HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998/05/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular CTIY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES
ST. LORIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PARK ST. LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA
May 18, 1998
1. Call to Order
Mayor Dorfman called the meeting to order at 7.39 p.m.
Mr. Meyer, City Manager gave a brief storm damage report and indicated that the City had
authorized the Public Works and Parks and Recreation crews to pick-up storm related
material hauled by residents to the street beginning May 18th through June 1st.
2. Presentation -None
3. Roll Call
The following Councilmembers were present Jeff Jacobs, Chris Nelson, Sue Sanger, Ron
Latz, Robert Young, and Mayor Gail Dorfman.
Also present were the City Manager(Mr. Meyer); City Attorney(Mr. Scott); Director of
Community Development (Mr. Harmening); Economic Development Coordinator(Mr.
Anderson), Public Works(Mr. Moore);Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin); and Housing
Coordinator(Ms. Brownstein).
4. Approval of Minutes
City Council meeting of May 4, 1998. The minutes were approved as presented.
City Council study session meeting of April 27, 1998. With the exception of the changes
below, the minutes were approved as presented.
Change Page 15, second to last paragraph to read Council discussed options to control the
increase in the number of new free walk-up service requests and agreed not to allow any
additional new free walk-up customers.
Change Page 13, second to the last paragraph to read Councilmember Nelson addressed the
fiscal issue noting that the increment wouldn't come close to covering the City's share and
suggested reducing project costs or increasing increment.
5. Approval of Agendas
a. Consent Agenda
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger to
approve the consent agenda with removal of Item 8c per Councilmember Nelson. The
motion passed 6-0.
b. Agenda
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger to
approve
c. Resolutions the
and agenda.Ordinances The motion passed 6-0.
By consent, Council waived reading of resolutions and ordinances
6. Public Hearing
6a. Public Hearing: Sidewalk Construction and Street Light Installation on Louisiana
Court-Project No. 98-06.
Resolution #: 98-76
Carlton Moore, Public Works gave a staff report and stated that a group of property
owners and residents were present tonight to speak to Council.
Jeannie Seeley-Smith, Executive Director of Perspective, Inc. and property owner,
presented a proposal written by a newly formed consortium of all 11 owners of the
apartment buildings located in Louisiana Court (Rick Bain, Bill Christopherson, Bruce
Dachis, Steve Hendrickson, John Prebarich, Jeannie Seeley-Smith of Perspective Inc,
and Ira Sklader) called The C.O U.R.T (Concerned Owners for a Unified court
dedicated to Responsibility and Trust) and respectfully requested that the City Council
support the project and reward the COURT CDBG funds to cover 100% of the
estimated cost of proposed project.
William Christopherson, Property Owner questioned why the City and residents felt that
Louisiana Court was a problem area He didn't believe that the construction of
sidewalks and street lighting would solve the problem, but rather responsible landlords
who rented to responsible tenants and managed behavior. He stated that his tenants
were not in favor of sidewalks if it meant a rent increase and that he didn't feel it was a
justifiable expense. He requested that the City contribute CDBG funds to cover 100%
of the estimated cost of proposed project
John Prebarich, Property Owner indicated that he recently has made major improvements
to his property. He was not in favor of sidewalks because of the unusual traffic patterns
on his property and the majority of residents recently polled were in favor of lighting, but
not sidewalks. He requested that the City contribute CDBG funds to cover 100% of the
estimated cost of proposed project.
Rick Bain, Property Owner stated that construction of sidewalks were a low priority
because tenants usually desired to see improvements to inside amenities before outside
improvements He believed the overall problem of a bad reputation originated before he
was an owner, and was due to the area not being properly managed. He stated that if the
Council wanted this area to be comparable to other areas in the city, some type of
assistance program needed to be established.
•
Ira Sklader, Property Owner stated that he had recently invested considerable funds to
building improvements, but a large amount of work still needed to be done. He was in111
favor of addition of street lighting, desired to see name change, and believed that the
dedication of the property owners working together to address the issues of concern in
Louisiana Court would bring great change.
Jeannie Seeley-Smith, Executive Director of Perspectives and property owner, believed
that without the addition of sidewalks, the safety of residents and children was in
jeopardy.
Vannessa Brown, Perspectives Program Coordinator stated that many positive
developments had resulted from the organization of a Task Force and that the issue of
concern for sidewalks and street lighting originated from a survey conducted in the past.
For the safety of the children and on behalf of the tenants who were on fixed incomes,
she requested that the City contribute CDBG funds to cover 100% of the estimated cost
of proposed project.
The Mayor closed the public hearing with the right of the Council to reopen it at a future
date.
Councilmember Nelson was concerned that a majority of property owners were not in
favor of the addition of sidewalks He asked staff to clarify the need for sidewalks from
a safety standpoint and indicate the cost breakdown between the installation of street
lighting and construction of sidewalks
Mr. Moore indicated that street lighting was 36% and side walks was 64% of the
projected cost
Councilmember Nelson believed the potential impact on rent outlined in the staff report
was not significant
JoAnna Brownstein, Housing Coordinator briefly commented on the potential impact on
the diversity of residents.
Tom Harmening, Community Development Coordinator recommended that staff revisit
the roots of the project, review city policy and the purpose of contributing CDBG funds
for this project He stated that staff believed this project was not the solution to the
problem in Louisiana Court, but only a small part of a number of different things that
need to be done and address the needs in the neighborhood. He indicated that street
lighting would be a priority.
Councilmember Latz stated that the original intention of making funds available through
special assessments and CDBG fund for projects was successful and commended
property owners for taking the time to come together in response to this project. He
supported the construction of sidewalks for the overall safety of the residents and
indicated that the City contributing CDBG funds to cover 50% of the estimated cost of
proposed project would be in line with the CDBG guidelines and would minimize the
cost to all who are involved. He would like to see property owners take advantage of
additional community resources available for investment and maintaining affordable
housing in the area was a priority
Councilmember Sanger commended property owners for recent property improvements,
but believed the request that the City contribute CDBG funds to cover 100% of the
estimated cost of proposed project was unrealistic, because concentrating that amount of
resources in one small area would short change the rest of the city. She believed that the
steps outlined in the proposal were vague and if increased funding was approved by the
city then demonstrable and concrete steps to really help the safety and decrease criminal
issues in the area would need to be established. She suggested a children's play area be
considered to address the safety concern and recommended more study be conducted by
the Task Force and Council at study session.
Councilmember Young concurred with Councilmember Sanger. He believed the request
that the City contribute CDBG funds to cover 100% of the estimated cost of proposed
project was absurd. He didn't believe the absence of sidewalks in Louisiana Court
proposed any increased safety issues for children and pointed out the existence of a park
located in the neighborhood He recommended taking this back to study session and not
increase the amount that has been previously proposed.
Councilmember Jacobs believed sidewalks were important for the entire neighborhood
and was in favor of the City contributing CDBG funds to cover 50% of the estimated
cost of proposed project.
Councilmember Nelson suggested that property owners develop some covenants of
property management in exchange for increased contribution of CDBG funds.
Mayor Gail Dorfman stated that the city was in favor of building strong neighborhoods
and indicated that Louisiana Court was a greater challenge and probably would take a
larger commitment of the City, residents and property owners. She commended
property owners for their efforts and stated that City contributing CDBG funds to cover
50% of the estimated cost of proposed project was reasonable.
Councilmember Latz commented on changes to the CDGB policy in regards to
proposals solicited and stated that the purpose was to concentrate resources and see
measurable improvements. He was in favor of the City contributing CDBG funds to
cover 50% of the estimated cost of proposed project and was reasonable within the
resources available
Ms. Brownstein, Housing Coordinator commented on the funds committed for multi-
family rehabilitation and indicated that the funds have not yet been allocated to a
particular project.
Councilmember Nelson didn't believe having the funds available was the issue He
believed that there was an new opportunity with the property owners working together
to make improvements to the neighborhood. He preferred to defer this issue and
challenged property owners to establish covenants looking to the future of the area and
buildings
Mayor Gail Dorfman asked Councilmember Latz to clarify the process of the Task Force
and the consortium of Property Owners and how the group activities fit together.
Councilmember Latz commented that the goal of the Task Force was to establish a
vision of what the people who have an interest in the area want to see, what the area
looks like, and that the request of the consortium of Property Owners was consistent
with what the Task Force was trying to accomplish and show commitment of the City to
support efforts of the neighborhood.
Councilmember Sanger asked staff to clarify construction impact of delay on
construction schedule Mr. Moore indicated that no impact on construction would be
made.
Mayor Gail Dorfman commented on the importance of the Council give property owners
and neighborhood a clear signal that that the City was willing to do their part in making
improvements to the Louisiana Court.
It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs to adopt the
attached resolution ordering Project No 98-06, sidewalk construction and street light
installation on Louisiana Court, approving plans and specifications and authorized
receipt of bids. The motion passed 6-0.
6b. Assessment Hearing for Project 98-06 at Louisiana Court
The Mayor closed the public hearing with the right of the Council to reopen it at a future
date.
It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to adopt the
attached resolution establishing the assessment of Project No. 98-06 and that this issue
be brought to Study Session and returned to City Council on June 15th for further
consideration of additional allocation of 1998 CDBG funds
Councilmember Latz withdrew the motion.
It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to defer
consideration of the assessment of Project No 98-06 until City Council Meeting on June
15th. The motion passed 6-0
6c. Resolution amending the projected use of funds for the Urban Hennepin County
Community Development Block Grant Program.
Resolution #: 98-77
The Mayor closed the public hearing with the right of the Council to reopen it at a
future date.
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to
adopt a Resolution amending the projected use of funds for the 1997 Urban
Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Program. The motion
passed 6-0
6d. Sholom Community Alliance (SCA)
Special Permit Amendments
3620 & 3630 Phillips Parkway South
Case Number 98-10-CUP
Resolution #: 98-78 (3630 Phillips Pkwy So)
Resolution #: 98-79 (3620 Phillips Pkwy So)
Gauis Nelson, Architect with Nelson Tremain Partnership was present to answer
questions of the Council.
The Mayor closed the public hearing with the right of the Council to reopen it at a future
date.
It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt
resolutions approving the special permit amendments for 3620 & 3630 Phillips Parkway
South subject to the conditions included in the resolutions The motion passed 6-0.
7. Petitions, Requests, Communications - None
8. Resolutions and Ordinances
8a. Ordinance Creating the Neighborhood Revitalization Commission
Ordinance#: 2119-98
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to
approve second reading of the attached ordinance amendment, adopt ordinance, approve
summary and authorize publication. The motion passed 6-0.
8b. City Engineer's Report: West 42nd Street/Zarthan Avenue Water Reservoir
Tank Repairs -Project No. 98-08.
Resolution #: 98-80
By consent, Council adopted the attached resolution accepting this report, establishing
improvement Project No. 98-08, ordering Project No. 98-08, approving
plans and specifications, and authorizing receipt of bids
8c. Excelsior Boulevard median islands from Trunk Highway 100 to Methodist
Hospital entrance-Project No. 98-02
Councilmember Nelson asked that staff address a concern that Pink Business Interiors
raised with the configuration of its parking lot verses its median and how it would
accommodate truck access. He suggested that Pink Business Interiors be allowed two
weeks to review concern. He also indicated that the preliminary drawing of Brunswick
and Dakota Avenues had paint stripes and from the neighborhood standpoint actual
medians would be most beneficial for residents.
Mr Moore, Public Works commented on the appropriate steps to approve the project
and execution of the agreement and indicated that Pink Business Interiors was requesting
time to have traffic consultant review options. Mr Rardin, Public Works explained the
use of the proposed median as it related to the traffic flow and safety of pedestrians.
It was moved by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Young, to delay
the decision to adopt the attached resolution establishing Project No. 98-02 until June
1st. The motion passed 6-0.
8d. Resolution Authorizing Transfers from the General Fund to the Information
Technologies and Parks Improvement Funds for Future Capital Improvements
Resolution #: 98-81
By consent, Council approved the resolution authorizing the transfers from the General
Fund at December 31, 1997.
9. Reports from Officers, Boards, Committees
a. Planning Commission Minutes of April 15, 1998
By consent, Council accepted report for filing
b. Housing Authority Minutes of April 8, 1998
By consent, Council accepted report for filing.
c. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of April 15, 1998
By consent, Council accepted report for filing.
d. Vendor Claim Report
By consent, Council accepted report for filing
10. Unfinished Business -Board and Commission Appointments
Councilmember Young suggested that the applications that indicated BOZA as a preference
be considered for appointment at the next City Council Meeting.
11. New Business
lla. Walk-Up Service-Waste Management
Mr Rardin, Public Works gave a brief of the options for consideration addressing the large
volume of free walk-up customers and recommended Option A for an immediate solution to
the problem.
Councilmember Jacobs questioned the time frame for proposed to notify customers that free
walk-up service was being discontinued.
Mr. Meyer, City Manager clarified that Option A considered immediately discontinuing
adding new free walk-up service, and as of August 1st sufficient time would be allowed to
notify people currently receiving free-walk up service that they would have to start to pay if
continued walk-up was desired.
Councilmember Latz stated that in past, the cost of free walk up-service was included in the
regular service fees and at the present the service was only provided to residents who
specifically wanted it and desired to cover the cost of the service
Councilmember Young reiterated that the high volume was definitely not the norm for a city
of St. Louis Park's population.
Councilmember Sanger was concerned about the reaction of residents notified of
discontinuation of free walk-up service and believed it would add disruption to the
community. She preferred not to take action, until waste management had shown that they
could provide a higher quality of service.
Mayor Gail Dorfinan commented that the unexpected high volume of walk up service may
have been a reason for the lower quality of service. Councilmember Sanger believed there
was no concrete evidence that his was the case, and suggested this may be just an excuse.
Councilmember Nelson noted that the city recently sent a letter to Waste Management that
expressed Council's concerns about the level of service and expectations for improvement.
Mr. Meyer indicated that the majority of the problems reported were related to walk-up
service and staff have been working with Waste Management to solve the problems and the
results of these efforts should be seen fairly soon.
Councilmember Jacobs indicated that discontinuing new free walk-up service should occur
now to prevent the problem from escalating further.
It was moved by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to authorize
option A as solution to the walk-up issue The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Sanger
opposed).
11b. Renewal of the Property and Liability Insurance Program through the
League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for 1998/99
By consent, Council approved the insurance program as submitted by the League of
Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for the period 4/1/98 through 4/1/99.
11c. Hennepin County Municipal Recycling Grant Agreement
By consent, Council approved the Municipal Recycling Grant Agreement and authorize the
Mayor and City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
lld. Amendments to the By-laws of the Neighborhood Revitalization
Commission (NRC)
By consent, Council approved the amendment to the by-laws of the Neighborhood
Revitalization Commission.
12. Miscellaneous -None
13. Claims,Appropriations, Contract Payments
a. Contract payments
Final -None
Partial
Contractor Project No. Contract No. Amount
Anchor Fence of MN, Inc. C36 4105 $ 10,896 50
Rec Center Renaissance
By consent, Council approved and authorize payments
14. Communications - None
15. Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Dorfman and seconded by Councilmember
Jacobs. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m The motion passed 6-0.
C y Clerk Mayor