HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995/09/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
Tuesday, September 26, 1995
Mayor Pro Tem George Haun called the meeting to order at 7 30 p m
Present were Councilmembers Ron Latz, Robert Young, Gail Dorfman, Jeff Jacobs and Sue
Sanger
Also present were the City Manager(Mr. Meyer), Director of Community Development (Mr
Harmening); Economic Development Director(Mr. Anderson); Planning Coordinators (Ms.
Erickson, Ms Jeremiah); Director of Parks and Recreation (Mr Gears); and Director of
Inspections (Mr. Petersen)
1. Minnesota Livable Communities Act
Jim Barton and Pauline Langsdorf of the Metropolitan Council were present to discuss this item.
After a short videotape, Mr Barton explained the objectives of the Act.
Several questions and comments were raised. Median rents from many of the communities appear
to be out of line, transportation issues, i e buses and bicycles (Mr Barton said they are trying to
figure out how to use monies allocated for transit); why should St. Louis Park participate as it has
more affordable housing than most communities
Mr. Meyer noted that if the City received a grant, it could be used to clean up polluted sites,
monies would create an incentive to create a demonstration site close in with transit options
available, possibility of creating move-up housing which is important to the City
It was noted there will be a bus tour on October 23 to view potential sites in St. Louis Park,
Golden Valley and Minneapolis to receive grant funds.
2. Proposed Mixed Use District
Ms. Jeremiah reviewed the proposed ordinance
Questions were raised relating to percentage of Class I materials required, include some control
over maximums on ground floor use, provision for an architectural design review committee,
clarification on minimum setbacks
Ms. Jeremiah said she would take the comments under advisement and also look into similar
requirements in other districts.
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First reading of the ordinance will be on the October 2 Council agenda
3 Redevelopment of Honeywell Property/Ryan Construction
Mr. Harmening gave an overview of the report before Council which included a tentative timeline
for actions to be taken.
The question of financing of the roadway was brought up. Mr Harmening said it has been
proposed by Ryan that the City finance the project and assess it back to Ryan over a time period
yet to be determined.
He noted that first reading of the ordinance re rezoning is slated for the October 2 City Council
agenda
4 Redevelopment Excelsior Blvd. between Quentin and Monterey Ave
Timing is a factor in this project and staff would like to determine the Council's level of interest
in moving forward with steps leading to acquisition of the necessary properties to allow for
commencement of the project. It is proposed to move forward with acquiring the properties now
which puts the City in a better position when redevelopment commences.
The two properties in question are 4515 Excelsior Blvd and 4820 Excelsior Blvd. Other
properties in the general area are now available or may be available for sale.
It was the consensus of Council to proceed with negotiations to acquire the two specific
properties.
5. Motor Fuel Station License Fees
Staff had been contacted by a motor fuel station regarding their 1995 license fee. The
representative felt it would be more equitable if the license fee was based on the number of pump
locations rather than the number of nozzles
Staff has researched this and recommends that the fee charged for motor fuel stations and private
fuel outlets be changed to a flat fee based more closely on the licensing and inspections costs
rather than number of nozzles or pump locations They were proposing that the annual license fee
for motor fuel stations be $350 and for private fuel outlets it be $125
Another issue is the costs associated with response to fuel spills Staff was recommending that
calls for service be treated as a billable item rather than being paid out of increased license fees
Billing for containment and cleanup of hazardous waste spills is now authorized by State Statute.
It was Council consensus that these recommendations be incorporated into an amendment to the
ordinance and be brought back to Council for formal action.
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6 Open Space Study Update
Mr Gears presented a report on the evaluation of vacant properties conducted by the Open Space
Task Force.
The next step in the process is for the properties designated as not needed for open space or
potential development be released from the moratorium
Council will take such action on October 2
7. Capital Improvement Program
It was not the intent to go over the program this evening. Mr Moore highlighted certain areas
that staff felt were of special interest to Council, especially those projects scheduled for 1996.
He said staff had solicited proposals in the"Park Perspective" for capital improvements projects
but the response was disappointing.
Councilmember Dorfman thought it would be a good idea for Judie Erickson to share the CIP
with the Neighborhood Revitalization Commission.
E Mr. Moore passed around a sketch of the proposed entrance sign at the triangle of Hwy
25/Minnetonka Blvd./France Ave.
8. Organization of the City Manager's office
Mr. Meyer briefly discussed the proposed realignment of the City Manager's office.
The meeting adjourned at 10 55
ak
Recording Secretary
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