HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007/11/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES
T. LOUIS CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
PARK NOVEMBER 13,2007
The meeting convened at 6:35 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, C. Paul Carver, Phil Finkelstein, Loran Paprocki
and Susan Sanger.
Councilmembers absent: John Basill and Paul Omodt
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening); Public Works Director(Mr. Rardin); Community
Development Director (Mr. Locke); Finance Director (Mr. DeJong); Recreation Superintendent
(Mr. Birno), Park and Recreation Director (Ms. Walsh), Economic Development Coordinator
(Mr. Hunt), Community Development Director (Mr. Locke), Public Works/Engineering
Coordinator (Mr. Merkley), Inspections Director (Mr. Hoffinan), and Recording Secretary (Ms.
Heintz).
Guests: David Juliff and Marie Cote, SRF Consulting Group Inc.; Paul Hyde and Jenny Hanson,
Real Estate Recycling.
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Mr. Harmening and Council discussed study session agenda planning.
2. 2008 Budget Discussion
Mr. DeJong presented the staff report.
Mr. Rardin presented his report and stated that increased oil prices have affected the budget and
direction is being taken to maintain services and incorporate inflation. As streetlights
deteriorate, staff would like to replace them based on life cycle. The realistic lifespan for a
streetlight is 25 to 30 years depending on the environment, with a cost range from $2,500
(streetlight on pole) to $300,000 (traffic signal intersection). Council suggestion was to establish
a fund, similar to a stormwater utility, dedicated for this use, which would help ride out the peaks
and valleys. Staff is attempting to get a better handle on the street light inventory, as some are
owned by the City and others are rented through Xcel. Mr. Rardin stated that he could bring a
street light replacement plan back to Council for review.
The City has been unable to meet City ordinance requirements for large snowfall (4-6 inches)
removal on streets, which then makes it difficult to enforce on residents. If Council wishes to
adhere to the current ordinance, then reprioritization of maintenance efforts will be needed in
order to dedicate more staff time. Though 6-7 snow cleaning machines are needed, the City only
has 3-4, due to cost constraints ($15,000 per machine). Council consensus was that staff
contemplate the issue further (incorporating additional items such as impediments for
wheelchairs and lightpoles in the middle of sidewalks, etc.) and bring back to Council on
November 26 for continued discussion.
Study Session Minutes -2- November 13, 2007
Ms. Walsh presented her report, which included no additions to the proposed budget other than
$5,000 for graffiti removal. The environmental budget showed an increase because of the
number of diseased elm trees, and a report will be created this spring regarding potential diseases
and their prevention. Aquatic center revenues this year were consistent with previous years;
however, there were increases in season passes and concessions.
Consideration is being given to the concept of daytime circulator commuter buses within the City
during the summer. Mr. Birno reported receiving good student (ages 9-18) response to the
concept at Cedar Manor and the Junior High, with safety being their first stated concern.
Estimated cost is $60,000 for the service, which would allow ridership within the city 2-3 blocks
from any given residence, and financial partners would be sought (such as AAA and Community
Education). Councilmember Sanger commented that she would want the service extended to
seniors and adults. Councilmember Finkelstein agreed with Councilmember Sanger. Mr. Birno
stated that the plan could begin with a three-month program next summer. Mayor Jacobs
commented that, from a societal standpoint, he would like kids to get used to the idea of using
mass transit.
There was Council consensus that staff research partnerships (with City commitment $20,000-
30,000 range), financial possibilities (such as $50 ID commuter pass but with first being $10,
potential scholarships), incorporate as many generations onto the buses as possible, and provide
Council with update regarding Dial A Ride.
3. Contract Delivery of Solid Waste Services
Mr. Rardin presented the staff report and noted concern that assumptions made now may be
different than in 2-3 years. Mr. Merkley added that multi-family will be an optional service and
there will be need for a more educational effort that will be built into the rates.
Discussion ensued regarding unpredictable price assumptions, organic separation, need for
clarity about one provider being able to provide additional services, contract extensions, and the
risk that providers may bid higher now in anticipation of higher prices. Organics would not be
the predominant piece of the refuse program. There is need to bid out services periodically, for
accountability and to keep prices reasonable, and to contract for a minimum of five years (three
is insufficient). Mr. Harmening stated that time is running out to meet the October 2008 deadline
if Council wishes for staff to undertake legitimate bids for the next five years, though also noting
that the only way to negotiate is to extend the current contract.
There was Council consensus to bid out for services as recommended by staff.
4. Proposed Redevelopment of the Former Erv's Lawnmower Repair Property located
at 7102 & 7104 Lake Street
Mr. Locke presented the staff report.
Mr. Hyde provided an update on the Highway 7 project and then described the proposed
improvement plan for 7102 and 7104 Lake Street property. The goal is to clean up the site of the
former Erv's Lawnmower Repair property and provide amenity to office tenants with a retail
building within the current C2 zoning, which would create 10-15 lower-paying jobs. Grant
funding for the redevelopment is dependent upon the applicant receiving $475,000 in City
Study Session Minutes -3- November 13, 2007
assistance; and if that is not possible, then the applicant will need to withdraw. A cost of
$320,000 has been estimated to clean up the site from pollution, demolish the current building,
and remove the billboards.
It was cited that the subject area is contaminated, an improvement would fit within the obligation
that the City has as a steward of the environment, and partnering with an organization now to
clean up this very visible site would cost the City a fraction of full cost to do so on its own in the
future. Council expressed support for a mixed use of the site and removing the current building
and billboards, acknowledging the site's shortcomings and bad economics, but also concern
about additional traffic, lower paying jobs associated with the current proposal, and how the
average taxpayer would be affected.
The majority of Council agreed that staff continue to work with Real Estate Recycling regarding
the site and support a resolution regarding a grant request.
5. Highway 7/Wooddale Avenue Interchange Project Update
Mr. Rardin reported that Concept D is the remaining viable option for the interchange project.
Mr. Juliff displayed photo renderings of Concept D and described the plan, which will allow for
heavy rail as well as grade separation of light rail and trail, as well as more flexibility with regard
to the interchange. Mr. Harmening noted that the County should participate in some significant
way to the cost of the grade separation intersection and that good, sound data will be needed to
demonstrate that.
There was Council consensus that staff move forward with the plan and come back to Council in
December with an update.
6. Communications
Mr. Hoffman presented an update regarding the Woodale and Highway 7 Soil Vapor Study. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hired STS to determine why Edina was observing
elevated VOC's in one of their wells. Now EPA, PCA, the Minnesota Department of Health are
involved in a study to determine if VOC's in the shallow ground water and soil may be a health
risk in St. Louis Park. Included in this study will be four neighborhoods within the City,
including Sorensen, Elmwood, Lenox, and Brooklawn. Mr. Hoffman discussed the testing
process and possible timeline.
Discussion ensued regarding the City pre-testing some high occupancy facilities (such as high
school, etc.) in advance and Mr. Harmening said staff would look into that.
Mr. Hoffman indicated that expediency in getting information out and testing undertaken is very
important, as is the fact that the state and federal agencies need to be well informed and prepared
for anticipated questions raised by concerned residents. Council suggested briefing
neighborhood association's contacts before letters are distributed to residents about the soil
testing and remediation plan.
Study Session Minutes -4- November 13, 2007
There was Council consensus that communication with residents and the community needed to
occur very soon and that answers needed to be developed for anticipated questions the
community might ask. Mr. Harmening indicated he would keep Council apprised.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
7. West End Financial Assistance Update
8. Water Utility Service Line Replacement Policy—Amendment to Ordinance Code
Chapter 32: Utilities
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
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Nancy Stroth, pity Clerk Jeff JaTbs Iajor