HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995/03/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
Monday, March 13, 1995
The meeting commenced at 7.30 p m.
Present were Councilmembers Allen Friedman, Jeff Jacobs, Robert Young and Ron Latz.
Also present were the City Manager(Mr. Meyer); Deputy City Attorney(Ms. Pace) and staff
members Mr Rardin, Mr Gears, Ms. McBride, Ms. Erickson; Mr Petersen, Mr. Hagen, Mr.
Mitchell; Mr. Larson
1. Hutchinson spur
Mr. Gears reviewed his report which addressed acquisition strategies and funding alternatives.
Relative to controlling development at this time, Ms. Pace discussed creation of a stand still
agreement with the developer or failing that, instituting a moratorium via emergency ordinance.
This would provide additional time for staff to explore funding alternatives for a trail system. Also
the Official Map could be used as leverage as the property's designation as a trail corridor on the
Map provides the City up to 6 months to approve any proposed use or to acquire the property for
public purposes
Councilmember Latz felt it important for the City to take an inventory of open space and make
decisions on what to keep and what to sell. He felt similar situations to the Hutchinson spur issue
were going to continue to pop up all over the City and that determinations should be in place.
It was the consensus that staff research a moratorium on development and pursue with the
developer a stand still agreement and that the funding options in staff's report be further
researched.
2. Historically Underutilized Business Enterprises: Proposed resolution
This item was deferred to the March 27 study session.
3. Review of first draft: Mixed use plans for Honeywell site
Judy Erickson, Planning Coordinator, presented several sketches for mixed use options on the
Honeywell site. Ms. Erickson will return a more definitive plan to the study session on March 27.
Mr. McHale of Ryan Construction was present. He said two builders with whom he is familiar
7had visited the site and were of the opinion some type of housing was feasible. He questioned
whether creating a TIF district would produce sufficient increments to raise enough money and
that this is a very questionable approach given the discussion in the Legislature. He will meet with
Ms. Erickson to share views on the mixed use concept as well as the economics involved. Ryan
remains convinced that the power center retail, albeit perhaps reduced in size, was the most
feasible plan for the site111
Mr Meyer suggested staff meet with the Met Council staff in order to receive feedback prior to
this item returning on March 27
It was suggested the Planning Commission be invited to the March 27 study session
Council remains desirous of seeing a self-sustaining project on this property with no subsidies.
4. 1995 insurance program
Councilmembers accepted the report on the City's proposed 1995/1996 insurance program with
minor comment
This item will be on the March 20, 1995 agenda for formal action
5. COPS FAST grant
Chief Mitchell noted that the City has applied for a COPS FAST grant and that the department
has received approval from the Department of Justice. Involved is a matching funds element and
he discussed what some of those elements are such as Methodist Foundation, the School District
and the City. Sergeant Luse said a possible source of funding related to the false alarm calls the
department responds to and the possibility of capturing funds by charging for services required in
relation to alarm response..
It was Council consensus that staff continue to pursue alternatives for matching funds.
6. Community Policing
Chief Mitchell said this report follows the presentation to Council at its Dec. 12, 1994 study
session. In the interim, police staff has continued the process of developing significant operational
changes to incorporate community policing as a department-wide effort which will commence on
April 1. Basically this will involve officers developing an ownership relationship with residents and
businesses within their defined geographic area of assignment. He briefly touched on other aspects
of the community policing program.
7. Statement of intent to comply for temporary occupancy permit
Mr. Petersen discussed this item. This item surfaced when the special assessment policy for fire
sprinkler systems was discussed. A concern was raised as to how the City could allow occupancy
of a building prior to installation of fire sprinklers if the sprinkler system was a code requirement
for occupancy. He explained the Uniform Building Code permits the City to issue a temporary
occupancy permit before all work is completed if it is determined no substantial hazard will result.
If the Council wishes to proceed with an Ordinance Code amendment such an amendment would
incorporate a Statement of Intent from the proposed occupant which would provide assurance of
completion and would address any potential City liability.
It was the consensus of Council to have staff develop an amendment and bring to the March 20,
1995 Council meeting.
8 Space planning and City Hall second floor remodeling
Mr Larson displayed a layout of the proposed remodeling.
Councilmember Friedman expressed his concern about the expenditures of funds for this project
at this time. He was aware of inadequacies in the heating/ventilation system but questioned the
efficacy of a total remodeling.
Staff responded that to approach the remodeling piecemeal was not economically feasible with the
accelerated technology improvements occurring today
Mr. Meyer noted the remodeling has been budgeted for and shared a cost breakdown prepared by
staff
This item will be on the March 20, 1995 agenda for formal action.
9. Legislative issues
Senator Ted Mondale was present to address some legislative issues. He felt it important for City
staff to meet with Commissioner Mark Andrew to enlist County support of continued TIF '
funding. He also suggested seeking support of the legislative counsel as this moves through the
Legislature as well as joining with like suburbs facing similar problems to present a united front.
He spoke briefly about a Metro Livable Communities Bill he is sponsoring which emcompasses
redevelopment, shared concepts, housing options and equitability for suburbs.
10. I-394/Penn Ave congestion: Position statement
Design restrictions on I-394 as well as the increased usage of the HOV lanes have resulted in
increased traffic congestion at I-394/Penn Ave. MnDOT has developed preliminary plans for a
solution: (1) addition of a third lane in each direction and (2)construction of an additional noise
wall. TwinWest Chamber of Commerce is recommending the original I-394 legislation be
amended to allow MnDOT the opportunity to design and construct a solution by providing a third
traffic lane in each direction and appropriate noise mitigation measures.
It was the consensus of Council to place this on the March 20 agenda for formal action.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. ecording Secretary