HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/11/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CTY OFFICIAL MINUTES
T. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
RK November 6, 2006
The meeting convened at 6.30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: John Basill, C. Paul Carver, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Loran
Paprocki, Susan Sanger, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening); Community Development Director (Mr. Locke),
Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal); Senior Planner (Mr. Walther); Economic
Development Coordinator(Mr. Hunt); and Recording Secretary(Ms. Samson).
1. Bass Lake/EDI Concept Plan
Community Development Director Kevin Locke presented background information. Mr. Locke
said there are several site challenges. Any construction on the Bass Lake site would require
pilings, 60-70 feet. There will be a need for a certain level of protection and separation between
the dump materials, i.e., the old ash, and the surface. MPCA is applying an industnal standard to
the Bass Lake site. At the request of Parks and Recreation, staff has produced plans that show
two tennis courts remaining on this site. There should be some surface parking.
Councilmember Carver asked about the value of surface parking. Mr. Locke said the cost of
providing surface parking is less than the cost of providing spaces in the ramp, and surface lot
parking works well for short-term.
Mr. Locke said staff has asked SRF to look at changing the intersection configuration at Belt
Line Blvd and 36th Street into the Rec Center. There is only one exit from the Rec Center. Mr.
Locke said the Bass Lake site for the EDI would require re-plating and no more than half of the
site would be owned by United Properties.
Councilmember Paprocki asked staff if they are sure that no residential can be built on this
property. Community Development Coordinator Greg Hunt responded that the MPCA views
this property as under an industrial standard, so the standard, in regard to pollutants, is higher.
Councilmember Finkelstein likes Options 1 and 2 best because he doesn't want the ramp to be
the first thing people see.
Councilmember Finkelstein wants to make it clear that a title reverted clause would be
required—if not used as an EDI, the City has some version of a put so the City can buy it back.
Councilmember Sanger suggested taller buildings to generate more money and to eliminate the
need for TIF funding and save on green space. Councilmember Sanger asked what thought has
been given to adding height to some of the buildings, and asked about TIF. Mr. Locke said he
thinks TIF was not discussed but it comes out of getting a better understanding of what it will
take to build on this site. Mr. Locke said more financial analysis will have to be done.
Study Session Minutes -2- November 6, 2006
Councilmember Carver said, in general, the plans are exciting. He doesn't like surface parking
because it takes away from the green space; he likes the circle feature for purposes of traffic
movement; and it makes sense to review the intersection to improve ingress and egress at the Rec
Center. He said Council will have to discuss a use for the civic space. Councilmember Carver
said it should be different from Excelsior & Grand but very complementary to Excelsior &
Grand, e.g., in earlier discussions he stated that this could be an extension of a "dinner and"
theme; connectivity through the passes are important. He added, if the tennis courts fit, there
doesn't seem to be any problem with using that space.
Councilmember Basill likes the green space that opens to 36`h Street versus an internal location.
Tennis courts are acceptable as long as St. Louis Park meets its obligation to Benilde-St.
Margaret's. Councilmember Basill wants to keep civic closer to the Rec Center. He is
comfortable with a little more height to increase green space but probably not more than four
stones due it its proximity to the Minikanda Oaks neighborhood. Depending on how the
intersection would be reconfigured, a little more parking on the north side of the Rec Center
would be helpful.
Councilmember Finkelstein wants to be sure the EDI building will be entirely EDI.
Councilmember Sanger asked if TIF financing could be used for a building that at some point
could be transferred back to a nonprofit organization. Mr. Hunt responded that Park Nicollet
pays property taxes and TIF wouldn't work if the property were to be conveyed to an entity that
is tax exempt—it wouldn't work and the developer is aware of this.
Mayor Jacobs likes the idea of re-engineenng the intersection for easier ingress and egress to the
Rec Center. The civic use should be on the south end of the site; and a little more height is a
good idea. He agrees with Councilmember Basill about neighborhood meetings. Mayor Jacobs
would like to incorporate public art and sculpture through out the entire development and asked
staff to minimize the surface parking.
Councilmember Paprocki said all traffic in and out must cross up to four lanes of roadway,
which is problematic. Mr. Hunt said staff would encourage SRF to look at the traffic patterns
and whatever is done be done in conjunction with the Rec Center expansion.
Councilmember Omodt said the civic use is not necessanly a building.
Mayor Jacobs suggested the tennis courts be situated near some parking. Mr. Locke said the
Parks and Recreation Department is working with Benilde-St. Margaret's.
Councilmember Sanger commented don't forget other parts of the City in regard to the civic use.
Mayor Jacobs said the Council consensus is to move forward.
The meeting ended at 7:15 p.m.
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