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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/04/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular (2) I/I St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 7, 2008 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, John Basill, C. Paul Carver, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Loran Paprocki and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: None Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Community Development Director (Mr. Locke), Planning & Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Olson) and Recording Secretary (Ms. Schmidt). 2. Presentations 2a. Honoring Judge Allen Oleisky Proclamation Mayor Jacobs presented Judge Allen Oleisky with an appreciation plaque and read proclamation declaring April 7, 2008 as Allen Oleisky Day. Mayor Jacob thanked Judge Oleisky for his 36 years of distinguished service as judge in the Fourth Judicial District of Hennepin County and his important involvement with the City of St. Louis Park. 2b. Volunteer Week Proclamation Mayor Jacobs recognized St. Louis Park volunteers and read proclamation declaring April 27 — May 3, 2008 as National Volunteer Week. Mayor Jacobs thanked the hundreds of volunteers for their donation of over 15,000 volunteer hours given for the betterment of the community. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Special Study Session Minutes March 17, 2008 The minutes were approved as presented. 3b. City Council Minutes March 17, 2008 It was noted on page three, item #6a, the third paragraph, should state: "...happy to see the property owners agreement with the neighbors that three lots are too many." The minutes were approved as amended. City Council Meeting -2- April 7, 2008 3c. Study Session Minutes March 24, 2008 It was noted on page one, item #2, the fifth paragraph, should state: "Councilmember Paprocki suggested that the Commission look at how north/south traffic patterns may change in response to new light rail stations." It was noted on page two, item #3, the third paragraph, add a sentence stating: "Both Councilmember Finkelstein and Councilmember Basill were concerned with the proposed streetscape only having one lane of traffic each way, with a middle change lane, stating they felt that would not work and wanted both the City and County to explore having two lanes in each direction." The minutes were approved as amended. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar NOTE: The Consent Calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion. 4a. Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 2352-08 for Vacation of a Portion of a Drainage and Utility Easement at 2535 and 2545 Huntington Avenue. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 08-047, directing the City to enter into an agency agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation relating to a grant awarded to the City by Transit for Livable Communities. 4c. Approve Change Order No. 5 to Contract 15-07 — Sanitary Sewer Project— Shelard Lift Station (LS) #18 and Force Main (FM) - City Project No. 2005-1200. 4d. Approve Authorization Cooperative Agreement for Leasing Fire Department Breathing Apparatus. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 08-048 approving Redevelopment Contract with Lake Street Office Center LLC (Real Estate Recycling). 4f. Approve for filing of Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes February 20, 2008. 4g. Approve for filing of Planning Commission Minutes March 5, 2008. 4h. Approve of filing of Vendor Claims. It was moved by Councilmember Finkelstein, seconded by Councilmember Carver, to approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings City Council Meeting -3- April 7, 2008 6a. Public Hearing regarding the Modification of the Tax Increment Plan for the Victoria Ponds Tax Increment Financing District. Resolution No. 08-049 No speakers present. Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing. It was moved by Councilmember Paprocki, seconded by Councilmember Basil', to approve Resolution No. 08-049, approving the proposed Modification to the Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Project No. 1 and the proposed Modification to the Tax Increment Financing Plan for the Victoria Ponds Tax Increment Financing District. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Request for preliminary plat approval with variances for Isabelle Estates located at 8550 Minnetonka Blvd. Resolution No. 08-050 and 08-051 Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. Hadley Kohn, 8724 Minnetonka Blvd. stated he is representing his elderly parents who were concerned with the noise, requesting that the existing trees remain to alleviate sound and allow for privacy. He further asked that the existing fence remain and stated concern with traffic with the addition of another driveway, supporting only three houses versus the four requested houses. Councilmember Omodt asked if the trees slated to be removed and if so, were they subject to the tree replacement plan. Mr. Morrison stated they were subject to tree placement; however staff does not have a plan in place yet because it would depend on the house placement. Councilmember Paprocki asked if the City had any control with tree placement. Mr. Morrison stated not really, they could simply make suggestions. Councilmember Omodt asked if the developer had any room for allowable adjustments. Mr. Peter Knaeble, Terra Engineering/applicant, stated they estimate four or five trees would need to be removed. He went on to state that he could not guarantee anything, as it would depend upon the builder's house plan. Mr. Knaeble stated they did change the back setback in order to save those trees. Councilmember Sanger stated she was against the entire proposal because she would not support the demolition of the oldest house and only remaining barn in St. Louis Park. She City Council Meeting -4- April 7, 2008 felt it was important to retain the structures to preserve the historical continuity of community. Councilmember Sanger stated she did tour the house and grounds and was informed by Mr. Knaeble if somebody wanted to buy the house and/or barn he would attempt to accommodate them. Councilmember Sanger stated this would be an example of what St. Louis Park was like. She further stated that she was in agreement with staff to deny the variance request for the elimination of the sidewalk. Councilmember Paprocki asked a rough timeframe for interested parties to contact Mr. Knaeble. Mr. Morrison stated if the plat was approved today as is, it would require the removal all three structures, but roughly a couple of months. Councilmember Paprocki asked what the construction noise policy was. Mr. Morrison stated 7 a.m. — 10 p.m. and later on weekends. Councilmember Paprocki stated they could encourage the builder to plant more trees, but they could not require them to do so. He further stated he felt this project was a good opportunity for move-up housing. Councilmember Finkelstein asked if the white fence was going to be removed. Mr. Knaeble stated he would not remove it and that it would be up to the builder. Mr. Knaeble further stated it is their best intentions to keep as many trees as possible, as well as the fence. He also stated that they were open to restricting construction operation to between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. Councilmember Basill asked Mr. Knaeble if he were willing to replace the trees removed with more mature trees, suggesting a certain diameter to provide more of a buffer. Mr. Knaeble stated he was agreeable with the City's requirement, focusing replacement on the west side of the lot. Councilmember Basill asked if there was any way to add a requirement in the motion requirement. Mr. Morrison stated he was uncertain until the building permit came through. Mr. Harmening suggested adding a condition when the final plat approval request was presented. Ms. McMonigal suggested stating to replace the screening on the west side of the property to an equivalent screening. Mr. Scott suggested adding any additional language at this time. Mayor Jacobs expressed this wasn't the time to establish variance details and that it should be brought back at its appropriate time. Councilmember Omodt asked about the historical preservation of the buildings. Mr. Knaeble stated they were open to suggestions and they were currently actively marketing to keep the house in place. Councilmember Omodt asked if he was open to preserving parts of it rather than demolishing them. Mr. Knaeble stated he was very open to the idea and had invited the St. Louis Park Historical Society to visit the property. Councilmember Sanger stated the house had a lot of potential. Councilmember Carver wanted to clarify that if the proposal went through, the likeliness of a builder saving the fence would be slim. He suggested Mr. Knaeble take into light the neighbor's concerns. Councilmember Carver also stated he has a proponent of move-up housing, stating it was a shame that trees could be saved at the back of the lot, but not on the side. He further stated he was torn on which way to vote, since voting for the proposal would likely be the demise of the trees. City Council Meeting -5- - April 7, 2008 Councilmember Finkelstein stated he was in support of the proposal, as it would be a great opportunity for move-up housing. He also suggested that Mr. Knaeble take Councilmember Carver's advice, stating that good developers make good neighbors. Councilmember Finkelstein further stated by adding the conditions of operation and sidewalk, he would be supporting it. Councilmember Basill asked if once the variance was approved, would Council have the ability to make buffer requirements. Mr. Scott suggested making those requirements now, stating they may not have any additional information once a final plat was presented, unless a builder was already in place with plans. It was moved by Councilmember Paprocki, seconded by Counci/member Basil/, to adopt Resolution No. 08-050, approving the preliminary plat of Isabelle Estates with a lot width variance to allow a reduction in the amount of the lot that must meet the 75 foot minimum width;restricting work operation to the hours of9 a.m. to 6p.m. Sunday through Saturday; priority requirement that replacement of trees focus on providing screening on western border. The motion passed 5-2 Councilmember Carver and Sanger opposed. It was moved by Counci/member Omodt, seconded by Counci/member Paprocki, to adopt Resolution No. 08-051, denying a variance request for elimination of the requirement to install a sidewalk along Aquila Avenue. The motion passed 7-0. 8b. Project Report: 2008 MSA Street Improvement Project#2007-1100. Resolution No. 08-052 Mr. Olson presented the staff report. Councilmember Sanger asked if the work on 16h Street would be coordinated with the Park Place redo and when that would be done. She also asked if they would need to close the road to traffic or if traffic would be rerouted while working on it. Mr. Olson stated the work on 16`h Street would likely occur in the spring 2009 and during the work it would be constructed under traffic. Councilmember Omodt asked why the construction would be during Rec Center peak hour and why the City wouldn't wait until the pool closes at the end of the season. Mr. Olson stated the construction timing, stating contractor's workload at the end of the season is at its peak and may impact pricing. He further stated that Park and Rec requested construction begin after Parktacular. Councilmember Finkelstein asked if a right turn lane would be added at the corner of Park City Council Meeting -6- April 7, 2008 Center Blvd and Monterrey Avenue. Mr. Olson stated he was unaware of any right hand turn lane. Councilmember Basill stated he would advise the neighborhood groups at the Elmwood and Creekside meetings later this week. It was moved by Councilmember Basill, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to adopt Resolution No.08-052, accepting this report, establishing and ordering Improvement Project No. 2007-1100, approving plans and specifications, and authorizing advertisement for bids. The motion passed 7-0. 8c. Adjourn to a Closed Door/Executive Session to discuss with the City Attorney pending/ongoing litigation with Pawn America. 8d. Adjourn to a Closed Door/Executive Session to discuss with the City Attorney pending/threatened litigation with ARINC. 9. Communications Mayor Jacobs reminded everyone of the Belgian Waffle Dinner at the Lennox Center on Friday, April 11, 2008. He also stated the Carin Youth Event May 15d1 at the Rec Center at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Jacobs stated that Excelsior Blvd would be closed April 141h for a couple of weeks due to railroad construction. And, as a final note, Mayor Jacobs wished to send his condolences to the family of Paul Reuben, a former St. Louis Park Police Officer, who was killed in Iraq. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m. 7 / if Nancy Stroth, ity Clerk Jeff Jac, s, May