HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/05/22 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session lirST.I
CTY LOUIOF S OFFICIAL MINUTES
ARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Minutes of May 22, 2000
The meeting convened at 7:07 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Bnmeyer, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Robert
Young, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs Councilmember Latz amved at 8.45 p.m.
Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Meyer), Community Development Director (Mr. Harmening),
Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Ms. Jeremiah), Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker), Housing
Programs Coordinator (Ms. Kathy Larsen), Public Works Director(Mr. Rardin), Superintendent
of Engineering (Mr. Moore), Parks and Recreation Director (Ms. Walsh), Manager of Buildings
and Structures (Mr. Panning), and City Clerk (Ms. Cynthia Larsen)
1. Blackstone Neighborhood Survey
Ms. Schnitker indicated that the survey for the neighborhood has been completed and they have a
summary of the findings.
Bill Moms of Decision Resources was present at the meeting and gave a presentation of the
results of the survey. He reported it was clear that a significant number of the residents were not
rooted in the neighborhood. Appearance and livability were key factors in the negative view of
the neighborhood. However, the neighborhood rated very high in safety and a good place for
children. He added that the traffic throughout the neighborhood is perceived as a big issue. He
noted that the overall impression from the residents was one of a good degree of satisfaction.
Councilmember Bnmeyer asked how the neighborhood was in comparison with other
neighborhoods when talking about citizens who are short-term residents. Mr. Moms replied that
Blackstone neighborhood had a larger amount of short-term than most neighborhoods.
Councilmember Bnmeyer felt that certain questions needed to be asked and inquired how much
of an investment the City and neighborhood should make into the revitalization. Mr Harmening
wondered if the City should look toward targeting the neighborhood for redevelopment or
continue to promote it as a single-family neighborhood. Ms. Schnitker discussed the lifestyles of
some of the residents, stating that they may buy these homes as their first homes and as their
family becomes larger they may move out of the neighborhood.
Councilmember Bnmeyer suggested that the City find ways to give the neighborhood character
and perhaps begin special programs for tree planting, lights, traffic, etc. He also suggested low
interest loans for those willing to make improvements to their property. He wondered if they
could overlay the zoning district and create a special distnct. Councilmember Sanger inquired if
a home improvement district could be established and Mr. Harmening replied that it could be
done.
Councilmember Bnmeyer stated that they should pursue all options available. Mr Harmening
felt the Council had provided them with good direction to work on innovative programs.
Councilmember Sanger felt that any changes should be significant enough to show an overall
change in the neighborhood.
Study Session Minutes -2- May 22, 2000
Councilmember Bnmeyer stated that first time buyer homes are scarce in the area and perhaps
they need to be retained Mr. Harmening replied that the neighborhood residents have expressed
their feeling of insecurity about the neighborhood's future as single-family.
Ms Larsen stated that the next step will be to meet with neighborhood residents about the
survey. Mr Harmening said he would like to bnng an action plan to Council that will begin to
implement Council's ideas.
2. Woodpiles (Agenda order changed to accommodate citizen attendance)
Ed and Ardyth McCaleb briefly presented their concerns regarding the house next door to theirs
where an extensive amount of wood is kept on the premises. Council discussed the issue and
asked staff to draft an ordinance regulating the size of woodpiles allowed in the city.
3. Sidewalks/Trails
Mr Rardin presented a map of the proposed sidewalks and trails. He discussed some of the
conflicts in the guiding principles.
Councilmember Young felt that any trees or mature plantings should not be destroyed as a result
of construction.
Councilmember Santa felt comfortable with the guiding pnnciples that were presented.
Mr. Rardin stated that Council will need to approve all plans. Councilmember Sanger then asked
how the public process will proceed as the projects are approved. Mr. Rardin replied that it will
happen in the form of City Engineer Reports and neighborhood meetings.
Council discussed a section of trail proposed as a link between Minnetonka Blvd. and Hillsboro
Ave. There were concerns from the residents and also some concern regarding the public
process.
Councilmember Sanger expressed her desire to hold a discussion about trail snow removal in the
near future. She also felt that the City should plow all city sidewalks. Councilmember Young
was concerned about the cost of such an undertaking. Council directed staff to establish critena
for City plowing of the sidewalks and trails. Mr. Meyer stated that if residents are required to
plow sidewalks, enforcement must be done.
4. Outdoor Pool Entrance
Ms. Walsh gave a brief overview of the issue and stated that at the time of original construction
an outdoor entrance to the Aquatic Center had been discussed, but was not built to help keep
costs low. Since then, the Rec Center main entrance has had to accommodate many different
activities and people at the same time which has lead to several problems. It was the consensus
of the Council that they were not prepared to adopt the staff's recommendation, but desired to
explore other options including a suggestion for a turn stall.
Councilmember Young did not recall an outdoor pool entrance in the original plan. He
questioned if this issue was an important need. He felt that the cost of the project was too high
and other projects had higher pnonty and need for funding.
Study Session Minutes -3- May 22, 2000
Mr. Panning stated that the problems are not for the pool users but for others who use the Rec
Center. Councilmember Sanger agreed with Councilmember Young
Councilmember Latz questioned if there is a less expensive way to solve the problem.
Councilmember Bnmeyer asked if it presented a problem regarding image with the community
and wondered if there were traffic flow modifications that could be made. Mr Panning stated
that visiting numbers are higher than were expected.
Mayor Jacobs requested staff to present alternatives for funding of the entrance if the city will do
the general contracting. Councilmember Latz agreed.
5. Restrictive Easements on Private Property
Mr. Moore briefly gave an overview of the staff report indicating that Council had asked staff to
research options for property owners who would like to expand their homes or garages but are
unable due to restrictive easements. There are currently three options available for the property
owners who wish to have such work done The options are to relocate, encase, or bridge the
existing utility which are all at a different cost to the homeowner.
Councilmember Sanger asked if the City would be willing to subsidize to create move-up
housing
Councilmember Latz suggested using a special assessment to fund the various options The
Council felt that was acceptable. It was agreed that staff will bring the ordinance change back to
Council for approval.
6. Park Commons Update
Ms. Jeremiah asked for Council direction regarding potential developers for Park Commons
East, the schedule and criteria for selecting a developer, and Council involvement with the
developer interview process.
Councilmember Sanger stated that she would prefer developers to have experience in dealing
with neighborhood groups and city councils.
Councilmember Bnmeyer inquired if certain portions of the development will be given to other
developers with expenence in a specific field. Ms. Jeremiah replied that they may not have to do
so if they can find a developer that has the ability to complete the development on their own.
Mr. Meyer felt the project should be completed as a whole at the same time.
Ms. Jeremiah asked the Council which members would like to be included in the developer
interviews. Councilmember Young, Councilmember Nelson, and Mayor Jacobs volunteered.
7. City Council Rules of Procedure
Council reviewed a draft document outlining procedures for conducting council meetings
including rules of decorum, protocol for submission of items to council and use of parliamentary
procedures. The document is intended to replace existing language contained in the municipal
code and would be adopted by resolution. Council discussed meeting times, protocol and study
Study Session Minutes -4- May 22, 2000
session format. Staff also informed council that if changes were adopted, there would be
corresponding modifications to the agenda packet prepared in advance of each meeting.
Following discussion Council directed staff to make suggested changes and bnng forward to a
regular council meeting.
8. Communications
Mr. Meyer reported that the City has been served by the Mohlers.
Councilmember Bnmeyer raised the issue of the development on Highway 7 and Louisiana Ave
and stated that he would like the issue to be reconsidered. He said that he did not want to further
delay the project. He felt Council should consider that the billboard can still be relocated if the
current project goes forward and that it was difficult to get school and county cooperation on the
tax abatement issue. Mr. Meyer suggested that perhaps some other means be used to encourage
Frauenshuh to move forward. Mayor Jacobs agreed. Councilmember Latz would like to see a
more intense development. Councilmember Young felt that this project should be left to develop
as planned.
9. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m
City lerk M•;or /