HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997/11/24 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF Minutes
1JJST. LoLIIs City Council Study Session
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November 24, 1997
7:00 p.m.
The meeting convened at 7.08 p m
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jeff Jacobs, Chris Nelson, Sue Sanger, Ron Latz,
Robert Young, Jim Brimeyer and Mayor Gail Dorfman.
Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Meyer), Deputy City Manager(Ms Kutzler); Director of
Community Development (Mr. Harmening); Cris Gears (Parks and Recreation Director); City
Assessor(Mr. Stepnick);Finance Director(Ms. McBride); Finance Director(Mr. Felton);
Planning Coordinator(Ms. Erickson); Planning Coordinator(Ms. Jeremiah), Manager of
Information Technologies (Clint Pires);Economic Development Coordinator(Mr. Anderson);
Water Utility Superintendent(Mr. Anderson);Public Works Director(Mr. Rardin); and
Engineering Superintendent (Mr. Moore).
1. Results of Comprehension Plan Survey
Bill Morris and Jim Rose of Decision Resources, Ltd. made a visual presentation highlighting the
results of the Comprehensive Plan Survey and provided an Executive Summary handout to
Council. The Council asked for clarification of what neighborhoods were included in each
cluster. Judy Erickson responded. Mr. Morris clarified questions from Council regarding specific
outcomes in the survey
In regards to the communication from the City, Councilmember Brimeyer suggested the City
consider developing and providing a template for neighborhood newsletters where the City would
fill in certain articles and leave space for neighborhood news
Councilmember Latz recommended that a future survey be conducted by neighborhood and
Commissioner Nelson requested that the results of the business survey also be recapped by
neighborhoods.
2. Dates for 1998 Fireworks
Mayor Dorfman thanked Phyllis McQuaid for her efforts. Ms. McQuaid addressed the Council
about Parktacular and proposed June 21st and not July 4th for the fireworks. She believed it
could become a signature event for St. Louis Park rather than just another set of nice fireworks
on the 4th of July. It also might save the City on overtime pay since the work being performed by
City employees would not occur on a public holiday. The Council discussed potential conflicts
with the dates. Councilmember Brimeyer stated that the Minnesota League of Cities conference
is conducted that week. Mayor Dorfman believed it made sense to go ahead with June 21st and
that public education would be needed regarding dates and location. Councilmember Latz
indicated that the Oak Hill neighborhood may oppose the change . Councilmember Nelson
supported the change. Councilmember Sanger raised the issue whether other groups could do
July 4th fireworks in the City of St Louis Park. In view of the need for support from City
forces, the Council and staffed believed this would not occur.
3. Hutchinson Spur Property Plan and Process
Mr. Harmening, Director of Community Development gave a brief review of the proposed
planning approach.
The Council questioned the recent intentions of Mr. McCullough. Mr Harmening offered
clarification. Mayor Gail Dorfman pointed out that this process may help negotiation and makes
use of available ISTEA funds
Councilmember Sanger recommended that a clear plan of action be established to determine the
desires of the Council. Councilmember Young had a concern that the process is ineffective.
Councilmember Latz was concerned that neighborhood consensus would not be reached
regarding development on the right of way. Mr. Meyer, City Manager, agreed that a consensus
cannot be reached, but that it is necessary to communicate that the City has limitations, the
developer has rights, and the citizens must understand that this is the best alternative.
Cris Gears responded to Council's inquiry of other possible uses for the ISTEA funds and the
time limitations of the grant.
Following the discussion, Mr. Harmening suggested that the City should not form a task force and
instead meet with the developer to put together a concept plan for the right of the way that
accommodates the trail and some development, and then present it to the neighborhood. The
development must meet code requirements with no variances or professional assistance.
Councilmember Latz made it clear that should any type of acquisition take place, he would be
opposed to development of any kind.
4. Preliminary Discussion of EDA Budget
Ms. McBride summarized and highlighted changes in the budget to Council. Staff and the Council
asked questions about the appropriation of funds, and commitments we must provide for every
year. (i.e. school funding and water utility) Ms. McBride stated that other potential large
remediation projects are anticipated. Councilmember Nelson asked a question about debt
projections. Ms. McBride made clarifications.
5. Preview of Truth in Taxation Hearing ,
Ms. McBride provided a handout to Council regarding overheads to be used at the hearing She
stated that the presentation is planned for December 3, 1997 at 7.30 p.m. and would be broadcast
on cable television live.
6. Storm Sewer Capacity Issues
Pete Wellingbring of WSB, Inc. presented information and a summary of the report regarding the
July 1997 rain storms, problems associated with those storms, and possible solutions to those
problems. The report showed 147 complaints and 22 problem areas. Mr. Wellengbring estimated
that in approximately 75% of those areas it would be cheaper to buy the home than redesign or
rebuild a sewer system.
Councilmember Brimeyer believed that recurring problem areas should take priority and preferred
increasing storm capacity overall rather than concentrating efforts on individual properties.
Councilmember Sanger inquired about the availability of FEMA funds.
Councilmember Young recommended a comparison of costs for acquisition versus fixing the
problem. He noted that loss of property tax revenues and City maintenance costs should be
included in the cost of acquisition.
Councilmember Latz wanted to clarify that the report does not and should not in any way
acknowledge that the City is liable in any way for damages.
Councilmember Nelson felt that properties with on-going problems should be added to the list.
Councilmember Sanger concurred.
Councilmember Young suggested that problem areas should be examined. He felt that properties
with water problems resulting from their own development, layout and landscaping be separated
from other properties.
Mr. Wellingbring asked the Council what they deemed a reasonable design standard. A consensus
of raising to a 100 year standard for areas with recurring problems was reached.
Mr. Rardin brought up the issue of yard and grass flooding. It was noted that the majority of the
Council was opposed to including this criteria.
Following the discussion, Council requested that staff submit a report recapping new policy.
7. Project for Hunger
Clint Pires, Manager of Information Technologies presented a concept proposal to help fight
hunger, on a local, and global scale for Council to consider
After a brief discussion, it was decided that although this was an admirable idea the Council
questioned the appropriateness of the involvement of the City in a social service project. The
Council believed a project of this nature would duplicate current efforts by other social agencies.
8. Park Commons Update
Council and staff discussed the principle of livable communities related to urban design. A
discussion ensued about the overall plan for the area and the factors important in selecting an
architectural firm to develop a urban design. Council agreed to attend a workshop on December
8, 1997 which would involve a market study consultant as well as a member of the original design
team.
9. Communications
Mayor Dorfman informed the group that a new restaurant, Baja Tortilla Grill was opening in St.
Louis Park and that she recently attended a dedication of a Habitat for Humanity home in St.
Louis Park.
Mr. Meyer, informed Council that the reciprocal agreements with Golden Valley and Minnetonka
for use of recreation facilities would be recommended for an additional year.
The meeting adjourned at 11:02 p.m.
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