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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/05/24 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES ST. LOUIS CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION PARK May 24, 2004 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), Inspections Supervisor(Ms Boettcher),Director of Technology and Support Services (Mr. Pires), Community Development Director(Mr. Locke), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), City Assessor(Mr Stepnick), Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), and Utilities Supenntendent (Mr Anderson) 1. Susan G. Koeman Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk Ms. Boettcher introduced Slade Thompson, Production Coordinator for Event 360, Sgt. Lon Dreier from the Police Department, Rick Beane from Parks, and Dave Lundquist from Community Education. Mr Thompson gave an overview of the event includes the route and services provided. He outlined the site plan for the Junior High where participants would camp after the first leg of the walk He stated that they estimated about 3,000 walkers would participate in the walk. He descnbed the chanties that would benefit from the funds raised. Councilmember Velick stated her concern about the placement of vehicles especially the large trucks that could block traffic. Mr. Thompson explained they will be parking the box trucks single file along W. 22nd St and parking on school property for the showers and buses. Mayor Jacobs had concerns about the disruption to the school dunng the day on Friday. Mr. Thompson replied that they would set up Thursday night and leave a field open for the school to use. Should the event occur displace any children, Event 360 will pay to have them bused to a different location. Ms. Boettcher inquired if they had found a place to house the walkers in case of inclement weather The school does not want interior use of the building. Ms. Bloomquist stated that both Benilde-St. Margaret's and Westwood Lutheran Church would be interested in offering their buildings for emergency shelter. Councilmember Finkelstein had concerns because Benilde-St. Margaret is close to a synagogue and many Jewish residents will be walking in that area on the Sabbath. Ms. Bloomquist replied that they would only be bringing the walkers into the building and not parking vehicles Ms. Boettcher asked what provisions they have if it rains the night before and are unable to set up the heavier vehicles and tents Mr. Thompson replied that they would park the kitchens on the parking surface and not set up the entertainment tent. Sgt. Dreier stated that walkers would have to cross Cedar Lake Road at Virginia Avenue and that is the most problematic detail. She explained that there are no traffic controls at that intersection and they would need an officer to direct traffic. Study Session Minutes -2- May 24, 2004 Councilmember Santa shared her concerns about traffic congestion as well as the fact that the garbage is normally picked up on Fndays in that neighborhood. She asked that the neighbors be notified. Ms. Bloomquist stated that they will be holding neighborhood meetings for residents along the entire route within of St. Louis Park. Councilmember Basill wants to see plenty of signage so that people are not surprised by the walkers. Councilmember Santa stated she had concerns about the trail crossings and how they would be monitored. Councilmember Finkelstein asked if anyone had considered closing Virginia Avenue for an hour or two. If not, he would like to see signs posted stating the parade route. Sgt. Dreier stated that they are planning to have an officer(s) at the 28th St. crosswalk at all times. The Council discussed the arrival time of the walkers. Mr. Thompson explained that they have a certain cut-off time for the walkers to reach a certain point, and, if the walkers do not reach it, they pick them up by bus. He added that everything is wrapped up at 9:00 p.m. Councilmember Basill stated that he felt this was a worthwhile effort and they should do their best to make it happen. However, he did have concerns with liability issues. Mr. Thompson replied that they will name both the city and the school to be insured. Councilmember Finkelstein inquired about security for the site overnight. Mr. Thompson replied that they have volunteer security persons as well as two hired secunty guards. If there is inclement weather, Sgt. Dreier is concerned abuotthe length of time to transport walkers and traffic congestion. Ms. Boettcher stated that the Junior High did not want interior use of the school because as staff would not be present and security for the building would be compromised. She added that they need to look at building capacity and fire hazard issues for the emergency shelters Mayor Jacobs inquired if parents would still be able to pick up their children up at school that day Councilmember Finkelstein would like to see a notice sent out to the parents of the children to inform them. Mr. Thompson stated that they are not advertising where the walkers will be camping and hopes that reduces the number of visitors. If there are visitors for the walkers, they must register with the security team and be out by 8.00 p.m. Chief Luse stated that they will do whatever necessary to ensure public safety and he felt there will be some anger regarding traffic. Councilmember Santa stated that property owners along the route will have safety issues as well. Councilmember Finkelstein suggested posting alternate routes'. Mr. Harmening inquired how morning operations will work. Mr. Thompson stated the walkers are required to move out at 8:00 a.m. and site breakdown should be done by 3:00 p.m. Mr. Harmening asked if Sgt. Dreier felt the need for the same type of traffic controls on the morning route She stated that she had spoken with Mr. Thompson regarding compensation for police service at those areas outlined Mr. Harmening inquired how they have notified the neighborhoods in other events. Councilmember Basill felt the event definitely needs to be posted so people know why the traffic is congested and, hopefully, they will be more understanding when they realize the cause. Councilmember Santa felt the garbage collection for that day needed to be changed. Study Session Minutes -3- May 24, 2004 The Council agreed to move forward with the next steps and notification process. 2. Petition to Construct and Alley at 42°a St. and Ottawa Ave Mr. Olson informed Council that they received a petition from five homes to construct an alley using some City-owned property This would be assessed to eight homes altogether. Mr. Olson stated that they held a neighborhood meeting regarding the construction of the alley to receive public comments. The five property owners who signed the petition were in favor of the petition whereas the three that did not sign were generally against it. Those neighbors felt the alley would be costly to them with no benefit. The Edina home had security concerns. Staff's concerns were maintaining access to the back of the City-owned lot and possible future development on the lot Mr. Olson stated that if development is pursued, they would need to consider drainage issues. A few of the neighbors stated that they had been told the property would never be developed. Councilmember Basill said he wanted to make it clear that whether there is an alley or not, they are going to continue to look at developing the lot. Councilmember Basill wanted to be consistent with their policy on alleys. Past action shows that, when there is a majority, Council approves the alley. They have a majority of the property owners in favor of the alley He had concerns with making sure they provide move-up housing and felt garages would be built if there was an alley and the residents would be more likely to stay in the city. He spoke bnefly about the direct and indirect values for all the properties Councilmember Basil] inquired if the City will pick up some of the cost of assessment Mr. Olson replied that is the recommendation from staff. He said that the City would pick up approximately half the cost of the alley therefore the cost to the residents would be half of what was originally proposed. Councilmember Santa inquired about the nght of way for the alley. Mr. Stepnick clarified that the city would own the alley and right of way. He stated that they may want to look at absorbing the costs for the two lots that may potentially be developed and doing a special assessment later on Mr. Stepnick explained that they need to do both a public hearing and assessment hearing which would be in late June. Councilmember Santa expressed her concerns about snowplowing and trash pickup in a dead end alley. She would like to see trash service continue in the front of the homes. Mr. Harmemng clarified that the alley proposal does not involve the potential development of those two lots. Council directed staff to bring this item back for the hearings on June 20 3. Rottlund Tax Increment District Mr. Hunt stated that they refined the funding to $720,420.00. He stated they were still trying to determine whether the project will be classified as a renewal and renovation district vs. a redevelopment district. They were looking at making possible public works improvements and that depends on what type of district it will be. Mr. Hunt informed the Council that they are hearing developmentinterest in other parcels north of W. 36th St. Councilmember Finkelstein inquired how the City determines how big a TIF area will be. Mr. Hunt replied that the funds must be spent in the first five years He stated that the renewal and renovation district is easier to qualify for but the redevelopment district would allow the Study Session Minutes -4- May 24, 2004 opportunity for a bigger project with more improvements. Mr. Ruff stated if an improvement to Hwy. 7 and Wooddale Ave for was going to use tax increment, it must be put into the district. Mr. Ruff clarified the amount of taxes given to the School Distnct, Hennepin County and the City in a TIF distnct. Mayor Jacobs asked what the ideal amount of TIF is and Mr. Ruff said no more than 15% and no less than about 8% of the tax base. Councilmember Finkelstein inquired if the proposed Sherman building was going be sold now that Sherman is not involved in the project. Mr. Noonan replied that they are. Councilmember Basil] stated the changes to the project: one building going from 4 stones to 3 and the office building Councilmember Velick inquired about above ground parking. Mr. Noonan reported that Tim Whitman will be working on that with staff. Mr Noonan asked for clanfication on when this would be before Council and the Council agreed it would come back on June 7`h. 4. City Buildings Fiber Optic Network Project ' Mr. Pires stated that a fiber optic upgrade provides the opportunity to connect multiple junsdictions. He reported on the work the School District had installed and how at that time they asked the School Distnct to leave enough fiber along their lines for the City to use at a later time and to try to place the lines as close to City buildings when possible. He listed the city buildings that would be connected throughout the city Mr. Pires described the advantages of installing the fiber optic lines and how it will allow the City to connect with LOGIS. Other possibilities are Hennepin County, the State, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. He stated that there are many partners in the project that will help the cost He stated that Hennepin County Libranes is interested in participating. The City spends quite a bit of money each year on communication costs. The fiber optic lines will now allow data communication, voice communication, video, and radio. Councilmember Santa inquired how the fiber will be installed and Mr. Pires replied that it would be done by augunng but the biggest concern is damaging any other lines that are currently below ground. Mr. Pires went on to explain all the wireless devices that are used in the different departments and the expense associated with it. He stated that eventually they will have the ability to build towers throughout the city that will connect with the fiber optic lines that will eliminate the costs of the wireless service that is currently in place. i Councilmember Finkelstein inquired about tying into Methodist Hospitable and Mr. Pires replies that he and the School Distnct felt that those services should be supplied by pnvate means though they are highly encouraging Time Warner to provide these services. He felt that there was an economic development aspect to doing so. Councilmember Santa inquired if there were any written agreements so far for cost sharing, maintenance, etc. and Mr Pires replied that they have been wntten. Council agreed staff should move forward with the process 5. Water System Vulnerability Assessment Study Session Minutes -5- May 24, 2004 Mr. Rardm reported that these assessments are on a national level. He stated that they looked at emergency power, computer, and human operator vulnerability. He felt that the power vulnerability was the bigger piece to be concerned about. Mayor Jacobs suggested purchasing a second generator or possibly look at alternative energy source. Mr. Anderson stated that they needed to look at how much water would be needed. One of the factors to look at is the minimum amount of water the city can get by on. Mr. Anderson stated they have a low nsk factor for contamination. Councilmember Finkelstein asked if there was a water borrowing plan in place. Mr. Anderson that they have plans set up with Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Minneapolis. Mr Anderson said that they have completed the mandated assessment as well as the secunty system review and they will be putting in some new secunty features. Councilmember Santa asked what impact the new secunty features would have on the budget and Mr. Anderson felt that it would be a fairly small. 6. Communications Mr Harmenmg gave the Council a few dates for the canoe tnp Councilmember Finkelstein felt strongly that they need to expenence the Minnehaha Creek before making any decisions about its future The Council agreed to shorten the tnp to travel only through St. Louis Park and to take the tnp pnor to a study session Mr. Harmening reported that they have an agreeme Park Tavern to sell a small piece of City-owned property; in exchange, the property o ner agr:ed • put( paved parking space. Ci y Clerk Mayor