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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002/05/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session OF ifiy,T.I CTY LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES RK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION May 13, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Bnmeyer, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick; and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Meyer), Director of Community Development (Mr. Harmening), Planning and Zoning Supervisor(Ms. Jeremiah), Planning Coordinator (Ms. Erickson), Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), City Engineer(Ms. Hagen), Civic Television Coordinator(Mr. Dunlap), Community Television Coordinator(Mr. McHugh), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert). 1. Telecommunications Commission Annual Report for 2001 and Work Plan for 2002 Rick Dworsky, Dale Hartman, and Ken Huiras from the Telecommunications Advisory Commission were present at the meeting and were introduced to the Council. St. Louis Park resident, Brian Johnson, addressed the Council with a complaint about Time Warner Cable. Mr. Meyer suggested that the commission review performance issues for the next franchise renewal. Mr. Dunlap stated that there were several specifics the commission would like to discuss such as the legislation proposed by Senator Steve Kelley. He also stated that the commission is recommending approval of the grants to the School District. Mr. Dunlap reported that City Attorney. Joel Jamnick, has been working with the commission on franchise agreement issues and that Council will receive more information as they move forward Mr. Huiras, Telecommunications Advisory Commission Chair, stated that complaints have decreased and the digital cable service is stabilizing. Mayor Jacobs inquired about youth members on the commission. Councilmember Nelson wanted to know frequently Council meetings are aired on cable television. Mr Dunlap replied that they are splitting the air time between the Council , Planning Commission, and School Board. Councilmember Nelson stated that he was supportive of other programming, but did not want other programming to pre-empt council meetings, which many people at home watch regularly. 2. Highway 100 Reconstruction Update Terry Johnson, Tom O'Keefe, and Wayne Norns from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDot) were present at the meeting. They presented a large drawing of the preliminary design layout for Council review. Councilmember Sanger inquired how many of the houses neighboring the highway would be removed. A representative from MnDot replied that the exact number is not known yet but could possibly be up to twenty-two homes. Study Session Minutes -2- May 13, 2002 Mr. Rardin stated that the public meeting for the residents along Highway 100 was held and reported that the owners were aware of the project. He added that the greatest fear among those present was that some homes would be left and will be too close to the highway. Council questioned the representatives from MnDot about the specifics of the plan and details such as bridges, signals, exits, etc. 3. South Excelsior Boulevard Study Stephen Wensman of Ingraham and Associates was present at the meeting. Mr Wensman shared concepts of what could be developed on the site and reported his preliminary findings. He stated that the study showed three limiting factors to potential development on the south side of Excelsior Blvd. which are lot depth and size, parking requirements, and uses allowed in the C-1 zoning district. The largest factor is the limitations in parking. Council was to asked to discuss and advise on private development requests, multi-family residential development, and if the Mmnekanda Vista neighborhood should be re-engaged. Staff gave some examples of concerns expressed by current commercial property owners regarding zoning limitations for development. Councilmember Sanger thought town homes would be appropriate for the site. Ms. Jeremiah stated that staff would look at rezoning options. Councilmember Nelson did not agree that town homes would be an appropriate use and stated that it is his belief that the current businesses could be rehabilitated as needed and the are could continue to be viable, as it already is. He added that he believes the C-1 zoning is the correct zoning for the site. Councilmember Bnmeyer agreed with Councilmember Nelson. Council decided to leave the site at its current zoning and would like staff to communicate with the neighborhood. 4. Texa-Tonka Study Ms. Erickson reported that they held a neighborhood meeting on February 21, 2002 to discuss with the affected neighborhood the possibility of vacating a portion of Virginia Ave. She reported that the feedback from the twenty people was nearly split in half between those who are in favor and those who are not. Council discussed traffic concerns in the neighborhood and whether the intersection should be signaled. Councilmember Santa felt that that the street closing would be good for the neighborhood. Councilmember Bnmeyer felt that it would be good for the whole community, especially in the future. Council directed staff to continue working with the neighborhood and building owners and to move forward with the street closure. Mr. Harmening suggested holding a joint neighborhood and Council meeting some time later in the summer on a Monday evening. Study Session Minutes -3- May 13, 2002 5. Skate Park Councilmember Nelson questioned whether it is appropnate for the city to provide a service such as this that is already available in the pnvate sector in several places in surrounding communities. Councilmember Sanger felt that there was not enough data on which to discuss the issue. Ms. Walsh stated that the intent of the discussion was to determine whether council wanted her to move forward to collect that data. If so, she would begin a study process so that council could make a more informed decision. Mayor Jacobs expressed his enthusiasm about the possibility of a skate park. Councilmember Bnmeyer felt that a full service youth facility with a skate park component would be a better idea than a stand-alone skate park Councilmember Santa thought that equal consideration be given to the needs of the female youth population. Councilmember Nelson suggested that staff and council consider the trends in youth activities and felt that a market study was important pnor to investing public dollars. 6. City Promotion Councilmember Bnmeyer wanted feedback on whether or not any of the other Councilmembers would be interested in a promotion of the City by a professional firm. He believes the cities need to do a better job at promoting themselves. Several Councilmembers were concerned about a glitzy publication could make the public suspicious Councilmember Sanger suggested that the current communication practices be reviewed and then determine if there are problems 7. Communications Councilmember Nelson inquired about the organization development program Mr. Meyer replied that it has been very successful. Councilmember Sanger would like to look at options for city phosphorous ordinances based on recently passed state legislature. There was consensus for Staff to do so 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. . /. or- Ci Ci Clerk Mayor ,