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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/03/27 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session ffICCOFFICIAL MINUTES T.ITLY.L.,0,F, CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION RK March 27, 2000 The meeting convened at 7 05 p m Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Brimeyer, Ron Latz, Chris Nelson, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs Staff present City Manager (Mr Meyer), Director of Parks and Recreation (Ms Walsh), Community Television Coordinator(Mr McHugh), Civic Television Coordinator(Mr Dunlap), Public Works Director(Mr Rardm), and City Clerk (Ms Larsen) 1. Telecommunications Commission Commissioners Huiras, Hartman, Jacobson, Browning, and Dworsky were in attendance Introductions were made between the Telecommunications Commission, City Council, and representatives from Time Warner Councilmember Brimeyer stated that he would like to see the Commission be proactive in keeping abreast with current events and certain situations that may arise Councilmember Sanger inquired as to how Time Warner will notify customers of channel changes Mr Arlen Mattern of Time Warner replied that flyers with information regarding changes will be distributed to all affected areas within a few weeks of any change Mr Dunlap suggested an article or press release in the Sun Sailor newspaper Councilmember Latz inquired about the school district equipment grant and what portion of the amount shown would go to the schools Commissioner Huiras replied that the School District asked for an increase for equipment purchase It was explained that the remainder of the franchise fees go to the Cable TV Fund and a portion of that fund is invested Councilmember Latz asked what the commission's position is on Senator's Kelley's bill regarding telecommunications The members had not discussed the bill in detail and Councilmember Latz suggested that perhaps the Commission and Senator Kelley meet to discuss the bill Mr Dunlap explained the position that MACTA is developing Councilmember Brimeyer would like to see a blend of MACTA and Senator Kelley's positions incorporated into the bill He then asked if the Commission was addressing telecommunications issues other than cable Commissioner Huiras replied that they are planning to do so in the future Mr McHugh stated that a survey is being conducted to collect information about on telecommunication needs in the community Mr Dunlap spoke about innovations with community television and the working relationship with the schools Councilmember Brimeyer suggested that staff inform Council of any new ideas or trends in telecommunications Councilmember Nelson asked about high definition television and when the market will be ready to incorporate such technology Mark Baylor of Time Warner replied that high definition television will be pushed along as soon as broadcasts begin Commissioner Huiras asked if 750 Mz would be able to carry high definition television Mr Dunlap replied that it has been tested elsewhere and it will work if compression is used Study Session Minutes -2- March 27, 2000 Mr Jacobs then thanked the Commission members for their commitment and good work Bob Jacobson commented that staff keeps the Commission well informed and Council should be proud 2. Hennepin Parks First Tier Trails, Greenways, and Parks Plan Mr Bob Wickland of Hennepin Parks and Mr Adam Arvidson of SRF Consulting Group were in attendance and introduced by Ms Walsh Mr Wickland then gave a brief description of the history of park development in Hennepin County He stated that he is now working with SRF to develop an inventory of possibilities for future developments in the first tier suburbs He has also prepared a report and is seeking input from surrounding cities Mr Arvidson gave an overview of the development process stating such efforts as steering the committee, compiling inventory, and determining what parcels might meet the criteria for future park development He stated that two comdors for trail development run through St Louis Park The first corridor discussed is an active rail line running through the city Though it would be an ideal connection, it is unlikely that a right of way would be available in the forseeable future Another corridor—a proposed Water Trail along Minnehaha Creek runs through a very sensitive environment and could be susceptible to damage through too much usage Mr Wickland then talked about adoption and implementation of the plan Councilmember Nelson said that he liked the Water Trail and asked who would have jurisdiction over that area Mr Wickland replied that the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has not yet discussed the proposed plan with Hennepin Parks, stating that they have received plans and have not commented to this date Mr Meyer stated that for cities with their own right-of-way on the creek, MCWD may control the flowage but not access He also said that the DNR would be more involved Mr Arvidson commented that the DNR has been included on several past discussions of the plan Councilmember Sanger inquired on the timeline for the proposed projects Mr Wickland replied that the initiation for some of the proposed projects may be completed within two or three years Councilmember Sanger replied that focus should be on trail development and inquired as to what other types of amenities are proposed Mr Wickland stated that the purpose was to look at the recreational activities "generally" and large parcels were not available, therefore they have concentrated on trail development Mayor Jacobs asked what the next step should be Mr Wickland said that he would like to resolutions supporting the plan from all cities involved Councilmember Nelson asked Ms Walsh her opinion on the matter and she replied that she was excited to see the plan move forward Councilmember Sanger asked when the unfinished portion of the southwest trail would be completed Mr Wickland stated that there had been a problem with the railroad easement Mr Meyer expressed his appreciation for the effort put forth by Hennepin Parks with this plan Mayor Jacobs added that a resolution of support would soon be available Study Session Minutes -3- March 27, 2000 3. Taxi Licensing Mr Hoffman answered council's questions regarding history of taxi licensing in SLP and the involvement of our staff in a regional task force to study the issue Mr Hoffman stated that the Met Council had considered offering a regional licensing program, but had determined that they did not find any reason for them to become involved in the creation of a central licensing agency They did offer to serve as the lead on a another task force made up of representatives from interested cities Mr Hoffman also presented to council a copy of a memorandum of understanding available to council to act upon if they chose to participate Mr Hoffman then reviewed the City's current policy for licensing of taxicabs He stated that the City licenses drivers, vehicles, and business but does not regulate any other areas He stated that all vehicles must be inspected and meet all safety regulations for a passenger vehicle The City has only denied one or two individuals a license and has received few complaints on the taxi service in St Louis Park After discussion council concurred with Mr Hoffman that the city should prepare a resolution calling for a regional licensing agency for taxicabs and drivers and directed staff to proceed with deletion of the existing local ordinance 4. Louisiana Avenue Traffic Congestion Mr Moore gave a brief review of past discussions on the topic, stating that staff had worked with Mr Rickert of WSB to review the concerns that Council had outlined The Council then reviewed the analysis summary listing all possible alternatives Councilmember Sanger raised several questions She inquired about left turn signals and the length of on street parking that would be left She stated residents would need on-street parking twenty-four hours a day Ms Ruth Bergene, president of the neighborhood association in that area, replied that parking is needed all day Councilmember Brimeyer suggested that hour limits be set so that parking will not occur during peak hours Councilmember Nelson suggested combining alternatives, which would include on-street parking restnctions during peak hours and left—turn lanes at intersections Mr Moore replied that at one time they had that configuration and the residents were not satisfied with the results Council then discussed what inconveniences people would experience if parking were reduced during peak hours Councilmember Latz felt that many homes in that area had adequate parking without using the street Mayor Jacobs said that Councilmember Young had suggested a full parking ban on the street Councilmember Santa felt that the greatest benefit at the best cost would be a parking ban Councilmember Sanger disagreed with Councilmember Santa's comments Council then discussed various combinations and alternatives Councilmember Nelson clarified that the Council all agreed that the traffic signals need to be interconnected and there needs to be some sort of turning movement for left hand turns, and the dissent lies on whether or not to implement a partial parking ban Councilmember Brimeyer suggested that they interconnect the signals and turning movement and re-analyze the situation at a later date Councilmember Latz stated that alternative would not reduce mid-block accidents Councilmember Nelson pointed out that if council determines that parking is a good idea north of Minnetonka Blvd, then parking should also be allowed south of Minnetonka Blvd Council also discussed bike traffic on Louisiana Ave Study Session Minutes -4- March 27, 2000 Mayor Jacobs suggested that staff bring forward a sound proposal and Council would put it up for a vote Councilmember Latz asked about the configuration of Louisiana Ave if it become three lanes with left turns from the center Mayor Jacobs stated that Council had an understanding of the issue Councilmember Nelson asked staff to add the other alternative that was discussed to the list of options Mr Meyer asked staff to bring back two alternatives for Council to vote on and to include in the report the specific impacts to residents 5. Sidewalks and Trails Update Mr Rardin was present at the meeting and stated that he would like to review the revised plan and the next steps with Council Council and staff discussed the two phases of sidewalks, City and neighborhood, leading into a discussion regarding the assessment policy Feedback from the neighborhoods on that policy was mixed, some felt sidewalks were long overdue and others did not want a sidewalk adjacent to their property for which they would be assessed The benefits and disadvantages of developing the neighborhood sidewalk system were discussed They also discussed who should push for the development of neighborhood sidewalks, whether the neighborhood should petition for them or if the City should initiate such action It was suggested that the level of assessment be changed to provide an incentive for citizen participation and contribution, and that different methods of assessment be researched to establish the assessment districts It was decided that the City sidewalk phase move forward and any discussion of neighborhood sidewalks be left out at this point in time Mr Rardin stated that in general the neighborhood feeling on this topic is that sidewalks are not wanted unless the neighbohood asks for them Council and staff discussed more specifics of the proposed plan Discussion took place regarding public notification One mailing will be sent that targets the affected homeowners and general information on the plan will be put on television and in the Park Perspective newsletter Council was concerned with having the proper materials to present the plan to the public They discussed several options on how to present the plan An open house will be held to present the plan, then public hearings to hear citizen comments will be held in early summer The next steps will then be to adopt the plan and approve financing for the project Staff will determine the phasing of individual pieces of the project and will present to Council at a later date 6. Communications Mr Meyer updated Council on the Travel Demand Management meeting that had been held earlier that day with staff and council members from the City of Golden Valley 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11 40 p m / I, rm.Cit lerk M.y1