eliminate license fees for theatres,
reduce the license fees or other motions as staff deems appropriate
2 Budget 1996 issues
Ms. McBride and Mr Felton gave an overview of the proposed 1996 budget, discussed revenues
and expenditures and highlighted each department's objectives for 1996
Following the presentation, a brief discussion was held relative to institution of gas/electric
franchise fees. Council directed staff to continue its exploration of this issue.
3. Legal fees
Council reviewed the report submitted by staff.
Mayor Hanks suggested the City Manager meet with the City Attorney to discuss the increase in
legal costs and receive their input as to how savings might be realized.
It was the consensus the Prosecutor's charges have remained fairly stable and investigation at this
time should focus on Civil matters.
One suggestion brough up was for the City to pay a larger retainer which would cover the basic
services provided by attorneys with any special projects or potential cases being negotiated as to
attorney fees
Another suggestion was that the City set parameters for service, i.e. only one attorney attending a
deposition, court appearance, etc.
4 Parkshore bond refunding
Bond Counsel Paul Tietz joined Mr Anderson in presenting this item. Parkshore Place
Apartments seeks refunding to take advantage of more favorable interest rates. This would
require a public hearing that staff is requesting be held on November 6, 1995. To that end, a
resolution calling for the public hearing would appear on the October 16, 1995 agenda.
It was Council consensus to proceed with the refunding per staff's schedule.
5 Tax increment extension
The 1995 Legislature passed special legialstion extending the Excelsior Blvd and Oak Park
Village tax increment financing districts. The City in cooperation with State Legislators
introduced legislation that would preserve use of TIF in those two districts to correct
environmental problems encountered without which development might be curtailed. A 30%
penalty on LGA/HACA for permitting extension was imposed at the last minute
Several strategies were discussed for the City to address the penalty issues associated with the
extension.
The City must adopt a resolution accepting the special legislation prior to the commencement of
the next legislative session Also approval will be sought from the County and School District.
It was suggested Representative Steve Kelley be requested to oversee the City's interests on this
matter in the Legislature
6. Redevelopment strategic planning
Mr. Harmening and Mr. Anderson reviewed this report.
Basically, staff would like to develop a process which would allow for the preparation of a
strategic plan for housing and economic development. They identified three issues that would
shape this effort: (1) Community involvement; (2) Short project timeline; and (3)Housing and
Economic Development as a combined strategy They touched on processes and analysis that
would be undertaken
It was Council consensus to direct staff to move forward with the process.
The meeting adjourned at 9.30 p.m.
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' ecording Secretary