HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998/01/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session LourOs Minutes
ErSCT.
City Council Study Session
January 26, 1998
7:00 p.m.
The meeting convened at 7.07 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); City Attorney
(Mr. Scott); Director of Community Development (Mr. Harmening); ); City Assessor(Mr.
Stepnick); Cris Gears (Parks and Recreation Director);Bridget Wynn(Program Coordinator);
Finance Director(Ms. McBride);Planning Coordinator(Ms. Erickson);Economic
Development Coordinator(Mr. Anderson)
1. Council Compensation
A handout was distributed regarding the City Charter requirements for council compensation
and a listing of pay scales for other cities of comparable size. Mayor Dorfman stated that the
demands of these jobs had changed and requested that Council think about compensation for a
future discussion. Staff was asked to obtain better information regarding council
compensation in comparable cities.
2. City/School Volunteer Office
Bridget Gothberg, Community Education Director briefly recapped the Joint Volunteer
Program Proposal. Sarah from the Volunteer Office was present to answer questions.
Discussions focused on the possibility of tying the program into the efforts of Children First,
expansion to include greater diversity of involvement, extension of services to non-profit
organizations to help support volunteer needs, and the need to develop a selection process and
training program for volunteers.
Councilmember Sanger considered having the program run on an experimental basis and
inquired about establishing a method to track and evaluate the program. She suggested that
students be included as well. Ms. Gothberg stated that benchmarks would be established to
aid in program evaluation.
Mayor Dorfman stated that information could be shared to get the message out to
neighborhood associations to inform and solicit volunteers. She asked how long it would take
to get the program started. Ms. Gothberg's goal was to begin July 1, 1998 based on approval
of 1/2 year funding.
The consensus of Council was to move forward with the proposal. Mr. Meyer asked staff to
review the proposal and identify a funding source, scope of work and examine contractual
relationships.
Councilmember Nelson asked about the need for funds for promotional start-up costs Ms.
Gothberg felt that none were needed at this time.
3. Hutchinson Spur
Mr. Scott, City Attorney reviewed the following current legal issues relating to Hutchinson
Spur;utility easements, maintaining utilities on the site, possible condemnation to acquire
easements, and the validly of 1950-60 city leases from railroad recognized in settlement
agreement. He advised Council that property acquisition discussions must be held in open
session and recommended proposing a clean purchase agreement clearly separate from
development plans.
Bob Close, Close Landscape Architecture provided a handout, gave a status report on the trail
feasibility study and reviewed proposed trail connections.
Mr. Meyer stated that Council's goals have been to resolve trail and easement issues. Mr.
Harmening stated that a legislation bill was pending. Mr. Meyer stated that the county
doesn't view trail development as a regional county project and desired not to invest in
building it. The County may be willing to maintain as regional trail once developed.
Mr. Gears indicated ISTEA funding must be committed to the project by year end in the form
of an intermodal construction plan. He indicated that MnDOT may impose difficult
restrictions regarding bridges.
Mr. Harmening reviewed Mr. McCullough's proposal to acquire portions of the Hutchinson
Spur.
Councilmember Brimeyer felt that cost should be minimized, number of structures reduced
and minimum width proposed, and the project must meet ISTEA standards. Mr. Stepnick
distributed and reviewed with Council a handout regarding easement values. Councilmember
Latz inquired about the present value of the billboard owner desired to retain and questioned
Mr. Stepnick's assumptions and conclusions regarding easement values and total property
value.
Council discussed several options and were not prepared to make an offer to the owner of the
Hutchinson Spur until the feasibility of developing a trail was understood. Staff was directed
not to proceed with negotiations until trail development cost and source of funding for total
trail connections were assessed.
4. Commercial Loan Rehab/Proposed New Loan Program I/
Mr. Harmening, Director of Community Development and Mr. Anderson, Economic
Development Coordinator reviewed proposed changes to the commercial rehabilitation loan
program and possible loan product to assist small businesses
Mayor Dorfman inquired about the status of$250,000 originally allocated to the program for
1997. Mr. Anderson explained that unused loans were still available since balance rolls over
annually
Mr. Anderson distributed a pamphlet entitled"Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program" and
reviewed a map of redevelopment project areas within TIF districts.
A discussion ensued as to whether to include the Town Center area in the program and the
possibility of including the entire city in the loan program and not only TIF areas. Mr.
Harmening indicated that staff had been cautioned by Council to spend within TIF areas.
Mayor Dorfman asked how this program ties into livable communities principles. Mr.
Anderson suggested using an ad hoc committee to review design proposals to ensure
adherence to livable community principles.
Councilmember Sanger was concerned about provisions relating to`operating funds" in the
loan program.
Councilmember Jacobs suggested looking at standards to limit capital improvements projects
that add value when the city looks at buying property for Park Commons. Mr. Meyer
suggested narrowing guidelines
Councilmember Nelson raised question of existence of discretion and suggested a possible
point system. Mr. Harmening stated that discretion exists and can emphasize interest at
discretion of Council.
Mr. Anderson revived the proposed small business new loan program. He pointed out that
the program is used elsewhere and cautioned that the program needed to be distinguished
from the SBA 7a program already offered. He recommended only considering business
operating at least one year(within or outside the city). Mr. Anderson pointed out this
program was different than SBA loans in that it had a faster turnaround time, reduced loan
cost, and increased knowledge of the local business community.
Council discussed the issue of risks and whether the loan program could really make a
difference. Mr. Anderson stated that the new loan product would separate St. Louis Park as a
city promoting and helping the business community.
Councilmember Nelson supported the loan guarantee program and inquired if the City was
subject to regulating authority. Mr Anderson stated that deal was between EDA and the
bank. Councilmember Sanger was not in support of a small business loan program.
Mayor Dorfman wanted to make sure the program includes minority and female owned
businesses.
Council directed staff to prepare revised program guidelines for approval at an upcoming
regular meeting.
5. Livable Communities -Accessory Apts
Judie Erickson, Planning Coordinator reviewed the rationale and options regarding the
proposed zoning ordinance amendments to allow accessory apartment in single family
residential districts.
Councilmember Jacobs believed the proposed ordinance was unusable and would be difficult
to enforce. Councilmember Sanger had concerns about creating a duplex where not intended,
planned or zoned. Councilmember Latz had a concern that this was not an elderly housing
issue, but a larger issue and supported the concept.
Mayor Dorfman raised a concern that the ordinance allowed for narrow interpretation and she
desired greater flexibility.
Council tabled the issue and directed staff not to proceed with the proposed zoning ordinance.
It was noted that since the Planning Commission recommended the ordinance, Council would
take appropriate action at an upcoming meeting to remove or reconsider accessory apartment
provisions.
6. Miscellaneous
Councilmember Nelson raised the issue of ice dams. He suggested making educational
materials available to residents on how to address the problem. Mayor Dorfman asked Judie
Erickson to prepare information regarding ice dams for the upcoming home improvement fair.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
gak:e
Gail Dorfman,Mayor
R ' ording Secretary