HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/07/24 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session ST.CITY Louis OFFICIAL MINUTES
PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
July 24, 2000
The meeting convened at 7. 43 p m
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Chris Nelson, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Robert
Young, and Mayor Jacobs.
Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Meyer), Director of Community Development (Mr.
Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr Kleve), Planning Coordinator(Ms.
Erickson), Housing Supervisor(Ms. Schnitker), Housing Programs Coordinator (Ms. Larsen),
Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), Public Works Coordinator (Mr. Merkley), Public Works
Administrative Supervisor (Mr. Roth), Grounds and Natural Resources Manager(Mr. Vaughan),
and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert).
I. Off-Leash Dog Area Proposed by the Minneapolis Park Board
Representatives from the Minneapolis Park Board and ROMP were in attendance. A
representative of ROMP explained how the process was completed in investigating the
possibility of an off-leash dog park for the City of Minneapolis She gave results of the survey
they had conducted and told how the site was selected. She indicated that four sites had been
researched, two of which have received preliminary approval. She felt that success is in having
an advocacy group to act as stewards of the park.
A site illustration and layout was presented for the site that is located within the Cities of
Minneapolis, Edina, and St. Louis Park. Councilmember Nelson inquired about the legal
relationship of the parties. He also was interested to know if the City has already approved the
land use for the park and was informed that a lease will be written with contingencies and check
in dates.
A representative from Minneapolis Animal Control stated that a critical element is in creation of
a permit system that would require both residents and non-residents to purchase a permit. The
fees from the permits would supply revenue for maintenance and operation of the park, and
ensure compliance with the rules of the park while establishing expectations Councilmember
Sanger asked if all the criteria set by St. Louis Park would be able to be met and was informed
that most points would be met Council discussed licensure.Councilmember Santa inquired if
permits would allow permit holders to use all off leash facilities in Minneapolis. Mr. Vaughan
was interested in who would staff the facility.
Councilmember Nelson would like to see the Park Board hold a meeting with the Minnekanda
Vista neighborhood and wants to be sure the fence for the park follows the current boundary of
the park. He stated his concern over the lack of cooperation they have received from the
Minneapolis Park Board.
Councilmember Sanger agreed with the idea of the neighborhood meeting but hoped that
everyone would keep in mind that the park is for all citizens.
Mr. Vaughan indicated that he would coordinate a neighborhood meeting and prepare the
required ordinance changes.
Study Session Minutes -2- July 24, 2000
2. Transit Study
Mr Harmening introduced Arlene McCarthy, the new Director of Service Development for
Metro Transit Ms. McCarthy and representatives from Metro Transit gave a presentation
indicating the need for changes in the system , proposed solutions and the next steps in the
implementation process.
Councilmember Sanger asked for a verbal description of the service areas to be deleted and
discussion took place on the specific areas that were marked for change or deletion.
Ms. McCarthy stated that all of the fleet would be handicap accessible by 2003.
Councilmember Santa felt that the success of the plan would be the timing of the connections.
3. Perspectives Property Acquisition at Louisiana Court
Ms. Schnitker updated the Council on the possible purchase of two properties at Louisiana Court.
With Council approval, Perspectives Inc. would submit funding applications to two housing
agencies and use the funds to purchase and renovate the Louisiana Court properties.
Perspectives hopes to provide permanent housing with the addition of these two properties to the
families in their programs.
Councilmember Sanger had several questions regarding the purchase price of the properties.
Council briefly discussed the possible purchase and asked staff to come forward with a
resolution approving the funding applications
4. Refuse Program Phone Survey Results
Mr. Roth stated that earlier in the year, staff had hired Decision Resources, Ltd. to conduct a
survey on resident satisfaction with the refuse collection program. The results of the survey
showed that overall residents were satisfied and knowledgeable with the program. The main
cause for resident dissatisfaction was lhttenng and treatment of the refuse containers. Staff will
work with Waste Management to monitor and correct the problems. Councilmember Nelson
agreed with the problems listed in the survey results.
Another issue is whether to supply plastic carts instead of cans, however, the survey determined
that residents were not willing to pay more than one dollar per year for the service. Council
discussed the value of bins rather than cans with detachable lids. It was mentioned that carts
might eliminate some of the problems with can treatment and littering.
Councilmember Santa reported that she is receiving more compliments about Waste
Management than complaints Mayor Jacobs felt that service could be improved especially in
terms of missed service. Councilmember Sanger was concerned that the statistics given were
understated and did not reflect the calls to Councilmembers. Mr. Merkley clarified that all
complaints that had reached Waste Management were reflected in the survey and the results were
compiled separately. Mr. Meyer informed Council that Councilmember Latz was concerned
about the timeliness of phone service. Council discussed carts supplied by Waste Management
and agreed that there was no support to begin a pilot program with that idea.
Study Session Minutes -3- July 24, 2000
5. Sidewalks and Trails
Council discussed the specific revisions to the plan and where follow up may be needed.
Councilmember Santa was concerned about accessibility to bus routes and stated that changes
will be needed as development occurs.
Council discussed the process used in dealing with case by case situations that will occur as
projects are developed. They also discussed the process for voting on major revisions in the
future and determined they would continue to adopt revisions as the project goes forward. The
public will need to be consulted and Council will need to vote on any revisions that are needed.
Council agreed that ward Councilmembers will need to continue communication with residents
in their neighborhoods.
Councilmember Young raised the point of sidewalk widths. Mr. Rardin informed Council about
the effects of decreasing the width of the sidewalks has on the cost of snow removal. He asked if
the six-year time frame would be considered too long to complete the project. Council directed
staff to explore the feasibility of completing the entire project in a shortened time frame.
It was determined that maintenance of the sidewalks and trails will be key. Councilmember
Santa supported the idea of taking over the maintenance to meet the expectations of the public.
Councilmember Young disagreed and urged Council to delay the start of maintenance on the
sidewalks in question.
After reviewing the map and where new sidewalks would be placed, Council directed staff to
begin maintenance on the city sidewalks as designated on the maps Based upon the practice of
the surrounding cities, Council agreed plowing of key trails should begin. The Parks and
Recreation Advisory Commission will review and make a recommendation about the amenities
to be provided on the trails.
6. Reilly Superfund Site
The item was postponed to a future meeting.
7. Communications—None
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10.55 p.m. /
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Ci Clerk Mayr