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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002/07/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular CITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES ST. LOUIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING PARK ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA July 15,2002 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 710 p m. The following Councilmembers were present at roll call: Jim Brimeyer, Ron Latz, Chris Nelson, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs Also present were the City Manager(Mr. Meyer); City Attorney (Ms. Poehler); Community Development Director(Mr. Harmening); Planning and Zoning Supervisor(Ms. Jeremiah); Planning Coordinator(Ms. Enckson); Associate Planner(Ms. Grove); Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin); City Engineer(Ms Hagen); Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman); and Recording Secretary (Ms Samson). 2. Presentations 2a. Proclamation for Duck Soup Day Mayor Jacobs presented a Proclamation for Duck Soup Day. Members of the Duck Soup Tournament Committee presented a check to the Mayor for the Parks and Recreation Department. During its 21-year history, the Duck Soup Organization has awarded over $58,000 in scholarships and grants. The Mayor and City Council have declared August 24th to be Duck Soup Day. 2b. Presentation of Annual Report by St. Louis Park Charter Commission Paul Carver, Chair of the St. Louis Park Charter Commission, presented the Annual Report of the St. Louis Park Charter Commission. Commissioners David Johnson and James Schaefer, as well as Commissioner and Secretary Carol Walsh were also present. Chair Carver recognized staff liaison and Deputy City Manager Clint Pires. Chair Carver encourages individuals to get involved with the Charter Commission by contacting a Charter Commissioner, Clint Pires at City Hall, or Chief Judge Kevin Burke. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Minutes of July 1, 2002 From Councilmember Latz: Item 7c, Paragraph 7—add. in accordance with Council bylaws immediately following limit address to 10 minutes. From Councilmember Latz: Item 7c, Paragraph 9—after Mohlers add: as their attorney. Council Meeting Minutes -2- 3b. City Council Study Session minutes of June 24, 2002 From Councilmember Sanger: Item 3—add: Councilmember Sanger asked about some projects that were not included in the draft CIP, such as a bike trail connection over the Burlington Northern tracks, and it was agreed these would be reviewed in conjunction with expansion plans for Highway 100. 4. Approval of Agenda and Consent Items NOTE: Consent items are 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 appropnate section of the regular agenda for discussion. 4a. Approval of Agenda It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Nelson, to approve the agenda The motion passed 7-0 4b. Approval of Consent Items It was moved by Councilmember Velick, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the agenda The motion passed 7-0 1. Approve Ordinance No. 2228-02 regarding text amendments to allow garage sales in residential districts, approve summary ordinance and authorize publication. 2. Accept Housing Authonty Minutes of June 12, 2002 for filing. 3 Accept BOZA minutes of May 23, 2002 for filing. 4. 'Adopt Resolution No. 02-068 approving Change Order No. 2 with Hardnves, Inc. for the construction of additional streetscape improvements for the West 38th Street entrance into the Mimkanda Vista Neighborhood Contract No. 35-02 with Hardrives, Inc. in the amount of$67,997.20. 5. Motion to accept vendor claim report for filing 5. Public Hearings--None 6. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public--None 7. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions Council Meeting Minutes -3- 7a. City Engineer's Report: 2002 Sidewalk & Trail Improvement Project—Project No. 02-01. Resolution No.'s 02-069 and 02-070 City Engineer Maria Hagen presented a report regarding the 2002 Sidewalk Program construction of various sections of new sidewalk in accordance with the City's sidewalk, trails, and bikeway plan Some of the issues involved include: Ford Road and Shelard Parkway, a limited right of way near Coach Homes; removal of several lilac bushes; residents of Coach Homes I desire installation of a fence by their contractor rather than by a City contractor; a guarantee regarding the survival of Coach Home trees; near Coach Homes II, residents are concerned about a significant loss of trees in their right of way; Staff is recommending the bituminous trail be narrowed to six feet where possible to maintain some of the mature trees; and Coach Home signs to remain in the existing nght of way. Ms. Hagen reported the trail will be signed where it narrows, and Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Walsh has requested the trail be stripped down the center as well to delineate traffic direction The following residents of Coach Homes were present: Sue Davies, Sharel Hella, and Sandy Huber. Ms. Davies, who serves on the Board of Directors of Coach Homes, addressed the Council. Ms. Davies is pleased to hear that Coach Homes may be able to use their contractor. Ms. Davies recommends that if the lilac bushes require substantial cutting, they be moved farther back. Ms. Davies asked about tree replacement, if trees should die. Ms. Hagen said the City will replace trees that are removed but with smaller trees. Ms. Hagen said the lilac bushes may require only minimal trimming, and she will work with Coach Homes It was moved by Councilmember Velick, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution No. 02-069 accepting report, establishing and ordering an improvement project, approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for construction of various sections of concrete sidewalk; and to adopt Resolution No. 02-070 relating to installation of parking restrictions on W. 28th Street,from Texas Avenue to Louisiana Avenue (south side), Louisiana Avenue to Dakota Avenue (north side), and Blackstone to Brunswick Avenue (north side). The motion passed 7-0. Mayor Jacobs complimented Ms. Hagen and Staff for their excellent work in adhering to the policies Council set forth in regard to the sidewalk and trail plan and Staff's flexibility and willingness to work with the residents. 7b. Request of Vernon Partnership LLC for Final Plat(Homes of Vernon Oaks)at 2601 Vernon Avenue S. Case No. 02-06-S. Resolution No. 02-071 Planning Coordinator Judie Enckson presented a report regarding final plat for Homes of Vernon Oaks Ms. Erickson said a neighborhood meeting was held on June 18th to discuss the drainage issues, and seven residents were in attendance Ms. Enckson said the drainage pond will replace all of the drainage lost on the parcel. A trail will connect Vernon Avenue to a pedestrian bridge that crosses Highway 100. The final landscape plan proposes to replace 276 caliper inches, and the remaining 686 caliper inches will be replaced with a cash contribution that is equal to $90.00 per caliper inch. Ms. Enckson reported that the Applicant's consultant said there is no wetland on the parcel, however, the Minnehaha Creek Council Meeting Minutes -4- Watershed District ("MCWD") found a small wetland, less than 2,000 square feet, on the property. Because the wetland is less than 2,000 square feet, the Applicant will not be required to replace the wetland when it is filled. Councilmember Nelson asked if a wetland is removed, is it better or worse for the peat condition. Ms. Hagen responded that it probably does not affect the peat condition because peat expands and contracts regardless of significant water volume, the amount of rainfall is probably more likely to affect peat conditions; and the storage pond is necessitated by MCWD requirements, as well as City requirements, that it contains the amount of runoff that comes from their site. The small wetland will be replaced by the storage pond for water quality and quantity. Councilmember Sanger asked how many curbcuts will be made, and Ms. Erickson said there will be six, one for each home, and all of the curbcuts will be on a straight portion of the street. Councilmember Sanger asked about the amount of open and green space on the plats Ms. Enckson said the condominium plats meet the open space requirements for single and multi- family housing. Planning and Zoning Supervisor Janet Jeremiah said there is a 600-foot open space requirement per lot that must be met with a minimum dimension of 20 feet and that is being met, and exceeded, in the rear of the buildings and it does incorporate the area from the back of the homes to the common property line. Councilmember Sanger asked if this parcel would fit six single family homes if the units were to be treated as six single family homes, and Ms. Erickson responded yes. Councilmember Sanger asked what remedies may exist for adjacent property owners if their properties are negatively impacted Community Development Director Tom Harmening said, in the resolution, there is a development contract; Ms. Jeremiah said a surety is covered for any such damage; and City Attorney Ms. Poehler said the development contract excludes the City from liability, the developer is held liable if damage is done due to the development Jay Hill, Oliver and Associates, is the engineering and surveying consultant on this project. Mr Hill said the MCWD did a review on the site and, according to Mr. Hill, the MCWD reported there is no problem with going forward on the project. Mr. Hill is waiting for the MCWD's final document. Scott Morgeson, 2558 Vernon Avenue South, is most concerned about the lack of tree replacement, and what recourse will be available if there is water damage. Mr. Morgeson thinks parking on both sides of the street would be unsafe, and the addition of six homes makes for an undesirable level of density. Mr. Morgeson asked the Council to consider not approving the resolution. Councilmember Latz asked what discretion the Council has to deny the resolution,,and Ms. Poehler said if the Council determines that the Applicant meets all of the City subdivision requirements, then Council has no discretion to deny. It was moved by Councilmember Brimeyer, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to adopt Resolution No. 02-071 granting final plat of homes of Vernon Oaks at 2601 Vernon Avenue S, Case No 02-06-S subject to conditions included in the resolution. Council Meeting Minutes -5- Councilmember Sanger is reluctant to support this project, and she will reluctantly vote approval. Councilmember Nelson asked if this site is located on peat. Mr. Hill said soil borings were done on the southern three-quarters of the site and some spots were found to contain areas of peat that were two to three feet deep. Mr. Hill said organic materials will be removed before construction and filled. Mr. Hill reported an independent company will monitor and perform compaction tests, and those reports are available to the City. Ms. Enckson said the City requires that soil borings be done in each corner of the buildings before construction begins, and if anything in the borings indicate pylings are required, then the developer must comply or no building permit would be issued. Mr. Hill said if peat is found in the pond area, the pond will be over-excavated and lined with clay to separate the water that gets into the pond from the surrounding peat layers that would affect the homes The motion passed 7-0. 7c. The request of Costco Wholesale for a minor amendment to the approved Planned Unit Development for Park Place Plaza to permit a minor expansion of the Costco liquor store at 1625 Zarthan Avenue Case No. 95-51-PUD (Amended) Resolution No. 02-072 Ms Jeremiah presented a report regarding Costco's request for a minor addition to the liquor store located on the north side of their building. To the resolution, Item 12(d), Ms Jeremiah and Staff are recommending the following language be added: In the event that any signal arms are found to be on private property, appropriate easements shall be recorded against the private property. Ted Johnson, 2311 West 22"d Street, Oakbrook, IL, is President of Design Strategies and Midwest Development Manager for Costco. Mr. Johnson said the fueling facility and related driveway modifications are currently under construction, and he has been informed that the fueling facility, driveway modifications, and cart corals for Home Depot will be in place by mid-September. Currently, there is no schedule for the liquor store addition because Costco is waiting for City Council action, but most likely the liquor store addition will be started in Spring 2003. Mr. Johnson said he has copies of the temporary and permanent easements obtained by Costco in regard to the traffic signals on the north side of 16th Street. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Velick, to approve Resolution No. 02-072 amending the Park Place Plaza Planned Unit Development to allow a minor expansion of the Costco liquor store subject to the conditions included in the resolution, and amended with the additional language suggested by Staff. The motion passed 7-0. Council Meeting Minutes -6- 7d. Request by Beltline Industrial Park, Inc. for Preliminary Nat approval for Wolfe Lake Professional Center and Preliminary Planned Unit Development approval to redevelop the northwest quadrant of Beltline Boulevard and West 36th Street for two office/retail buildings. Case Nos. 02-32-S and 02-31-PUD, northwest quadrant of Beltline Boulevard and West 36th Street. Resolution No.'s 02-073 and 02-074 City Manager Charlie Meyer introduced Associate Planner Julie Grove. Ms. Grove presented a report regarding the replat and preliminary PUD for the redevelopment of the site for Beltline Industrial Park. Ms. Grove said on June 19, 2002 the Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposal. Ms. Grove said the revised plans include proof of parking and, in the event of the future sale of the lot, a condition of approval will include that a parking easement be developed for the proof of parking. Sidewalks will be added along Beltline Blvd. and Raleigh Avenue. Ms. Grove reported that there is a 15-foot easement running along the southern property line north of West 36th Street, and the Planning Commission and Staff recommend this nght of way be dedicated to the City; the developer has amended the preliminary plat to reflect this recommendation, however, there are some issues regarding an easement from 1975 for this right of way that needs to be worked out John McCain, 3440 Beltline Blvd., mentioned some issues associated with this redevelopment. In regard to the dedication of the nght of way, Mr. McCain said he is waiting for a response from the City Assessor regarding a reduction of taxes based on the amount of land that was taken. Mr. McCain asked if the bufferyard for the mailboxes and bank, which is adjacent to an industrial area, necessary. Ms. Jeremiah said she will find out if it is absolutely necessary. Mr McCain said he does not care for the architectural wall and industnal screening in the service area of the building, and he thinks landscaping would be sufficient as opposed to building a 10-foot wall. Ms. Jeremiah said Staff would prefer that loading take place from the parking lot and be separated from the sidewalk by a curb to prevent large vehicles from using it. Mr. McCain asked who is responsible for sidewalk maintenance. Ms. Jeremiah said at this time it is open. Mr. Meyer said City ordinance generally requires property owners to maintain their sidewalks, however, certain streets are designated by the City Council as city sidewalks that the City will maintain. It was moved by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer, to adopt Resolution No. 02-073 approving the preliminary Plat of Wolfe Lake Professional Center,and Resolution No. 02-074 approving preliminary Planned Unit Development under Section 36-367 of the St Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to Zoning, subject to conditions included in the resolutions. Councilmember Sanger inquired about post office service disruption and increased traffic. Mr. McCain said there will not be an interruption in post office service, and there will be a decrease in traffic because the only mail that will be delivered on this site is mail for PO boxes only An unidentified speaker requested Conditions 2(d) and 2(f) be deleted from the resolution. Councilmember Nelson said he will not amend the motion, Staff and the developer can work on those items and they can be addressed at the final plat and final PUD discussion. The motion passed 7-0 Council Meeting Minutes -7- 7e. Request of Bruce Dachis for a zoning ordinance text amendment regarding pool houses in the R-1 single-family district. Case No. 02-24-ZA Ms. Jeremiah presented information regarding pool houses in the R-1 single-family distract. Applicant Bruce Dachis was present to answer questions. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Latz, to approve First Reading of the zoning ordinance text amendment and set Second Reading for August 5, 2002. The motion passed 7-0. 7f. Second Reading of zoning ordinance text amendments regarding detached garages and other accessory structures/uses. Case No. 02-24-ZA It was moved by Councilmember Brimeyer, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to defer this item to a Study Session to a date uncertain. The motion passed 7-0. 8. Boards and Commissions--None 9. Communications--None 10. Adjournment Mayor Jacobs adjourned the meeting at 10.25 p.m. • 5y Clerk yor