HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/12/03 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Jft St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA
DECEMBER 3, 2012
1. Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tern Sanger called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Pro Tern Susan Sanger, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Julia
Ross, Sue Santa, and Jake Spano.
Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Deputy City
Manager/Director of Human Resources (Ms. Deno), Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), City
Engineer (Mr. Brink), Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Olson), Controller (Mr. Swanson),
Finance Supervisor (Mr Heintz), City Assessor (Mr. Bultema), Commercial Appraiser (Ms.
Nathanson), Utilities Superintendent (Mr. Anderson), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms.
McMonigal), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Communications Coordinator
(Mr. Zwilhng), and Recording Secretary(Ms Hughes).
Guests: Ms. April Crockett (Mn/DOT West Area Engineer) and Mr. Mark Dierling (SEH
Consulting)
la. Pledge of Allegiance
lb. Roll Call
2. Presentations -None
3. Approval of Minutes
3a. Special Study Session Meeting Minutes November 5, 2012
The minutes were approved as presented.
3b. City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2012
Councilmember Mavity requested that the second sentence of the third paragraph on page
8 be revised to state "She felt the City needs to be careful about setback requirements
because each house has a different topography and the City may find itself in a situation
where a well-placed beehive may have to be moved to a location that is not ideal and
possibly worse for the bees and for the neighbors."
The minutes were approved as amended.
3c. Study Session Meeting Minutes November 13, 2012
Councilmember Santa requested that the first paragraph on page 4 be revised to state
"Ms. Walsh stated that the Lenox model has some successful components but does not
represent what the future will be for baby boomers adding if you set aside space for a
specific age group that spaces does not get used a lot of the time. She stressed that the
City Council Meeting -2- December 3, 2012
task force studied sites throughout the community including the Texa Tonka site which
was determined to be too small to accommodate the size of facility being considered."
Councilmember Santa also requested that final sentence of the first full paragraph on
page 5 be revised to state "She stated the community impacts are significant and the
DEIS does not indicate whether they have looked at these impacts, which could mean if
they are not looking at these impacts that means there is no
money for mitigation because it runs both north-south and east-west at different points
and cuts off the community."
The minutes were approved as amended.
3d. Special Study Session Meeting Minutes November 19, 2012
Councilmember Spano requested that the statement in the third paragraph on page 2 be
attributed to Councilmember Ross.
The minutes were approved as amended.
3e. City Council Meeting Minutes November 19, 2012
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger noted that the November 19`h City Council meeting minutes were
revised after publication and includes a revision to the first paragraph on page 6.
The revised 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. 12-169 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the water service line at 7405 Edgebrook Drive, St. Louis Park, MN - P.I.D. 20-
117-21-21-0068.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 12-170 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the water service line at 3253 Webster Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN —P.I.D.
16-117-21-24-0021.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 12-171 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the water service line at 1624 Jersey Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN - P.I.D.
05-117-21-43-0078.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 12-172 authorizing final payment in the amount of
$3,243.55 and accepting work for Fire Station No. 1 Work Scope 02 (Asphalt
Paving) with Omann Brothers Paving, Inc. for Project No. 2008-3001, City
Contract No. 84-11.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 12-173 authorizing final payment in the amount of
$2,237.83 and accepting work for Fire Station No. 2 Work Scope 02 (Asphalt
Paving) with T.A. Schifsky& Sons, Inc. for Project No. 2008-3002, City Contract
No. 53-11.
City Council Meeting -3- December 3, 2012
4f. Adopt Resolution No. 12-174 authorizing final payment in the amount of
$2,156.50 and accepting work for Fire Station No. 2 Work Scope 17 (Floor
Coatings) with Twin City Tile & Marble Company for Project No. 2008-3002,
City Contract No. 55-11.
4g. Appoint attorneys Marc Ben-is, James Gurovitsch, Dale Hansen, and Patncia
Hughes as hearing officers for the administrative penalties program.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 12-175 approving an easement for the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District (MCWD) to construct and maintain the Minnehaha Creek
Reach 20 Restoration Project (Creek Remeander Project).
4i. Approve for Filing Vendor Claims.
4j. Adopt Resolution No. 12-176 approving the eCharging Joint Powers Agreement.
It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to
approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of
all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jacobs absent).
5. Boards and Commissions- None
6. Public Hearings
6a. 2013 Proposed Budget, Tax Levy and Truth in Taxation Public Hearing
Mr. Heintz presented the staff report.
Mr. Swanson explained the budget process undertaken each year by the City and
presented the 2012 adopted budget and 2013 preliminary budget for the General Fund
and Park and Recreation Fund, noting the 2013 preliminary budget for these funds
includes an approximate 2.1% increase over the 2012 adopted budget. He presented the
proposed 2013 property tax levy, which includes a 4.00% increase over the 2012 final
property tax levy. He advised the Capital Replacement Fund levy allocation was
increased from 2012 to address this Fund's long term sustainability challenges after
analysis of the City's Long Range Financial Management Plan. He stated the Pavement
Management Fund allocation was eliminated for 2013 because this Fund receives
franchise fees to pay for repairs to City-owned streets instead of assessing property
owners for these repairs. He stated the Employee Administration Fund allocation did not
previously have a dedicated funding source and includes an additional $99,000 for 2013
with the goal of making this Fund sustainable for the long term. He explained that the
Truth in Taxation notices are mailed the second week in November and include
information regarding the tax levy certified by Council in September and calculates the
overall taxes from a number of taxing jurisdictions. He advised that in 2013, 74% of
residential property owners will see a reduction in the City's share of property taxes
compared to 2012, 24% of residential property owners will see an increase less than 5%,
and the remaining 1.79% will see an increase of 5% or greater. He advised that in 2013,
38% of commercial property owners will see a decrease in the City's share of property
taxes compared to 2012, 58% will see an increase of less than 5%, and the remaining 4%
will see an increase of 5% or greater He stated that the City ranked 18 out of 45 for city
residential taxes in Hennepin County and overall ranked 26 out of 45 for residential taxes
in Hennepin County.
City Council Meeting -4- December 3, 2012
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor
Pro Tern Sanger closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Mavity requested further clarification regarding the City's proposed levy
increase of 4.00% as it relates to the 2013 budget increase of 2.1%.
Mr. Swanson explained the 4.00% property tax levy increase is allocated among five
different funds while the 2.1% increase to the 2013 budget relates only to the General
Fund and Park and Recreation Fund.
Mayor Pro Tern Sanger stated the final 2013 Budget and 2013 Property Tax Levy will be
formally adopted by Council on December 17, 2012.
6b. First Reading of Ordinance Vacating a Portion of Natchez Avenue South,
North of Morningside Road
Mr. Morrison presented the staff report and explained that a petition was received from
eight St. Louis Park residents on Ottawa Avenue to vacate a portion of the 4200 block of
Natchez Avenue South 500' north of Morningside Road. He noted that the City also
received a request from Edina resident Ms. Sarah Hardy to defer consideration until the
City of Edina has concluded its review of a proposed subdivision adjacent to the Natchez
Avenue South right-of-way. He presented an aerial photo of the site and stated that
portions of the right-of-way have been vacated in the past and the remaining right-of-way
contains no roads, alleys, or trails but the City will need to maintain its utility and
drainage easement. He explained that the City of Edina is proposing to subdivide the
property adjacent to Natchez Avenue South into eight single family lots with five lots
backing up to Natchez Avenue South. He stated there is a 20' grade change from the
back side of the proposed Edina subdivision and that grade change follows the City
boundary; this grade change is ideal for the proposed location of the cul-de-sac and
allows for the preservation of the mature trees along the Natchez Ave right-of-way.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger opened the public hearing.
Ms. Katrina McDonald, 4257 Ottawa Avenue, appeared before the City Council in
support of the proposed vacation and stated the grade change in this area prohibits
construction of a meaningful road and would not benefit residents. She added she did not
feel it was necessary to delay action on this matter as requested by Ms. Hardy since there
are no plans to use this right-of-way for the subdivision in Edina.
Mr. Frank Seidel appeared before the City Council and stated he is an Edina resident and
is the developer of the proposed subdivision. He confirmed that he has no plans to
encroach upon or use the Natchez Avenue right-of-way and supports the petition to have
the property abandoned.
Mayor Pro Tern Sanger closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to
approve First Reading of Ordinance Vacating a Portion of the Natchez Avenue South
Right-of-Way and to set Second Reading for December 17, 2012.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jacobs absent).
City Council Meeting -5- December 3, 2012
6c. Zoning Determination Appeal — Sara and Henry Stokman, 2917 Quentin
Avenue South
Mr. Morrison presented the staff report and provided historical background of the Board
of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) decision to deny Sara and Henry Stokman's application for a
variance to the side yard setback. He stated the Stokmans propose to remove their one
car garage and replace it with a living space addition slightly larger than the existing
garage in the same location 10" off the property line. He presented several photographs
of the property and advised that at the October 25th BOZA meeting, the Stokmans
presented revised plans showing a 3' distance from the property line and during the
discussion at the October 25th BOZA meeting, the Stokmans asked BOZA to consider a 2'
setback, however BOZA felt a 3' setback was the minimum they would approve so
BOZA denied their application for a variance. He stated the Stokmans are now prepared
to request a 3' setback variance and explained that Council can direct staff to prepare a
resolution overturning the BOZA decision and approving a 2' variance to allow a 3'
setback for approval at the next City Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger opened the public hearing.
Mr. Henry Stokman and Ms. Sara Stokman, 2917 Quentin Avenue South, appeared
before the City Council and explained that they originally drew up plans for a 3' setback
as BOZA requested but were trying to see if they could get an extra foot; after further
consideration, they have decided to ask the City Council to approve what BOZA was
originally going to approve and are asking for the 3' setback as originally presented.
Mayor Pro Tern Sanger closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Ross, to direct staff
to prepare Findings of Fact to support a 2'variance for approval at the next City Council
meeting.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jacobs absent).
7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public—None
8. Resolutions, Ordinances,Motions and Discussion Items
8a. First Reading of Water Access Charge Ordinance.
Mr. Heintz presented the staff report and advised the water access charge (WAC) is used
by cities as a buy-in charge for new development into the existing water infrastructure.
He stated the WAC helps mitigate existing customers from subsidizing the impact of new
developments, adds predictability to the rate structure and also reduces the need to bond
for water infrastructure improvements. He indicated the proposed WAC is $750 for
permits issued after January 11, 2013.
Mr. Harmening stated the City sent a letter to developers doing projects in the City to
provide notice that the City is considering the implementation of a water access charge
and indicated that a number of other cities currently have a WAC. He advised the City
received an email today from a Duke representative expressing concern about the WAC
rte.
City Council Meeting -6- December 3, 2012
and indicating they had questions about entitlements that have already been approved for
the Duke development project. He stated that staff will further discuss this prior to the
Second Reading.
Councilmember Ross noted that no other developer comments were received and
requested information about when the letter was sent to the developers.
Councilmember Mavity stated there was a recent newspaper article about White Bear
Lake and the impact to the water table from surrounding cities' development. She stated
she would be interested in learning more about the issues in White Bear Lake and
whether similar issues could impact any of the development going on in the City.
Mr. Harmening agreed to provide information regarding the letter sent to developers as
well as the issues raised by Councilmember Mavity prior to Second Reading.
Councilmember Santa requested confirmation that new developments put an additional
strain on the City's water and sewer infrastructure.
Mr. Heintz stated it depends on the development and also depends on the site's previous
use, noting that a developer would receive credit based on the pnor usage and the
developer is only charged for any additional usage.
Mr. Harmening stated that existing users in the City have paid to build the infrastructure
that exists today and the premise of the WAC is that if a developer is coming into the
community and wants to tap into the system, there is a cost to buy into the system so that
it is fair to existing users who built the system and paid for it through their rates.
It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve
First Reading of Ordinance Amending Chapter 32 of the St. Louis Park City Code
Establishing a Water Access Charge and to set Second Reading for December 17, 2012.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jacobs absent).
8b. Second Reading — Zoning Ordinance Amendment Regulating Outdoor
Lighting. Ordinance No. 2427-12
Ms. McMonigal presented the staff report and explained that revisions to the ordinance
were discussed at several study sessions and the consensus at the most recent study
session was to proceed to Second Reading without significant changes. She advised the
Ordinance requires existing lighting facilities to come into compliance with glare
requirements when fixtures are replaced or a facility is expanded and added that the
Ordinance increases the landscape measures for light screening and these measures must
be submitted with a lighting plan.
Councilmember Spano advised that lighting was a major issue in his neighborhood when
Park Nicollet began its construction project and they found that strategically planted trees
helped to minimize light glare and spillover light and provided the neighborhood with a
degree of protection from the parking ramp lights. He thanked Ms. McMonigal and her
staff for all their work on this ordinance amendment.
City Council'Meeting -7- December 3, 2012
It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Spano, to approve
Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2427-12 Amending the St. Louis Park
Ordinance Code Relating to Zoning by Amending Section 36-363
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger stated she opposed this amendment because she did not agree
with the requirement to install glare packages only when new light fixtures are installed.
She indicated some of those light fixtures could be up for another ten or fifteen years
before being replaced and in the meantime, the glare from the lights makes some homes
unusable. She stated she was not happy that the City was allowing lights to be on seven
nights per week and it does not seem that the City is balancing the property rights of
neighbors with the rights of those using the fields. She urged the City to require that light
fixtures currently without a glare package be painted black to minimize glare.
The motion passed 5-1 (Mayor Pro Tem Sanger opposed; Mayor Jacobs absent).
8c. Consider Municipal Consent Request for the Highway 100 Reconstruction
Project. Resolution No. 12-177.
Mr. Brink presented the staff report and stated that a public hearing was held on
November 5th to consider Mn/DOT's request for municipal consent and several comments
were received at that time. He stated the current Minnetonka Boulevard bridge layout
provides a multi-lane roadway and a 4' wide striped shoulder on each side for a bike lane
and a 10' multi-use trail on both sides of the road. He indicated Council desired to widen
the bike lane to 5' and staff contacted the County and the County is willing to pay for half
of the shoulder widening to 5'. He then introduced April Crockett, Mn/DOT engineer.
Councilmember Hallfin stated that Council previously discussed its willingness to pay for
the widening of the bike lane and questioned whether the City should expand the bike
lane to 5.5' given the County's willingness to pay for half of the widening to 5'. He added
this would make the bike lane even safer and provide more useable space.
Councilmember Ross asked if it was possible to expand the bike lane to 5.5'.
Mr. Rardin stated that Mn/DOT has indicated the Minnetonka Boulevard bridge can be
widened to accommodate up to 6' wide bike lanes.
Councilmember Mavity spoke in favor of widening the bike lanes to 5' with cost sharing
from Hennepin County. She stated that even wider bike lanes would be nice but felt it
was fiscally prudent to stick with the 5' bike lane, which is acceptable to the bikers who
have been weighing in on this issue, and the 5' bike lane addresses most of Council's
concerns in a fair way.
Councilmember Santa felt that Council should senously consider increasing the bike lane
to 5.5' or 6' if that width can be accommodated and if money is available for this
Councilmember Spano requested clarification regarding the cost of widening the bike
lane.
Mr. Harmening explained that the revised cost estimate to add one foot on each side of
the bike lane is $92,000 compared to the earlier estimate of $125,000. He stated the
m
City Council Meeting -8- December 3, 2012
County has agreed to pay for half of the $92,000 so the City's share is approximately
$45,000 to add one additional foot. He added if the City widens the bike lanes to 6' the
City's cost would be another$92,000 for a total of$137,000 to construct a 6' wide striped
shoulder on each side.
It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt
Resolution No. 12-177 for Layout Approval—Highway 100 Reconstruction, as amended
to accommodate 6'wide striped shoulders
Councilmember Mavity requested a friendly amendment to the motion that would cap the
dollar amount paid for the widening of the shoulders.
Mr. Harmening advised that Mn/DOT has to design the bridge as instructed by the City
and the actual cost of the widened shoulders will not be known until bids are taken.
Councilmember Mavity withdrew her friendly amendment.
Councilmember Ross agreed that the City should not exceed a set dollar amount for the
striped shoulders and if the cost to construct 6' striped shoulders will be exceeded then
the striped shoulders should be reduced to 5.5'.
Mr. Rardin clarified that the correct term is "striped shoulder" and the County has
indicated it cannot support a designated "bike lane" on either side of the bridge.
Councilmember Ross requested confirmation that bikes can use the striped shoulder.
Mr. Rardin replied in the affirmative.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jacobs absent).
Mayor Pro Tern Sanger thanked Ms. Crockett for all her work on this project'.
8d. Project Report: Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue Interchange, Project No.
2012-0100. Resolution No. 12-178
Mr. Rardin presented the staff report and explained that work on this project started in the
early 2000s and included traffic studies with its need acknowledged in an EAW
performed for the Methodist Hospital expansion at that time. He stated that
improvements to the intersection were made in 2004 including the addition of dual left
turn lanes on Louisiana Avenue and traffic signals at Walker and Lake Street; these
improvements were viewed as interim improvements and it was understood that
additional improvements were needed on Highway 7 due to concerns about projected
future congestion at the Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue intersection. He stated that the
purpose and need for this project is due to significant intersection congestion leading to
increased accidents, vehicle delays, poor pedestrian/bicycle accommodations, and
associated environmental degradation. In addition, improving north-south transportation
connections is a city priority, referring to the recently completed Highway 7 and
Wooddale Avenue interchange project, which set the foundation for continued
improvements in that immediate area, along with addressing north-south connection
City Council Meeting -9- December 3, 2012
concerns. He then introduced Mr. Mark Dierling from SEH Consulting, along with Ms.
Crockett, who has also been involved in developing this project.
Mr. Olson explained the project includes construction of a grade-separated interchange
with a new bridge over Louisiana Avenue and a diamond style interchange with
roundabouts as well as two 10' trails on either side of the road. He stated the project
includes public art and aesthetic treatments along with landscaping and streetscape work.
He presented several renderings of the project and explained that concrete surface
texturing on the bridge parapet will be installed as well as colored pavers, under-bridge
lighting, two vertical landmark towers, and natural plantings, trees and shrubs. He
advised that seven privately owned parcels will be impacted by the project and the City is
currently negotiating with these parcel owners. He stated the City conducted an
extensive public process involving open house meetings, public hearings, meetings with
stakeholders, and communications through mailings, newsletters, and the City's website.
He indicated the City recently provided outreach to local businesses by hosting a series of
meetings to help minimize construction impacts to their businesses. He stated that
Highway 7 traffic will be shifted to a temporary southerly bypass and then will be
maintained at nearly all times during the first year of construction with full access and no
detours. Louisiana Ave. traffic will be maintained except for two possible weekend
closures needed during the early stages of construction to lower the grade of the road
through the bridge area. During the second year, Highway 7 traffic will be shifted onto
the new highway, but detours will be needed in order to construct Louisiana Ave., the
roundabouts, and the interchange ramps. He stated that the City has been working with
the local businesses to address their concerns related to restricted access, detour routes,
and project duration which the businesses feel will affect their businesses and result in
some loss of business. He advised the City has worked to improve access and has
presented revised staging plans noting the City plans to continue its business area
outreach by assisting with marketing strategies and promoting businesses during
construction. He stated total cost of the project is $26.3 million with $7.6 million in
committed Federal STP funds, $6.4 million in committed State funds, and $12.3 million
in committed local funds. He presented the construction timeline and stated construction
is scheduled to begin April 22, 2013.
Mr. Wade Wickens, 3915 Joppa, appeared before the City Council and stated the City has
many wonderful projects but was concerned that he did not see anything about how all
these projects are tied together and did not see anything about the proposed bridge for the
freight rail reroute. He stated he would like to see an overall picture of what is going on
in the City.
Mr. Harmening agreed there is a lot of reinvestment going on in the City and those plans
are all being done in concert with the City's long range plans and take into account the
possible freight rail rerouting.
Councilmember Mavity stated the City's Capital Improvement Plan lists all of the City's
capital improvement projects by year and is available to the public.
Councilmember Ross noted that Council requested a timeline from staff so that Council
was aware of all the planned and ongoing projects to make sure traffic still flows
throughout the City during all these projects.
City Council Meeting -10- December 3, 2012
Ms. Nancy Newcomb appeared before the City Council and stated she owns the furniture
store across from Sam's Club. She stated she was not sure what light rail will do for the
City and questioned why the City was doing the Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue
interchange particularly since the improvements at Wooddale appear to have helped
decrease accidents in this area. She stated the City talked about improving mobility with
this project but the City is taking out the signal at Louisiana but leaving the signals at
Texas and Blake and expressed concern about traffic backing up and problems with
congestion at those locations. She expressed significant concern about how this project is
going to affect their business and stated the City is spending $65,000 on art design and
$428,000 on art but there is nothing to help the business people.
Mr. Rardin explained that Louisiana Avenue carries a lot of traffic and is anticipated to
carry more traffic in the future while Texas Avenue is a low volume road compared to
Louisiana. He stated if additional warning devices are needed at the top of the hill on
Hwy 7, the City can install flashing lights but felt it was premature to state that traffic
will be an issue.
Ms. Rachel O'Brien, 3320 Republic Avenue, appeared before the City Council and stated
she owns Reddy Rents. She stated she and several businesses formed the "Highway 7
and Louisiana Coalition" with three purposes in mind. She stated they want the area to
be thriving, they want to work with the City and Mn/DOT to have access during the
construction project, and they want to promote their businesses before, during, and after
construction. She stated the Coalition is very concerned about road closures and detours
and the 30-40% drop in business that these projects cause. She stated the Coalition is
asking for the City's help to make sure people still come to this area so their businesses
can continue to thrive and are asking for any help to lessen the impact. She stated the
Coalition is happy with the revised staging plans that will decrease detours and shorten
the length of the project and thanked Mr. Olson, Mr. Rardin, and Ms. Crockett. She was
concerned this project is a light rail project but there are no economic programs available
to the businesses such as the programs being provided in the Central Corridor and the
Coalition would like marketing help, loans or grants. She reiterated this is a light rail
project that is being done for the future to get redevelopment going in the area and the
Coalition would like as much help as possible from the City and Mn/DOT.
Mr. Phil Weber, Park Tavern, appeared before the City Council and acknowledged this
area of the City is an eyesore, which has not previously been an area of focus for the City.
He felt this project would help the City but provides nothing for the businesses in this
corridor. He urged the City not to forget about these businesses.
Councilmember Ross stated she supported this project but was concerned about the
closure of the West Lake Street access from Highway 7 and how this closure could choke
off those businesses on the northeast side. She requested that the City consider keeping
that exit open in order to allow westbound drivers to exit Highway 7 onto West Lake
Street.
Ms. Crockett explained that Mn/DOT has provided the funding for a full access closure at
West Lake Street and felt that the Mn/DOT funding and possibly STP funding would be
lost if that closure were to be removed from the plans.
City Council Meeting -11- December 3, 2012
Councilmember Mavity stated she appreciated all the work that the Highway 7 and
Louisiana Coalition has done and stated it will be important for the City to continue to
support its small business community and to do whatever it can to support these
businesses during the construction.
It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt
Resolution No. 12-178 Accepting the Project Report, Establishing Improvement Project
No. 2012-0100 Approving Plans and Specifications, and Authorizing Advertisement for
Bids for Improvement Project No 2012-0100
Councilmember Spano stated that support of the business community during major
infrastructure projects is a valid concern and suggested that Council have a study session
discussion about creating a revolving loan fund to support these types of projects
including the freight rail reroute possibility.
Mayor Pro Tern Sanger thanked the business owners for their comments and encouraged
them to continue working with Mr. Olson and his staff. She stated it would be helpful to
have some ideas about what would be helpful to the business owners and requested that
Council have a study session discussion regarding this issue. She also requested that staff
keep in mind the possibility of removing the billboards and what it would cost to
eliminate them entirely.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jacobs absent)
9. Communications
None.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m.
NancyStr�ity Clerk Susan Sange , Mayor Pro Tem