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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/12/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular ficCITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES ST LOUIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING PARK ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 4, 2000 1. Call to Order and Roll Call Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The following Councilmembers were present at roll call Jim Bnmeyer, Ron Latz, Sue Sanger, Sue Santa, Robert Young, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Also present were the City Manager(Mr Meyer); City Attorney (Mr. Scott), City Clerk (Ms. Reichert), Finance Director(Ms McGann); Director of Community Development (Mr. Harmemng); City Assessor(Mr. Stepnick), Planning Associate (Ms. Peterson), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Olson). 2. Presentations - None 3. Approval of Minutes a. City Council Minutes of November 20, 2000 The minutes were approved as presented with the following changes. Page 7, Item 6a, Paragraph 1, change "ordinance modifications are approved" to "ordinance modifications were recommended". Page 11, Item 6a, Paragraph 4, add "Mr. Aaron agreed to confirm this agreement in venting". Page 9, Item 6a, Paragraph 5 and 6, delete "and should not be approved" b. Study Session Special Meeting Minutes of November 13, 2000 The minutes were approved as presented with the following change. Page 13, Item 1, Paragraph 5, change "Police and Fire Civil Service Commissions" to Police and Fire Departments". c. Special Meeting Minutes of November 20, 2000 The minutes were approved as presented. d. Study Session Minutes of November 27, 2000 The minutes were approved with the following change Page 19, Item 2, Paragraph 3, add "Councilmember Latz was particularly interested in feedback from any neighborhood organizations or other community groups". Council Meeting Minutes -2- December 4, 2000 Page 19, Item 2, Paragraph 4, add "Councilmember Santa also discussed the concerns of the neighborhood association for the upper park about the conditions of the buildings and grounds which need to be upgraded 4. Approval of Agenda and Consent Items NOTE- Consent items are those items of business, which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion Consent items are acted upon by one motion If discussion is desired by either a Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropnate section of the regular agenda for discussion a. Agenda It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the agenda. The motion passed 6-0 b. Approval of Consent Items It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the following Consent Items. The motion passed 6-0. 1. Waive reading of resolutions and ordinances 2. Approve second reading of Ordinance amending Ordinance 2170-00 to vacate a potion of West 24th Street (nka Stephens Dnve) west of Utica Avenue as requested by Novartis and onginally approved as a part of the Novartis Addition, adopt Ordinance No. 2185-00, approve summary ordinance and authonze publication. 3. Adopt Resolution No. 00-149 amending final plat resolution and extending final plat filing deadline for Novartis Addition to February 6, 2001. 4. Approve Frank J Zamboni & Company, Inc as the lowest responsible bidder for one (1) Ice Resurfacing Machine and to authonze execution of a purchase agreement with Frank J. Zamboni & Company, Inc. in the amount of$30,4000.00 5. Authonze execution of a one (1) year extension to Contract No. 72-98 with ENSR Consulting and Engineenng for consultant services required to implement the Reilly Tar& Chemical Corporation (Reilly)Remedial Action Plan (RAP) dunng year 2001 6. Approve Resolution No. 00-150 authonzing final payment for Ron Kassa Construction, Inc in the amount of$19,598.25 and Resolution No. 00-150A authorizing final payment for Ti-Zack Concrete, Inc. in the amount of$6,238.51. 7. Approve a cost sharing agreement with Reilly Industries, Inc. whereby both parties pay equally for additional groundwater monitonng required by the state and federal governments 8. Approve the contract with Hennepin Parks to clear and remove snow from the Southwest LRT trail through the City of St Louis Park 9. Adopt Resolution No. 00-151 removing truck and axle load restnctions on specified MSA routes 10. Amend Appendix A to Resolution No 00-108 — Council Rules of Procedure 11. Human Rights Commission Minutes of August 16, 2000 12 Vendor Claims 5. Public Hearings Council Meeting Minutes -3- December 4,2000 5a. Public Hearing for Transfer of Intoxicating Off-Sale Liquor License for Vic's Liquor located at 6316 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Cindy Reichert, City Clerk presented a bnef staff report and recommended approval. Mayor Jacobs opened the public heanng With no one wishing to speak, Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to approve the license The motion passed 6-0 5b. Public Hearing on the 2001 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy Jean McGann, Finance Director presented an overview of the City's Budget and Bruce Stepnick, City Assessor gave a presentation on Property Values and Trends and recommended approval. Mayor Jacobs opened the public heanng Resident, David Young asked if the rate would remain the same from last year Another resident present questioned his large property value increase Mr. Stepnick stated that his home was in a classification rate that had a large increase. Mr. Meyer, City Manager stated that St. Louis Park was expenencing an average increase of 13% and was indicative of what is happening in the market place. Ms. McGann stated that the rate would increase slightly from 19 6 to 20 4 With no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing. No action was taken 5c. Competitive Cable TV System Franchises Public Hearing It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to continue the public hearing to January 16, 2001. The motion passed 6-0. 5d. Amendment to Comprehensive Plan —Plan By Neighborhood Chapter— Minikanda Vista Neighborhood Resolution No. 00-152 Tom Harmening, Director of Community Development presented a staff report and recommended adding the underlined language to the Minikanda Vista"Specific Development Guidelines"text in the Plan By Neighborhood Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan: No redevelopment of single-family homes guided as low-density residential is proposed or envisioned. Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing With no one wishing to speak, Mayor Jacobs closed the public heanng Council Meeting Minutes -4- December 4, 2000 It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Bnmeyer, to adopt Resolution No. 00-152 amending the Comprehensive Plan relating to the Minnikanda Vista Neighborhood to clarify that no redevelopment of single family houses guided low density residential is proposed or envisioned subject to Metropolitan Council approval. The motion passed 6-0 It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Bnmeyer, to approve summary resolution and authorize publication. The motion passed 6-0 5e. Amendment to Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map and Redevelopment Chapter to modify certain land use designations and redevelopment concept plans for the Park Commons East area. Resolution No. 00-153 Tom Harmening, Director of Community Development presented a staff report which included an update of the plan for Park Commons. He explained the amendments proposed to the adopted land use designations related to the town green width and placement, civic mixed-use to commercial mixed-use; right-of-way to commercial- mixed use and high-density residential, commercial-mixed use to high-density residential. He explained that the proposed heights and densities were consistent with Livable Communities and other Comprehensive Plan principles and the anticipated traffic acceptable. He stated that Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the Comprehensive Plan land use designation amendments and Redevelopment Chapter amendments with the proposed revisions as descnbed in the analysis in the staff report. Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing Gail Dorfman, 4200 Forest Road, stated that the outcome of Vision St Louis Park was that the City really needed a core or town center that helps identify the community The area would be a place where people can gather, recreate and have a mix of uses that would be residential, commercial and meet needs for arts and recreation and public space in the community. She stated that she felt the development of this area and the livable community goals that this development embodies is at the heart of the community's wishes. From the beginning, there was also an understanding that this was going to evolve over time and she believed it would continue to evolve over time with public participation. She stated that she shared a dream with other members of the community that when her kids got out of high school and they sold their family home, there would be town center with move-up housing available. David Payne, 3912 Excelsior Boulevard, an owner of Al's Liquor for 29 years, stated that he has been an active participant in a lot of the City's development and on the original Excelsior Boulevard Design Committee. He is also President of Special Service Distnct 2 and was on the redesign committee for Wolfe Park. He stated that pnor to the improvements on Excelsior Boulevard he noticed the area was going down hill and rental rates were dropping He would like to live in this type of development and commended the City for their wonderful work and commitment to their work. He heard that TOLD is an excellent developer and would do a good job on this project Rosemane Zipoy, 3716 Inglewood Avenue, stated that she was in favor of the project. She was excited about the marvelous design of the project and she was proud of St. Louis Park for attempting the project and that it was a wonderful model for other Council Meeting Minutes -5- December 4,2000 suburbs in the region She commended the City for their efforts to include public participation She was in favor of the higher density apartments, but disappointed that there were few units that could be considered affordable unit She was concerned with increased traffic, but had great faith that the City would address these problems if they possibly to arise. Steve Buffington, 3800 Huntington, was present on behalf of the Minikanda Vista Neighborhood and the Government Issues Task Force He presented a document for the record entitled "Presentation Opposition to the Approval of the Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan" that explained the neighborhoods position and concerns with the proposed plan He stated that the neighborhood was in favor of a proportionate good development on the Park Center East area and do not stand in opposition to development, but stand in opposition to the updated plan that was proposed for the reasons outlined in the document. He explained the current litigation on an identical issue in the City of Richfield and that public support for this level of development was not there based on the petitions included in the document presented. Ernest Feil, 3914 Ottawa Avenue South, stated that overall he was in favor of the project, but he believed it the increased density is too much for that small of a space He was concerned with the way Natchez was going to be reconfigured and would result in increased traffic into the neighborhood He recommended a left turn only access on the median on Excelsior Boulevard so there wouldn't be any cross traffic into the neighborhood. He believed the drawings were grossly out of scale and believed the proposed densities would dwarf the streets and parking is inadequate He was also concerned that no commercial antennas or satellites be allowed to be put on top of any those buildings. Cynthia Latham, 3944 Kipling Avenue, member of Minikanda Task Force, stated that the task force was in favor of a development, but objected to the density of the updated plan proposed. She stated that the neighborhood residents believe they were never kept informed of how dense this project was becoming over time and presented the following chronology of how the density had changed overtime which she provided to Councilmember Nelson upon his request October, 1996— Original Charrette - The background notes indicate the charrette will define the development components The feel of the project will be similar to areas such as Linden Hills, Centennial Lakes, or 50th and France. Attendees that were interviewed such as John Stonehouse indicated that there was never the impression given of the type of density that was not being proposed Two to three story buildings were envisioned December 1996 and January 1997—Park Perspective article entitled "Town Center Design takes Shape" is accompanied by two and three story drawings December 8, 1997—City Council Study Session Minutes, "Discussions focused on development of the first phase encompassing approximately 2000 square feet of redevelopment area Councilmember Latz asked why three stories seemed to be the accepted height of buildings in the area and questioned why we did not consider taller structures" Council Meeting Minutes -6- December 4, 2000 January 25, 1998— City Council Study Session Minutes, "Preliminary master plan for Park Commons Phase I was presented Mayor Dorfman asked if there was any concern about the scale as compared to the south side of Excelsior Boulevard. Ms. Jeremiah stated that redevelopment of that area under the current zoning limits was three stories, so this plan would be consistent. She indicated that higher density would be possible, but construction cost would make it prohibitive". February, 1998—Park Perspective, "The market study found that pnvate market place can support about 100,000 square feet of retail shops, restaurants and offices and another 100,000 square feet of high quality apartment in this area Initial plans call for high quality, architecturally interesting three story structures Creating a town green is probably the most visible indicator of the scope of change planned by the area. Without the town green, any redevelopment would simply be substituting new buildings for old ones. The town green is what will change the dynamics of the area. July, 1998—Barton Ashman Traffic Study for Park Commons East, The assumptions they were told to use were 215 rental units, 38 town homes and 240 square feet of office and retail February 8, 1999— City Council Study Session Minutes, "Mr Harmening explained that the draft master plan by Avalon Bay which was reviewed by the City Council in January proposed 680 residential units which is a level significantly denser than the onginal park commons concept plan. He pointed out that the result of this proposed increase in the number of housing units would cause a reduction in the amount of office space proposed for the development and a corresponding reduction in the number daytime use parking spaces that could be shared with evening and weekend park uses. He also suggested that that the roadway capacity may not be able to support this level of density Councilmember Sanger pointed out that the Vision St Louis Park goals clearly stated that St. Louis Park did not need more rental housing". May 5, 1999—Image sketches are drawn by Avalon Bay and they portray almost exclusively two story buildings. August 30, 1999—The execution copy of the preliminary development agreement states "Include the following range of uses. Up to 80,000 square feet of office , space, retail service and restaurant, 350 to 500 residential units including town homes and 10 work units, and up to 48 for sale town homes. November, 1999—Minnikanda Vista Neighborhood asked for an update on the proposed development as a result of a neighborhood meeting. The City informs are government interest group that all buildings will be four stories with 600 mixed income housing units. February 7, 2000—The EAW was approved. The Minnikanda Vista Task Force asked that it not be approved. TOLD's plan does not fit with the EAW that included a building height two to four stories Council Meeting Minutes -7- December 4, 2000 September 11, 2000— City Council Study Session Minutes, "TOLD reviews the latest proposal to have in excess of 700 residential units to help decrease the financial gap Janet Jeremiah refers the Council to a document entitled, St Louis Park Town Center Building Phases, as justification that 700 housing units in Park Commons is consistent with what came out of the charrette, but this was for the entire Park Commons area and not for Park Commons East". John D. McCain, 1762 Delaware Avenue, Vice President of Belt Line Industrial Park, commended the City for their efforts to help develop the area and was in support of the proposed plan Mike Sixel, 4205 Utica Avenue South, President of Browndale Neighborhood Association, stated that the Neighborhood was in support of the project and believed it was very important for the City. As a resident, he desired to be able to walk to nearby shopping and restaurants and live in a live and viable area Jim Rhodes, 3408 Rhode Island, stated that he was in support of the project. He was aware of the concerns, but was confident that the City would get them worked out He believed that it was important to continue to renew St. Louis Park with development that benefits the community and makes it a wonderful place to live Ernest Feil, 3914 Ottawa Avenue South, was concerned about the amount of actual green open space available on the town green and asked for clanfication of the width of the town green. With no one wishing to speak, Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing Mr. Harmening, Director of Community Development, stated that the 56-60 feet town green was from inside curb to inside curb, but the specific design (hardscape, facilities, and landscaping) for the town green has not yet been determined. Councilmember Latz asked what proportion of the proposed rental housing would be considered convertible in the future to condominiums if it was determined that the market would support a higher proportion of condominiums. Bob Cunningham, Vice President of Development, TOLD Development stated that about 53% of the total units in current site plan could be convertible. He explained the operating expenses and carry costs as it related to the current market He stated that the projected rental rates for Phase 3 were approximately $1.50 a foot. Councilmember Sanger stated that the chronology presented illustrated the vitality of the plan and that the plan has been a senes of compromises, some of which were dnven by economics She believed the plan had too many rentals and not enough owner occupied and she desired more green space, but would support the updated plan. Councilmember Bnmeyer stated that the legal issue has and will continue to be discussed, but believed to compare this proposal to the Richfield litigation was not accurate. Council Meeting Minutes -8- December 4,2000 Mayor Jacobs concurred with Councilmember Bnmeyer on the legal issue. He explained that the City has set out to do something different and there has been a process. He was confident that this would be a successful project and the problems would be managed as the City and community moved forward together. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Young, to adopt Resolution No. 00-153 amendments to the Comprehensive Plan land use map and Redevelopment Chapter contingent upon Metropolitan Council approval and approve summary and authonze publication. The motion passed 6-0. 6. Requests and Communications from the Public 6a. Approval of 2001 Liquor License Renewals Cindy Reichert, City Clerk presented a staff report and recommended approval. It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Bnmeyer, to approve renewal of licenses. The motion passed 6-0. 6b. Approval of 2000-2001 Capital Improvement Program Charlie Meyer, City Manager presented a brief staff report and recommended approval. Councilmember Brimeyer believed that the Parks and Recreation program was underfunded and suggested a review the Technology 2002 piece. Mr. Meyer stated that the Parks and Recreation link still needed to be completed. Councilmember Latz commended the staff for their work in prepanng the Capital Improvement Program It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Bnmeyer, to approve 2000-2001 Capital Improvement Program The motion passed 6-0 7. Requests and Communications from the Public- None 8. Board and Committees - None 9. Communications From the City Manager -None From the Mayor—None 10. Adjournment Mayor Jacobs adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. L.- City Clerk o Ma r � Y