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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996/02/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MINUTES STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL February 26, 1996 Mayor Dorfman called the meeting to order at 7 00 p m Councilmembers present Jeff Jacobs, Sue Sanger, Ron Latz, Robert Young Jim Brimeyer arrived shortly thereafter Also present were the City Manager(Mr Meyer), Director of Community Development (Mr Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator(Mr Anderson), Planning Coordinator (Ms Jeremiah), Director of Public Works (Mr Rardin), City Clerk (Ms Flanagan), Assistant to the City Manager(Mr Larson), Director of Inspections (Mr Petersen), Director of Parks and Recreation (Mr Gears), Housing Coordinator(Ms. Quarfot) Administrative hearing- Liquor license violation Steve Gold and attorney Jon Erickson were present Mr Meyer gave an overview of staff's report Mayor Dorfman said Council was being asked to act on the stipulation agreement this evening, not to receive testimony. The hearing could be continued in the event Council does not approve the stipulation agreement at which time all testimony will be received It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Mayor Dorfinan, to approve the stipulation agreement and place the resolution of findings on the March 4, 1996 agenda. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Sanger opposed) 1 Victoria Ponds Townhomes Ms Jeremiah showed two concept plans -- one with roadways at 20' and one with roadways at 24' Staff preferred the latter, and the Fire Department had some problems with a width of 20' for access by fire and emergency equipment The 20' concept does meet present Code requirements Modifying the street width to 24' affects the density of the project, which in turn affects the financing scenario relating to TIF, i e , the developer would be seeking additional TIF Councilmember Brimeyer questioned an additional $192,000 in TIF to provide for 24' roadways and did this make sense It was the Council consensus to keep the roadways at 20' This item will be on the March 4, 1996 agenda for preliminary plat consideration as well as Conditional Use Permit approval 2 HOME funding for Habitat for Humanity project Ms. Quarfot reviewed this report with Council Staff seeks Council input as to its interest in exploring a Habitat for Humanity project -- donating a vacant lot or an existing single-family home, townhome or twin home in need of rehabilitation The City could apply to HOME funds through the County to purchase a vacant lot or existing single family, townhome or twim home which would then be donated to Habitat for Humanity Mayor Dorfman noted CDBG funds might be available and also that Habitat for Humanity prefers to do a project where other such projects exist They would not be interested in coming in to do just one project in the City Staff will continue to explore this program 3 Proposed development -Highway 7 and Louisiana Ave Randy McKay, Frauenshuh Companies, and Jim Almstead, Almstead's New Market, reported to Council They displayed a conceptual plan of the proposed project which was discussed in some detail by Kathy Anderson, their architect. Mr. McKay said his company has an option on the property at the northwest corner of Hwy. 7/Louisiana and Mr. Almquist said he was very desirous of building a discount grocery retail store at this site His present location on Hwy 100/W 36th St. is difficult to find which impedes his business Many issues remain unresolved at this point Also, numerous approvals would be needed if the project were to go forward Councilmember Latz was concerned about the old growth trees currently on the site, how this would affect the soccer fields and green space considerations Of special concern was Walker St , ingress/egress from Louisiana into the neighborhood It was felt this evening was not the appropriate time to get into any detailed discussion. It was the consensus nothing more be done until the strategic planning process has run its course when major land use decisions and changes for the area will be discussed Mayor Dorfman noted that it is desirable to have a plan for all four corners here, not just this piece 4 Walker and Louisiana Ave. intersection improvements Mr Rardin reviewed his report While installation of a traffic signal is warranted, in light of the previous discussion on the proposed development at Hwy 7/Louisiana Ave , it was his recommendation the City do nothing at this time or at most install a temporary median divider closing the intersection to east/west through traffic Council reviewed the options as suggested by staff and were favorable to items 2 (erect signs for accident reduction area) and 4 (install a flashing overhead light) After additional discussion, it was Council consensus to go with #2 for now and see what results that brings 5 Prospects for a Joint Usage Agreement with JCC Mr Gears and Mr. Petersen reviewed this proposal In lieu of leasing or sale of land to the JCC for expanded parking, staff was suggesting a joint usage agreement whereby the City would have access to certain of the Center's facilities -- theater, ball fields and gym Councilmember Sanger asked why not just sell the land Mr. Petersen responded that certain major costs would be involved therein such as an appraisal and delineation of public needs such as utility, drainage and trail easements Staff was requested to continue its discussions with the JCC regarding joint usage The study session adjourned at 8 55 p m 1101 4JAAAth ecording Secretary