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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997/06/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular 7CITY OF MINUTES SATR. LOUIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING K ST. LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA June 2, 1997 1. Call to order Mayor Dorfman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. 2. Presentations -None 3. Roll Call The following Councilmembers were present: Jeff Jacobs, Beverly Flanagan, Sue Sanger, Ron Latz, Robert Young, Jim Brimeyer and Mayor Gail Dorfman. Also present were the City Manager(Mr. Meyer); City Attorney (Mr. Scott); Deputy City Manager(Ms. Kutzler); Director of Community Development(Mr. Harmening); Economic Development Coordinator(Mr. Anderson); Planning Coordinators (Ms.Erickson and Ms. Jeremiah); Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin); City Clerk (Ms. Larsen); Director of Parks and Recreation(Mr. Gears). 4. Approval of minutes of May 19. 1997 Councilmember Sanger noted that under item 6a, the first paragraph should state that Ms. Kutzler said that one Section deals with an amendment to the preamble of the Charter. Councilmember Flanagan said in the same section, fourth paragraph, second line, should read"to the City Charter amending Chapter 1, Section 1.00." With those corrections, the minutes were approved as received. 5. Approval of agenda It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Flanagan to approve the consent agenda. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the agenda for June 1. The motion passed 7-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6a. First reading of ordinance relating to tree preservation 87 Ms. Erickson said the Planning Commission has requested the City approve an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance relating to tree preservation which would simplify, clarify and ease administration of a portion of the ordinance adopted in 1991. Councilmember Sanger felt some parts of the ordinance were worthwhile, but she was surprised about the recommendation to reduce the number of trees. She believed that this item should go to a study session for further review. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Flanagan, to continue the public hearing to June 16 and place the item on an upcoming study session. Councilmember Flanagan asked that staff, at the study session, address the question of why is not the replacement ratio and the restrictions for removal the same for both public and private land. The motion passed 7-0. 6b. Transfer of soil from Twin Lakes Park to Oak Park Village Resolutions 97-67, 97-68, 97-69 Neil Brown, 3300 Louisiana Ave.; Tony Gazole, 3300 Louisiana Ave and Nancy Bobineau, 3300 Louisiana Ave. spoke to Council. Mr. Gears said the material currently on the premises was taken from the Rec Center site. It is the intent for it to be stored at the Oak Park Village site in anticipation of some other work. The 8,500 cu. yds. being proposed for placement would be in addition to the soil already there and the entire amount would be graded out on the north end of the park area. Mr. Rardin said the additional soils will not affect the present drainage -- one of the residents' concerns. In fact, the water will more efficiently be channeled to the existing drainage facilities. He said any spillage or dust problems have been addressed in the specifications and would be handled by the contractor. He said the soil has been examined for contamination and none was found in the material since being cleaned up after the Twin Lakes project. Ms. Jeremiah said the operation will impact as little as possible on adjacent residential property. She briefly stated when the plan for soils replacement would be and the routes to be used. Mayor Dorfman suggested staff check on restricting truck movements on the Sabbath because of the foot traffic throughout the Lake Forest neighborhood. Councilmember Brimeyer reminded Council that this property was always designated, in part, for development, not totally open space. That is how 3300 On the Park came to be built. Bonds still have to be paid off and the property is supposed to generate revenue. 88 Councilmember Latz said that he has been on record for four years in opposition to development on Oak Park Village Park. He did tell residents he had met with that this area is part of the Hwy. 7 development district but no plans have yet been made as to future development As to signage, he would like to see that the language in the resolutions be expanded to specifically include signage at the Oak Park Village site notifying truck drivers that they are entering a residential area, that there are kids, pedestrians and people using the athletic facilities. Also signs reminding the residents of Oak Park Village to be aware of the truck traffic. He told the residents that the soil being placed there will have no effect on what is done in the future. He pointed out a clarification that needs to be done in the first resolution. There being no one further wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the hearing with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date. It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolutions 97-67, 97-68 and 97-69 entitled, respectively "A resolution granting Conditional Use Permit under Section 14:4-9 of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit the removal of 8,500 cu yds of soil for property zoned R-1, Single Family Residence District, located at Twin Lakes Park"; "A resolution granting Condition Use Permit under Section 14:4-9 of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit the placement of 8,500 cubic yards of soil for property zoned R-4, Multiple Family Residence District, located at Oak Park Village"; and "Resolution accepting the report, establishing Improvement Project No. 97-16, ordering Improvement Project No. 97-16, approving plans and specifications and authorizing receipt of bids for Improvement No. 97-16." Councilmember Young thought that when the Twin Lakes project was authorized, funds were set aside. Did that come out of the Utility Fund as is proposed here or was it a separate fund from which these expenditures should be coming. Mr. Meyer said the City was setting aside money for several years for the purposes of dredging Twin Lake , some $200,000. Once the Clean Water Partnership was established, it wasn't necessary for the $200,000 to be used for the dredging itself. It was agreed that those funds would be applied towards Twin Lakes Park and that is what is being done. The motion passed 7-0. PETITIONS,REQUESTS, COMMUNICATIONS None. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 8a. Resolution of appreciation to Town Center East Task Force Resolution 97-70 Mayor Dorfman read the names of the individuals serving on the Task Force. 89 It was moved by Councilmember Flanagan, seconded by Councilmember Sanger to adopt Resolution 97-70 entitled"Resolution of the St. Louis Park City Council in recognition of dedicated service toward planning the future of the City of St. Louis Park as members of the Town Center East Task Force." The motion passed 7-0. 8b. Resolution of appreciation for Excelsior Blvd. Task Force Resolution 97-71 It was moved by Councilmember Flanagan, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 97-71 entitled"Resolution of the St. Louis Park City Council in recognition of dedicated service toward the planning of Excelsior Boulevard Streetscape Project between France Ave and Monterey Drive, City of St. Louis Park, as members of the Excelsior Boulevard Task Force." -- The motion passed 7-0. 8c. Wolfe Park Master Plan Resolution 97-72 Ms. Jeremiah presented a brief update on the work of the Task Force. Harry Dorholt, 4830 W. 38th St. had some questions about the plan and Ms. Jeremiah clarified several points for him. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 97-72 entitled"A resolution approving the Master Plan of Wolfe Park and authorizing construction documents, bids and request for proposals." The motion passed 7-0. 8d. 1997 Neighborhood Revitalization Pilot Program Grant Application Resolution 97-73 Mr. Harmening said Council has reached consensus on most of the applications received. In the case of the Amhurst application, they requested funds to expand a deck on the association's grounds. There were some concerns expressed from Councilmembers as to the appropriateness of providing funds to a private association. The NRC is requested to look at that item and provide recommendations back to the Council. In the case of the Birchwood neighborhood, they received funds last year to assist in hiring a consultant to plan for some open space/park type improvements on a piece of church property. This year they were requesting funds for the actual improvements to the church property. There were some concerns expressed as to the appropriateness of that as well. Mr. Harmening included in the resolution approval of this latter 90 item specifying they could not receive funds for this activity until the neighborhood and the church enter into a lease or other written agreement which spelled out the terms of the public's ability to use the property. It was moved by Councilmember Brimeyer, seconded by Councilmember Sanger to adopt Resolution 97-73 entitled Resolution approving funding for the first round of the 1997 Neighborhood Revitalization Pilot Program Grant Applications and authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute grant agreements with the neighborhoods. Councilmember Jacobs said he did not want to vote on each of these individually. He felt they could agree there was consensus on most of them. He had a problem with the Birchwood request wherein public money is requested to be spent on church property. It wasn't Birchwood, per se, as he believes in the separation of church and state. Mayor Dorfman and Councilmember Sanger agreed that by funding the neighborhood last year to hire a consultant, they had already seemingly started a process toward approval. Ms. Sanger said she has not heard one complaint that anyone has been denied access to this property. Councilmember Brimeyer believed talk of separation of church and state might end up with the church in question not being recognized as part of the neighborhood and he could not go along with that. He also felt Council had to sit down with the NRC and talk more specifically about guidelines for grant applications. Councilmember Jacobs offered an amendment to the motion wherein the Birchwood grant request would be removed from consideration at this time which was seconded by Councilmember Latz. Tom Powers, chair of the NRC addressed Council. He said to the NRC it appeared that the City was in support of the work going on the church property, tree removal, etc. and on that basis the NRC supported the request for funding . He did not have any knowledge of how the neighborhood as a whole feels about the proposal. He said the pastor of the church was the major spokesperson for the proposal and that neighborhood association members were also in attendance at the meeting about the grant proposal. The vote on the amendment to the motion to remove the Birchwood grant proposal from consideration this evening was defeated 4-3 (Brimeyer, Dorfman, Flanagan, Sanger opposed; Jacobs, Latz, Young in favor). The original motion made by Councilmember Brimeyer, seconded by Councilmember Sanger (which would include the Birchwood grant proposal) passed 4-3 (Bnmeyer, Dorfman, Flanagan, Sanger in favor; Jacobs, Latz, Young opposed). 8e. MAC subdivision Resolution 97-74 91 Request for preliminary and final plat approval for division of a lot at 4213 Wooddale Ave. It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Young,to adopt Resolution 97-74 entitled "Resolution giving approval for preliminary and final plat of MAC subdivision. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Flanagan absent). • 8f. Second reading of an ordinance to amend the City Charter Preamble Ordinance 2094-97 It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Ordinance 2094-97 entitled"An ordinance amending the St. Louis Park Home Rule Charter Section 1.00 Preamble." The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Flanagan absent). 8g Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program Resolution 97-75 It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Young, to adopt Resolution 97-75 entitled"Resolution approving the Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program approving program documents, allocating $250,000 in funding to the program for 1997, establishing a program target area and authorizing the EDA to execute the program." The motion passed 7-0. 8h. Assignment of professional services contract with Maier Stewart and Assoc. to the firm of Howard R. Green Co. due to the merger of the two firms. Resolution 97-76 It was moved by Councilmember Brimeyer, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 97-76 entitled Resolution consenting to the assignment of professional services contract with Maier Stewart and Assoc. to the firm of Howard R. Green Co." The motion passed 7-0. REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES 9a. Planning Commission minutes May 7, 1997 By consent, minutes were received for filing. 9b. Town Center Market Study 92 It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer to approve the Scope of Work and authorize Mayor and City Manager to execute contracts for the Town Center Market Study. Councilmember Flanagan asked about additional transit going by the proposed housing in addition to the current No. 12. Tom Melchior, Maxfield Research, while admittedly not familiar with that part of the contract, assumed that additional transit options would be available. Councilmember Sanger noted a portion of the study would be devoted to parking needs. She asked if parking needs would be assessed according to the traditional kinds of formula(how much parking is needed for retail space, etc.) or how will the hopeful transit system here be taken into account which it is hoped would have the impact of reducing the need for parking spaces in this area or even elimination of cars. Mr. Melchior said two consultants would be working on this phase: from the traditional analysis of what kinds of parking would be needed as well as looking at alternative options. Councilmember Sanger did not see how planning go could forward when no one knows what a mass transit system even looks like. Mr. Melchoir said he felt some assumptions would have to be made not knowing what it is ultimately going to be. Councilmember Brimeyer would like the study to make some strong assumptions that are favorable to the western suburbs and then let the City politically try to determine what we think should happen to make it successful. Also, periodically he would like to see on a regular basis a short, bulleted report on the kinds of findings they are getting. The motion passed 7-0. NEW BUSINESS lla. Legal services agreement with Smith-Parker By consent, Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to execute an agreement with Smith-Parker for special legal services in conformance with the City's Legal Services Retention and Billing Policy. 11b. Bid tab: Excavation and embankment(Twin Lakes/Oak Park Village) It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to designate Bullock Contracting Co. as lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of$74,109.75. -93 The motion passed 7-0. 11c Rec Center Renaissance change order It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer, to approve and authorize execution of change orders for the Rec Center Renaissance as identified in the staff report. The motion passed 7-0. MISCELLANEOUS None. CLAIMS,APPROPRIATIONS, CONTRACT PAYMENTS 13a. Verified claims By consent Council approved the claims and authorized payment 13b. Contract payments -Final By consent Council adopted Resolution 97-77 for Northwest Asphalt, grading, curb and gutter in the amount of$15,775.21 Partial payments for Rec Center Renaissance contract payments Le Jeune Steel Co. 2,488.05 Nova Frost 22.572.00 Midwest Asphalt 17,346.26 Maertens-Brenny Const 235,956.99 Anderson Iron Works 7,087.00 KMH Erectors 3,800.00 George Cook Const. 1,776.54 Brent Anderson Assoc 8,763.60 Brent Anderson Assoc 7,705.45 Carciofini Caulking 1,140.00 Empirehouse 58,461.10 Crawford Door Sales 9,973.10 Mulcahy 11,174.61 Grazzini Brothers Co 27,907.20 Diversified Coatings 7,841.30 Swanson & Youngdale 28,500.00 Lagerquist Corp 10,854.70 94. • Gorham-Oien Mech 121,343.69 111 Falcon Fire Protection 99,016.10 Ridgedale Electric 37,952.50 Wanzek Construction 311,341.60 By consent, contract payments were approved and payment was authorized 14. Communications From the Mayor- Mayor Dorfman said many of the neighborhoods are up and running with picnics, t-shirts and much enthusiasm. From the City Manager-Mr. Meyer reported that over the past weekend there was a problem with water pressure. The high utilization of water usage over the weekend taxed the City's pumping capacity which became somewhat reduced due to repairs on several pumping facilities. He was suggesting that restrictions covered by Ordinance Section 9-113 be imposed, only on sprinkling and irrigation. With Council approval,he would file tomorrow a certification for several days of water ban--only to be done as long as is absolutely necessary. Mayor Dorfman asked how the public would be notified. Mr. Meyer said via radio and local television has apparently already picked up on it. What the City would do is circulate through the community and let people know of the temporary ban. 14. 13oards and Commissions It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer, to appoint Catherine Courtney to the Housing Authority. The motion passed 7-0. 15. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. C arm Mayor Dorfman R ording Secretary 95