HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/03/01 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular CITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES
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ST. LOUIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
PARK March 1, 2004
1. Call to Order
Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7.30 p.m Boy Scout Troop 161 led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Councilmembers present. Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, John Basill, Susan Sanger, and Mayor
Jeff Jacobs
Councilmembers absent: Sue Santa and Sally Velick
Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), City Engineer(Ms. Hagen), Planning Coordinator
(Ms Enckson), City Attorney(Mr. Scott), Police Chief(Mr. Luse), Human Resources Director
(Ms. Gohman), Fire Chief(Mr. Stemmer), Finance Director(Ms. McGann), and Recording
Secretary(Ms.Stroth).
2. Presentations—None
3. Approval of Minutes
3a. City Council Minutes of February 17, 2004
The minutes were accepted as presented
3b. Study Session Minutes of February 17, 2004
The minutes were accepted as presented.
3c. Joint City Council/School Board Minutes of February 9, 2004
The minutes were accepted as presented
3d. Study Session Minutes of December 8, 2003
From Councilmember Omodt Page 2, Item 2, delete 5th paragraph
The minutes were approved as corrected
4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar
NOTE The Consent Calendar lists 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 appropriate section of the
regular agenda for discussion
4a Accept a portion of the Excelsior and Grand Phase One Public Improvements
4b Authorize execution of Encroachment Agreement with Oak Hill 3501, LLC,
3501 Louisiana Avenue
Council Meeting Minutes -2- March 1, 2004
4c Approve Resolution No. 04-029 authorizing Renewal of Gambling Premises
Permit for St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters Association operating at Bunny's Bar
and Grill, 5916 Excelsior Blvd
4d Adopt Resolution No. 04-030 to approve St. Louis Park Lions Club's application
for the placement of 14 temporary signs in the public nght-of-way.
4e Approve a 6 month extension of Shelard Homes (Lurie Apartments) Conditional
Use Permit until September 3, 2004.
4f Adopt Resolution No. 04-031 requesting reimbursement for Capital Improvement
Projects from the anticipated 2006 General Obligation Bond issue
4g Designate Topnotch Treecare Service, Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder and
authorize execution of a contract for the 2004 Boulevard Tree and Stump
Removal Program in an amount not to exceed $60,337.12
4h Designate Emery's Tree Service, Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder, and
authonze execution of a contract for the 2004 private diseased tree removal
program in an amount not to exceed $155,400
4i Designate Rainbow Tree Care, Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder and to
authorize execution of a contract for the 2004 Arbotect 20-S Elm injection
program at a cost of$9.50 per diameter inch
4j Accept for filing Planning Commission Minutes of February 4, 2004
4k Accept for filing Planning Commission Study Session Minutes of February 4,
2004
41 Accept for filing Telecommunications Advisory Commission Minutes of
December 4, 2003
4m Accept for filing Human Rights Commission Minutes of January 21, 2004
4n Accep't for filing Vendor Claims (Supplement)
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to
approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar.
The motion passed 5-0
5. Boards and Commissions—None
6. Public Hearings
6a. Public Hearing to Consider Allocation of 2004 Community Development
Block Grant(CDBG) Funds. Resolution No. 04-032
Housing Programs Coordinator, Kathy Larsen, reported on the proposed use of$240,000
of 2004 Urban Hennepin County CDBG Funds. Ms Larsen stated the proposed
allocations continue to meet the Council's focus approach of spending funds along with
the programs national objective to benefit low and moderate income persons. The 2004
CDBG proposed allocation of funding will be used for the following projects as well as
administrative costs:
Council Meeting Minutes -3- March 1, 2004
• Multifamily Rehab - Perspectives
• Single Family Emergency Repair Program
• Scattered Site Acquisition
• Public Service
■ Hamilton House Social Service Coordinator
o TRAILS —Family Self Sufficiency Program
• St. Louis Park Emergency Program - Site Acquisition
Ms. Larsen indicated $237,433 from the 2002 grant year funds will be reallocated to the
Wayside House Improvements, Single Family Rehabilitation deferred loans, social
service coordinator at Hamilton House, TRAILS self sufficiency Program, and Single
Family Emergency Repair Program.
Dave Noreen, Chair for St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) thanked the Council
and citizens for their continued support and consideration as a recipient for grant funding.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Basil!to adopt
Resolution No. 04-032 approving proposed use of$240,406 of the 2004 Urban Hennepin
County Community Development Block Grant funds, reallocation of 2002 funds, and
authorizing execution of Subrecipient Agreement with Hennepin County and any related
Third Party Agreements
The motion passed 5-0
7. Requests, Petitions, and Communication from the Public— None
8. Resolution, Ordinances, Motions
8a. Request of TOLD Development Company for a Major Amendment to the
Park Commons East Planned Unit Development to convert four two-story
units to eight one-story units thereby increasing the number of units for
Phase NE (Excelsior & Grand Phase II) from 120 to 124 at 3707 and 3709
Grand Way. Case Nos. 04-03-PUD Lot 1, Block 1, Park Commons East 2nd
Addition. Resolution No. 04-033
Planning & Zoning Supervisor, Janet Jeremiah, presented a bnef overview of the major
amendment to the Park Commons East PUD to convert four two-story units to eight one-
story units at 3707 and 3709 Grand Way. Ms. Jeremiah indicated Phase I is complete and
almost fully occupied. She stated Phase II construction of the condominium building is
on schedule and going well, but the four two-story condominiums are not selling. TOLD
Development is requesting an amendment to convert the four units to eight single-story
units for a total of 124 units Ms Jeremiah stated the request meets the conditions of
offering a housing variety and meets the life-cycle needs of the community. She
indicated the popular exterior entrances will be retained.
Ms. Jeremiah stated the total number of units will still be within the Environmental
Assessment Worksheet (EAW) parameters and result in less commercial space and less
traffic.
Bob Cunningham, TOLD Development, gave a virtual tour slide presentation.
Council Meeting Minutes -4- March 1, 2004
It was motioned by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Basill, to adopt
Resolution No. 04-033 approving the Major Amendment to the Park Commons East
PUD granting Final PUD approval for Phase NE(Excelsior & Grand Phase II) subject
to conditions included in the resolution and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
execute amendments to the Planning Contract.
The motion passed 5-0
8b. Confirmation of Appointment of Nancy Gohman as Deputy City Manager
City Manager Tom Harmening gave an overview of the need for a Deputy City Manager
and his recommendation of Human Resources Director Nancy Gohman.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to
approve Resolution No. 04-034 confirming the appointment of Nancy Gohman as Deputy
City Manager effective March 1, 2004
The motion passed 5-0.
8c. Resolution approving Local 49 Union Agreement for 1/1/2004 - 12/31/2005
Human Resources Director, Nancy Gohman, reported on the City and Union settlement
for the 2004 and 2005 Local 49 Union Agreement She indicated the previous contract
was for 3 years and expired December 31, 2003. Ms Gohman stated the agreement was
a great accomplishment by management and union. She commented that the City has a
great group of maintenance employees.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Finkelstein, to
adopt Resolution No. 04-035 approving a Labor Agreement between the City and
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local 49 AFL-CIO, establishing
terms and conditions of employment for two years 1/1/04— 12/31/05.
The motion passed 5-0
8d. Phase II Dispatch Consolidation Study
Police Chief, John Luse, gave a general overview of the dispatch consolidation study of
the potential for shanng dispatch services with Richfield, Golden Valley and Brooklyn
Center. Mr. Luse stated the Phase II proposal with PSC Alliance is contingent upon
receiving written commitments from the other three partners. He indicated City Attorney
Tom Scott is working with Hennepin County regarding the legality of billing St Louis
Park for services citizens receive for free.
Mayor Jacobs stated concern if one of the cities decides to drops out.
Mr. Luse responded that a positive letter was received from Golden Valley and a phone
response from Richfield and expect the same from Brooklyn Center
Councilmember Sanger commented going forward with the study will not only provide
greater efficicency, but also that high quality service will still be available for all four
communities.
Council Meeting Minutes -5- March 1, 2004
Mayor Jacobs commended staff on their great work with the dispatch consolidation
project
Councilmember Basill stated he is looking forward to seeing the additional statistics and
results from this study.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to
approve entering into a contract for professional services with PSC Alliance for the
Phase II Dispatch Consolidation Study contingent upon receipt of written commitments
from the three other participating communities
The motion passed 5-0
8e. Refunding of 1996 General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds
Finance Director, Jean McGann, reported on the result of the bond sale. She indicated
there were 9 bids with Piper Jaffray winning and an average yield of 3.26 % resulted in a
savings of approximately$750,000. She stated the Bond was rated Aal by Moody's
Investment Services.
This action will award the sale of$7,530,000 General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds
The proceeds of the bond sale will be placed in escrow until February 1, 2005. At that
time they will be used to payoff the 1996 General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds.
Councilmember Omodt asked by saving this money on an annual basis if the budget will
need to be adjusted as we go forward
Ms McGann stated the 1996 bond was payed for through tax increment revenue, the
permanent improving revolving fund, and the recreation fund. She stated an analysis will
be made from the original document which will indicate if it states a specific dollar
amount or based on a percentage allocation of pnncipal and interest payments. We
required to pay at least 20% of the debt with tax increment revenue.
Discussion took place regarding the use of funds and the bond term.
It was moved by Councilmember Omodt, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to
approve Resolution No 04-036 awarding the sale of General Obligation Tax Increment
Refunding Bonds, Series 2004A and approval of the refunding escrow agreement.
The motion passed 5-0.
8f. City Engineer's Report: 2004 Sidewalk Improvement Project, City Project
No. 04-02
City Engineer, Maria Hagen reported on the sidewalk construction project of various
sections of new sidewalk in accordance with the city's sidewalk, trails, and bikeway plan.
All of the segments were scheduled to be constructed in 2003 but due to budget concerns,
only State-Aid eligible segments were constructed except for Brookside Avenue.
Council Meeting Minutes -6- March 1, 2004
Ms. Hagen stated neighborhood meetings with affected property owners will be held in
mid-March before final plans are approved. Estimated construction She indicated the
estimated total cost of the project is $294,000 and is anticipated to be funded using
General Obligation bond funds. The segments for consideration are as follows.
• Aquila Avenue (33rd Street to 34th Street)
• W. 41St Street (34th Street to 36th Street)
• Morningside Avenue (Wooddale Avenue to Browndale Avenue)
• Wooddale Avenue (Highway 100 ramp to Webster Avenue)
• Brookside Avenue (W. 42nd Street to Jackley Park)
Councilmember Basill asked if the four parking stalls at Jackley Park were parallel to the
street.
Ms. Hagen responded they were parallel and that they were a cut in.
Councilmember Basill stated this is what the neighbors requested and was pleased with
the sidewalk connection to the trail around Jorvig Park.
Ms. Hagen indicated that the trail projects are separate projects from sidewalk projects.
It was moved by Councilmember Basill, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve
Resolution No. 04-037 establishing the improvement project, and directing staff to
sponsor informational meetings with affected property owners for construction of various
sections of concrete sidewalk.
The motion passed 5-0
9. Communications
Mayor Jacobs reminded the public of the upcoming Precinct Caucuses to be held Tuesday,
March 2nd at 7:00 p.m. by the four major political parties at various locations
10. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15p.m. /
City Clerk Mayon,/