Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/04/12 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular CITY OF T. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING PARK ST LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA April 12, 2004 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jacobs. Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), City Attorney(Mr. Scott); Public Works Director (Mr. Rardin); City Engineer(Ms. Hagen); Engineering Project Manager(Mr. Olson); City Planner(Ms. Enckson); City Clerk (Ms. Reichert); and Recording Secretary(Ms. Teagarden) 2. Presentations 2a. Caring Youth Award Mayor Jacobs announced that the Caring Youth Awards dinner was to be held at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel on April 15th. These awards are given to young people in our community who go above and beyond all expectations. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Minutes of March 15, 2004 From Councilmember Sanger: Page 5, 2nd Paragraph under item 8d add additional sentence, we agreed that this would be clarified by second reading. From Councilmember Velick: Page 6, 1st Sentence change,Ms. Morrison to Mr. Morrison. The minutes were approved as corrected. 3b. City Council Study Session Minutes of March 15, 2004 From Councilmember Omodt: Page 3, 5th Paragraph about the Parktacular Celebration -change, no religious-preference given-by-the-city:-From Councilinember Sanger: or religious purposes used at City facilities. From Councilmember Santa: Page 5, First Paragraph under communications, 314 Line, change to she did not oppose, not appose. Councilmember Basill: Page 3, 4th Paragraph, 3`d Line, change to signs posted near France Avenue for the rerouting of traffic. The minutes were approved as corrected. Council Meeting Minutes -2- April 12, 2004 3c. City Council Special Minutes of March 22, 2004 The minutes were approved as submitted. 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 maybe moved to an appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion 4a Motion to adopt Resolution No. 04-049 authorizing Adoption of Hennepin County Hazard Mitigation Plan. 4b Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2267-04 Code amendments to various sections of Chapter 36 related to zoning to eliminate definition for "usable open space", add definitions for "open lot area" and "designed outdoor recreation area" and to standardize the application of these definitions including allowable reductions via the PUD process throughout the zoning districts; to approve summary publication and authorize its publication. 4c Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2268-04 amending St. Louis Park Ordinance Code (Zoning) relating to allow catenng as an accessory use to certain uses in the Office District; approve summary ordinance and authorize publication. Case Nos. 04-02-ZA. 4d Motion to adopt Resolution No. 04- 050 approving the Final 2004 Equipment Replacement List. 4e Motion to adopt Resolution No. 04-051 authorization to enter into a lease agreement between the City and VoiceStream Minneapolis, Inc. (VoiceStream) for space on the water tower at 2541 Nevada Avenue for communications antenna for an initial lease term of five (5) years with option for four(4) additional five(5) year renewal terms. 4f Motion to approve a contract with Barr Engineenng for Professional Engineering Services related to the 2004 Flood Improvement Projects 4g Motion to adopt Resolution No. 04-052 authorizing the City of St. Louis Park to execute an agreement with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District for the use of the Minnehaha Creek Management Model 4h Motion to accept for filing the Planning Commission Minutes of March 3, 2004 4i Motion to approve the First Amendment to the Planning Development Contract by and between the City of St. Louis Park and MSP SLP Apartments,, LLC dated. 4j Motion to Extend the Time Warner Cable Renewal Proceeding to November 1, 2004 4k Motion to Receive the Telecommunications Advisory Commission 2003 Annual Report for Filing. 41 Motion to accept vendor claims for filing. Motion by Councilmember Velick, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to approve the agenda and the items listed on the consent calendar. The motion passed 7-0. Council Meeting Minutes -3- April 12, 2004 5. Boards and Commissions Motion by Councilmember Finkelstein, seconded by Councilmember Omodt to appoint Steve Hallfin to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The motion passed 7-0 6. Public Hearings—None 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public—None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions 8a. Resolution confirming the appointment of Kevin Locke to the position of Director of Community Development. Resolution No. 04-045 City Manager Harmening announced the appointment of Kevin Locke to the position of the Director of Community Development. He has been the Director of Community Development for the City of New Brighton for 18 years, a city that shares many similarities with St. Louis Park. Motion by Council member Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Santa to adopt Resolution No 04-045 confirming the appointment of Kevin Locke to the position of Director of Community Development effective May 3, 2004. The motion passed 7-0 8b. City Engineer's Report: 2004 Sidewalk Improvement Project, City Project No. 04-02 and Traffic Study No. 588. Resolution No. 04-046 Ms. Hagen gave a brief overview of sidewalk project in southeastern portion of town. She produced a map with the five segments of sidewalk. Neighborhood meetings were attended by property owners Many 40 Street residents were opposed and concerned about the need for change and the loss of parking. If approved, the project is expected to be brought for award of contract at May 17, 2004 meeting Construction would occur from mid-June through August of this year Ron Berry, 4100 Salem Ave South, addressed the Council He spoke to the lack of need for project, observing fewer children and people using the footbridge currently. He noted there is no parking in front of his house due to fire hydrant, stop signs, and driveway/alleyway entrances. He has concerns about future plowing of sidewalks by City Gloria Hiner, 4050 Wooddale, noted no parking in front, side or back of house due to narrow driveway She discussed knowledge of opposition to this issue for years, including a petition signed by 130 residents two years ago. Having lived there since 1941, she recognized changes should have been 40 years ago. She requests not going forward Council Meeting Minutes -4- April 12, 2004 Steve Hallfin, 5250 West 41st St., discussed the use of 41st Street as a thoroughfare for cars moving from Wooddale to Utica. With no parking and no stop signs, the traffic and speed is a neighborhood issue The original plan for this street did not include a sidewalk, and retrofitting creates an inconvenience for parking and the neighborhood. He has concerns about the footbridge in disrepair, and future snow plowing by City. Councilmember Basill stated the area is more unique when seen in person than a map conveys. Councilmember Velick cited that sidewalks increased safety for children and asked if this is why sidewalks may be needed at this location. Ms. Hagen said the original proposal was to put sidewalks on both sides of the street, keep the street at its current width and keep on-street parking. Though there is adequate room for a sidewalk, the original proposal would have required removal of large trees which was identified at the beginning of the sidewalk and trail planning process to be a negative result. Councilmember Omodt discussed the need to investigate the foot traffic numbers, the bussing numbers, and the wisdom of putting in a sidewalk due to area's uniqueness. He suggested this part of the sidewalk plan be deferred. Mayor Jacobs suggested sending it back to the neighborhood association to have more public input. He and Councilmember Sanger concur with deferring the project. Councilmember Sanger wondered about the history and why it was initially proposed. Councilmember Santa remarked that this segment, which includes Aquila and several other options, were originally seen as reasonable due to the natural connection with other components of the trail system. The streets did not feel safe with all the cars, as well as several other streets in Ward 3. She supports the Aquila segment going through to Knollwood Mall. She also noted there was a lot of work done on sidewalks in the past, and that it would be good to revisit recommendations to continue making good decisions. Councilmember Basill suggested a motion to adopt the attached resolution with all of the segments included, but to defer the 41st Street Sidewalk to a later time as appropriate. He suggested a discussion in the neighborhood association, if warranted, and possible future meetings. It was motioned by Councilmember Basil, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to adopt Resolution No. 04-046 approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for construction of various sections of concrete sidewalk with the exception of the section on 41" Street. The motion passed 7-0. Council Meeting Minutes -5- April 12, 2004 8c. City Engineer's Report: Traffic Signal Improvements on Louisiana Ave at Highway 7—Project No. 0017 Mr. Olson spoke regarding the proposal to increase Louisiana St and Hwy 7 and to provide increased capacity at these intersections with dual left turn lanes. The signal at Walker Street would be permanent and the Lake Street signal temporary, due to planned reconfiguration in future. These signals will be interconnected with existing signals for better operations and coordination and areas will be restriped with pedestrian activated signals. There will be significant traffic impact during construction with delays and reduced lanes for approximately two months. Adjacent property owners have been notified, with comments from the developers of Louisiana Oaks Apartments and Anderson Builders. Councilmember Santa asked about emergency vehicle access to Methodist Hospital during the reconstruction. Mr. Olson stated that staff was in communication with the hospital and emergency vehicle access will be addressed. Discussion continued by Councilmember Basill on the crosswalk for pedestrians at Louisiana and Lake, and Councilmember Finkelstein wondered about pedestrian safety crossing the dual lanes of traffic on Louisiana. Ms Hagen said the state dictates timing sequence for signals. She will check to see that the timing is maximized as much as possible. Councilmember Sanger understood Methodist Hospital would be contributing to cost of the signal at Lake and Louisiana, as part of their new construction project. She asked if Methodist would also be required to contribute to the cost of the permanent signal when it was installed. The City Manager noted Methodist will not be expected to contribute to the permanent signal. A permanent signal is not required at this time, as it will be replaced in the future as a reconfiguration takes place in 2015. Ms. Hagen assured the council that the temporary signal will be fully functioning for many years,but will be placed on wood poles. It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Basill, to adopt Resolution No. 04-047 establishing and ordering Improvement Project No. 00-17, Traffic Signal Improvements on Louisiana Avenue at Highway 7, approving plans and specifications, and authorizing receipt of bids. The motion passed 7-0 8d. Application to consider request of Dworsky Family Trust, to change from Civic Mixed Use to Commercial Mixed-Use, Case No. 04-05-CP. Resolution No. 04-048 Ms. Erickson displayed a map of the property in question and stated that the owner is seeking to change designation from "civic mixed use"which was assigned in the comprehensive plan when it was considered the ideal location for a transit station. Council Meeting Minutes -6- April 12, 2004 Planning Commission and Staff recommend approving a comprehensive plan amendment to change the land use designation to Commercial-Mixed-Use, including a right of way for the new frontage road location. Staff also recommended changing designation of property located in the SW quadrant of 7 and Wooddale from civic-mixed-use to commercial mixed-use. All property owners involved are aware of the findings of the Elmwood Study. All current uses in property could continue until transit station is developed. Councilmember Sanger questioned the timing of reguiding the property on the SW corner and questioned why the zoning is not being changed now. Ms Erickson replied that there is a nine-month window during which zoning changes must be made after a comp plan amendment. She stated that most of the land in question is in the hands of either the city or the county and that uses will not be hampered even if a use would became nonconforming by a zoning amendment. Councilmember Sanger wondered if it were changed to commercial-mixed use, if there is awareness of traffic compared to current usage. Ms. Erickson replied that a traffic study had been done with preliminary figures, and the text amendment states uses can be limited to those that are low traffic generators. They are currently zoned MX. Any use on that property requires a PUD, and as part of a PUD uses can be limited to those in the comprehensive plan. Councilmember Basill noted the neighborhood meeting went well. Regarding the second motion to change parcel on NE corner of 36th and Wooddale to civic-mixed use, he asked if a change would be detrimental in future negotiations with Hennepin County regarding the transit station. Ms Erickson responded that the County and City have been working cooperatively on the proposed transit station and transit onented development. Hennepin County covered the cost of the Elmwood Study, and is working with us to put in place the pieces of infrastructure so that it works. She stated no negotiation leverage would be lost, as Hennepin County owns only part of the property, but the parking lot is owned by the City. They have asked if we were willing to sell property to them, and we haven't gone any further. Councilmember Basill suggested that there will be light rail parking there someday, but recognized the potential for a park and ride before light rail comes to that location. There are concerns in the Elmwood neighborhood that overflow parking would end up in residential areas. Ms Erickson said Hennepin County will be starting the next phase of -- --— the transit-study sometime later this summer,-looking at parking at-each-of their transit - stations. It was moved by Councilmember Basill, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to adopt Resolution No. 04-048 approving a comprehensive plan amendment changing land designation of the Dworsky site from Civic-Mixed-Use to Commercial-Mixed-Use. The motion passed 7-0. Council Meeting Minutes -7- April 12, 2004 Councilmember Finkelstein did not understand the need for a change in land use designation at this time and felt the Council may want to maintain control until there is an understanding of what the County will do. Ms Erickson stated the only property owned by County is Unpainted Place, and parking is in municipal parking lot already owned by City with an easement over part of lot. By designating this for civic-mixed-use, the property owners in area have notice of intention to bring a civic-mixed-use to this area. City Manager stated that staff doesn't feel any loss of control if the property is reguided to civic-mixed-use. He didn't feel it mandatory to make this guide plan change either. He remarked the Council did adopt into the comp plan the principals of the Elmwood Neighborhood Study, and that study does suggest the transit station on this location. He suggests the comp plan can still be used, and the study to illustrate to future parties that there is going to be a transit station there. Staff was using Dworsky application as a vehicle for making other changes in the area that made sense. Civic-mixed-use was the Dworsky property, due to plans to put transit station there, and staff suggested putting it where it was going to be in the future. City Manager said there was nothing compelling to make that change now. Motion by Councilmember Basil, seconded by Councilmember Omodt to adopt a Resolution approving Comprehensive Plan map amendment changing land use designation for property on the northeast quadrant of Wooddale Avenue and West 36`h Street from Commercial to Civic-Mixed-Use and text amendments to Chapter P and Chapter U of Comprehensive Plan 2000-2020 contingent upon Metropolitan Council Approval. Councilmember Sanger questioned the use of the municipal lot, and asked for clarification as to why the City is sponsoring and paying for land that is private benefit of a commercial use. She noted this might be a good opportunity to sell the land to a commercial property owner. She noted by retaining the current comp plan designation the land may be worth more and have a higher valuation. Mr. Harmening responded that the city built the parking lot many years earlier and has maintained by plowing and striping. The council will be considering several parking lots including this one in a future discussion. Councilmember Finkelstein suggested a taxing district for these businesses similar to Excelsior and Grand, so businesses benefiting from the lots could pay upkeep and maintenance of them. This would lessen the cost to the taxpayer. Councilmember Velick felt that having control of parking lots would be very helpful in Ward 4. City Manager suggested for the record that the City of St. Louis Park withdraw its piece of this guide plan change having to do with the reguiding of the transit station property in the future. The Dworsky piece will stay as it is,but the other pieces associated with the future transit station are withdrawn for now. Ms Erickson stated the City was also co applicant because the property next to the Dworskys is also part of the reguiding. She reiterated the text amendments should be adopted. Council Meeting Minutes -8- April 12, 2004 Councilmember Basill stated for the record that he wished to withdrew his motion to adopt a Resolution approving a Comprehensive Plan map amendment changing land use designation for property on the northeast quadrant of Wooddale Avenue and West 36th Street from Commercial to Civic-Mixed-Use and text amendments to Chapter P and Chapter Uof Comprehensive Plan 2000-2020 contingent upon Metropolitan Council Approval. Mayor noted it will be brought up again as needed. 8e. Request of Ulteig Engineers (Qwest Corporation)for an easement to locate telecommunication equipment cabinets on a portion of Bronx Park. Ms Erickson introduced a request from Qwest for a 4 ''A' x 10' easement in Bronx Park. Qwest had originally planned to place access box in the right of way,but instead opted not to damage a very large tree. Qwest has worked with the Parks Department and determined that an easement in this location would be least detrimental. Councilmember Sanger asked how large the structure would be. Ms Erickson responded that the utility box would hold telecommunications equipment and be less than 4' tall. Councilmember Omodt commented on holes being dug in his front yard by a survey crew without his permission, saying they worked for Qwest. He asked if this was a problem reported elsewhere in the city. Mr. Harmening offered to have staff look into the situation. Councilmember Finkelstein wondered about a height limitation. City Manager said there is a height limit in the easement document. Councilmember Santa asked if high voltage equipment would be in the utility box, concerned about security near a children's play area. Ms. Erickson stated the box would be locked, and concerns passed on. She also stated Qwest needs to comply with a screening requirement. City Manager mentioned that the public hearing would be held at second reading and answers to these types of questions could be provided to council at that time. Councilmember Sanger wanted to know benefits of giving Qwest the easement. She wondered if this installation furthers DSL service to parts of town not served, and if not, could a trade be a consideration. Mayor noted there were many questions needing answers by second reading. It was motioned by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Santa to approve 1"reading of an ordinance grating a utility easement within a portion of Bronx Park and set second reading and public hearing for May 3, 2004. The motion passed 7-0 9. Communications Mayor Jacobs invited everyone to the Caring Youth Proclamation Dinner. Council Meeting Minutes -9- April 12, 2004 Councilmember Velick reminded everyone of the spaghetti dinner Friday night. Councilmember Basill has heard from Unpainted Place, and wants to let everyone know they are not going anywhere, they are in business there. 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. 1?,t Ci Clerk ayor '