HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/12/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF
ST. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES
PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
December 13, 2004
The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m.
Councilmembers present: John Basill, Phillip Finkelstein, Sue Santa, Susan Sanger, Sally Velick,
and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), Fire Chief(Mr. Stemmer), Planning and Zoning
Supervisor (Ms McMonigal), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr Hunt); Community
Development Director(Mr Locke); Inspections Director(Mr Hoffman); Public Works Director
(Mr Rardin), Tech and Support Services Director (Mr Pires); City Engineer(Ms Hagen), and
City Clerk (Ms Reichert)
1. Meeting with Legislators
Steve Kelley (Senate District 44), Ron Latz (House District 44b), and Steve Simon (House
District 44a) were present to discuss the upcoming 2005 legislative session and issues of interest
to the City of St. Louis Park
Senator Kelley stated that he believed the state budget deficit will overshadow all other concerns
at the legislature and that working relationships were also of concern. Representative Latz stated
that many bills had been passed during the last legislative session which were of routine nature,
and he hoped social issues would not be the center of attention this year. He also talked about
committee structure which would be markedly different this year.
Representative Simon indicated that he was looking forward to working with the City when his
term begins.
Mr. Harmening indicated that some of the items listed in the report were bonding requests that
would not be considered by the legislature until the 2006 session. Senator Kelly appreciated the
advance notice so that work could begin on the issues
2. Availability of Properties at Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue
Mr Hunt introduced the issue stating that the Dworsky family, who currently own the property,
were no longer interested in developing the property and had indicated that they would be
willing to sell the property to the city Staff asked if council was interested in exploring the
feasibility of the purchase by asking that a limited appraisal and purchase agreement for the
subject properties be performed. Mr Hunt believed that the land was a good value in that the
seller is willing and the city would have control over the property to ensure that the land needed
for the future development of the intersection would be available
Councilmember Sanger asked if the value of the property would be determined based on the
current land value or the future land value She was concerned that allowing the appraisal to be
done now would raise expectations that the city was indeed going to purchase the property.
Mayor Jacobs believed it was wise to buy the property now, determine land needs for the
intersection and sell the remaining parcels back to a private developer at a later date.
Councilmember Velick stated that she understood the importance of the city controlling the
property at the time intersection and roadway improvements were to be done. Getting an
appraisal done now was a logical step
Study Session Minutes -2- December 13, 2004
Councilmember Basill asked what we would be doing with the property if we purchased it. Mr.
Hunt responded that the some of the businesses operating on the property would continue to
lease the space and that some of the structure would be removed to facilitate construction of the
frontage road. As we get nearer to the development of the separated grade crossing at that
intersection, and are sure of what land is needed for the project, portions could be sold back to
the private market.
Mr Locke was concerned that if the city did not purchase the land at this time, the Dworsky
family would sell to another private party. Because the city will need to acquire at least a portion
of the property for future roadway improvements he felt it would be more prudent to act now
rather than deal with another private party in the future.
Mayor Jacobs recalled the Hutchinson Spur Acquisition and did not want a repeat of that
scenario. He felt there was a clear public purpose in this acquisition and felt that buying now
would be much more economical.
Councilmember Basill said the neighborhood may be concerned that the city is purchasing land
in the Elmwood area when they were told the city did not intend to purchase land He wanted it
to be very clear that if the city were to purchase the property it would be to facilitate roadway
improvements and to sell what is left for development that would occur according to our high
standards. He believed the neighborhood would be supportive if the process was handled right
Mr. Harmening thought expectations of the neighborhood and the seller could be managed by
staff during the process. He also suggested that the appraisal include figures on what acquisition
of the roadway only would be.
3. I-394 Overlay District Development Update and Analysis
Staff and Mane Cote of SRF Consulting Group met with council to discuss results of the
Development Update and Analysis prepared by SRF on behalf of the cities of St. Louis Park and
Golden Valley.
Ms. Cote answered questions from the council regarding results of the study and council also
discussed proposed development plans in the area.
Councilmember Sanger asked if the Joint Powers Committee Task Force would be reconvening
anytime soon. Mr. Harmening responded that the committee had not been called together for
some time but may be called together to consider the newest development plans.
4. Quentin Ave/Cedar Lake Road Area Traffic Study
SRF had also done a study of traffic flow on the east side of Highway 100 where numerous
resident complaints had been heard As a result of the study and of discussion by the council,
signage and striping as described in scenario B of the accompanying report will be installed as
soon as feasible Additional short term improvements will be included in the 2005 CIP.
The meeting was adjourned at 10.30 p.m
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