HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995/11/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session 'VC—
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MINUTES
STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL
November 13, 1995
1. Call to order
Mayor Hanks called the meeting to order at 7 00 p.m.
Present were Councilmembers Jeff Jacobs, George Haun, Sue Sanger, Ron Latz, Robert
Young and Gail Dorfman.
Also present were the City Manager(Mr. Meyer); Assistant to the City Manager
(Mr. Wysopal); Director of Community Development(Mr. Harmening); Planning
Coordinator (Ms. Erickson); Economic Development Coordinator(Mr. Anderson);
Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin); Administrative Intern (Ms. Teppen).
1. Commercial vehicles
Councilmember Haun was concerned about this issue needing to come to the Council in
order to be referred to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Young would like to
review the item at a study session prior to going to the Planning Commission. It was the
consensus this item should be discussed at a Council study session prior to being sent to
the Planning Commission.
2. Excelsior Boulevard
Randy Manthey reported on the Task Force's progress of designing a logo The purpose
of which is to create a sense of identity and presence for the neighborhood.
Councilmember Young was interested in the logo's portability of use Mr. Manthey
affirmed this ability with the intent to allow its use by businesses.
The Task Force will return to the Council with further updates
3 Aufderheide World
Mr. Anderson presented the developer's business proposal and stated the intention is to
discuss potential financial assistance without making any commitment to it. The developer
seeks $150,000 in tax increment financing As this is a local business, a job retention and
expansion purpose is cited. No soil testing has been done to determine potential pollution.
The City's financial assistance is needed to correct soils and make it suitable to build on.
Study Session Minutes
November 13, 1995 - pg 2
Councilmember Young was interested in the current building's revenue generation.
Councilmember Sanger questioned what impact this development would have on future
developments in that area. The Mayor questioned whether this proposal represents the
highest and best use for the property Staff will return to Council with a further analysis of
the proposal.
4. Victoria Ponds - TIF application
Mr. Anderson presented the developer's proposal to develop a 47-unit townhome
development using $760,000 in tax increment financing to assist in the development.
Some concerns were expressed as to making the project more inclusive to the community
as opposed to being inaccessible. This would bring it in alignment with livable
communities. Staff will return to Council with a more in-depth analysis of the proposed
development.
5. Livable Communities
Town Planning Cooperative presented a potential proposal for the Livable Communities
Act. The concept would encompass the area bordered by Hwy. 100, Park Center Blvd.,
and Excelsior Blvd. The project would have three large anchor tenants and a mixed use.
There was an interest by Council to have further information completed on this project.
6. Continuation of Neighborhood Revitalization Commission
Judie Erickson reported on the activities of the Neighborhood Revitalization Commission.
Its Charter calls for a sunset after three years A case was presented for the continuation
of the commission. The Council expressed its appreciation for the commission's efforts.
Councilmember Young suggested staggered terms for members, limiting City staff
participation and expanding the size of the commission. The Council supported the
continuation of the commission.
7. 1996 legislative initiatives
Mr. Harmening presented a list of proposed initiatives including multifamily housing,
special service districts, expansion of TIF to allow for residential rehabilitation and a
Livable Communities project Council recommended expanding the"this old house"
bill to multi-family housing
Study Session Minutes
November 13, 1995 - pg. 3
If
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Mr. Meyer recommend the exemption of certain non-sworn police and fire and paid-on-
call fire employees from civil service be included on the special legislation agenda. Council
agreed to move forward on this.
8. Recreation Center survey
Council expressed concern over the financial feasibility of this project.
Diane Traxler of Decision Resources said her firm can survey for financial feasibility,
project scope acceptance or both. Council expressed support for such a survey
9. Community Focus Groups
The purpose of this would be to gather data on the open space study and housing options.
Some Councilmembers expressed concern over the usefulness of such data as it relates to
open space.
10. Drug and alcohol testing
Administrative intern Ms. Teppen presented proposals for both random testing of safety-
sensitive employees and non-union employees for reasonable suspicion. It was the
consensus of Council to further study the random drug testing.
The study session adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
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GG�
Recording Secretary