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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001/07/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular CITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES ST LOUIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING PARK ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA July 2, 2001 1. Call to Order and Roll Call Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7.30 p.m. The following Councilmembers weie present at roll call. Jim Brimeyer, Chris Nelson, Susan Sanger, Susan Santa, Robert Young, Ron Latz, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs Also present were the City Manager (Mr. Meyer); City Attorney (Mr. Jamnick); Director of Community Development (Mr Harmening); Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin); City Engineer (Ms. Maria Hagen), City Assessor(Mr Bruce Stepnick), City Planner(Mr. Patrick Smith), City Clerk (Ms. Reichert); and Recording Secretary (Ms. Samson). 2. Presentations--None 3. Approval of Minutes a. City Council Minutes of June 18, 2001 The minutes were approved as presented. b. Study Session Minutes of June 11, 2001 Councilmember Nelson said under Item 1, the term "archive" came up and, as a concluding matter, the City Clerk, Ms. Reichert, stated she would meet with the City Manager, Mr Meyer, to review furthei how an updated book on the history of St. Louis Park might involve staff and what staff can do to help. Councilmember Sanger added that Councilmembers asked representatives of the St Louis Park Historical Society to review and reconsider some of the publication costs that they had cited to the Council. The minutes of June 11, 2001 have been amended to add. "Councilmember Nelson felt that creating an archive of the city's history is an important activity. Ms. Reichert offered to discuss the project with the City Manager to consider additional staff involvement with the project Ms. Sanger asked representatives of the St. Louis Park Historical Society to review and reconsider some of the publication costs they had cited to the Council." 4. Approval of Agenda and Consent Items NOTE• Consent items arc 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 appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion. 4a. Agenda It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to approve the agenda The motion passed 7-0 Council Meeting Minutes -2- July 2, 2001 4b. Consent Agenda It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to approve the following Consent Agenda Items. The motion passed 7-0. 1 Adopt Resolution No. 01-054 accepting Engineer's Report, establishing and ordering an improvement project, approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for construction of a bus bay at the northwest corner of Louisiana Avenue at W 28`i' Street. 2 Adopt the Resolution No. 01-055 authorizing installation of permit parking in front of 3962 Xenwood Avenue South. Traffic Study No. 558 3. Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 2201-01 amendments related to zoning to consistently classify a sign as a structure instead of a use, establish a 1 year time limit for the installation of exterior finishes for single and two family homes, and lengthen the time to file the final plat from 60 days to 6 months, approve summary ordinance, and authorize publication. 4 To authorize Hennepin County to initiate a consultant selection process for the Elmwood Area Study, Case Nos. 01-29-CP 5 To authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the Second Amendment to the Real Estate Purchase Agreement between the Jewish Community Center and the City of St Louis Park for certain City owned property located at 4326 Cedar Lake Road 6 Approve Resolution No. 01-056 final payment to F.F Jedlicki, Inc. for storm sewer relocation at 3043 Aquila Ave. in the amount of$10,002 00. City Project No 01-16, Contract No. 48-01 7 Accept the following reports for filing. a Human Rights Commission Minutes of May 16, 2001 b. Vendor Claims c Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes of March 22, 2001 5. Public Hearings 5a. Public Hearing: Alley Paving-2700 Block between Brunswick Avenue and the C.P. Railroad tracks. Resolution No. 01-057 Ms Maim Hagen, City Engineer, reported the alley was petitioned for by 54% of the abutting property owners According to the City Special Assessment Policy, 51% of the abutting property owners aie requited to sign the petition in older to bring it before the Council for consideration City Special Assessment Policy states property owners will be assessed based on both a direct and an indirect benefit Because the cast side of the alley abuts the railroad tracks, the City will fund the railroad portion of the project At this time, the estimated total cost to pave the existing gravel alley with conciete is $61,000.00, including engineering and contingencies, the City's portion is $30,500.00, to be paid from the General Obligation Bond Proceeds. To proceed, a public hearing is required and there will be a 30 day waiting period following to allow for any appeals. During that time the pioject will be advertised and the city will receive bids. If there are no appeals, on August 6, 2001, the Council will award _► bid Construction time is expected to last three to four weeks. Council Meeting Minutes -3- July 2, 2001 Mr Jack Bryce appeared on behalf of Mr and Mrs Robert and Mary Norby, 2701 Brunswick Avenue South The Nbi 6y's"property i'located on the corner, next to the park. Their concern is for what are they are being assessed. Ms. Hagen said the portion of the Norby's assessment is along the eastern side, i e., the railroad portion, and not the perpendicular portion. Ms. Hagen said it is anticipated the alley will remain within the right-of-way, however, the City is trying to modify the turning radius of the alley for safety reasons. Mr. Mike Daly, 2749 Brunswick Avenue South, asked why it has taken 30 years to improve the road surface of the alley. Mrs Norby asked about markers placed by the City and if there is a possibility to go out farther into her property and into the park hill to avoid her flowerbed and give her a longer driveway Mrs Norby said when it rains, 27th Street and Colorado Avenue become flooded Ms. Hagen said staff will check on the capacity of the storm sewer to determine its ability or lack of ability to handle additional water. Mr. Mike Rardin, Director of Public Works, responded to Mr. Daly's question saying that in the past leftover asphalt was placed in alleys with no long-term intention of maintaining alleys with asphalt To Mr. Rardin's knowledge, no residents were assessed for asphalt alleys Councilmember Sanger said a land swap between the City and the Norbys may improve the design features of the alley and the Norbys' plat Councilmember Nelson thinks a straight alley on the east edge of the Norbys' property, rather than cutting through their property, makes more sense Mr. Bryce thinks a land swap is logical. Staff agreed to discuss this option with the Norbys. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer, to adopt Resolution No. 01-057 ordering the construction of a concrete alley in the 2700 block between Brunswick Avenue and C.P. Railroad tracks, approving plans and specifications and authorizing receipt of bids The motion passed 7-0. 5b. Assessment Hearing for Project - Alley Paving located at the 2700 block between Brunswick Avenue and C.P. Railroad tracks. Resolution No. 01-058 Mr. Stepnick said the total cost is $61,000.00, and the City is assessing $30,500.00, which is based on the front footage of each parcel, most of which are 40 feet. The exception is 2701 Brunswick Avenue South, which is two-40 foot lots, and assessed at 60 feet. The interest rate is 7% over 20 years. The payment options are: Pay in full before November 1,2001 or the assessment will be assessed with the property taxes. The average yearly payment with property taxes, per half, would be approximately $133 00, and no higher. Councilmember Latz inquired if it is standard practice to adjust the amount of direct and indirect benefit for properties on the ends of alleys" Mr. Stepnick said, for assessment purposes, end properties generally have double and triple amounts of footage. Costs are apportioned in accordance with the City's special assessment policy with direct and indirect benefits. Councilmember Latz asked if a property has driveway access from the alley or the street, what is considered to be a direct or indirect benefit? Mr Stepnick said if a garage faces the street, it is considered to be an indirect benefit for that property Council Meeting Minutes -4- July 2, 2001 Councilmen.ber Nelson suggested a 40-foot lot should be assessed for 40 feet of benefit, which was the case, however, an SO-foot lot should be assessed for 80 feet, not 60 feet, which reflects greater fairness It was moved by Councilmembei Sangei, seconded oy Councilmember Brimeyer, to adopt Resolution No. 01-058 establishing the assessment improvement for alley paving in the 2700 block between Brunswick Avenue and C.P. Railroad tracks. The motion passed 7-0. 6. Requests and Communications from the Public--None 7. Resoiutions, Ordinances, Motions 7a. The request of Groves Academy for a minor amendment to the approved Continued Special Permit to change the approved elevations. The new Planner, Mr. Patrick Smith, was intioduced Mr Smith explained that last year the City Council approved a 30,000 square foot addition for Groves Academy, which included new gymnasium, classrooms, and conference rooms. The building material for the exterior walls foi the gymnasium consisted solely of brick. At this time, architect Mr. Todd Mohagen, boardmember Mr John Lavander, and the piesident of Groves Academy, Mr. Michael Mongeau have returned with a proposal that introduces a fourth and new material to the pi wet called exposed aggregate pre-cast concrete panels (EAPCP). They chose EAPCP because of its functional, financial, and design charas teristics. Applicant and Staff have met several times. The original proposal was to have it all brick, however, the proposed change would be to have the south elevation 'ell bric k and the east and west exterior portions would be EAPCP Mr. Smith said Staff recommends approval subject to the two conditions listed in resolution. Mr Mohagen, from Mohagen & Associates said City Staff recommended, and Mohagen & Associates agreed, the soutn side v<ill be brick. The previous proposal had brick on the east face, currently, the signage "Groves Academy" is expected to complement the EAPCP, and the east and west faces are ielatively similar. Councilmember Sanger asked staff if this change complies with the City's architectural design criteria Mr. Harmening answered yes Councilmember Nelson said the change has zoning ordinance implications, the expansion appears to be noncompliant. Mr. Smith said the oidinance requires that new additions be compatible with the existing structure and, Staff believes, the expansion of Groves Academy meets the intent of the ordinance Mi. Smith said EAPCPs are not Class 1 material, however, the 60% iequiiement is still being met—the original approval exceeded the City's requirement by 2% Mr. Mohagen said 75% of the east elevation is the addition, and the south elevation will be all brick Councilmember Nelson said conformance to the original design is the use of mateiials and proportion An average may meet the 60% requiiement but falter in regard to proportion. Councilmember Latz said he has grave concerns regarding an EAPCP exterior for the gymnasium because it is completely inconsistent with the materials used in the rest of the building Council Meeting Minutes -5- July 2, 2001 Mr. Mongeau said when speaking of the east elevation one needs to include the entire addition and not dust the gymnasium:ky •rt, '4.we,1 ;1.44 Councilmember Nelson said a calculation indicates Groves Academy is comprised of 70% Class 1 materials, 29% Class 2 materials, and 1% Class 3 materials. Mr. Smith said the current proposal meets the ordinance requirements for Class 1 materials, however, the question is, Does it meet the proportion requirement with respect to the existing structure? Mr. Harmening cited three options: 1. continue and Staff will continue to work with the applicant; 2 deny the amendment because it is incompatible with the existing building; or 3. approve Councilmember Latz said he would like for Staff to continue to work with the applicant. Councilmember Latz is bothered most by the bulk, height, and the large, flat face of the gymnasium, however, he believes there may be a way to break-up the face architecturally It appears to him not to meet the architectural standard of the ordinance. Mr. Lavander said the additional cost of using all brick would be $136,000.00; using the EAPCPs would cost $25,000.00. Mr. Lavander would like to work with Staff and resolve Council's concerns. Staff and Groves Academy agreed the brick on the west side will stay because the west side faces a residential area. Mr. Lavander believes the appearance of the east side of the school is more crucial than the south side Councilmember Sanger moved to defer the request until the July 16, 2001 Council meeting and ask Staff to work further with the Groves Academy representatives on all elevations Councilmember Nelson seconded the motion. Mr. Mohagen said when the Groves Academy representatives appeared before Council previously, there were more metal panels on the east face. He added the representatives worked with Staff. Mr Harmening referred the Council to the Resolution on Page 29. He said the Council approved an amendment to the Special Permit in October of 1999, and amended to extend certain deadlines and the like. The only language in the resolution related to elevations and materials is found on Page 29,#3, and it reads: "The elevations should be revised to show no more than 10% Class 3 materials in any façade." Class 3 may have been a reference to the metal panels. Mr. Harmening said that is the only change that was asked to be made to the elevation drawings that were submitted to the Council for approval. That change was maintained throughout until the Groves Academy representatives made their most recent amendment request. Mr. Harmening said the discussions took place with Ms. Sasha Peterson, however, the applicant would have signed the approved plans for the project to show the applicant agrees as to what will be built, and it is called signing an ascent form, common to all resolutions. Councilmember Young said it appears to him the Council did not give much leeway last October when it asked Staff to work with Groves Academy: In the meantime, the proposal has been significantly revised from what was presented to Council last fall. Councilmember Young would like to postpone the request, increase the amount of brick or non-aggregate, and move closer to what the Council was getting last fall. Council Meeting Minutes -6- July 2, 2001 Mr. Harmening said Staff was uncomfortable with what was originally submitted as an amendment. A discussion between Staff and Groves Academy last week produced the current proposal. Mr. Harmening thinks Staff's perspective is that the panels on the east side of the building provided some accent, and placing the proposed sign on the EAPCPs would work. Likewise, Staff requested the south elevation be all bnck because of its appearance horn Highway 100. Mayor Jacobs caution Council the need to relay to Staff precisely what it is that Council wants them to do in terms of working this out. Major Jacobs would like to send the matter to Staff to continue to work on it Mr Charles Meyer, City Manages, asked if seducing the number of EAPCPs on the east side, Pei haps by four panels, would be an appropriate proportion to the Council? Councilmember Sanger suggested Staff continue their dialogue with Groves Academy. Mr. Meyer suggested perhaps the applicant would like to chose between a two-week delay or denial of the amendment Councilmember Sanger moved to continue for two weeks and bring it back to the next meeting on July16, seconded by Councilmember Nelson. Motion passed 5-2 with Councilmember Brimeyer and Mayor Jacobs opposed. Councilmember Sanger suggested that at a future Study Session, Council discuss the ordinance(s) relevant to structures and do some fine-tuning, and to discuss architectural standards. However, the ordinance discussion would be entirely separate from the Groves Academ) i equest 8. Boards and Committees - None 9. Communications From the City Manager—Mr Meyer reported a mechanical problem at the pool. The pool is expected to re-open cn Saturday, July 7, 2001. From the Mayor—Mayor Jacobs wished all a safe and happy holiday. From Councilmember Latz--Councilmember Latz attended the Economic Development Association Minnesota Meeting last week At that meeting, an award was presented for a development project, the Louisiana Oaks Housing Development, in St Louis Park. 10. Adjournment Mayor Jacobs adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p . / sty Clerk , yo'