HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001/02/12 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session OF
ST.CITY LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES
PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
February 12, 2001
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Bnmeyer, Chns Nelson, Susan Sanger, Sue
Santa, Ron Latz, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Staff present. City Manager(Mr Meyer); Director of Community Development (Mr.
Harmening); Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Kleve); Housing Programs Coordinator
(Ms. Larsen), Housing Supervisor(Ms. Schnitker), Director of Public Works (Mr Rardin);
Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Ms. Jeremiah), Finance Director(Ms. McGann); Supt. Of
Engineenng (Mr. Moore), and Deputy City Clerk (Ms. Stroth).
1. Park Commons Update - Development Agreement and Town Green Design
Damon Farber, Damon Farber Associates architecture firm, gave a presentation on the Town
Green planning progress for Park Commons. He stated the options were to include more
greenspace, less structure, flexibility, space for activities, and be retail onented. Mr. Farber
indicated the outdoor spaces would be defined by hedges, light poles, or trees and that the
environmental design would benefit cnme prevention. He reviewed the following two options:
Option One - "Market Plan" Option Two - "Park for the Town Green"
• Traditional street • Welcoming, more formalized, classical turnabout
• Island to separate in/out traffic • Broader Center Island 25 ft. wide
• East/west auto movement • Identifying Icon Excel. Blvd. entrance
• Angle parking • Walkway, speedbump
• Strong pedestnan movement • Open area for farmers market, art fair
• Compliment Excelsior Blvd. • Benches, special paving, lights, color
Discussion took place regarding trees, signage, buses, bicycling and bicycle parking. The public
will have an opportunity to review the plan at an Open House scheduled for February 22.
Ms Jeremiah reviewed the upcoming public heanngs and the preliminary Planned Unit
Development/Plat approval process.
Mr. Kleeve stated TOLD is planning to sign the Development Agreement by Fnday,February 16.
Bob Cunningham, TOLD Development Company, indicated the need to continue giving
opportunities for developers. He stated if a developer falls through, tax increment financing
would be lost. Mr. Cunningham stated the council would be allowed to interview developers.
Mr. Kleeve stated Special Services Distnct will maintain Excelsior Blvd. and pnvate entity will
maintain the rest of the development.
Mr. Meyer questioned the status of the development financing.
Mr. Cunningham responded they have received 4 proposals for construction lending and are in
the process of negotiating terms.
Study Session Minutes -2- February 12, 2001
2. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for 2001
Ms. Schnitker discussed funding priorities for the 2001 CDBG program July 1, 2001 through
December 31, 2002 She stated the $280,059 funds being received will have the same national
objectives to benefit low and moderate income persons (single and multifamily), prevent or
eliminate slum, and meet a particular urgent community development need.
Ms Larsen stated they are still clearing the 1998 year of allocation expended in year 2000. She
reviewed the status of the 2000 funding allocation and the proposed 2001 CDBG activities. Ms.
Larsen indicated the need to revise the deferral period to 15 years instead of the current 30 years.
Councilmember Santa stated concern there was not enough funds to serve the 30 residents on the
waiting list for single family low income rehab loan program.
Mr. Harmening responded in the coming year$180,000 would finance approximately 9 loans
and along with rehab products, this would be sufficient.
Ms. Schnitker stated they also have extra funds for the home renewal program.
Councilmember Sanger stated she would like to see close monitoring of the CDBG Funds.
Ms. Larsen stated performance goals and expectations will be set and that the 2001 contract will be
signed July 1. She also mentioned that a 4% interest rate loan will be available to 30 residents.
Councilmember Sanger suggested encouraging the vendor to also have performance standards.
Ms. Larsen stated there is still funds of$105,221 available from the home renewal program.
Mr. Meyer indicated these funds can be used in other areas such as multi-family, crime
awareness, and Perspectives, Inc. in Louisiana Court.
Discussion took place regarding usage of funds as contributions for solicitation of organizations,
and keeping with objectives set 4 years ago.
Mr. Meyer stated funding is needed for improvements to the Lenox Community Center because
the School District referendum funding could only be used for high school improvements.
After discussion regarding which CDBG funds could be used, Councilmember Latz suggested
looking for an alternative source. He stated Lenox does not meet criteria of single family usage
and how we might loose impact if CDBG is not used where it is intended to go.
Councilmember Nelson stated Lenox is a civic building which shouldn't go in disrepair. He
indicated that CDBG funds were initially used for the transformation of the building and the
need to get back to fiscal responsibility.
Mr. Meyer felt a proposal would be needed from the school distnct before pursuing any further.
Mr. Harmening questioned the council if they approved the CDBG fund totals so a public
hearing notice could be published.
Study Session Minutes -3- February 12, 2001
The council agreed on the CDBG fund totals.
3. Update Council on City's Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan
(CWRMP) and Wetland Management Plan (WMP)
Andrea Moffet, WSB & Associates, Inc. presented an overview of the Wetland Management
Plan. She reviewed the 38 wetlands, the impact on residents and the city, the management of the
wetlands, and steps to be undertaken to implement the plan. The city is required to host a public
hearing to allow for input and comment.
Councilmember Sanger suggested public hearing notice be mailed to residents who live by the
wetlands and usage of signs near the wetlands.
Mr. Moore indicated the need for education by articles in Park Perspective, Sun Sailor, and at
neighborhood meetings.
Mr. Bnmeyer felt the notice should be more than just a public meeting notice. He suggested
including education information regarding identification of major wetlands, mowing within 10
feet, and non-phosphorous fertilizing.
Mr. Moore stated they will get notice samples from other cities and prepare a public hearing
notice and educational information to be published and sent out soon.
4. Minnetonka Boulevard/Hennepin County Improvements
Mr. Moore reviewed the Hennepin County's plans for milling/overlay of Minnetonka Boulevard
and the options for incorporating striping for bikeways.
Councilmember Bnmeyer supported the bicycle accommodation option.
Councilmember Nelson supported on-street parking.
Councilmember Sanger asked how many people actually park on Minnetonka Boulevard.
Mr Moore responded convenience parking is scattered and that all necessary parking currently
has off street parking or direct access. He stated most of the parking is for deliveries or visitors
and felt it would not have a huge impact if banned.
Councilmember Sanger suggested an alternative for stnping could be to use it for biking but also
for parking. She questioned if the striping should go all the way to the east city border. She also
stated concern to not change the Texa Tonka area because of the Task Force.
Mr. Moore stated Cedar Lake Road bikers supported striping for bicycles.
Discussion took place on how far to do the stnping with the City limits.
The council preferred that the County not defer this project another year, and to do both
segments all at once. If prioritizing segments, then the preferred option is to first go with the east
of Hwy 100 segment and extend to Hwy 7 with striping for parking.
Study Session Minutes -4- February 12, 2001
Mr Moore stated this was an opportunity to work with the County.
5. Storm Water Utility Bond Issue and Refunding of 1997b Taxable Bond.
Rusty Fifield, Ehlers & Associates, Inc discussed the plans for the issuance of bonds to:
• Finance improvements to the Storm Water Management System
• Refinance the 1997B Taxable G.O. Tax Increment Bonds
Councilmember Nelson questioned if the two finance plans could be combined into one.
Ms McGann responded the issuance cost would be reduced if they were combined.
Ms. McGann stated the 1997B Refunding Bonds are currently at 6.7% variable rate and felt now
would be a good time to refinance at a fixed rate.
Councilmember Bnmeyer felt we should refinance now with the fixed rate and not wait for any
market changes.
Mr Fifleid stated the two main issues are as follows:
• Market issue - whether interest rates will get lower
• Legislative changes - property tax issue
Councilmember Nelson supported delaying for 3-5 weeks to see if rates drop.
Mayor Jacobs supported delaying until the middle or end of March.
It was the consensus of the council to proceed with the refinancing paperwork but hold off on the
sale of the bonds until after the feds meet. Staff was directed to bnng this issue back in 3-5
weeks. It was recommended to sell the bonds at a competitive sale with a low bid.
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
City Clerk Mayor