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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/03/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF T. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION March 15,2004 The meeting convened at 8:28 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), Director of Parks and Recreation(Ms. Walsh), Recreation Superintendent (Mr. Birno), Nature Center Manager(Mr. Oestreich), Economic Development Coordinator(Mr. Hunt), Planning Coordinator(Ms. Erickson), and Administration Secretary(Ms. Olson). 1. Short and Long Term Uses- City Owned Houses at Westwood Hills Nature Center Ms. Walsh stated that the two homes were acquired in the late 1970's. She stated that one of the houses is rented to the Westwood Hills Nature Center Manager. She reported that both homes were in need of repair. She added that Council would have to decide whether to sell the homes or make the repairs. There are some restrictions involved with the sale of the property and the City Attorney would need to review it. Councilmember Velick asked what the restrictions are. Ms. Walsh stated that the property was acquired with a grant that had restrictions dealing with keeping the property for a public use. Mr. Oestreich said the purpose of the grant was to preserve it for open space use. He believed if the property was sold the city would have to purchase adjacent land for park use and if there was no adjacent the city would be required to purchase land and restore it to a native state. Councilmember Sanger inquired how the rental house is used for a public purpose. Mr. Oestreich replied that it has a shared driveway with the brick house and provides parking as well. He added that he acts as an on site caretaker for the Westwood Nature Center. Councilmember Sanger inquired if the rental house has always been rented out to a city staff person. Ms. Walsh replied that it had always been rented out but she could not confirm that it was staff. Councilmember Sanger expressed her concerns about the low rental rate compared to market value. Ms. Walsh stated that assessing looked at the property and they do intend to determine what the cost should be. Mr. Harmening stated reasons to possibly sell the homes would be to allow present neighbors to add the land to their property or allow for further development. He felt that if Council would like staff to look into what their obligations are, from a legal standpoint, they could certainly do so. Councilmember Velick said if the property were to be sold, it would have to go for public use. Mr. Harmening replied that if Council considers disposal of the property, staff would have to research how onerous of a requirement that is. Councilmember Sanger would like to see some research done. Council agreed. Mayor Jacobs would like to know if money from the sale could be used to fund something in another park. Councilmember Velick felt the brick house has historical value and she would not want to see it sold. Study Session Minutes -2- March 15, 2004 Mr. Oestreich would like to see the brick house used for programming purposes. He added that by having the brick house, programs have not been interrupted by the remodeling of the Nature Center. Councilmember Sanger inquired about the cost to do the repairs. Ms. Walsh replied that it would be about $30,000 per house. Councilmember Finkelstein would like staff to research the market value of the property and if the property were sold,he only wanted single family homes. Councilmember Velick clarified that they were considering a portion of the property, not the two homes. Mr. Oestreich stated that in past years the property owner south of the brick house had wanted to subdivide his property and put single family homes on it. Ms. Walsh summanzed that Council wanted staff to research legal ramifications as well as the market value of the property. 2. Parktacular Mr. Birno distributed the new recreation program brochure as well as the layout for the Parktacular banner. He said they would like financial independence, clarification on insurance issues and condensing the length of the celebration. Ms. Walsh stated that they have been working closely with the Parktacular committee to get a focus and vision of the celebration. She stated that they are trying to have more events in a shorter amount of time. Councilmember Sanger inquired if they were a 501(C)3 organization. Ms. Walsh stated that staff is working with them to accomplish that. Ms. Walsh had spoken with the committee and informed them that they do not have the financial resources to fund them. She added that the city's auditors were concerned about the use of city funds. Councilmember Sanger would like to see a limit on the how the committee is supported and would like to see them as a separate entity. Councilmember Sanger was supportive of a liaison to the committee. Ms. Walsh explained that most of the funds go toward the Royalty and the float. Councilmember Finkelstein wanted clarification on the Royalty. Mayor Jacobs explained the Ambassador program. Ms. Walsh stated that as of last budget adoption, Parktacular is not being financially supported by the City. She reported that the city does do some of the work with music, entertainment, and fireworks, which she feels is appropriate. Councilmember Finkelstein inquired about what liability the city holds on Parktacular activities. Ms. Walsh replied that in past years it was quite a lot. Ms. Walsh did state that Parktacular had purchased their own insurance. Mr. Birno stated that for some events city staff such as fire and police is deeply involved and they try their best to prevent any issues and incidents. Councilmember Finkelstein inquired if the city could establish a date by which the Parktacular committee is incorporated as a non-profit. Mr. Birno stated that with city support perhaps they could although at this point they are just a group of volunteers. Councilmember Finkelstein would like to see this happen before this year's Parktacular events. Mr. Harmening stated that they may not be able to do so but would certainly have it in place by 2005. Councilmember Santa had concerns that spontaneous events were not going to happen this year. Ms. Walsh replied that staff,because of their heavy involvement, could inform the committee that Council would like to see that all events are listed. Study Session Minutes -3- March 15, 2004 Ms. Walsh stated that they also have incorporated the grand opening of the skate park into the list of events. Mr. Birno stated that the carnival will be held in the bus lane of the Rec Center. Housing of carnival staff will be outside of the city. Councilmember Finkelstein inquired if the rides have been inspected and how they could be reassured that the rides are safe. Mayor Jacobs thought the state licensed them and took care of inspections. Mr. Birno reported that the parade route will be the same as last year and go through Excelsior& Grand. Councilmember Basill reported that he had received comments on residents wanting signs posted near France Avenue for the rerouting of traffic. Mr. Birno listed the entertainment they had lined up. Councilmember Basill would like to make sure the Veteran's Memorial is not blocked by vehicles. Council discussed whether a faith based program was appropriate for the activities as well an appropriate use of city land and facilities. Council felt no religious preference be given and no religious purposes be used at City facilities. Mr. Birno stated that they will plan on discontinuing the service in the coming years. Mr. Birno stated that the Charter Commission would hold an event on the last day for its 50th anniversary. Councilmember Finkelstein would like to see the Battle of the Bands return and Ms. Walsh replied that it had been removed due to budget cuts. Mr. Birno stated that staff helped create banners that they will put at city monuments. He hoped that they will bring in more people. 3. Quadion Tim Whitten,Rottlund Homes; Michael Noonan, Rottlund Homes; Jim Voss, Cressa Partners; Jim Landy, Quadion Corp.; Steve Bubul, Kennedy& Graven; and Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates were present at the meeting. Ms. Erickson explained Alternative 1 and 2 development plans. She reported staff's concern about the stormwater pond. She stated that the proposed retaining wall would be approximately the size of a football field on two sides of the pond. Staff felt that some screening could be done on the wall. Councilmember Sanger inquired why the retaining wall was necessary and Mr. Harmening replied that a slope up to the buildings is necessary to maximize the amount of land that could be used for the development which allows the developers to maximize the number of units. Ms. Erickson stated that the stormwater pond is within the smallest area that will meet requirements for water retention. To make it any larger would cost housing and increase the financial funding gap. Ms. Erickson reported that the proposed senior building and condominium building are proposed to be higher than the zoned district allows,thus resulting in a need for a PUD modification. The underground parking for the condominium building is actually street level on Wooddale Avenue and would mean the whole garage level plus four stories above ground level. She stated that they would like the senior building to have direct pedestrian access to the transit station. Mr.Noonan stated that they had worked hard with staff to lower the buildings but felt that due to where the street and entrance are located and the grading and the ponding there was not any other alternatives. Councilmember Sanger inquired how the pond and garage are tied in together. Study Session Minutes -4- March 15, 2004 Mr. Noonan stated they needed to provide separation for public safety. He stated that that originally they did not believe they could waterproof the garage walls which now due to certain accommodations they can do. Councilmember Basill emphasized the need for the wall to be aesthetically pleasing by using plants or decorative stucco. Mr. Noonan felt there was another issue. He said staff stated that the zoning code only allows for three stories in the R4 zone unless a PUD modification is consistent with the Comp Plan. He felt that since they had already presented to both the Planning Commission and Council that it may go four stories, they should be allowed to skip the Comp Plan amendment and move straight forward with the PUD process. Mr. Harmening felt they should consult with their attorney to see if that is feasible. Secondly, he felt it would be beneficial to disclose to the neighborhood the actual height of the buildings. Mr. Voss stated that the houses on Oxford St. will get more of a view of the retaining wall. Councilmember Sanger inquired if the height of the north senior building was an impediment to access to the transit station. Ms. Erickson replied that it would be difficult. The developer felt it could be done. Councilmember Basill wanted to be sure the neighborhood was aware that the buildings would be very close to same height as Quadion headquarters. Mr. Harmening stated that they were seeking a Comp Plan amendment to allow certain height modifications in that district. Councilmember Finkelstein had concerns about the pond and making sure it looks attractive. Mr. Hunt reported that under Alternative 2, no financial assistance was needed. Under Alternative 1, the developer is asking for approximately$800,000. Mr. Ruff reported that the general request for assistance is due largely to the acquisition of two houses as well costs associated with not being able to sell the two existing houses. It is Ehlers opinion that the developers would need approximately$425,000-$770,000. Mr. Ruff would like to more accurately determine the increased cost of site preparation associated with a greater amount of area. He stated that Rottlund has also agreed to a look-back provision. He wanted to ensure that financial need was established and documented. Mr. Harmening clarified that whether Sherman participates in the project has no bearing on Rottlund's need for financial assistance. Councilmember Sanger clarified that they would not be voting on the amount of TIF the following week and that would be a separate decision. Mr. Harmening updated the Council that Rottlund has acquired consents for all properties and that allows Council to vote on Alternative 1. Three options for Council action include approving only Alternative 1, approve Alternative 1 with Alternative 2 as a back-up, or only approve Alternative 2. Councilmember Sanger inquired if they approve Alternative 1 with Alternative 2 as back-up, could Rottlund close on the property. Mr. Whitten replied that they could close. Council agreed that this would be the best option. Mr. Harmening emphasized that they would not have a final TIF amount by Monday night. Councilmember Basill inquired if they could include a requirement that the developer must go with Alternative 1 if the TIF amount is set within a Council approved maximum. The Council did not feel comfortable with that proposal. Councilmember Basill emphasized the expectation that there is a senior component in the project even if Sherman Associates is removed from the project. Study Session Minutes -5- March 15, 2004 Mr. Bubul stated that one of sellers had asked the City/EDA to send a letter stating that if an agreement is not reached on the purchase of the home that condemnation will be considered. The letter offers a benefit to the property owner regarding capital gains tax laws. 4. Communications Councilmember Sanger would like approve a resolution of support for legislation to ban smoking in all workplaces statewide and she would provide a draft. Councilmember Basill felt that it was a divisive issue. She did not oppose a statewide ban but questioned if the city should be doing this. Councilmember Omodt agreed. Mayor Jacobs did not want to revisit the smoking issue. Mr. Harmening updated the Council on the status of SLP Soccer Association issues. The Council discussed the level of involvement needed as well liability issues. 5. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11:02 p.m. Cit/Clerk ayor/b