HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/03/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular /19 St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
MARCH 2, 2009
1. Call to Order
Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Loran
Paprocki and Susan Sanger.
Councilmembers absent: C. Paul Carver.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Community
Development Director (Mr. Locke), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), City Engineer (Mr. Brink),
Public Works Director (Mr. Rardin), Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Olson), Community
Liaison (Ms. Olson) and Recording Secretary (Ms. Schmidt).
Others present: Duke Realty Representative Mr. Mascia.
2. Presentations
2a. Human Rights Award
Mayor Jacobs recognized Stephen Glasper as the 2008 Human Rights Award recipient for
his outstanding contributions to the community creating an environment that furthers the
cause of racial harmony that extends beyond the walls of his barber shop.
3. Approval of Minutes
3a. Special City Council Minutes January 26, 2009
It was noted on page three, item#2a, add a second paragraph to state: "Councilmember
Finkelstein noted that it was a tough call, but that the application did not meet the legal
definition of a hardship. The fact that the City was not permitting the most profitable use of
the land in question did not mean that it was a hardship, further stating it already was a
profitable use of the land."
The minutes were approved as amended.
3b. City Council Study Session Minutes January 26, 2009
The minutes were approved as presented.
City Council Meeting -2- March 2,2009
3c. City Council Workshop Minutes January 30, 2009
The minutes were approved as presented.
Mayor Jacobs thanked AAA for hosting the workshop events.
3d. City Council Workshop Minutes January 31, 2009
The minutes were approved as presented.
3e. Special City Council Study Session Minutes February 2, 2009
The minutes were approved as presented.
3f. City Council Minutes February 2, 2009
It was noted on page one, item #2a, the first paragraph, last sentence should state: "... at a
discount rate to replace trees lost on private property."
The minutes were approved as amended.
3g. City Council Study Session Minutes February 9, 2009
It was noted on page two, item#3, the first paragraph, second sentence should state:
"...crossing Wooddale Avenue and safety improvements for pedestrians and bicycles crossing
the bridge. Councilmember Sanger also noted that staff did agree to research all of the
requested suggested modifications."
It was noted on page two, item#3, the second paragraph, first sentence should state:
"...across the bridge, even though there was some feedback about not having a noise wall.
He further stated there was feedback to put lilacs all the way down the exit ramp off of Hwy
100 as well."
It was noted on page two, item#3, a third paragraph was requested to state:
"Councilmember Sanger noted that Council did discuss adding vegetation in a number of
places, and staff did agree to research the suggested modifications."
The minutes were approved as amended.
3h. City Council Minutes February 17, 2009
It was noted on page three, item #6a, the second paragraph, should state: "...disclosed that
she was a member of the Board of Directors of Wayside House."
The minutes were approved as amended.
3i. City Council Study Session Minutes February 23, 2009
City Council Meeting -3- March 2,2009
The minutes were approved as presented.
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. Approve out-of-state travel for Mayor Jacobs for the National League of Cities'
Congressional Cities Conference in Washington D.C.
4b. Authorize execution of a contract with Arbor Barber, Inc. as the 2009 private
diseased tree removal contractor in an amount not to exceed $122,080.08. Arbor
Barber has successfully performed other similar contracts for the City of Minneapolis
and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 09-038 authorizing final payment in the amount of
$60,177.91 for the 2008 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Maintenance Project - Project
No. 2008-0003, 0004, & 2009-0004 with Concrete Idea, Inc., Contract No. 73-08.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 09-039 authorizing final payment in the amount of
$102,277.83 for the 2008 Local Street Rehabilitation Project - Project No. 2007-
1000 &2008-1600 with Midwest Asphalt Corporation, Contract No. 40-08.
4e. Approve for Filing Vendor Claims.
41 Approve for Filing Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes December 3,
2008.
4g. Approve for Filing Telecommunications Advisory Commission Minutes December
4, 2009.
4h. Approve Resolution No. 09-040 amending and restating Resolution Nos. 08-057
and 08-128 relating to a Final Planned Unit Development for the West End
Redevelopment Project located at the Southwest Quadrant of Interstate 394 and
Highway 100.
4i. Approve an Encroachment Agreement at 1607 Park Place Boulevard for Temporary
Private Use of Public Land for outdoor dining, subject to City Council approval of a
Minor Amendment to the Final Planned Unit Development.
It was moved by Councilmember Paprocki, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve
the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar.
The motion passed 6-0.
5. Boards and Commissions — None
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6. Public Hearings
6a. Creation of Special Service District No. 5 - Park Place Boulevard from I-394 to
Cedar Lake Road
Mr. Walther presented the staff report.
Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Jacobs closed
the public hearing.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Paprocki, to approve
First Reading of Ordinance authorizing creation of Special Service District #5 and to
schedule the 2'd reading of the ordinance for March 16, 2009; and to approve Letter of
Determination responding to the opposition letter from Costco Wholesale Corporation.
The motion passed 6-0.
7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public— None
8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items
8a. TH 7 & Wooddale Avenue Interchange Project Update — Project No. 2004-
1700
Resolution Nos. 09-041, 09-042, 09-043
Mr. Brink presented the staff report.
Councilmember Finkelstein inquired if there would be any Federal stimulus money available
for the project. Mr. Harmening stated MnDOT is in support of stimulus money being put
toward the project, which is a "shovel ready" project, but there isn't any guarantee the City
will receive any of these monies. He also reminded Council that Met Council, via the
Transportation Advisory Board, will have input on how stimulus money is going to be spent
in the metro area. Mr. Harmening added that staff recommends they continue with the
action tonight, stating they would still have time to change their minds on the project within
the next month once they have more information on the stimulus funds available.
Councilmember Finkelstein reminded everyone that this project was inside the 694/494
corridor and is noted as solving an urgent transportation need, as well as being next to a LRT
station.
Councilmember Paprocki clarified that if the money does not come they could still "pull the
plug." Mr. Harmening confirmed, reminding everyone they would still have other options
and opportunities available.
Councilmember Basill stated the project deserves stimulus money and voiced his
disappointment in MnDOT's participation seeking funding. He also inquired if there were
City Council Meeting -5- March 2,2009
any updates on the pedestrian crossing and if they would be able to add lilacs as a buffer as
you exit Hwy 100. Mr. Brink stated they are proposing stripping the traffic lane with a 4
foot shoulder from the curb and stripping two feet behind the curb on the trail itself; and
stated lilacs as a buffer could work, noting staff would look into it.
Councilmember Sanger thanked staff for incorporating the lilacs and vegetation as a buffer.
She also stated she has received a lot of feedback in appreciation for honoring input to
remove the noise wall.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Basill, to adopt
Resolution No. 09-041 approving plans and specifications, and authorizing advertisement
for bids for Improvement Project No. 2004-1700; to adopt Resolution No. 09-042,
authorizing removal of installation of noise walls from Improvement Project 2004-1700,
Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue Interchange Improvements;and to adopt Resolution
No. 09-043 authorizing parking restrictions on Wooddale Avenue between West 35th Street
and West 36th Street.
Mayor Jacobs stated he had a recent conversation with MnDOT and they are in support of
the project for stimulus money.
Councilmember Basill reminded everyone that the project would be a major inconvenience,
but felt it would be well worth it once the project was done.
Councilmember Paprocki stated they should keep in mind the whole City will have traffic
issues resulting from the construction of Highway 7.
The motion passed 6-0.
8b. Local Street Rehabilitation Project — Pavement Management Area 5, Project
Nos. 2008-1000 & 2009-1300
Resolution No. 09-044
Mr. Olson presented the staff report regarding the 2009 Local Street Rehabilitation Project
as part of the City's Pavement Management Program.
Councilmember Paprocki stated this would be a good opportunity for residents to replace
their water service line under the City's contract and save significantly over hiring a
contractor to replace it at a later time.
It was moved by Councilmember Paprocki, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to adopt
Resolution No. 09-044 accepting this report, establishing and ordering Improvement
Project No. 2008-1000 and Improvement Project No. 2009-1300, approving plans and
specifications, and authorizing advertisement for bids.
The motion passed 6-0.
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8c. "The Towers at West End" Preliminary Plat with Variance and Preliminary
Planned Unit Development (Case Nos. 08-49-S, 08-50-PUD)
Resolution Nos. 09-045 and 09-046
Mr. Walther presented the staff report.
Councilmember Sanger stated concern with not having a Joint Powers Agreement with
Golden Valley. Mr. Walther stated the original vision was for St. Louis Park to have
responsibility for all zoning and building approvals for the site with the possibility of tax
revenue sharing. He indicated an agreement was not reached and the City now hoped to
simplify the agreement between the cities with some type of memorandum of understanding
clarifying responsibilities for permitting and inspections. Mr. Locke stated a dual process has
evolved needing approvals from both cities.
Councilmember Sanger stated she is very concerned with the traffic impact, and felt the
concerns still need to be addressed.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Finkelstein, to adopt
Resolution No 09-045 for Preliminary Plat with variances, subject to conditions for The
Towers at West End; and motion to approve Resolution No. 09-046 approving
Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) for The Towers at West End, subject to
conditions.
Councilmember Finkelstein inquired about the timeframe for the office buildings. Mr.
Mascia stated they hoped to start the office buildings in 2010. Councilmember Finkelstein
asked how many buildings they were planning. Mr. Mascia stated ideally four buildings
would be best, but it would depend on the market and tenants.
Councilmember Sanger asked if they had the retail timing for opening the West End shops.
Mr. Mascia stated they plan to open in September 2009.
The motion passed 6-0.
9. Communications
Mayor Jacobs stated that the STEP Empty Bowls Food Shelf Fundraiser would be Thursday, March
5th at the Rec Center, with two times available: lunch from 11:00 — 2:00 and dinner from 4:30 —
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Jacobs reminded everyone of the Reading Week event at Aquila on Thursday, March 5th from
6:30— 8:00 p.m.
Mayor Jacobs congratulated the St. Louis Park High School Park Swim Team for their win at the
North Suburban Swim Conference.
Councilmember Paprocki reminded everyone that March 14th (3/14) is National Pi Day.
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10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:51p.m.
Nancy Stroth, ity Clerk Jeff a • .s, ayor