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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/06/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session rr1I ' o F OFFICIAL MINUTES PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION June 21, 2004 The meeting convened at 8.35 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), Public Works Director(Mr. Rardin), City Engineer(Ms. Hagen), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), Environmental Health Official (Mr. Camilon), and Deputy City Clerk (Ms. Stroth). 1. TH 100 Noise Wall Project Update Ms. Hagen introduced Heather Lott and Wayne Noms from MnDot. Ms. Hagen stated that the original plans have changed to include Edina as well as St. Louis Park. She stated that they are now ready to meet with the neighborhoods now that they have more defined landscaping plans and scope of the project. She anticipated the hiring of a contractor around March 2005. She stated that Hennepin County has already met with MnDot to discuss traffic concerns. Ms Hagen discussed the sightlines of the southbound on ramp at Excelsior Blvd and Highway 100. There are two properties in need of acquiring right away. She stated that MnDot has designed the noise wall to avoid the garage on one property. Councilmember Basill asked if the resident was in favor of the noise wall and Ms. Lott replied that he was very much in support of the project. Ms. Hagen showed a display of how the future noise wall would look and some of the aesthetic elements that would be used Councilmember Velick inquired about the effects of shading on nearby properties. Ms. Hagen replied that shade would go up to the curb but should not cause concern to the neighbors. She stated that landscaping is not included in the project, but the city could apply for the Community Roadside Landscaping Partnership Program for funding to purchase the materials. The plant materials would need to be planted by volunteers. Councilmember Basill inquired if Vernon Ave would be made into a one way street. Ms. Hagen replied that it would not; however, on-street parking would have to be removed. Councilmember Basill felt that the concern of the neighborhood was that they would not have parking for guests. Councilmember Santa inquired if another option would be to turn Vernon Ave. into a one-way street and leave parking on one side of the street. Mayor Jacobs stated that there is concern about moving traffic from one street to another. Councilmember Basill emphasized the need for parking. Ms. Hagen stated that the neighborhood would rather have a two way street than one way with parking. Councilmember Basill stated that he was in support of the noise wall but felt they would hear complaints about the lack of parking. Mayor Jacobs and Councilmember Sanger felt the neighborhood has discussed it and wants a two-way street and they should follow the neighborhood consensus. Councilmember Finkelstein stated that they could come back to look at the issue if the neighborhood felt differently later on. Study Session Minutes - 2 - June 21, 2004 Councilmember Sanger inquired where St. Louis Park was ranked for construction of a noise wall north of Minnetonka Blvd. Mr. Noms stated that the current estimate is 2010 Councilmember Basill asked when they would hold a meeting with the neighborhood and Ms. Hagen replied that it would be in early September. I Council discussed the design of the noise wall and decided that the neighborhood should decide on the design. 2. Tobacco Smoke Disclosure Notice Program Mr. Hoffman described the brochure and their intention to make them available in all restaurants. He stated that the City would provide the brochures as well as a holder to all restaurants. Mayor Jacobs stated that he would like to have kids participate and possibly produce their own public service message about smoking. , Councilmember Sanger suggested adding a statement that sixsamples are conducted on yearly basis so that restaurant goers are not led to believe it is an old study. Councilmember Finkelstein asked what would happen if restaurants did not put out the brochure. Mr. Camilon stated that it would be part of the food inspection program and Mr. Hoffman stated that this is actually part of the license to operate in the City. Mr. Hoffman stated they want to have a disclosure stating the;nicotine level in the restaurant when tested as well as the median or average for all restaurants. Councilmember Sanger would like it clarified in the disclosure notice that the average is only for those that allow smoking. Councilmember Santa would like the statement that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke to be made bigger and bolder. Mayor Jacobs asked whether the levels tested in the restaurants would be posted on the City's website. Mr. Hoffman stated that they could do so. Mr. Hoffman explained that they are having difficulty with the laboratory work. He stated that they need new parts for the gas chromatography equipment and will have to retest the restaurants with the new equipment. Councilmember Sanger inquired about the time of day they are testing at the restaurants and Mr. Hoffman replied that they are testing at the times restaurants would have the most patrons exposed to secondhand smoke. i Mayor Jacobs inquired how long it will take to retest and get the disclosures posted. Mr. Hoffman replied that it would be likely to be early September. Councilmember Santa inquired if a study was going to be started and Mr. Hoffman replied that they would have to find a collegiate group to go any further. Study Session Minutes - 3 - June 21, 2004 Mr. Hoffman explained that the disclosures will be adhered to the front of glass doors. If the doors are not glass, they will be posted on the outside of the front door or in a very prominent location inside. 3. Communictions Mr. Harmening stated that they are going to implement mandatory water restrictions and staff will be coming back to Council to make those restrictions permanent. Mr. Harmening reported that District 287 will be leaving Eliot school at the end of the year and that will mean they will need to find a replacement assignment for a full time officer. Councilmember Velick inquired what they planned to do with the building and Councilmember Santa stated that the School District may be looking at finding other renters. Councilmember Velick wondered if the School District will be painting and fixing up the building. Mr. Harmening informed Council that the Novartis company is looking at relocating outside of St Louis Park due to the need for a larger facility. It will be several years before the move is complete Mr. Harmening reported that he and several other City Managers met with Hennepin County to discuss dispatch consolidation. He stated that they had asked Hennepin County for a decision by August 1 on whether they would charge St. Louis Park for dispatch services. Mr. Harmening stated they may be eligible to possibly receive $1.6 million in LGA based on anupcoming decision by the Governor. 4. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9.45 p.m. 7----;424 „,z6 • ,,,,,. City Clerk