HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005/04/11 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session 7CITY OF
ST. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES
PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
April 11, 2005
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m.
Councilmembers present: John Basil], Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Paul Omodt, Phil Finklestein
and Mayor Jeff Jacobs
Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening); City Engineer(Ms. Hagen); Public Works
Director(Mr. Rardin); Public Works Coordinator(Mr. Merkley), City Clerk (Ms. Reichert).
1. Excelsior Blvd West Reconstruction Project
Staff and representatives from Hennepin County Transportation Department met with council to
review possible design options Excelsior Boulevard. Marra explained the option staff was
proposing to take to the neighborhood which allowed for access for homes to the South of
Excelsior Boulevard and West of Dakota Ave.
Councilmember Sanger did not want to see a forced u-turn for those residents to access their
homes. She would prefer to move the large electrical standard on the northeast corner of the
Methodist Hospital entrance. Councilmember Basil] stated that that option had been considered,
but was much too costly to pursue. Mayor Jacobs agreed with that assessment
Guy Nowlin, of Hennepin County, assured council that the u-turn proposed would be protected
from conflicting traffic movement by a signal.
Councilmember Finklestein did not believe the proposal was ideal, but felt it was the best option
given all factors that needed to be considered.
Maria stated that next steps would be to discuss the proposal with the affected neighbors.
Ms Hagen also asked for council input on proposed closure of Excelsior Boulevard and Zarthan.
Staff and the residents have concerns that traffic trying to reach the gas station at that location
would filter into the neighborhoods. If the intersection were not to be closed, the median width
would need to be reduced limiting options for landscape improvements along that section of the
comdor. Given the balance between aesthetics and safety, council opted to keep the intersection
open to allow for traffic to reach the gas station.
Councilmember Sanger asked where we were with formation of the Special Service Distnct in
that area Mr. Harmening responded there is to be a public heanng in May Mr Merkley added
that he is meeting with business owners in the very near future to discuss the benefits.
Councilmember Basill informed the group that there is some neighborhood conflict regarding
closing access to Excelsior on the north side at Dakota. It is shown as an open intersection, but
some neighbors are requesting that the road be closed. There are still neighborhood discussions
going on. He asked Mr. Nowlin, if the neighbors were to request closure, would the county pay
for that portion of the project. Mr. Nowlin responded that the county is satisfied with the plan as
it is presented. He could not assure council that the county would pay for additional work
beyond what has been proposed.
Study Session Minutes -2- April 11, 2005
2. Review of Prelim Feasibility Studies for Flood Improvement Areas#24, 25, & 26
Ms. Hagen introduced Steve Klein of Barr Engineering who offered a "stormwater 101"
presentation to the council. Councilmember Finklestein had suggested that council be brought
up to speed regarding some of the more technical aspects of the flood improvement program. He
was questioning the philosophical premise of why the city was undertaking these projects.
Mr. Rardin gave a brief history of the program and progress made so far. Councilmember
Sanger added that the program was only intended to address flooding from "public" waters
Twenty-two projects had been initially identified, and more were being addressed as they were
discovered. The city was also taking care to make improvements and upgrades whenever the
possibility arose, such as when new development occurred
Mr. Harmening stated there were some concerns about funding for the areas 24, 25 and 26. As
projects were identified they should become part of the CIP. He also asked if council was
comfortable with continued study of improvements to the Dakota Park area. Council agreed and
directed staff to continue their study at that location.
3. Council Policy Discussion
Ms. Reichert presented the list of holidays Council normally observes for council review.
Council discussed the possibility of eliminating Sukkot and Shavuot from the holiday calendar.
They would first like to discuss with Councilmember Velick, who was not present for the
discussion. They also asked that staff be sensitive to holidays when scheduling various meetings
in the city.
Council also reviewed an email use policy produced by the League of MN Cities and discussed
record retention issues.
4. City Manager Report on Organizational Issues
Mr. Harmening updated council on issues related to fleet, technology, the website and an
administration department study currently underway.
5. Communications
Mr. Harmening informed council about a controlled burn to take place at the Nature Center.
Councilmember Sanger expressed concern about proposed changes to the Stonebndge
Development Contract which were outlined in a written report council had received that evening.
Several councilmembers shared those concerns and would like to discuss further before agreeing
to any changes.
6. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
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