HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001/12/10 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES
ST LOUIS CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
PARK December 10, 2001
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Brimeyer, Chris Nelson, Susan Sanger, Sue
Santa, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Staff present. City Manager (Mr Meyer), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Director of Community
Development (Mr. Harmening), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), Environmental Health
Official (Mr. Camilon), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert).
1. Escrow Requirement for Property Maintenance Certificate Program
Council and staff discussed the city's requirements regarding escrow at point of sale to ensure
property to brought up to current property maintenance standards. Because the council recently
adopted a property maintenance code, the amount of escrow that the city will be holding may
increase. Discussion ensued on whether the city or a third party should hold the escrow
They also discussed an alternative program where the city could enter into an agreement with the
property owner to ensure that code violations were remediated within a reasonable period of
time. If the maintenance did not occur as agreed upon, the city could use the court process to
ensure compliance as it does with code violations that do not occur at the time of sale.
Council asked staff to bring back more information so that it could be clarified how escrow is
held and by whom. Council also asked staff to draft an sample agreement that could be used
should the alternative program be deemed best for achieving the same results.
Mayor Jacobs was concerned that if the current system of requiring escrow was continued, that
staff would be put into the position of setting escrow amounts. Mr. Scott stated that he would
work on a program for setting escrow amounts and bring back to Council at a later date
2. Public Art/Design Enhancements—Excelsior and Grand/Park Commons East
Mr. Harmening stated that after working with Jack Becker and several artists, a proposed public
art package, funding responsibilities, and related budget have been developed.
Andrea Myklebust is an artist that will be working on a potential major art piece to be located at
the intersection of Park Commons Drive and Grand Way. Ms. Myklebust explained the origin of
her proposed concept for the sculpture
Mayor Jacobs felt the Children First theme should be incorporated into art on the project site.
Council also discussed the involvement of Friends of the Arts, and public art in other
communities.
Council directed staff to move forward and prepare a contract to commission the artwork.
Council discussed ideas for other art in the area and how it will tie in to what they are already
planning.
Mr. Harmening gave a brief update on the construction schedule for Park Commons.
Study Session Minutes -2- December 10, 2001
3. Wolfe Park Amphitheater Design Update
Damon Farber explained the functionality of the site as well as the details of the lights, structure,
and sound.
Council discussed various programming options for the amphitheater such as renting the space to
performance groups, using the city's own programs, and renting to any others who would be
interested in renting the space. Council agreed that the space is a versatile design and other
options can be added later on.
4. Excelsior Boulevard Bridge—Fascia and Railing Design
Ms. Hagen explained that MNDot will provide the basic structure on the Excelsior Blvd. bridge
but any aesthetic improvements will have to be funded by the city
Council discussed improving the bridges all along Highway 100. They agreed that aesthetic
improvements to the bridges would be a good idea.
Ms. Hagen stated that she would return at a later meeting with a budget for the project.
5. Communications
Mr. Meyer spoke on the topic of the budget hearing
Councilmember Bnmeyer stated that based on his experience at a recent national convention, St.
Louis Park is doing extremely well with neighborhood groups and citizen involvement and is far
ahead in this area of where other cities in the country are.
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:23 p m.
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