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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/01/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session OFFICIAL MINUTES iiiSAOU°/FSARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION January 26, 2004 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. Present at the meeting were Councilmembers John Basill, Philip Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), Director of Finance (Ms. McGann), Accountant (Ms. Rinta), Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), City Engineer(Ms. Hagen), Engineenng Project Manager(Mr. Olson), Engineering Program Coordinator(Ms. Adler), Planning and Zoning Supervisor(Ms. Jeremiah), Community Outreach Coordinator(Ms. McDonell), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert). 1. Legislative Update Senator Steve Kelley and Representative Ron Latz were present at the meeting. Council and staff discussed bonding issues. Senator Kelley stated that if the issue was not already addressed in the current bills, it was questionable whether it would pass this year. He reported that the budget situation overshadowed all proposed legislation. He believed Governor Pawlenty would not support local projects. When asked about telecommunications issues, Senator Kelley outlined his position, which he stated had not changed. He believed that our state laws regarding telecommunications and new communications technologies were outdated and he would continue to push for changes in legislation. 2. Volunteer Recognition for Boards and Commissions Sarah Krezowiak, Volunteer Coordinator, was present at the meeting. Ms Krezowiak distnbuted an annual report on the volunteer programs as well as handouts on recognizing volunteers. Ms. McDonell suggested the council sponsor a"meet and greet"reception prior to a study session and provide an opportunity for the chairs of each commission to provide some comments about their commission, projects underway, and future plans. Council agreed that the reception was a good idea and set a date of March 22-for the event.. 3. Traffic Signal Improvements at Louisiana and Hwy. 7 Mr. Olson gave a presentation on the findings of the study conducted by WSB and Associates. The report recommended the installations of traffic signals at both Walker and Lake Streets with Louisiana Ave S. as well as dual left turn lanes at Highway 7 and Louisiana He reported that staff had met with Mn/DOT and discussed the plan. He stated that staff realizes this is a short- term solution and has asked SRF Consulting Group to develop long-term concept plans. Councilmember Finkelstein inquired about the impacts of Methodist Hospital reconstruction and if a traffic signal would be needed at Louisiana Ave S and the hospital entrance. Ms. Hagen replied that the traffic study did not indicate that one was needed. Councilmember Santa asked about the quality of the soil where the road will be widened. Mr. Olson replied that it is satisfactory and the permit from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has already been approved. Study Session Minutes -2- January 26, 2004 Councilmember Finkelstein asked about funding for the project and Mr. Harmening responded that $O_P. funds would be used. He reported that Louisiana Oaks has asked that staff assess the period of time the project would take. Councilmember Santa inquired about the Holiday Station entrance. Mr. Harmening stated that staff is continuing to move forward and is working hard with Mn/DOT. Ms. Hagen reported that the long term proposal would be implemented around 2015. Mr. Harmening added that the current intersection will break down between 2013 and 2020. Ms Hagen stated that staff is working with Mn/DOT to find funding options. 4. Refunding of 1996 GO Tax Increment Bonds Ms. McGann explained how the bonds sale could save between $40,000-50,000 per year. Council asked staff to move forward with the sale. Mr. Harmemng stated that Council will need to set a sale date at the next regular meeting. 5. Stormwater Ordinance to Meet Federal Requirements Mr. Anderson explained the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The NPDES requires the MN Pollution Control Agency to enforce federal regulations on municipal stormwater systems. Staff felt the best way to address this issue is to consolidate all existing ordinances and the new requirements into one ordinance. Councilmember Basill asked if the Quadion site would be impacted by this ordinance. Ms. Jeremiah stated that she would look into the CUP requirements. 6. Communications Staff informed council that they were considenng the viability of purchasing property near Highway 7 and Wooddale. Council will be kept informed Staff reminded Council that there will be a study session following the next regular meeting and there is also the Wayside House tour. Staff would like to plan an organizational development session to plan a Council retreat. Council asked for an update on who was interviewed for boards and commissions and was not appointed. Staff informed Council that former mayor Len Thiel has passed away. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. _ 9- C ty Clerk Ma s r •