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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001/03/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session _, . . CITY OF ST LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION March 26, 2001 The meeting convened at 7 00 p m Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Brimeyer, Ron Latz, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, and Mayor Jacobs Staff present City Manager (Mr Meyer), Deputy City Manager (Mr. Pires), Civic Television Coordinator (Mr. Dunlap), Community Television Coordinator(Mr. McHugh), Fire Chief(Mr. Gill), Director of Community Development (Mr. Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Kleve), Planning and Zoning Supervisor(Ms. Jeremiah), Director of Parks and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert). 1. Youth Summit Mayor Jacobs invited the City Council to the Youth Summit on April 30. Ben Johnson, with the Youth Development Committee, stated the mission of their Committee and repotted that their membership is comprised of youth between the grades of four and twelve. Nicolas Jacobs, also a member of the Youth Development Committee, reviewed several of the top;cs to be covered at the Youth Summit such as parks, safe streets, rites of passage, after school activities, role of youth in the community, the Park Commons project, funding of youth piogiams, and school issues. Ms. Beth Johnson, school staff liaison, explained the topics more in depth. Mayos Jacobs asked that information on the summit be distributed to city and school staff as well as to the various boards and commissions 2. Telecommunications Commission Annual Report Telecommunications Commission members Bob Jacobson, Ken Huiras, and Dale Hartman were present at the meeting. Senator Steve Kelley was also present at the meeting. Representatives from Time Warner were in attendance. The Commission members presented a summary of the work that was done last year by the Commission. Councilmeinber Sanger asked about DSL service. Commissioner Huiras replied that there was a problem with Qwest on this issue, and clarified that the City has no legal authority to influence Qwcst under current law Senator Kelley briefed the Council on the technical nature of the problem Senator Kelley stated that last year's bill was of concern to cities and a new bill, as drafted at the time of this study session, has different philosophy behind it. Study Session Minutes -2- March 26, 2001 He reported that current regulation is focused on the technical issues rather than on function. He felt that private investment is needed so that a reduction in regulatory controls on pncing could occur. He added that the goal of regulation is to provide telecommunication services at an affordable price. He informed Council that the bill is dead for this year but will be brought up again next year. Senator Kelley reported that the new bill would include a tax that would fund the universal service fund and also allow cable companies to receive credit from the franchise fees paid to the cities. An amendment to the bill would keep regulations at the state level. Consumer advocacy and resolution of consumer complaints would be at the city level. He reported that discussions are ongoing He stated he was unaware of the position of MACTA (Minnesota Association of Cable Telecommunications Administrators). Mr. Dunlap stated that MACTA and Senator Kelley have been meeting, and there had been some movement towards agreement on some issues, however, Mr. Dunlap was not aware of the current level of agreement between Senator Kelley and MACTA on the latest draft. He was aware that the level of agreement had been shifting during the current legislative process. Senator Kelley stated that both the League of Minnesota Cities and the cable companies are close to agreeing with his draft legislation. Senator Kelley stated that a problem remains with the phone portion of the bill. He added that the federal law lags behind the current market. Council agreed the revenue that many Minnesota cities have relied upon from telephone, cable, etc, is diminishing due to the technological improvements. However, they also understood that cable revenues in St. Louis Park, in fact, continue to rise. Council requested that Cable TV staff and Senator Kelley stay in touch on telecommunications legislation. Mr Dunlap stated he has done that in the past and will continue to do so. Senator Kelley indicated that he stays in touch with City staff through MACTA. 3. Legislative Update Mr Meyer thanked the legislators for taking the time to attend the meeting. The bill regarding TIF was discussed in regards to the prospects of passage and the implications to the City Representative Folliard has taken a neutral stance on the issue of Civil Service Commissions and recommended that the issues be resolved locally by City administration and the union coming to full agreement. Senator Kelley felt that there is a solution to this issue, it Just has not been found yet. Discussion took place regarding the issues that firefighters have with the loss of the fire civil service commission such as the grievance process (which they have not employed to anyone's memory), although it was made clear they already have a gnevance process in their contract. Another issue of concern is the loss of a forum or opportunity to be heard when policy decisions are made, although the Council was prepared to consider such an advisory committee much like is currently under development for Police Study Session Minutes -3- March 26, 2001 A hearing will be held on the morning March 281i' in regards to the additional liquor licenses that St Louis Park is requesting Senator Kelley is the chief author of the salary cap bill. The mandated affordable housing goals were discussed. Council agreed that the affordable housing should be evened out in all suburbs with the recognition of those cities that have already reached their goals such as St. Louis Park 4. Public Art Jack Becker of FORECAST was present at the meeting Stal I would like to discuss with Council the proposed scope of work to be undertaken by FORECAST in regards to a long term public art program as well as the retention of an artist to participate with the developer's design team for the Town Green. Mi Meyer spoke about the plan that FORECAST created for the light rail project, stating it was very good and it could be used as a model for St. Louis Park. Councilmember Sanger inquired about private developments and wondered if art could be - incotporated into the architecture or public spaces. She asked about corporate art loans or gifts Council agreed that the services of FORECAST are needed and agreements will be brought forward. Council discussed the possibility of bringing in an artist(s) to assist with the design team in consideration of the Town Green, streetscape, etc. The cost and Council's willingness to pursue that possibility was discussed. Councilmember Sanger inquired about the possible in-house capabilities of ESG, Project Architect, or Damon Farber as Town Green Designer to do the same. Mr. Cunningham felt the development of public art needed to be a collaborative effort. He added that some in-house expertise exists, but creative input from an artist(s) would be an added benefit Mr Cunningham indicated that TOLD had some concerns over the budget. Mayor Jacobs felt creative design is important to the project. Council agreed that additional artist consulting would be appropriate. 5. Update on Southwest Corner of Highway 7 and Louisiana Ave Present at the meeting were: Randy McKay of Fraeunshuh Companies, Dr. Steve Saliterman who represented a group of physicians who plan to lease space in the project and Mr Pope from Pope Associates Mr. McKay outlined the prospective tenants that would tent the proposed buildings. He explained to Council the idea of the restaurant/banquet that they were proposing. Study Session Minutes -4- March 26, 2001 Dr. Saliterman discussed the interest from the medical groups and changes in the marketplace that have affected interest in the project. Fraeunshuh will come forward to request on extension formally while both they and City staff review the new concept for feasibility. 6. Limitation on Hours of Operation for Restaurants with Wine/Beer Licenses After bnef discussion, Council felt that the hours of operation should not be restricted for restaurants with a wine and/or beer license. 7. Communications Council discussed the sale pnce of the land that will be sold to the Jewish Community Center and directed the City Manager to negotiate a sale pnce that reflects an inflationary adjustment since the onginal agreement. 8. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m ty Clerk rC Ma or!