HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/12/01 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - RegularAGENDA SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
December 1, 2003
7:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. – Study Session, Westwood Rm.
7:15 p.m. – Economic Development Authority
1. Call to Order
a. Pledge of Allegiance
b. Roll Call
2. Presentations
3. Approval of Minutes
a. City Council Minutes of November 17, 2003 Document
b. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2003 Document
Action: Corrections/amendments to minutes - Minutes 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.
Action: Motion to approve the agenda as presented and to approve items listed on
the consent calendar
(Alternatively: Motion to add or remove items from the agenda, motion to move items
from consent calendar to regular agenda for discussion and to approve those items
remaining on the consent calendar).
5. Boards and Commissions
a. Motion to appoint Randall Snow to the Human Rights Commission
6. Public Hearings
6a. Public Hearing on the 2004 Budget and Property Tax Levy Document
This Public Hearing is to review the 2004 budget and property tax levy
Recommended Mayor to close the Public Hearing
Action:
7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public - None
8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions
8a. First Reading of proposed Ordinance Code (Zoning) amendment by
Silvercrest Properties, LLC to modify the shading regulations so that they
only protect residential use properties. Document
Recommended
Action:
Motion to approve First Reading of an ordinance amendment
that would exempt Industrial-zoned properties from shading
protection and allow approval of shading of buildings within
PUDs, CUPs, and Special Permits as recommended by staff and
the Planning Commission and to set Second Reading for
December 15, 2003.
8b. Request by Belt Line Industrial Park, Inc for a minor amendment to a Planned
Unit Development for one additional bank drive-through lane, and to waive the
requirement for park dedication fees required with an administrative lot division
5000 & 5050 W. 36th St
Case No. 03-76-PUD & 03-77-S
Document
Recommended
Action:
• Motion to adopt a resolution approving a minor amendment
to allow the addition of a fourth bank drive through lane,
subject to conditions in the resolution.
• Motion to adopt a resolution approving the waiver of park
dedication fees with an administrative lot division.
8c. 1st Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 24: Streets, Sidewalks and Other
Public Places Document
Addition of new language to clarify existing provisions regarding sweeping leaves into
streets and obstructing streets, sidewalks and public ways
Recommended
Action:
Motion to approve 1st reading and set second reading for
December 15, 2003.
8d. 1st Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 15: Gambling Document
Revisions required due to changes in statute and proposed revision to public hearing
requirement
Recommended
Action:
Motion to approve 1st reading and set second reading for
December 15, 2003.
8e. 1st Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 18: Offenses and Miscellaneous
Provisions Document
Addition of Article VII. Unclaimed Property in accordance with requirements of
M.S.A. § 471.195
Recommended
Action:
Motion to approve 1st reading and set second reading for
December 15, 2003.
8f. Executive Session – Threatened Litigation
Recommended
Action:
Motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss threatened
litigation regarding billboards at the Texa-Tonka Shopping
Center
9. Communications
10. Adjournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. To make
arrangements, please call the Administration Department) at 952/924-2525 (TDD
952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL
MEETING OF December 1, 2003
SECTION 4: 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 Motion to approve second reading of text amendments to the Property Maintenance
Code and Weed Elimination sections of the Ordinance Code Document
4b Motion to authorize execution of a one (1) year extension to Contract No. 123-01
with ENSR Consulting and Engineering for consultant services related to the
implementation of the Reilly Tar & Chemical Corporation (Reilly) Remedial Action
Plan (RAP) during year 2004 Document
4c Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing installation and special assessment of a fire
sprinkler system at 4046 Brookside Ave. So. and directing the Mayor and City
Manager to execute a special assessment agreement with the property owner
Document
4d Motion to authorize execution of a contract extension to Contract No. 1893 with
Severn Trent Services (STL - Denver) for laboratory services related to the Reilly
Tar & Chemical Corporation groundwater sampling program through year 2004
Document
4e Motion to adopt resolution authorizing final payment to Ron Kassa Construction in
the amount of $769.99 for completion of random curb and gutter work – Project 03-
07 Document
4f Motion to accept Planning Commission Minutes of November 5, 2003 for filing
Document
4g Motion to approve the Indemnification Agreement between the City of St. Louis
Park, the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority, Anderson Builders, and
Oak Hill 3501 LLC. relative to the Purchase and Redevelopment Contract with Oak
Hill 3501 LLC. Document
4h Motion to approve resolution supporting the continued study of the Southwest
Corridor for light rail transit Document
4i Motion to accept the Vendor Claims for filing (Supplement)
AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 1, 2003
Items contained in this section are those items
which are not yet available in electronic format
and which are identified in the individual
reports by inclusion of the word “Supplement”.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 3a - Council Minutes of November 17, 2003
Page 1 of 5
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
November 17, 2003
1. Call to Order
Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
The following Councilmembers were present at roll call: John Basill, Jim Brimeyer, Paul
Omodt, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Also present were the City Manager (Mr. Meyer); City Attorney (Mr. Scott); Community
Development Director (Mr. Harmening); Director of Human Resources (Ms. Gohman);
Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Ms. Jeremiah); Associate Planner (Ms. Grove);
Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman); Environmental Health Official (Mr. Camilon);
Environmental Coordinator (Mr. Vaughan); and Recording Secretary (Ms. Samson).
2. Presentations: None
3. Approval of Minutes
3a. City Council Minutes of November 3, 2003
3b. City Council Study Session Minutes of October 13, 2003
3c. City Council Study Session Minutes of October 20, 2003
3d. City Council Certification Minutes of October 20, 2003
3e. City Council Study Session Minutes of October 27, 2003
All 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 Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2256-03 amending rates charged for Water, Sanitary
Sewer, and Storm Water Utility for 2004, approve the summary and authorize summary
publication
4b Motion to adopt Resolution No. 03-166 accepting concrete alley paving – Ron Kassa
Construction, Inc. in the amount of $9,346.69 – City Contract No. 87-03 K
4c Motion to adopt Resolution No. 03-167 accepting random walk replacement – Ron
Kassa Construction, Inc. in the amount of $8,539.42 – City Contract No. 133-02
4d Motion to adopt Resolution No. 03-168 accepting street repair for Louisiana Avenue
railroad crossing – City Contract No. 131-03
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 3a - Council Minutes of November 17, 2003
Page 2 of 5
4e Motion to approve Resolution No. 03-169 authorizing renewal of gambling premises
permit for VFW Post 5632 operating at 5605 West 36th Street
4f Motion to approve the License Agreement between Fern Hill Place, LLC and the City of
St. Louis Park relative to the installation of monitoring wells in the City’s right-of-way
along Raleigh Avenue
4g Motion to adopt Resolution No. 03-170 authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of
revenue bonds for the benefit of Park Nicollet Health Services, Methodist Hospital, Park
Nicollet Institute, Park Nicollet Clinic, PNMC Holdings, and Park Nicollet Health Care
Products
4h Motion to adopt an Ordinance Relating to Tree Removal and Trimming, Amending St.
Louis Park Ordinance Code Chapters 12 and 34, approve the summary and authorize
summary publication and a Motion to adopt a Resolution Setting Amount of Public
Subsidy for Tree Removal and Disease Prevention in the City. (Mayor Jacobs requested
this item be moved to the Regular Agenda as Item 8d).
4i Motion to accept the results of the cable franchise fee audit and accepting Time Warner
Cable’s payments to date with no additional claims by Time Warner or the City
4j Motion to accept for filing the Housing Authority Minutes of September 10, 2003
4k Motion to approve Resolution 03-172 for final payment to Glenn Rehbein Excavating for
completion of work at Louisiana Oaks Park
4l Motion to accept vendor claims for filing (Supplement)
On behalf of William Putnam, Mayor Jacobs requested Consent Agenda item 4h be
moved to the Regular Agenda as Item 8d.
It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve
the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and Commissions
5a. Motion to appoint Seema Madali to Human Rights Commission
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to appoint
Seema Madali to the Human Rights Commission.
The motion pass 7-0.
6. Public Hearings: None
7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public: None
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 3a - Council Minutes of November 17, 2003
Page 3 of 5
8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions
8a. Workers Compensation Insurance. Resolution No. 03-173
Director of Human Resources Nancy Gohman reported on changing from a self-insured
to a fully-insured worker’s compensation program. Ms. Gohman distributed a
Summary—Worker’s Compensation correction sheet. She added that Staff is
recommending Council authorize the City Manager to develop programs necessary to
implement this change, and the City Manager will need to continue to secure coverage
for administration of the tail claims.
Councilmember Sanger asked if the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust
(“LMCIT”) will assist the City with services aimed at preventing Worker’s
Compensation claims in the first place. Ms. Gohman replied yes, LMCIT has a large loss
control area to work with the City.
Councilmember Basill asked if the tail claims will inflate the cost for the first few years,
and Ms. Gohman said yes, the five-year average will be inflated. Councilmember Basill
stated that the tail claims will eventually be phased out, and Ms. Gohman agreed.
Councilmember Basill said he agrees with Councilmember Sanger that this is a good
move in the long run.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to adopt
Resolution No. 03-173 approving participation in the League of Minnesota Cities
Insurance Trust for Workers Compensation Coverage including participation in
managed care effective December 1, 2003.
City Manager Charlie Meyer said, initially, for a number of years, it was a money-saving
measure to move to self-insured, and the City saved money by being self-insured,
however, the City is not large enough to be self-insured by itself, and a larger
participation pool is necessary.
The motion passed 7-0.
8b. First Reading: Proposed Ordinance Amending Chapter 6, Article V –
Property Maintenance Code and Chapter 34, Section III – Weed Elimination
Director of Inspections Brian Hoffman reported on the proposed ordinance adopting the
2003 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code with City amendments.
It was moved by Councilmember Velick, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to approve
first reading of text amendments to the Property Maintenance Code and Weed
Elimination sections of the Ordinance Code. Set 2nd reading for December 1st, 2003.
The motion passed 7-0.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 3a - Council Minutes of November 17, 2003
Page 4 of 5
8c. Request of Methodist Hospital for a Final PUD with variances from sign
requirements to allow a phased expansion. Case No. 03-44-PUD
6500 Excelsior Blvd. Resolution No. 03-174
Planning Associate Julie Grove presented a report on the request of Methodist Hospital
for a Final PUD for Phase I and a variance to the signage. Ms. Grove reported that two
modifications are being proposed tonight, which would require approval prior to the
issuance of the Building Permit. The modifications proposed are: add a five-foot screen
wall to the base of the east side of the parking ramp to provide additional screening to the
residential properties; and on the west side of the parking ramp, additional brick would
need to be added to that side of the elevation.
Ms. Grove said the Brooklawns Neighborhood has submitted an Issues and Resolution
Checklist, which is complied in a black, three-binder notebook, and has been distributed
to every Councilmember.
Ms. Grove said the Planning Commission and Staff are recommending approval of the
sign variance; and the Planning Commission is recommending that the Council set a
sunset date for non-conformities that have not been addressed with the PUD, Phase I,
such as the nonconformity in the north parking lot, i.e., within four years from the Final
PUD of Phase I, the lights in the north parking lot shall be updated to eliminate direct
illumination (glare) on residential properties east of Methodist Hospital per City
ordinance; and all other non-conformities, including the parking lot design, the
bufferyards and internal landscaping within the parking lot shall be brought into
compliance with any future expansion of occupiable floor area or with any future
reconstruction of the orange parking lot or even construction of a new orange ramp to the
extent reasonable and possible, to be determined by the City through any future PUD
amendment processes.
Ms. Grove said the alternative motion tonight reflects the two new conditions that have
been agreed to after the Planning Commission meeting. Staff is recommending approval
of the alternate resolution, however, the Council must specify whether the Council is
approving the Planning Commission’s recommendation with a date certain added to
Condition O or the alternate resolution based on the subsequent meeting.
Duane Spiegle, Vice President of Real Estate for Park Nicollet, said Park Nicollet and
Methodist Hospital support the alternate resolution. Mr. Spiegle thanked Councilmember
Basill, Julie Grove, Janet Jeremiah, Tom Harmening, Randy Manthey, and the
Brooklawns Neighborhood.
Randy Manthey, 3979 Dakota Avenue South, said Staff has been very supportive. Mr.
Manthey said 32 issues have been identified, and the black, three-binder notebook will go
into the Brooklawns archive. Mr. Manthey praised Councilmember Basill for his
support. On behalf of the Brooklawns Neighborhood, Mr. Manthey thanked Charlie
Meyer for his leadership in the community.
Councilmember Basill thanked City Staff, Park Nicollet and Methodist Hospital staff,
and the neighborhood for having worked together so well; they were fantastic.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 3a - Council Minutes of November 17, 2003
Page 5 of 5
It was moved by Councilmember Basill, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt
the alternate Resolution No. 03-174 approving the Final PUD with variances subject to
the conditions as stated in the resolution.
The motion passed 7-0.
8d. Ordinance Relating to Tree Removal and Trimming. Ordinance No. 2257-03
William Putnam, 3172 Hillsboro Avenue South, inquired about boulevard tree trimming
costs that will be passed onto residents. Mr. Putnam said trees are an asset. He asked if
he would be allowed to trim his boulevard trees or if requested by a neighbor, could he
trim his neighbor’s boulevard trees. Mr. Putnam asked if residents would have an option
to decline the replacement of boulevard trees; he said some boulevard trees are
hazardous.
Environmental Coordinator Jim Vaughan said about one-third of the tree-trimming
budget has been cut for forestry maintenance. People have had the option to decline or
refuse to have a boulevard tree planted in front of their property, and Mr. Vaughan thinks
that will continue.
Mr. Meyer said it is his understanding that if a contractor is hired, the contractor must be
licensed, however, a property owner may perform maintenance work on his or her own
trees. Mr. Vaughan said that is correct and the City will provide educational components
to residents. City Attorney Tom Scott indicated that property owners may trim their own
trees. Mr. Meyer stated that the City will subsidize the removal of a boulevard tree up to
50%, however, the ordinance requires the property owner to maintain boulevard trees.
It was moved by Councilmember Brimeyer, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to adopt
Ordinance No. 2257-03 Relating to Tree Removal and Trimming, Amending St. Louis
Park Ordinance Code Chapters 12 and 34, approve the summary and authorize summary
publication and a Motion to adopt a Resolution Setting Amount of Public Subsidy for
Tree Removal and Disease Prevention in the City.
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications: None
10. Adjournment
Mayor Jacobs adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk Mayor
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 3b - Special Meeting Minutes of Nov. 10, 2003
Page 1 of 1
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL—SPECIAL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
November 10, 2003
1. Call to Order
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers: John Basill, Paul Omodt, Susan
Sanger, Sue Santa, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Councilmembers Jim Brimeyer and Sally Velick were absent.
Also present were the Community Development Director (Mr. Harmening); and
Recording Secretary (Ms. Samson).
2. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions
2a. Canvass of City Election Results
It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to
approve Resolution No. 03-165 declaring results of the Municipal Election held
November 4, 2003.
The motion passed 5-0.
3. Adjournment
Mayor Jacobs adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
City Clerk Mayor
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4a - Property Maintenance Ordinance
Page 1 of 8
4a. Motion to approve second reading of text amendments to the Property
Maintenance Code and Weed Elimination sections of the Ordinance Code.
Purpose:
To approve an ordinance adopting the 2003 edition of the International Code Conferences (ICC)
International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) with revised amendments as the Property
Maintenance Code for the City. Staff is proposing consideration of this ordinance to remain current
with the most recently published edition of the IPMC and includes additional City amendments to
improve our response in the most difficult situations requiring posting of a property.
Background:
First reading of this ordinance occurred and subsequently was approved as presented during the
November 17th, 2003 council meeting.
Analysis:
There have been no changes to the proposed ordinance following first reading.
The Property Maintenance Code is utilized to ensure maintenance of all existing properties,
including residential, commercial, and industrial. Requirements specified in these provisions are
utilized at the time of sale inspections, in responding to property deterioration complaints, during
neighborhood or citywide compliance checks, and as part of the apartment licensing inspection
program. Staff has reviewed the proposed amendments extensively to ensure consistency with
other city and state codes.
Effective Date:
The ordinance will become effective January 1, 2004 following publication if approved.
Attachments: Proposed ordinance
Prepared by: Brian Hoffman, Director of Inspections
Approved by: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4a - Property Maintenance Ordinance
Page 2 of 8
ORDINANCE NO. 2258-03
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ST. LOUIS PARK ORDINANCE CODE CHAPTER 6:
ARTICLE V – PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE AND
CHAPTER 34: SECTION 111 – WEED ELIMINATION
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK ORDAINS:
Section 1. Section 6-142 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 6-142. Code adopted.
The International Property Maintenance Code, 2003 edition, as published by the International Code
Council is adopted as the property maintenance code of the city, for the control of buildings and
structures as provided in this article; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties,
conditions and terms of such code are referred to, adopted and made a part of this article, as if fully
set out in this section, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes as set forth in section 6-
143.
Section 2. Section 6-143 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 6-143. Revisions.
The following sections of the International Property Maintenance Code, 2003 edition, are revised as
follows:
Section 101.1. Title. Amended to read: These regulations shall be known as the Property
Maintenance Code of the City of St. Louis Park, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
Section 102.3. Application of other codes. Amended to read: Repairs, additions or alterations to a
structure or changes of occupancy shall be done in accordance with the procedures and provisions
of the Minnesota State Building Code and the City of St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances.
Section 102.7. Referenced codes and standards. Amended to read: All references to other codes or
standards within this Code shall mean the applicable provisions of St. Louis Park Code of
Ordinances or Minnesota State Building Code, whichever is the most restrictive requirement
permitted under statute.
Section 103.2. Appointment. Amended to read: The director of inspections shall be the code official.
Section 103.5 Fees. Deleted.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4a - Property Maintenance Ordinance
Page 3 of 8
Section 106.3 Prosecution of violation. Amended to read: Any person failing to comply with a
notice of violation or order served in accordance with Section 107 shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and the violation shall be deemed a strict liability offense. If the notice of violation is
not complied with, the code official shall institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to
restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful
occupancy of the structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction
made pursuant thereto. Any expenses incurred in carrying out the enforcement of the provisions of
this ordinance shall be included as an assessment for a service against the property by the City
Clerk.
Section 107.1 Notice to person responsible. Amended to read: Whenever the code official
determines that there has been a violation of this code or has grounds to believe that a violation has
occurred, notice shall be given in the manner prescribed in Sections 107.2 and 107.3 to the person
responsible for the violation as specified in this code. The code official shall also provide notice as
provided in Section 108.3.
Section 107.2 Form. Subsection 5. Deleted.
Section 107.2 Form. Subsection 6. Deleted.
Section 107.5 Transfer of ownership. Deleted.
Section 108.1 General. Amended to read: When a structure or equipment is found by the code
official to be unsafe, or when a structure is found unfit for human occupancy, or is found unlawful,
such structure shall be subject to the provisions of this code.
Section 108.2 Closing of vacant structures. Amended to read: If the structure is vacant and unfit for
human habitation and occupancy, and is not in danger of structural collapse, the code official is
authorized to post the premises and order the structure closed up so as not to be an attractive
nuisance. Upon failure of the owner to close up the premises within the time specified in the order,
the code official shall cause the premises to be closed and secured through any available public
agency or by contract or arrangement by private persons and the cost thereof shall be assessed to the
real estate upon which the structure is located.
Section 108.3 Notice. Amended to read: Whenever a code official has determined a structure or
equipment is unsafe, a structure is unfit for human occupancy or a structure is unlawful under the
provisions of this section, notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or about the structure
affected by such notice and served on the owner or the person or persons responsible for the
structure in accordance with Section 107.3. If the notice pertains to equipment, it shall also be
placed on the unsafe equipment. The notice shall be in the form prescribed in Section 107.2.
Section 108.4 Posting. Amended to read: Upon failure of the owner or persons responsible to
comply with the notice provisions within the time given, the code official shall place a posting on
the premises or on the defective equipment which shall provide a statement of the penalties for
occupying the premises, operating the equipment or removing the posting.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4a - Property Maintenance Ordinance
Page 4 of 8
Section 108.4.1 Posting removal. Amended to read: The code official shall remove the posting
whenever the defect or defects upon which the enforcement action and posting were based have
been eliminated. Any person who defaces or removes a posting without the approval of the code
official shall be subjected to the penalties provided by this code.
Section 108.5 Prohibited occupancy. Amended to read: Any occupied structure posted by the code
official shall be vacated as ordered by the code official. Any person who shall occupy a posted
premises or shall operated posted equipment, and any owner or person responsible for the premises
who shall let anyone occupy a posted premises or operate posted equipment, shall be liable for the
penalties provided by this code.
Section 108.6. Removal of placard. Deleted.
Section 111.1. Request for appeal hearing. Amended to read: Any person directly affected by a
decision of the code official or a notice or order issued under this code shall have the right to an
appeal hearing when requested in writing to the city. The hearing shall be held within 20 days of the
city receiving a request for appeal. A request for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent
of this code or the rules legally adopted under this code have been incorrectly interpreted, the
provisions of this code do not fully apply or the requirements of this code are adequately satisfied
by other means, or that strict application of any requirement of this code would cause undue
hardship.
Section 111.2. Hearing official. Amended to read: The city manager or his/her appointed designee
shall serve as the hearing official for all appeals of this code. The hearing official shall consider all
relevant evidence, documents and verbal presentations submitted during the hearing from the
appeals applicant and the code official. Within ten days following the appeal hearing, the hearing
official shall notify the applicant and code official in writing of the decision.
Section 111.3. Limitations of authority. Amended to read: The hearing official shall have no
authority to waive fire and life safety requirements under the jurisdiction of the fire chief or to
approve a condition that would create a violation of the Minnesota State Building Code.
Section 111.4. Stays of enforcement. Amended to read: Appeal requests, except for imminent
danger orders or hazardous building notices, shall stay the enforcement of the notice and order until
the hearing official has notified the applicant and code official in writing of a decision on the
appeal.
Section 201.3. Terms defined in other codes. Amended to read: Where terms are not defined in this
code and are defined in the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances or the Minnesota State Building
Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in those codes.
Section 202 GENERAL DEFINITIONS – CONDEMN. Deleted.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4a - Property Maintenance Ordinance
Page 5 of 8
Section 302.4. Weeds. Amended to read: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free
from all noxious weeds or turf grass growth in excess of six inches.
Section 302.8. Motor vehicles. Amended to read: Except as otherwise provided in this St. Louis
Park Municipal Code of Ordinances, no junk vehicle, stock car, racing car, inoperative vehicle, or
unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises unless within a totally
enclosed structure. No vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair or in
the process of being stripped or dismantled. Spray painting of vehicles is prohibited unless
conducted inside an approved spray booth.
Exception.
Any vehicle is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including minor sheet metal or
fiberglass panel repair and finishing, provided that such work is performed inside a structure
or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes. Automotive
maintenance and repair shall be limited to the owners/occupants who reside at that address.
Section 304.3 Premises identification. Amended by adding: Property abutting alleys shall also have
the street address posted so as to be visible from the alley. Address numbers must be placed on the
building nearest the alley and meet the same requirements as for the numbers facing the primary
street frontage.
Section 304.3.1 Multidwelling identification. Amended by adding new section to read: All units and
rooms in multidwelling buildings, including, but not limited to, homes for the aged, hotels, motels,
lodginghouses and boardinghouses, apartments and condominiums shall be identified as separate
units by consecutive numbering or lettering which shall be placed on the door in Arabic numerals or
English capital letters, with a minimum size of three inches and a one-half- inch stroke.
Section 304.7 Roofs and Drainage. Amended to read: The roof and flashing shall be maintained
sound, weather-tight, and in good repair. Roofs shall not have defects or deterioration that allow
precipitation to pass. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the
walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters, and downspouts shall be maintained
in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that
creates a public nuisance.
Section 304.13.1. Glazing. Amended to read: Glazing must be maintained, securely held in place,
and free from holes or missing pieces. No jagged or abrasive edges are permitted.
Section 304.13.2. Openable windows. Amended to read: Every window required by this code for
ventilation or egress must be easily openable and capable of being held in place by window
hardware.
Section 304.13.3. Storm Windows. Amended by adding: All openable windows with a single layer
of glass, in rental dwelling units, must be provided with tightfitting storm windows. Storm windows
may be temporarily removed to allow for the installation of screens during periods of warm
weather.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4a - Property Maintenance Ordinance
Page 6 of 8
Section 304.14. Insect screens. Amended to read: When insect screens are installed over openings
into any building they must be maintained in good condition, securely held in place, and free from
holes or tears.
Exception. Deleted.
Section 304.14.1. Screens required. Amended by adding new section to read: All openable
windows in rental dwelling units must be provided with tightfitting insect screens of not less than
16 mesh per inch. Insect screens may be temporarily removed to allow for the installation of storm
windows during periods of cold weather.
Section 304.15.1. Landings. Amended by adding new section to read: Exterior doors, other than
storm doors must swing over a floor or landing of at least the width of the door opening, extending
from the threshold for a distance at least equal to the door width, and must not be more than eight
inches below the height of the door threshold.
Section 304.18.1. Doors. Deleted.
Section 305.7. Food preparation. Amended by adding new section to read: All spaces to be
occupied for food preparation purposes shall contain suitable space and equipment to store, prepare
and serve foods in a sanitary manner. There shall be adequate facilities and services for the sanitary
disposal of food wastes and refuse, including facilities for temporary storage.
Section 307.3.1. Garbage facilities. Deleted.
Section 307.4. Construction debris. Amended by adding new section to read: All debris from
construction, remodeling, repair or demolition of a building shall be placed in approved dumpsters
or contained to prevent scattering of any debris from the project site.
Section 402.1. Habitable spaces. Amended to read: Every habitable space shall have at least one
window facing directly to the outdoors or to a court.
Exception. Where natural light for the room or space is provided from an adjoining room
through an unobstructed opening equal to at least eight percent of the floor area of the
interior room or space.
Section 403.1. Habitable spaces. Amended to read: Every habitable space shall have at least one
openable window directly to the outdoors or to a court.
Exception. When the room or space is provided with a mechanical ventilation system
capable of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from any
space.
Section 403.2. Bathrooms and toilet rooms. Amended by adding exception to read:
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4a - Property Maintenance Ordinance
Page 7 of 8
Exception. Bathrooms or toilet rooms that contain only a water closet, lavatory or
combination thereof may be ventilated with an approved mechanical recirculating fan
designed to remove odors from the air.
Section 404. Occupancy limitations. Deleted entire section from 404.1 – 404.7.
Section 503.3. Location of employee toilet facilities. Deleted.
Section 602.2. Residential occupancies. Amended to read: Dwellings shall be provided with heating
facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable
rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms when the outdoor temperature is minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit or
warmer. Cooking appliances shall not be used to provide space heating to meet the requirements of
this section.
Section 602.3. Heat supply. Amended to read: Every owner and operator of any building who rents,
leases or lets one or more dwelling units, rooming units, dormitory or guestroom on terms, either
expressed or implied, shall furnish heat in compliance with section 602.2 to the occupants from
September 1 to June 1.
Exception. When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature
for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required,
provided that the heating system is operating at its full design capacity.
Section 602.4. Occupiable workspaces. Deleted.
Section 603.2. Removal of combustion products. Amended to read: All fuel-burning equipment and
appliances intended for heating shall be connected to an approved chimney or vent to the exterior of
the building.
Exception. Deleted.
Section 603.1.1. Appliance testing. Amended by adding new section to read: Central heating
appliances shall be tested by a licensed mechanical contractor to verify that the appliance is in a safe
working condition when evidence of malfunction, corrosion, deterioration or excessive interior
carbon monoxide is suspected.
Section 605.3. Lighting fixtures. Amended by adding: Lighting fixtures are not permitted within or
above shelving space within closets and enclosed storage rooms.
Section 702.3. Locked doors. Amended by adding exception to read:
Exception. Double-keyed deadbolts are permitted in existing single-family residential
dwellings, residential duplexes and individually owned townhomes.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4a - Property Maintenance Ordinance
Page 8 of 8
Section 702.5. Sleeping room egress. Amended by adding new section to read: Every room or space
intended or used for sleeping shall have at least one openable window or door opening directly to
the exterior. The opening must be of a size and location which permits egress from the room or
space.
Section 704.1. General. Amended to read: All systems, devices and equipment to detect a fire,
actuate an alarm, or suppress or control a fire or any combination thereof shall be installed and
maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with the City Fire Code.
Sections 704.2. through 704.4. Deleted.
Chapter 8. Referenced standards. Amended to read: All references to other codes or standards
within this code shall mean the applicable provisions of St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances or
Minnesota State Building Code, whichever is the most restrictive requirement permitted under
statute.
Section 2. Section 34-111 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 34-111. Weeds declared a nuisance; duty of owner.
(a) Any weeds, whether noxious or not as defined by state law, or turf grass growing at a height
greater than six inches upon any privately owned lot or tract of land in the city or upon any
public boulevard or similar public property alongside the traveled portion of a street or alley
abutting the private property are hereby declared to be a nuisance. Turf grass is any type of
vegetative grasses used for recreational or residential purposes.
(b) The owner or occupant of any such property or abutting property shall prevent the nuisance,
and if the nuisance occurs, the owner or occupant shall cut and remove the weeds from the
property or cut the turf grass to a height of less than six inches.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective January 1, 2004 following passage and
publication.
ADOPTED this 1st day of December 2003, by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council
City Manager Mayor
Attest:
City Attorney
City Clerk
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4b - ENSR Counsulting Contract Extension
Page 1 of 4
4b. Motion to authorize execution of a one (1) year extension to Contract No. 123-01
with ENSR Consulting and Engineering for consultant services related to the
implementation of the Reilly Tar & Chemical Corporation (Reilly) Remedial
Action Plan (RAP) during year 2004.
Background: In September, 1986, the Reilly Consent Decree became effective and the City
accepted responsibility for a number of environmental remediation tasks contained in the Reilly
RAP. Over the last 17 years the City has retained the services of nine consulting engineers or
firms to provide for the design and/or implementation of the RAP activities. One firm, ENSR,
has served as the cornerstone of the professional “consortium” because of its extensive historical
relationship with the Reilly project. Currently the City has a one (1) year Contract with ENSR
for consultant services. The current contract expires December 31, 2003 but has a renewal
option for the year 2004. The activities or services provided by this contract are:
Groundwater sampling and analysis
Preparing annual reports for agency review
Aquifer studies
Investigation of leaking wells
Laboratory audits and coordination
Historical file searches
General project administration
Discussion: While many of the studies required by the Reilly RAP have been completed by
ENSR and others, certain tasks such as groundwater sample retrieval and annual reporting
represent ongoing activities which will require consultant assistance in year 2004 and into the
foreseeable future. ENSR has provided consultant services for the ongoing tasks in the past, and
as such, has been recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (Agencies) as an approved consultant for such activities.
Staff supports the continued use of ENSR for such services.
The general ongoing tasks identified above vary from year to year. The following tasks are
planned for 2004:
Task 100 – 2003 Annual Monitoring Report: This task involves drafting text and preparing
figures and tables to assist the City in completing the 2003 Annual Monitoring Report. The
Annual Monitoring Report includes analytical results from the past year sampling efforts, as well
as groundwater contour maps. Additionally, a historical summary of analytical results is
provided in the Annual Monitoring Report. This report is due to the U.S.EPA and MPCA
(Agencies) on March 15, 2004.
Task 150 - 2003 Annual Progress Report and GAC Plant Report: ENSR will assist the City in
completing these two reports for submittal to the Agencies on March 15, 2004.
Task 400 – Groundwater Monitoring: This task involves groundwater sample collection in
accordance with the 2004 Sampling Plan and water level measurements pursuant to that Plan.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4b - ENSR Counsulting Contract Extension
Page 2 of 4
Table 1 indicates a cost of $38,000 for this work, based on the average amount spent on this task
for the last five years.
Task 500 – Prairie du Chien-Jordan Aquifer Remedy Implementation: The Prairie du Chien-
Jordan Remedy includes pumping the SLP municipal wells currently being used (e.g., SLP-10 or
SLP-15 and SLP-4), and monitoring the groundwater. The potential complication presented by
pumping at the Meadowbrook golf course (well W119) has not been officially resolved, but it is
likely that the well will not be used for irrigating the golf course.
In 2004, changes to the remedy may include the installation and monitoring of well W413. Also,
MPCA may require sampling at W119. If there are indications of contamination spreading
southward, then well SLP-6 would be activated for gradient control. The costs in Table 1 reflect
a task structure to track costs in accordance with Exhibit A of the City-Reilly Cost Sharing
Agreement. Task 540 will cover ENSR’s costs to collect 12 groundwater samples (quarterly
sampling of three wells), including $1,500 for subcontractor costs each time well W119 is
sampled. The 2004 budget project assumes that well W413 will not be installed and that no
further agency negotiations will take place relative to the Prairie du Chien – Jordan Aquifer
remedy modifications.
Task 600 – Laboratory Coordination: This task includes two subtasks:
1. Working with STL on implementing the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP),
coordinating sampling events, and updating and maintaining the water quality
database.
2. Providing data review and data validation at the levels described in the QAPP. The
data validation and data quality review will be documented for the Annual
Monitoring Report for 2003 (prepared in March 2004), the task budget shown in
Table 1 includes $10,000 for these activities.
Task 700 – Site Closure: In 2004, this task includes one subtask:
1. Well abandonment for many unused monitoring wells throughout the City. The costs
shown in Table 1 cover ENSR’s labor and expenses for coordinating the
abandonment of various wells with MPCA, the City, water well contractors, and other
parties, as necessary. Contractor costs for actual well abandonment are not included
in this $5,000 budget item.
Task 810 – Program Management and Miscellaneous: This task includes overall planning,
directing, and controlling ENSR’s resources to perform this project. This task also includes
miscellaneous activities throughout the year such as next year’s Sampling Plan (due October 31,
2004), that includes the Site Management Plan and the QAPP. ENSR’s average costs for the
past several years have been approximately $25,000 for Task 810.
Financial Considerations: Recent correspondence with ENSR estimates the cost for year 2004
work tasks at $112,000. Following is a summary of the year 2004 tasks and estimated costs:
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4b - ENSR Counsulting Contract Extension
Page 3 of 4
TABLE 1
Task Estimated Cost, $
Task 100 2003 Annual Monitoring Report (due March 2004) $ 20,000
Task 150 2003 Progress Report and GAC Plant Report (due
March 2004)
4,000
Task 400 Groundwater Monitoring in 2004 38,000
Task 500 Prairie du Chien Aquifer Remedy Implementation 10,000(a)
Subtask 530 W413 Installation $ 0(a)
Subtask 540 W48, W119, W413 Monitoring 10,000(a)
Subtask 550 NPDES Permitting 0(a)
Task 600 Laboratory Coordination 10,000
Subtask: Lab Coordination $ 5,000
Subtask: Data Validation and Review $ 5,000
Task 700 Site Closure 5,000
Subtask: Well Abandonment $ 5,000
Task 810 Project Management/Miscellaneous 25,000
Total Estimated Project Cost for 2004 $ 112,000
(a) 50% of these costs will be reimbursed by Reilly.
The 2004 Reilly Budget contains funding for these Reilly related consultant activities.
Attachments: Contract Extension Agreement
Prepared by: Michael P. Rardin, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4b - ENSR Counsulting Contract Extension
Page 4 of 4
EXTENSION TO
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is made on December 1, 2003, by and between the CITY OF ST.
LOUIS PARK, Minnesota, a Minnesota municipal corporation (hereinafter referred to as ‘City”),
and ENSR CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred
to as ‘ENSR”).
1. BACKGROUND. The parties have previously entered into an agreement for consulting
services dated December 17, 2001 (“Initial Agreement”). The Initial Agreement
authorizes the CITY to extend its terms for up to two (2) additional one-year periods.
2. EXTENSION. Subject to the modifications set forth herein, the Initial Agreement is
extended for a final one (1) year period terminating on December 31, 2004.
3. SCOPE OF WORK AND BUDGET FOR YEAR 2003 ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES. The Council report dated December 1, 2003, from the City Manager,
describing the year 2004 project tasks and estimated costs, is incorporated herein by
reference.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective duly authorized officers.
ENSR CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
By:___________________________ By:_____________________________________
Jeff Jacobs, Mayor
Title:_________________________ and _____________________________________
Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4c - Sprinker Assessment 4046 Brookside
Page 1 of 2
4c. Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing installation and special assessment
of a fire sprinkler system at 4046 Brookside Ave. So. and directing the
Mayor and City Manager to execute a special assessment agreement with the
property owner.
Background:
Mr. Kim Hochstein, owner of the commercial building at 4046 Brookside Ave. So. has requested
that the City authorize the installation of an automatic fire suppression sprinkler system for the
building and assess the cost against the property in accordance with the City’s special assessment
policy.
Analysis:
The special assessment policy for installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in existing
buildings was adopted by the City Council in 1995. The City promotes the installation of fire
suppression sprinkler systems and facilitates their installation to promote the general public
health, safety and welfare within the community.
The Building Code does not require the installation of a fire sprinkler system in this existing
building, but as a result of putting an addition on his building the system is needed. The existing
building has no sprinkler coverage, and will be sprinkled along with the addition to the building.
The property owner will be hiring a contractor to extend the system throughout the building and
bring it up to compliance with the current code. Based on the proposed work the system qualifies
for the City’s special assessment program. The property owner has petitioned to the City to
authorize the installation of the fire sprinkler system and specially assess the cost of the
installation. Sprinkler plans have been submitted and approved by City staff. The total eligible
cost of the installation has been determined to be $25,480.00. An Administrative Fee of $150.00
will be added to the special assessment.
Staff has determined the adequate funds are available through the Special Assessment
Construction Fund.
Prepared by: Bruce Johnson, Fire Marshal
Approved by: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4c - Sprinker Assessment 4046 Brookside
Page 2 of 2
RESOLUTION NO ________________________
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INSTALLATION AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENT OF
FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM AT 4046 Brookside Ave.
WHEREAS, the Property Owner(s) at 4046 Brookside Ave. 4046 Brookside Ave.
(“Benefited Property”) (has) have petitioned the City of St. Louis Park to authorize a special
assessment for the installation of a fire sprinkler system in their (school/office/retail) building on
the Benefited Property; and
WHEREAS, the Property Owner(s) (has) have agreed to waive their right to a public
hearing, right of notice and right of appeal pursuant to Minnesota Statute, Chapter 429; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park has received a report from the
Fire Marshal related to the installation of the fire sprinkler system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of St. Louis
Park, Minnesota, that:
1. The petition from the Property Owner(s) requesting the approval and special assessment
for the fire sprinkler system is hereby accepted.
2. The installation of the fire sprinkler system in conformance with the plans and
specifications approved by the Fire Department and Department of Inspections is hereby
authorized.
3. The total estimated cost for the design and complete installation of the fire sprinkler
system is accepted at $25,480.00
4. The Property Owner(s) (has) have agreed to waive their rights to a public hearing, notice
and appeal from the special assessment; whether provided by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429,
or by other statutes, or by ordinance, City Charter, the constitution, or common law.
5. The Property Owner(s) agree(s) to pay the City for the cost of the above improvements
through special assessment over a ten (10) year period at six point zero six percent (6.06%)
interest.
6. The Property Owner(s) agree(s) to execute an agreement with the City and any other
documents necessary to implement the installation of the fire sprinkler system and the special
assessment of all costs associated therewith.
(insert signature block here)
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4d - Severn Trent Contract Extension for Lab Services
Page 1 of 3
4d. Motion to authorize execution of a contract extension to Contract No. 1893 with
Severn Trent Services (STL - Denver) for laboratory services related to the Reilly
Tar & Chemical Corporation groundwater sampling program through year
2004.
Background: The City has maintained a contractual relationship with STL - Denver (formerly
Quanterra Corporation and previously Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratory for the analysis of
groundwater in accordance with the provisions of the consent decree with Reilly Tar & Chemical
Corporation (Reilly) since 1988. Staff has identified only two firms capable of providing necessary
laboratory services. STL - Denver and CH2M Hill, the laboratory used by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Insofar as the USEPA remains opposed to the use of its
laboratory consultant by either the City or Reilly, STL - Denver remains the only available consultant
for laboratory services.
The contract with STL – Denver has been amended each year since 1988. The City Council has
previously authorized staff to negotiate contract amendments with STL – Denver. The staff has
completed negotiations in costs (unit prices) for the laboratory analysis to be performed in year 2004.
Additional Information: The City, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledge advances in the technology of
groundwater analysis methods since the original testing methodology was agreed to in 1986. City staff
has been advocating for several years to update the testing methodology at the Reilly site. Staff also
determined the procedures for laboratory data reporting, data validation and data quality review needed
updating and simplifying. The entire groundwater monitoring process, which is outlined in the Reilly
Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), was re-formatted by the City in 2000, with EPA guidance, to
current acceptable methodologies. As a result of this, the proposed 2004 monitoring program and this
contract amendment include changes that have significantly reduced the cost of the overall monitoring
program. A summary of recent expenses follows:
YEAR AMOUNT COMMENT
1995 132,070 Actual
1996 178,640 Actual
1997 174,695 Actual
1998 123,500 Actual
1999 125,620 Actual
2000 86,020 Actual
2001 85,300 Actual
2002 58,540 Actual
2003 51,000 Estimated
2004 60,900 Projected
Financial Considerations: Contract authorizations from 1988 through 2003 provide for a cumulative
contract amount of $2,104,000 with total estimated expenses of $2,084,597 thereby creating an
estimated contract balance of $19,403 at the end of 2003. Based on the updated analytical process and
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4d - Severn Trent Contract Extension for Lab Services
Page 2 of 3
other changes related to data, staff estimates that approximately $60,900 will be expended for water
sample analysis during year 2004. Therefore, staff is seeking an additional authorization of $50,000 to
the contract to cover the expected 2004 costs plus unanticipated contingencies.
The proposed 2004 Reilly Budget contains funding for this Reilly activity.
Recommendation: Staff recommends Contract No. 1893 be amended to increase the contract amount
by $50,000 to provide for groundwater sample analysis during year 2004.
Attachments: Amendment No. 14 to Contract No. 1893
Prepared By: Michael P. Rardin, Director of Public Works
Approved By: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4d - Severn Trent Contract Extension for Lab Services
Page 3 of 3
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
AMENDMENT NO. 14 TO CONSULTING SERVICES CONTRACT NO. 1893
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 14 to Contract No. 1893 is made on December 1, 2003, by and
between the CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, a Minnesota municipal corporation hereinafter referred to as
“CITY”, and SEVERN TRENT SERVICES (formally QUANTERRA CORPORATION AND
PREVIOUSLY ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANALYTICAL LABORATORY/ENSCO) hereinafter referred
to as “STL - DENVER”.
BACKGROUND
On December 12, 1988, the CITY and STL - DENVER entered into Contract No. 1893 for
consultant services related to certain rights and responsibilities the CITY accepted under an agreement
with Reilly Tar & Chemical Corporation (Reilly) which is attached as Exhibit B to a Consent Decree
in United States of America, et al. vs. Reilly Tar & Chemical Corporation, Housing and
Redevelopment Authority of St. Louis Park, Oak Park Village Associates, Rustic Oaks Condominium,
Inc. and Philips’s Investment Company, United States District Court, District of Minnesota, Civil File
No. 4-80-469.
Pursuant to communication between the CITY and STL – DENVER, it has been determined that it is
in the best interests of the CITY and STL - DENVER to extend the term of Contract No. 1893 to
December 31, 2004, and amend the provisions of Contract No. 1893 and amendments issued thereto
dated June 29, 1989, March, 1990, November 18, 1991, February 22, 1994, January 11, 1995,
February 20, 1996, December 2, 1996, March 2, 1998, December 7, 1998, December 6, 1999,
January 16, 2001, December 17, 2001, and December 16, 2002, incorporating responsibilities each
party will assume through year 2004 to discharge those responsibilities the CITY has accepted under
Exhibit B to the Consent Decree.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above facts and mutual covenants herein
contained, it is hereby agreed that Contract No. 1893 and all previous Amendments are amended as
follows:
I. Contract Period
1. The length of Contract No. 1893 shall be extended to December 31, 2004.
2. Total compensation to STL – DENVER for all services rendered pursuant to Contract
No. 1893, as amended, shall not exceed $2,154,000.
IT IS FURTHER AGREED that all other provisions of Contract No. 1893 and all previous
Amendments shall remain unchanged and fully effective, and this Amendment shall become an
integral part thereof.
EXECUTED as to the day and the year first above written.
(Signature Block)
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4e - Final Payment to Ron Kassa Const. Proj 122-03
Page 1 of 1
RESOLUTION NO. 03-178
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK ON
RANDOM CURB & GUTTER REPLACEMENT
IN THE AMOUNT OF $769.99
CITY PROJECT NO. 03-07
CONTRACT NO. 122-03
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, as follows:
1. Pursuant to a written contract with the City dated September 8, 2003, Ron Kassa Construction, Inc.
has satisfactorily completed the random curb and gutter replacement, as per Contract No. 122-03.
2. The Director of Public Works has filed his recommendations for final acceptance of the work.
3. The work completed under this contract is accepted and approved. The City Manager is directed to
make final payment on the contract, taking the contractor's receipt in full.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council December 1, 2003
City Manager Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4f - Planning Commission Minutes of Nov. 5, 2003
Page 1 of 3
OFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
November 5, 2003 -- 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Bissonnette, Lynne Carper, Ken Gothberg, Carl
Robertson, Jerry Timian
Phillip Finkelstein arrived at 6:05 p.m.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dennis Morris
STAFF PRESENT: Judie Erickson, Janet Jeremiah, Nancy Sells
1. Call to order - Roll Call
Chair Robertson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes of October 15, 2003
Commissioner Bissonnette moved to approve the minutes of October 15, 2003. The
motion passed 4-0-1. (Commissioner Timian abstained).
3. Hearings:
A. Case No. 03-68-ZA--Application of Silvercrest Properties, LLC for an Ordinance
Code (Zoning) amendment to modify the shading regulations so that they only
protect residential use properties.
Planning and Zoning Supervisor Janet Jeremiah presented a staff report. Ms. Jeremiah
said SilverCrest Properties is requesting an amendment to the existing City shading
regulations. The applicant proposes changing the last sentence in Section 36-366(b)(13)
from will not apply in an industrial use district, provided that shade is cast upon a wall
which does not have any openings to will apply only to shading of residential use
property.
Ms. Jeremiah said staff recommends exempting all Industrial-zoned properties from
shading protections and allowing the City to consider approving shading of any building
within the same PUD, CUP, or Special Permit. Staff also recommends correcting a
reference to Subsection (b)(12), which is intended to reference Subsection (b)(13). Ms.
Jeremiah said if the Commission wants to continue protecting Industrial, staff
recommends changing the word "openings" to "windows" so the City does not prevent
shading of loading dock doors.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4f - Planning Commission Minutes of Nov. 5, 2003
Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Carper asked if staff has considered being more liberal with the 60-day
requirement for shading and look at the shading between April 1st and November 1st. Ms.
Jeremiah responded no, not specifically, but if the Planning Commission thinks shading
is more of a summer issue, staff can look into it further.
Commissioner Finkelstein and Chair Robertson asked if the City may be setting itself up
for some non-conformities. Ms. Jeremiah said there is less risk with the way this
ordinance is written because it only applies to new construction or new additions, e.g., if
an existing tall building and an adjacent property is zoned residential, the residential
property would not be protected from an existing building but would be protected from
new development, therefore, the existing building does not become non-conforming.
Peter Pfister, architect for SilverCrest Properties, said in his business there is a distinction
between daylighting and direct sunlight. Mr. Pfister said he and SilverCrest Properties
are amenable to staff’s and the Planning Commission’s interpretation.
Mr. Pfister said he met with the McCains, owners of the adjacent property, Wolfe Lake
Professional Center. Mr. Pfister said he received the McCains’ plans for their proposed
office developments. Mr. Pfister stated the proposed SilverCrest building would not
negatively impact McCains’ building or at least it would comply with the current
standard.
Chair Robertson opened the public hearing. With no one wishing to speak, Chair
Robertson closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Gothberg said he agrees with staff in regard to changing the openings to
windows, however, he disagrees changing the ordinance to just eliminate the industrial
side of things. He said if the City is to eliminate anything, it should be commercial and
industrial because basically it is a similar situation. The sunlight is being used for office
workers; and winter sun is very important.
Commissioner Gothberg asked about crafting an ordinance in regard to allow shading
only by agreement and keep the current shading ordinance. Commissioner Gothberg
asked if the building will shade the pool at the Rec Center. Ms. Jeremiah said the
building would not shade the pool but would shade the skate park, which was deemed
acceptable.
Ms. Jeremiah said staff is recommending allowing shading by agreement between
property owners via the PUD process; other types of agreements tend to get into
contractual zoning, which is not recommended by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Carper said the loss of sunlight could adversely impact sidewalk cafes, and
he would like to see, as recommended by staff, that the ordinance be changed for
industrial areas and not for commercial.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4f - Planning Commission Minutes of Nov. 5, 2003
Page 3 of 3
Chair Robertson said he is comfortable with just the industrial setting at this time.
Commissioner Bissonnette moved to recommend approval of an ordinance amendment
that would exempt Industrial-zoned properties from shading protection and allow
approval of shading of buildings within PUDs, CUPs, and Special Permits as
recommended by staff. The recommended ordinance amendment would not exempt
Commercial-zoned properties from protection as proposed by the applicant. Residential
would continue to be protected. The motion passed 6-0.
4. Unfinished Business
5. New Business
A. Consent Agenda
B. Other New Business
6. Communications
A. Recent City Council Action - October 20, 2003 and November 3, 2003
B. Other
1.) Board of Zoning Appeals minutes Sept. 25
2.) Board of Zoning Appeals agenda Oct. 23
7. Miscellaneous
Commissioner Finkelstein expressed appreciation to Commissioners and staff.
8. Adjournment
Chair Robertson adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
Minutes prepared by: Respectfully submitted by:
Linda Samson Nancy Sells
Recording Secretary Administrative Secretary
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4g - Indemnification Agreement
Page 1 of 8
4g
Motion to approve the Indemnification Agreement between the City of St. Louis
Park, the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority, Anderson Builders,
and Oak Hill 3501 LLC. relative to the Purchase and Redevelopment Contract
with Oak Hill 3501 LLC.
Background
At the November 24, 2003 Study Session, the EDA’s attorney apprised the EDA/Council of the
indemnification Anderson Builders was requesting of both the EDA and City within the
proposed Purchase and Redevelopment Contract for pre-existing conditions present on the
EDA‘s property located at 3501 Louisiana Ave. South. Following discussion, during which the
EDA’s attorney explained that the EDA and City’s liability exposure for the contaminated
property under the proposed Contract was not substantially different from what it is currently, it
was the consensus of the group that the Redeveloper’s request was not unreasonable.
The attached Agreement provides for assumption by the City of the EDA's obligations under
Section 3.5(d) of the Purchase and Redevelopment Contract and assumption by Anderson
Builders of the Oak Hill 3501 LLC’s obligations under Section 3.5(c) of the Contract. Attached
also is a Memo from the EDA’s attorney further explaining this matter.
The EDA’s attorney prepared the proposed Indemnification Agreement and recommends its
approval.
Attachments: Memo from Kennedy & Graven
Indemnification Agreement
Prepared by: Greg Hunt, Economic Development Coordinator
Reviewed by: Tom Harmening, Community Development Director
Approved by: Charles W. Meyer
Kennedy 470 Pillsbury Center
200 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis MN 55402
&
Graven (612) 337-9300 telephone
(612) 337-9310 fax
http://www.kennedy-graven.com
C H A R T E R E D
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Thomas Harmening
Greg Hunt
FROM: Stephen J. Bubul
DATE: November 26, 2003
RE: Anderson Indemnification Agreement
As you know, the EDA will be considering a Purchase and Redevelopment Contract between the
EDA and Oak Hill 3501 LLC ( a limited liability company created by Greg Anderson, referred to
as the “Redeveloper”). In Section 3.5 of that Contract, the EDA agrees to indemnify the
Redeveloper for claims that arise from environmental conditions of the property as of the date of
closing (with certain conditions and qualifications). Likewise, the Redeveloper agrees to
indemnify the EDA for claims that arise from activities by Redeveloper’s after closing that do
not comply with the Reilly Tar Consent Decree or are done without prior approval by the EDA
or MPCA.
Redeveloper has requested that the City, in addition to the EDA, provide the indemnification
described in the Contract that runs to the benefit of the Redeveloper. At the same time, we have
recommended that Anderson Builders, Inc, in addition to the Redeveloper, provide the
indemnification that runs to the benefit of the City and EDA.
These provisions are handled in a joint Indemnification Agreement among the City, EDA,
Redeveloper, and Anderson Builders. The net result of this agreement is that, with respect to the
indemnification provisions in the Contract, the City and EDA are jointly and severally obligated
to Redeveloper, and the Redeveloper and Anderson Builders are jointly and severally obligated
to the EDA and City.
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made on or as of the ____ day of ________, 2003, by and among
the CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA, a Minnesota municipal corporation (the
“City”), the ST. LOUIS PARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ST. LOUIS
PARK, MINNESOTA, a public body corporate and politic (the “Authority”), OAK HILL 3501
LLC (the “Redeveloper”), and ANDERSON BUILDERS, INC., a Minnesota corporation (the
“Corporation”).
RECITALS
A. The Authority and the Redeveloper have entered into a Purchase and
Redevelopment Contract of even date herewith (the “Contract”), under which the Authority will
convey to Redeveloper the property described in Exhibit A hereto (the “Redevelopment Property”).
B. Under Section 3.5 of the Contract, the Redeveloper has agreed to indemnify the
City and the Authority in certain respects, and the Authority has agreed to indemnify the
Redeveloper in certain respects.
C. As a condition of entering into the Contract, the Redeveloper has required that the
Authority’s indemnification provided under Section 3.5(d) of the Contract be provided as well by
the City, and the City has required that the Redeveloper’s indemnification under Section 3.5(c)
of the Contract be provided by the Corporation.
D. The parties have determined to enter into this agreement in order to evidence the
respective obligations of the City and the Corporation as described herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual obligations of the
parties hereto, each of them does hereby covenant and agree with the other as follows:
1. The City has all the obligations and rights of the Authority under Section 3.5(d) of
the Contract, on a joint and several basis as between the City and Authority.
2. The Corporation has all the obligations and rights of the Redeveloper under
Section 3.5(c) of the Contract, on a joint and several basis as between the Corporation and the
Redeveloper.
3. The Authority may record this Agreement and any amendments thereto with the
Hennepin County recorder. The Redeveloper shall pay all costs for recording. The covenants in
this agreement run with the land and bind the Redeveloper, the Corporation, and their successors
and assigns for the benefit of the Authority and the City, and bind the Authority and the City and
their successors and assigns for the benefit of the Redeveloper and the Corporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed in its name and behalf on or as of the date first above written.
ST. LOUIS PARK ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
By
Its President
By
Its Executive Director
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ____ day of _________,
2003, by _____________________and ___________________, the President and Executive
Director of the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority, a public body politic and
corporate, on behalf of the Authority.
Notary Public
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
By
Its Mayor
By
Its Acting City Manager
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ____ day of _________,
2003, by _____________________and ___________________, the Mayor and Acting City
Manager of the City of St. Louis Park, on behalf of the City.
Notary Public
OAK HILL 3501 LLC
By
Its ___________________________
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF __________ )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of __________,
2003 by _____________________, the ___________ of Oak Hill 3501 LLC, a Minnesota
limited liability company, on behalf of the company.
Notary Public
ANDERSON BUILDERS, INC.
By
Its ___________________________
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF __________ )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of __________,
2003 by _____________________, the ___________ of Anderson Builders, Inc. a Minnesota
corporation, on behalf of the corporation.
Notary Public
SCHEDULE A
REDEVELOPMENT PROPERTY
That part of Lot 1, Block 7, Oak Park Village, according to the recorded plat thereof, Hennepin
County, Minnesota, described as follows:
____________________________
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4h - Resolution support SW LRT Study
Page 1 of 2
4h. Motion to approve resolution supporting the continued study of the Southwest
Corridor for light rail transit.
Background:
Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority, owner of the Southwest Corridor in St. Louis
Park, recently completed a feasibility study of the corridor for rail transit between Minneapolis
and Eden Prairie called the Southwest Rail Transit Study. On December 2, 2003, the Hennepin
County Board will hold a public hearing prior to formal action where they will consider the
recommendations of the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) for the study.
Councilmembers Brimeyer and Sanger served on the PAC for the Study. The Policy Advisory
Committee recommended that Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority continue to study
four optional alignments. All alignments would use the Kenilworth Corridor and Southwest
Corridor through Minneapolis and St. Louis Park. The four alternative alignments address
connections between Hopkins, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. The PAC also recommended that
connections to the Midtown Greenway Corridor also be addressed.
Representatives from Hennepin County, including Commissioner Dorfman, presented the study
results to the City Council at a study session on September 8, 2003.
Attached is a copy of the executive summary of the Study. The full Study is available in
Community Development or on line at
http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/tcw/Southwest/swhome.htm
Recommendation:
Staff recommends adoption of the attached resolution.
Attachments: Resolution
Executive Summary, Southwest Rail Transit Study (supplement)
Prepared by: Judie Erickson, Planning Coordination
(Member Technical Advisory Committee for Study)
Approved by: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 4h - Resolution support SW LRT Study
Page 2 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 03-179
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING CONTINUED STUDY OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ON
THE SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR IN ST. LOUIS PARK.
**
WHEREAS, the Southwest Corridor, owned by Hennepin County Regional Railroad
Authority, traverses the City of St. Louis Park, and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority has completed a feasibility
study for rail transit on the Southwest Corridor between the multi-modal station in Minneapolis
and Eden Prairie, and
WHEREAS, the Policy Advisory Committee for the Southwest Rail Transit Study
recommended continued study for four alternative routes, all located on the Southwest Corridor
within St. Louis Park, and
WHEREAS, the Southwest Rail Transit Study indicates that development of rail transit
on the Southwest Corridor will improve mobility, improve travel choice, provide a service to
residents and businesses, and promote economic development, and
WHEREAS, the Study also found that the cost of development of the Corridor is well
within the range of other federally funded projects, and
WHEREAS, the Study has identified three transit station locations in St. Louis Park that
would provide service to significant populations of residents and workers.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council that the City of St.
Louis Park supports the recommendation of the Policy Advisory Committee for the continued
study of this corridor for light rail transit, that the next phase of study should address a rail transit
connection along the Midtown Greenway Corridor, and that issues related to existing heavy rail
also should be resolved.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council December 1, 2003
City Manager Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 1 of 39
6a. Public Hearing on the 2004 Budget and Property Tax Levy
This Public Hearing is to review the 2004 budget and property tax levy
Recommended
Action:
Mayor to close the Public Hearing
Background:
Each year, under Truth in Taxation regulations, the City is required to hold a Public Hearing to
review and discuss the annual budget and property tax levy.
On September 2, 2003 City Council approved the preliminary 2004 budget, property tax levy,
and HRA levy. The City is proposing to levy the maximum amount allowed under levy
limitations. Formal adoption of the 2004 budget, property tax levy, and HRA levy is scheduled
for December 15, 2003.
Recommendation:
There is no action required at this meeting. The meeting is intended to provide information to
the public about the budget and property tax levy as well as to receive comments and input from
the public.
Attachments: Summary of 2004 budget
Prepared By: Jean D. McGann, Director of Finance
Approved By: Charles W. Meyer
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 2 of 39
December 1, 2003
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of St. Louis Park
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
I am pleased to forward the 2004 budget along with revisions to the 2003 budget. Each year the
City determines what the guiding principals should be when preparing the budget. For the 2004
budget, the guiding principals are as follows.
• All loss in state aid should be considered permanent
• Proposals to cut costs or raise revenues must be real and sustainable
• Proposals would not be made for the purpose of engendering community ire due to state aid
cuts
• All recommendations will preserve the vision, mission, and values
• Employees are to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion even though reductions in
staffing are required
• Workers Compensation would no longer be self-insured and new premium costs would
generate approximately $300,000 in additional expenditures
City Council and Staff have been working on the preparation of the 2004 and 2003 revised
budgets since February of this year. The budget compilation has been extremely difficult this
year given cuts enacted by the State of Minnesota. Listed below is an overview of what has
occurred during this budget process.
• February 2003 – April 2003; City Staff begins to evaluate and compile a budget reduction
recommendation for Council
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 3 of 39
• April 21, 2003, Council reviewed budget reduction package prepared by staff. The total
reduction package identified $3,342,580 of either expenditure reductions or revenue
increases.
• May 2003, City notified that 100% or approximately $2,100,000 of Local Government Aid
will be lost in 2004. Of that amount, approximately $1,500,000 would be lost in 2003. Of
the total lost Local Government Aid, the City has the ability to levy back for 60%, or
approximately $1,200,000
• June 9, 2003, Council reviewed budget restoration package prepared by staff. The
restoration package identified $1,430,000 of increased expenditures or reduced revenues.
• July 28, 2003, Council reviewed the status of the proposed 2004 budget and General Fund
reserves.
• September 2, 2003, Council adopted preliminary 2004 property tax and HRA levy.
Legislative changes have been significant for taxes payable 2003 and 2004. For taxes payable
2003, a reduction in Local Government Aid has forced the City to reduce the Adopted 2003
budget to account for this loss. For taxes payable 2004, the complete elimination of Local
Government Aid will be experienced. The City has elected to levy for 60% of the lost Local
Government Aid in 2004. This is the maximum amount allowed by statute.
The schedule for the initial presentation of the budget followed the same format as in past years.
Council approved the preliminary budget on September 2, 2003. A Public Hearing on the 2004
Budget was held on December 1, 2003. This Public Hearing was required under the Truth in
Taxation regulations. The final resolution approving the 2004 levy and budget is scheduled for
December 15, 2003, at the regular City Council meeting.
In order to gain an understanding as to how this budget was developed, an overview of revenue
enhancements, expenditure/service reductions, staff reductions, use of reserves, the 2004 and
Revised 2003 budgets needs to be given. In addition, an overview of other funds included in the
budget will be reviewed.
Property Taxes:
For 2004, levy limitations remain in place. However, due to the elimination of Local
Government Aid, the City is allowed to levy back for 60% of the loss. At this time, the City is
intending to levy the maximum amount allowed. There are two other components to the
property tax levy. The first component is the levy for debt service. This levy is considered to be
outside of levy limitations. For 2004, the debt levy is $838,100. In addition, the City is planning
to do an HRA levy. This levy is based on a percentage of taxable market value in the City. The
City has done this levy for the past three years.
The impact to a residential homeowner will vary based on the taxable market value of their
property as well as the taxable market value increase from 2003 to 2004. When comparing
property taxes from 2003 to 2004, if taxable market value remained stable, an average home in
St. Louis Park would see approximately $30 increase to their property tax bill. The average
increase in value for 2004 is 10%. Given that, the average home could see an increase of
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 4 of 39
approximately $100 to $118 annual increase. Increases are also subject to the amount of Market
Value Homestead Credit that is applicable to an individual property. The Credit is based on a
declining scale and is eliminated when a home reached a value of $413,000.
Revenue Enhancements and Expenditure/Service Reductions:
Due to the loss of Local Government Aid in both 2003 and 2004, revenue enhancements as well
as significant reductions of expenditures and services are proposed. The following summaries
indicate program and service areas being reduced as well as areas that were originally going to
be reduced or eliminated, and eventually reinstated.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 5 of 39
Line item reductions Personnel and overtime reductions
Municipal Code contract maintenance 4,200$ Deputy City Manager 73,000$
City School calendar contribution 7,000 Community Development Intern 18,730
Non-profit organization contributions 80,000 Finance (1 FTE)60,300
Line item appropriations - all divisons (includes
professional services, training, supplies, and
other consulting services)191,800 Human Resource Secretary 48,481
Employee recognition dinner 8,000 Information Technology support staff (1 FTE)45,000
Legal - lobbiest contract 25,000 Community Outreach intern 15,000
Cracksealing/chipsealing (now part of Pavement
Management Program)80,200 Fire department overtime reduction 10,000
Street and sidewalk maintenance 67,000 Police clerical employee 22,000
Snow removal (change in program)16,800 Police Services Liaison 59,000
School Grant (Cable TV)25,000 Police temporary employees 5,000
Trees (arbotec and boulevard contracts)41,000 Police overtime 10,000
Chemical spraying at Parks 12,000 Facilities Maintenance - overtime reduction 5,200
Goose control 3,000 Environment Health Intern 10,000
Ice rinks (outdoor)13,500 Enginerring Technician 67,400
Subtotal 574,500$ Enginnerring Survey Aide 41,500
Assistant City Engineer 7,800
Revenue Enhancements Public Works Maintenance 52,350
Rent - EDA and Housing Authority 40,000$ Public Works seasonal help 12,000
Community Development fee increases 22,000 Forestry (trees) 2 FTE's 100,000
Administrative fees - Community Development Bloc 30,000 Uniform allowance (all divisions)16,000
Reallocation of Private Activity Revenue Bond Adm 74,000 Subtotal 678,761$
Fire services - charge for personal injury accidents 25,000
License and permit fee increases 71,000 Overhead Charges (based on fee study)
Rent - Enterprise Funds 30,000 Enterprise Funds 370,096$
Park and Recreation program fees 147,000
Subtotal 439,000$ Revenue re-allocation
Cable TV 80,000$
Police and Fire Pension (dispatch, equipment,
training, and supplies)628,000$
Total expenditure and service reductions,
revenue enhancements, and other 2,770,357$
Workers compensation (switching to fully insured
plan)(330,000)$
Levy back 60% of aid 1,283,258 Allocation for 2004 wage and benefit increase (500,000)
Inflationery increases (174,868) Local Government Aid loss (2,138,763)
2004 budget reductions to be implemented 1-1-2005 (156,984) Re-allocation of Market Value Homestead Credit (753,000)
3,721,763 (3,721,763)
Expenditure and Service Reductions - Budget Year 2004
Summary of 2004 budget reduction issues
Restorations:
On April 21, 2003, the Council reviewed and discussed a budget deficit reduction proposal. This
package assumed the worst case scenario in that 100% of state aid would be lost and that there
would be no ability to levy back. Since that time, the City has been notified of the exact amount
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 6 of 39
of aid to be lost and that it is possible to levy back for up to 60% of the loss. Due to this, Council
approved a budget add-back plan. The items restored to the budget are indicated below.
Personnel
Administrative Secretary 24,472$
Finance 1 FTE 43,287
Fire Fighter 75,000
Envir. Health Inspector (.5 FTE)35,000
Dispatch position 33,000
Equipment Maintenance position 56,000
Subtotal 266,759$
Line items
Code Maintenance contract (partial)4,200$
City/School Calendar (partial)3,000
Housing Authority inspections 7,500
Community Dev. Salary reallocation 45,644
Use of HRA levy for admin costs 100,000
Charging for curb/alley/sidewalk
repairs/maintenance 116,500
Street and Traffic light utility 400,000
N. Hennepin Medication services 4,000
Subtotal 680,844$
Total restorations 947,603$
2004 Budget restorations
Use of Reserves:
Both the 2003 Revised Budget and 2004 Proposed Budget will require using reserves in order to
balance the budgets. The 2003 Revised budget requires use of reserves due to loss of Local
Government Aid. Unfortunately, the City did not know the loss of aid at the time the 2003
budget was adopted.
2003 Revised Budget; Significant reductions in expenditures have been projected for the 2003
revised budget. These reductions include reducing line item expenditures as well as the impact
of the Early Retirement Incentive Program. Because of these actions, reserves in the amount of
$689,898 will be needed. The total Local Government Aid loss in 2003 is $1,550,774.
2004 Proposed Budget; The use of reserves is also required for 2004. Due to the nature of the
budget reductions proposed, not all recommendations can be implemented before the end of the
2003. Therefore, those budget reductions not implemented by the end of 2003 will be
implemented during 2004. By the end of 2004, all budget reductions will be implemented. The
2004 budget will require using $82,984 of reserves.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 7 of 39
2004 Proposed Budget:
Given the significant aid loss and the decision to try to position the City to be self-sufficient,
without relying on state aid has required a tremendous effort on the part of both Council and
Staff.
The document summarized below is the result of these efforts.
General Fund
Definition; The City of St. Louis Park Home Rule Charter provides in Section 6.12(a) that there
shall be "A General Fund for the payment of such expenses of the City as the Council may deem
proper. Into this fund shall be paid all money not provided herein or by statute to be paid into
any other fund."
The General Fund was established to account for all revenues and expenditures not required to
be accounted for in other funds. It has more diverse revenue sources than other funds, including
property taxes, licenses, permits, fines and forfeits, intergovernmental, service charges, rents, and
investment interest earnings. The Fund's resources finance a wide range of functions including
current operations of general government, public safety, public works, and general service
expenditures.
General Fund Overview; The 2004 General Fund budgeted revenues shows a decrease over the
2003 Adopted budget of approximately 2.5%. This decrease in revenue is due primarily to the
loss of Local Government Aid. The 2004 revenue budget anticipates levying for 60% of the lost
Local Government Aid. The aid loss is approximately $2.1M and the City is projecting an
increase in the property tax levy of $1.2M. The Council has also approved fee increases based
on a study conducted by the Finance Department and a consultant.
Each individual division within the General Fund was impacted differently with the budget
reductions. The summary below outlines the General Fund Revenue and Expenditures for past
years as well as the current and proposed budget years. Following this summary, a short
narrative of each division budget is given.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 8 of 39
2001 2002 2004
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Adopted
Revenues:
General Property Taxes 7,805,550$ 10,863,685$ 11,239,599$ 11,234,235$ 12,002,318$
Licenses and Permits 2,011,051 2,140,905 2,231,550 1,145,114 1,991,464
Intergovernmental 5,813,004 3,392,609 3,965,027 3,269,892 1,671,912
Charges for Services 826,751 871,535 805,339 869,810 1,033,235
Fines, Forfeits, and Penalties 296,336 277,812 295,000 298,000 298,000
Investment Earnings 236,710 202,056 200,000 150,060 146,803
Miscellaneous Revenue 53,957 81,690 63,500 73,400 119,500
Transfers In 952,198 938,923 1,307,433 1,389,064 2,348,654
Total Revenues 17,995,557$ 18,769,215$ 20,107,448$ 18,429,575$ 19,611,886$
Expenditures:
General Government:
Legislative 130,201$ 123,697$ 99,900$ 92,681$ 93,853$
Administration 318,647 323,684 489,177 719,669 653,409
Human Resources 451,889 434,842 495,245 461,792 444,184
Communications & Marketing 151,541 159,349 184,341 171,092 182,636
Community Outreach 80,394 87,853 127,528 112,051 116,941
City Clerk/Elections 74,500 138,057 - - -
Technology & Support Services 982,198 1,131,495 1,169,123 1,155,806 1,197,031
Finance 881,994 963,755 993,502 952,597 926,993
Legal 283,340 254,147 305,000 - -
Community Development 772,908 800,038 929,512 911,660 953,140
Facilities Maintenance 818,921 745,168 894,253 812,298 877,299
Subtotal 4,946,533$ 5,162,085$ 5,687,581$ 5,389,646$ 5,445,486$
Public Safety:
Police 5,268,739$ 5,564,093 6,122,842 5,945,076 6,193,338
Fire Protection 2,175,876 2,127,240 2,623,160 2,383,522 2,517,611
Inspectional Services 1,211,127 1,394,908 1,467,578 1,455,102 1,516,860
Subtotal 8,655,742$ 9,086,241$ 10,213,580$ 9,783,700$ 10,227,809$
Department of Public Works:
Administration 568,079$ 699,221 700,683 687,209 730,559
Engineering 724,034 713,631 749,903 677,405 695,696
Operations 2,118,094 2,072,477 2,690,734 2,576,185 2,501,381
Subtotal 3,410,207$ 3,485,329$ 4,141,320$ 3,940,799$ 3,927,636$
Non-Departmental:
General Services/Contingency -$ 2,102 64,967 - 30,000
Transfer Out 135,818 200,000 - 5,328 63,939
Subtotal 135,818$ 202,102$ 64,967$ 5,328$ 93,939$
Total Expenditures 17,148,300$ 17,935,757$ 20,107,448$ 19,119,473$ 19,694,870$
Revenue over (under) Expendit 847,257$ 833,458$ -$ (689,898)$ (82,984)$
Required use of Reserves 689,898$ 82,984$
2003 Budget
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 9 of 39
General Fund Expenditures:
Each Division of the General Fund is part of a larger Department. The following information is
separated by Department with the specific Division information listed related to the 2004 budget.
Administration
The Administration Department is comprised of several divisions including the City Manager,
City Clerk, Communications and Marketing, Community Outreach, Legislative, and Human
Resources Divisions. The department provides administrative support and service to City
departments and to external customers. Department personnel share the city’s core values of
respect, stewardship, and contribution. Practical demonstration of those values is central to all
operations carried out in the department.
City Manager/City Clerk’s office; The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the
City and directs administration of the City’s affairs, subject to regulations adopted by the City
Council. It is the City Manager’s responsibility to enforce the City Charter, ordinances, and
resolutions of the City. Duties also include keeping the council fully advised of the financial
condition and the needs of the City, preparing and submitting the annual budget to the Council
and recommending measures to the Council deemed necessary. The office provides general
administrative services to ensure Council policies and directives are carried out. The office also
serves as liaison between the Council, advisory boards and commissions, staff, attorneys' offices,
other levels of government, the media and the public.
This Division also administers the City's elections and official record function. Official records
responsibilities include oversight of City Council agendas, minutes, resolutions and ordinances;
the municipal code; recording of contracts and bids; and certifications. The office also publishes
legal notices and acts as a communications link between government and citizens by providing
public access to government information, records and processes.
Fluctuation in total expenditures from year to year is due to the on-going reorganization of
divisions within the city and changes to budget reporting methods. The increase shown in the
2003 budget represents the merging of the City Manager and City Clerk’s Office budgets. The
reduction in 2003 revised and 2004 proposed is due to a combination of budget cuts and the
elimination of the Deputy City Manger position.
Communications and Marketing:
The Communications/Marketing office disseminates information to enable residents to take full
advantage of City services, promote compliance with ordinances, foster understanding of issues
facing the community, and promote the desirability of living and doing business in St. Louis
Park. To accomplish this mission, the office publishes a resident newsletter, an employee
newsletter, and a Community Handbook. It also posts a web site, prepares materials for new
resident packets, issues news releases, assists with the School/City Calendar, and helps
coordinate and publicize an annual Remodeling Fair. In addition, staff prepares materials for
other departments, including the Parks and Recreation program guide, the business newsletter,
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 10 of 39
the rental coalition newsletter, the Water Quality Report, ward maps, concert schedules, and
publications outlining the RV ordinance, environmental issues, winter parking rules, garbage
collection, and other topics.
The 2003 revised Communications/Marketing budget reflects a reduction from the adopted 2003
budget. Rather than continuing to split the cost of the School/City Calendar in half, the City is
reducing its contribution from approximately $10,000 to $3,000. The proposed 2004 budget
carries the School/City Calendar budget reduction forward. Reflecting the fact that Vision St.
Louis Park initiative will not need to publish a community report in 2003; this line item has also
been removed from the revised 2003 budget.
Both the 2003 and 2004 budgets reflect the need to publish a new Community Handbook.
(Printing would occur in December of 2003 and mailing would occur in January of 2004.) The
handbook is our residents’ “owner’s manual” and provides information on snowplowing,
garbage collection, permit requirements, voting and local resources. The handbook was last
published two years ago and supplies will be gone at year’s end. A new handbook is needed
because significant changes have been made in the requirements governing winter parking and
garbage collection.
Community Outreach; This division promotes diversity awareness, supports neighborhood
groups, and fosters volunteerism, community involvement and pride. It accomplishes this
mission by educating residents at community meetings and events, assisting the Human Rights
Commission and neighborhood associations, printing neighborhood newsletters, and providing
support to community groups and volunteers.
Expenses are relatively low for Community Outreach yet the impact of Community Outreach
efforts is high. This budget covers the Community Outreach Coordinator’s salary and
expenditures, the City’s portion of the City/School volunteer coordinator’s salary, mediation
contract services and expenses for the Human Rights Commission. Neighborhood grant funds,
which are administered by Community Outreach, are included in the Housing Rehabilitation
Fund budget.
As part of the budget reduction, the allocation for the Neighborhood Grant Program was reduced
by 50%. This action results in an overall reduction of the 2004 budget when compared to the
2003 Adopted budget of 9%. With the exception of the City/School volunteer coordinator’s
salary, a transfer from the Housing Rehabilitation Fund funds this division.
Legislative; this budget reflects activities of the City Council. The Council is responsible for
formulating policy and enacting legislation to maintain and promote the safety and welfare of the
community. The Council operates under the following mission statement: "As stewards of the
public trust, the City of St. Louis Park provides high quality municipal services to ensure a safe,
caring and vital community both today and in the future." The Council has adopted “Vision St.
Louis Park” as one of it’s guiding principles and seeks to ensure that vision tenets are
incorporated into City policy, budget documents and departmental work plans.
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The 2004 budget has been reduced by approximately 6% when compared to the 2003 Adopted
Budget.
Human Resources; The mission of this division is to provide quality services to current and
potential employees. Services are provided in the areas of:
• Organizational development, employee development, training, facilitation process and
coaching
• Recruitment and selection
• Payroll, compensation, benefits, workers compensation
• Labor relations, negotiations, grievance and arbitration
• Employee relations, recognition and communication
• Policy and program development and implementation
• Handling employment mandates including FMLA, ADA, Pay Equity, DOT testing, Veterans
Preference, etc.
The City workforce includes non-organized and organized employee groups, paid-on-call
firefighters, temporary, and seasonal employees.
The 2004 budget reflects an 11% decrease from the Adopted 2003 budget. The reduced budget
in 2004 is due to eliminating one Full time Clerical position, the Employee Recognition Dinner
and various line item cuts.
Technology and Support Services:
The Department of Technology and Support Services was created in 2003 by combining Cable
TV (Special Revenue Fund), Technology Replacement, and Information Technologies. This new
department also includes a third division, Support Services, which is composed of office
services/receptionist staff from Information Technologies. Technology and Support Services
focuses on installation and maintenance of a variety of technologies, as well as on improved
efficiency and effectiveness of City service delivery, the re-engineering of work flows to meet
evolving business needs, and the support of decision-making processes throughout the City. This
is accomplished by keeping a pulse on community needs and helping to address those needs
through communicating with service users and citizens, the allocation of scarce resources, and
fostering both standard and innovative uses of information.
Technology and Support Services; The primary areas of activity include;
• PC and local area network technical support and maintenance
• Technical management of the City’s internet e-mail and web site
• Full management of the City’s Intranet fall under IT
• City Hall reception
• Management of paper and imaged records
• Self-service centers
• Copying services
• Distribution of in-coming, inter-office, and out-going mail, including services to remote City
buildings
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Computer applications services are provided in tandem with LOGIS (Local Government
Information Systems), a 24-agency computing consortium formed through a joint powers
agreement in 1972.
Council approved two new staffing positions in 2003. First, a full-time GIS / IT Technician to
assist with current repair backlog, preventive maintenance activities, application development,
and support for Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The recruitment process for this
position is currently underway.
The second position is the Director of Technology and Support Services. This position is
designed to provide overall strategic direction, manages the department, and provides technical
assistance along with the limited number of staff. This position did not result in increasing the
number of employees but rather a transfer of resources from the City Manager’s office to
Technology and Support Services. Due to the 2004 budget reduction process, 1 FTE will be
eliminated by the end of 2004.
Cable TV: This division is a Special Revenue Fund. Further discussion of this division will
occur later in this narrative.
Technology Replacement; This division is an Internal Service Fund. Further discussion of this
division will occur later in this narrative.
Finance:
The Finance Department is comprised of two divisions: Accounting and Assessing. Both
divisions rely on the other to ensure service is provided to the Community and internal
departments. Although each division is unique, many of the functions overlap.
Accounting: The mission of the Accounting division is to ensure the short and long-term
financial stability of the City through the development of sound financial policies and practices.
Accounting is responsible for maintaining financial records and investments for the City and
Economic Development Authority. The division also provides assistance to all city departments
and divisions in daily operations. In addition, a contract to provide financial services to the
Housing Authority in place.
Assessing; This division is responsible for the annual valuation and litigation of 15,000 parcels of
real estate. The City, Hennepin County, and special taxing districts use the valuation
calculations for property taxes, administration of special assessments, and the
acquisition/classification of right-of-way. Additional responsibilities include administration of
real estate classification and maintenance/operation of the Property Data System.
The Finance Department 2004 budget, when compared to the 2003 Adopted budget is showing a
reduction of 5.3%. This reduction is due to the elimination of one FTE by the end of 2004 and
the reduction of many line item expenditures.
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Community Development:
Community Development encompasses activities associated with Planning and Zoning, Housing,
and Economic Development. These activities require interaction and staff support to the City
Council, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Housing Authority, Economic
Development Authority, Special Task Forces and the Multi-Family Housing Coalition, to name a
few. Services provided include administration of the Zoning, Subdivision Ordinance and
Comprehensive Plan, administration of housing programs, and facilitation of economic
development and redevelopment initiatives.
Planning and Zoning; Due to the budget cutbacks being employed organization wide, a number
of reductions were made to this budget. These included cuts in the areas of training, equipment
and supplies, use of consultants, elimination of an intern position and a significant reduction in
the City's allocation to STEP from $35,000 in 2003 to $22,500 for 2004.
Housing and Economic Development; Further discussion of theses divisions will occur later in
this narrative.
Police:
The mission of the police department is to provide citizens with quality service, professional
conduct, and a safe environment in which to live, work and learn. The police department
responds to emergencies and investigates crime and disorder in the community. In addition, the
department works with the community to develop strategies for the prevention of crime and
disorder and the promotion of quality of life in our neighborhoods.
For 2004, the Police Department has made reductions in expenditures as well as re-directed some
expenditure to the Pension Fund. Every effort has been made to ensure the community does not
experience significant service impacts; however, there will be some service reductions.
Beginning in 2004, the Pension Fund will support public safety dispatch. The Pension Fund will
continue to support the dispatch function on an interim basis while consolidation options are
considered. Public Safety Dispatch is the responsibility of both the Police and Fire Departments.
Therefore, the appropriate allocation of dispatch costs will be provided from the Pension
balances.
The Police Department currently provides dispatching services for the City of Golden Valley.
The terms of the contract indicate that Golden Valley is responsible for 36% of the total
dispatching budget. For 2004, the amount that the Police Pension Fund will be providing is
$268,000.
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Fire:
The St. Louis Park Fire Department is committed through effective emergency management to
preventing and minimizing the loss of life and property with cooperative delivery of the highest
quality, and efficient emergency fire and rescue service, emergency medical service, hazardous
material emergency response, fire prevention, and public education services to the residents in
and visitors to St. Louis Park. The department responded to 3,665 calls in 2002. Although a
slight increase in total calls from 2002 we are continuing to see a decline in major fires and
emergency medical services calls (EMS). EMS currently accounts for 61% of all Fire
Department calls.
The Fire Department continues a decade long commitment to community stewardship that has
led the budget increases to be substantially under the inflation rate. $218,700 of the 2003 budget
is the result of the Department successfully applying for and receiving a Federal Fire Fund Grant.
This grant allowed the purchase of all new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (replacing forty
year old technology with new modern equipment), three thermo image cameras, and a new
breathing air compressor system. The Department has again been successful in 2003 in
obtaining another Fire Fund Grant, this time for $77,000. This grant will be used to update
Department computer technology to better integrate fire prevention activities into the City data
collection system.
Both grants require a 10% matching payment from the grant recipient. The grant match will be
provided from the Pension Fund. In addition, for the first time we are able to project revenues
brought in by permit fees for sprinkler system installations. These revenues are estimated to be
approximately $72,000 for 2003. As part of the 2004 budget process, a program that will allow
the Department to start charging fees for personal injury accidents, industrial training, and
specialized responses will be put in place. We anticipate these fees will generate another
$25,000 in revenues. In addition, beginning in 2004, the Fire Department will be funding
$132,000 of Dispatch operations from the Pension fund.
Inspections:
The Inspection Department provides education, issuance of permits, and enforcement of codes to
benefit the health, safety and vitality of the community. Some of the various codes administered
to accomplish this mission include Minnesota State Building Codes, Minnesota Food and
Environmental Codes, and City Property Maintenance, Nuisance and Zoning Codes. In addition,
the Department also issues licenses for operation of regulated commercial businesses, apartment
buildings, and selected contractors. Annual inspections of licensed facilities are conducted to
maintain minimum standards.
Maintenance of the City’s residential and commercial properties is being enhanced with
proactive identification of substandard buildings in addition to the time of sale inspection
program, intended to correct deteriorating and hazardous conditions in all of the City buildings.
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A significant peak in the construction of large projects with high valuation has occurred during
the last three years. Indications are the city will be returning to more sustainable level of
construction activity during 2004.
Economic and construction activity fluctuations will affect permit revenue for 2004 and future
years. The 2004 budget has considered these fluctuations and reduced budgeted revenue
numbers accordingly. Expenditures for inspection services typically continue into the following
years as building construction continues long after the permits were issued and revenues were
received.
Based on the fee study conducted in 2003, several fees have been adjusted for 2004 to accurately
reflect the actual and complete cost of providing full inspection services. This process of
reviewing the remaining permit and all license fees will continue to occur on an annual basis.
The relationship between revenue and service costs must be evaluated over a period of several
years to accurately account for significant construction fluctuations.
To contain cost and as a result of increased efficiencies, the part time Electrical inspector and
summer Environmental Health intern positions have been eliminated.
Public Works:
The Department of Public Works provides services in many different areas. Within the General
Fund, there are the divisions of Facilities Maintenance, Administration, Engineering, and
Operations. In addition, the Department of Public Works is responsible for; Special Service
Districts, Municipal Service Center, Equipment Replacement, Municipal Building Fund, all
Enterprise Funds (water, sanitary sewer, solid waste, and storm water utility), as well as the
monitoring and construction of Capital Projects throughout the City. General Fund divisions will
be discussed in this section, while other funds will be discussed later in this narrative.
Facilities Maintenance; The Facilities Maintenance Division is an internal support organization
with operating responsibility for City Hall, Police Station, Fire Stations 1 & 2, Westwood Nature
Center, the Municipal Service Center, and specific equipment functions. This division
coordinates long-term capital improvements to these sites. The division assists other City
departments in the areas of property management, residential/commercial demolitions, and
coordination of the City’s participation in the Hennepin County Sentence-To-Serve (S.T.S.)
program. This Division also provides fee-based management and maintenance services to the
Special Service Districts.
The 2003 revised budget is down 10% from the 2003 Adopted budget due to reforesting of
energy costs and reductions in specific programs and services. The 2004 budget is down from the
2003 adopted budget by 1.9 % as the Division continues to address ways of cutting costs while
continuing to maintain a high level of service.
Public Works Administration; The Public Works Administrative group is designed to provide
administrative support for the Public Works divisions: Engineering, Operations, Utilities, and
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Facilities Maintenance. This division also manages the Solid Waste program and Special
Service Districts.
The focus in 2004 continues to be on developing and implementing systems to track and manage
city infrastructure assets, such as streets, water, and sewer systems. These systems will be
critical in monitoring our programs. Another major initiative in 2004 will be the implementation
of a Pavement Management System, in which the administrative group will play a major role.
The administrative group coordinates data collection efforts for the management systems.
Increased mapping capabilities are providing new ways to organize large amounts of data and
better inform decision-makers.
Personnel expenses dominate this budget, making up 94% of the total. Increases in costs in 2004
result in a 3.6% increase when compared to 2003 adopted budget. A portion of this funding in
2004 is for temporary administrative assistance to support data collection efforts for the
management systems. A substantial portion of the funding for this budget comes from transfers
from the Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and Solid Waste Enterprise Funds.
Engineering; The Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works primarily provides
support services for the Water, Sewer, Street and Traffic Divisions, Community Development,
and Parks & Recreation Departments. Division activities focus on implementing long-term
capital improvements to the city’s infrastructure from concept through construction including
inspections, studies, analysis, surveys, design, public involvement, construction inspection and
administration. Division staff perform bridge inspections, process and analyze traffic requests,
conduct traffic studies, provide input on proposed developments, and oversee the implementation
of the City’s Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan (CWRMP). The division
selects and manages consultants as needed to provide services for the City. The division
provides input and coordination with other municipalities, Hennepin County, and the State on
various transportation-related issues and projects within or affecting the City.
The 2004 proposed budget is decreased from 2003 adopted by 7.1%. The decreases are due to
the reduction of staff. Public Works is also anticipating $29,000 increased revenue from permit
fees.
Operations; This Division has a mission to ensure the safety of the traveling public and to
provide for a safe, functional transportation system within St. Louis Park. The Division is
responsible for providing timely response to citizen requests, providing data for short and long
range planning to aid City Council and staff in making sound policy and procedural decisions,
and co-operating with other branches of city government so as to maximize service delivery to
the public. A computerized asset management system will be utilized by the division this year to
assist in the management of the transportation system facilities. Consistent with the Vision St.
Louis Park, the division is striving to provide necessary accommodations to the public for
transportation needs such as sidewalks, trails, and a safe transportation system. In order to
achieve the goal of responsive government, the division is working with employees and residents
to provide effective, quality services.
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The revised 2003 budget decreased from the adopted budget appropriations due primarily to
decreases in services and other charges. The 2004 proposed budget decreases from the 2003
adopted appropriation due to a position elimination; service and equipment reductions; and the
implementation of service charges and assessments.
Special Revenue Fund Definition
Special Revenue Funds are established to account for revenues derived from taxes and other
specific revenue sources. These resources are restricted by statute, City Charter, or ordinance to
finance specific City functions or activities.
The City maintains eight Special Revenue Funds. Each of these funds is maintained for a
specific purpose. Each Fund is described in detail below.
Parks and Recreation:
The Parks and Recreation Department consists of five operating divisions; Organized Recreation,
Recreation Center, Environment, Park Maintenance, and Westwood Hills Environmental
Education Center (WHEEC). Vision St. Louis Park has been a major force in providing
direction for Parks and Recreation services. We continue to place children first in our
community by providing year-round recreational activities as well as volunteer opportunities for
youth in our community.
This Department will be completing five main projects in 2003:
• Purchase of skate park ramps and other equipment for the development of a skate park
• Replacement of roof over the west arena in the Recreation Center
• Replacement of playground equipment in four parks
• Installation of ball field lights on Skippy Field at Carpenter Park in 2003
• Trail and landscape improvements at Shelard Park.
In 2004, the following initiatives are proposed:
• Wolfe Park Amphitheater concert series on Wednesday and Sunday
• Park Improvements at Oak Hill Park (shelter building for skating, picnic shelter, reconstruct
parking lots and trails, replace old wading pool with new water feature, resurface basketball
court)
• Playground equipment at Rotary Northside park, Sunshine Park, and Edgebrook park
• Reconstruct portions of Bass Lake Trail
• Penny Carnival
• Halloween Parties at Westwood Nature Center and Recreation Center
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Revenue 2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004
Classification Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed
General Property Taxes 1,923,309$ 2,671,892$ 2,789,991$ 2,789,911$ 2,555,824$
Intergovernmental 641,354 44,702 44,702 44,702 44,702
Charges for Services 1,642,363 970,688 1,839,160 1,686,742 1,820,804
Special Assessments (1,603) 7,579 - - -
Miscellaneous 156,304 744,733 30,855 31,295 91,040
Total Revenues 4,361,727 4,439,594 4,704,708 4,552,650 4,512,370
Expenditure 2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004
Classification Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed
Organized Recreation 1,147,815$ 1,027,278$ 1,184,651$ 1,108,994$ 1,106,054$
Recreation Center 1,177,567 1,320,513 1,380,673 1,327,277 1,343,769
Park Maintenance 1,646,711 1,471,811 1,497,382 1,400,035 1,442,080
WHEEC 339,003 344,347 407,142 408,690 415,670
Environment - 345,946 234,860 229,556 204,797
Total Expenditures 4,311,096 4,509,895 4,704,708 4,474,552 4,512,370
Revenue over (under)50,631$ (70,301)$ -$ 78,098$ -$
Organized Recreation; This division is responsible for providing recreation program
opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities. Although many of our programs have user
fees, the department offers fee assistance to children who can not afford to pay the full cost of
the program. There are over 3,000 youth involved in our programs. The majority of our youth
programs are instructional in nature. Our mission is to develop skills and have fun. In addition to
youth sports and recreation programs, we offer several adult team sport programs. Our adult
softball program has 195 teams. We also have an additional 177 teams signed up for basketball,
volleyball, football and broomball.
The 2004 Organized Recreation adopted budget includes the recreation programs we offer for
youth and adults. Many of these programs are in response to requests from residents or recent
trends in the area of Parks and Recreation. We will continue to expand our offerings for youth
and family sports programs. In addition, a variety of school release day activities and trips will
be planned to help working parents find alternative day care opportunities during the days when
school is not in session.
Recreation Center; Included in this division is the outdoor aquatic park, two indoor ice arenas, a
concession stand, and two rooms within the Recreation Center which can be reserved. The
Recreation Center provides a community-gathering place and offers wholesome family oriented
activities while maximizing revenue opportunities and minimizing operational expenses. The
continuing challenge facing staff will be to offer a variety of affordable services and programs,
while operating the facility with the responsibility of repaying $160,000 per year towards the
construction debt on the Recreation Center. The Aquatic Park continues to be a busy place
during the summer where children and adults can have fun in the water.
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Personnel Services and Utility costs are the major budget expenditures. As equipment upgrades
are implemented, cost of operation from a utility standpoint will receive increased attention. A
major emphasis will continue to be operating the Aquatic Park with efficient summer staff.
Efficiencies in equipment operation costs are also being evaluated. Revenues will continue
increasing as rental fees increase and demand for ice time remains strong.
Park Maintenance; This Division maintains the parks and trees in the City. There are 52 park
areas including the Westwood Hills Environmental Education Center. Within our parks, we
maintain hockey rinks, ball fields, soccer fields, a water feature, a skate park, irrigation systems,
and trails. In addition to a number of open spaces that we mow throughout the year, there are
approximately 500 acres of city property that our maintenance crew maintains each year. The
Park Maintenance division is also responsible for maintaining the buildings and shelters located
in our parks.
The 2004 budget includes the following; irrigation, overlaying basketball and trail areas, scenery
work in parks, building outdoor ice rinks, mowing, ball field maintenance, playground inspection
and repair, irrigation maintenance, and other routine maintenance items that occur in the parks.
The maintenance items in the budget are routine in nature. All of the redevelopment of existing
structures and new development initiatives are in the CIP.
As part of the 2004 budget reductions, seasonal staff and overtime for full-time have been
reduced. In addition, chemical spraying in Parks and other City owned property, and the number
of ice rinks and warming houses will be reduced.
Westwood Hills Nature Center; This Division is responsible for providing environmental
education and natural history programming, passive outdoor enjoyment and wildlife observation
on the 150 acre nature preserve. On average (past ten years) over 28,000 individuals per year
participate in formal programs conducted by the naturalist staff or visit the interpretive center.
Programs are offered for all ages and abilities not only at the nature center but also in other city
park lands and outstate as well. Staff works closely with local school staff to design programs
that support their educational outcomes and requirements.
In an effort to increase revenues, staff is designing new daytime program opportunities for home
schooled students as well as a outreach program to be taught in area schools, businesses,
churches, etc. Staff is currently in the process of obtaining a hawk or owl from the Raptor
Center that will be used for the majority of these outreach programs. Beginning in late 2003 and
finalizing in May 2004 is the remodeling of Westwood Hills Nature Center. Improvements will
include wheelchair accessible entrance and restrooms, energy efficient doors and windows,
improved teaching areas, improved work areas, appropriate animal entrance area and low
maintenance floor and wall coverings.
Environment; This budget includes coordinating environmental and forestry issues in the City.
The forestry portion of the budget provides tree planting and maintenance of 50,000 park and
open space trees throughout the City. The City uses a proactive approach to it’s trees by
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providing some assistance to residents who want to protect their elm trees and oak trees by
injecting them with an fungicide injection that helps to prevent Dutch Elm disease and Oak Wilt.
The environmental division provides emphasis on preserving the City's natural areas by assisting
staff and residents with issues and concerns. This division is also responsible for planting and
maintaining flowerbeds, wildlife management and environmental outreach.
In addition, this division coordinates the forestation and reforestation programs, oversees turf and
natural resource management, assists with the assessment of environmental impact resulting
from proposed projects, assists in stormwater management, and develops various educational
programs to educate the public on environmental issues.
The 2004 budget projects turning back the boulevard trees to the residents and reducing the
subsidy to the Arbotec Injection program. The City will subsidize the arbotect injection for elm
and oak trees at a 40% level. If a boulevard tree becomes diseased or damaged by a storm, the
City will subsidize the take down at a level of 50%. The impact of this, beyond the subsidy cost
is the elimination of two full time positions. The other reduction for 2004 is the elimination of
the goose subsidy for spraying private property along Minnehaha Creek.
Cable Television:
Cable Television is a division of Technology and Support Services. This division provides
funding for various services, including cable franchise administration; Telecommunications
Advisory Commission staff support; Community TV Channels 15 and 96; Civic Channel 17
production; and a grant for Educational Channel 14.
Community TV Channels 15 and 96 benefit City residents, workers, and schools through the use
of cable TV as personal and organizational communications. Civic TV Channel 17's mission is
to produce programming about City services, civic events and local issues, provide coverage of
public meetings, and assisting City departments with audio/video needs. These services are
provided without using property taxes. The cable system operator pays franchise fees of 5% of
the gross revenues collected in St. Louis Park for the use of the public right of way.
Based on the fee study conducted in 2003, the annual transfer to the General Fund for
administrative services in 2004 has been increased significantly. In addition, a one-time transfer
of approximately $800,000 was made from the Cable Television fund balance to the Technology
Replacement Fund to support technology replacement.
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Revenue/Expenditure 2001 2002 2004
Classification Actual Actual Adopted Revised Budget
Revenue
Charges for Services 279,020$ 505,946$ 348,000$ 355,000$ 355,000$
Miscellaneous Revenue 44,269 38,332 28,000 5,000 5,000
Total Revenues 323,289 544,278 376,000 360,000 360,000
Fund Balance Jan 1 681,021 781,870 1,062,859 1,062,859 212,832
Total Available 1,004,310$ 1,326,148$ 1,438,859$ 1,422,859$ 572,832$
Expenditures
Personal Services 107,724$ 126,559$ 132,560$ 132,560$ 136,759$
Supplies/Services 69,917 89,063 108,865 112,340 82,650
Capital Outlay - - 45,000 34,000 22,000
Transfers Out 44,799 47,667 54,674 931,127 130,976
Total Expenditures 222,440 263,289 341,099 1,210,027 372,385
Fund Balance Dec 31 781,870 1,062,859 1,097,760 212,832 200,447
Total Requirements 1,004,310$ 1,326,148$ 1,438,859$ 1,422,859$ 572,832$
Summary of Actual & Budgeted Revenues
2003 Budget
Community Development Block Grant:
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program allows local governments to
exercise greater control over the community development process and to promote more effective
use of resources to eliminate urban deterioration. Funds are distributed according to a formula
based on population, and other demographic and housing statistics. The City of St. Louis Park
has been a participant in the CDBG program, formerly known as the Urban Hennepin County
Community Development program since 1978. Funding of eligible community development
activities requires that activities principally benefit low and moderate-income persons, prevent or
eliminate slums and blight, or meet urgent needs.
The timing for making decisions on the use of CDBG funds does not coincide with the City’s
annual budget schedule. The Council adopts a resolution early each spring approving the
appropriations for each grant year’s award. The grant year starts the following July 1 and the
City has eighteen months in which to expend the grant monies awarded. The allocation of
CDBG funds for 2004 will not be determined until spring of 2004. In a departure from previous
years, a portion of the 2004 grant (approx. $31,980) will be utilized to reimburse the City for
administrative salaries. In recent years, CDBG grant funds have been utilized primarily to fund
capital improvements and contract costs. With the exception of personal services, expenditures
for the 2004 estimated CDBG allocation are not broken down by individual agencies, but rather
shown as a lump sum “to be allocated”. The 2003 revised budget amounts represent
expenditures of CDBG funds in several areas. First, $94,000 was allocated to the City’s Single-
family Rehab Deferred Loans for targeted properties and $29,722 was allocated for Single-
family Rehab Deferred Loans/County Administered. In addition, $62,500 was set aside for
undertaking improvements to a multi-family development in the community and $60,000 was set
aside to fund the City’s Emergency Repair Program.
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Revenue/Expenditure 2001 2002 2004
Classification Actual Actual Adopted Revised Budget
Revenue
Intergovernmental 117,652$ 312,600$ 265,000$ 246,222$ 241,969$
Miscellaneous 34,038 3 - - -
Total Revenue 151,690 312,603 265,000 246,222 241,969
Fund Balance Jan 1 (73) 34,079 33,362 33,362 33,362
Total Available 151,617$ 346,682$ 298,362$ 279,584$ 275,331$
Expenditures
Personal Services -$ 1,123$ 3,581$ 3,971$ 27,918$
Supplies/Services 85,491 234,799 261,419 242,251 214,182
Capital Outlay 32,047 77,398 - - -
Total Expenditures 117,538 313,320 265,000 246,222 242,100
Fund Balance Dec 31 34,079 33,362 33,362 33,362 33,231
Total Requirements 151,617$ 346,682$ 298,362$ 279,584$ 275,331$
Summary of Actual & Budgeted Revenues
2003 Budget
Special Service Districts:
During the 1990's the State of MN passed legislation that allowed local jurisdictions to create
Special Service Districts (SSD). The purpose of the SSD is to allow commercial business's in the
area served by the SSD to assist in maintaining infrastructure improvements and thus maintain
and promote the economic vitality of the area.
The City of St. Louis Park currently has three such districts. The first was created in 1995 in
order to maintain the area along Excelsior Boulevard from Trunk Highway 100 to Quentin
Avenue, along Park Center Boulevard from Excelsior Boulevard to 26th street from Park Center
Boulevard to east of Beltline Drive.
The second district was established in 1998. This district is located along Excelsior Boulevard
from France Avenue to Monterey Avenue.
The third district was established in 2002. This district is located along Excelsior Boulevard
from Monterey Avenue to Quentin Avenue.
Each of these districts must be self-sustaining. The property owners in the district pay for the
total cost of the district.
Housing Rehabilitation:
The Housing Rehabilitation fund receives the administrative bond fees on revenue bonds
authorized by the City. The fee is 1/8 of 1% of the outstanding principal balance of the bonds.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
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In accordance with City Council policy established in 1996, monies received are to be used
primarily for housing redevelopment and rehabilitation purposes. In order to segregate these
funds from other general funds the City receives, a separate fund was established in 1993.
Funds budgeted for 2004 housing rehab program activities are significantly less than those
budgeted for 2003. Housing rehabilitation program activities in 2004 are $426,000 as compared
to $704,168 in 2003. This budget reduction is due to impending completion of the
Neighborhood Inspection /Rehab Pilot Program, the elimination of funding for the Crime Free
Multi-family Collaboration, and reduced funding to both the Neighborhood Association Grant
Program (NAGP) and Senior Community Services. The 2004 budget includes appropriations for
various housing initiatives, including $200,000 to discount the single family rehab loan
programs, $156,000 for the Home Renewal Rehab Program, $25,000 to continue the
Neighborhood Inspections/Rehab Pilot Program, $20,000 to fund administrative costs associated
with the establishment of Housing Improvement Area (HIA), $20,000 to fund the NAGP and a
$5,000 fund contribution to Senior Community Services.
All expenditures except those for NAGP and Senior Community Services will be funded through
the Development Fund budget. Therefore, only the financing sources have changed but the
programs remain intact. Expenditures relating to new programs or initiatives will be subject to
specific City Council approval.
Police and Fire Pension:
The Police and Fire Pension Fund was established in 2000 based on Minnesota Laws 1999-
Chapter 222 Omnibus Retirement Bill Consolidation Accounts Excess Funding Refund. This
fund can only be used for Police and Fire purposes. Since the inception of the fund in 2000, only
interest earnings have been expended. As we continue through 2003 and 2004, this trend will
continue.
Beginning in 2004, the Police and Fire Pension fund will pay for the Dispatch Division of the
Police Department. This funding mechanism will continue until a resolution on the future of
dispatching services is determined. In addition, this fund will continue to fund a portion of
Technology and Support Services staff as well as the Police and Fire “fair share” of technology
replacement. It is anticipated that approximately $2,625,000 will be expended in 2004 for the
purchase of a new radio system.
At the end of 2002, this fund had a fund balance of 8,567,529. The estimated fund balance at the
end of 2004 is $5,563,471.
Debt Service Funds:
Debt Service Funds are established to account for the payment (from taxes and other sources) of
interest and principal on long-term debt. The City of St. Louis Park maintains nine of these
funds.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 24 of 39
1996 General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds
2001 20002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
Interest Revenue 22,072$ 17,105$ -$ 16,000$ 16,000$ 16,000$
Transfers In 766,000 769,000 770,000 770,000 770,000 770,000
Total Revenues 788,072 786,105 770,000 786,000 786,000 786,000
Fund Balance Jan 1 753,314 781,053 811,631 811,631 837,613 837,613
Total Available 1,541,386$ 1,567,158$ 1,581,631$ 1,597,631$ 1,623,613$ 1,623,613$
Expenditures:
Debt Service 760,333$ 755,527$ 760,018$ 760,018$ 758,685$ 758,685$
Total Expenditures 760,333 755,527 760,018 760,018 758,685 758,685
Fund Balance Dec 31 781,053 811,631 821,613 837,613 864,928 864,928
Total Requirements 1,541,386$ 1,567,158$ 1,581,631$ 1,597,631$ 1,623,613$ 1,623,613$
1996 General Obligation Tax Increment Bond Debt Service accumulates monies for payment of
principal and interest on bond issue sold for property acquisition and site improvements within City's
three tax increment financing districts. Tax increments, land sales, and general tax levies are pledged
for the payment of bond principal and interest.
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
Interest Revenue 24,657$ 24,407$ 5,000$ 15,000$ 15,000$ 15,000$
Transfers In 915,000 915,000 910,000 910,000 910,000 910,000
Total Revenues 939,657 939,407 915,000 925,000 925,000 925,000
Fund Balance Jan 1 792,540 827,528 866,277 866,277 891,343 891,343
Total Available 1,732,197$ 1,766,935$ 1,781,277$ 1,791,277$ 1,816,343$ 1,816,343$
Expenditures:
Debt Service 904,669$ 900,658$ 899,934$ 899,934$ 892,384$ 892,384$
Total Expenditures 904,669 900,658 899,934 899,934 892,384 892,384
Fund Balance Dec 31 827,528 866,277 881,343 891,343 923,959 923,959
Total Requirements 1,732,197$ 1,766,935$ 1,781,277$ 1,791,277$ 1,816,343$ 1,816,343$
1997(A) General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds
Proceeds of the 1997A General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds were used for public acquisition and
redevelopment costs within the Economic Development Authority's project area. 1997A General
Obligation Tax Increment Bond Debt Service accumulates monies for payment of principal and
interest on bonds issued by the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (EDA) for public
redevelopment costs in the geographical area in the EDA's project area. These bonds are payable
solely from tax increments from the Excelsior Boulevard, Oak Park Village and Trunk Highway 7
districts and are not general obligations of the City as a whole.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
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Page 25 of 39
1998 General Obligation Tax Increment Refunding Bonds
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
Interest Revenue 14,745$ 10,787$ 1,200$ 7,000$ 7,000$ 7,000$
Transfers In 835,000 580,000 595,000 595,000 615,000 615,000
Total Revenues 849,745 590,787 596,200 602,000 622,000 622,000
Fund Balance Jan 1 838,503 867,103 637,045 637,045 665,375 1,239,045
Total Available 1,688,248$ 1,457,890$ 1,233,245$ 1,239,045$ 1,287,375$ 1,861,045$
Expenditures:
Debt Service 821,145$ 820,845$ 573,670$ 573,670$ 584,608$ 584,608$
Total Expenditures 821,145 820,845 573,670 573,670 584,608 584,608
Fund Balance Dec 31 867,103 637,045 659,575 665,375 702,767 1,276,437
Total Requirements 1,688,248$ 1,457,890$ 1,233,245$ 1,239,045$ 1,287,375$ 1,861,045$
1998 General Obligation Tax Increment Refunding Bonds Debt Service accumulates monies for payment
of principal and interest on bond issue sold for property acquisition and site improvements within City's
three tax increment financing districts. Tax increments, land sales, and general tax levies are pledged for
the payment of bond principal and interest.
1999(A) General Obligation Improvement Bonds
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
General Property Taxes $315,017 298,286$ 326,400$ 329,400$ 325,500$ 325,500$
Interest Revenue 4,317 2,282 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Total Revenues 319,334 300,568 328,400 331,400 327,500 327,500
Fund Balance Jan 1 55,490 270,572 270,587 270,587 294,219 294,219
Total Available 374,824$ 571,140$ 598,987$ 601,987$ 621,719$ 621,719$
Expenditures:
Debt Service 104,252$ 300,553$ 307,768$ 307,768$ 309,295$ 309,295$
Total Expenditures 104,252 300,553 307,768 307,768 309,295 309,295
Fund Balance Dec 31 270,572 270,587 291,219 294,219 312,424 312,424
Total Requirements 374,824$ 571,140$ 598,987$ 601,987$ 621,719$ 621,719$
1999(A) General Obligation Improvement Bonds were issued for construction projects. Debt Service
accumulates monies for payment of principal and interest on general obligation bonds authorized by the
City Council under Section 6.12(b) of the City Charter. General Property Taxes are collected for the
repayment of this debt.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
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Page 26 of 39
2000(A) Louisiana Court Project Debt Service Bonds
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
PPL Bond Payments $ 436,785 $ 323,688 -$ $ 316,452 $ 316,452 316,452$
Interest Revenue 28,207 4,394 - 3,500 3,500 3,500
Total Revenues 464,992 328,082 - 319,952 319,952 319,952
Fund Balance Jan 1 - 182,337 - 188,473 185,107 185,107
Total Available 464,992$ 510,419$ - 508,425$ 505,059$ 505,059$
Expenditures:
Debt Service 323,365$ 321,946$ -$ 323,318$ 324,421$ 324,421$
Total Expenditures 323,365 321,946 - 323,318 324,421 324,421
Residual Equity Transfers out 40,710 - - - - -
Fund Balance Dec 31 182,337 188,473 - 185,107 180,638 180,638
Total Requirements 464,992$ 510,419$ -$ 508,425$ 505,059$ 505,059$
2000(A) Louisiana Court Project Debt Service Bonds Debt Service accummulates monies for payment of
principal and interest on bonds issued for renovation of existing housing in St Louis Park.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 27 of 39
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
Interest Revenue 11,337$ 25,216$ 5,000$ 9,000$ 9,000$ 9,000$
Bond Proceeds 81,506 - - - - -
Transfers In 697,875 1,045,630 1,045,155 1,045,155 1,047,755 1,047,755
Total Revenues 790,718 1,070,846 1,050,155 1,054,155 1,056,755 1,056,755
Fund Balance Jan 1 - 790,718 569,470 569,470 575,457 575,457
Total Available 790,718$ 1,861,564$ 1,619,625$ 1,623,625$ 1,632,212$ 1,632,212$
Expenditures:
Debt Service -$ 1,292,094$ 1,048,168$ 1,048,168$ 1,046,730$ 1,046,730$
Total Expenditures - 1,292,094.0 1,048,168 1,048,168 1,046,730 1,046,730
Fund Balance Dec 31 790,718 569,470 571,457 575,457 585,482 585,482
Total Requirements 790,718$ 1,861,564$ 1,619,625$ 1,623,625$ 1,632,212$ 1,632,212$
2002A Refunding Tax Increment Bonds
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
Bond Proceeds -$ 1,443$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Interest Revenue - 12,680 - 10,000 10,000 10,000
Transfers In - 335,204 716,500 116,000 740,000 740,000
Total Revenues - 349,327 716,500 126,000 750,000 750,000
Fund Balance Jan 1 - - 344,253 344,253 (297,681) (297,681)
Total Available -$ 349,327$ 1,060,753$ 470,253$ 452,319$ 452,319$
Expenditures:
Debt Service -$ 5,074$ 707,934$ 767,934$ 778,630$ 778,630$
Total Expenditures - 5,074 707,934 767,934 778,630 778,630
Fund Balance Dec 31 - 344,253 352,819 (297,681) (326,311) (326,311)
Total Requirements -$ 349,327$ 1,060,753$ 470,253$ 452,319$ 452,319$
2001A General Obligation Tax Increment Refunding Bonds
2001A General Obligation Refunding Debt Service Fund accumulates monies for payment of principal
and interest on bonds issued by the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority for public
redevelopment costs in the geographical area of Excelsior Boulevard and Oak Park Village. These bonds
are payable solely from tax increments from the Excelsior Boulevard and Oak Park Village districts and
are not general obligations of the City as a whole.
2002 General Obligatons Tax Increment Refunding Bond Debt Service accumulates monies for payment
of principal and interest on bond issue sold for property acquisition and site improvements within City's
three tax increment financing districts. Tax increments, land sales, and general tax levies are pledged for
the payment of bond principal and interest.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 28 of 39
2003(A) General Obligation Improvement Bonds
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
General Property Taxes -$ -$ -$ -$ 512,600$ 512,600$
Interest Revenue - - - - 1,000 1,000
Total Revenues - - - - 513,600 513,600
Fund Balance Jan 1 - - - - - -
Total Available -$ -$ -$ -$ 513,600$ 513,600$
Expenditures:
Debt Service -$ -$ -$ -$ 153,938$ 153,938$
Total Expenditures - - - - 153,938 153,938
Fund Balance Dec 31 - - - - 359,663 359,663
Total Requirements -$ -$ -$ -$ 513,600$ 513,600$
Budget Highlights
2003(A) General Obligaton Improvement Bonds Debt Service accumulates monies for payment of
principle and interest on general obligation bonds purchased for capital projects. A General Property Tax
levy is used for the repayment of this debt.
Capital Project Funds
Capital Project Funds are established to account for resources used for the acquisition and
construction of capital facilities except for facilities financed by the Enterprise Funds. The City
budgets for two Capital Project Funds.
Municipal Building Fund; this fund is a division of Public Works and exists to fund
improvements to City owned facilities. Projects funded range from replacement of building
elements that have reached the end of their service life, (i.e. roofs, HVAC equipment, etc.), to
remodeling of facilities to enhance service delivery and staff productivity, to improvements
mandated by building codes and other directives, (i.e. ADA).
The 2003 revised budget includes costs for projects completed at City Hall and Excelsior &
Grand police substation, plus the major renovation of the Westwood Nature Center to be started
in late 2003. The 2004 budget, as shown, relates to projects at the Police Department. It is
anticipated the unexpended portion of the Westwood budgeted costs from 2003 will be
reforecasted into the 2004 budget as the project will be started in 2003 but finished in 2004. All
projects related to this fund are accounted for in the five-year Capital Improvement Program.
Park Improvement Fund; The Park Improvement Fund is designed to fund Park Improvements
throughout the City. Facilities available for St. Louis Park residents include 52 parks, Westwood
Hills Nature Center, two (2) indoor ice arenas, banquet and meeting facilities, an outdoor aquatic
park, a skate park, park shelter buildings, picnic shelters and extensive outdoor athletic facilities.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
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Professional staff manages and maintains all facilities as well as designs and implements
recreational programs and activities.
The 2004 Park Improvement Fund includes the following projects: Bass Lake Park Trail
reconstruction, tennis court seal coating, new water feature at Oak Hill Park, new main picnic
shelter at new park shelter/warming house building. Additional Oak Hill Park improvements
include: trail and parking lot overlay, irrigation, improved lighting, improved landscaping and
new signage. In addition, plans are in place to hire a consultant to evaluate possible additions to
the Aquatic Park, and replacing playground equipment in various parks. All projects related to
the Park Improvement Fund are accounted for in the capital improvement program.
Enterprise Funds:
The Enterprise Funds are established to account for the acquisition and operation of Water,
Sanitary Sewer, Refuse and Storm Water Utilities, which are either entirely or predominantly
self-supporting from user charges to the general public.
Water Fund; Water Operations has a mission to provide residents and businesses with adequate
amounts of clean, safe, drinking water in an environmentally and economically sound manner.
Towards that goal, a Water Contingency and Conservation Plan was developed and adopted in
1998 which provides guidance for water system emergencies and conservation of the water
supply. An Information Management System (IMS) is being implemented to assist in the
preventive maintenance programs for the wells, treatment plant operations, storage facilities, and
the distribution system as well as to aid in long term capital planning. Water production is
controlled by a computerized logic system that includes an energy management system that has
produced savings in energy costs. Consistent with Vision St. Louis Park, the division is striving
to provide education to the public with an emphasis on grade school age children.
The 2004 operating budget reflects a 15% increase in operating expenses. These increases are
due to capital improvements and depreciation expense. The capital improvements are related to
the City proactively addressing water treatment issues related to the removal of Radium from the
water. The Information Management System has provided information establishing a watermain
replacement program that will be coordinated with the pavement management system
Utility revenue is generated through water rates and billed services. No property tax dollars are
allocated for the operation of the water utility. Rates for this utility have remained stable for the
past few years however, a 3% increase is projected for 2004.
Sanitary Sewer; Sanitary Sewer Operations has a mission to maintain, operate, and improve the
collection system as effectively, economically and efficiently as possible. An Information
Management System is used to assist in the maintenance, operation and improvement of the
collection system. A capital improvement program has been implemented to repair and
replacement the aging infrastructure. A collection system maintenance program is in place,
which provides for the 140 miles of sewer to be cleaned at least once every three years. The
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
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system transports over two billion gallons of sewage each year to main collector pipelines
operated by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES). The sewage is transported
to the Metro treatment plant in St. Paul where it is treated and discharged into the Mississippi
River.
The 2004 budget reflects a 10% increase for user rates. The base rate will remain the same while
the consumption charge will increase. The rate increase is due to several changes;
MCES charges; over the past several years, MCES has been working to reduce the amount of
reserves they carried. The reserve reduction resulted in lower payments for the discharge of
sewer. At this time, the MCES has gone back to charging the full amount for sewer flow. The
percentage increase includes the unbudgeted portion of the MCES payment in 2003. MCES
charges account for approximately 65% of the total expenditure budget.
Pavement Management System; Contributions to this program begin in 2004. The contribution
amount is $150,000 in 2004.
Administrative and overhead fee transfer to General Fund; in prior years, this fund has
transferred a nominal amount to the General Fund for administrative services and overhead.
Beginning in 2004, this fund is expected to contribute the full amount for overhead and services
received. This results in an additional cost of approximately $215,000 per year.
Storm Water Utility:
The Storm Water Utility has a mission to maintain, operate and improve the collection system as
effectively, economically and efficiently as possible. Towards that goal, the City has adopted a
Storm Water Management Plan that addresses many of the future water quality challenges
mandated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and watershed districts, and
implemented an Information Management System to assist in the collection of data that will
provide information to assist in the maintenance, operation and improvement of the system. This
system will also assist in long range planning and capital improvements necessary for continued
optimum operation. A feasibility study of flood problem areas was completed and is being
implemented in stages through the capital improvement program.
Storm water utility was established during 2000 to create a revenue source for the capital
improvement program and continued repair and maintenance on the storm water system. The
rate consists of a basic charge for single/two family residential lots and an acreage charge for
multiple residential and commercial use. The utility is projected to generate $800,000 in revenue
annually. The revenue funds the basic operation and maintenance plus pay on the special bond
for capital improvements. Federal Agencies have enacted regulations that will increase the basic
operation cost of the utility.
Due to increased costs for construction projects, administrative fees, and operating expenses, the
rate of $6.00 per residential equivalency factor (REF) is no longer adequate to pay for the
program. Staff is recommending an increase to $7.20 per quarter. This equates to a 20%
increase. Staff is projecting that the rate of $7.20 should be stable through the year 2008. In
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
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addition to the rate increase, the storm water utility will need to receive an internal loan of
approximately $700,000 at a stated interest rate in order to complete the storm water capital
projects. This loan will be repaid over a 10-year period.
Solid Waste:
By contract, the City provides for weekly organized collection and disposal of mixed municipal
solid waste, recyclable, yard waste, bulk goods (furniture), and white goods (appliances) for all
single through four-plex residential units. The Public Works Administrative Division provides
ongoing contract administration services and contractor interface as well as addresses the day-to-
day issues, concerns, and questions from the public.
2004 will be the first year of the new contract for solid waste services. The past 5-year contract
and 1-year extension with Waste Management expired in September of 2003. Rates will change
based on this new contract.
Internal Service Funds:
The Internal Service Funds are established to account for the financing of goods and services
provided to various City departments on a cost reimbursement basis. The City operates five
Internal Service Funds.
Municipal Service Center
The Municipal Service Center is the location where the Central Equipment Services work unit
within the Operations Division of Public Works. This Municipal Service Center provides
preventive maintenance, repairs, fuel, other services, and storage of City equipment. This work
unit is responsible for maintenance on all City equipment ranging from large fire apparatus to
hand held power tools. Rates charged for equipment are based on the cost of fuel, oil,
maintenance, insurance, and all other expenses related to the operation of the Municipal Service
Center. Rates are based on a methodology developed in 1997 to allocate equipment costs more
directly and fairly to the end users.
The 2004 budget reflects an increase from the 2003 adopted budget of approximately $13,000.
The budget reflects an increase in personal services ($36,454), a decrease in supplies ($11,100)
and an increase in services and other charges ($18,069).
Technology Replacement:
The Technology Replacement Fund (TRF) was established in the 2000 revised budget to begin
setting aside money to replace the major hardware, software, and network upgrade that occurred
in 1999. Over four years, it is anticipated that enough funds will be available to replace these
significant components of the information infrastructure. Much of that is currently scheduled to
occur in late 2003, and be completed in early 2004. Some upgrades need to occur on a more
continuous basis. Most other major components of the information infrastructure are maintained
and replaced by LOGIS. The City provides its share of LOGIS replacement costs through
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
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monthly service charges, although major replacements often require additional investments. Such
is the case with the Police system, scheduled for replacement beginning in 2003 and completion
in 2004. Investments are normally due to increases in newer system costs and desired
functionality. A future goal is to consider expansion of the TRF to ensure that funds are
available to replace other technologies on a timely basis without the need for major spikes in
cash. These technologies could include other office automation equipment, radios, telephones,
Cable TV, and personal communications systems.
The 2003 revised budget reflects a significant decrease from the 2003 adopted budget. This was
done to help the City work within current budget constraints and was accomplished primarily by
rescheduling construction of high-speed fiber optic connections throughout the City's network.
The revised 2003 expenditures reflect upgrades of many existing PC's, laptops, and printers to
accommodate the 2003 / 2004 Microsoft Windows XP upgrade, in addition to replacement PC's
that are not cost-effective to repair. Early replacement and re-deployment of such items over the
years means that approximately 35 PC's and laptops will not need to be replaced in 2003 / 2004,
when the much of the rest of the infrastructure is replaced. Microsoft licensing fees for various
software are also included. The 2003 proposed budget includes continued general replacement of
other (non-Microsoft) software applications. Server replacements with related network
components are on going and included in 2003 and 2004. This includes plans for a high-speed
fiber optic network to interconnect City buildings and connect to LOGIS and, from there, the
Internet. This will be a multi-city effort, which should result in significant long-term cost savings
and higher speed of communications. While hardware, network, and standard software account
for the largest portion of the replacement program, the cost to replace specialized software
applications (e.g., computer-aided design and drafting, geographic information system, and
Police systems will likely approach $350,000). On the revenue side, adequate funds were
provided in 2003 from enterprise and special revenue funds, and especially the Cable TV fund
balance. Funds continue to be available from similar sources to meet revenue needs in 2004.
Funds for many post-2004 expenditures have been identified, and longer-term funding needs and
sources continue to be analyzed (see 5-year Capital Improvement Program for long-term
technology needs).
Equipment Replacement:
The Equipment Replacement Fund was established to ensure sufficient resources for the timely
replacement of equipment. The Public Works Department administers an equipment
management program that calls for long-term equipment replacement planning. This
replacement planning is based upon a set of age and usage parameters as well as direct
examination of equipment as it approaches replacement. This replacement system allows
equipment to be replaced early or kept additional years if the condition warrants it.
Major equipment, which is generally equipment over $2,000, is purchased each year by the ERF
and paid for through depreciation charges to the responsible departments. Additionally, a
surcharge is calculated based upon the planned future replacements. This surcharge provides for
increased equipment costs due to inflation. Charges to departments do not include this surcharge
cost. Interest earnings in the ERF will cover the planned future surcharge costs.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
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This equipment replacement methodology (as opposed to replacing equipment with a fixed
amount of money each year) results in significant year to year volatility in capital expenses.
However, this fund buffers the General Fund by absorbing this volatility. Year to year purchases
range from $400,000 to over $1,000,000. Average annual capital charges (depreciation and
surcharge) are currently about $700,000 and are expected to gradually increase from year to year
in the future.
Employee Benefit:
The Benefit Fund covers expenses related to workers compensation, retirement insurance
services, unemployment charges, tuition reimbursement, and anticipated severance payments.
The largest expenditure is the funds used to cover our self insured workers compensation
program. Beginning December 1, 2003, the City will be moving to a fully insured plan through
the League of Minnesota Cities. The City needs to continue to fund open claims that occurred
before the change to a fully insured plan. This fund serves all departments of the city, except for
Enterprise and Internal Service Funds, and is administered by Human Resources.
Uninsured Loss:
This fund was established to provide for major losses, which exceed current insurance policy
limits, and to pay for insurance deductibles. As part of switch to a fully insured Workers
Compensation program, a request to reserve a substantial portion of the unreserved balances in
the fund will be requested. This reserve will be used to pay for open claims that occurred before
the change to a fully insured plan.
Economic Development Authority:
The mission of the Economic Development Authority is to carry out redevelopment projects,
assist in business expansion activities and promote economic development in the City.
The Economic Development Authority consists of two types of funds, Debt Service and Capital
Project. The Debt Service budgets have been incorporated in the Debt Service section of the
budget. All Tax Increment Districts as well as the Development Fund are classified as Capital
Project Funds. Each Tax Increment District is presented separately within the budget. The
Development Fund is also presented. The City is planning to issue an HRA levy for the third
year in a row. The proceeds of this levy, as well as the expenditures, are shown in the
Development Fund budget.
The 2004 EDA budget includes expenditures for redevelopment projects planned or currently
underway such as Excelsior & Grand Phase II, Wolfe Lake Professional Center, 2401 Edgewood
Avenue, 3501 Louisiana Avenue, and the expansion of the Methodist/Park Nicollet medical
campus. The budget also calls for a major market analysis/study of the City’s existing industrial
areas. Lastly, it provides for the ongoing oversight and administration of the City’s TIF
Districts.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
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The EDA maintains eleven Tax Increment Districts. Each district is unique and is summarized
below.
Oak Park Village:
This Tax Increment District was created in 1972 as a redevelopment district. It was modified in
1990 to include additional activities and a larger geographical area, and again in 1996 to allow
expenditures for the Excelsior Boulevard streetscape, Rec Center improvements, Park Commons
site assembly and additional administration. Another modification in 1997 allowed for
expenditures for Reily tar clean-up activities, Wolfe Park redevelopment, Park Commons site
assembly, public improvements and site improvements.
There are no major projects planned for this district. The only budgeted expenditure in 2004 is a
transfer to debt service funds for payment of existing debt and transfer of administrative fees
based on tax increment revenue.
Excelsior Boulevard:
This Tax Increment District was created in 1977 and modified in 1990 to include additional
activities and a larger geographical area. In 1993, a Hazardous Substance Subdistrict was
established to facilitate environmental cleanup on the Park Nicollet site at Hwy 100 and
Excelsior Blvd. In 1996, a modification allowed expenditures for the Excelsior Boulevard
Streetscape, Rec Center Improvements, Park Commons Site Assembly and additional
administration. In 1997, a modification allowed for expenditures for Reilly tar clean-up
activities, Wolfe Park redevelopment, Park Commons site assembly, public improvements and
site improvements.
Debt service and public improvements associated with Excelsior & Grand are the largest
expenditures for this district. The development contract with TOLD obligated the EDA to build
the Excelsior Boulevard streetscape improvements and other public improvements related to
Park Commons. The EDA & City agreed to use revenues from existing TIF districts to pay for
the Excelsior Boulevard improvements and the 1997 bond to pay for the EDA’s share of the
Monterey Avenue improvements. These costs are currently estimated at $1,900,000. The City
also plans to make improvements to the Excelsior Boulevard bridge in 2004 at an estimated cost
of $200,000.
Truck Highway 7:
This Tax Increment District was created in 1985 and has historically been modified to more
precisely define budgeted cost revisions, to increase the project budget, and to allow
expenditures for the Excelsior Boulevard Streetscape, Rec Center Improvements, Park Commons
Site Assembly, and additional administration. The last modification in 1997 allowed for
expenditures for Reilly Tar Clean-up Activities, Wolfe Park Redevelopment, Park Commons
Site Assembly, Public Improvements and Site Improvements. The tax increment revenues from
this district are being used to pay debt service on existing bonds. Nominal funds have been
allocated for the potential redevelopment of the Golden Auto site.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 35 of 39
HSTI:
The HSTI district was established in 1993 to help remediate contamination located on the Park
Nicollet medical campus. All of the funds from this district (minus a 5% administration
allowance) are dedicated to the Park Nicollet project based on the March 30, 1993 Contract for
Private Redevelopment. HSTI funds can only be used for approved environmental expenditures
within the district.
Victoria Ponds:
This Tax Increment District was created in 1996 as a redevelopment TIF district. It was created
to facilitate the construction of the Victoria Ponds townhouse project and certain public
improvements.
The funds are dedicated to fulfilling the EDA's obligations under the September 1996
development agreement with SVK Development, Inc. and the objectives and activities identified
in the Victoria Ponds Tax Increment Plan and related budget. An interfund loan was made to this
district to facilitate construction of public improvements within the district. Since the loan
repayment is not an expenditure, the loan payments will be carried as a balance sheet item and
not reflected in the expenditures for this fund. The final loan payment will be made on
December 31, 2004.
Park Center Housing:
This Tax Increment District was created in 1996 as a Housing TIF District. It was created to
facilitate the construction of the first phase of the Parkwood Shores Assisted Living complex.
The district was modified in 1999 to assist in the development of the second phase of Parkwood
Shores Assisted Living complex.
The funds from this district wereused to repay a City of St Louis Park interfund loan in 2003.
Since the loan repayment is not an expenditure; beginning in 2001, the loan payments will be
carried as a balance sheet item and not reflected in the expenditures for this fund.
Mill City:
This Tax Increment District was created in 2000 as a redevelopment district. It was created to
facilitate the construction of a 200 unit apartment complex on a contaminated site at the
northwest corner of Highway 7 and Louisiana. All of the funds (minus a 5% administration
allowance) are dedicated to fulfilling the City/EDA obligations based on the April 3, 2000
Contract for Private Redevelopment.
CSM
This district was established Dec. 20, 1999 to facilitate the redevelopment of the old Sexton
warehouse and NSP properties. CSM constructed two hotels on the site and Rottlund
constructed 84 townhomes. The funds are dedicated to the EDA's obligations under the 2000
development agreements with CSM Hospitality and Rottlund Homes.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 36 of 39
Park Commons East:
The Park Commons TIF District (#1308) is a redevelopment district approved in January, 2001
from parcels dropped from Excelsior Boulevard. The first increment was received in 2002 and
wil continue to generate increments until 2027. The district in located on the north side of
Excelsior Blvd. between Quentin Ave. and Monterey Drive. A $120+ million mixed-use project
is being developed within this area by TOLD Development Company. It is being marketed
under the name “Excelsior & Grand”. Recently completed Phase One, includes four buildings
that feature 63,000 square feet of retail shops, neighborhood services and restaurants on the
ground level and 342 apartments on the upper three floors. Underground and structured parking
is also built in to the project. Phase II, which includes 120 condo units & 4,500 sf of commercial
space, will begin in the fall of 2003 and be completed by March 1, 2005. When the entire project
is complete, the 15 acre site will be redeveloped with approximately 533 apartments, at least 120
condominiums, 73,000 square feet of retail, and a 45,000 square foot office building. The
project also includes a central town green that connects Excelsior Boulevard to Wolfe Park. This
area is envisioned as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly “downtown” where people will live work,
shop, dine, and enjoy concerts and small festivals. The project is expected to be completed by
2007.
Based upon the July 23, 2001 development agreement, the EDA has pledged tax increment
revenues from this District to the following:
• Pay as you go agreement(s) with Meridian Properties (TOLD) in an amount not to exceed
$15.3 million at 8.5%. Principal and interest are to be paid every August 1 and February
1.
• $3.5 million in proceeds will be provided to TOLD when the initial public improvements
in Park Commons East are complete and there is 120 percent annual debt service
coverage.
• Currently, TOLD has been provided with approximately 73% in proceeds, with the
remaining portion to be provided in 2004. These proceeds will come from the 1997 GO
tax increment bonds.
•
Wolfe Lake:
This Redevelopment District was adopted on July 7, 2003. It was established in order to facilitate
rehabilitation of an area adjacent to West 36th Street and Belt Line Boulevard. It is expected that
this district will be certified December, 2003 and first increment is estimated to be received in
2005.
The EDA has pledged 95% of tax increment revenues from this District for a pay as you go
agreement with Belt Line Industrial Park, Inc in an amount not to exceed $996,000 at 7.5%.
Principal and interest are to be paid every August 1 and February 1 through February 1, 2023.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 37 of 39
Edgewood:
This Soils Condition District was adopted by City Council on September 15, 2003. Expenditures
from this district are to be used to mitigate certain hazardous substances in order to facilitate
construction of a 79,000 square foot office/warehouse facility. This district is expected to be
certified in December 2003 and begin to receive increment in 2006. The interest rate on the
note has not been set and is dependent upon a number of factors, including reduced interest loans
from other governmental entities.
The EDA has pledged 95% of tax increment revenues from this District for pay as you go
agreement with Edgewood Investors, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $600,000. Principal and
interest begin to be payable from August 1, 2006 and is paid each February 1 and August 1
through February 1, 2023. The interest rate on the note has not been set and is dependent upon a
number of factors, including reduced interest loans from other governmental entities.
Development Fund:
The Development Fund is not a Tax Increment District. The Development Fund was created in
1996 as a source of financing to be used to foster and promote a wide range of public and private
development and redevelopment activities in St. Louis Park. The source of funds used to create
and maintain this fund consists of proceeds from the repayment of loans and other revenues such
as: the sale of real and personal property, recycled federal and state grants and other funds
designated from time to time by the City Council and EDA.
Redevelopment projects with which the EDA is actively involved include: Excelsior & Grand
Phase II, Wolfe Lake Professional Center, 2401 Edgewood Aveune, northeast corner of
Louisiana Avenue & Walker Street, and the expansion of the Methodist/Park Nicollet medical
campus. Expenditures budgeted within the 2004 Development Fund include costs related to four
housing rehab programs, several planning studies to aid future redevelopment initiatives, EDA
operations, and the salaries of personnel associated with the EDA. The line item property tax
revenue of $543,125 is the expected amount of the HRA levy in 2004. This revenue is to be
used for current or future infrastructure improvements related to redevelopment projects. At this
time, a portion of HRA levy dollars are being used to fund an infrastructure analysis in the Park
Nicollet area.
Conclusion:
Developing a budget and assembling all the information for a document such as this requires the
dedicated efforts of every Department Head and their Staff. Staff is to be congratulated for their
diligent effort in this process.
The 2004 Budget is a strong financial plan that will continue to honor the Cities Mission, Vision,
and Values. Through strong financial management, the City is prepared to meet the challenges
that may again occur.
Sincerely,
Thomas Harmening, Interim City Manager Jean D. McGann, Director of Finance
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 38 of 39
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
Interest Revenue 24,657$ 24,407$ 5,000$ 15,000$ 15,000$ 15,000$
Transfers In 915,000 915,000 910,000 910,000 910,000 910,000
Total Revenues 939,657 939,407 915,000 925,000 925,000 925,000
Fund Balance Jan 1 792,540 827,528 866,277 866,277 891,343 891,343
Total Available 1,732,197$ 1,766,935$ 1,781,277$ 1,791,277$ 1,816,343$ 1,816,343$
Expenditures:
Debt Service 904,669$ 900,658$ 899,934$ 899,934$ 892,384$ 892,384$
Total Expenditures 904,669 900,658 899,934 899,934 892,384 892,384
Fund Balance Dec 31 827,528 866,277 881,343 891,343 923,959 923,959
Total Requirements 1,732,197$ 1,766,935$ 1,781,277$ 1,791,277$ 1,816,343$ 1,816,343$
1997(A) General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds
Proceeds of the 1997A General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds were used for public acquisition and
redevelopment costs within the Economic Development Authority's project area. 1997A General
Obligation Tax Increment Bond Debt Service accumulates monies for payment of principal and
interest on bonds issued by the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (EDA) for public
redevelopment costs in the geographical area in the EDA's project area. These bonds are payable
solely from tax increments from the Excelsior Boulevard, Oak Park Village and Trunk Highway 7
districts and are not general obligations of the City as a whole.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 6a - Budget and Tax Levy Hearing
Page 39 of 39
1998 General Obligation Tax Increment Refunding Bonds
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
Interest Revenue 14,745$ 10,787$ 1,200$ 7,000$ 7,000$ 7,000$
Transfers In 835,000 580,000 595,000 595,000 615,000 615,000
Total Revenues 849,745 590,787 596,200 602,000 622,000 622,000
Fund Balance Jan 1 838,503 867,103 637,045 637,045 665,375 1,239,045
Total Available 1,688,248$ 1,457,890$ 1,233,245$ 1,239,045$ 1,287,375$ 1,861,045$
Expenditures:
Debt Service 821,145$ 820,845$ 573,670$ 573,670$ 584,608$ 584,608$
Total Expenditures 821,145 820,845 573,670 573,670 584,608 584,608
Fund Balance Dec 31 867,103 637,045 659,575 665,375 702,767 1,276,437
Total Requirements 1,688,248$ 1,457,890$ 1,233,245$ 1,239,045$ 1,287,375$ 1,861,045$
1998 General Obligation Tax Increment Refunding Bonds Debt Service accumulates monies for payment
of principal and interest on bond issue sold for property acquisition and site improvements within City's
three tax increment financing districts. Tax increments, land sales, and general tax levies are pledged for
the payment of bond principal and interest.
1999(A) General Obligation Improvement Bonds
2001 2002 2003 Budget 2004 Budget
Actual Actual Adopted Revised Proposed Adopted
Revenues:
General Property Taxes $315,017 298,286$ 326,400$ 329,400$ 325,500$ 325,500$
Interest Revenue 4,317 2,282 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Total Revenues 319,334 300,568 328,400 331,400 327,500 327,500
Fund Balance Jan 1 55,490 270,572 270,587 270,587 294,219 294,219
Total Available 374,824$ 571,140$ 598,987$ 601,987$ 621,719$ 621,719$
Expenditures:
Debt Service 104,252$ 300,553$ 307,768$ 307,768$ 309,295$ 309,295$
Total Expenditures 104,252 300,553 307,768 307,768 309,295 309,295
Fund Balance Dec 31 270,572 270,587 291,219 294,219 312,424 312,424
Total Requirements 374,824$ 571,140$ 598,987$ 601,987$ 621,719$ 621,719$
1999(A) General Obligation Improvement Bonds were issued for construction projects. Debt Service
accumulates monies for payment of principal and interest on general obligation bonds authorized by the
City Council under Section 6.12(b) of the City Charter. General Property Taxes are collected for the
repayment of this debt.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8a - Shading Ordinance 1st Reading
Page 1 of 7
8a. First Reading of proposed Ordinance Code (Zoning) amendment by
Silvercrest Properties, LLC to modify the shading regulations so that they
only protect residential use properties.
Recommended
Action:
Motion to approve First Reading of an ordinance amendment
that would exempt Industrial-zoned properties from shading
protection and allow approval of shading of buildings within
PUDs, CUPs, and Special Permits as recommended by staff and
the Planning Commission and to set Second Reading for
December 15, 2003.
Background:
Silvercrest Properties, LLC, owner of the Parkshores Senior campus development at the
southeast quadrant of 36th St. and Park Center Blvd., is requesting an amendment to the
City shading regulations, which currently state the following:
All development shall consider the effect of sun angles and shade patterns
on adjacent buildings. All new multiple-family and nonresidential
buildings and additions thereto shall not be located so that the structure
casts a shadow which covers more than 50 percent of an adjacent building
wall for a period greater than two hours between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, for
more than 60 days of the year. (This subsection) will not apply in an
industrial use district, provided that shade is cast upon a wall which does
not have any openings.
Silvercrest's proposal would change the last sentence to state the following:
(This subsection) will apply only to shading of residential use property.
The proposed amendment is related to Silvercrest Properties' request for PUD approval
for a 14-story Senior condominium building at 3601 Park Center Blvd. The proposed
condominium building would shade the King Controls building on the north side of 36th
Street in excess of the ordinance restriction. The King Controls property is zoned
Industrial, but the building has windows on the south side. Therefore, the existing
ordinance exemption does not apply. If the King Controls building is redeveloped for a
new post office, as anticipated, the problem may be resolved, because the post office
building would likely be constructed further north. However, Silvercrest does not want
to wait and see if the post office resolves the problem. Their 14-story condominium
building was granted preliminary PUD approval on October 7, 2003 subject to several
conditions. One of the conditions states the following:
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8a - Shading Ordinance 1st Reading
Page 2 of 7
Prior to Final PUD consideration, all application requirements shall be
met, including submission of a sign plan, association documents, guest
parking plan and conformance with the City solar shading requirements in
effect at the time of the application or approval of a variance from the
shading requirements.
Staff advised the applicant that it would be difficult to meet the variance findings, since
there is an existing viable use for the property (3-story office building) that meets the
shading restrictions. Instead, staff suggested that the issue is more of a policy question
that should be addressed via an ordinance amendment if the impacts are deemed
acceptable.
On November 5, 2003, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and
recommended approval of an alternate ordinance amendment as recommended by staff.
The amendment would exempt only industrial properties and properties within PUDs,
CUPs and Special Permits from shading protection. Adjacent residential and commercial
properties would continue to be protected. This proposal is attached as the Planning
Commission's recommended ordinance language.
On November 24, 2003, the City Council discussed the proposal at a Study Session. The
Study Session report included the staff report for the Planning Commission public
hearing with all of the attachments. Therefore, the attachments have not been included
again with this report but are available for review upon request. During the Study
Session, the Council expressed an interest in adding some shading protection for outdoor
employee break areas in industrial districts. The Council indicated that the language
should not be overly prescriptive but should indicate that impacts should be minimized or
taken into consideration. Proposed ordinance language for this alternative is included at
the end of the report as an Alternative Recommendation. Staff recommends stating that
shading on existing public spaces and outdoor employee break areas shall be minimized
to the extent reasonable and possible on any adjacent property (not just Industrial). If the
Council wishes to adopt this language, the motion should reflect the change, and the
revised ordinance will be brought back at Second Reading. The item will be placed on
the consent agenda for Second Reading unless the Council directs staff otherwise.
Issues:
Ø How are other cities regulating shading?
Ø What are the potential impacts of eliminating or reducing shading restrictions in SLP?
Ø Are some uses more sensitive to shade impacts than others?
Ø Should property owners be allowed to shade buildings within their own
developments?
Analysis of Issues:
Ø How are other cities regulating shading?
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8a - Shading Ordinance 1st Reading
Page 3 of 7
The applicant and staff reviewed other cities shading ordinances (see attached E-Mail and
summary). Most suburbs do not have shading ordinances. However, some may not
allow buildings that are tall enough to be a concern. Others require shading studies or
that effects be taken into consideration without any prescriptive ordinance restrictions.
Ø What are the potential impacts of eliminating or reducing shading restrictions in
SLP?
Most shading concerns arise with buildings that are 6 stories or taller. The proposed
Senior condominium building would meet the current ordinance if it was 8 or fewer
stories. However, the building is proposed to be located across the street from the
building it would shade, not immediately adjacent. If it were immediately adjacent, it
would likely cause a problem at 6 stories. Therefore, staff reviewed all properties that are
zoned to allow heights of 6 stories or more.
The C-2 General Commercial, M-X Mixed Use, O Office, and R-C Multiple Family
Residential Districts all allow buildings of 6 stories or more, at least under certain
conditions. As the attachment shows, these properties are fairly extensive throughout the
City, so the impacts of eliminating or reducing shading restrictions could potentially be
great. Many of the properties to the north of these districts are residential. The applicant
proposes to maintain protection of properties that are used for residential, so there would
be no additional impact to those properties. However, many of the properties to the north
of districts allowing taller buildings are zoned commercial or industrial. The applicant
proposes eliminating protection of all commercial and industrial properties, so the
impacts could be substantial. As an alternative, the applicant is amenable to excluding
only industrial properties from shading protection. Currently, industrial properties are
only protected if they have windows on the side being shaded. Industrial properties that
could be impacted by an ordinance amendment are shown on the "Location Analysis"
map that was included with the Planning Commission report and City Council Study
Session report.
Ø Are some uses more sensitive to shade impacts than others?
Although many residents are not home most days when shading restrictions are in effect,
the applicant agrees that residential uses are still sensitive to shading impacts. Some
residents are home during weekdays, many are home on weekend days, and most want
some direct sunlight on their properties to allow a diversity of plantings and a brighter
home atmosphere when desired. Therefore, staff, the applicant, and Planning
Commission agree that residential should continue to be protected.
The applicant does not believe that commercial uses are particularly sensitive to shade
impacts. However, a commercial broker (Jim Voss, Cresa) recently informed staff that
one of the top three desired amenities for office workers is more natural light. The
applicant's architect responded that natural light does not necessarily equate to direct
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8a - Shading Ordinance 1st Reading
Page 4 of 7
sunlight. However, the commercial broker believed that there might be substantial
concern from the office community if shading protection of existing office buildings is
eliminated. Therefore, staff and the Planning Commission believe it is, at best, premature
to recommend such a change without further study.
Industrial uses do not generally regard direct sunlight as an amenity. In fact, many
industrial buildings do not have windows or screen their windows to prevent direct
sunlight from effecting their operations. However, some industrial buildings include
offices. Staff believes that the current ordinance protects industrial with "openings" in
order to protect office areas within industrial buildings. However, the offices within
industrial buildings are generally not expected to have the same amenities as Class A or
even Class B office space, in part because the industrial land is generally less expensive
than commercial property. Therefore, staff and the Planning Commission agree with the
applicant that industrial-zoned properties are not as sensitive to shade impacts. The
current ordinance is poorly written because "openings" include doors that do not
necessarily have windows or desire direct sunlight (for example loading dock doors).
The proposed amendment would eliminate this problem.
At staff's request, the applicant contacted the owner of the King Controls building (Chip
Glaser) prior to the Planning Commission public hearing. The applicant's architect
explained their proposal and provided a site plan and elevation of the proposed 14-story
Senior condominium building. The King Controls owner reported to the applicant that
they have a letter of intent with the post office and expect to move forward with
demolition within the next couple months. The King Controls business is moving to
Bloomington in December.
Ø Should property owners be allowed to shade buildings within their own
developments?
Staff and the Planning Commission do not have any concern with property owners
proposing to shade buildings within their own developments. However, staff believes the
City should still review the impacts and ensure that all of the existing owners and tenants
are aware of the proposal. Therefore, staff and the Planning Commission recommend
allowing this only for projects that are reviewed by CUP, PUD or Special Permit
amendments. In certain unique situations, variances would also be an option.
Recommendation:
Staff and the Planning Commission recommend exempting all Industrial-zoned properties
from shading protections and allowing the City to consider approving shading of any
building within the same PUD, CUP or Special Permit. Staff and the Planning
Commission also recommend correcting a reference to Subsection 36-366 (b)(12), which
is intended to reference Subsection (b)(13). Finally staff recommends amending a
shading reference in the MX District to reference the amended shading regulations.
These amendments are shown in the attached proposed ordinance.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8a - Shading Ordinance 1st Reading
Page 5 of 7
Alternate Recommendation:
If the Council wishes to minimize shading impacts on adjacent public spaces and outdoor
employee break areas in Industrial Districts, staff recommends the following alternate
amendments to Subsection 36-366(b)(13):
All development shall consider the effect of sun angles and shade patterns
on adjacent buildings. All new multiple-family and nonresidential
buildings and additions thereto shall not be located so that the structure
does not casts a shadow which covers more than 50 percent of an adjacent
building wall for a period greater than two hours between 9:00 am and
3:00 pm, for more than 60 days of the year. Subsection (b)(1213) of this
section will not prohibit shading of buildings apply in an industrial use
district, provided that shade is cast upon a wall which does not have any
openings or as approved for buildings covered by the same PUD, CUP, or
Special Permit. Shading of existing public spaces and outdoor employee
break areas on adjacent properties shall be minimized to the extent
reasonable and possible.
Attachments:
Ø Proposed Ordinance (as recommended by the Planning Commission)
Prepared by: Janet Jeremiah, Planning & Zoning Supervisor
Approved by: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8a - Shading Ordinance 1st Reading
Page 6 of 7
ORDINANCE NO.______
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ST. LOUIS PARK
ORDINANCE CODE RELATING TO ZONING BY
AMENDING SECTIONS 36-266(11)(c) and 36-366(b)(13)
SHADING RESTRICTIONS
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
Findings
Sec. 1. The City Council has considered the advice and recommendation of the
Planning Commission (Case No. 03-68-ZA).
Sec. 2. The St. Louis Park Ordinance Code, Section 36-266(11)(c) and 36-
366(b)(13) are hereby amended by deleting stricken language and adding underscored
language. Section breaks are represented by ***.
Sec. 36-266. Dimensional/performance standards and general requirements.
(M-X Mixed Use District)
***
(11)(c) In other areas of development sites, building height shall be restricted by
maximum density provisions and to prevent the casting of shadows for a
period greater than two hours on residential uses within the development
between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. comply with shading
restrictions of Section 36-366(b)(13).
***
Sec. 36-366. Architectural design
***
(b)(13) All development shall consider the effect of sun angles and shade patterns on
adjacent buildings. All new multiple-family and nonresidential buildings and
additions thereto shall not be located so that the structure does not casts a shadow
which covers more than 50 percent of an adjacent building wall for a period
greater than two hours between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, for more than 60 days of
the year. Subsection (b)(1213) of this section will not prohibit shading of
buildings apply in an industrial use district, provided that shade is cast upon a
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8a - Shading Ordinance 1st Reading
Page 7 of 7
wall which does not have any openings or as approved for buildings covered by
the same PUD, CUP, or Special Permit.
***
Sec. 3. The contents of Planning Case File 03-68-ZA are hereby entered
into and made part of the public hearing record and the record of decision for this
case.
Sec.4. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen days after its publication.
Adopted by the City Council December 15, 2003
Reviewed for Administration
City Manager Mayor
Attest: Approved as to Form and Execution:
City Clerk City Attorney
03-68-ZA:res/ord
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8b - Wolfe Park Industrial Park
Page 1 of 9
8b. Request by Belt Line Industrial Park, Inc for a minor amendment to a
Planned Unit Development for one additional bank drive-through lane, and to
waive the requirement for park dedication fees required with an
administrative lot division
5000 & 5050 W. 36th St
Case No. 03-76-PUD & 03-77-S
Recommended
Action:
• Motion to adopt a resolution approving a minor amendment
to allow the addition of a fourth bank drive through lane,
subject to conditions in the resolution.
• Motion to adopt a resolution approving the waiver of park
dedication fees with an administrative lot division.
Background:
On June 16, 2003, the City Council approved the Final PUD and Plat for Belt Line Industrial Park
to combine their property into one lot (Lot 1, Block 1, Wolfe Lake Professional Center) and
construct two new buildings (a two story office and a one story retail building). Construction is
currently underway for both buildings.
Under the PUD three (3) drive through lanes were approved for a proposed bank use on the west
side of the office building with a two-way by-pass traffic lane around it. Belt Line Industrial Park is
now requesting to add one additional bank drive through lane and to convert the two-way by-pass
lane into a one-way (southbound) lane (See attached proposed plans).
For tax and financing purposes, Belt Line Industrial Park is also requesting an administrative lot
division to create two separate lots, one for each building. The Final Plat approved in June 2003
combined several underlying lots into one, Lot 1 Block 1, Wolfe Lake Professional Center (See
attached Final Plat). Because the proposed subdivision would not create more lots than originally
existed, the applicant is requesting a waiver from park dedication fees that are required with the
creation of new lots.
Issues
• Does the proposed modification comply in all respects with applicable provisions of the
Code?
• Is the proposed lot division acceptable?
• Is the park dedication fee waiver appropriate?
• Are there any other issues?
Issues Analysis
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8b - Wolfe Park Industrial Park
Page 2 of 9
Does the proposed modification comply in all respects with applicable provisions of the Code?
The applicant has indicated the proposed changes to the drive through will meet the needs of the
bank operations. Citizens Bank is consolidating their Excelsior Blvd and Hwy 7 operations into this
one location. The one-way southbound by pass lane will eliminate the bank drive-through traffic
from having to cross northbound bypass traffic. Staff met with the applicant and a representative
from Citizen’s Bank to discuss the requested changes. The bank representative stated that they are
in favor of the one way bypass particularly because it will eliminate vehicle conflict for bank
patrons exiting the drive through lanes. They recognize that their only access to the bank property
will be from Belt Line Blvd. and find this acceptable.
The proposed changes do not result in changes to the proposed curbs, landscaping or required
parking. Staff agrees the one way bypass lane will eliminate potential traffic conflicts between
vehicles exiting the bank drive through and vehicles traveling north on the bypass lane.
The Public Works Department reviewed the plans and recommended an additional ‘Do not enter’
sign should be installed flanking the drive through exit (within the curbed island just west of the
proposed new property line). This has been included in the proposed resolution.
A post office customer service facility was an approved use in the retail building under the PUD.
The drive-up mailboxes were approved to be placed along a one-way driveway at the north end of
the office parking lot parallel to Belt Line Blvd (see approved Site Plan). Should the additional
drive through lane and one way bypass be implemented, there would no longer be internal access
between the retail building’s parking lot and the office parking lot or mailbox driveway entrance.
The applicant has indicated that the post office customer service will not be occupying the retail
space, thus the mailboxes will not be installed. Without the post office, parking requirements can
be met for the retail and office building on their respective proposed lots and internal access would
not be needed for the mailboxes. Staff is comfortable with the proposed additional bank drive
through and one way bypass lane, however recommends the resolution be amended to eliminate the
post office use for the retail building and drive up mail boxes as originally approved. Staff also
recommends the exhibits be revised to exclude the mailbox driveway.
Is the proposed lot division acceptable?
The proposed lot division adds one north/south property line between the retail and office building.
Ten foot easements are proposed on both sides of the proposed division line. A 20 foot wide
drainage and utility easement on the retail lot is proposed to move further south on the property to
accurately reflect the exact placement of a sanitary and water main. Each proposed lot meets
ordinance requirements including setbacks, parking, landscaping, sidewalks, etc.
The Public Works Department has reviewed the proposed lot split and provided the following
comments. There needs to be a cross access and circulation agreement recorded between the two
parcels. Also, because all of the storm water ponding for Parcel B is located on Parcel A a storm
water shared use and maintenance agreement between the two properties (proposed parcels A and
B) must be recorded. The Public Works Department also recommended a drainage and utility
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8b - Wolfe Park Industrial Park
Page 3 of 9
easement be dedicated over the stormwater retention area and portion of wetland on Parcel A.
These have been included in the proposed resolution as conditions of approval.
Is the park dedication fee waiver appropriate?
As stated earlier, the applicant is requesting a waiver to park dedication fees. Per City policy park
dedication fees are required when new lots are added to the site. The final Plat approved in June
2003 for the redevelopment of this property combined several underlying lots to create one parcel.
The preliminary plat originally proposed the creation of two lots, one per building. During the final
plat approval, the applicant proposed to combine the lots to resolve some issues with lot line
placement and phasing. Staff believes a waiver from park dedication fees is appropriate in this
instance because the total number of lots has decreased with the overall redevelopment of this
property, even with the proposed lot division. The Park and Recreation Director concurs. The City
Attorney has advised in the past that we cannot charge park dedication unless there is an increase in
the number of lots. Therefore, we would not have charged this development if they had continued
to show two lots when it was final platted.
According to the Subdivision Ordinance the Park & Rec Commission shall recommend to the City
Council park dedication contribution requirements. The Park & Rec Commission has been advised
of this request and have been asked to provide staff with any comments before the Council meeting
on December 1st. Staff has not received any comments at the drafting of this report but will provide
an update at the Council meeting.
Are there any other issues?
The Fire Department has recommended fire lanes be called out of the final plans along the ends of
the parking rows and along the western property line north of the office building. Staff
recommends the final plans be revised to include fire lanes as approved by the Fire Department.
This has been included in the resolution.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends adoption of the attached resolutions approving a minor PUD amendment to allow
an additional bank drive through lane and to waive park dedication fees for an administrative lot
division, subject to all conditions in the resolutions.
Attachments:
• Proposed resolutions
• Final PUD Site Plan & Plat approved on June 16, 2003 (supplement)
• Proposed Site Plan & Survey (supplement)
Prepared by: Julie Grove, Associate Planner
Approved by: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8b - Wolfe Park Industrial Park
Page 4 of 9
RESOLUTION NO. 03-175
Amends and Restates Resolution No. 03-072
A RESOLUTION AMENDING AND RESTATING RESOLUTION NO. 03-072
ADOPTED ON JUNE 16, 2003 APPROVING A FINAL PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT UNDER SECTION 36-367 OF THE ST. LOUIS PARK
ORDINANCE CODE RELATING TO ZONING FOR PROPERTY ZONED C-
2 COMMERCIAL LOCATED AT 5000 AND 5050 WEST 36th ST.
TO ALLOW ADDITION OF A FOURTH DRIVE-THROUGH LANE FOR A
BANK AND CONVERT A POST OFFICE CUSTOMER SERVICE USE TO
RETAIL
WHEREAS, Belt Line Industrial Park, Inc. (John D. McCain) has made application to the
City Council for a Minor Amendment to a Final Planned Unit Development (Final PUD) under
Section 36-367 of the St. Louis Park Ordinance code to allow the addition of a fourth drive-through
lane for a 54,742 square foot bank at 5000 W 36th St and to convert the approval for a 9,872 square
foot post office/retail customer service use to retail at 5050 W 36th St within a C-2 Commercial
Zoning District having the following legal description:
Lot 1, Block 1, Wolfe Lake Professional Center
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the information related to Planning Case Nos.
02-31-PUD and 03-76-PUD and the effect of the proposed addition of a fourth drive-through lane
on the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of the surrounding lands, existing and anticipated
traffic conditions, the effect on values of properties in the surrounding area and the effect of the use
on the Comprehensive plan; and compliance with the intent of the Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, a Final PUD was approved regarding the subject property pursuant to
Resolution No. 03-072 of the St. Louis Park City Council dated June 16, 2003 which contained
conditions applicable to said property; and
WHEREAS, due to changed circumstances, amendments to those conditions are now
necessary, requiring the amendment of that Final PUD; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of this resolution to continue and restate the conditions of the
permit granted by Resolution No. 03-072 to add the amendments now required, and to consolidate
all conditions applicable to the subject property in this resolution; and
WHEREAS, the contents of Planning Case Files 02-31-PUD and 03-76-PUD are hereby
entered into and made part of the public hearing and the record of decision for this case.
CONCLUSION
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8b - Wolfe Park Industrial Park
Page 5 of 9
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Resolution No. 03-072 filed as Document No.
8105489 is hereby restated and amended by this resolution which continues and amends a Final
Planned Unit Development to the subject property for the purpose of permitting the addition of a
fourth drive-through lane for a 54,742 square foot bank and convert the 9,872 square foot post
office/retail to retail only within the C-2 Commercial Zoning District at the location described
above subject to the following conditions:
1. The site shall be developed, used and maintained in accordance with the Official Exhibits,
subject to the approved changes through the final plat and PUD approval process. (amended
by Condition 15 on December 1, 2003)
2. Final PUD approval and development is contingent upon developer meeting all conditions
of final approval, including all Minnehaha Creek Watershed District requirements.
3. Prior to any site work, the developer/owner shall meet the following requirements:
a. A copy of the Watershed District permit shall be forwarded to the City.
b. Any other necessary permits from other agencies shall be obtained.
c. Sign assent form and official exhibits.
d. Meet conditions of City signing final plat, including revised elevation plans that
comply with the Architectural and PUD Ordinance requirements as approved by the
Community Development Director or designee.
e. Meet any Public Works or Inspections Department requirements including but not
limited to protection of trail from construction vehicles, verification of street/signal
hardware locations and approval of any necessary modifications, capping of any
existing utilities that are not going to be used at the City Main.
f. Required erosion control permits, utility permits and other required permits shall be
obtained from the City.
g. Landscaping plans shall be revised to meet bufferyard F for the office service and
loading area, and a Bufferyard D for the bank drive through and post office mailbox
drop-off as approved by the Zoning Administrator unless a variance is obtained.
(amended on December 1, 2003)
h. Required tree protection and erosion control fencing shall be in place prior to
commencing any grading activities.
i. Meet any Fire Department emergency access requirements for during construction.
j. Submit financial security in the form of cash escrow or letter of credit in the amount
of 125% of the costs of landscaping; tree replacement; restoration of curbs,
boulevards and trails; sidewalk installation, and repair/cleaning of public streets.
k. Final sidewalk construction plans, and final construction and related signage plans
for the post office mailbox drop-off must be approved by the Public Works Director
and the Zoning Administrator. (amended on December 1, 2003)
l. Final grading and tree replacement plans must be submitted and approved by the
Public Works Director and Zoning Administrator. Required tree protection and
erosion control fencing shall be in place prior to commencing any grading activities.
4. Prior to issuance of any building permits, which may impose additional requirements, the
developer shall comply with the following:
a. Meet all conditions of City signing Final Plat.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8b - Wolfe Park Industrial Park
Page 6 of 9
b. The subdivider shall furnish the City with evidence of recording of the final plat and
trail easement.
c. Building materials samples to be submitted to and approved by Zoning
Administrator.
d. An irrigation plan and final lighting plan meeting the ordinance regulations shall be
submitted to and approved by the Zoning Administrator.
e. All roof top equipment shall be shown to be painted to match the roof and screened
from off site views using a parapet wall incorporating the architectural features of the
building as observed from 6 feet above ground level on the adjacent property lines
and centerline of adjacent public rights-of-way.
5. The developer shall comply with the following conditions during construction:
a. All City noise ordinances shall be complied with, that there be no construction
activity between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.
on weekends and holidays.
b. The site shall be kept free of dust and debris that could blow onto neighboring
properties.
c. Public streets shall be maintained free of dirt and shall be cleaned as necessary.
d. Tree protection and erosion control fencing shall remain in place until all
construction impacts are completed.
e. The Zoning Administrator may impose additional conditions if it becomes necessary
in order to mitigate the impact of construction on surrounding properties.
6. Prior to issuance of temporary and final occupancy permits, all conditions of the
development agreement, relative to phased completion of improvements and submittal of
financial sureties, and requirements of condition 15 of this approval must be met. (amended
on December 1, 2003)
7. A six foot concrete sidewalk along the west side of Belt Line Boulevard and the east side of
Raleigh Avenue adjacent to the subject parcel are to be installed and maintained by the
developer per the approved final site plan, and specifications unless the City chooses to
install and/or maintain the sidewalks.
8. The developer shall provide the required number of replacement trees on site or a
combination of on-site trees and cash in lieu of trees. The Community Development
Director and Parks and Recreation Director shall approve the cash equivalent amount.
9. Drop-off mailboxes may not be installed in any locations except those specifically approved
by the Zoning Administrator and Public Works Director.
A post office customer service facility is not allowed unless a future major amendment to
the PUD is approved to address conditions for the use. (amended on December 1, 2003)
10. The following conversion of uses is allowed without amending the PUD:
a. The 3,000 sq. ft. post office to retail provided the post office drop-box driveway is
removed, curb and boulevard restored, and disturbed areas are seeded.
The 19,700 sq. ft. bank to administrative offices provided the drive-through is closed
and landscaped as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
11. The following ordinance modifications are approved:
a. A PUD modification to allow 240 parking stalls rather than the required 264 stalls;
b. A PUD modification to allow setbacks on the retail/post-office building as shown on
the approved (signed) Final PUD official exhibits;
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8b - Wolfe Park Industrial Park
Page 7 of 9
c. A PUD modification to allow a monument sign a minimum 2 feet north of the trail
along 36th Street;
12. Signage (other than the setback of the monument sign) is not approved as part of the PUD.
Prior to the installation of any signs, including temporary signs or new sign faces, the
applicant shall obtain sign permits in accordance with ordinance requirements.
13. The development shall comply in all respects with any conditions for Plat approval, ‘No
Parking’ Fire Lane Signage and all other City Ordinances. (amended on December 1, 2003)
14. The developer or owner shall pay an administrative fine of $750 per violation of any
condition of this approval.
15. The Planned Unit Development shall be amended on December 1, 2003 to incorporate all of
the preceding conditions and add the following conditions:
a. The site shall be developed, used and maintained in accordance with the official
exhibits, which shall be revised before signing to meet the following conditions:
i. The exhibits must be revised to show the fourth bank drive through lane and
one way bypass lane and all directional signage as approved by the Public
Works Department.
ii. The post office use and mailbox driveway must be eliminated from all
exhibits.
iii. The Site Plan must be revised to indicate the fire lanes as approved by the
Fire Marshall.
b. Prior to any temporary or permanent/final occupancy permits the developer shall
comply with the following:
i. A third ‘Do not enter’ sign must be installed within the curbed island just
west of the retail buildings eastern property line.
ii. A cross access and circulation agreement and a storm water shared use and
maintenance agreement must be recorded prior to the issuance of any
occupancy permits.
iii. A drainage and utility easement must be dedicated over the retention pond
and portion of wetland on Parcel A as approved by the Public Works
Department.
iv. No Parking Fire Lane Signs shall be posted on all private drive aisles in
locations determined by the Fire Marshall prior to the issuance of any
occupancy permits.
Assent form and official exhibits must be signed by applicant (or applicant and owner if applicant is
different from owner).
(Signature Block)
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8b - Wolfe Park Industrial Park
Page 8 of 9
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING A WAIVER OF PARK DEDICATION FEES FOR AN
ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1 WOLFE LAKE PROFESSIONAL
CENTER
WHEREAS, a Preliminary PUD and Preliminary Plat approved on July 15, 2002 included
portions of 16 underlying lots and two new lots.
WHEREAS, a Final PUD and Final Plat approved on June 16, 2003 created one lot.
BE IT RESOLVED BY the City Council of St. Louis Park:
Findings
1. Belt Line Industrial Park, Inc., owners and subdividers of the land platted as Wolfe
Lake Professional Center have submitted an application for approval of an administrative
subdivision in the manner required under the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code, and all proceedings
have been duly had thereunder.
2. The proposed administrative subdivision to create two parcels of Lot 1, Block 1
Wolfe Lake Professional Center has been found to be in all respects consistent with the City Plan
and the regulations and requirements of the laws of the State of Minnesota and the ordinances of the
City of St. Louis Park.
3. The proposed administrative subdivision is situated upon the following described
lands in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to-wit:
Lot 1, Block 1 Wolfe Lake Professional Center
4. The proposed administrative subdivision does not create additional lots
compared to the number of underlying lots prior to the platting of Wolfe Lake Professional
Center.
Conclusion
1. The proposed waiver of park dedication for the administrative subdivision of
Wolfe Lake Professional Center is hereby approved and accepted by the City as being in
accord and conformity with all ordinances, City plans and regulations of the City of St.
Louis Park and the laws of the State of Minnesota.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8b - Wolfe Park Industrial Park
Page 9 of 9
provided, however, that this approval is made subject to the opinion of the City Attorney and
Certification by the City Clerk.
2. The City Clerk is hereby directed to supply two certified copies of this
Resolution to the above-named owner and subdivider, who is the applicant herein.
The City Clerk is instructed to record certified copies of this resolution in the Office of the
Hennepin County Register of Deeds or Registrar of Titles as the case may be.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council December 1,
2003
City Manager Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
03-77-S:res/ord
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8c - 1st Reading Misc Street Ord Revisions
Page 1 of 2
8c. 1st Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 24: Streets, Sidewalks and Other
Public Places
Addition of new language to clarify existing provisions regarding sweeping leaves into
streets and obstructing streets, sidewalks and public ways
Recommended
Action:
Motion to approve 1st reading and set second reading for
December 15, 2003.
Background: Staff is proposing two minor ordinance revisions intended to clarify provisions
already contained in the code:
Depositing Leaves in Public Streets - This restriction has been cited under provisions for litter
(Section 12-92). The term “litter” in that section is defined as “…garbage, refuse and rubbish,
and all other waste material which, if thrown or deposited as prohibited in this article, tends to
create a danger to public health, safety and welfare.” Staff has found it difficult to communicate
to the public that even though leaves are not expressly mentioned in the section, restrictions
against littering also mean that leaves cannot be dumped into the street. We believe this
restriction could be better communicated to the public by including more specific language in
Chapter 24 (Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places). Proposed language refers back to
Chapter 12 (Nuisances) for procedures on abatement and assessment.
Section 24-51. Sweeping leaves into street prohibited.
No person shall sweep or otherwise deposit leaves, grass clippings or other
yard waste onto any sidewalk, public property or public way. Violation of this
provision is declared a nuisance under section 12-31.
Obstructing sidewalks and public ways – Current code language states that no vehicles may
obstruct any sidewalk or public way, but does not address other obstructions. Examples of
“other” obstructions that have been observed by staff include pallets of landscape materials, and
deliveries of soil, gravel and sod. Public works has requested that the restrictions against
obstructing sidewalks and public ways be expanded to include more general language. Proposed
language refers back to Chapter 12 (Nuisances) for procedures on abatement and assessment.
Sec. 24-43. Obstructing sidewalks and public ways.
No person shall leave or allow to be left any vehicle which obstructs any
sidewalk or other public way of this city longer than is necessary for loading or
unloading the same, unless granted a permit to do so by the city. Except for
vehicles, no person shall leave or allow to be left any object on any street or other
public way. Violation of this provision is declared a nuisance under section 12-
31.
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance
Prepared By: Cindy Reichert, City Clerk
Approved By: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8c - 1st Reading Misc Street Ord Revisions
Page 2 of 2
ORDINANCE NO. ________-03
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ST. LOUIS PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 24: STREETS, SIDEWALKS
AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. Chapter 24 of the St. Louis Park Municipal Code is hereby amended as
follows: (*** denotes section breaks)
***
Sec. 24-43. Obstructing sidewalks and public ways.
No person shall leave or allow to be left any vehicle which obstructs any
sidewalk or other public way of this city longer than is necessary for loading or
unloading the same, unless granted a permit to do so by the city. Except for
vehicles, no person shall leave or allow to be left any object on any street or other
public way. Violation of this provision is declared a nuisance under section 12-
31.
***
Section 24-51. Sweeping leaves into street prohibited.
No person shall sweep or otherwise deposit leaves, grass clippings or other yard waste
onto any sidewalk, public property or public way. Violation of this provision is declared a
nuisance under section 12-31.
SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen days after its publication.
Reviewed for Administration Adopted by the City Council December 1, 2003
City Manager Mayor
Attest: Approved as to Form and Execution:
City Clerk City Attorney
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8d - 1st Reading Gambling Ordinance Revisions
Page 1 of 3
8d. 1st Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 15: Gambling
Revisions required due to changes in statute and proposed revision to public hearing
requirement
Recommended
Action:
Motion to approve 1st reading and set second reading for
December 15, 2003.
Background:
During the 2003 legislative session, revisions were made to statute which eliminate the classifications
of licenses and which raise the amount of raffle prizes allowed before obtaining a premises permit.
Changes to sections 15-1, 15-4 and 15-7 reflect those statute revisions.
Public Hearing Requirement:
Staff is also proposing to eliminate the city’s distance requirement which calls for a public hearing to
be held whenever approval is sought for a premises permit (pull-tab permit) where the gambling
activity is located within 350 feet of a residence, school or place of worship.
Our ordinance states that a premises permit can only be issued to a licensed organization’s hall, such as
a VFW, or in licensed on-sale liquor, wine and beer establishments. Staff feels that the location
requirements already imposed on these primary uses are sufficient to limit the effect of gambling
activities on our residents, schools and churches.
In addition, it is important to note that the notice requirement generates very little public interest.
Indeed, staff cannot recall the last time a resident attended a public hearing to consider a gambling
permit application.
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance
Prepared By: Cynthia Reichert, City Clerk
Approved By: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8d - 1st Reading Gambling Ordinance Revisions
Page 2 of 3
ORDINANCE NO. ________-03
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ST. LOUIS PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 15: GAMBLING
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. The St. Louis Park Municipal Code is amended by adding Chapter 15 to read as
follows (Section breaks are represented by ***):
Sec. 15-1. Definitions.
***
Class of license means a class A, B, C or D license issued by the board as authorized under M.S.A. §
349.16, subd. 6, as amended.
***
Sec. 15-4. Gambling permitted.
***
(4) A raffle may be conducted without a premises permit if it is conducted by an organization and
if the value of all raffle prizes awarded in a calendar year do not exceed $750.00 $1,500 or if
the raffle is conducted by a tax exempt health or social service organization under contract to
the state or a political subdivision if the prizes awarded are real or personal property donated by
an individual, firm or other organization.
***
Sec. 15-7. Location criteria for premises permits.
(a) Gambling in the city may be conducted only at the following locations:
(1) In the licensed organization's hall where it has its regular meetings;
(2) In licensed on-sale liquor, wine and beer establishments;
(3) Class D Raffle only) premises permits, when required, are exempt from the location
restrictions set forth in this section.
(4) No location shall be approved unless it complies with the applicable zoning, building,
fire and health codes of the city and other regulations contained in this chapter.
(b) A person or organization, other than an organization, which leases any premises it owns to an
organization for the purpose of conducting bingo, may not allow more than 18 bingo occasions
to be conducted on the premises in any week. Not more than six bingo occasions each week
may be conducted by an organization. At least 15 bingo games must be held at each occasion
and a bingo occasion must continue for at least 1.5 hours, but not more than four consecutive
hours.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8d - 1st Reading Gambling Ordinance Revisions
Page 3 of 3
(c) Prohibited areas shall be as follows:
(1) No premises permit shall be issued for any location within 350 feet of any dwelling
(residence), school or place of worship.
(2) The distance imposed in subsection (c)(1) of this section may be waived at the
discretion of the city council, provided a notice of the time and place of the city council
meeting at which the application will be considered shall be mailed at least ten days
before the date of the city council meeting to all property owners of record located,
wholly or partly, within 350 feet of the site where the lawful gambling is proposed. This
notice will advise the owners that they may file any objections with the city clerk prior
to the city council meeting or that they may attend the meeting and be heard.
SECTION 2. Effective Date: This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after is publication.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council December 17, 2003
City Manager Mayor
Attest: Approved as to Form and Execution:
City Clerk City Attorney
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8e - 1st Reading Unclaimed Property
Page 1 of 3
8e. 1st Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 18: Offenses and Miscellaneous
Provisions
Addition of Article VII. Unclaimed Property in accordance with requirements of
M.S.A. § 471.195
Recommended
Action:
Motion to approve 1st reading and set second reading for
December 15, 2003.
Background:
At the time of recodification, the City Clerk and Police Department staff reviewed the city’s
ordinance regarding unclaimed property which had been in effect since 1975 and determined that
the city would be better served in following provisions contained in M.S.A. § 471.195.
Therefore, the municipal ordinance was not carried forward into the new code and the city has
been operating under provisions contained in state statute since adoption of the new code in
January of 2002.
It has come to our attention that in addition to outlining procedures for disposition of unclaimed
property, the statute also requires municipalities to adopt their own ordinance stating how
unclaimed property will be disposed of, including designation of a fund into which the proceeds
from the sale of the property are placed.
Adoption of this ordinance does not change the procedures under which the city operates and
merely brings us into compliance with the requirements of the statute.
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance
Prepared By: Cindy Reichert, City Clerk
Approved By: Charles W. Meyer, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8e - 1st Reading Unclaimed Property
Page 2 of 3
ORDINANCE NO. ________-03
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ST. LOUIS PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 18: OFFENSES
AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. Chapter 18 of the St. Louis Park Municipal Code is hereby amended to
add Article VII to read as follows:
Article VII. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY; DISPOSAL
Sec. 18-151. Purpose and scope of article.
In accordance with M.S.A. § 471.195, the purpose of this article is to provide for the
custody and disposal of property lawfully coming into the city’s possession in the course of
municipal operations and remaining unclaimed by the owner.
Sec. 18-200. Custody of Property.
The chief of police will take custody of all personal property, including lost money,
lawfully coming into the possession of the city and city employees in the course of municipal
operations and remaining unclaimed by the owner. The chief of police must retain the property in
a safe place for a period of at least 60 days, unless claimed by the true owner with satisfactory
proof of ownership. The chief must keep a record of the property, including its disposition.
Sec. 18-201. Disposition of Property.
Property held in custody by the chief of police and not claimed by the true owner within
60 days will be deemed abandoned. The chief of police may dispose of non-monetary abandoned
property in one of the following ways:
1. sell the property at public sale following 10 days published notice in the official
newspaper;
2. return lost property to its finder;
3. convert usable property to city use; or
4. donate the property to a tax-exempt, non-profit organization if the donation is
authorized by law.
Property not purchased at a sale may then be disposed of by the chief in any reasonable manner.
St. Louis Park City Council Agenda
Item: 120103 - 8e - 1st Reading Unclaimed Property
Page 3 of 3
Sec. 18-202. Summary Disposal.
The chief of police may dispose of unclaimed property without notice and in a summary
manner when he/she believes this to be in the public interest and if he/she determines that the
property:
1. is of a dangerous or perishable nature;
2. is contraband;
3. has no resale value; or
4. cannot be legally or safely sold at public sale.
Sec. 18-203. Disposition of Funds.
Together with found money that has been held for 60 days, the chief of police must
deliver all money that was received from the sale of abandoned property to the finance director
for deposit into the city’s general fund. If no claim has been made by the former owner with
satisfactory proof of ownership, found money may be returned to the finder; otherwise the
money will revert to the city's general fund.
Sec. 18-204. Special Provisions: Police Department.
Money and other property lawfully seized by, or voluntarily surrendered to, the city at the
scene of a crime or during an official police investigation must be retained by the chief of police
in a safe place for at least 60 days. If not lawfully claimed by the true owner with adequate proof
of ownership during that time, non-monetary property may be disposed of in accordance with
Section 18-201. Sale proceeds and seized money may then be deposited in the police department
forfeiture and seizure account to be used only for law enforcement purposes.
Sec. 18-205. Claim of Former Owner.
If the former owner of property disposed of at public sale makes application and
furnishes satisfactory proof of ownership within six months of the sale, he/she shall be paid the
proceeds of the sale of his property less the costs of storage and the proportionate part of the cost
of published notice and other costs of the sale.
Sec. 18-206. Disposition of Abandoned Motor Vehicles.
The chief of police must dispose of abandoned motor vehicles by following the procedure
in M.S.A. § 168B.01 through §168B.101.
SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen days after its publication.
(Signature Block)