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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/03/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular (ifSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA MARCH 15, 2010 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Phil Finkelstein Anne Mavity, Paul Omodt, Julia Ross, Susan Sanger, and Sue Santa. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Police Chief(Mr. Luse), Deputy Police Chief (Mr. DiLorenzo), City Clerk (Ms. Stroth), Inspections Director (Mr. Hoffman), Inspection Services Manager (Ms. Boettcher), Public Works Coordinator (Mr Merkley), Community Development Director (Mr. Locke), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Planner (Mr. Fulton), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Olson), Public Works Director (Mr. Rardin), and Recording Secretary (Ms Hughes). Guests: Hennepin County District Attorney Mike Freeman and Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek and Captain John Lageson from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and Mark Kronbeck from Alliant Engineering. 1 a. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Hennepin County Attorney and Hennepin County Sheriff Mr. Freeman stated that due to the collaborative efforts of the various community leaders, schools, law enforcement, prosecutors, and city governments, the crime rate has gone down over the last three years in St. Louis Park as well as across the County. He stated that the County works closely with St. Louis Park's law enforcement and the County Attorney's office is pleased to work with the City. He explained the importance of DNA in establishing who committed a crime and who did not commit a crime. He added that the criminal justice system is about seeking truth and DNA helps us get there. Councilmember Mavity requested that Mr. Freeman comment on a recent case in Chicago that questions a city's ability to regulate guns and how the ruling in that case might impact what the City is allowed to do with respect to regulating gun ownership. City Council Meeting -2- March 15, 2010 Mr. Freeman stated the United States Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a case involving a gun owner who lives in a crime-ridden area of Chicago and owns a gun because he feels it will take the police hours to get to his location in order to save him. He pointed out that Chicago has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. A recent ruling in the District of Columbia case in the United States Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment establishes an individual's right to bear arms audit will present a significant challenge to reducing guns in the streets. He stated he is hopeful that the court will not extend its ruling in the District of Columbia case to the Chicago case, but 75% of cases that get to the United States Supreme Court overrule some existing law and he was fearful that the Chicago case will extend hand gun ownership rights. Sheriff Stanek stated the Sheriff's office enjoys a great working relationship with Mr. Freeman's office as well as the City. He acknowledged Chief Luse and his staff, and explained the services provided by the Sheriff's department, including patrol, civil process, security, jail, crime lab, 911 dispatch, and training. He noted that the Sheriff's department will supplement a local police department's services as needed. He then introduced Captain John Lageson. Captain Lageson stated he has been with the Sheriff's office for 18 years and is pleased to work with Chief Luse and his staff. He discussed some of the work of the investigative and detective units, including the establishment of a Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF) aimed at going after the most violent offenders. This program arrested 154 individuals last year and removed 66 firearms from the street. He also discussed the Hennepin County Violent Crime Initiative Unit that focuses on investigation, information intelligence and prosecution. He stated these efforts have proven successful with an unselfish approach and the ultimate goal of keeping the citizens safe. Sheriff Stanek stated that the communications division dispatched over 600,000 9-1-1 calls throughout the County last year. He indicated the County is fortunate to have a state of the art crime lab which is nationally accredited, and with the help of State and Federal grants, the crime lab has increased personnel by approximately 30%. He expressed his thanks to the Mayor and City Council for working with the County, particularly during these difficult economic times. Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's thanks to Mr. Freeman and Sheriff Stanek. Councilmember Ross requested further information regarding the Sheriff's budgeted FTEs and whether any cut backs in services or labor force have been required. Sheriff Stanek replied that the Sheriff's office has 828 authorized FTEs and stated the Sheriff's department continues to hire and remain fully staffed. He stated he has cut back on non-personnel services and has focused on shifting services based on need. City Council Meeting -3- March 15, 2010 2b. League of Women Voter's 90th Anniversary Mayor Jacobs presented the League of Women Voters with a proclamation recognizing their 90th anniversary and proclaiming March 15th as "L WV Making Democracy Work Da/ in honor of the League's 90`h anniversary. Aggie Leitheiser accepted the proclamation and expressed the League's thanks to the Mayor and City Council. Councilmember Sanger stated she has been a member of the League for approximately fifteen years and appreciates the League's hard work to promote the ideals of democracy. She invited residents to consider participating and joining in League activities as well. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Special Study Session Minutes of March 1, 2010 Councilmember Finkelstein requested that the first sentence in the last paragraph on page 1 be revised to state "Councilmember Finkelstein stated he felt the proposed ordinance changes should be seriously looked at and the City has the authority to make these changes in the crime-free ordinance pursuant to its health and safety powers." The minutes were approved as amended. 3b. City Council Minutes of March 1, 2010 The minutes were approved as presented. 3c. Study Session Minutes of March 8, 2010 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. Adopt Resolution No. 10-025 Authorizing Award of the 2010 St. Louis Park Arts and Culture Grants. 4b. Approve Resolution 10-026 amending and restating Resolution No. 09-053 adopted April 6, 2009 approving Rules and Procedures for Boards and Commissions. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 10-027 expressing support of a Statewide Complete Streets Policy. City Council Meeting -4- March 15, 2010 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 10-028 authorizing final payment in the amount of $19,660.82 and accepting work for the traffic signal at W. 36th Street and Park Center Boulevard with Valley Paving, Inc. Project No. 2009-2101, City Contract No. 86-09. 4e. Approve for Filing Vendor Claims. 4f. Approve for Filing Human Rights Commission Minutes January 19, 2010. 4g. Approve for Filing Planning Commission Minutes December 2, 2009. 4h. Approve for Filing Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes September 29, 2009. 4i. Approve for Filing Housing Authority Minutes February 10, 2010. It was moved by Councilmember Omodt, seconded by Councilmember Ross, to approve the Agenda as presented and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and Commissions 5a. Boards and Commissions Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's thanks to everyone who expressed an interest in serving on the City's various boards and commission. Councilmember Mavity requested a slight modification to the makeup of the Police Advisory Commission, and explained that the Council felt that Mr. Lindberg would be a better fit for the Community Education Advisory Commission and that Jason Kley should be appointed to the Police Advisory Commission in place of Gregg Lindberg. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to appoint citizen representatives to fill vacancies on the Police Advisory Commission with terms as follows: Name Commission Term Expiration Jason Kley Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2010 Matthew Flory Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2010 Rashmi Seneviratne Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2011 Kimberly Mayes Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2012 The motion passed 7-0. 6. Public Hearings 6a. Public Hearing— Liquor License - Ringo City Council Meeting -5- March 15, 2010 Ms. Stroth presented the staff report and stated that Ringo Restaurants, Inc. dba Ringo plans to open its restaurant in April at 5331 16th Street in the Shops at West End. She stated the restaurant will operate an upscale casual restaurant with a globally roving menu. She indicated the police department has conducted a full investigation and found nothing to warrant denial of the liquor license. 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 Omodt, to approve the application from Ringo Restaurants, Inc. dba Ringo for an on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor license to be located at 5331 10 Street with the license term through March 1, 2011. The motion passed 7-0. 6b. Public Hearing to Revise Compost Ordinance Mr. Merkley presented the staff report and explained the proposed changes to the compost ordinance are intended to better define the composting definitions and to provide guidance as to what items are allowed, as well as to provide direction regarding composting structures. He indicated the proposed changes allow for adding kitchen scraps to the compost. In addition, the ordinance outlines those kitchen items not allowed. He pointed out that the proposed changes contain fewer restrictions than are currently in place. Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing. Councilmember Sanger stated there is a lot of interest in composting on the part of the public and asked why the ordinance only applies to single family homes through 4-plexes and not to higher density properties such as townhomes. Mr. Merkley agreed to look into the issue of including larger complexes in the ordinance and will provide further information to the Council at the second reading of the ordinance. Councilmember Santa stated it appears contradictory that dry egg shells are considered an allowable material, but eggs are not. Mr. Merkley stated that the definitions of allowable materials were taken from the University of Minnesota Extension Services. He indicated staff is always available if residents have questions about allowable materials. He added that the City will also be hosting composting seminars, there will be further information on the City's website, and handouts will be available at various City events, including Parktacular Ecofair and at Earth Day and Arbor Day events. City Council Meeting -6- March 15, 2010 Councilmember Omodt stated that it will be important to encourage residents to participate in composting and it will be helpful if staff can quantify resident participation. It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to approve 1" Reading of Ordinance adopting revisions to composting ordinance and set Second Reading for April S, 2010. The motion passed 7-0. 6c. Marriott Hotel — Vacation, Termination of a Special Permit, Final PUD and Plat Resolution Nos. 10-029, 10-030 and 10-031 Mr. Fulton presented the staff report and stated this item received preliminary Council approval in 2009 for a seven story, 162 room hotel in the Metropoint office complex. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed Final PUD and Plat on February 24, 2010 and recommended approval of the request. He reviewed the site design, parking requirements, landscaping, Designed Outdoor Recreation Area (DORA), and stormwater management. He explained the proposed vacation of the 15' drainage and utility easement, and noted that the easement has never been used for drainage or utilities. Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing. Councilmember Sanger stated there is a request to eliminate the construction of sidewalks in this project and felt this was odd, given the City's desire to promote the construction of sidewalks everywhere. She stated this does not make sense particularly when this hotel is adjacent to another Marriott hotel and there may be people attending conferences at one or both of the hotels. She asked if the termination of the Special Permit would have any impact on the remaining areas still covered by the Special Permit. Mr. Fulton presented a diagram of the entire site depicting sidewalks and clarified that the developer is proposing sidewalks along the south end of the parcel and all around the hotel, with the exception of the area to the north of the hotel. He added that the Special Permit would continue in full effect for the remaining properties with no adverse impact, and the net effect from withdrawing the Metropoint Office Park from the Special Permit is that the Office Park site would be governed under the requested Planned Unit Development. Councilmember Omodt requested clarification with respect to the area being utilized by both cars and pedestrians, and expressed concern regarding pedestrian safety in this area Mr. Mark Kronbeck from Alliant Engineering appeared before the City Council and stated that this area will have colored pavers, improved lighting, and trees, and will clearly signalize the direction of traffic flow and alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians in the area. City Council Meeting -7- March 15, 2010 Councilmember Ross also expressed concern about pedestrian safety and asked whether some delineation could be added for safety reasons. Mr. Kronbeck from Alliant Engineering stated the current design is intended to be more of a plaza feel and will have more people than cars circulating through the space; the design will make it clear to drivers and pedestrians exactly where cars would be traveling and that a slow speed of travel would be required. Mayor Jacobs stated he felt the area needs to be marked clearly otherwise people may be driving on the sidewalk or they simply will not see the striping It was moved by Councilmember Ross, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to approve First Reading of Ordinance approving the Vacation ofa drainage and utility easement at 600 Highway 169, and setting the Second Reading of the proposed Ordinance for April 5, 2010. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Ross, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to adopt Resolution No. 10-029 Rescinding the Special Permit for property located at 400 Highway 169 South, 435 Ford Road, and 600 Highway 169 South. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Ross, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to adopt Resolution No. 10-030 giving final approval for the Final Plat ofMETROPOINT. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Ross to adopt Resolution 10-031 Approving a Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) under Section 36-367 of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code relating to Zoning for Property Zoned 0-Office located at 435 Ford Road, 400 Highway 169, and 600 Highway 169 with an amendment for clear delineation and separation between vehicles and pedestrians Further Discussion: Councilmember Finkelstein stated that staff can address this issue between the time of the First and Second Readings. Mr. Fulton suggested that a condition be added that prior to the issuance of the building permit, staff will resolve the issues with respect to pedestrian safety such that pedestrian safety is assured consistent with Council's discussion this evening. Councilmember Omodt stated that he would like to see a clear delineation between pedestrians and vehicles, including clearly visible signage. City Council Meeting -8- March 15, 2010 Mayor Jacobs stated he felt that staff could address and resolve the issue of clear delineation between pedestrian walkways and driveways. Councilmember Omodt seconded the motion. John Ferrier, Director of Architecture for CSM Properties, stated it is their primary goal to protect the safety and welfare of their guests and visitors on the property. He assured the City Council that there will be a clear delineation and reiterated that this area is not heavily traveled by vehicles. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public— None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Gambling Premises Permit for Minneapolis Northeast Lions Club Ms. Stroth presented the staff report and stated the Minneapolis Northeast Lions Club has submitted an application to conduct lawful gambling inside Texa-Tonka Lanes. She recited City Code Section 15-8 that requires organizations conducting lawful gambling to expend 90% of its lawful purpose expenditures within the trade area of St. Louis Park, and pointed out that the City does not have authority as to what specific lawful purpose expenditures must be made. She stated the Police Department has conducted a background investigation and found no concerns. Councilmember Omodt stated the City Council has discussed charitable gambling in the past and questioned whether the Council has enough information at this time to make a decision on this request, or whether the Council should continue to discuss charitable gambling overall, and specifically with respect to lawful purpose expenditures It was moved by Councilmember Omodt, seconded by Councilmember Finkelstein, to postpone action on this item pending further discussion by the City Council. Mr. Harmening stated if the Council were interested in discussing this further, it could be placed on the Study Session agenda for April 12th. He noted that the Council has flexibility under the Code to extend action on this item Jeff Kristal, owner of Texa-Tonka Lanes, appeared before the City Council and stated there is minimal profit involved in their pull-tab operation and indicated that the pull-tabs are now machine operated. He stated Texa-Tonka Lanes use their funds only for the in-house junior bowlers program. He indicated that the existing organization of Community Charities is a big organization with locations statewide and it is sometimes difficult to get an answer from them on available funds. As a result, he has decided to work with the Lions Club. City Council Meeting -9- March 15, 2010 Councilmember Finkelstein stated he felt the Council needs to study this issue further and noted that the Lions Club represents the third nonprofit from outside the community in the last eight months. He stated he felt there were a number of issues the Council should consider, including (1) how many sites a particular nonprofit charitable gambling group operates, (2) where the nonprofit charitable gambling group operates, (3) what are the nonprofit charitable gambling group's revenues, (4) what are the nonprofit charitable gambling group's proceeds that go to charity, (5) how the nonprofit charitable gambling group defines "proceeds," (6) how much of the nonprofit charitable gambling group's proceeds are spent in programs in St. Louis Park, (7) how much does the nonprofit spend in programs in their "other" program areas, delineated by city, (8) what programs have been held in each city, (9) what did the nonprofit charitable gambling group spend as a nonprofit overall in terms of expenses, specifically including salaries, rent and other payments, and prizes, (10) can the City require or state as a preference that a sponsoring group be a local group or charity, or can the City require or state as a preference that expenses be limited to a set amount or percentage, or can the City require that a certain percentage be paid out in prizes, and (11) can the City limit either the number of these establishments or the actual duration of the contract. Mayor Jacobs stated that the City Council has studied these issues in the past and indicated he was not in favor of continued Council discussion on this topic. Mr. Harmening stated that some of Councilmember Finkelstein's questions can easily be answered relative to State law. He asked if Councilmember Finkelstein was requesting a report for all of the charitable gambling operations in St. Louis Park. Councilmember Finkelstein replied he would like Council to further discuss the issues he has raised, and at some point a full report on all of the charitable gambling operations in the City will be helpful. Mayor Jacobs stated that while he would like to require that nonprofit charitable gambling groups operating in the City just focus their proceeds on St. Louis Park, State law does not allow that Councilmember Sanger stated she felt it was worth having a discussion on this matter, particularly since a new Council is in place. She stated she would like the Council to consider a policy question regarding to what extent the City has the ability to limit where proceeds are spent and to what extent the City can encourage these groups to spend their proceeds in the City Mayor Jacobs reiterated that State law does not allow that. Councilmember Ross asked if there was a time frame for action on these requests. Mr. Scott stated the Council can continue this matter until after the Study Session in April if Council wishes. City Council Meeting -10- March 15, 2010 Councilmember Santa stated she felt it was important to make a decision with respect to the Lions Club's application in this matter. Mr. Kristal explained that his current lease contract with Community Charities expires on March 31, 2010. He stated if the Council does not approve the permit for Minneapolis Northeast Lions Club, he will renew the lease with Community Charities. The motion passed 4-3 (to postpone action on this item pending further discussion by the City Council.) Mayor Jacobs, Councilmembers Ross and Santa opposed. 8b. Panera Bread — Major Amendment to Planned Unit Development for Additional Signage Resolution No. 10-032 Mr. Morrison presented the staff report and stated the proposed sign will face west toward Home Depot and Cedar Lake Road. He added the Planning Commission recommended approval with the condition that the sign be limited to channel letters and a back lit logo and shall not exceed 96 square feet in area. Councilmember Sanger requested confirmation that the sign cannot be electronic and that the signs are turned off at 10:00 p.m. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Sanger expressed concern about the lighting and asked if the condition can be amended to state that the sign can only be lit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or only during the hours of operation. Caryl Scobbie, Development Manager for Panera, appeared before the City Council and stated that some of Panera's cafes are open at 6:00 a.m. and the signs are typically turned on when the business is open. Councilmember Sanger stated that this PUD as drafted limited the signage to signs facing inward where people are parking and walking into the businesses She indicated the Council allowed an exception for Office Max, and expressed concern that if another exception is granted for Panera, it will set a precedent for the rest of the commercial operators in this plaza which could result in a lot of visual clutter. She added there is no limitation in the PUD that addresses signs based on their proximity to residential uses. Mr. Morrison stated that each application must come before the City Council to make a decision and must include a public hearing. He added the Panera sign faces west and will be away from the residential area and is partially obscured. He stated that language can be added to indicate that additional signage will not be allowed. City Council Meeting -11- March 15, 2010 Councilmember Sanger requested that the City Attorney draft language to indicate that no signs are permitted on the outside of buildings facing residential properties. Mayor Jacobs stated that the City Council has discretion to grant or deny these requests on a case by case basis. Councilmember Ross stated she supports the Council having discretion on a case-by-case basis. Councilmember Sanger agreed with Councilmember Ross, but stated she would like to see some language that discourages all other businesses facing residential areas from putting up signage in order to avoid setting a precedent and to discourage inappropriate requests by business owners. Councilmember Mavity stated that that discouragement can come from staff directing applicants to the minutes of this meeting. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Maviry, to adopt Resolution No. 10-032 approving the Major Amendment to the Planned Unit Development for additional signage, subject to conditions as recommended by staff and the Planning Commission, and also subject to amending 14(a) of the conditions to state "The sign is limited to channel letters and a back ht logo only, to be back lit only during the hours when Panera is open to the public." (Note — the resolution recommended for adoption represents an amendment to the resolution originally adopted in 1996 at the time the Park Place Plaza Planning Unit Development was approved. The new language is underlined). The motion passed 7-0. Councilmember Sanger requested that the City Council have a study session agenda item related to signage within Planned Unit Developments and limiting visible signage in residential areas. 8c. First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Sections of Chapter 8 — Building and Contractor Licensing and Chapter 12 Environmental and Public Health Codes Mr. Hoffman presented the staff report and explained that some of the proposed modifications are intended to address complaints received from the community. Program changes are intended to be effective without adding an administrative burden for business owners and City staff. He noted that there is currently State Legislation under consideration that would create a statewide voluntary registration for massage therapists and if passed, a State registered massage therapist would not be required to a city license as the proposed ordinance would require. City Council Meeting -12- March 15, 2010 Ms. Boettcher presented an overview of the proposed changes to Chapter 8 and Chapter 12. She explained the substantial revisions to the code regarding peddlers and solicitors, including transfer of the program administration to the Police Department to help facilitate the background, licensing, and complaint investigation process in one location Councilmember Santa requested clarification regarding possible exception language in the peddlers and solicitors code and asked if people who drop literature are required to obtain a license. She also asked about Girl Scouts and/or students from high schools who are doing fundraising. She also asked if a license is required if a resident is soliciting funds from their neighbors as part of a campaign for the Cancer Society or Heart Association. Mr. Hoffman replied that people who are simply dropping literature are not required to obtain a license or pay a fee. He stated that there is an exception for Girl Scouts or others who take orders for products; however, if there are individuals soliciting funds for charity, they would be required to obtain a license because they would fall under the class of general fundraiser. He added that the City Attorney has prepared language that could revise this definition if the Council chooses, and that language could be considered in the Second Reading. Councilmember Santa stated she would like to have this exception language included in the Second Reading. Councilmember Mavity asked if each student from a school team doing a fundraiser, e.g., selling coupon books, would need an individual photo ID. Mr. Scott referenced the exemption outlined in Sec. 8-571 which indicates that any person selling a product as part of a fundraising effort would be exempted from the licensing requirement, e.g., Girl Scout cookies, coupon books, and other types of fundraisers for schools. He stated that the exemptions do not address the issue raised by Councilmember Santa with respect to a resident asking neighbors for donations for a nonprofit organization's campaign. He explained that he has drafted some language that states if a resident of the City is soliciting funds for a nonprofit in their neighborhood, the resident would not need a license. Councilmember Mavity stated she would want to see this exception included in the ordinance and to make it clear that any St. Louis Park school-related types of fundraising would not be required to obtain a license. Councilmember Finkelstein stated that it is not the City's intent to stop the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, or any community groups from going door to door in the City. He stated the City has had issues in the past with groups coming in and hassling some of the residents Councilmember Sanger concurred and stated she supports the changes requested by Councilmembers Santa and Mavity. She stated that some residents have been bombarded by solicitors who were intrusive and the intent of the ordinance is to ensure that all peddlers and City Council Meeting -13- March 15, 2010 solicitors are legitimate. She added that residents can obtain "No Soliciting" signs free of charge at City Hall, and if a resident is bothered by a solicitor or if a solicitor appears to be of questionable integrity, residents should contact the Police Department. It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to Adopt First Reading of Ordinance amending several sections in Chapter 8 relating to Business and Contractor Licensing and Section 12-1 of the Environmental and Public Health Code and set second reading for April 5, 2010. The motion passed 7-0. 8d. Contract Amendment— Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project Mr. Olson presented the staff report and stated that the City is nearing the completion of Phase 2 and has two remaining concept designs under consideration. He explained that staff is recommending that both design options be carried into Phase 3 in order to best determine which concept is more favorable to area redevelopment. This phase will include preliminary design work and environmental assessment. He stated that SEH provided an estimate for Phase 3 work in the amount of$300,000 for one concept, and both concepts through Phase 3 would be an additional $50,000. He noted that the SEH contract amount is based on actual work performed. Councilmember Omodt asked if the Governor's recent veto of light rail station planning dollars will have any impact on this project. Mr. Harmening stated that today's veto of the line item in the bonding bill relative to transit will not be the final item of legislation related to the SW corridor. He stated it is still staff's recommendation to continue with this project in order to remain competitive for federal funding for transportation improvements and to finish Phase 3 in order to have the most important work done from a due diligence perspective. Councilmember Finkelstein stated that simply because the City is going forward with the next phase of this project does not mean that the City has committed to building this interchange, primarily because the City cannot do this project without additional Federal, State and County funding. It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract 142-08 which provides additional engineering consulting services for the Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue Interchange project, Project No. 2012-0100 The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -14- March 15, 2010 9. Communications Mayor Jacobs announced the upcoming retirement of Linda Saveraid, the City's Community Education Director. He expressed the City Council's best wishes to her in her retirement. Mayor Jacobs stated the Lions Club will be holding their annual breakfast on March 28th from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Junior High School. Mayor Jacobs presented tickets to the councilmembers for the free band/orchestra/choir gala at the high school on March 24th at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Sanger reminded residents of the importance of returning their completed 2010 Census form which needs to be mailed back in the next couple of weeks. She stated the confidential data leads to allocation of federal and state funds for several purposes and is also used for redistricting of congressional seats. She added that Minnesota is in jeopardy of losing one of its congressional seats. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m. Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Jeff Jacil ay6 r