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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014/04/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular JfiStLouis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES .F MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA APRIL 7, 2014 1. Call to Order Mayor Pro Tern Sanger called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Pro Tern Susan Sanger, Tim Brausen, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jeff Jacobs and Steve Hallfin. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Jack Sullivan), Engineering Director (Deb Heiser), Communications Coordinator(Mr. Zwilling), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Staple). Guests: None. 1 a. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Recognition of Commissioners Dennis Morris and Rick Dworsky Mayor Pro Tern Sanger expressed thanks to Dennis Moms and Rick Dworsky for their contributions on City Commissions. She reported that Rick Dworsky has served on the Telecommunications Commission for the past 14 years, holding the positions of Chair and Vice Chair during that time. She thanked Mr. Dworsky for his service and presented him with a plaque of recognition. Mr. Dworsky stated that it has been an honor to serve the City and he looked forward to the work the Commission will continue to do in his absence. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger noted that Dennis Morris was not in attendance and recognition could be given at a later time. 2b. Volunteer Appreciation Proclamation Mayor Pro Tem Sanger expressed appreciation to all who have volunteered their time to the City during the past year and read aloud the Proclamation recognizing and thanking those individuals. She encouraged those interested to contact the City to determine volunteer opportunities. 2c. Communication of Donation Appreciation Mayor Pro Tern Sanger expressed the thanks of the City Council to resident Donna Hill for her monetary donation towards the improvement of the nature center. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Workshop Minutes February 27-28, 2014 The minutes were approved as presented. 3b. Special Study Session Minutes March 10, 2014 City Council Meeting -2- April 7,2014 The minutes were approved as presented. 3c. Special Study Session Minutes March 17,2014 The minutes were approved as presented. 3d. City Council Meeting Minutes March 17,2014 The minutes were approved as presented. 3e. Study Session Minutes March 24,2014 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 Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2452-14 amending Chapter 36 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances relating to definitions and allowing anaerobic digesters in the I-G General Industrial zoning district by conditional use permit, and to approve the summary ordinance for publication. 4b. Approve an extension until October 7, 2014 for Gatehouse Properties LLC to record the final plat for Wooddale Flats. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 14-047 authorizing conveyance of a permanent easement to MnDOT and Motion to Approve MnDOT"Zero Dollar Permit to Construct". 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 14-048 accepting work and authonzing final payment in the amount of$28,950.13 for the Traffic Signal Project at Park Center Boulevard at Park Summit with Hardrives, Inc. —Project No. 2012-1306, Contract No. 100-12. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 14-049 authorizing final payment in the amount of$27,383.80 for Sanitary Sewer Project — Lift Station. #2 and Force Main Rehab — Project No. 2012-2300 with Magney Construction, Inc. - Project No. 2012-2300, City Contract No. 18-13. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 14-050 authorizing final payment in the amount of$84,211.85 and accepting work for the City Hall First Floor Renovation project with Black and Dew, LLC. Project No. 2009-1600, City Contract No. 46-13. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 14-051 Declaring the Official Intent of the City of St. Louis Park to Reimburse Certain Expenditures from the Proceeds of Bonds to be Issued by the City 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 14-052 Consenting to and Approving the Issuance by the City of New Hope, Minnesota of Revenue Obligations to Finance a Project Under MN Statutes, Sections 469.152 Through 469.1655, as Amended; Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Cooperative Agreement; and Approving and Authorizing Certain Actions Related Thereto for the benefit of Homeward Bound, Inc. City Council Meeting -3- April 7,2014 4i. Approve a parking agreement with MSP Property Management (Louisiana Oaks Apartments)to lease 20 parking spaces to accommodate overnight guests of Louisiana Oaks apartment complex provided a permit is displayed on the vehicle. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 14-053 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from Donna Hill in the amount of$50 for Westwood Hills Nature Center. 4k. Accept for filing City Disbursement Claims for the period of February 22 through March 28, 2014. 41. Accept for filing Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes September 26, 2013 4m. Accept for filing Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes January 15, 2014 4n. Accept for filing Fire Civil Service Commission Minutes February 3, 2014 It was moved by Councilmember Spano, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 5-0. 5. Boards and Commissions. 5a. Appointment of Representative to the Community Education Advisory Commission It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to Appoint Tim Brausen as a City Council Representative to the Community Education Advisory Commission. The motion passed 5-0. 6. Public Hearings 6a. Public Hearing—2014 Connect the Parks! Project—Project No.4014-0000 Mayor Pro Tem Sanger explained that the discussion tonight will include five sidewalk segments and advised that she would like to take public comment in specific segments, in order to better group the comments together. Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report regarding 2014 Connect the Parks! and provided written comments from residents who were not able to attend tonight's meeting. He reported that the City began this visioning process in 2007 with the intent to add ten miles of sidewalk, 30 miles of bike lanes and bikeways, and three miles of trails within the next ten years. He reviewed the sidewalk design considerations that were reviewed during the process as well as the Right of Way(ROW)policy of the City; noting that replacement of the above ground aspects would be the responsibility of the City while the replacement of underground aspects would be the responsibility of the homeowner. He reported that there are six segments of sidewalk proposed and described the specific design aspects for each segment including the width of the sidewalk, any reduction to the roadway width, City Council Meeting -4- April 7,2014 City responsibility of snow removal, and whether on-street parking would be allowed. He reviewed the estimated cost and funding as well as the project timeline, should the direction be given to move forward tonight. He advised that the schedule proposes to complete the segments closest to schools prior to the fall opening. Councilmember Brausen questioned if the City owns the ROW in discussion. Mr. Sullivan confirmed that the City does own the ROW for the project area with the exception of a segment along Joppa, and noting that temporary construction easements may be needed along certain segments. Councilmember Brausen confirmed the City policy is that ROW is public land and the City is willing to pay for the replacement of above ground items found within the ROW. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger opened the public hearing and asked for comments on the Louisiana Avenue and Oxford Street sidewalk segments. Sara Bergen, 2939 Pnnceton, voiced her support for the Louisiana Avenue and Oxford Street sidewalk segments. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger asked for comments regarding the Joppa Avenue segment. Joshua Borenstein, Torah Academy, stated on behalf of the school, they would like to see the sidewalk continued. He noted that the sidewalk would be a great amenity, which would promote safety for the children that walk that way to school. Tom Green, 2827 Joppa Avenue, spoke in representation of the residents along the east side of Joppa Avenue. He stated that they are very anxious for this sidewalk connection to occur, as it will provide connection to the nearby synagogues. He also believed that the connection would be great for the students walking to Torah Academy. Judy Shapiro spoke on behalf of the synagogue located at 2959 Joppa Avenue. She stated that the synagogues support the sidewalk connection as well as the no parking along the side of the roadway. Uldis Kreslms, 2737 Quenton, also spoke in support of the project as he walks that route with his children. Erika Finkler, 2623 Huntington Avenue, stated in general she is in support of the program and believes that the sidewalk connections will be beneficial to the community and the foot traffic through the neighborhood. Mark Fredrickson, 2851 Joppa Avenue, questioned if this process includes a curb cut at the south end of the parking lot along the west side. Mr. Sullivan stated that Torah Academy has approached the City with the possibility of reinstalling that curb cut. He advised that the option looks favorable but no decision has been made. He advised that, if approved, the curb cut would be completed in conjunction with this project but noted that Torah Academy would be financially responsible for the curb cut. City Council Meeting -5- April 7,2014 Mr. Fredrickson stated when he purchased his property, he was told that there would be a row of trees to provide screening and also believed that a curb cut would have a negative impact on the flow of traffic in that area. He stated for that reason, he would be against the curb cut option. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger noted that a decision has not been made on the issue of a curb cut and confirmed that Mr. Fredrickson would be willing to participate in the public discussion process for that option. She then welcomed comments regarding the Morningside Road segment. Thomas Rehkamp, 4300 Browndale, spoke in support of Mr. Sullivan and the plan that has been developed. He stated in speaking with his neighbors on the north side, there was concern over which side the sidewalk would be located. He stated there has been interest for some time to provide a connection for residents accessing the park and believed that the combination of the sidewalk and no parking would be beneficial to the neighborhood and would also have a calming impact on traffic. Jenna Bjorgen, 4281 Ottawa Avenue South, stated her son travels from their home to his friend's home and uses Morningside Road, which currently does not have a sidewalk connection. She expressed support for this connection and the safety that it will provide to users of the park and residents of the neighborhood. Ron Berry, 4100 Salem Avenue South, stated this is the third proposal for the sidewalk connection and he has always spoken in opposition. He stated that while he still opposes this segment, he does believe that this is the most reasonable plan the City has proposed. He referenced the proposed six-foot width for the segment and believed that sidewalk should be constructed with a width of four to five feet, similar to the existing segment to which this will connect. He also suggested not completing the segment at all, as he is not sure that sidewalks are the answer. Mr. Sullivan explained that the sidewalk width is proposed at six feet for snow removal purposes and for general walkability. He noted that each segment width was considered based on the availability of ROW. Councilmember Mavity questioned the impact a smaller width would have on the snow removal process. Mr. Sullivan explained that the equipment used for snow removal needs a certain width for operational purposes. He also noted that the additional space would allow for snow storage space from the roadway as well as the sidewalk. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger welcomed comments for the 41st Street segment. Susan Erickson, 4122 Salem Avenue, stated that when the Connect the Park! process began the previous fall; she collected a number of signatures in support of the sidewalk segment along 41st Street. She stated there is widespread support and acknowledged need for these segments. Ms. Erickson stated there are many children that are forced to walk along the roadway without sidewalks at this time and she believed that these additional segments will provide safety for the children and teach them proper roadway knowledge. She expressed the positive benefits of walking that would be provided with the additional City Council Meeting -6- April 7,2014 connectivity and believed that sidewalks are not a luxury and are the key to vital city life, for not only children but all residents. Maria Waters, 4100 Utica Avenue, stated she purchased her home in 2001 and was excited about the proposed sidewalk. She noted since that time, she has had two children and referenced the dangerous conditions for her children who walk along 41st Street on their way to school. She was in support of the sidewalk connection. Larry Johnson, 3000 Highway 100 South #407, spoke in support of the sidewalk and acknowledged the many benefits of sidewalks throughout all areas of the City. James Ragen, 4517 Vallacher Avenue, stated his young children will attend the nearby school and believed that it would be great to have the sidewalk connection for school children. Gloria Hiner, 4050 Wooddale, stated she was concerned with the narrowing of the street, noting that the street was already narrow through the winter because of the amount of snow received. She questioned the impact a narrower roadway would have. Mr. Sullivan noted that the section near her home will not be narrowed but the remaining street portion will be narrowed by 3.5 feet. He advised that targeted no parking could be applied as well as increased snow efforts should those actions become necessary. Councilmember Lindberg confirmed the current width of the roadway and the proposed reduction. Mr. Sullivan explained that the narrowing of the road was proposed to ensure that resident driveway lengths would not be reduced too much and become usable. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger welcomed comments regarding the 39th Street segment. Ted Ekkers, 4512 West 39th Street, voiced his support for the project noting that he has two young children who will have to walk to the nearby school. He also believed there would be benefit for users of the park. Kristin Siegesmund 3905 Glenhurst, appreciated the work the City has put into this project thus far. She expressed concern with mitigation on the property and asked for clear direction from the Council to allow for mitigation when possible. She believed that there would be a benefit to a smaller width for the sidewalk, such as four to five feet rather than the proposed six feet. Councilmember Mavity believed that in a previous meeting, the Council did provide staff with the ability to reduce the sidewalk and boulevard widths when needed. Mr. Sullivan stated staff is clear that modification to the sidewalk or boulevard could occur to reduce the impact to items such as substantial trees. He stated there will be a better understanding and better input obtained in regard to vegetation now that the snow is melting. He explained that modification to sidewalk and boulevard width will occur only in the instance that vegetation could be saved completely. Jodi Brendel, 3845 Joppa Avenue South, stated she is against the sidewalk along 39th Street and has been vocal throughout the process. She stated that as a business leader she City Council Meeting -7- April 7,2014 was surprised with the amount of question surrounding the designation of certain sidewalks. She stated she was surprised that there would be a vote tonight and referenced a petition of 120 people that oppose the sidewalk. She believed that it would be dangerous to connect 39th Street to France Avenue because of the high amount of traffic on that roadway. Ms. Brendel did not believe that bicycles are allowed on the sidewalk and that narrowing the street width would cause safety problems for the children riding their bicycles. She stated that traffic is minimal along 39th Street and she did not believe segments would be needed along 41st Street or 39th Street. She questioned if the option for a back of curb sidewalk had been investigated. Mr. Sullivan confirmed that the option was investigated and the impact to trees would be very minor between the two options. He stated the staff recommendation would be for a boulevard style with a reduction of the street width, rather than the back of curb option. Ms. Heiser confirmed that bicycles are allowed on sidewalks by State Statute. Councilmember Mavity referenced the intersection where the sidewalk changes sides of the road and asked for staff input. Mr. Sullivan confirmed that the sidewalk does change sides of the roadway because of the grade and conditions that exist along the other side of the roadway, including impacts to utility poles, trees, and driveways. He advised that the intersection is an all-way stop and staff felt this would be the best opportunity to allow crossing. He recognized an internal process between departments that is occumng at this time regarding pedestrian safety being led by the Police Department. Matt Hoenck, 3830 Inglewood Avenue South, stated that mailings regarding the previous Study Sessions had only been sent to affected property owners, which is most likely why only those in opposition attended and previously voiced comments. He spoke in support of the sidewalks, noting that he also has a child that attended the nearby school without sidewalk connections. Mr. Hoenck noted that while older children may prefer to ride their bicycles in the road, it is safer for younger children to ride on the sidewalk. He noted that these segments would also allow for people to walk around the block without going onto the roadway. He stated that currently if there is a car parked on 39th Street, you as a walker, are forced to walk in the middle of the roadway, which is not safe. Steve Parsons, 3845 Inglewood, thanked the Council for their time to hear the opinions of the residents. He stated he is in support of the sidewalks, noting that he walked to the school as a child. He believed that the key issue is safety and noted that it can be dangerous to walk in the roadway with the amount of traffic and foot traffic along the road. He referenced the intersection of Lynn Avenue and 39th Street and asked for additional information. Mr. Sullivan noted that currently the intersection is skewed and the proposal would help to better align the intersection. He confirmed that the intersection is also uncontrolled and noted that staff is investigating the option of installing stop signs at the intersection. Mr. Parsons stated he is in favor of narrowing the roadway to help lower vehicle speeds, as well as a stop sign at the intersection, in addition to the sidewalk segments. Tom Hillstrom, 3825 Glenhurst Avenue, stated his family previous lived along another roadway in the City that had a sidewalk and commented on the benefit it provided to his 5. City Council Meeting -8- April 7,2014 young children. He spoke in support of the sidewalk segments proposed. He noted that there are two segments in the area, which currently stop part way through the block and believed that those should be completed as well. Matt Stangl, 3801 Huntington Avenue, referenced a petition he created specifically in regard to the property owners that are in support of the connection of the north south sidewalks, which currently end part way through blocks near 39th Street along Inglewood, Huntington, and Glenhurst. He believed that those segments should be completed in addition to the 39th Street segment. Mr. Stangl stated he spoke with 12 of the 17 impacted property owners for the north south connections, noting that 11 homeowners did support the request. He advised that the one person who did not support the project is moving and that is why they did not have interest. He did not believe that there would be impact to trees for these connections and saw minimal grade issues in completing the dead-end segments. He also believed that increased coordination with the City Forester could occur to better determine tree placement for future planning purposes. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger stated the Council has discussed filling in those sidewalk gaps and questioned if that was in process. Mr. Sullivan confirmed that the item was not included in the packet for review as staff has not fully been able to determine all of the sidewalk gaps routes. He explained that if the approval is gained for the 39`h Street segment, staff would look further into making these connections. He noted that he would like to speak with the impacted homeowners, just as staff did with the segments proposed tonight. Jenna Bjorgen, 4281 Ottawa Avenue South, spoke on behalf of herself and two other residents in the neighborhood expressing support for the sidewalk connections. She advised that she also supports the petition signed by 190 residents of Minikanda Vista. She advised that she has also received six additional signatures, bringing the total people signing the petition to 196. She acknowledged that the City has thus far heard many negative comments from residents prior to tonight's meeting and believed that is why so many people attended voicing their support tonight, in addition to those that have signed the petition. Ms. Bjorgen also believed that sidewalks should be constructed along 40`h Street and Quenton as well, in addition to those proposed along 39th Street and 41st Street, among others. She echoed the comments that notification for prior meetings was not sent to the general public and neighborhood and was only sent to impacted property owners. She also referenced an email that was sent to members of the Council from School Board Member Karen Waters regarding the positive link between sidewalks and the safety of young children. Lisa Nelson, 3900 Inglewood Avenue South, stated she has lived in the City since 2000. She spoke in opposition of the sidewalk, noting that her son was one year old when she moved here and is now 14. She did not believe that there are safety concerns in the neighborhood and referenced a petition that was signed by 120 residents that oppose the sidewalk. She asked that the Council consider the input of those residents that will be impacted, as some of the positive comments were made by residents that are not directly impacted. James Ragen, 4517 Vallacher Avenue, hoped that the Council could vote in support of the project. He believed that the segment would allow children to walk safely to school City Council Meeting -9- April 7,2014 rather than walking in the roadway with moving traffic. He referenced the Lynn Avenue and 39th Street intersection, noting that is also a school bus stop. He stated that vehicles drive through that intersection without looking and believed the improvements suggested would be a benefit. He noted that there are stop signs along that roadway at every road with the exception of that intersection and believed that some sort of traffic control would also be beneficial. Janette Monte, 3844 Inglewood, stated that everyone in this room has passion. She noted that drivers should be responsible and young children should not be allowed to ride or walk in the roadway unsupervised. She stated the discussion is sidewalks and not driver safety. She noted that 40 Street was allowed to opt out of the project with a petition and advised that within the small window of time allowed, the petition for 39th Street was able to collect 120 signatures in opposition of the project from residents directly impacted. Ms. Monte stated the neighborhood was told that the back of curb option would be presented and believed that the back of curb option without a boulevard would be a good compromise. She asked that the vote not be taken tonight due to the additional information that should be considered for the back of curb option along 39th Street and due to the absent Councilmembers. She explained that the back of curb option would only take one foot of existing ROW because the curb will be extended four feet into the roadway with the narrowing and the sidewalk would be placed near the curb without the boulevard. Mr. Harmening confirmed that Councilmember Hallfin did ask staff to consider the back of curb option and an analysis was brought back to a Study Session in March. He explained that whether the sidewalk is installed with or without a boulevard, the impact would be the same. Councilmember Mavity asked staff to discuss the impacts on vegetation and trees, snow removal, and safety issue in regard to the boulevard and back of curb options. Mr. Sullivan explained the difference in tree impacts between the two options, advising that a back of curb option would only save one four-inch tree, and noted that the direction of the Council had been to continue with the boulevard option. He explained that the boulevard option would allow for additional snow storage options on each side of the road along with additional water infiltration area. Patty Carlson, 3801 Inglewood, stated her property currently has a sidewalk gap and she has been very happy that she has not had to shovel that area. She advised of two incidents that she had at an intersection along 39`h Street that were near miss accidents. She stated she is in support of the sidewalk connection and benefit to safety that would be provided. Maura Howard, 4815 Vallacher, stated she is in support of the project and believed the City does an excellent job trying to compromise with residents. She stated that currently there is not a sidewalk within a whole block area of her home. Mark Tepley, 3903 West 39th Street, stated he is concerned with a six-foot wide sidewalk and the water that would be carried down that sidewalk. He referenced an update to the plan that mentions a wall that would be constructed and questioned the design that would be chosen. • City Council Meeting -10- April 7,2014 Steve May, 3901 Joppa Avenue, thanked the City staff and Council for their efforts. He stated there have not been safety issues demonstrated noting that he has lived in this area for the past 24 years. He referenced the petition of 120 people that are not in support of the project. He offered his services as a blue ribbon panel member as he did not believe there is an issue with children reaching the schools but their activities at school instead. Suzann Willhite, 3905 Glenhurst, spoke in support of the sidewalk and the calming effect this project could have on traffic. She stated she would also like to see the direction from the Council that staff should offer mitigation when possible. She appreciated the snow removal that would occur without placing that responsibility on homeowners and would like to see the needs of homeowners addressed. Sara Bergen, 2939 Princeton, referenced an article in the local paper that was printed during the weekend that mentioned a family that moved from St. Louis Park to another community that better provides walkability and connectivity. She noted that the sidewalk is going to be within the ROW, which is already City-owned property. She understood that the issue impacts current homeowners but noted that?the sidewalks will outlast a majority of the existing homeowners. She asked the Council to vote on this issue and noted that just because there has not been a safety incident thus far, that does not mean that an incident will not occur. James Ragen, 4517 Vallacher, stated he believed that some of the homeowners in the area will not be satisfied no matter the outcome. He asked that the Council vote on this issue tonight. Thomas Hart, 4015 West 39th Street, stated he has accepted the fact that there will be a sidewalk. He suggested that perhaps the narrowing of the roadway continue to France. He believed that there is too much traffic and the narrowing would have a calming impact on traffic. Larry Jones, 3000 Highway 100 South #407, referenced the project schedule and questioned if the City Forester could review the roots system along 39th Street. He suggested that portion of the project approval should be delayed. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger closed the public hearing. Councilmember Mavity stated this is a big conversation with a lot of important details. She thanked Mr. Sullivan for his efforts and professionalism. She acknowledged that there is not a full Council tonight but also acknowledged the number of residents that have attended and spoke tonight. She stated she has been clear that she is in favor of a safer more walkable community that focuses on the safety of children. She also recognized the efforts of Melissa and Don Bogert, who were unable to attend. She referenced the support of the school PTO and believed that to be an important consideration. Councilmember Mavity thanked everyone for their input and passion and explained that while she does not use the sidewalk in front of her home, others do. She agreed that perhaps additional residents should have been notified earlier in the process but noted that the intent was to obtain input from those residents directly impacted. She stated she would like to proceed with all of the segments proposed and believed staff has done a great job mitigating when possible. Councilmember Mavity noted that there should not be a cost to residents for this community project and clearly articulated that staff should have flexibility in minimizing impacts to homeowners while still being able City Council Meeting -11- April 7,2014 to accomplish the desired outcome. She proposed that the blocks connected to the segments mentioned earlier should be completed as well and agreed that the action for those segments could come back at a later date as those segments had not been included in the Resolution. Councilmember Brausen thanked the residents who spoke tonight and acknowledged that change is always hard. He stated that the betterment of the community is not always what is preferred or desired by individual homeowners and advised that he will be in support of the six sidewalk segments. Councilmember Spano stated that comments have been made as to whether there are safety issues and whether there would be impacts to property values. He asked if there is a proven impact in regard to property values or crime rates. Ms. Heiser stated staff has investigated that issue. She stated the property value can be an individual preference, noting that some prefer a sidewalk when purchasing a home while others do not. She referenced studies that show property values have increased after a sidewalk was installed but again noted that issue comes down to a personal preference. She stated that in terms of safety there is proven information, referencing the Safe Routes to Schools initiative. Councilmember Lindberg stated he believes there are still some questions to be answered and was not certain that he could make a decision on all of the segments at this time. He appreciated the public input received and believed in the program. He acknowledged that there is an increased impact on homeowners in applying this program in a developed community. Councilmember Lindberg did not believe that it would be detrimental to wait another two weeks to vote. He referenced the width of the sidewalk along 41' Street and the possibility of narrowing that sidewalk segment from six to four feet. Ms. Heiser noted that on sidewalks four to five feet in width, there is not much room for passing residents with baby strollers, wheelchairs, or animals. She noted that staff attempted to be cognoscente of recommending a project that would fit within the existing ROW and fit with the future planning vision of the City. She highlighted some benefits of wider sidewalks including snow removal and storage. Councilmember Lindberg referenced the 39th Street segment and questioned if the Council is comfortable with the process thus far in terms of clarity in working with the homeowners and allowing flexibility. Councilmember Spano stated that Councilmember Hallfin did ask that the vote be delayed and noted that he would be in support of the decision to postpone the vote for that reason. He stated he does support the construction of these sidewalk segments. He noted that the previous discussion focused on trees and tree configuration and believed the major concern of the residents at that time to be the impact to the tree canopy. Councilmember Spano advised that alternative configurations were discussed and the residents simply stated they did not want a sidewalk. He stated there was interest from some of those residents tonight in the back of curb option. He stated he is less concerned with the configuration and questioned if the back of curb option would be something that neighborhood would support. City Council Meeting -12- April 7,2014 Mr. Sullivan believed that the sidewalk with boulevard option presented would be the best option. He stated he did not want to speak for the residents but believed that some residents would oppose any option presented. He stated that from a staff perspective, he did not feel anything would be gained with the back of curb option or that any more support would be gained with that option. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger reminded everyone that this program came forward with the vision St. Louis Park process five years ago. She stated she supports all of the sidewalk segments and believed that staff developed the best plans in order to accomplish the goals while addressing resident concerns. She questioned if flexibility could be given to staff to make small changes, should that be necessary, if the project is approved tonight. Ms. Heiser stated staff was given clear council direction after the previous Study Session on the desire to work with homeowners when possible, highlighting certain properties staff will be visiting now that the snow has melted. She stated that staff will work with residents to make this a great project. Mr. Harmening restated to staff that it is Council's desire that in cases where specific circumstances like a tree dictate that the sidewalk should move or narrow a bit, that could be done. But, except for those certain circumstances, the sidewalk will be six feet in width. He wanted to ensure that was made clear to avoid future problems. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger confirmed that was the direction given by the Council. She also agreed with the comments made by Councilmember Mavity that sidewalks are not for the person who lives on them but for the entire community,just like roads. She understood that there can be negative impacts on certain property owners,but acknowledged that this is an infrastructure improvement similar to any other. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger did not believe there is a benefit in considering the back of curb option along 39th Street because of the similar impact and the additional benefits provided by the boulevard option. She stated she lives on a back of curb sidewalk and noted that the sidewalk is not functional in the winter because of the snow that is pushed onto the sidewalk by the plow and the little amount of space to store snow. She believed that the discussion has gone on long enough for this issue and voting should occur tonight. Councilmember Mavity stated that while she respects the request of Councilmember Hallfin to delay the decision she also respects the many residents that attended the meeting and spoke tonight. She believed that flexibility should be given to staff to deviate from the sidewalk width when special circumstances dictate. Mr. Harmening noted that a special provision could be added to item four that would state staff is authorized to deviate from the plans and specifications including sidewalk width, when special circumstances occur. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 14-054 Accepting the Project Report, Establishing Improvement Project No. 4014-2000, Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for these Improvements, as amended by adding a provision that staff is authorized to deviate from the plans and specification including sidewalk width, when special circumstances dictate. City Council Meeting -13- April 7,2014 Further discussion: Mayor Pro Tern Sanger noted that while the project may not be desired by specific property owners, she believed the overall project would benefit the community as a whole. Councilmember Spano stated that the City was built in a different time, noting that many homes were constructed with a one-car garage while most homeowners have more than one vehicle today. He acknowledged that the City is attempting to add items that were not originally planned but believed that there would be many safety benefits. The motion passed 5-0. Ms. Heiser mentioned the next steps the City will take on this project. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public—None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Project Report Local Street Rehabilitation Project— Pavement Management Area 2—Project#2013-1000 Mr. Sullivan introduced project #2013-1000. He explained that the City is divided into eight pavement management areas and each year the City focuses on one area. He reviewed the requested City Council action request, which includes a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the City of Edina. He reviewed the project area and the proposed street rehabilitation work as well as optional water service line replacement for homeowners. He noted that if this project is approved the previously approved sidewalk segments for 41st Street and Morningside would be incorporated into this project to obtain a cost savings. Mr. Sullivan reported that a public meeting occurred on February 27th and identified additional communications that would continue with residents. He noted this would be a substantial summer project and only local traffic would be allowed through the area during the construction time. He advised that a detour route would be identified. He reviewed the estimated cost and funding for the project, noting that Edina would pay for a portion of the project in order for the City to fully complete a section of roadway that is located within Edina. He also reviewed the project timeline. Councilmember Spano referenced the project budget, noting the increased cost estimate, and questioned the impact that increase could have on the ability to complete other projects. Mr. Sullivan confirmed that this is a large project and advised that staff has worked directly with the Finance Department to ensure sufficient funding, not only for this project but for the others listed on the Capital Improvement Plan. Ms. Heiser noted staff is not proposing to postpone any other projects by continuing with this project. She advised that in addition, staff will be continuing discussions on the aging infrastructure. Mr. Harmening stated that staff is discussing the possibility of lowenng the threshold of replacement for certain infrastructure items, specifically in,regard to water mains and sanitary sewer. He explained that if there are problems with the existing infrastructure, it sometimes makes sense to replace that infrastructure when completing roadwork. City Council Meeting -14- April 7,2014 Councilmember Spano agreed it makes perfect sense to time those investments together and questioned when the project is estimated to end. Mr. Sullivan believed the project would wrap up in late October. Councilmember Mavity encouraged staff to reach out to residents in any available form of communication in order to ensure that residents are properly alerted. She also suggested that the communications attempt to be aligned with neighborhood meetings. She believed that coordination with the residents would be important because of the scale of the project and possible summer plans, such as graduation party plans, some residents may have. It was moved by Councilmember Spano, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 14-055 Accepting the Project Report, Establishing Improvement Project No. 2013-1000, Approving Plans and Specifications, Approving the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Edina, and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for these Improvements. The motion passed 5-0. 8b. Task Force for South Side of Excelsior Boulevard Design Guidelines Process Mayor Pro Tem Sanger noted that the Council held informal discussion on this item earlier in the night and thanked all the applicants for their desire to serve. She advised that the City received more applications than available positions and asked Councilmember Mavity to review the list of applicants the Council selected. Councilmember Mavity reviewed the purpose of the Task Force. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Spano, to select and appoint Aimee Olson, Allison Moehnke, Ben Stewart, Caitlin Goff, Graham Merry, June Petrie, Larry North, Matt Stangl, Michael Edlavitch, Sam Bryson, Thia Bryan, Bob Cunningham, Robb Bader, and Maureen Fitzgerald to the Task Force for the South Side of Excelsior Boulevard Design Guidelines Process. The motion passed 5-0 9. Communications There were none. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m. Nancy Stroth, ity Clerk Susan Sanger, M yor Pro Tern