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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/10/25 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session f[CITY T. LOUISOF OFFICIAL MINUTES PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION October 25, 2004 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers present were John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Police Chief(Mr Luse), Fire Chief(Mr. Stemmer), Police Captain (Mr. DiLorenzo), Director of Community Development (Mr Locke), Planning and Zoning Supervisor(Ms. McGonigal),Economic Development Coordinator(Mr Hunt), Assistant Zoning Administrator(Mr. Momson), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert). 1. PSAP Consolidation Update Chief Luse updated the Council on the recent changes to the consolidation plan He stated that the City of Richfield no longer wishes to participate in the consolidation The City of Golden Valley is committed to the consolidation while the City of Brooklyn Center is undecided. Chief Luse presented the proposal and the operating cost split for St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, and Brooklyn Center. He stated that Hennepin County has imposed a fast approaching deadline of November 30`h Councilmember Sanger inquired about the cost split and how it will change over time Chief Luse stated that there would be short term benefits if dispatch is located in Brooklyn Center However, there is a long term benefit of adding more cities to the consolidation Councilmember Sanger questioned if the cost will be adjusted yearly Mr. Harmening replied that it will depend on the number of calls for service and how much is charged for fees. Councilmember Santa inquired about St. Louis Park's "culture of service" and how the cities will work together. Chief Luse stated that it is a cause for concern and it will be discussed as they move forward. Councilmember Santa made it clear that she did not want to dilute the level of service that is currently given. Mr. Harmening said that staff can work toward an end result of good quality service Council directed the City Manager to continue talking to the City of Brooklyn Center. Mr Harmening asked if they should continue talking with Hennepin County. Mayor Jacobs stated his concerns about diminished service. Councilmember Velick inquired if there was anything new in the County's proposal and Chief Luse replied that there was not. Councilmember Finkelstein was concerned that growth will result in moving dispatch to different locations. Councilmember Basill wants to see the dispatch center located in St Louis Park. Councilmember Santa emphasized that the level of service is more important than the location of the dispatch center Mr Harmemng clarified that the Hennepin County proposal is not an option, they will continue talks with Brooklyn Center and Golden Valley, and it will be a challenge to keep the dispatch center in St. Louis Park. Study Session Minutes -2- October 25, 2004 2. Hannon Lake Single Family Homes Preliminary & Final Plat Mr Momson explained the location of the single family homes and the neighborhood concerns Council questioned grading, erosion, and tree preservation. Mr. Momson replied that a conservation easement is included in the proposal. He stated that the developer has also asked if townhouses would be acceptable. Staff felt such a development would be too dense and would require too much grading. Councilmember Velick inquired about water run off. Mr. Momson replied that the developer would be charged with doing a water run off study. Councilmember Omodt stated that Council wants more "move up" housing. He opposes the development for several reasons such as water quality and significant technical challenges of the site. He would like to see three homes back on the market and sold for fix ups. Councilmember Sanger asked if the developer has the legal right to do subdivision as proposed. Ms. McGonigal replied that it was. Councilmember Velick stated that the City has more control over PUD and townhome developments The developer owns the property and can legally develop the property She would like to see conservations continued and sewer upgrades addressed. Mr. Momson stated that the developer still needs to submit a grading plan for staff review. Council discussed the pros and cons of townhomes versus single family homes. The majonty of Councilmembers were in favor of a single family home development. Mayor Jacobs felt they would be better off if some kind of redevelopment occurred on this site and that it would be preferable to the existing situation. Mr. Momson reported that the application should be complete soon and staff will bring the proposal back to Council. 3. STEP's Request to Temporarily Lease the former Soomekh Building 5925 Highway 7 Mr Hunt outlined the proposed terms for a temporary lease between STEP and the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority He asked if the Council was in support of such a lease. Councilmember Santa stated that she was in support of it and would like to be more involved in the permanent relocation of STEP Councilmember Sanger felt the temporary lease was a good idea but she had concerns about safety such as traffic and congestion. She also felt the liability insurance needs to be increased Councilmember Omodt expressed his concerns about setting precedence in allowing non-profits free rent. He recalled that at the time the property was purchased, staff had indicated there would be revenue for the city from the rental fee should a tenant move into the property Mayor Jacobs stated that he had the same concerns but felt it was okay on a temporary basis • Study Session Minutes -3- October 25, 2004 Mr Hunt indicated that the building was not being leased out by the city to any other party as construction adjacent to the site is imminent. Mr. Hunt stated that the other building (Emergency Food Network) that STEP is looking at should be done by December of 2005. Councilmember Finkelstein asked what would happen if STEP is unable to move. After discussion council agreed about the importance of managing expectations and ensuring STEP's understanding that the lease was only temporary and would remain temporary regardless of STEP's situation at the end of the term. Councilmember Basill felt there were several things to consider when drafting the lease agreement. Some considerations could be renewal of lease with higher rent, terms for extension, and how expectations are managed. He stated if we are not willing to continue the lease at the same cost, he would be fine with extension at the same cost. Mr. Harmening stated they could include a provision that would allow the city to collect market rate rent should the agreement be renewed. Council was open to this idea. 4. Golden Auto/National Lead Site Jeff Golden was present at the meeting Paul Hyde, Real Estate Recycling, was also present The developer gave an overview of the plans and distributed a handout on the environmental problems at the site Councilmember Sanger inquired whether the plans account for future railroad improvements. She is in support of environmental clean up. Mr. Harmening clarified easement areas in the development proposal. Councilmember Sanger asked how truck traffic will affect Highway 7 & Louisiana Ave Mr Harmening replied that traffic studies are already being done. Mr. Harmening asked if Council would like to move forward with the rezoning of the site and the Council directed staff to do so 5. Communications 3b. Study Session Minutes of October 25, 2004 Councilmember Basill indicated on page three, in the third paragraph, ", if we are not willing to continue the lease at the same cost. He would be fine with extension at the same cost " should be inserted at the end after, " ..are managed". Mr. Harmening stated that staff has received several phone calls regarding the proposed single family rental licensing 6. Adjournment— The meeting was adjourned at 9.14 p.m. City Clerk M yor