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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/07/14 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session j_ rfiCITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES r ST. LOUIS CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION PARK ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA July 14, 2003 The meeting convened at 7:03 p.m. Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Brimeyer, Paul Omodt, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Councilmember John Basill was absent. Staff present: Public Works Director(Mr. Rardin); City Engineer(Ms. Hagen); Public Works Coordinator(Mr. Merkley); Public Works Administrative Specialist (Ms. Helleckson); and Recording Secretary(Ms. Samson). Others present: P. J. Andersen City Manager Charlie Meyer arrived at 7:20 p.m. 1. Bassett Creek Water Management Organization Joint Powers Agreement and Budget Mr. Rardin spoke about the Bassett Creek Water Management Organization. Mr. Rardin listed two concerns. The development of the CIP and how to finance it, and the potential for dissatisfaction among member cities. Mr. Andersen provided background information on funding and finance; he stated an assessment was made against each city. Mayor Jacobs said he spoke to Linda Loomis, Mayor of Golden Valley. Councilmember Brimeyer asked how are votes determined? Is it based on amount of water in a city? Councilmember Sanger said she spoke to John O'Toole, BCWMC Chairman, regarding financing and assessment. Mayor Jacobs would like to send Mr. Andersen back with an ad valorem. Councilmember Bnmeyer stated that every city should get a vote, and Council agreed. 2. Discussion of Flood Improvement Project: Lamplighter Pond,Area #4 Mr. Meyer arrived at 7:20 p.m. Ms. Hagen discuss the Lamplighter Pond Flood Improvement Project. Ms. Hagen said protection is inadequate. Ms. Hagen reported that Staff is recommending the Figure 2 project and, still, protection coverage would be imprecise. Staff recommends increasing the area to the north of the existing ponds, engage an enlarged pump with lowered water, and then construct a swale. She said over-excavation would be required in order to reduce the water level by three to four feet. Ms. Hagen said either recommended project, Figure 1 or Figure 2, would require the flood proofing of some homes. Study Session Minutes -2- July 14, 2003 Councilmember Sanger asked if the homes can be purchased by the City. Ms. Hagen responded that is an option. Councilmember Sanger is concerned about the resale of these homes. It was noted that flood proofing would not be for groundwater flooding, it would only be for surface water flooding. Council agreed they must take care of surface water flooding for the residents. Mr. Merkley said the City can try for better drainage but that will not totally eliminate the problem. Mr. Merkley said the pond must be dug deeper. Councilmember Velick requested Staff meet with the residents (seven of whom were at tonight's meeting). Mr. Meyer said the City has the funds available and a plan; the surface water will be moved quicker than it is now. It was stated that the City has a 1.2 million dollar match from the State at this time. We move forward on the 1.2 million dollar project. Mayor Jacobs advised that the project get started as soon as possible. Council would like to meet with the City Attorney regarding the City's obligation to residents(e.g., restitution). Residents cited their concerns regarding the City's obligation to them and possible restitution. Ms. Hagen said an EAW must be completed, and the project could start as soon as this winter. Mr. Meyer stated a meeting with residents will be held soon. 3. Proposed Changes to Solid Waste Rates, Program and Ordinance and Cart Purchase To begin this discussion, it was noted that the 30-gallon carts have a narrow base and easily tip. Mr. Merkley discussed proposed changes, and the 18 ordinance changes listed in the Staff report for tonight's meeting. Councilmember Sanger suggested publicizing the fact that people can have more than one recycling bin. Mayor Jacobs would like the City to take a soft and friendly approach to recycling as opposed to mandatory recycling. Mr. Merkley discussed rates, and proposed rates will not reflect sales tax. Mr. Merkley also discussed carts. Councilmember Brimeyer inquired about carts with schemes, designs, and colors in line with public art. Mr. Merkley said there are plenty of colors from which to choose. Perhaps, Councilmember Brimeyer added, we could use stickers or stencils on carts. Council requested Staff to explore art options for carts. Council requested just a report of art options at a Study Session prior to first reading. Study Session Minutes -3- July 14, 2003 4. Recreational Fires Councilmember Sanger requested recreational fires be discussed by the Council. She invited Dawn Gillette, a St. Louis Park resident, to join the discussion. Councilmember Sanger asked: Why are recreational fires, such as bonfires and campfires, allowed in St. Louis Park? Councilmember Sanger said it is a health issue and a public health issue. Mr. Meyer said fires in containers, such as in a Weber, are allowed, however, if campfires are a nuisance, they can be squashed. Councilmember Brimeyer said the City is hard pressed to eliminate recreational fires. Ms. Gillette asked why such fires are allowed? Ms. Gillette said she and her children have been "smoked out"of their home due to such fires. Mayor Jacobs said don't change the recreational fire policy but do a better job of enforcement. Mr. Meyer commented that it is a quality of life issue. Councilmember Omodt reinforced what Ms. Gillette had been told to do, and that is to call 911; Council agreed. Council recognized the need to educate residents about recreational fires. 5. Rank Ballot Cumulative Voting Councilmember Brimeyer raised this topic, and he asked about the voting mechanisms of rank ballot cumulative. He inquired of Council what to do. He said the Secretary of State is resisting rank ballot cumulative voting. Councilmember Omodt said he is not interested in rank ballot cumulative voting. Councilmember Santa wants all available information on it before doing anything. 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m. , / Cit Clerk1 a yet