HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/05/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular ITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES
LOUIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
J4qrc
ARK ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
May 15, 2000
1. Call to Order
Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7.30 p m.
2. Presentations
a. Relay for Life Presentation by the American Cancer Society
Julia Koffa made a brief presentation and invitation to participate in the Relay for Life on August
4-5, 2000
b. Poppy Days Proclamation
Mayor Jacobs read a Proclamation declaring May 19, 2000 as Buddy Poppy Day.
c. Years of Service Presentation
Dave Childs, regional representative of the International City County Managers Association
presented a plaque to Charlie Meyer, City Manager for 25 years of distinguished service to local
government administration Another plaque was presented to Mr Meyer on behalf of the City
Council
3. Roll Call
The following Councilmembers were present at roll call: Jim Brimeyer, Ron Latz, Chris Nelson,
Sue Sanger, Sue Santa, Robert Young, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Also present were the City Manager(Mr. Meyer); City Attorney(Mr. Scott); Superintendent of
Engmeenng (Mr. Moore); Public Works (Mr. Rardin), City Clerk(Ms. Larsen); Planning
Associate (Ms Peterson), Human Resources Manager(Ms. Goham); and Recording Secretary
(Ms. Olson).
4. Approval of Minutes
a. City Council Minutes of May 1, 2000
The minutes were approved as presented with the following changes:
Page 9, Item 8c, Paragraph 3, add "Councilmember Sanger requested that this be added as a
condition on the resolution"
Page 9, Item 8c, Paragraph 4, change "Bill Hamburg" to "Jim Hamburge" and add to sentence
"and he agreed to construct the shields".
Page 10, Item 8c, Last Paragraph, add "and an additional condition for the light shields"
b. Study Session Minutes of April 24, 2000
Council Meeting Minutes -2- May 15, 2000
The minutes were approved as presented with the following corrections
Page 16, Item 2, Paragraph 7, change "Jim Seibold"to "Jim Scheibel". Page 18, Page 17, Item 3,
Last Paragraph, change to "the standards would have to be set and funding could come from a
community foundation".
Councilmember Nelson suggested that Item 5, Last Paragraph, be changed to "a two-thirds
participation on the part of the resident". After discussion it was agreed that council direction at
the study session was not clear and that the issue would be resolved in discussion when the item
came before council for approval later in the meeting.
5. Approval of Agendas
a. Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Nelson asked that item 8e be removed from the consent agenda. It was moved
by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember Latz, to approve the consent agenda
The motion passed 7-0
b. Agenda
It was moved by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember Nelson, to approve the
agenda with addition of item 8e. The motion passed 7-0.
c. Resolutions and Ordinances
By consent, Council waived reading of resolutions and ordinances.
6. Public Hearings
6a. Public Hearing to Consider Currency Exchange License Application
Cindy Larsen, City Clerk presented a staff report and stated that the use did meet the zoning
requirements and that the police department anticipated no threat to public safety.
Mayor Jacobs opened the public heanng
With no one wishing to speak, Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Nelson asked what discretion did the City have to approve or deny this type of
license application.
Mr Scott, City Attorney stated there were no guidelines in the Statute and that the City had little
discretion in denying the license. He mentioned that zoning compliance and identifiable public
safety issues would be the two items that would be the basis for the City to deny this type of
license application.
Councilmember Sanger asked if the police department has checked for any criminal activity or
disruptive behavior at other locations where this company has check cashing facilities.
Council Meeting Minutes -3- May 15, 2000
Ms. Larsen stated that the police department believed that this was the kind of business that
serves a need in the community and they couldn't identify any public nsks She stated that the
State does conduct a background investigation and the company has met all the State
requirements
Councilmember Sanger commented on the high fees and questioned if under consumer
protection laws if the City has any authority to regulate the fees.
Mr. Scott, City Attorney stated that he was not aware of any way that the City could regulate the
fees.
Councilmember Nelson asked the applicant to describe the security arrangements for the
location.
Mr. Geller provided the Council with some photos and explained the company's security
precautions
Councilmember Nelson asked how identification of the checks were verified and the applicant's
position on stop payment.
Mr. Geller explained the company's three part verification process and their participation with
other agencies to apprehend people who are trying to perpetrate crimes.
Councilmember Santa asked where the Money Centers would be located.
Mr. Geller stated that it would be located within the stnp mall where the dry cleaners use to be.
It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer, to notify the
State of Minnesota of City approval. The motion passed 7-0.
7. Petitions, Requests, Communications - None
8. Resolutions and Ordinances
8a. Firefighter Contract Changes for 1/1/00 - 12/31/00
Resolution No. 00-064
Nancy Gohman, Human Resources Manager, presented a staff report and recommended
approval.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to adopt
Resolution No. 00-064 approving a Labor Agreement between the City and International
Association of Firefighters Local #993, establishing terms and conditions of employment for the
duration of 1/1/00 - 12/31/01. The motion passed 7-0.
8b. Request by Project for Pride in Living for Final Planned Unit Development
approval and an Amendment to the approved Preliminary PUD for certain
Louisiana Court apartments. Case NO. 00-18-PUD and 00-119-VAR
2704-2768 Louisiana Court and 2740-2750 Louisiana Avenue
Resolution No. 00-065
Council Meeting Minutes -4- May 15, 2000
Sacha Peterson, Planning Manager presented a staff report and recommended adoption of the
attached Resolution approving the final PUD and an amendment to the approved preliminary
PUD, subject to conditions in the resolution.
Councilmember Sanger asked if there was any way legally that the City could bnng the two
apartment buildings that are not a part of the PUD into the PUD if they are sold in the future.
Ms. Peterson stated that staff's discussions with the City Attorney is that the City could not
legally require that
It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Latz, to adopt Resolution
No 00-065 approving a Final PUD and an Amendment to the approved Preliminary PUD for
Louisiana Court apartments, subject to conditions in the resolution The motion passed 6-0-1.
Councilmember Young opposed.
8c. City Engineer's Report: Proposed Improvements to Reduce Traffic
Congestion and Accidents on Louisiana Avenue between the Burlington
Northern Railroad Bridge and Minnetonka Boulevard. Project No. 00-13.
Resolution No. 00-066
Carlton Moore, Superintendent of Engineering, presented a staff report and recommended that
the City Council adopt the attached resolution approving Alternative No. 2 which provides for a
three (3) lane section from just south of W 28th Street to W. 27th Street. This alternative,
combined with traffic signal interconnect and traffic signal improvements for left turn
movements will provide for an increased level of service and greater potential for accident
reduction.
James Mott, 2812 Louisiana Avenue South, stated that he was concerned about how Alternative
2 directly impacted the parking in front of his home, how he enters and exits his dnveway, and
moves the traffic closer to his front door. He believed the City was moving too quickly on a
solution for the traffic congestion in the area. He stated that he has taken personal time to
evaluate the traffic on 28th and Louisiana. He was concerned about the accuracy of the traffic
study completed by WSB and the decision for the left turn light at 28th Street and the shift of the
traffic to the West. He suggested putting a no left turn during peak hours at 28th Street and have
no parking during peak hours. He believed that Louisiana Avenue was being used as an
alternative route while the Highway 100 construction was being completed and suggested re-
evaluating the area in the fall
Councilmember Sanger stated there has been numerous discussion and there has not been any
one perfect solution that would meet everyone needs, ideals and preferences. She believed that
Alternative No. 2 was the best balancing act between trying to make traffic work somewhat
smoother and deal with some of the parking issues.
Councilmember Santa stated that Alternative No. 2 provided an increased level of service and
the most safety for the neighborhood.
Councilmember Latz stated from further investigation of use of available parking spaces it was
concluded that those who feel the need to park on the street will still have adequate parking
available to them.
Council Meeting Minutes -5- May 15, 2000
Martha Purcell, 2821 Louisiana Avenue South, stated that she wasn't having a problem with
traffic congestion and didn't believed there were a high number of accidents. She believed that
Alternative 2a was the alternative that solved the most problems.
Dawn Cnlly, 2801 Louisiana Avenue South, was concerned about safety and the removal of
parking.
Pat Westrum, 2741 Louisiana Avenue South, stated that she was confused about who the City
was doing this for, the residents or the people who are commuting through the area. She
expressed her concerned about the removal of parking and the accuracy of the WSB Report. She
believed that that Alternative No. 2 was going to create more traffic by opening the roadway up
Lloyd Pratt, 2854 Louisiana Avenue South, stated that he was concerned about the lack of a
buffer from property lines to the street.
Ten Pantzke, 2841 Louisiana Avenue South, believed that the City was moving too fast and
suggested trying improvements for left turn movements first before removing parking.
Mr. Moore, Superintendent of Engineering, stated that this area was three times the State average
for number and severity of the accidents pnmanly because of the left turn movements, so getting
the left turn movements into their isolated left turn lanes and getting the through traffic in their
own lane and providing the protected movements was the pnmary factor to increase the level of
service on these intersections.
Mayor Jacobs stated that there was probably various alternatives on this issue, but there wouldn't
be a perfect solution for everybody and this issue would have to be revisited in the future.
Councilmember Nelson commented that this was only half of a solution and agreed that this
issue would have to be discussed again in the Spring to see if this alternative was affective and
determine a solution for the rest the problem.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Young, to adopt
Resolution No 00-066 approving Alternate No. 2 combined with traffic signal interconnects and
traffic signal improvements for left turn movements, accepting this report, establishing Project
No. 00-13, ordering Project No. 00-13, approving plans and specifications, and authorizing
receipt of bids. The motion passed 7-0.
(in order to expedite the meeting, item 8e was addressed prior to item 8d)
8e. Resolution Adopting a Sanitary Sewer Service Line Backwater Valve Pilot
Program. Resolution No. 00-068
Mr. Rardin, Public Works, presented a staff report and briefly explained the Sanitary Sewer
Service Line Backwater Valve Pilot Program He stated that the City will participate in the costs
associated with furnishing and installing backwater valves on service lines at the ten(10)
identified locations and that participation is limited to 75% of the valve purchase and basic
installation costs, up to a maximum amount of$2,000 per residence.
Council Meeting Minutes -6- - May 15, 2000
Councilmember Nelson reviewed the discussion that took place at the April 24, 2000 City
Council Study Session and recalled that the compromise reached was two-thirds percentage and
was more than just the participation percentage,but whether or not all ten (10) identified
locations were a pnonty.
Councilmember Sanger stated that it might sense to make it 75%participation to in essence,
reward someone who has managed to do this in a more cost effective basis.
Richard Goodkmd, 4123 Sunset Boulevard, provided Council some photos of his property
damage and a bill from Peterson Valve Company for the valve and explained his experience on
February 19, 2000 with a sanitary sewer backup that damaged his property and caused him
emotional hardship.
Max Stonaff, 4200 Sunset Boulevard, stated that he wasn't convinced that the addition of a
second independent alarm system to lift station No. 19 will solve the problem He was
concerned about the waiver. He believed this was a band-aid solution and there was a need for a
redundant pump station to take care of the overflow when this particular lift station is over
capacity. He believed that he didn't have a choice because if he doesn't install the valve he
would end up with the overflow if the lift station malfunctions again. He commented on the
truth in sales policy in St. Louis Park that will require these residents to inform future buyers of
the problem. He recommended that the City cover the entire cost of the valves for all the
affected homeowners.
Councilmember Sanger noted that this was a Pilot Program. She agreed with looking at the
question of it the City needs another lift station. She confirmed with staff that if these ten homes
did install the valve, that adjacent homes would not be affected because of the location of the
sewer system.
Valerie Krebs, 4201 Sunset Boulevard, explained her experience on February 19, 2000 with a
sanitary sewer backup that damaged her property and caused her emotional hardship and concern
for the health and safety of her family. She believed that the City should cover the cost of the
valves and work on developing a more permanent solution to the problem.
Bruce Peterson, Peterson Valve Company, explained the service line backwater valve he
developed to prevent future sewer backups and commented on the successful program developed
and implemented in Forest Lake.
The Council consulted Mr. Scott, City Attorney and he recommended that the City not insist on
the requirement for the waiver.
It was moved by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Young, to adopt the
attached resolution approving the "Sanitary Sewer Service Line Backwater Valve Pilot Program"
and that participation was limited to two-thirds of the valve purchase and basic installation costs,
up to a maximum amount of$2,000 per residence. Councilmember Nelson then left the council
chambers. Motion passed 6-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Latz, to adopt Resolution
No. 00-068, regarding sanitary sewer service line backwater valvce pilot program, and to remove
the waiver of liability requirement from the resolution. The motion passed 6-0.
(Councilmember Nelson was not present in the Council Chambers.)
Council Meeting Minutes -7- May 15, 2000
8d. City Engineer's Report: Storm Water Flood Area No. 11 - Improvements at
Nelson Park- Project no. 00-06: Flood Area No. 12 - Improvements at 2916
Maryland Avenue South - Project No. 00-02; Flood Area No. 17 -
Improvements in alley behind 3363 Zarthan Avenue, Project No. 00-040
Resolution No. 00-067
Mr. Moore, Supenntendent of Engineenng, presented a staff report
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to adopt
Resolution No. 00-067 accepting this report, establishing Project No.'s 00-06, 00-02, and 00-04,
ordering Project No.'s 00-06, 00-02, and 00-04, approving plans and specifications, and
authonzing receipt of bids. The motion passed 5-0. (Councilmembers Nelson and Young were
not present in the Council Chambers)
8f. Request by MSP Real Estate, Inc. for a Minor Amendment to the approved
Planned Unit Development for Mill City Apartments for changes to
approved Building Elevations. Case Nos. 00-35-PUD and 00-37-S
7301 Walker Street. Resolution No. 00-069
By consent, Council adopted Resolution No. 00-069 approving a Minor Amendment to the
approved Planned Umt Development for Mill City Apartments, subject to conditions in the
resolution
8g. Miscellaneous Zoning Ordinance amendments pertaining to extending the
time limit for variance re-applications, enforcing officer, requiring permits
for fences and parking lots, how private indoor entertainment w/liquor is
permitted, relocating permits for signs, and the deletion of the sign ordinance
in the Municipal Code with retention in the Zoning Ordinance
By consent, Council adopted the proposed zoning Ordinance amendments, approved summary,
and authonzed publications.
8h. Creating a definition for a catering land use, establishing which zoning
districts to permit a catering business, and determining a parking
requirement for a catering operation
By consent, Council adopted the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments, approved the
summary, and authorized publication.
8i. Park Center Boulevard TIP District. Resolution No. 00-070
By consent, Council adopted Resolution No. 00-070 clarifying the Parcels to be included in the
Modification to the Park Center Housing TIF District.
9. Reports from Officers, Boards, Committees
a. Charter Commission Minutes of January 12, 2000
b. Planning Commission Minutes of April 5, 2000
c. Housing Authority Minutes of April 12, 2000
d. Vendor Claims
Council Meeting Minutes -8- May 15, 2000
By consent, Council accepted all reports for filing.
10. Unfinished Business - None
11. New Business
lla. Bid Tabulation: City-Wide Random Curb and Gutter Repair Work- City
Project No. 00-01
By consent, Council designated Ti-Zack Concrete, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and
authonzed execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of$26,275.70.
lib. Bid Tab: 2000 Contract Sealcoating
By consent, Council designated Bituminous Roadways, Inc the lowest responsible bidder for the
construction of bituminous sealcoating and to authonze execution of a contract with the firm in
the amount of$59,237.78.
lic. Consultant Retention for Assistance in Pavement Condition Evaluation
By consent, Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to execute a Contract with
Goodpointe Technology Corporation to perform pavement surface evaluation services on the
City's roadway system.
lid. Renewal of insurance agent contract
By consent, Council renewed insurance agent contract.
lle. Frauenshuh Development Contract Amendment
By consent, Council approved the First Amendment to Contract for Pnvate Redevelopment
between the City of St. Louis Park, the Economic Development Authority, and DRF L-7 LLC.
12. Miscellaneous - None
13. Claims, Appropriation, Contract Payments - None
14. Communications
>From the City Manager- None
>From the Mayor-None
15. Adjournment
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by •u cilmember Santa, to adjourn the
meeting at 9:34 p.m. The motion passed 5-0.
. / AV
ty Clerk Ma •r