Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997/07/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular CITY OF MINUTES JJJSTLOUIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING PARK ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA July 21, 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); Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin); City Assessor(Mr. Stepnick); City Clerk(Ms. Larsen). 4. Approval of minutes of July 7. 1997 Council meeting Commissioner Flanagan noted corrections. Pg. 102, 7a, 2nd paragraph: After"request" add the words"and a petition requesting that the City perhaps limit the number of vehicles and adopt enforceable ordinances." On page 105, 1st paragraph, after the word"street", add"She asked that 37th St. be exempted from the proposed 8:00-5:00 ban." There being no further corrections/additions, the minutes were received as amended. 5. Approval of agenda for July 21. 1997 Consent agenda: It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger to approve. The motion passed 7-0. Agenda: It was noted by Mr. Meyer that 8f had inadvertently been omitted from the printed agenda but would be discussed: Appointment of a Special Service District No. 2 Advisory Board. It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger,to approve the agenda. The motion passed 7-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6a. Alley paving: 2900 block between Natchez Ave. and Ottawa Ave., Project 97-18 Resolution 97-89 110 Mr. Stepnick gave a presentation on the special assessment process and any effect projects may have on residents' property taxes. The following individuals addressed Council on this item: Stephanie Fitzman, 2912 Natchez; • Rick Peterson, 2930 Natchez; Adeline Beguhl, 2937 Ottawa Ave.; Chris Bennett, 4700 Minnetonka Blvd.; Joe Pollack, 4716 Minnetonka Blvd. In response to a concern, Mr. Rardin said his staff would look into the issue of"Children at Play" sign installation in the alley. 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 Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs,to adopt Resolution 97-89 entitled"Resolution ordering Project No. 97-18, construction of a concrete alley in the 2900 block between Natchez Ave. and Ottawa Ave., approving plans and specifications and authorizing receipt of bids." The motion passed 7-0. 6b. Assessment hearing for Project 97-18 Resolution 97-90 Stephanie Fitzman, 2912 Natchez,proposed that the residents on the"T"who have the linear footage benefit on both sides of their homes be assessed for the true value instead of sharing the wealth with the other residents. Mr. Stepnick responded that by doing that, it would double the assessment of two residents, and he could not justify that. 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 Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Young, to adopt Resolution 97-90 entitled "Resolution adopting assessment improvement No. 97-18, alley paving in the 2900 block between Natchez Ave and Ottawa Ave." The motion passed 7-0. 6c. Hopkins sewer lift station on Meadowbrook Golf Course, 6601 Excelsior Blvd. Resolution 97-91 Mr. Harmening said previously the Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for Hopkins to construct a lift station in a slightly different location. Apparently some design considerations have arisen and as a result they are proposing to relocate the building to this new location. Don Box, Short-Elliott-Hendrickson, designers of the project for Hopkins, explained this request. 111 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 Brimeyer, seconded by Councilmember Flanagan, to adopt Resolution 97-91 entitled"A resolution granting Conditional Use Permit under Section 14:5- 4.3(D)(2) of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to zoning to permit the reconstruction of the existing sanitary sewer lift station for property located in the R-1 Single Family Residence District, located at 6601 Excelsior Blvd. (Meadowbrook Golf Course)." The motion passed 7-0. 6d. Excelsior Blvd. bridge over Highway 100 Resolution 97-92 There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the hearing with the right of Council to thereafter reopen and continue it at a future date. Mayor Dorfman asked why the Council was being asked to move prior to Planning Commission consideration. Mr. Harmening said this had been reviewed by the Planning Commission at its last meeting and they did recommend approval. Councilmember Flanagan asked if the Development Agreement with Park Nicollet requires that they pay part of the bridge construction costs. Mr. Harmening said the Development Agreement does not specifically obligate Park Nicollet to pay costs associated with improvements to the bridge. It does make general reference to Park Nicollet sharing in infrastructure costs. Councilmember Sanger asked if applying for ISTEA funds now would restrict the City's ability to apply for ISTEA grants in the future for other things. Mr. Harmening was not aware of any prohibitions disallowing the City to apply for ISTEA grants in the future. There was discussion about other funding sources; however, they all included a wait of several years and the bridge reconstruction is viewed as rather immediate. It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer, to adopt Resolution 97-92 entitled "A resolution approving a text amendment to the Comprehensive Plan 1980 to the Year 2000 for the City of St. Louis Park under Minnesota Statutes 462.351 to 462.364." The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Flanagan, to authorize the City Manager to submit an application for an ISTEA grant for the proposed bridge widening. The motion passed 7-0. 112 6e. First reading of amendments to Municipal Code related to snow removal parking restrictions, Section 10-315 Evelyn Tonra, 26th & Georgia, said she had no garage and no driveway. Where was she to put her car to get if off the street. Currently she moves it to the other side when it is plowed and then moves it back when she is plowed. Mr. Rardin says he is proposing that in these types of situations the resident would be eligible for a parking permit to park on the street. Steve Vanosco, 4421 W. 36th St., said he lived in a double bungalow with a total of 5 cars. There is a swamp in the back, no alley and one steep driveway. Only the front lawn is available to park cars. -- Mayor Dorfman said Excelsior Blvd. is exempt from the no-parking and staff is looking at some of the side streets as possible exemptions as well. John Basil, 6208 Oxford, was reporting after a neighborhood meeting that they are definitely opposed to odd-even parking, they are in favor of getting cars off the streets when it snows. Mayor Dorfman referenced the memo received by Council prior to the meeting on the soil testing in Mr. Basil's neighborhood and asked if they also had been informed. He said he had just received it, would read it and confer with his neighbors. 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. Councilmember Flanagan said she had been asked by Linda Beek, who was not present, to reiterate her comments of July 7. Councilmember Jacobs feared, after all the exceptions are in place, virtually nothing will have been accomplished. Councilmember Latz felt it was a good first step to address an ongoing headache in the City. It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer, to approve first reading of Municipal Code Amendments related to snow removal parking restrictions and to set second reading for August 4, 1997. The motion passed 7-0. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, COMMUNICATIONS None. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 8a. CDBG Third Party Agreement with Community Action for Suburban Hennepin Resolution 97-93 113 Mr. Harmening said Council was being asked to enter into an agreement with CASH whereby they will be providing services to enhance the Rehab Loan Program the City has in place. With respect to the Multi-family Revitalization Program, staff will be conducting interviews with the three applicants who have requested funding for that portion of CDBG funding. A report will be coming back to Council probably in August. Councilmember Sanger asked what Council should expect from a report evaluating the outcomes of providing these kinds of social services adjunct to providing rehab services—how will we know this makes any difference? Mr. Harmening said that was a question staff would be asking as it proceeds. This is a new experience and it is their intention to stay in close contact with CASH and really take a hard look at it before considering entering into a similar arrangement. He felt it might take some time to evaluate how well it is working. Mayor Dorfman felt it would be a good idea, say six months into the program, to invite members of CASH to visit with the Council and talk about some of the individual cases they have handled. It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer to adopt Resolution 97-93 entitled "Resolution approving a 1997 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Program Third Party Agreement(CDBG Year XXIII) between Community Action for Suburban Hennepin and the City of St. Louis Park relating to City of St. Louis Park's Single Family Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program." IIIThe motion passed 7-0. 8b. Modification of plans for Redevelopment Project No. 1 and the Excelsior Blvd., Oak Park Village and Highway 7 Tax Increment Financing Districts Resolution 97-94 It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution 97-94 entitled"Resolution calling for a public hearing by the City Council on the proposed adoption of the modifications to the redevelopment plan for Redevelopment Project No. 1 and the modifications of Tax Increment Financing plans for the Excelsior Blvd., Oak Park Village and Highway 7 Tax Increment Financing Districts therein." The motion passed 7-0. 8c. Void 8d. Void 8e. Traffic Study No. 525: Fire Lane designation at St. Louis Park Recreation Center, 3700 Monterey Dr. Resolution 97-95 114 By consent Council adopted Resolution 97-95 entitled"Resolution ordering placement of'No Parking-Parking Lane' signs at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center, 3700 Monterey Dr." 8f. Appointment of Special Service District No. 2 Advisory Board Resolution 97-96 Councilmember Sanger asked whether still included in the boundaries of Special Service District 2 are the residential property owners on Excelsior Blvd. Mr. Anderson responded the residential properties physically are located in the boundaries of the District, but they cannot be assessed a charge by Statute for the services that are provided in the District. -- Councilmember Flanagan said she would be attending the meeting but would not serve as the non-voting member because of a potential conflict. It was moved by Councilmember Flanagan, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer, to adopt Resolution 97-96 entitled"Resolution approving the creation of Special Service District No. 2 Advisory Board and approving the by-laws relating thereto." The motion passed 7-0. REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES 9a. Housing Authority Minutes of June 11, 1997 9b. Financial reports: May and June 1997 By consent, items 9a, 9b were received for filing UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS lla. Lease Agreement: Lutheran Church of the Reformation It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the ground lease with the Lutheran Church of the Reformation. Councilmember Young said he would oppose on the grounds that he did not believe the City should be making permanent improvements to private church property. His feelings have nothing to do with practicing religion or evangelizing. He did not believe it was a proper use of government funds. 115 The motion passed 4-3 (Brimeyer, Dorfman, Flanagan, Sanger in favor; Jacobs, Latz, Young opposed). 11b. 1997 Neighborhood Revitalization PILOT Program Grant applications: Amhurst Neighborhood Resolution 97-97 It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Flanagan,to adopt Resolution 97-97 entitled "Resolution approving funding for the first round of the 1997 Neighborhood Revitalization Pilot Program Grant Application for the Amhurst Neighborhood and authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute a grant agreement with the Amhurst Neighborhood." Councilmember Young asked if the loop hole closing as proposed by the NRC would be happening soon. Mr. Harmening said by taking this action the Council is indicating that before another grant round can begin, the NRC needs to provide recommendations on specific changes to the guidelines relating to grant proposal eligibility criteria and guidelines for neighborhood boundary changes. The motion passed 7-0. 11c. Interim financing for purchase of Zamboni ice resurfacing equipment It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Flanagan, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a 5-year financing agreement with Benilde/St. Margaret's School and St. Louis Park Hockey Association and to authorize an expenditure of$70,850 from the Rec Center's project fund to provide the interim financing. The motion passed 7-0. 11d. Bid tabulation: Concrete alley paving (Elmwood Neighborhood),Project 97-17 By consent, Council designated Scandy Concrete as the lowest responsible bidder and authorized execution of a contract in the amount of$94,378.54. lle. City Engineer's Report: Sidewalk snow removal services in the Excelsior Blvd. Special Service District No. 1 Resolution 97-98 It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Flanagan, to adopt Resolution 97-98 entitled "Resolution accepting City Engineer's report, authorizing and ordering sidewalk snow removal services in the Excelsior Blvd Special Service District No. 1, approving documents and specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for sidewalk snow removal services in the Excelsior Blvd. Special Service District No. 1." 116 The motion passed 7-0. llf. City Engineer's report: Area sidewalk repair, project 96-10 and random sidewalk repair, Project 97-20 Resolution 97-99 It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Flanagan, to adopt Resolution 97-99 entitled"Resolution accepting City Engineer's report, establishing Improvement Project 97-21, establishing improvement hearing for August 18, 1997 and authorizing staff to sponsor a neighborhood meeting. Councilmember Flanagan asked if the Council had not discussed changing the policy whereby property owners would be assessed for sidewalk repair. Mr. Rardin said it had been preliminarily discussed but no action was taken by Council. The motion passed 7-0. 11g. City Engineer's Report: Sidewalk construction, east side of 2600 block of Quentin Ave., Project 97-21 Resolution 97-100 It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Young, to adopt Resolution 97-100 entitled "Resolution accepting the City Engineer's report, establishing Improvement Project 97-21, establishing improvement hearing for August 18, 1997 and authorizing staff to sponsor a neighborhood meeting." The motion passed 7-0. llh. Human Rights Commission -Three Year Strategic Plan It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt the Three Year Strategic Plan. They extended their thanks to the Commission for its hard work on coming up with this Plan. The motion passed 7-0. 12. Miscellaneous -No business 13. Claims Appropriations, Contract Payments a. Verified claims By consent, claims were approved and payment was authorized 14. Communications 117 Mayor Dorfman said the first Habitat for Humanity home was dedicated on Saturday morning. All concerned with this effort were very proud of their efforts. Mr. Meyer said that the sprinkling ban implemented in June was no longer in effect as of July 21. It was necessary in June; but obviously not now. Residents would be encouraged to use appropriate conservation measures, basically not watering in the hottest part of the day and get into a mode of odd/even sprinkling. 15. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m. on a motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger which passed 7-0. SU' ItYtti ayor Dorfman . C7• Re ording Secretary 118