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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/01/18 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - RegularEconomic Development Authority - No meeting AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA January 18, 1999 7:30 p.m. 1. Call to order 2. Presentation 3. Roll Call 4. Approval of Minutes a. City Council meeting minutes of January 3, 2000 Action: Corrections/amendments to minutes - Minutes approved as presented b. City Council study session minutes of December 13, 1999 Action: Corrections/amendments to minutes - Minutes approved as presented c. City Council executive session minutes of December 13, 1999 Action: Corrections/amendments to minutes - Minutes approved as presented 5. Approval of agenda a. Consent agenda Note: All matters on consent (starred items) are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion approving all. There is no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, the starred item will be moved to the regular agenda. Action: Motion to approve - Motion to delete item(s) b. Agenda Action: Motion to approve - Motion to add item(s) *c. Resolutions and Ordinances Action: By consent, waive reading of resolutions and ordinances 2 6. Public Hearing 6a. Public Hearing to Consider St. Louis Park Police and Fire Pension Consolidation Accounts MN Law 1999 Chapter 222, titled Omnibus Retirement Bill, permits a portion of account excesses to be returned to the City of St. Louis Park. Recommended Action: Mayor to close public hearing. Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the return to the City of excess funding amounts in the former St. Louis Park Police and St. Louis Park Fire Departments’ Pension Consolidation Accounts and authorizing staff to submit that resolution to the Minnesota State Auditor. 6b. Public hearing to consider Sale of City Property Located South of Jewish Community Center 4326 Cedar Lake Road This report considers action by the City Council to adopt first reading of an ordinance that would authorize the sale of certain City-owned property located at 4326 Cedar Lake Road. Recommended Action: Mayor to close public hearing. Motion to adopt the first reading of an ordinance that authorizes the sale of a portion of City- owned property located south of the Jewish Community Center at 4326 Cedar Lake Road and set second reading for February 7, 2000. 7. Petitions, Requests, Communications 8. Resolutions and Ordinances 8a. Request by Vladimir Velikson to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions in the C-2, Commercial District Case No. 99-13-ZA Recommended Action: Motion to deny the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment. Staff is recommending an alternative amendment that would be processed separately. 8b. Request by staff to amend nonconformities section of Zoning Ordinance regarding Conditional Use Permits Case No. 99-36-ZA 3 Recommended Action: Motion to adopt first reading of an ordinance amending nonconformities section of Zoning Ordinance and set second reading for February 7, 2000. 9. Reports from Officers, Boards, Committees *a. Pay Equity report *b. Human Rights Commission Minutes of November 17, 1999 *c. Housing Authority Minutes of December 8, 1999 *d. Planning Comission Minutes of December 15, 1999 *e. Vendor Claims Action: By consent, accept reports for filing 10. Unfinished Business 11. New Business 11a. School Security Contracts These contracts with School District 283 and School District 287 formalize relationships with the City of St. Louis Park for police school liaison services. Recommended Action: Motion to authorize Mayor and City Manager to execute contracts with School Districts 283 and 287 for police school liaison services. 11b.* Consultant Retention for Construction Surveying and Engineering Services for the Hutchinson Spur Regional Trail This report considers the retention of an Engineering Consultant to provide Construction Surveying and Engineering Services for the Hutchinson Spur Regional Trail Recommended Action: Motion to Authorize Mayor and City Manager to execute a Contract with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. (SRF) for Construction Surveying and Engineering Services for the Hutchinson Spur Regional Trail 11c.* Consultant Retention for Assistance in Design and Construction Inspection for Six (6) Flood Problem Areas 4 This report considers the retention of an Engineering Consultant to assist City Staff in the design and construction inspection of six (6) flood problem areas scheduled for construction this year. Recommended Action: Motion to Authorize Mayor and City Manager to execute a Contract with WSB & Associates, Inc. (WSB) for design and construction inspection services for six (6) flood areas. 11d.* Approve lease extension with MnDOT for Webster Park. Authorization to execute lease extension between the City and MnDOT for the land at the corner of Highway 7 and Highway 100 known as Webster Park. Recommended Action: Motion to approve lease extension. 12. Miscellaneous 13. Claims, Appropriations, Contract Payments 14. Communications 15. Adjournment 5 Item # 4a UNOFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA January 3, 2000 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. 2. Presentations a. Swearing In Ceremony of Mayor and Councilmembers Judge Harvey Ginsberg was present. The following councilmembers were sworn in: Jeff Jacobs, Mayor; Ron Latz, Councilmember At Large A; Sue Santa, Councilmember Ward 3; and Jim Brimeyer, Councilmember At Large B. b. Human Rights Award Council presented the 1999 Human Rights Awards to the following individuals for their contribution to furthering Human Rights in our community: Judith Moore, Louann Lanning, Orland and Lucille Thornsjo, and Portia Byrd. 3. Roll Call The following Councilmembers were present at roll call: Ron Latz, Chris Nelson, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Robert Young, Jim Brimeyer and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Also present were the City Manager (Mr. Meyer); City Attorney (Mr. Foli); Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Kleve); Community Development Director (Mr. Harmening); Planning Associate (Ms. Peterson); Public Works Director (Mr. Rardin); City Clerk (Ms. Larsen); Community Outreach (Ms. McDonnell; Planning Manager (Ms. Erickson); and Recording Secretary (Ms. Olson). 4. Approval of Minutes 4a. City Council Meeting of December 20, 1999 The minutes were approved as presented with the following changes. Page 6, Item 4f, change “slow-take domain” to “slow-take” Page 7, Item 6a, change “Councilmember Nelson” to Councilmember Latz” Page 11, Item 7a, Paragraph 5, change “six fences” to “six feet fences” Page 13, Item 7a, Paragraph 7, add “Barb McCormick, PPL indicated 6 that all tenants were going to be required to sign new leases”. Page 8, Item 7a, Paragraph 5, delete “in the event that all of his legal remedies have been exhausted . . .”, and add “in the event that the City Council decided not to approve the variance then Mr. Manthey has agreed to bring the fence into compliance”. Page 8, Item 7a, Paragraph 3, change to “Councilmember Latz suggested changing that provision in the code permitting unlimited number of reapplications in order to save administrative time”. Page 9, Item 7a, last paragraph, change to “The fact is that from the beginning Mr. Manthey was aware that he was in violation of the ordinance, and it was his obligation to be in compliance with the ordinance whether or not the staff takes affirmative steps to enforce the ordinance. He asked how this home was different than any other homes on Minnetonka Boulevard in that area”. Page 10, Item 7a, last paragraph, change “conversion” to “conversation”. Page 12, Item 8a, Paragraph 3, change “Mr. Buhul” to “Mr. Bubul”. 4b. Study Session meeting of October 11, 1999 The minutes were approved as presented with the following changes. Page 20, Item 5, Paragraph 2, change to “Councilmember Sanger felt that it was not equitable to our residents to plow some sidewalks and not others. She added that if all sidewalks are not plowed, enforcement of the ordinance will become an issue”. 4c. Special meeting of October 25, 1999 The minutes were approved as presented. 5. Approval of Agendas a. Consent Agenda. It was moved by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the consent agenda. The motion passed 7-0. b. Agenda It was moved by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the agenda. The motion passed 7-0. c. Resolutions and Ordinances By consent, Council waived reading of resolutions and ordinances. 6. Public Hearings 6a. Request by Vladimir Vellikson to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions in the C-2, Commercial District Case No. 99-13-ZA 7 Ms. Peterson, Planning Associate reviewed the history of the request and presented a staff report. She recommended denial of the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions in the C-2 District and indicated that an alternative text amendment is being initiated by staff that would potentially address Mr. Vellikson’s needs. Because staff’s proposal addresses a different section of the Zoning Ordinance, the amendment is being initiated as a separate case and scheduled to be considered by the City Council on January 18, 2000. Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing. Vladimir Vellikson, 19627 Waterford Court, Shorewood, MN, provided the Council with a personal information sheet, a plan of his proposed restaurant, and a copy of a invitation to an event he hosted downtown. He explained the concept of his restaurant where both Europeans and Americans could enjoy a restaurant with liquor that serves Eastern European food with dancing and live music and indicated that his lack of experience hindered his understanding of all the issues that needed to be addressed. Jeff Fine, Fine Management, 2101 Hennepin Avenue South, briefly explained the history of the Texa-Tonka Shopping Center, Mr. Vellikson’s restaurant proposal, and the City process he has experienced so far. He believed that the proposal and concept for this restaurant was a logical one in the Texa Shopping Center in St. Louis Park. He expressed his impatience with the process and progress and asked that the Council approve the Staff’s initial text amendment in which he could conform to and indicated that staff originally believed would have no adverse ramifications on other commercial areas in St. Louis Park. He stated that he was not comfortable with the alternative amendment that would be processed separately with regard to the non- conformities. Under the alternative amendment it states that based upon the reasonable judgment and probability some non-conformity issues would have to be addressed and some could be forgiven. He stated that the list of 10 non-conformities that existed at the shopping center were related to the fact that it was a 1950’s shopping center built under 1950’s rules. (i.e. billboards on roof) He stated that Staff’s alternative amendment was a completely unknown and totally new issue to him as to how it would be implemented against him and in terms of requirements of trying to change some of the existing non-conformities. Jim Yarosh, Attorney for Fine Management was present. Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing subject to the right of the Council to reopen it at a future date. Councilmember Nelson indicated that he had several questions and recommended that the Council defer this issue and discuss it at the study session on January 10th. Councilmember Brimeyer was not in favor of deferring the issue. He believed that while the concept had merit he believed it was a question was whether or not the City believes this was a 8 good use in the community at various locations. He believed that the accepting the concept of the restaurant and cleaning up existing non-conformities were separate issues. Councilmember Sanger stated that she believed it makes a huge difference whether a CUP is used or whether something is permitted with conditions. If the initial text amendment went through as “permitted with conditions”, once those conditions were met the City would not have the authority to impose additional restrictions. She was concerned about the noise that could potentially be generated by the music and dancing and what the impact would be on the neighborhood. By having a CUP, there would be a hearing and residents could express their concerns. She was also concerned with having this use permitted with conditions because the City is not just dealing with whether this particular use is a good idea or not, but would be setting a precedent for future decisions. She believed the concept that Mr. Vellikson is proposing is a very good idea. She felt that the real issue is whether ordinance legislates, regulates or grants permission for it to happen believed this text amendment is not the right choice. She would like to maintain the CUP. She stated that is was entirely appropriate that the City tie that back to the question of correcting non-conformities. She believed that to the extent that the non- conformities can be corrected, she thinks the City should be using every leverage in our power to maintain our community by improving, getting rid of non-conformities and maintaining standards, otherwise we will continue to have properties that are in decline. She indicated that if the text amendment went through it would apply throughout the community and may have negative impacts. Mr. Harmening, Community Development Coordinator clarified that there had been a point in the process where staff did support the initial text amendment. Upon further deliberation, the issue became the question of which process the City should use for considering restaurants that serve liquor is some fashion. He explained the requirement of the CUP and the requirement that all non-conformities have to come into conformance with code. He explained the options available to the applicant. He described the alternative amendment and how it addressed the existing non-conformities. Councilmember Nelson believed that a study session would allow the Council to discuss that pros and cons of using the approach of a CUP. Councilmember Latz stated he had heard from the neighborhood that didn’t have any outstanding concerns with this type of use. He didn’t believe there was any concern about having this concept of a restaurant serving meals with alcohol, but there was no accessory bar. He believed it would have been helpful to have Planning Commission minutes and copy of language of alternative text amendment available to the Council. He was in favor of tabling this issue until January 18th for further discussion. He was not prepared to make a decision without knowing what the options were. Councilmember Sanger requested a list of the non-conformities and to what extent it would be feasible to have them remedied or not. 9 Councilmember Jacobs was not concerned about this particular restaurant or use, since he believed is was a good use for that location. His concern was the precedence that was being set if the recommendation to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions was approved. He was in support of the idea of deferring this issue and discussing it at a study session on January 10th. It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Nelson, to continue discussion of the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment at the study session of January 10th. The motion passed 6-1. Councilmember Young was opposed. 6b. Public Hearing regarding Comprehensive Plan Text Amendments Case No. 99-33-CP Judie Erickson, Planning Coordinator presented a staff report. Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing. With no one wishing to speak, Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing subject to the right of the Council to reopen it at a future date. Councilmember Nelson questioned what would happen if the property was partitioned into two parcels ahead of time and asked who the lessor of the property was. Ms. Erickson indicated that the billboard was never owned by Mill City Plywood. She indicated that the amendment being considered was a site specific amendment to the Oak Hill neighborhood, however there was no provision in zoning ordinance that forbids anybody from partitioning a property with a billboard on it and not redeveloping it. She believed that staff has talked about having a more aggressive policy to address billboards, but something that would eliminate the possibility of partitioning a partial does not currently exist. Mr. Harmening indicated that the amendment does not disallow the City from requiring the developer to include the billboard site with his project, but it doesn’t mandate it. He stated that the current land use policy states that when the Mill City site redevelops the billboard has to come down. Councilmember Sanger did not agree with staff’s interpretation and believed that the land use policy was a statement that was an expression and aspiration that billboards need to come down, but doesn’t say specifically that the owner of this particular property must take down the billboard. Councilmember Brimeyer concurred with Councilmember Sanger that if there was a parcel that had a billboard on it, and it was redeveloped the billboard would be gone, but if you had a billboard that was adjacent to a parcel that had a billboard on it that wasn’t part of the redevelopment, then you couldn’t force it to happen. 10 Councilmember Sanger asked that staff propose language to the Comprehensive Plan or zoning ordinance that would prevent partitioning of parcels in order to carve out a billboard only parcel. It was moved by Councilmember Latz, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to adopt a resolution amending Comprehensive Plan text contingent upon Metropolitan Council approval, approve summary resolution, and authorize publication. The motion passed 6-1. Councilmember Sanger was opposed. 7. Petitions, Requests, Communication - None 8. Resolutions and Ordinances 8a. Election of Mayor Pro-tem It was moved by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember Nelson, to adopt a resolution appointing Ron Latz as Mayor Pro-tem. The motion passed 6-0-1. Councilmember Latz abstained. 8b. Resolution Authorizing Criminal History Background Investigations of Applicants for Certain Licenses Issued by the City Cindy Larsen, City Clerk presented staff report. Mayor Jacobs asked if the types of licenses subject to BCA investigation would be subject to review by the City Council in the future. Ms. Larsen stated that this was not the intent and that the City Manager would be given the authority to make that decision. It was moved by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt the resolution authorizing criminal history background investigations of applicants for certain licenses issued by the City. The motion passed 7-0. 8c. Approval of Encroachment Agreement for Private use of Dart Avenue Councilmember Sanger asked why the property wasn’t vacated. Mr. Rardin, Public Works Director stated that could have been an option, but he didn’t have conversation with staff to that extent, but may have had complications with that. It was moved by Councilmember Brimeyer, seconded by Councilmember Young, to approve the attached resolution authorizing execution of an Encroachment Agreement. The motion passed 7- 0. 8d. Designate St. Louis Park Sun-Sailor as Official Newspaper for 2000 11 By consent, Council adopted a resolution designating the St. Louis Park Sun Sailor as the City’s Official Newspaper for 2000. 9. Reports from Officers, Boards, Committees a. Cable Television Commission Minutes of October 7, 1999 b. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of October 13, 1999 c. Vendor Claim Report By consent, Council accepted the reports for filing. 10. Unfinished Business a. Board and Commission Appointment(s) It was moved by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to appoint Lee Gross as a student representative to the Human Rights Commission and Matthew Dombrosky to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. The motion passed 7-0. 11. New Business 11a. Notice to Consider Establishing a Stormwater Utility Mr. Rardin, Public Works Director provided a brief background for establishing a stormwater plan and utility in St. Louis Park. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to set a public hearing and first reading for February 7, 2000 of an Ordinance amending Section 9 of the Ordinance Code, establishing a Stormwater Utility. The motion passed 7-0. 11b. Approval of Encroachment Agreement for Private use of Dart Avenue By consent, Council approved a resolution authorizing execution of an Encroachment Agreement. 12. Miscellaneous - None 13. Claims, Appropriation, Contract Payments- None 14. Communications 12 >From the Mayor - Mayor Jacobs thanked the City staff for the level of Y2K preparedness the City had. 15. Adjournment It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Young, to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. The motion passed 7-0. City Clerk Mayor 13 Item # 4b UNOFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION December 13, 1999 The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m. Councilmembers Present: Jeff Jacobs, Mayor; Jim Brimeyer, Ron Latz, Chris Nelson, and Sue Santa. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Meyer), Community Development Director (Mr. Harmening), Planning Manager (Ms. Jeremiah), Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker), Housing Programs Coordinator (Ms. Larsen), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Kleve), Public Works Director (Rardin), Police Chief (Mr. Luse), Fire Chief (Mr. Gill), and Deputy City Clerk (Ms. Stroth). Others Present: Greg Esterman, AvalonBay Communities; Greg Ingraham, Ingraham & Associates; Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates; Barb McCormick, Pride in Living Project (PPL); Steve Bubul, Kennedy & Graven; David Carland and William Franke, CSM Corporation; and Richard Palmatier, Rottlund Homes. 1. Park Commons Update Ms. Jeremiah reported the draft Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) will be ready at the December 20 Council Meeting and after publication there would be a 30 day public comment period. Mr. Esterman, AvalonBay Communities, gave an overview of the December Preliminary Master Plan from retail market feedback which included the following key adjustments: • Deeper retail street front on Excelsior Blvd. to 38th and 39th Streets • 39th Street to become more residential limited to four corners • More flexibility to blocks 3 & 4 above the greens area Mr. Esterman discussed the realities of the retail market, parking needs, traffic issues, residential character, and new urbanism. He indicated this new plan is far less dependent on itself, simpler, and has more flexibility Councilmember Latz was concerned this plan was similar to a suburban strip mall with large parking lots in front of buildings with less pedestrian density and preferred more heavy retail on 14 39th Street. Mr. Esterman stated that with the new plan, the green area would be highly pedestrian. Councilmember Brimeyer felt the new plan would provide easier parking. Mr. Esterman stated the previous plan was high risk and had a challenging time frame. He indicated that the new plan helps the budget and the retailers favor Excelsior Blvd. Ms. Jeremiah was concerned about the town green with heights being shifted on Excelsior Blvd. and the need for expansion space. Mr. Esterman indicated that he would be working closely with staff regarding the plan and adjusting the schedule. Councilmember Nelson favored the new plan and would like to see more retail instead of rental. Mayor Jacobs indicated support of the new plan but would like to see heights reduced on Excelsior Blvd. and office above retail. Discussion took place regarding quality restaurants and the need to provide more commercial parking. Mr. Harmening recommended a letter to Avalon Bay with comments on the plan direction acceptable and issues and concerns on moving forward. Councilmember Nelson questioned the zoning for block 3 and cost sharing. Ms. Jeremiah responded that some percentage of shared parking costs is allowed. She stated all that is publicly subsidized is not necessarily maintained in public ownership. Mr. Meyer asked about the land being sold to commercial developers. Mr. Esterman stated that not zoning the property as a mixed use may help increase value. Steve Bubel, Kennedy & Graven reviewed the financial keypoints including the following: • Infrastructure timing • Land acquisition • Financing  TIF 1997 bonds  LCDA Grant funds  New TIF bonds for public parts of project (22 year cap)  Taxable Increment Notes for private improvements, site preparation, parking  Land sale proceeds go back into project • Security to include assessment agreement on each phase, guarantees of debt service • Developer partners in place  Retail partner - Federal  Office partner - Avalon Bay  Owner occupied housing - EDA 15 • Some percentage of retail space already leased • Avalon Bay will plat property and will sell off in phases Discussion took place regarding the EDA’s participation in the project and having a share in market value increases. Mr. Bubul indicated the need for the project to go as scheduled to prevent remedies from delays. 2. Louisiana Court Redevelopment Update Housing Coordinator, Kathy Larsen, presented an update on the progress of the Louisiana Court Redevelopment Project including the following: • Specific analysis using eminent domain pertinent to litigation • Support of Project for Pride in Living (PPL) • Timeline of Project actions  Dec. 8 Housing Authority review draft Redevelopment Agreement and Project financial pro forma  Dec. 13 City Council to review Project financial pro forma  Dec. 20 City Council approve Development Agreement with PPL and authorize eminent domain proceedings  Dec. 22 LCDA Award notification  Dec. 27 Bond allocation request It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Latz, to close the Study Session meeting to an Executive Session. The motion passed 5-0. The Executive Session convened at 8:10 p.m. in the third floor Conference Room and closed at 8:40 p.m. The Study Session meeting reconvened at 8:45 p.m. Mayor Jacobs stated the Council will consider the Development Agreement with PPL, the Cooperative Agreement, and eminent domain proceedings at the December 20, 1999 City Council meeting. He thanked Mr. Ruff and Mr. Bubul for their work on the project. 3. CSM/Rottlund Corporation - Hotel and Townhome Project at Zarthan and 16th Street Economic Development Coordinator, Tom Kleve, presented an update regarding the CSM/Rottlund Project at Zarthan and 16th Street. He stated that staff prefers a 20-year limit on TIF and that CSM is requesting “pay as you go” TIF assistance for the hotel acquisition. 16 Dave Carlton, CSM Corporation, stated they are ready to close and under a tight timeline. He indicated Rottlund Homes has offered 200% of appraised value in counter offers to three homeowners. He indicated NSP and Park Lane Company have still not responded. Discussion took place regarding condemnation negotiations and the need for assistance from the City. Mr. Carlton stated CSM is requesting that the city condemn the billboard using the quick take method and that CSM can buyout the billboard lease and take all financial risk. He stated the options would be to plan the site around the billboard, relocate it, or be without it. Richard Palmatier, Rottlund Homes stated they are willing to do slow take on the park properties. Mr. Kleve indicated this might result in the project not getting off the ground the same timeframe as CSM. Mr. Meyer reviewed comments he received from Councilmember Sanger stating she was supportive of condemnation, phasing for a short time, and a 20-year payback period. He stated this is the first TIF project where the City makes a local contribution without a grant. Councilmember Latz was opposed to the use of condemnation for removing the billboard. Mr. Kleve summarized the council’s conclusion of the following issues regarding the CSM/Rottlund Corporation - Hotel and Townhome Project at Zarthan and 16th Street: • TIF Assistance - up to 20 years. • Acquisition - utilize slowtake eminent domain on single family properties • Billboard - move ahead with eminent domain to buy out with assurance from CSM • Phasing - 2 Phase Projects simultaneously • Local Contribution - set aside $250,000 local contribution payment 4. Sidewalk Maintenance/Liability Finance Director McGann introduced Mark Casey of Berkley Risk Administrators who reviewed responsibilities and liabilities associated with sidewalks. Mr. Casey summarized the following insights: • Sidewalks are on City property. • There is not a large number of claims in St. Louis Park regarding sidewalks • Surveys from the League of MN Cities show claims usually high in other cities • Homeowner’s responsibility, but City will repair at homeowner’s expense. • Inspections should be monitored • Enforcement system needed to maintain sidewalks • City of Minneapolis posts notices • Some cities use Hold Harmless Agreements 17 Discussion was held regarding a sidewalk inspection program, involving the neighborhood associations, and funding options. 5. Fire/Police Pension Police Chief Luse and Fire Chief Gill discussed Chapter 2222 Omnibus Retirement Bill Consolidation Accounts Excess Funding. Receipt of the money is contingent upon Council holding a public hearing and approving a resolution outlining the planned expenditures. Mr. Meyer stated priorities include keeping 90% of investment earnings for police and fire purposes and the remaining earnings added to the principal investment pool. Examples of some of the purposes for use of these funds in the Police and Fire Departments include technology, training, radio system, and employee development. He stated this legislation was due to economic growth, it is the taxpayers monies, and should be given to council for recommendation. 6. Y2K Status and Final Preparations Mr. Meyer stated that the City is ready for the new year, the Emergency Operations Center will be activated, and additional City staff will be on duty New Year’s Eve and Day. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. City Clerk Mayor 18 Item # 4c UNOFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA December 13, 1999 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m. 2. Roll Call The following Councilmembers were present at roll call: Sue Santa, Ron Latz, Chris Nelson, Jim Brimeyer; and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Meyer); Director of Community Development (Mr. Harmening; Housing Programs Coordinator (Ms. Larsen); Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Kleve); Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker); City Attorney (Mr. Scott); and Deputy City Clerk (Ms. Stroth). Others present: Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates; and Steve Bubul, Kennedy & Graven. 3. Discussion of Louisiana Court Redevelopment Project Eminent Domain Issues 4. Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Latz. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. City Clerk Mayor 19 City of St. Louis Park City Council Agenda Item # 6a Meeting of January 18, 2000 6a. Public Hearing to Consider St. Louis Park Police and Fire Pension Consolidation Accounts MN Law 1999 Chapter 222, titled Omnibus Retirement Bill, permits a portion of account excesses to be returned to the City of St. Louis Park. Recommended Action: Mayor to close public hearing. Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the return to the City of excess funding amounts in the former St. Louis Park Police and St. Louis Park Fire Departments’ Pension Consolidation Accounts and authorizing staff to submit that resolution to the Minnesota State Auditor. Background: The Police and Fire Chiefs met with the City Council at the December 13, 1999 study session to discuss the above-cited legislation. For the City of St. Louis Park to receive the excess funding portions of approximately $3.1 million in the fire account and approximately $3.8 million in the police account, the following requirements must be met: 1. The City must hold a public hearing on potential plan expenditures. 2. The City must adopt a resolution including a plan outlining how these fund excesses will be spent and file this plan with the Minnesota State Auditor. 3. Fire account residual amounts and investment returns must be restricted to fire department expenses, and police account residual amounts and investment returns must be restricted to police department expenses. 4. The police and fire residual funds must be placed in special accounts established exclusively for them. 5. The State Auditor must periodically audit the special accounts. Analysis: The attached resolution outlines the plan required by the legislation and describes how the funds will be spent. This plan permits access and use of these funds for purposes that support and enhance public safety services for the citizens of St. Louis Park based upon the following guidelines: 1. The principals, totaling approximately 7 million dollars, will be considered a one-time windfall and in most cases maintained. 20 2. Up to 90% of the investment earnings will be made available for police or fire purposes not normally covered in annual budget processes. The remaining unexpended investment earnings would be added to the principal investment pool. 3. The investment fund principal would be allowed to grow until needed for a major capital management program or expense that will be recognized and approved by the Council. Attachments: Resolution Memo to Council from police and fire unions Memo from League of Minnesota Cities Memo from fire union to current and past members of Fire Relief Association and current employees Study Session Report of December 13, 1999 Prepared by: John Luse, Police Chief Bob Gill, Fire Chief Approved by: Clint Pires, Deputy City Manager 21 RESOLUTION NO. 00-6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RETURN OF EXCESS FUNDING AMOUNTS IN THE FORMER ST. LOUIS PARK POLICE AND ST. LOUIS PARK FIRE DEPARTMENTS’ PENSION CONSOLIDATION ACCOUNTS. WHEREAS, Minnesota Law 1999 Chapter 222, titled Omnibus Retirement Bill, has made substantial changes to public employee pensions in Minnesota, including the total merger of 44 police and fire consolidation accounts; and WHEREAS, one of these changes permits the return of a portion of excess funding amounts in police and fire consolidation accounts to the local jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, the portions of excess funding available for return are approximately 3.1 million dollars in the St. Louis Park Fire account and approximately 3.8 million dollars in the St. Louis Park Police account; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park that the following plan for receipt and use of these excess fund amounts is approved: 1. The excess funding amount derived from the St. Louis Park Fire Consolidation Account will be used to defray St. Louis Park Fire Department expenditure items. 2. The excess funding amount derived from the St. Louis Park Police Consolidation Account will be used to defray St. Louis Park Police Department expenditure items. 3. The excess funding amounts received from the consolidation accounts will be deposited in special funds or accounts in the municipal treasury and will be available for periodic audits by the State Auditor. 4. The special accounts will be invested in accordance with State statute and City investment policy, and any investment return attributable to these special account investments will be credited to them and disbursement of these earnings will be similarly restricted to police and fire purposes, respectively. 5. Initiatives and proposals intended to access any portion of the balances contained in these police and fire special accounts will be managed and regulated through the normal budget development process of the City of St. Louis Park. Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council January 18, 2000 22 City Manager Mayor Attest: City Clerk 23 SUBMITTED TO COUNCIL FOR STUDY SESSION OF DECEMBER 13, 1999 STUDY SESSION DISCUSSION ITEM # 5 December 13, 1999 MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Charles Meyer, City Manager FROM: John Luse, Chief of Police Bob Gill, Fire Chief SUBJECT: Minnesota Laws 1999 – Chapter 222 Omnibus Retirement Bill Consolidation Accounts Excess Funding Refund Purpose of Report: The purpose of this report is to provide the Council with sufficient information to receive the excess funding amounts in the former Police and Fire Consolidation Pension Account. Receipt of the money is contingent upon the Council holding a public hearing, and approval of a resolution outlining the planned expenditures of the residual assets and filing such resolution with the State Auditor. Background: The passage of MN Law 1999 Chapter 222, titled Omnibus Retirement Bill, made substantial changes to public employee pensions in Minnesota including the total merger of 44 Police and Fire consolidation accounts with the Public Employee Retirement Association (P.E.R.A.) Police and Fire Fund. The consolidation accounts are the old Fire and Police Relief Associations that St. Louis Park consolidated with P.E.R.A. in 1990 and 1991 respectively. As part of the merger, those accounts with excess funding receive a refund of a portion of the excess fund assets. At the time of the original consolidation both former relief funds were required to be fully funded (assets equal liabilities) by the year 2010. The City was making large lump sum payments annually to P.E.R.A. and was receiving approximately $85,000 annually in state amortization aid to help offset part of the cost. Due to a better than average financial condition at the time of consolidation in 1990 and 1991, unexpected outstanding investments earnings during the late 90’s, and possibly lower than expected outlays; by the late 90’s both funds were completely funded, state amortization aid had ceased, and our accounts began to run surpluses. The 1999 Legislature provided a means to return a large portion of these surpluses now, rather than wait decades; and provide a level contribution mechanism for these cities and departments 24 still underfunded. The St. Louis Park Police Fund and Fire Fund both have substantial excess assets, which will be refundable following fulfillment of the legislative requirements. In addition to returning a portion of the excess funding, the legislation also provides for a reduction in both employer and employee contributions. Effective June 30, 1999, the employer contribution was reduced from 11.4% to 9.3%, and the employee contribution was reduced from 7.6% to 6.2%. The lower employer contribution represents a decrease of over $50,000 in annual City pension cost. The legislation also provides for a reduction in the early retirement penalty for P.E.R.A. Police and Fire members, eliminates local approval formally needed for consolidated members’ benefits increases, and allowed retirees who opted years ago for relief association benefit increases a second opportunity to select the P.E.R.A. retirement benefit increase. Analysis: The residual refund amounts as of 7/1/99 are $3,176,624 for the Fire Account and $3,849,017 for the Police Account. Both accounts are currently accruing interest. To receive the money the City must comply with the following requirements established by the legislature. 1. Fire residual amounts and investment returns must be restricted to the Fire Department expenses and Police residual amounts and investment returns must be restricted to Police Department expenses. 2. The City must hold a public hearing on potential plan expenditures. 3. Following the public hearing the City must formulate and adopt a plan for fund expenditures and file that plan in the form of municipal resolution with the State Auditor. 4. Deposit the residual funds in special municipal accounts established for that purpose. 5. The State Auditor must periodically audit the special accounts. In preparation for the plan and necessary resolution, staff recommends a broad-brush approach that provides for the expenditure of the respective monies, including but not limited to, the general areas of police or fire capital outlay; employee development; technology; innovation, and personnel. We note there are no restrictions on changing or amending the plan in the future should the need arise. The resolution should indicate that the Finance Director will establish special accounts for deposit of the refunded amounts and future accrued interest earnings. Such an approach will fulfill the statutory requirement to receive the monies. While we recommend the broad outline above for the statutory plan and resolution we also are asking the council to consider and support the order of priority. 25 1. The principal amounts, totaling over 7 million dollars, be considered a windfall and in most cases maintained. 2. That up to 90% of the investment earnings be made available for police or fire purposes not normally covered in annual budget processes. The remaining unexpended monies would be added to the growth of the principal pool. 3. The main fund principle would be allowed to grow until needed for large magnitude capital outlay or other purposes as identified and approved by the council. It is understood that all expenditures would be through the normal manager / council budget process. We have considered a number of on-going and one-time needs that could be addressed by use of these followings the earning dollars. They include areas that reflect the strategies and philosophical shifts both departments are experiencing and we think are consistent with the overall City vision. These include: 1) Technology – Technology for both communications and information handling is a critical future need for the St. Louis Park Police and Fire Department. Information is the lifeblood of the community based public safety we are committed to. Effective management of information and communication enables public safety services to be responsive, proactive and diagnostic. Examples of technology needs would include squad car video recorders, voice activated tape recorders, computerized camera equipment, cell phones, pagers, mobile computer terminals and information software for CAD and Records Management systems. 2) Training – The majority of the Police and Fire Department training budgets are consumed by mandated training focusing on essential technical skills and competencies. Additional training money would permit us to expand training initiatives, which go outside the paradigm of traditional police or fire training. Training in data analysis, problem solving, partnership building, inter-personnel communication and crime prevention through environmental design are some examples of expanded training opportunities. Opportunities also exist with the additional dollar resources to accelerate the enhancement of leadership development and management skills within the department through national academies, workshops, conferences and exchange programs. 3) Capital Outlay – One example of a large capital improvement project would be conversion to an 800-megahertz radio system. This, conversion, regardless of the option chosen, will have large cost implications and operational improvements for St. Louis Park Police, Fire, Public Works, and Emergency Preparedness. Other 26 possibilities might include fire station relocation or rebuilding and the potential use of residual Fire account monies for sprinkler special assessment funding. 4) Employee Development and Performance Measurement – This idea considers the possibility of performance pay and opportunity incentives such as advanced schooling, career assignments, and organizational goal achievement incentives. Currently, both departments are developing ideas on all of these areas. Summary: Following the Council’s consideration of the excess funding of the two accounts, it would be staff intent to draft a resolution outlining a plan reflecting the Council’s desired direction for the funds and then schedule a public hearing. The plan will consist of the following: 1) The residual amount derived from a fire consolidation account will be used to defray Fire Department expenditure items. 2) The residual amount derived from a police consolidation account will be used to defray Police Department expenditure items. 3) The residual asset amount will be deposited in a special fund or account in the municipal treasury. 4) The special account will be invested and any investment return attributable to the residual asset amount will be credited to that special fund or account and its disbursement similarly restricted. 27 City of St. Louis Park City Council Agenda Item # 6b Meeting of January 18, 2000 6b. Public hearing to consider Sale of City Property Located South of Jewish Community Center 4326 Cedar Lake Road This report considers action by the City Council to adopt first reading of an ordinance that would authorize the sale of certain City-owned property located at 4326 Cedar Lake Road. Recommended Action: Mayor to close public hearing. Motion to adopt the first reading of an ordinance that authorizes the sale of a portion of City- owned property located south of the Jewish Community Center at 4326 Cedar Lake Road and set second reading for February 7, 2000. Background: For the past several years the City has had conversations on and off with the JCC regarding their campus expansion and possible purchase of City owned property. The entire City property in this area is approximately 8.49 acres in size. In February, 1999, the City had the property in question appraised. This appraisal valued the property at approximately $64,000 an acre or $1.47 per sq. ft. In May of 1999, the JCC wrote a letter to the City expressing their desire to enter into a purchase agreement to purchase a portion of the City property. In late June, 1999, City staff and JCC representatives discussed the possible sale with the City Council. As a result of this discussion, the City Council expressed an interest in selling all the City property to the JCC with the exception of land which would be needed to accommodate a future storm water pond on the far east end of the site. It was also noted that, at a minimum, some type of easement would need to be retained for an existing storm sewer line which passes through the site as well as a possible easement for future trail purposes. Since the June study session, staff has had the City property surveyed, determined the portion of the property which should be kept by the City for ponding basin purposes (Parcel A on attached survey), and has had legal descriptions prepared for the various easements which should be retained by the City. In addition, staff has been working with the JCC on the preparation of a purchase agreement which would facilitate this sale. Any time the City sells land, it is required that the Planning Commission review the proposed land sale in relation to the Comprehensive Plan. On December 1, the Planning Commission 28 reviewed this matter and found that the sale of the property was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. City Charter also requires the City Council authorize the sale of land via the adoption of an ordinance. Thus the reason for bringing the matter to the City Council in the manner proposed. The City Council has also adopted a policy which outlines the process for disposing of property through a sale process. This particular sale has been processed via this policy. Issues to Consider What are the requirements which must be met per the City’s policy to allow land to be sold? Outlined below are the City policy requirements for selling property. 1. The City Council must find that the land in question has no existing or future public need. The Planning Commission has determined that, provided certain easements are given to the City, the land in question is not needed for a future public purpose. Per the purchase agreement the City will receive the necessary easements. 2. The land must not have been acquired by the City through tax delinquency or dedication. This land was not acquired through either of the two methods noted above. 3. The land must not be designated on the Comprehensive Plan as Park or Open space. As a part of the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, the JCC property and the City property in question, retained the land use designation of “Civic.” The language in the Plan by Neighborhood section of the Comp Plan relating to the area in question indicates that “the large vacant City-owned parcel located adjacent to the Minneapolis Jewish Day School and the Community Center is currently guided to allow for the expansion of the Jewish Day School.” 4. Land requested to be sold or vacated must be under the jurisdiction of the City. This requirement has been met. 5. The land shall not contain any wetland. Pursuant to the National Wetland Inventory, the property proposed to be sold does not contain a wetland. 6. The parcel must meet all of the site requirements of the Zoning Ordinance for a buildable parcel except that an unbuildable parcel may be sold to an abutting property owner. 29 This provision has been met. 7. The sale will not result in a remnant parcel that does not meet Zoning Ordinance requirements for a buildable parcel or which does not have direct access from a public street. As mentioned earlier, and as noted on the attached survey, the City will retain a portion of the property (Parcel A) for a future ponding basin. This may present some issues regarding the City’s policies and ordinances which generally state that all parcels should have access to a public street. Access to this parcel is proposed to be accommodated via a “license” which the JCC would grant to the City over its property. Therefore, to accommodate the sale and address this issue, some action may need to be taken by the City Council in the future (e.g. variance or ordinance change) to allow the transaction as proposed. What are the terms of the purchase agreement? Attached is a copy of the purchase agreement. The more significant terms of the agreement are as follows: • Sale price is $399,444.57. This is based on the sale by the City of approximately 6.24 acres at $1.47 per sq. ft. (Parcel B on attached survey). It is proposed that $5,000.00 in earnest money be provided. • Closing within 18 months of execution of the purchase agreement. • Buyer satisfied with soil and environmental investigation it obtains for the site. • Buyer obtaining necessary financing. • Buyer obtaining necessary approval from the City for its planned campus expansion. The City also has a contingency in the agreement which states that a sale by the City to the buyer is contingent upon the City approving the JCC campus expansion. • JCC provides a license to the City over the JCC’s existing property, and the property it is acquiring, to allow the City to access its easements and the future storm water pond. The final terms of the license will be determined prior to closing. • The purchase agreement identifies various easements which the JCC would provide to the City as a part of this sale. The attached survey describes the specific location of the easements. Please note that the trail easement is proposed to lay over the proposed drainage and utility easements identified on the survey. • The purchase agreement contains other usual and customary language associated with transactions of this type. The purchase agreement was prepared with the assistance of the City attorney. Are there environmental issues associated with the subject property? Late in the process of negotiations with the JCC, staff became aware that there was a former dumpsite in the area in question and that it may be at least partially on the City’s property. This 30 dump apparently operated in the 1930’s and 1940’s and was closed before the City acquired its property in 1954. Obviously, this recent discovery does raise some flags both for the JCC and the City. Staff proposes to undertake additional analysis in the coming days and will have a report and recommendation available to the City Council as part of the second reading/approval of purchase agreement scheduled for February 7. Attachments • Ordinance • Purchase Agreement • Survey Prepared by: Tom Harmening, Community Development Director Approved by: Clint Pires, Deputy City Manager 1605:n 31 ORDINANCE NO. _________ CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SALE OF CITY PROPERTY TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN: SECTION 1. The sale of 6.24 acres of property by the City to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Minneapolis for a total sale price of $399,444.57 is hereby authorized. The property is located on South Cedar Lake Road at its crossing with the Burlington Northern Railroad and is legally described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter of Section 30, Township 29, Range 24; thence South 00 degrees 16 minutes 42 seconds East assumed bearing along the east line of said South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter a distance of 459.71 feet to a point 57.16 feet northerly of the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks centerline as now laid out; thence South 74 degrees 04 minutes 36 seconds East 57.16 feet northerly and parallel to said centerline of tracks a distance of 254.46 feet to the point of beginning; thence continuing South 74 degrees 04 minutes 36 seconds East a distance of 1365.79 feet; thence northwesterly along a non-tangential curve concave to the southwest having a radius of 327.96 feet, a central angle of 53 degrees 43 minutes 35 seconds, an arc length of 307.53 feet, a chord distance of 296.38 feet and a chord bearing of North 54 degrees 52 minutes 52 seconds East; thence North 82 degrees 45 minutes 05 seconds East non-tangential to said curve a distance of 268.34 feet; thence North 74 degrees 04 minutes 36 seconds East a distance of 1286.87 feet; thence South 15 degrees 55 minutes 24 seconds East a distance of 190.00 feet to the point of beginning. The sale shall occur in accordance with the terms of a Purchase Agreement executed by Buyer dated ________________, on file with the City Clerk. SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be effective fifteen (15) days after its passage and publication. 32 Adopted by the City Council February 7, 2000 Reviewed for Administration City Manager Mayor Attest: Approved as to Form and Execution: City Clerk City Attorney 99-32-RE/N/res/ord 33 REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") made and entered into this _____ day of _____________, 2000, by and between the CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, a Minnesota municipal corporation, with offices at 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416 (referred to herein as the "Seller"), and JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF GREATER MINNEAPOLIS, a Minnesota non-profit corporation, with offices at 4330 South Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416, (referred to herein as the "Buyer"). SECTION 1. SALE AND PURCHASE OF LAND 1.1) Seller shall sell to Buyer and Buyer shall purchase from Seller, upon the terms and conditions hereof, the following property (all collectively referred to as the "Subject Property"): 1.1.1) The land in Hennepin County, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, legally described on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein, together with all right, title, and interest in and to any roads, rights of access, or alleys adjoining or servicing such land, rights-of-way, or easements appurtenant thereto. SECTION 2. PURCHASE PRICE 2.1) The purchase price for the Subject Property (the "Purchase Price") shall be Three Hundred Ninety-nine Thousand Four Hundred Forty-four and 57/100 ($399,444.57) Dollars and shall be payable by Buyer to Seller as follows: 2.1.1) Earnest money deposit of Five Thousand and No/100 ($5,000.00) Dollars, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by Seller; 34 2.1.2) The balance of the Purchase Price of Three Hundred Ninety-four Thousand Four Hundred Forty-four and 57/100 ($394,444.57) Dollars on the date of Closing. SECTION 3. TITLE MATTERS 3.1) Seller shall furnish to Buyer within forty-five (45) days of the execution of this Agreement a current commitment for the issuance of a 1987/1990 ALTA Form B owner's policy of title insurance (the "Commitment") issued by a Title Insurance Company acceptable to Buyer ("Title") in the amount of the Purchase Price, committing to insure that Buyer will have good and marketable title to the Subject Property, except as to the Permitted Encumbrances described on Exhibit "B" and matters to which Buyer may consent in writing. 3.2) In the event any exceptions are listed in the Commitment for title insurance, the Seller shall promptly cause the exception to be removed. If the Seller fails to remove the same within the time allowed for closing on the Subject Property, the Buyer shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. SECTION 4. CLOSING 4.1) The closing (the "Closing") shall occur within eighteen (18) months of execution of this Agreement on a date within thirty (30) days after notice by Buyer to Seller ("Closing Date"). 4.2) On the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer possession of the Subject Property and execute and deliver a warranty deed, subject only to the Permitted 35 Encumbrances and any exceptions consented to by Buyer. Seller shall also execute the license agreement referenced in Exhibit “B” hereto. 4.3) Seller shall pay at Closing any general real estate taxes levied against the Subject Property due and payable for all years prior to and including the year of Closing, together with any pending assessments or unpaid installments of special assessments due therewith. 4.4) Seller shall pay on or before Closing: 4.4.1) state deed tax; 4.4.2) all costs associated with obtaining a title insurance commitment, including name searches, tax searches, bankruptcy searches, and property inspection fees; 4.4.3) recording fees for corrective instruments required to remove encumbrances and place marketable title in Buyer's name; 4.4.4) one-half of the Closing fee charged by a title company, if any. 4.5) Buyer shall pay at Closing: 4.5.1) all recording fees and charges relating to the filing of the deed; 4.5.2) title insurance premiums; 4.5.3) one-half of the Closing fee charged by a title company, if any; and 4.5.4) one-half of the survey costs. 36 SECTION 5. COVENANTS, REPRESENTATIONS, AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER 5.1) Seller, as an inducement to Buyer to enter into this Agreement, and as part of the consideration therefor, represents, warrants, and covenants with Buyer and its successors and assigns that: 5.1.1) There are no leases, options, purchase agreements, rights to redeem, tenancy agreements, or rights of occupancy, written or verbal, and no person or party has, or will have any rights of adverse possession, regarding or arising out of the occupancy of the Subject Property; 5.1.2) There is no pending or threatened litigation, condemnation or administrative proceedings involving the Subject Property; 5.1.3) As part of this Agreement, Seller shall execute the well disclosure certificate attached hereto as Exhibit "C". Seller shall deliver the well certificate to Buyer on the date of execution of this agreement. Seller warrants that all statements set forth in the well certificate are true, accurate, and complete to the best of Seller's knowledge. 5.2) The covenants, representations, and warranties contained in Section 5 shall be deemed to benefit Buyer and its successors and assigns and shall survive any termination or expiration of this Purchase Agreement or the giving of the Deed. All of Seller's covenants, representations and warranties in this Agreement shall be true as of the date hereof and of the Closing Date, and shall be a condition precedent to the performance of Buyer's obligations hereunder. If Buyer discovers that any such covenant, representation, or warranty is not true, Buyer may elect prior to closing, in addition to any of its other rights and remedies, to cancel this Agreement, or Buyer may postpone the Closing Date up to ninety (90) days to allow time for correction. SECTION 6. 37 ENVIRONMENTAL/SOIL INVESTIGATION AND TESTING 6.1) Buyer and its agents shall have the right, at the sole option of Buyer, to enter upon the Subject Property without charge and at all reasonable times from the date of the execution of this Agreement, to perform such environmental investigation and soil tests as Buyer may reasonably deem appropriate. If Buyer investigates and tests the Subject Property pursuant to this section, Buyer shall pay all costs and expenses of such investigation and testing and shall hold Seller harmless from all costs and liabilities arising out of Buyer's activities. If the purchase and sale contemplated by this Agreement is not closed, Buyer shall, at its own expense, repair and restore any damage to the Subject Property caused by Buyer's investigation and testing, and shall return the Subject Property to substantially the same condition as existed prior to such entry. SECTION 7. CONTINGENCIES 7.1) The obligations of Buyer under this Agreement are contingent upon each of the following: 7.1.1) The representations and warranties of Seller set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement must be true as of the date of this Agreement and on the Closing Date, and Seller shall have delivered to Buyer at Closing a certificate dated and signed by Seller on the Closing Date, certifying that such representations and warranties are true as of the Closing Date; 38 7.1.2) Buyer shall have determined on or before the Closing Date, that it is satisfied, in its sole discretion, with the results of the environmental/soil investigations and tests of the Subject Property; 7.1.3) Buyer obtaining necessary financing to close the transaction; 7.1.4) Buyer obtaining necessary approval from the City of St. Louis Park and any other public entity for an addition to its existing facility located adjacent to the Subject Property. 7.2) The obligations of Seller under this Agreement are contingent upon Buyer obtaining necessary approvals from the City of St. Louis Park and any other public entity for an addition to its existing facility located adjacent to the Subject Property. 7.3) With the exception of the contingency set forth in Section 7.1.1, if any of the remaining contingencies have not been satisfied by at least seven days before the Closing Date, the Buyer may, at Buyer's option, (and Seller, at Seller's option as to Section 7.2) terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party. Upon such termination, neither party shall have any further rights or obligations under this Agreement and any earnest money paid by Buyer will be refunded. Buyer (and Seller as to Section 7.2) shall have the right to waive any contingency by giving written notice to the other party. SECTION 8. MISCELLANEOUS 8.1) The covenants, warranties and representations made by Seller shall survive the Closing of this transaction. 39 8.2) Any notice, demand, or request which may be permitted, required or desired to be given in connection herewith shall be in writing and sent by certified mail, hand delivery, overnight mail service such as Federal Express, or Western Union telegram or other form of telegraphic communication, directed to Seller or Buyer. Any notice shall be deemed effective when delivered to the party to whom it is directed. Unless other addresses are given in writing, notices shall be sent to Seller or Buyer at the applicable address stated on the first page of this Agreement. Notices to Seller shall be to the attention of the City Manager; notices to Buyer shall be to the attention of the Director, with a copy to Jeff Baill, Suite 2350, 120 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. 8.3) Time shall be of the essence in this Agreement. If any date or time prescribed by this Agreement falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, such date or time shall automatically be extended to the next normal business day. 8.4) Each party hereto shall promptly, on the request of the other party, have acknowledged and delivered to the other party any and all further instruments and assurances reasonably requested or appropriate to evidence or give effect to the provisions of this Agreement. 8.5) This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the Subject Property and all prior agreements, understandings, or negotiations between the parties are hereby revoked and superseded hereby. No representations, warranties, inducements, or oral agreements have been made by any of the parties, except as 40 expressly set forth herein, or in other contemporaneous written agreements. This Agreement may not be changed or modified except by a written agreement signed by Seller and Buyer. 8.6) If Buyer defaults under any of the terms hereof, Seller shall have the right to pursue any remedies available to Seller at law or in equity, including without limitation, specific performance, damages (including reasonable attorney's fees) and cancellation of this Agreement. 8.7) If Seller defaults under any of the terms hereof, including, without limitation, the delivery of marketable title to the Subject Property as set forth in Section 4 hereof, then Buyer shall have the right to pursue any remedies that are available to Buyer at law or in equity, including without limitation, specific performance and damages and cancellation of this Agreement. 8.8) If any provision of this Agreement is declared void or unenforceable, such provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement, which shall otherwise remain in full force and effect. 8.9) Failure of any party to exercise any right arising out of a breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of any right with respect to any subsequent or different breach, or the continuance of any existing breach. 8.10) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns. 41 8.11) This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be an original. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written. SELLER: BUYER: CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF GREATER MINNEAPOLIS By:____________________________ By:_____________________________ Jeffrey W. Jacobs, Mayor Its: By:____________________________ By:_____________________________ Charles W. Meyer, City Manager Its: STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ) ss. COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _______ day of ________________, 2000, by Jeffrey W. Jacobs and Charles W. Meyer, respectively the Mayor and City Manager of the CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, a Minnesota municipal corporation, on behalf of the corporation and pursuant to the authority granted by its City Council. __________________________________ Notary Public 42 STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ) ss. COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of ________________, 2000, ________________________________________ and ________________________________, respectively the ___________________ and _________________________ of the JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF GREATER MINNEAPOLIS, a Minnesota non-profit corporation, on behalf of the corporation. __________________________________ Notary Public THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY: CAMPBELL KNUTSON Professional Association 317 Eagandale Office Center 1380 Corporate Center Curve Eagan, MN 55121 Telephone: (651) 452-5000 TMS 43 EXHIBIT "A" to REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT Commencing at the Northeast corner of the South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter of Section 30, Township 29, Range 24; thence South 00 degrees 16 minutes 42 seconds East assumed bearing along the east line of said South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter a distance of 459.71 feet to a point 57.16 feet northerly of the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks centerline as now laid out; thence South 74 degrees 04 minutes 36 seconds East 57.16 feet northerly and parallel to said centerline of tracks a distance of 254.46 feet to the point of beginning; thence continuing South 74 degrees 04 minutes 36 seconds East a distance of 1365.79 feet; thence northwesterly along a non-tangential curve concave to the southwest having a radius of 327.96 feet, a central angle of 53 degrees 43 minutes 35 seconds, an arc length of 307.53 feet, a chord distance of 296.38 feet and a chord bearing of North 54 degrees 52 minutes 52 seconds East; thence North 82 degrees 45 minutes 05 seconds East non-tangential to said curve a distance of 268.34 feet; thence North 74 degrees 04 minutes 36 seconds East a distance of 1286.87 feet; thence South 15 degrees 55 minutes 24 seconds East a distance of 190.00 feet to the point of beginning. 44 EXHIBIT "B" to REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT Permitted Encumbrances 1. Reservation of an easement in favor of the City of St. Louis Park for drainage, utility, and trail purposes, legally described as follows: A 40.00 foot easement over, under and across the property described on the attached Exhibit A. The centerline of said 40.00 foot easement is described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter of Section 30, Township 29, Range 24; thence South 00 degrees 16 minutes 42 seconds East assumed bearing along the east line of said South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter a distance of 384.33 feet; thence South 77 degrees 16 minutes 18 seconds West a distance of 275.22 feet to the point of beginning; thence continuing South 77 degrees 16 minutes 18 seconds West a distance of 214.43 feet; thence South 74 degrees 06 minutes 41 seconds West a distance of 526.51 feet and there terminating. Together with a 60.00 foot easement over, under and across the property described on the attached Exhibit A. The centerline of said 60.00 foot easement is described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter of Section 30, Township 29, Range 24; thence South 00 degrees 16 minutes 42 seconds East assumed bearing along the east line of said south One Half of the Southeast One Quarter a distance of 384.33 feet; thence South 77 degrees 16 minutes 18 seconds West a distance of 489.65 feet; thence South 74 degrees 06 minutes 41 seconds West a distance of 526.51 feet to the point of beginning; thence continue South 74 degrees 06 minutes 41 seconds West a distance of 518.38 feet; thence North 33 degrees 13 minutes 24 seconds West a distance of 93.73 feet and there terminating. 2. Reservation of an easement in favor of the City of St. Louis Park for street, utility and trail purposes, legally described as follows: An easement over, under and across the property described on the attached Exhibit A lying northerly and westerly of the following described line: 45 Commencing at the Northeast corner of the South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter of Section 30, Township 29, Range 24; thence South 00 degrees 16 minutes 42 seconds East assumed bearing along the east line of said South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter a distance of 404.81 feet; thence South 77 degrees 16 minutes 18 seconds West a distance of 484.68 feet; thence South 74 degrees 06 minutes 41 seconds West a distance of 525.96 feet; thence South 15 degrees 53 minutes 19 seconds East a distance of 10.00 feet; thence South 74 degrees 06 minutes 41 seconds West a distance of 648.93 feet to the point of beginning; thence North 74 degrees 06 minutes 41 seconds East a distance of 108.49 feet; thence North 33 degrees 13 minutes 24 seconds West a distance of 130.41 feet and there terminating. 3. A license in favor of the City of St. Louis Park across the subject property and Buyer’s adjoining property for construction, maintenance and upkeep access to and from the above referenced drainage, utility and trail easement and a storm water pond to be located on the following parcel: Beginning at the Northeast corner of the South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter of Section 30, Township 29, Range 24; thence South 00 degrees 16 minutes 42 seconds East assumed bearing along the east line of said South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter a distance of 459.71 feet to a point 57.16 feet northerly of the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks centerline as now laid out; thence South 74 degrees 04 minutes 36 seconds East 57.16 feet northerly and parallel to said centerline of tracks a distance of 254.46 feet; thence North 15 degrees 55 minutes 24 seconds West a distance of 190.00 feet; thence North 37 degrees 01 minute 37 seconds East a distance of 434.40 feet to the North line of said South One Half of the Southeast One Quarter; thence South 89 degrees 59 minutes 47 seconds East along said North line a distance of 33.00 feet to the point of beginning. The exact terms and conditions of the license agreement will be finalized by the parties prior to closing. 46 EXHIBIT "C" to REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (Well Disclosure Certificate) 47 MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Well Management Unit, 925 Delaware Street Southeast, P.O. Box 59040, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55459-0040 (612)627-5408 or 1-800-383-9808 WELL DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE Please Type or Print All Information Person filing deed must attach a $20 fee payable to the county recorder. A. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Attach a legal description of the property if the property does not have a lot number, block number, and addition name. COUNTY LOT NO. BLOCK NO. ADDITION NAME STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE B. PROPERTY BUYER MAILING ADDRESS AFTER CLOSING FIRST NAME MIDDLE IN. LAST NAME COMPANY NAME (IF APPLICABLE) ADDRESS ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE PHONE NO. C. CERTIFICATION BY SELLER I certify that the information provided on this certificate is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. __________________________________________ _______________________ Signature of Seller or Designated Representative Date D. CERTIFICATION BY BUYER The buyer or person authorized to act on behalf of the buyer, must sign a Well Disclosure Certificate for all deeds given in fulfillment of a contract for deed if there is a well on the property. In the absence of a seller's signature, the buyer, or person authroized to acton behalf of the buyer may sign this well certificate. No signature is required by hte buyer if the seller has signed above. Based on disclosure information provided to me by the seller or other available information, I certify that the information on this certificate is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. ___________________________________________ _____________________________ Signature of Buyer or Designated Representative Date 48 *Fill out a separate well information page if more than three wells are located on the property. WELL #1 COUNTY QUARTER SECTION TOWNSHIP RANGE WELL STATUS Well is:  IN USE (1)  NOT IN USE (2)  SEALED BY A LICENSED WELL CONTRACTOR (3) YEAR SEALED WELL #2 COUNTY QUARTER SECTION TOWNSHIP RANGE WELL STATUS Well is:  IN USE (1)  NOT IN USE (2)  SEALED BY A LICENSED WELL CONTRACTOR (3) YEAR SEALED WELL #3 COUNTY QUARTER SECTION TOWNSHIP RANGE WELL STATUS Well is:  IN USE (1)  NOT IN USE (2)  SEALED BY A LICENSED WELL CONTRACTOR (3) YEAR SEALED SKETCH MAP-Sketch the location of the well(s) and include estimated distances fromroads, streets, and buildings. IF MORE THAN ONE WELL ON PROPERTY, USE THE WELL LOCATION NUMBER ABOVE TO IDENTIFY EACH WELL. Information provided on this form is classified as public information under Minn. Stat. Ch. 13. To request this document in another format call 627-5100 or TDD through Minnesota Relay Service at (612)297-5353 or toll free 1-800-627-3529 (Greater Minnesota). 49 City of St. Louis Park City Council Agenda Item # 8a Meeting of January 18, 2000 8a. Request by Vladimir Velikson to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions in the C-2, Commercial District Case No. 99-13-ZA Recommended Action: Motion to deny the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment. Staff is recommending an alternative amendment that would be processed separately. Background: Vladimir Velikson is requesting a text amendment to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions, rather than requiring a Conditional Use Permit, in the C-2 Zoning District. His desire is to open an Eastern European restaurant in the Texa-Tonka shopping center that would serve liquor and include a small area for live music and dancing. The Zoning Ordinance requires that any property obtaining a Conditional Use Permit must eliminate all nonconformities on the property as a condition of CUP approval. Due to the large number of nonconformities on the shopping center property (there are nine), which would be cost prohibitive and practically impossible to completely eliminate, Mr. Velikson is requesting the text amendment. Another option would be to request variances for all of the existing nonconformities. Having come to a full understanding of the restaurant proposal and considering the effect of the proposed text amendment on restaurants with liquor in general, staff is recommending denial of the proposed text amendment. Staff is also proposing an alternative text amendment that would potentially meet Mr. Velikson’s needs. The alternative text amendment addresses the nonconformities section of the Zoning Ordinance. This alternative text amendment is also scheduled to be considered by the City Council on January 18, 2000. The history of the process to date is described more fully below. Issues: • What is the history of the process of this request to date? • Is it possible to distinguish between a restaurant with liquor and an accessory bar? • Is it appropriate to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions? • What alternatives exist to potentially meeting the applicant’s needs? 50 Issues Analysis: What is the history of the process of this request to date? Mr. Velikson’s proposed text amendment request came before the Planning Commission on July 21, 1999. At that time, staff recommended that restaurants with liquor be permitted with conditions, but that accessory bars should still be required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit. After some discussion, the Planning Commission continued the request to the August 18 meeting, and directed staff to determine the number of nonconformities existing on the shopping center site that would need to be removed if a CUP were required, and to identify properties that would become nonconforming if the text amendment were approved. At the August 18 Planning Commission meeting, Mr. Velikson stated for the first time that live music and dancing were part of his restaurant concept. This land use would require a setback variance even if the proposed text amendment were approved. The Planning Commission sent the request on to the City Council with no recommendation, on a vote of 2-2. On September 7, on the applicant’s request and staff’s recommendation, the City Council voted to postpone consideration of the amendment indefinitely, in order for Mr. Velikson to pursue a variance for the music/dancing component, and directed staff to send the request to the Planning Commission for further consideration before coming back to the City Council. In applying for the setback variance for live music/dancing, it was determined that the building setback from the north property line was only 10.7 feet, requiring setback variances for both the music/dancing and any type of restaurant. The Board of Zoning Appeals approved both variances on October 21, 1999. Approval of the variances enabled Mr. Velikson to proceed with the text amendment request. On December 15, 1999 the Planning Commission held another hearing and considered Velikson’s text amendment request. Staff recommended denial of the request, based on a better understanding of the restaurant concept and considering the effect of the proposed amendment on all restaurants with liquor in the City. Staff recommended an alternative amendment that would allow Mr. Velikson’s request to be considered by CUP. At that meeting, Mr. Velikson presented a petition of approximately 150 people supporting the restaurant concept. The signatures are primarily from the metro area, with about 10-15% from St. Louis Park. A copy of the petition is attached. The Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend denial of the request. Commissioners expressed support for the restaurant concept, but concurred with staff that they were not comfortable with the proposed text amendment. The Planning Commission was receptive to finding an alternative method of potentially allowing the restaurant in the shopping center. The City Council held a public hearing and considered the text amendment request on January 3, 2000. The City Council closed the public hearing and voted to continue the request until the January 18, 2000 City Council meeting and to discuss the issues further in a study session on January 10, 2000. The Council discussed the issues in detail on January 10. 51 Is it possible to distinguish between a restaurant with liquor and an accessory bar? Staff’s initial recommendation was to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions, but to still require accessory bars to obtain a Conditional Use Permit. In the Zoning Ordinance, bars are defined as places where the primary purpose is the serving of alcohol, although they may serve food, and restaurants are defined as primarily serving meals, although alcohol may also be served. Bars are permitted only as an accessory use to restaurants, hotels, private indoor entertainment, and clubs and lodges. Most restaurants in the City which serve alcohol have a separate bar area which primarily serves alcohol, but where food can also be ordered. Where there is no accessory bar, staff believes it would be difficult to enforce any requirement that liquor be served with meals only. A portion of a restaurant could easily become a de facto bar area, particularly if entertainment were offered on the premises that encouraged patrons to stay after a meal. Furthermore, while the Inspections Department conducts periodic inspections of restaurants and bars, their licensing requirements do not distinguish between restaurants serving liquor with a meal only and bars; therefore, an entirely new method of inspections would need to be devised to ensure that an accessory bar were not added to a restaurant with liquor. Therefore, staff believes it is not possible or practical to distinguish between restaurants serving liquor with or without an accessory bar. Is it appropriate to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions? For both uses that are permitted with conditions and uses that require a Conditional Use Permit, the requirement of the applicant is that the proposal must meet the stated conditions and other applicable Zoning Ordinance provisions. In addition, for a Conditional Use Permit, a public hearing is required, in which neighbors have an opportunity to learn about the proposal and comment or raise concerns. With a CUP, the City Council may also impose additional conditions that it feels are necessary for the proposed use to meet the intent of the Code and to preserve health, safety, welfare and neighborhood character. Staff believes that restaurants with liquor merit the additional review that a Conditional Use Permit provides. There are several potential negative impacts from restaurants with liquor, including late hours, noise, lights, and traffic. While the stated conditions are generally sufficient to protect surrounding properties, the opportunity to modify the site plan in response to public comments or to add conditions may be necessary in some cases to allow the use to fit well into the neighborhood. With Mr. Velikson’s restaurant proposal, the live music and dancing and liquor component could easily lead to later hours of operation than for a typical restaurant that does not include a bar. Therefore, staff believes these uses should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and it is not appropriate to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions. Is staff proposing an alternative? As an alternative to the proposed text amendment, staff is initiating an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that addresses the nonconformities section. Staff is proposing that the 52 requirement that all nonconformities be removed as a condition of any Conditional Use Permit be made more flexible in some cases. For multi-tenant buildings only, when a new tenant is proposed which would require a CUP and there are some nonconformities on the property, staff is proposing that nonconformities would be required to be reduced or eliminated to the extent reasonable and possible, and that the new use would not increase nonconformities on the property. This is the same standard that is currently applied for Special Permit amendments. The effect of the proposed amendment would be to allow for the continued use and viability of multi-tenant properties which contain some nonconformities, provided the owner is willing to invest in reasonable property improvements. If the proposed text amendment were approved, Mr. Velikson would need to obtain a CUP for the restaurant proposal. This text amendment has been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and is scheduled to be considered by the City Council on January 18, 2000. Staff is also initiating a text amendment addressing private indoor entertainment with liquor in the C-2 District. Private indoor entertainment with liquor is currently permitted with conditions, and staff believes this use should be treated as other uses that serve liquor and require a Conditional Use Permit. Recommendation: Staff recommends denial of the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions in the C-2 District. Attachments: • Petition in support of Eastern European restaurant Prepared by: Sacha Peterson, Planner Approved by: Clint Pires, Deputy City Manager 53 City of St. Louis Park City Council Agenda Item # 8b Meeting of January 18, 2000 8b. Request by staff to amend nonconformities section of Zoning Ordinance regarding Conditional Use Permits Case No. 99-36-ZA Recommended Action: Motion to adopt first reading of an ordinance amending nonconformities section of Zoning Ordinance and set second reading for February 7, 2000. Background: Staff is proposing a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to relax the standards for addressing nonconformities when a new CUP is requested for multi-tenant buildings. Currently, all nonconformities are required to be eliminated as a condition of any CUP. The amendment is in response to a request for a different text amendment by Vladimir Velikson to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions rather than a Conditional Use Permit at the Texa-Tonka shopping center, which contains a number of nonconformities. Staff and the Planning Commission have recommended denial of Mr. Velikson’s proposed amendment. The City Council considered Mr. Velikson’s amendment on January 3, 2000 and voted to continue consideration until January 18, 2000 and to discuss both text amendments further in a study session on January 10, 2000. Staff’s proposed text amendment would potentially meet Mr. Velikson’s needs, and could potentially require removal of some nonconformities on the shopping center property as a condition of the CUP. On January 5, 2000 the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the proposed text amendment to the nonconformities section of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Jeff Fine, owner of Texa-Tonka Shopping Center, and Mr. Vladimir Velikson spoke. The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment, and recommended adding a sentence to the proposed language that “The required reduction in nonconformities shall be in proportion to the new use.” Staff believes that the additional language proposed by the Planning Commission regarding proportionality is not required in order to provide for the desired flexibility. This is discussed below. This was discussed at length during the January 10th study session. The Council indicated that they concurred with the staff analysis. Therefore, the additional language recommended by the Planning Commission is not included in the proposed ordinance. Issues: • What is the proposed text amendment? 54 • What properties would be affected? • How would the new standard be applied to Conditional Use Permits? • What is the effect of the proposed amendment on Mr. Velikson’s restaurant concept? Issues Analysis: What is the proposed text amendment? Staff is proposing that for multi-tenant buildings only, when a new CUP is requested, rather than requiring that all nonconformities be eliminated completely, that the standard be relaxed somewhat. The proposed standard is identical to the current requirements for Special Permit Amendments. The proposed language is as follows: Section 14:7-2: F. Conditional Use Permits – The City may not issue a Conditional Use Permit for any property which contains a nonconformity unless the nonconformity is removed as a condition of the Conditional Use Permit. a. Exception: If a new use requiring a CUP is proposed for a multi-tenant building, and there are no exterior modifications needed to accommodate the new tenant which would result in an increase in FAR, GFAR, building height, density, or a decrease in required yards, or other substantial changes (other than property improvements to meet Building Code requirements); then the City may issue a CUP provided the following standards are met: 1) The new use does not increase or intensify nonconformities on the property. 2) Any nonconformities existing on the site shall be brought into greater or complete compliance with other provisions of this ordinance to the extent reasonable and possible, except that greater or complete compliance will not be required with the following provisions of this ordinance: a. Lot area b. Lot width c. Required yards d. Building height e. Floor area ratio f. Ground floor area ratio g. Density h. Usable open space 55 The proposed language has been modified slightly since Planning Commission review. Rather than referencing the section dealing with Special Permit Amendments, the language is proposed to be incorporated directly into this section of the ordinance. The Planning Commission recommended that a sentence be added that the required reduction in nonconformities would be proportional to the new use. Staff would prefer not to include this language, as it would restrict the flexibility in applying the ordinance. Each situation on each property will be unique, and proportionality may or may not be appropriate. For example, based upon the type and impact of the new use proposed and the condition of the property, it may be appropriate to require all bufferyards to be brought into conformance. In addition, there are several ways to interpret proportionality, including amount of building area occupied, amount of parking utilized, intensity of the new use, visibility or prominence of the new use. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to allow for the continued use of multi-tenant buildings which may contain some nonconformities, while still requiring nonconformities to be reduced over time. The proposed amendment seeks to recognize that a requirement to eliminate all nonconformities may be an onerous burden in some cases. What properties would be affected? Affected properties would be those properties containing multi-tenant buildings, which are not currently covered by a Special Permit or Planned Unit Development, which contain one or more nonconformities. These could include shopping centers, strip centers, multi-tenant office buildings, office/warehouse buildings, and mixed use buildings. Specific properties which would be affected if a CUP was proposed for a new tenant include the Texa-Tonka Shopping Center, the multi-tenant commercial buildings on the southwest corner of Texas and Minnetonka, and certain multi-tenant buildings within the Belt Line industrial park area. Properties which would not be affected include Knollwood Mall (under PUD), Knollwood Village (under Special Permit), Miracle Mile Shopping Center (under Special Permit), and Burlington Coat Factory site (under Special Permit). Those properties would still have to comply with provisions for amending the PUD or Special Permit. The Special Permit provisions are identical to those proposed for CUPs. How would the new standard be applied? As mentioned, the same standard is currently applied for Special Permit Amendments, and staff would expect the application to CUPs for multi-tenant buildings to be consistent with past application to Special Permit Amendments. Recent Special Permit Amendments approved by the City Council include Cub Foods in Knollwood Mall, Microcenter Computer Store, Norwest Bank on Excelsior Boulevard, and Sam’s Club. 56 The proposed text amendment provides for flexibility in considering each unique situation and determining the appropriate level of addressing nonconformities in each situation. There are a number of factors that would be weighed in each case, and those factors could change by case; however, following are examples of the types of factors that staff would use to recommend reduction or elimination of nonconformities “to the extent reasonable and possible”: • Changes necessary to meet Building Code requirements or other safety requirements; • Anticipated impact of changes on the property or surrounding properties; • City’s policies concerning removal of certain nonconformities as priorities* • Whether redevelopment of the property is anticipated in the near future. *The Zoning Ordinance requires certain nonconformities to be removed on all properties by a date certain. Nonconformities which have a date certain are those having to do with parking lots, including internal planting, curbing, dimensions, and lighting; landscape bufferyards; site lighting; and signs except for billboards. City staff’s enforcement of this provision to date has been to work towards compliance at the time that a new use or physical change is proposed for a property, which requires a Certificate of Occupancy or building permit. Staff is in the process of compiling information regarding the number of properties that still need to be brought up to Code, and intends to bring this to the Council for further discussion. However, for CUP applications for multi-tenant buildings, staff would anticipate typically focusing on bringing any nonconformities in these areas up to Code to be consistent with Code requirements and treatment of other properties. Example: Microcenter Computer Store: The City Council recently approved a Minor Amendment to an existing Special Permit for Microcenter Computer store for the former Almstead's Grocery site, next to Burlington Coat Factory. This example is chosen because the property is a multi-tenant property. It also has the advantage of allowing comparisons to the Velikson restaurant proposal, because the property is within a commercial area that is designated for future study by the City for redevelopment potential, and the property contains a number of nonconformities. Microcenter Computer Store proposed to occupy the former grocery store space, as one of three tenants on the site and occupying an estimated 40% of the site. The applicant proposed several interior changes to the building, creating a recessed loading dock out of an existing surface level loading dock, minor grading changes in front of the building to correct a drainage problem, and a new parapet wall/sign band for new signage; in other words, several fairly minor changes to accommodate the new use. There are several nonconformities existing on the site, consisting primarily of substandard exterior materials on all but the front building façade; lack of almost any internal parking lot landscaping or curbed islands to separate drive aisles from parking stalls; substandard parking lot lighting; inadequate bufferyard along south/west lot line; and rooftop equipment that is not properly screened on the Burlington Coat Factory portion of the building. 57 Staff recommended that nonconformities be modified as follows: reface the most visible portions of the building which Microcenter is proposing to occupy with Class I stucco on the south façade (which faces a public street) and Class II artificial stucco on the west/rear façade (which is also visible from a public street); bring interior parking lot landscaping fully into compliance with City Codes for entire site, which entails approximately 800 plant units; bring lighting up to Code by adding several light poles; add curbed islands to parking lot; screen or paint rooftop equipment. Staff also recommended screening the modified loading dock with an eight-foot high stuccoed wall per City requirements, although there was not space to install the landscaping that is required to screen loading docks. The parking lot improvements and rooftop equipment were allowed to be phased in over two years: improvements on the portions to be utilized primarily by Microcenter are required to be completed before the store becomes operational; and the remaining improvements must be completed within two years. The City Council approved staff’s recommendations for improvements and the applicant has agreed to them. What is the effect of the proposed amendment on Mr. Velikson’s restaurant concept? If the proposed amendment were approved, Mr. Velikson could apply for a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant with liquor. Along with the CUP consideration, the City Council would consider what nonconformities on the property should be reduced. Because no application has been received for such a CUP, it is not appropriate to recommend specific changes or improvements to the property at this time. Staff would anticipate focusing on parking lot changes such as adding curbing, landscaping, and lighting; bufferyard improvements; minor building façade changes; and possibly removal of one or more nonconforming rooftop signs. Recommendation: Staff is recommending approval of the proposed text amendment as stated above. Attachments: • Proposed ordinance • Letter from attorney of Jeff Fine, Texa-Tonka shopping center owner Prepared by: Sacha Peterson, Planner Approved by: Clint Pires, Deputy City Manager 58 ORDINANCE NO.______ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ST. LOUIS PARK ORDINANCE CODE RELATING TO ZONING BY AMENDING SECTION 14:7-2 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. 99-36-ZA) Sec. 2. The St. Louis Park Ordinance Code, Section 14:7-2.F.a. is hereby amended to read as follows: F. Conditional Use Permits – The City may not issue a Conditional Use Permit for any property which contains a nonconformity unless the nonconformity is removed as a condition of the Conditional Use Permit. a. Exception: If a new use requiring a CUP is proposed for a multi-tenant building, and there are no exterior modifications needed to accommodate the new tenant which would result in an increase in FAR, GFAR, building height, density, or a decrease in required yards, or other substantial changes (other than property improvements to meet Building Code requirements); then the City may issue a CUP provided the following standards are met: 1) The new use does not increase or intensify nonconformities on the property. 2) Any nonconformities existing on the site shall be brought into greater or complete compliance with other provisions of this ordinance to the extent reasonable and possible, except that greater or complete compliance will not be required with the following provisions of this ordinance: a. Lot area b. Lot width c. Required yards d. Building height e. Floor area ratio f. Ground floor area ratio g. Density h. Usable open space 59 Sec. 3. The contents of Planning Case File 99-36-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 February 7, 2000 Reviewed for Administration City Manager Mayor Attest: Approved as to Form and Execution: City Clerk City Attorney 99-36-ZA/N/res/ord 60 Item # 9a* HUMAN RESOURCES To: Charlie Meyer, City Manager From: Nancy Gohman, Human Resources Manager Subject: Pay Equity Report Date: 1/11/00 The City of St. Louis Park has been notified by the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations (DOER) that we are required to submit a pay equity report by January 31, 2000. The report must show data in place as of December 31, 1999. I am pleased to inform you that the preliminary run on the data shows the City continues to be in compliance with this mandate. DOER will issue formal approval once data is submitted and analyzed by that department. DOER required the report to be approved by the governing body before submittal. I recommend this report be forwarded to Council at its regular meeting of January 18, 2000. If the report is received, we will assume Council has approved the data. If you need additional information regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to ask. 61 Part F: Job Class Information Report date: 1/11/00 City of St. Louis Park contact person:Nancy Gohman, HR Manager 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.phone:612) 924-2519 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 A B C D E F G H I J Class title Number of Male Employees Number of Female Employees Class type M, F, B Comparable Work Value (Job Points) Minimum monthly salary Maximum monthly salary Years to Max. # Yrs. of Service Exceptional Service Pay 1 Crossing Guard 1 3 F 35 1232 1232 0 11 2 Custodian 1 M 40 2099 2725 2 3 Weed Inspector 1 F 47 2253 2600 0 32 4 Survey Aide 1 M 47 1248 1516 0 2 5 Cadet 2 M 48 1386 1733 0 12 6 Clerk Typist - PD 1 F 51 1884 2634 4.5 7 Data Entry Clerk - PD 1 F 51 1884 2613 4.5 8 Receptionist 1 F 51 1884 2613 4.5 9 Comm. Service Officer 1 M 51 1884 2613 4.5 10 Maintenance I 22 M 54 2352 3339 2 11 Clerks - Acct/UB, Adm, Assessing, IT 5 F 55 2111 2880 4.5 12 Secretary - Eng, MSC, Utils, Hsng 4 F 55 2111 2880 4.5 13 Assessing Clerk 1 F 55 2111 2880 4.5 14 Records Specialist 1 F 55 2111 2880 4.5 15 Scheduling Coordinator 1 F 55 2111 2880 4.5 16 Program Aide 1 M 55 2111 2880 4.5 17 Maintenance II 9 M 55 3002 3394 0 26 18 Sec Program Aid - WWH 1 F 56 2125 2897 4.5 19 CSO Coordinator 1 M 56 2912 3309 4.5 20 Assessing Technician 1 F 57 2245 3072 4.5 21 IT Customer Rep - Lead 1 F 58 2366 3180 4.5 22 Maintenance III 12 M 58 3070 3462 0 32 23 Maintenance Technician - Hsng 1 M 61 3003 3400 4.5 24 Secretary - Dept.7 F 61 2444 3272 4.5 25 HR Representative 1 F 61 2444 3328 4.5 26 Maintenance IV 6 M 61 3162 3554 0 24 27 Deputy City Clerk 1 F 63 2585 3438 4.5 28 Sr. Utility Billing Clerk 1 F 63 2585 3439 4.5 62 City of St. Louis Park contact person:Nancy Gohman, HR Manager 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.phone:612) 924-2519 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 A B C D E F G H I J Class title Number of Male Employees Number of Female Employees Class type M, F, B Comparable Work Value (Job Points) Minimum monthly salary Maximum monthly salary Years to Max. # Yrs. of Service Exceptional Service Pay 29 Payroll Clerk 1 F 63 2630 3491 4.5 30 Dispatcher 3 6 F 64 2466 3606 5 31 Accounting Technician 1 F 65 2678 3547 4.5 32 Administrative Assistant Fire 1 F 65 2678 3547 4.5 33 Administrative Secretary 1 F 65 2678 3547 4.5 34 Civic & Community TV Coordinator 2 M 65 2678 3547 4.5 35 CSR 1 2 B 65 2678 3547 4.5 36 P.W. Info. Systems Spec.2 M 65 2678 3547 4.5 37 Firefighter 13 M 66 3147 4229 2 38 Public Hsng. Specialist 1 F 66 2727 3605 4.5 39 Naturalist 1 2 B 66 2727 3605 4.5 40 Planning Associate 1 F 68 2823 3718 4.5 41 Rec. Facility Coordinator 1 M 70 2918 3830 4.5 42 Patrol Officer 29 3 M 72 2686 4338 3 Longevity 43 Fire Lieutenant 4 M 72 4133 4535 0 16 Longevity 44 Police Investigator 5 1 M 74 2860 4512 3 Longevity 45 Community Outreach Coordinator 1 F 75 3159 4237 4.5 46 HR Technician 1 F 75 3159 4114 4.5 47 Maintenance Mech. Coordinator Hsn 1 M 75 3159 4114 4.5 48 Program Coordinator 1 1 B 75 3159 4114 4.5 49 Engineering Tech III 5 M 75 3307 4409 4.5 50 Residential Appraiser I 1 F 76 3202 4164 4.5 51 Housing Manager Sec. 8 1 F 76 3283 4260 4.5 52 Field Supervisor 3 M 77 3763 4155 0 30 53 PWks Administrative Supvr.1 M 77 3250 4222 4.5 54 Inspector 7 1 M 78 3301 4280 4.5 55 Inspector 1 F 78 3301 4384 4.5 56 Housing Inspection Program Manage 1 M 79 3350 4339 4.5 63 City of St. Louis Park contact person:Nancy Gohman, HR Manager 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.phone:612) 924-2519 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 A B C D E F G H I J Class title Number of Male Employees Number of Female Employees Class type M, F, B Comparable Work Value (Job Points) Minimum monthly salary Maximum monthly salary Years to Max. # Yrs. of Service Exceptional Service Pay 57 Assistant Zoning Administrator 1 M 79 3350 4339 4.5 58 Commercial Appraiser 1 M 79 3350 4339 4.5 59 Residential Appraiser II 1 F 79 3350 4339 4.5 60 Administrative Assistant/City Clerk 1 F 80 3705 4878 4.5 61 Office Manager 1 F 80 3705 4878 4.5 62 PSAP Manager 1 F 80 3705 4878 4.5 63 Communications Coordinator 1 F 81 3705 4878 4.5 64 Accountant 2 F 83 3889 5095 4.5 65 Housing Programs Coordinator 1 F 84 3949 5166 4.5 66 Assistant to City Engineer 1 M 85 4009 5256 4.5 67 Special Programs Manager 1 F 85 4009 5237 4.5 68 Housing Manager Sec. 23 1 F 86 4101 5345 4.5 69 Planning Coordinator 1 F 86 4101 5345 4.5 70 Economic Dev Coordinator 1 M 88 4193 5453 4.5 71 Equip. Superintendent 1 M 88 4193 5575 4.5 72 Facilities Superintendent 1 M 88 4193 5458 4.5 73 Traffic Superintendent 1 M 88 4193 5575 4.5 74 Sergeant - PD 8 1 M 90 5033 5804 3 75 Environmental Health Official 1 M 90 4356 5645 4.5 76 Chief Building Official 1 M 90 4356 5645 4.5 77 Mgr. Bldgs. & Structures 1 M 90 4356 5645 4.5 78 Mgr. Grounds & NR 1 M 90 4356 5645 4.5 79 Public Works Coordinator 1 M 90 4356 5645 4.5 80 Recreation Services Mgr 1 M 90 4356 5645 4.5 81 Battalion Chief - Fire 4 M 90 4516 5833 4.5 82 City Assessor 1 M 90 4903 6288 4.5 83 Engineering Superintendent 1 M 94 4555 5878 4.5 84 Info. Tech. Suppt Analyst 1 F 94 4555 5878 4.5 64 City of St. Louis Park contact person:Nancy Gohman, HR Manager 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.phone:612) 924-2519 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 A B C D E F G H I J Class title Number of Male Employees Number of Female Employees Class type M, F, B Comparable Work Value (Job Points) Minimum monthly salary Maximum monthly salary Years to Max. # Yrs. of Service Exceptional Service Pay 85 Housing Supervisor 1 F 96 4735 6091 4.5 86 Planning/Zoning Supervisor 1 F 96 4735 6091 4.5 87 Police Lieutenant 2 M 98 4799 6166 4.5 88 HR Manager 1 F 100 4916 6303 4.5 89 Superintendents- Ops & Utils 1 M 100 4916 6303 4.5 90 Deputy Fire Chief 1 M 100 5081 6498 4.5 91 Police Captain 1 M 104 5298 6753 4.5 92 Deputy City Manager 1 M 110 5532 7028 4.5 93 Dir. of Parks and Recreation 1 F 110 5532 7028 4.5 94 Fire Chief 1 M 110 5532 7028 4.5 95 Inspections Director 1 M 110 5532 7028 4.5 96 Community Development Dir.1 M 113 5702 7228 4.5 97 Finance Director 1 F 113 5702 7228 4.5 98 Police Chief 1 M 119 6070 7662 4.5 99 Public Works Director 1 M 122 6254 7878 4.5 100 City Manager 1 M 138 7232 9028 4.5 65 Item # 9b* City of St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes - November 17, 1999 First Floor Community Room - City Hall ______________________________________________________________________________ Present Commission Members: Marc Berg, Laurel Higgins, Herb Isbin, Betty Merritt and Chris Smith Staff: Martha McDonell, staff liaison, and Lynn Schwartz, recording secretary Chair Laurel Higgins called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Approval of Minutes After a discussion on the pros and cons of attaching absent members’ memos to the minutes, it was moved by Chris Smith and seconded by Marc Berg to accept the October minutes as written. Reports Betty Merritt shared information on the Minneapolis Foundation’s ad campaign to better welcome new immigrants to Minnesota. Herb Isbin reported that he is attempting to obtain information on the results of St. Paul’s anti- bias advertising campaign. Isbin also reported that he attempted—but was unsuccessful—in tracking down the source of the information on languages spoken in St. Louis Park homes. Isbin then reported that he obtained a CD ROM from the Simon Wiesenthal Center on hate web sites on the internet. Chris Smith offered to take the CD home and report back on its contents at the next meeting. Isbin then asked about status of the Constitutional Rights Foundation’s mini- grant program. Martha McDonell responded that the program has a fall application deadline and requires school/classroom participation. If the commission wishes to pursue this program, McDonell said the commission could add this to its 2000 work plan. Martha McDonell handed out information on the Minnesota legislature’s session on white supremacist groups. She also handed out a copy of the Sun-Sailor newspaper’s summary of police calls which reported that a swastika and “KKK” were painted on an apartment door but the incident was not deemed to be a bias/hate crime by the Police Department. McDonell also handed out a flier about the St. Louis Park Leadership Program and urged interested commission members to apply for or recruit others to apply. McDonell then reported that three candidates have been scheduled to be interviewed by the City Council for possible appointment to the Human Rights Commission. She also reported that Petrona Melgarejo has removed her name from consideration for appointment to the commission. McDonell reported that Melgarejo took this action because of her frustration with the City Council’s interview process. Melgarejo stated that she was upset and offended by the council’s failure to provide any follow-up response after her interview. This was despite 66 Melgarejo’s calls to determine the disposition of her application. A number of commission members stated that they were saddened by the outcome and noted that Melgarejo would have made a good addition to the commission. Commission members also felt the council’s long timeframe from interview to notice of appointment/no appointment presented a barrier to volunteer participation. McDonell reported that she met with the City Manager and Deputy City Manager to discuss whether changes could be made to its appointment process. The council decided to regularly set aside time twice a month to discuss board and commission appointments; however, no promises were made on making the appointments more promptly. The City Council will begin sending a form letter to all applicants thanking them for their application and stating that there are many applicants and warning candidates that it may be some time before they are notified about whether they are or are not appointed to a commission. One commissioner noted that it took six months before he heard back from the council on his application. Members noted that this long process misses an opportunity to involve people, and, in Melgarejo’s case, lost an opportunity to appoint a person of color to the Human Rights Commission. Despite the fact that efforts weren’t entirely successful, commission members commended the actions taken to create a more fair and respectful process for board and commission applicants. Strategic Action Plan One: Receiving, Responding and Reporting Calls Phone Line Call Report: Martha McDonell reported that no calls were made to the Human Rights Phone Line. She added that the voicemail recording has been updated to note the nomination deadline for the Human Rights Award. Strategic Action Plan Two: Public Awareness Campaign 1999 Human Rights Award: Fliers have been mailed to local community groups and some businesses. Betty Merritt urged commission members to be aggressive in their recruiting efforts and not depend upon mailings or flier postings. Chris Smith asked that a news release on the award be sent to the Sun-Sailor; Betty Merritt agreed to contact the newspaper as well as the schools. When the nominations close next month, Martha McDonell will notify members about the nominees. Laurel Higgins recommended that the commission ask last year’s winner to apply for membership to the commission. Block Captains’ Training: Marc Berg reported that he attended the recent block captains’ training session. At this session, Berg gave a short presentation on the Human Rights Commission and mentioned the Human Rights Award. He also told block captains that the commission is willing to come to neighborhood meetings to discuss human rights projects or concerns specific to individual neighborhoods. Herb Isbin said he felt the commission needs to make a greater effort to learn about the community’s make-up and asked whether block captains could be a source of information about the diversity within St. Louis Park. Martha McDonell suggested that commissioners consider adding a neighborhood survey to their 2000 work plan. 67 Police Training: Laurel Higgins reported that Mort Ryweck, Minnesota League of Human Rights Commissions, will be speaking at the St. Louis Park Police Station on December 10th as part of the department’s annual meeting. Ryweck will discuss how officers can determine whether a crime should be categorized as a bias/hate crime. During the meeting, Higgins will hand out the Human Rights Commission’s Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan. Chris Smith and Betty Merritt said they would try to attend this portion of the program. Herb Isbin noted that he attended Mort Ryweck’s presentation at the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions’ annual conference. Isbin stated that the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission does not follow the procedure outlined at the conference concerning contact with crime victims. Isbin said the presentation stressed following up with victims to see how they are doing. Isbin added that he believes the St. Louis Park commission’s existing Bias/Hate Crime Plan doesn’t address this issue. Several commissioners disagreed noting that this issue was fully discussed when the plan was being drafted. They noted that St. Louis Park’s plan attempts to balance victim contact against victim privacy. Marc Berg pointed out that a critical part of the plan is balancing the ideal of helping the victim against the victim’s desire for privacy—that’s why there are no concrete steps listed in St. Louis Park’s plan. Instead, the plan calls for follow-up as desired by the victim. Berg also reminded members that the commission took this stance to avoid creating a political agenda for itself. Laurel Higgins pointed out that she did follow-up with victims when incidents were reported to her. Members then asked whether the Commission should contact the victim of the apartment door incident reported in the Sun-Sailor—even though the police determined it was not a bias/hate crime. Some members wondered how the painting of a swastika could not be perceived as anything but a bias/hate crime. Discussion pointed out that commissioners do not have complete information about the investigation. The Sun-Sailor article did not discuss what facts led to the conclusion that the crime was not motivated by bias or hate or whether the police believed the perpetrator was an adult or minor. Isbin then wondered whether the Police Department was forwarding incident reports to the commission. McDonell responded that the department does forward reports about bias/hate crimes; however, this particular incident was not deemed to be a bias/hate crime and, therefore, wasn’t forwarded. Members agreed that more information was needed. Marc Berg agreed to phone Sergeant Lorin Kramer to find out what led to the determination. Depending on the outcome of this conversation, Berg will then contact the victim to find out how she is doing and if any support is needed. Berg will also ask for a copy of the police report and share the findings with the commission at its next meeting. Isbin felt it might still be appropriate to contact the victim since the commission’s role is to promote human rights and diversity. It was agreed that Berg would determine whether the victim should be contacted after getting more information from Sergeant Kramer. 68 Strategic Action Plan Three: School Support School District Strategic Plan: Martha McDonell shared information about the Parent Communication Network and noted that this group may be a good resource to the commission. Herb Isbin reported on several brochures he obtained and sessions he attended at the annual conference. He asked commissioners to consider whether it should distribute information to parents similar to Shoreview’s brochure since the St. Louis Park School District is focusing on other elements of its strategic plan this year. Martha McDonell suggested that the commission could work jointly on this project with members of the Children First initiative. Isbin responded that the commission first had to decide on the merit of the issue and whether the project was one the commission wishes to pursue. In the meantime, Marc Berg offered to share the Shoreview brochure with other parents in his Early Childhood and Family Education group. New Business Martha McDonell noted that a member of the Hopkins Human Rights Commission indicated that their commission would like to meet with the St. Louis Park commission. Laurel Higgins agreed to contact the Hopkins commission to arrange for a joint meting. Old Business Laurel Higgins is preparing a draft of the Human Rights Commission’s year-end report to the City Council. The draft will be mailed to commissioners with their agenda packet. Martha McDonell reported that she spoke with the City Clerk about the questions raised at the October meeting. She reported that the commission’s bylaws are internal and can be modified by the commission. The ordinance setting forth the commission’s purpose, appointment process and duties, however, is in the City Code and cannot be changed by the commission. The City Clerk recommended that the commission incorporate the language from the City Code into the bylaws. After reviewing several typographical changes and the change concerning Robert’s Rules of Order, members agreed that the revised version should be included in next month’s agenda packet so the commission can vote on the entire bylaws at its December meeting. Set Agenda As part of the bylaws discussion, Herb Isbin asked that the commission discuss the commission’s mission and goals. Herb Isbin asked that either or both Charlie Meyer, City Manager, and Nancy Gohman, Human Resources Director, be invited to a future meeting to discuss the City’s progress in affirmation action. Herb Isbin asked that the commission update its brochure. Members were asked to forward any suggestions to Isbin, and he will bring a revised draft to a future meeting for discussion. 69 Laurel Higgins suggested that next month’s agenda include a review of the police training session and electing a new chairperson. Adjournment With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lynn Schwartz Recording Secretary 70 MINUTES HOUSING AUTHORITY ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA December 8, 1999 Council Chambers 4:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Catherine Courtney, William Gavzy, Bridget Gothberg, Judith Moore and Shone Row MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Michele Schnitker, Kathy Larsen, Sharon Anderson and Paula Jordan OTHERS PRESENT: Steve Bubul, Kennedy & Graven Chartered, Mark Ruff and Mike Lafave, Ehlers & Associates, Ron Price, PPL, Lisa Kugler, Consultant for PPL and a representative from the League of Women Voters. . 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:30 P.M. 2. Approval of the Minutes Commissioner Courtney moved approval of the October 13th and the November 10th Minutes. Commissioner Moore seconded the motion. The motion was passed on a vote of 5-0 with Commissioners Gavzy, Gothberg, Courtney, Moore and Row voting in favor. 3. Hearings: None 4. Reports and Committees: None 5. Unfinished Business : None 71 6. New Business a. Louisiana Court Development Agreement with PPL - Memorandum Michele Schnitker reported that staff, along with members of the redevelopment team, were in attendance to present to the Board an update of the Louisiana Court Project and to answer any questions. Staff met with the City Council at its November 22nd Study Session to review the development agreement with them. One of the issues discussed was the possible use of eminent domain to acquire four of the buildings. PPL has not been able to acquire purchase agreements for four of the eleven buildings. The effects of increased acquisition costs on the project were also discussed. Staff will go back to the City Council Study Session on December 13th to further discuss this issue. Ms. Schnitker introduced Steve Bubul, Kennedy & Graven Chartered, Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates, Ron Price, Project for Pride in Living (PPL) and Lisa Kugler, Consultant for PPL who were present to answer any questions on the project. Kathy Larsen reported on the timeline for the project actions and dates that will require Housing Authority and Council action. Ms. Larsen also gave a summary of the Louisiana Court Redevelopment Project Partner meeting that was held Wednesday, November 24th. The purpose of the meeting was to determine partner support of the Louisiana Court Project prior to the City's consideration to authorize application for the General Obligation Bonds (GO Bonds). Cost is approximately $22,500 to the City to enter into a Redevelopment Contract with Project for Pride in Living (PPL). Staff relayed the Council's concern that the City wanted some indication from this group as to the likelihood of funding. The MHFA, FHF and Met Council are being asked to fund approximately $2,000,000 of the project costs. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MFHA)'s Super RFP and the Family Housing Fund will award proposals April 27, 2000. The MET Council's LCDA Award will be made in December 1999. Ms. Larsen reported that Tom Fulton, Family Housing Fund (FHF), Guy Peterson, MET Council and Bob Ordman, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) all responded favorably to the project. Ms. Larsen reported on the November 22nd City Council meeting about the discussion concerning the four buildings that PPL has yet to secure purchase 72 agreements for. These buildings are the most blighted and it may not be possible to do the project unless they can be purchased. Based on the element of eminent domain, attorney Bob Lindall of Kennedy and Graven, was contacted. Mr. Lindall was asked to submit a report showing the high and low range for acquisition costs if eminent domain proceedings move forward. Ms. Larsen reported that staff will ask the City Council, at the December 20th meeting, to consider resolutions to enter into a Redevelopment Agreement with HA and PPL, to submit an application to MHFA for a bond allocation, enter into a Cooperation Agreement with the HA and to authorize the HA to proceed with eminent domain. At this time the Housing Board is not being asked to take action until its January Board meeting. At that time the Board will be asked to commence proceedings for eminent domain, to approve the final Development Agreement, which would have been approved by the City Council, and to approve an Initial Agreement with Minneapolis Public Housing Authority for development of Hollman Units. Steve Bubul, Kennedy & Graven Chartered, reported on the Redevelopment Agreement. The basic intent of the Agreement is to set out in advance of the decision to sell the bonds what role each party will play along with what the financial responsibilities will be. Mr. Bubul stated that the immediate issue is the property acquisition in which Project for Pride in Living (PPL) has the first responsibility to try to acquire all the property. PPL has purchase agreements for seven of the eleven buildings, and it is their responsibility to continue to make attempts to acquire the four remaining buildings. The current draft of the contract states that if PPL provides a written certification that they have been unsuccessful, the Housing Authority, at its discretion, may commence condemnation. If the project does not move forward, the City and PPL would share the additional cost of acquisition on a 50-50 basis. It is structured as such that the property would not be acquired and condemnation award not paid until all the conditions had been met to issue the bonds. Mr. Bubul stated that if condemnation commences and the City acquires the property, it would be at a point when there is certainty that the project will move forward and the bonds would be sold. At that time the City and PPL would be reimbursed for the acquisition costs. Mark Ruff, Ehlers and Associates responded to several general questions from the Board on the project. Steve Bubul, Kennedy & Graven Chartered, reported on other aspects of the acquisition. PPL will have the obligation to provide the title commitments with the City in the position as first lender. PPL must handle all the relocation with the intent that relocations will be as few as possible and on a temporary basis. All relocation costs and hiring an acceptable relocation consultant are also PPL's responsibility. 73 Mr. Bubul briefly described that PPL would be doing the site reconfiguration, in addition to the rehabilitation of the individual units. PPL is required to submit a Scope of Work, which is the initial construction plan to be included as an attachment to the Redevelopment Agreement. Before the bonds are issued, however, both parties must approve an updated Scope of Work. There will be a set construction schedule, and the contracts will be let according to competitive bidding requirements. Commissioner Gavzy inquired if PPL would be serving as the general contractor and/or the construction manager on the project. Ron Price, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), responded that PPL would be working as the acting construction manager. The project would be competitively bid out and PPL would be included in that bidding process. Commissioner Gavzy asked Mr. Price if a general contractor would be hired for this project. Mr. Price replied that for the preponderance of the work needed on this project, hiring a general contractor would only increase the costs. A construction manager will be engaging subcontractors to complete most of the work required on this project. Mr. Price also stated that he has conferred with PPL's construction manager about the 24 conversion units and PPL has acquired a proposal from a general contractor for that specific work, but all other work is being viewed as construction management. Commissioner Gavzy inquired whether or not PPL has operated as both construction manager and general contractor on other projects. Mr. Price stated that PPL has been involved in several projects where they have been both the general contractor and the construction manager. Commissioner Gavzy asked Mr. Price if PPL had completed a project where they hired a general contractor and if so, why not the Louisiana Court project. Mr. Price indicated that PPL had hired general contractors several times but indicated that there are cost savings and control factors to consider by not hiring a general contractor. Lisa Kugler, Consultant for PPL, reported to the Board that PPL has been bonded up to $2,000,000 and must provide a Payment in Performance Bond along with the financial assurances as a general contractor. Mr. Ruff, Ehlers and Associates, addressed the issue that the City raised concerning the fact of PPL being both the contractor and the inspector. Mr. Ruff suggested that the City might want to consider someone other than the 74 building inspector, if PPL is the construction manager, to defer any construction oversight. Mr. Ruff feels that, since the City is essentially the lender, it is something the City should consider. Commissioner Moore inquired as to the timeframe for issuing bonds. Mr. Ruff replied that after the allocation is received, assuming it is received in January, there are 120 days in which to issue the bonds which would be the first week in May. The bonds will not be issued unless all the conditions have been met. If the time frame elapses there is a possibility of selling temporary bonds which can be later replaced with permanent bonds, but that will add a cost element. Ms. Schnitker asked the Board if there were further comments on the project as staff would be meeting December 9th at 1:00 p.m. to review the Redevelopment Agreement once again. Mark Ruff and Mike Lafave, Ehlers & Associates, who have served as financial advisors for the City on all bond issues, gave the report on General Obligation Bonds (GO) for the Louisiana Court project. The bonds will not be issued until all the conditions are met and revenues are at least 120% of debt service. All financing, permits, and construction plans must be approved, all property must be acquired and the rents must be workable. The City also has a right to approve a management plan along with Scope of Work plans for the project itself. Commissioner Gavzy and the Housing Authority staff expressed concern regarding PPL's construction and management standards for the Louisiana Court project and that those standards should be equal to Housing Authority standards. . b. Architectural Contract - 1999 CIAP Sharon Anderson reported on the Architectural Contract for CIAP for 1999. Staff is asking the Authority to authorize the Chairman and Executive Director to execute a contract with Studio Five Architects for architectural services for the 1999 CIAP project (contingent on HUD approval) in the amount of $14,187 with a minimum reimbursable expense of $2,000. Commissioner Gothberg moved to authorize the contract. Commissioner Moore seconded the motion. The motion was passed on a vote of 4-0 with Commissioners Row, Gavzy, Gothberg and Moore voting in favor. c. Action Plan Update - Year 2000 The Board asked if the Action Plan Update could be discussed at a special meeting where all board members could be present for discussion and 75 approval. The Housing Secretary was asked to schedule a date and time in January that would be acceptable so that all Board members could be in attendance. 7. Communications from Executive Director a. Claims List No 99-12 Ms. Schnitker reported on the new format of the Claims List and she added that Marie Malam, the Accountant, is still working out some details that involve working with the software vendor. Commissioner Gavzy indicated that the Board is satisfied with the format of the current Claims List. Commissioner Gothberg moved to accept Claims List No. 99-12. Commissioner Row seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 4-0 with Commissioners Gavzy, Moore, Gothberg and Row voting in favor. b. Communications (1) Monthly Report for December - 1999 Ms. Schnitker pointed out that on the Summary of Participation for the Section 8 Program, the number of units budgeted for and the total units utilized at this point have been added. (2) Scattered Site Houses and Hamilton House Report (verbal report) Sharon Anderson reported that the new Social Services Coordinator, Jen Smeby, hired at Hamilton House through the TOP grant, has been working out very well and the residents are becoming involved in activities again. (3) Home Renewal Program Habitat Program Update (verbal report) Kathy Larsen reported on the Home Renewal Program. The developer working on the house at 1454 Jersey Avenue has given the plans to Inspections for review. The property at 2929 Ottawa had only generated one bid and the property has been re-bid. There has been considerable interest in the property at a lower price. At this time there are no other properties being considered for this program. 76 8. Other Michele Schnitker reported that Cindy Larsen, City Clerk, had indicated that the City Council wanted to set an agenda for meeting with the all the Commissions in the Year 2000, asking what time frame would be acceptable to the Board to meet. The Board responded that any time other than the months of February, March and August would be acceptable. 9. Adjournment Commissioner Moore moved to adjourn. Commissioner Gothberg seconded the motion. The motion was passed on a vote of 4-0 with Commissioners Gavzy, Row, Moore and Gothberg voting in favor Respectfully Submitted _________________________ Shone Row Secretary 77 Item # 9d* MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 15 1999 --7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Bissonnette (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), Michael Garelick, Ken Gothberg, Dennis Morris, MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Carver, Jerry Timian, Sally Velick STAFF PRESENT: Judie Erickson, Janice Loftus, Sacha Peterson 1. Call to Order - Roll Call Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes of December 1, 1999 Mr. Garelick moved approval of Minutes of December 1, 1999 and the motion passed on a vote of 3-0-1 with Garelick, Gothberg, Morris voting in favor and Bissonnette abstaining. 3. Public Hearings A. Novartis applications continued from 12-1 Case No. 99-28-S - Request of Novartis Nutrition for Preliminary and Final Plat approval for Novartis Addition; and Case No. 99-30-VAC - Request of Novartis Nutrition to vacate a portion of West 24th Street Case No. 99-29-CUP - Request of Novartis Nutrition for an amendment to a continued special permit to permit more than one building on a lot at 5320 W. 23rd Street. Chair Morris noted that since there is no quorum present the Commission will conduct business as a Committee. Chair Morris opened the public hearings for the plat and street vacation. Sacha Peterson, Planning Associate, presented a staff report. She stated that on December 1, 1999 the Planning Commission voted, per staff’s recommendation, to continue these public hearings and consideration of a land use request by Novartis. The reason, at that time, was that Novartis had proposed a small 78 building addition very late in the process. There were several changes that were needed to the preliminary and final plat documents before the requests could be fully heard and analyzed. Ms. Peterson stated that Novartis has now withdrawn their requests for replatting the property and the street vacation. However, they are requesting continuation of their special permit amendment to January 19, 2000. Novartis owns a fairly large piece of property (about 25 acres consisting of 7 different parcels) and some of the lot lines traverse buildings. There is a fair amount of title work that needs to be cleaned up so one of the purposes in replatting the property is to create one continuous lot out of the entire property and to resolve some of the title issues. They were also requesting vacation of a portion of West 24th Street. Ms. Peterson said that, apparently, there are some financial advantages, with respect to payment of taxes, to Novartis, in delaying their replatting and street vacation requests, so their intention is to withdraw those two requests and bring them back next summer. Ms. Peterson stated that Novartis is proposing to do a small building addition, about 2,000 square feet on the north side of the building, near the railroad tracks. They have an existing special permit on the property so that permit would need to be amended and the request would need to go through Planning Commission and City Council. All of this was resolved fairly recently and staff has not reviewed the plans for the building addition at this point. Therefore, staff is recommending, pursuant to Novartis’ request, to continue the special permit amendment until January 19th to give Novartis time to submit new plans and time for staff to prepare a staff report. Ms. Peterson mentioned that there were a number of comments from nearby residents at the last meeting regarding some enforcement issues that included noise on the north side of the Novartis building, Ovaltine dust that people near the property were experiencing on their properties and the odor emanating from the Novartis facility. One of our inspections staff, the Supervisor of Health Inspections is the person responsible for this type of complaint. Ms. Peterson stated he has been working with Novartis in the past and she brought these issues to his attention. The Supervisor of Health Inspections did some further research in the last week or so. Regarding the odor and dust issues, he did speak with Novartis’ production engineer who was aware of both the dust and odor complaints and they are looking at a couple of new pieces of equipment to install. In terms of the odor, there is another type of equipment that they are looking at. At this point, they are probably not exceeding the State standards for these types of emissions, so, the City code enforcement is really working with Novartis on a voluntary basis. It may take some time to resolve these issues because the equipment is relatively expensive. As far as the noise issue, the inspections person did follow-up with the resident who had made this complaint and is working with him. Apparently, it was an issue that had been happening over the summer and they believe it is resolved now, but basically the one resident who was noting the noise issue was invited to call again if it continued to be problem. 79 Chair Morris noted that there is now a quorum present so we are conducting business as a Planning Commission. Chris McClellan, 5724 25 1/2 Street, stated that he missed the previous meeting. and asked what proportion of the 25 acres are they going to consume with their new addition. Ms. Peterson stated that in lieu of not having an overhead, she will put a plan on the podium for review. She indicated that the buildings are occupying approximately 1/3 to 2/5 of the 25 acres basically on the northeast area of the property. She showed the area being proposed for the building addition which is approximately 2,000 square feet addition. Barbara Wengarten, 2554 Xenwood Avenue, questioned the Planning Associate’s statement concerning emission levels reporting that their emissions put out a film every night that leaves dust on my windshield that I have to wash off in the morning. It would seem to me that that is a little excessive. Mr. Garelick asked, if to her knowledge, other people have complained about the dust film, perhaps further toward Minnetonka Boulevard and asked how far she was from the plant Ms. Wengarten stated that she is not able to go around and talk to people in the neighborhood and she didn’t know the exact distance she was from the plant. Chair Morris stated that from the scale on the map she is approximately 800-1000 feet away. Chair Morris closed the public hearing for the above plat and street vacation. Chair Morris opened the public hearing for the amendment to the continued special permit. Mr. Garelick asked if the issue of the dust could be brought up in the future. Ms. Peterson indicated that she would continue to obtain as much information as she can from the Inspections Department. Mr. Garelick asked if the dust is only on the car or did it go into the housing area and sidewalks. Ms. Wengarten stated that she lost a small dog to lung cancer which came from some kind of pollution, perhaps from this or traffic on Highway 100. 80 Chair Morris stated that as part of an amended special permit that the issue of the density and usage of the property would warrant looking into whether to expand that usage. Mr. Garelick moved to continue the public hearing for the special permit amendment to the January 19, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. The motion passed on a vote of 4-0 with Bissonnette, Garelick, Gothberg, Morris voting in favor. B. Case No. 99-33-CP -- Amendment to Comprehensive Plan - Mill City Site Judie Erickson, Planning Coordinator, presented a staff report and recommended that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council adopt the proposed text changes to the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Garelick asked if he was right in thinking that it is too prohibitive and expensive to go after the owner of the property at this point and if that was our main justification for the amendment. Ms. Erickson stated that the actual billboard property is owned by the company who operates the billboard on that property. Costs to condemn the billboard would be based on revenue and could be as much as a million dollars. Mr. Gothberg asked if the area east of Louisiana between Walker and Highway seven is also included in the amendment to remove a billboard in the redevelopment statement. Is that area also in a situation where the billboard is on a separate small parcel or is it potentially another situation like we had on the south side of Highway 7 where we ended up having a billboard relocated? Ms. Erickson stated that she believes the billboard property also contains another building on that site. You are right in assuming if we can’t redevelop, we may be back in here for another amendment. However, in lieu of the City Council’s stand on being aggressive at removing billboards, since we don’t have a redevelopment project and don’t know circumstances surrounding any project at this point, we really didn’t want to address any other billboards. Chair Morris stated that with the way the Comprehensive Plan is worded, he thinks we are just word crafting. I think the intent is the redevelopment of a particular property, rather than by neighborhood. Obviously, if redevelopment occurred in a neighborhood and there was a billboard there, it wouldn’t require its removal, only if it is on the developed property. It leads me to the question of what do we consider the billboard property if theoretically the owner of this property wanted to divide this land and only retain the parcel within 10 feet of his billboard and sell the remainder to Mill City Properties. According to what I could read in our land subdivision ordinance, that is a legitimate move so it appears that even though they may have a significant parcel of land, we are not 81 reaching our goal of removing billboards because technically the billboard company can start dividing out the piece of land that has the billboard on it, sell the property off and develop the excess parcels. Ms. Erickson indicated that the property has been reguided to RC residential property and the RC District has minimum lot sizes so it would be fairly difficult to divide it too small. Chair Morris stated that he thinks this is already a non-conforming lot. Ms. Erickson stated it is about 1/2 acre. Chair Morris stated that if the entire Mill City Site had a billboard on it and they could subdivide the land and keep one parcel with the billboard and redevelop the excess parcel, it may be a possible loop hole in the Comprehensive Plan to keep the billboard. He said he would like staff to consider this loophole. Ms. Erickson stated that the elimination of billboards is a really hot topic and the Council has discussed this many times. It is true that the City Council has told staff that they want to take an aggressive approach to remove billboards, but they are quite conservative when they are approaching the fact that they may, in fact, have to be the agency that purchases them. In this case, we do have a proposal to develop the Mill City site and it does not include the billboard property. Because of that it seems unlikely that the property owner who is developing the property is going to want to take on the task of buying another piece of property with a billboard on it just so the billboard can be removed. The billboard company isn’t interested in selling anyway. Staff is considering this case by itself and not considering other scenarios or development areas. This proposal is for 200 units of housing. Considering goals of trying to redevelop polluted sites and achieving housing goals, staff feels it is prudent at this time to adjust the Comprehensive Plan language in this particular case. As a staff member, I would really like to see that billboard go, but public costs also need to be considered. Mr. Garelick stated that last summer the Commission was involved with discussions on the adjacent land as park land. If we have to go into the future and spend a million dollars on removing a billboard, when we have basically said that we have no money for park improvements, I think this would not be right and there would be a lot of arguments against spending money to remove a billboard. It just doesn’t seem like the right thing to do as far as appropriation of money to deal with this one specific billboard and I think we should go with the staff recommendation. Chair Morris stated that he agrees, but is concerned that we don’t have a double standard, one for property developed with City participation and one for properties that do not require City participation. 82 Mr. Gothberg stated that Chair Morris made a very good point that within our current ordinances a person could subdivide their property and develop one part and maintain a billboard. On the other hand, if we get very restrictive, it could eliminate some development. What it really boils down to is a financial issue in most cases. Chair Morris opened the public hearing. With no one wishing to speak Chair Morris closed the public hearing Mr. Gothberg moved to recommend that the City Council adopt the proposed text changes to the Comprehensive Plan. The motion passed on a vote of 4-0 with Bissonnette, Garelick, Gothberg, Morris, voting in favor. 4. Old Business A. Case No. 99-13-ZA -- Reconsideration of Zoning Ordinance amendment to allow restaurants with liquor to be permitted with conditions in the C-2 District – (request of Vladimir Velikson) Sacha Peterson, Planning Associate, presented a staff report which included a history of the request, and an explanation of the site survey that was performed on the property which determined that the set back is 10.7 feet. A setback variance would be required for any type of restaurant to locate in the Texa Tonka Center with or without liquor and for music or dancing which is considered private indoor entertainment. She explained the difficulty with the proposal to determine if it is possible to distinguish between a restaurant with liquor and an accessory bar, if it is appropriate to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions and what alternative existed to potentially meet the applicant’s needs. Ms. Peterson recommended that the Planning Commission deny the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to allow restaurants with liquor as permitted with conditions in the C-2 District and recommended an alternative amendment that would be processed separately and analyzed further at the January 5, 2000 Planning Commission meeting. Jim Yarosh, representative of Fine Properties of Minnesota LLP, stated that Mr. Jeff Fine has worked very closely with Mr. Velikson. Mr. Fine wants me to indicate that his absence tonight is not any indication of his lack of support or interest. He just wasn’t able to be here but he hopes to be able to make it to the City Council meeting. He presented a short history of the concept of this project and stated that Mr. Velikson is proposing to do something unique in St. Louis Park which he hopes will appeal to a broader population. One of the Planning Commission’s concerns was the City giving up control by making this a use permitted with conditions rather than making a non-conforming use become compatible. If you look at Staff’s new proposal, you run into that problem to a greater extent and the City will really have less control over the non-conforming 83 uses. Staff’s proposal will carve out an exception for a multi-tenant building, where right now, any conditional use permit that you issue would have to comply with all non-conformities, so now you are actually reducing. This has wide spread implications for any conditional use permit in the City, C-2 District or not. The requirement is that you must comply with all non-conformities to the extent reasonable and possible is a real tough standard to interpret. Right now you have a hard and fast rule. I think another problem with the Staff’s new proposal is what is the rational basis for distinguishing between a multi-tenant building and a single tenant building with respect to non-conforming uses. Why not have that standard for all of them, why just limit it to multi-tenant buildings, so I think there is a problem there. Mr. Yarosh stated he is in favor of the original proposal because it addresses the perceived detrimental affects of this use, increase traffic and noise. The original proposal for restaurants with or without liquor has five conditions that relate to any worry that the City would have about this type of use. Access to a roadway identified in the Comprehensive Plan as a collector or arterial addresses the fact thatYou don’t want cars going through residential neighborhoods. In this particular case, the use is right on Minnetonka Boulevard so you wouldn’t have that problem. I am looking at it from a general perspective because, as a text amendment, it is going to affect more than the Texa-Tonka shopping center. Mr. Yarosh stated that the condition that the building housing the use should be located a minimum of 25 feet from the residential district and have adequate buffering addresses noise issues. In this particular instance a variance was granted. I think the consideration that BOZA gave for granting the variances with a 4-1 vote, was the large grade and the shopping center sitting a lot lower. Mr. Yarosh stated that the next condition is about separate pedestrian ways and that a certain type of buffer yard would be required. These already address the concerns that you would have about a use that has liquor or later hours, or cars. I think your ordinance already protects the City from these perceived detrimental affects. Secondly, the initial zoning ordinance amendment proposal really has less of an impact on the City than Staff’s new proposal Mr. Yarosh mentioned, Staff’s current proposal will affect every CUP in the City and it carves out that exception. If you look at the first Staff report, the Planning Commission wanted to know how it would impact the whole City and this is why it was continued. Staff’s conclusion, based on its research, is that most of the new restaurants serving liquor would continue to require a CUP because most of them have the accessory bar. The problem is in determining what is an accessory bar. Staff didn’t have a problem determining that when they went out and looked that there were 17 restaurants with an accessory bar. I think they used the common sense approach to determine what is an accessory bar; it had a bartender, tables and a bar around it and chairs. I think that can be handled that way, I don’t agree that this is as difficult as staff has indicated. 84 Mr. Yarosh said the other positive about this proposal is that it allows a new concept that has much public support. Members of this body have indicated quite a bit of enthusiasm about it in the past and BOZA has. I know Mr. Velikson has met with his Councilmember and has gotten very good feedback about this new concept. Mr. Yarosh distributed a chronology indicating what has happened with this proposal to date. Mr. Yarosh said that Mr. Velikson runs the Euro Gourmet with his wife in the Texa-Tonka shopping center. He began discussions with Mr. Fine prior to the May or June date I have listed here about the possibility of forming this new concept. That is when discussions were held with Mr. Harmening and Councilmember Latz on how we should proceed. Mr. Velikson met with staff. The original idea with Mr. Fine and Mr. Velikson was that they thought all they would need is the variance from the 100 foot setback. It turns out they were not aware of the requirement that all CUPs had to come into compliance with any non-conformity with the current zoning code. It was staff who actually recommended this proposal and the issue of a text amendment which they supported through two hearings before this committee. The Planning Commission heard this the first time on July 21st and it was continued with two questions, which were answered for the August 18th meeting. At that point, there was an issue because of the dancing and there was some miscommunication. Maybe some of staff, and the Councilmember may have known about the idea that Mr. Velikson was going to have this dancing component to it. It was determined at that time, although the ordinances don’t directly address the issue, that dancing is considered a private indoor entertainment use, so that is when it was decided that you have a 60 foot requirement and you need to get two variances. That was addressed in September, and in October when the variances were granted. Now staff is taking an about face and not supporting this text amendment. I have given reasons on why the initial proposal is better than what Staff is now proposing. I urge you to consider my argument and then hear Mr. Velikson explain his proposal and look at a few renderings, I would be happy to answer any questions that you have. Thank you for your time. Vladimir Velikson was present and distributed a floor plan of his proposed restaurant to the Planning Commission. Chair Morris said he does not feel that it is necessary to prove to the Commission that the proposed restaurant is a valid idea. The Commission, at various times, has stated that your idea is a good idea and we wish we could accommodate it. He said the Commission is struggling with policy and ordinance issues. As far as I recall from any of the meetings, there is no opposition to your opening as a business. 85 Vladimir Velikson said that in August, 1995 he and his wife opened Euro Gourmet, a delicatessen store in Texa-Tonka shopping center. We really never had any desire to be involved in a restaurant business because we are not deeply involved in this part of business, but destiny led us a different direction when Synder’s drug store moved and space became available. People from the larger Eastern European community came to us with an idea and a request about opening up a restaurant which will satisfy needs for the European part of the Twin Cities. There were a number of people who looked at the opportunity and expressed a strong desire to support this project. Mr. Velikson presented a petition signed by several dozen people in support of his proposed restaurant. Mr. Velikson stated that when space became available, I took the idea to Mr. Fine who is the owner of the property and he expressed his interest to participate in this project from the standpoint to completely renovate the entire space by putting in air conditioning, heating, exhaust, new ceiling and floor, and create maximum conditions to decrease my burden to build a restaurant. I decided that maybe its a good way to create something. Also, logistically it is very convenient, since the restaurant can be connected with our store as shown in the picture. Mr. Velikson said he would like to address the very sensitive issue about the bar. It’s true, for this type of restaurant, we don’t need a bar. This type of restaurant is where people come for specific reasons for dinner, dancing and for a longer stay and they absolutely probably have no need to use a bar. It is not a disco, or simple bar. This is the reason I eliminate this idea of a bar. A bar can create more complications related to excessive drinking and attract a younger population which is also very dangerous territory because you have to check IDs and have more man power. If I am permitted to have a restaurant, it will be an elegant place where people feel very comfortable and it will not be convenient to put jacket on the back of stool or chair, so space is a very valuable in this property. The kitchen will be a very substantial size, so dance floor, stage, coat room, lobby and kitchen shrinks restaurant to certain scale. To understand what I am talking about, I would like to show you some pictures of our store. Euro Gourmet has been recognized in many very distinguished publications. Its idea will lead us in St. Louis Park to create and establish something significant and distinguished that will attract attention in the most positive way from population of St. Louis Park and the Twin Cities. I’m torn between two powers, the landlord with shopping mall and the City of St. Louis Park. The procedure and process is a new thing for me since the liquor license was the initial issue that everyone was concentrating on. Chair Morris clarified that that Mr. Velikson was eliminating the accessory bar, but he would pursue a liquor license. Chair Morris accepted the petition for the public record. 86 Mr. Garelick said that he spent two hours with Mr. Velikson last night. I do not speak in support of Fine development because they have neglected that center for years. It has become shabby. Parts of the center have been vacant for a while and he hasn’t really been a good neighbor in the area. I speak for Mr. Velikson, that I was under the impression that this was a little restaurant deli and I walked in there last night and what I discovered was a cultural treasure. There were Koreans, Germans, and people from all over the world. It is probably the most cosmopolitan place in St. Louis Park that exists right now and the cleanliness was beautiful. I want Texa-Tonka shopping center to be improved. If we give them a chance to put this kind of facility in there where it could be a magnet for other people to come in and use the center, we will see what is going to happen at Knollwood. We had to redo that one to make it palatable in today’s economy. It does serve a need, it meets the criteria of which I have spoken often of strong neighborhood influence. This is one reason I am told that people like to move into the area, because of his little shop there. It has a very culturally diverse population. He stated that Mr. Velikson showed us a petition and all of those names were accumulated within a 30 day period. The question goes to, yes I think we all agree this is a good thing for you and the City. I would like to see a lot more of these in different smaller centers to act as a magnet to bring people into them because the small centers in St. Louis Park need help. Mr. Garelick said the question is what is Mr. Fine willing to do. What is going to go through our minds and the Council’s is for something down the road with landscaping or something to make this not an eyesore which it is. If he is spending all this money to fix it up, will Mr. Fine do something. Maybe by not asking for a standing bar, but serving liquor from the table, it is the actual solution that we are looking for. The bottom line, I think, is something that we are going to want to bend over backward to really work for. There is no city participation in this as far as money goes, but it is something that can really dress up this neighborhood and have a positive affect on this surrounding community around it. I think we should help them in any way we can. Mr. Yarosh said that he had that very conversation with Mr. Fine today. The question for staff, saying is this were to go to a CUP is, how would you define “reasonably possible”. There are aesthetic issues. Are you going to make him tear down the walls and put up a different type of brick? Ms. Peterson said that Staff has not gotten that far. That would be the next step if the Council approves our recommendation. Mr. Yarosh said that other thing would be that you already have the variance procedure in affect and BOZA has spoken loudly about how they feel about this proposal, so if you left it as it was or you approve the initial proposal that would be one option. The other thing I want to point out is that the Texa-Tonka shopping center is going to be part of a study area in the year 2000 and Mr. Fine 87 has indicated his willingness to participate. He wants the center to benefit and wants tenants and, to a certain extent, he needs the help of the City in allowing potential good uses to see if he can make it work. It is an effort that both the City and Mr. Fine need to engage in. Mr. Fine has made a commitment to the City and he will be involved in going forward with the comprehensive study area. Mr. Velikson provided an article entitled “Hidden Jewel” from the Twin City Taste publication. Mr. Gothberg said that he agreed with Commissioner Garelick that everyone is really in favor of the proposal, but it is just how to manage getting it to where it needs to be. My only concern is that, if we are successful, the reservations may be booked for several months just to get in. However, we do get into a situation where how do we really handle this appropriately from an ordinance view point and for future situations. I think this is really the issue and with a CUP we would have a public hearing that would be an advantage in this case because you would have a tremendous amount of neighborhood support. On the other hand, there are also the issues which your legal representation pointed out relative to what is the reasonable level of improvement in coming up to code. I am kind of struggling with that and if we even go back to approving the proposed text amendment, I believe there would still be the issue of dancing left on the table because that was not addressed at that point and the continuing liquor license. I would be interested in Staff’s comments relative to the issues raised about what is reasonable to bring things up to code and the dancing component. Ms. Peterson replied that the dancing component is permitted with conditions in the zoning ordinance as private indoor entertainment. A variance has already been obtained for the condition of a 60 foot setback from residential. If staff’s text amendment were passed and Mr. Velikson came before the Planning Commission and Council for the CUP for restaurant with liquor, the conditions for private indoor entertainment would be met. So, staff would view that component favorably. As far as what is a reasonable standard, the Planning Commission has reviewed a number of special permit amendments. It is a standard that staff has applied frequently in a number of situations. Ms. Peterson stated that there is some precedence here. Some of the issues that are considered include the proportion of the property that is proposed to be used, the visibility of the property, and also what is financially reasonable. What are the existing conditions of the property? If there are a hundred things out of conformance, lets look at a percentage instead of trying to improve everything. So that in some ways, you are not trying to bring all of the properties up to the exact same level. There was a proposal that was passed by the City Council at their December 6, 1999 meeting that may be used as a case for comparison. The case is a retail computer center, Microcenter, that intends to locate in the vacant space next to the Burlington Coat Factory. That was under a special permit, so they were held to that “reasonable and possible” standard. For that property, the parking was out of compliance with regard to landscaping and lighting as well as the building façade. 88 A lot of the building is painted concrete and what was approved was a substantial amount of curbing and landscaping in the parking lot, bringing the lighting fully up to compliance and refacing the most visible portions of the building. That is something that can be used as guide. Ms. Bissonnette asked if the 2000 study will be similar to, or could have ramifications like, the Excelsior Boulevard study where it might recommend eliminating the center or part of the center. Ms. Erickson stated that there is no way to know what the outcome of the study will be until it is done. The study will look not only the shopping center, but all four quadrants of Texas and Minnetonka Boulevard and extending to the railroad right of way on Minnetonka Boulevard including all the retail uses along there. We would look at vacancy rates, conduct some retail market analysis to see what the retail possibility is in that area given the retail uses in proximity. We would certainly look at who frequents the shopping center, traffic in the area, parking, housing needs and aesthetics. Part of the problem that is there now, is that most of the buildings were constructed in the 1950’s. There were no parking standards at that time and most households owned only a single vehicle. The City wants this area to be viable. It is just my observation, but there are a lot of people who live there and need a neighborhood center, but what we are hearing from Mr. Velikson is that he has customers from everywhere. The right mix of retail may make the center a profitable place. We have had a lot of conversation with the Texa-Tonka neighborhood wanting to work with the property owner to improve the center, but until we gather a lot of data, we really can’t make a determination of what that data is going to say. Ms. Bissonnette asked what Mr. Fine’s opinion is in improving the center as far as the issues that have been raised. Mr. Yarosh stated that Mr. Fine wants to look at it as a whole. He gets a little concerned when he sees language of what is reasonable and possible. That is wide open and a question arises as to whose opinion it is and how do you figure that out. He said that Mr. Fine has indicated that he wants to see results and wants to help with the study area to see if it is economically viable and what the City thinks. The issue here is that if everyone supports the idea, then how do you get it done and does the initial proposal cover the concerns. Is the City going to have future problems with other people trying to use this to do something that you don’t want? Chair Morris stated that the dilemma is that we have a mechanism in our code to bring non-conforming properties into compliance and it is a very heavy handed mechanism that says that you must come into conformance or you don’t improve. On the other hand, we want improvement where we see it being proposed and we are all in favor of it, but now we are being asked to take away that tool. My opinion is that staff is proposing what we have been looking for and what we have 89 discussed at previous meetings. We want a balanced gradual change as development can come in and CUP’s can be issued and at the same time non- conformities can be diminished. It may be a reality that many of those non- conformities can never be diminished because of geographic features and building features, but it may be reasonable to expect a 15% development of a non- conforming property with an off setting 15 % reduction in non-conformities. I speak to what I think staff is going to try and craft as a balance of allowing a CUP with a condition that the property owner starts diminishing some of the non- conformities, not bringing all of the non-conformities into compliance in one full swoop. It could be a matter of phased in lighting and landscaping proportional to the amount of square feet being redeveloped. Quite possibly with Mr. Velikson’s redevelopment, we could just require a 20% landscape increase. It appears the property owner is willing to invest in the property and develop a tenant that will bring business and rents to the property. The “reasonable and the possible” language is probably crafted to mean that we are going to set standards and percentages to phase in. This has wide spread repercussions. We want to have conforming uses, but we don’t want to have development occur first and then hope the conformity comes second. Chair Morris stated he supports staff’s recommendation to deny the request for the text amendment and requests that staff bring back a proposed text amendment which has not yet been crafted, but with input from the Commission and the applicant. I am not in favor of an across the board change in the text to eliminate CUP’s for restaurants with liquor as I am in favor of seeing staff come back with an amendment that has far reaching affects on the CUP and non-conformities. Ms. Bissonnette concurred with Chair Morris and stated that the City needs to keep the standards and the property owner responsible for bringing it to conformance and being a better space for other retailers to want to locate there. Mr. Gothberg also concurred with Chair Morris. Mr. Garelick asked when staff would bring back the proposed text amendment. He said he would like to see some sort of compromise. We don’t want to see the opportunity window go away if this particular store is rented and then everything is gone. Ms. Peterson indicated that the proposal would be ready by the January 5, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. Mr. Yarosh stated that there have been other inquiries for that space. Mr. Gothberg asked how this timeframe would affect the sequence of activities particular to Mr. Velikson’s issues. 90 Ms. Peterson indicated that this would extend the time frame. It appears that Mr. Velikson would come before the Planning Commission in February for a CUP and get approval at the first City Council meeting in March with a liquor license being issued after that. Chair Morris stated if there had been fees paid for the petition for the text amendment, he would like to recommend that they be applied to a CUP application fee for the incredible amount of patience and time Mr. Velikson and Mr. Yarosh have put into this. I think it is only fair that this consideration be given, assuming, of course, the request for the text amendment is denied by the City Council. Chair Morris clarified that a CUP application can be made, but we are still at the same point that the CUP requires 100% conformity to the non-compliance. Technically, if we have a CUP request before us, before a text amendment is made, it is still subject to the previous ordinance and not to any amendments to the ordinance. So I believe, Mr. Velikson would have to request a CUP after any text amendments provided he felt that was a viable option at that point. Ms. Peterson presented a time line for the proposed text amendment change. The staff’s proposed text amendment would come before the Planning Commission on January 5, 2000 and then it could go to the City Council on January 18, 2000 for 1st reading of the ordinance and 2nd reading on February 7, 2000. If first reading passes, staff would probably accept an application for a CUP at that point and, provided the second reading was passed on February 7, 2000, the applicant could come before the Planning Commission on February 16, 2000 for the CUP request. There would be a public hearing and then I suppose it is remotely possible that the applicant could come before the City Council on February 22, 2000, but probably more likely at the March 6, 2000 City Council Meeting for a CUP. Apparently there is a possibility of coming before the City Council for a liquor license at the same time. Chair Morris believed that with the denial of the text amendment change today, the minutes would reflect both the Planning Commission and City Council’s desire to craft a means of fairly allowing Mr. Velikson to implement his plan and at the same time protect the overall interests of the City’s zoning and Comprehensive Plan. With this in mind, I hope Mr. Fine can see his way to continue negotiating. Mr. Gothberg moved to deny the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment and recommend that staff bring back an alternative amendment at the January 5, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. The motion passed 4-0 with Bissonnette, Garelick, Gothberg and Morris voting in favor. 91 Mr. Garelick stated that he supports this with the understanding that this will be crafted by our staff and it will be put on the table again so we can make this a viable option. Chair Morris indicated that Council will or will not accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny the text amendment request at their January 3, 2000 meeting. 5. New Business A. Consent Agenda - None B. Other New Business 6. Communications A. Recent City Council Action - December 6, 1999 B. Other 7. Miscellaneous Mr. Garelick commended those who designed the Welcome to St. Louis Park signs. Training Session Update: Ms. Erickson asked for feedback on the recent training session. Chair Morris indicated he would fax feedback to staff. Mr. Garelick believed that the presentation was too generalized and how the Council and Planning Commission interact needs to be addressed. Ms. Bissonnette stated that there was too much information presented for one session and would recommend additional discussion on individual focus areas. Mr. Gothberg believed it was an excellent session from an overview standpoint and it was nice to have City Council and BOZA members present. Mr. Gothberg believed a point that came out was to have more Planning Commission involvement at City Council Study Sessions. Ms. Erickson stated that she received a request that in future training session a professional in mediation training come in to talk with Council and Commission members on how to deal with angry residents. Chair Morris recommended that the Planning Commission members present written feedback to Ms. Erickson for future reference. 8. Adjournment Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Prepared by: Janice Loftus Shirley Olson Administrative Secretary Recording Secretary 92 Item # 9e* January 7, 2000 VENDOR NAME DESCRIPTION AMOUNT ABLE COURIER OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 5.20 AIRTOUCH CELLULAR TELEPHONE 795.82 ALBINSONS PRINTING & PUBLISHING 4.00 ALMSTEAD'S SUPERVALU CONCESSION SUPPLIES 4.62 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 209.00 AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIAT SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 37.00 AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOC OFFICE SUPPLIES 40.00 AQUILA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIO OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 211.85 ARAMARK UNIFORM CORPORATE ACCT GENERAL SUPPLIES 729.45 ARC-Action Radio & Comm inc EQUIPMENT PARTS 111.50 ASSN OF METRO MUNICIPALITIES SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 8,856.00 BCA/ Traning and Development TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 600.00 BERNDT ELECTRIC SERVICE BUILDING MTCE SERVICE 409.64 BERTELSON OFFICE PRODUCTS OFFICE SUPPLIES 28.04 BOBS PERSONAL COFFEE SERVICE GENERAL SUPPLIES 289.45 BOWKER, JACQUELINE OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 34.32 BOYER FORD TRUCKS EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 234.99 BOYER TRUCK PARTS EQUIPMENT PARTS 548.88 BRO TEX INC GENERAL SUPPLIES 547.84 BROADWAY RENTAL RENTAL EQUIPMENT (1.66) BURNETT, BETH & MORLEY GENERAL SUPPLIES 1,366.80 Babett's In The Park OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 321.00 CARTRIDGE CARE EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 371.02 CATCO PARTS SERVICE EQUIPMENT PARTS 80.74 CIM SOFTWARE CORPORATION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1,757.67 COLICH & ASSOCIATES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 12,173.92 COLLISYS ELECTRIC CO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 62.00 COMMERS WATER SYSTEM PLUMBING 142.60 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS GENERAL SUPPLIES (938.10) CRAMER,WILLIAM PROGRAMMING 20.00 DALCO CLEANING/WASTE REMOVAL SUPPLY 3,922.48 DANKO EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT CO NON-CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 2,167.90 DCA INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 975.00 DELEGARD TOOL CO EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 205.17 E & S ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 244.91 ELAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GENERAL SUPPLIES 387.33 EMERY'S TREE SERVICE INC CLEANING/WASTE REMOVAL SERVICE 4,565.27 ENGINEERING REPRO SYSTEMS GENERAL SUPPLIES 45.97 ENSR CONSULTING & ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 10,846.26 FACTORY MOTOR PARTS COMPANY EQUIPMENT PARTS (15.67) FAIRMONT FIRE SYSTEMS EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 66.78 FRANKLIN COVEY TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 180.18 93 GALLAGHER & CO OF MN INC, A J WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE 0.00 GARTNER REFRIG & MFG INC EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 459.80 GE CAPITAL IT SOLUTIONS GENERAL SUPPLIES 8,985.56 GENERAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT CORP EQUIPMENT PARTS (14.07) GENUINE PARTS COMPANY EQUIPMENT PARTS 253.01 GLOBAL COMPUTER SUPPLIES OFFICE SUPPLIES 109.02 GOODIN COMPANY GENERAL SUPPLIES 300.99 GRAINGER INC, W W GENERAL SUPPLIES 106.68 HAWKINS WATER TREATMENT GROUP CLEANING/WASTE REMOVAL SUPPLY 2,196.68 HENNEPIN CO SHERIFF'S ACCT RADIO COMMUNICATIONS 259.12 HOME DEPOT/GECF GENERAL SUPPLIES 795.44 HOME HARDWARE GENERAL SUPPLIES 137.62 HONEYWELL INC EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 40.00 HUIRAS, SHIRLEY GENERAL SUPPLIES 214.96 HYNES,JOHN OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 105.00 ICE SKATING INSTITUTE OF AMERI GENERAL SUPPLIES 8.00 ICMA TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 4,135.00 IKON OFFICE SOLUTIONS RENTAL EQUIPMENT 54.00 IMAGE WORKS OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 838.65 INACOM INFORMATION SYSTEMS COMPUTER SUPPLIES 194.22 INDELCO EQUIPMENT PARTS 103.46 INTERSTATE DETROIT DIESEL EQUIPMENT PARTS 296.94 IOS CAPITAL RENTAL EQUIPMENT 1,536.80 KANSAS STATE BANK OF MANHATTAN CAPITALIZED INTEREST 642.43 KENNEDY & GRAVEN DEPOSITS PAYABLE 546.42 KNOX LUMBER GENERAL SUPPLIES 37.92 KRECH, BARBARA MILEAGE-PERSONAL CAR 122.45 LAKE FOREST ASSOCIATION OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 2,861.48 LANDGREN, ROGER INSURANCE BENEFITS 607.88 LARSON'S SALES, BUD GENERAL SUPPLIES 242.82 LOGIS COMPUTER SERVICES 26,462.16 M A H C O SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 75.00 M E H A MEETING EXPENSE 80.00 MACQUEEN EQUIP CO EQUIPMENT PARTS 1,469.70 MARKERT, TIM OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 500.00 MASTERSON PERSONNEL INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 2,216.25 MC HUGH, JOHN T MEETING EXPENSE 119.29 MCBRIDE,PATRICK DRISCOLL PROGRAMMING 20.00 MCGANN,JEAN MEETING EXPENSE 48.35 MENARDS GENERAL SUPPLIES 315.12 METHODIST HOSPITAL GENERAL CUSTOMERS 657.42 METRO SYSTEMS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 5,675.25 METROCALL BLDG/STRUCTURE SUPPLIES 22.57 MILLERBERND, DENNIS LICENSES/TAXES 123.35 MIND SHARP TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 516.00 MINUTEMAN PRESS OFFICE SUPPLIES 45.00 MN DRIVER & VEHICLE SVCS EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT CHARGE (46.00) MN POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 1,295.00 94 MOBILE RADIO ENGINEERING NON-CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 4,702.20 MOORE MEDICAL CORP GENERAL SUPPLIES 191.98 MPELRA SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 150.00 MSSA SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 25.00 MYERS TIRE SUPPLY COMPANY EQUIPMENT PARTS 87.73 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 170.00 NORTHERN TOOL & EQUIPMENT BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES 117.13 NORTHLAND ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO BLDG/STRUCTURE SUPPLIES 2,482.26 OLSEN CHAIN & CABLE CO INC GENERAL SUPPLIES 231.11 OSSEO SPORTS LUBRICANTS/ADDITIVES 147.19 PARTS PLUS EQUIPMENT PARTS 93.45 PRAXAIR DISTRIBUTION INC. GENERAL SUPPLIES 73.80 PRESTIGE LINCOLN MERCURY EQUIPMENT PARTS 782.97 PRO STAFF OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 816.00 QUANTERRA INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 9,770.00 QUICKSILVER EXPRESS COURIER GENERAL SUPPLIES 67.40 RADIO SHACK GENERAL SUPPLIES 67.34 ROGNESS SERVICE & SALES EQUIPMENT PARTS 116.94 SA-AG INC OTHER IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIES 1,521.79 SCAN AIR FILTER INC BLDG/STRUCTURE SUPPLIES 145.98 SCHWAAB INC OFFICE SUPPLIES 47.18 SCHWANTZ,MANDY OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 273.00 SEDGWICK CLAIMS GMT SERVICES PROF/CONSULT SERVICES 840.00 SELA ROOFING & REMODELING BUILDING MTCE SERVICE 600.00 SEWERMAN INC OTHER IMPROVEMENT SERVICE 6,075.00 SHOEMAKER, DAVID STUDY INCENTIVE & MERIT PAY 948.50 SIGN ART CO INC LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS 20,973.15 SNAP-ON INDUSTRIAL SMALL TOOLS 41.74 SPS COMPANIES INC BLDG/STRUCTURE SUPPLIES 226.41 SRF CONSULTING GROUP INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1,984.52 ST LOUIS PARK HOCKEY ASSN OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 1,883.00 ST. PAUL PLUMBING & HEATING CO BUILDING MTCE SERVICE 160.52 STANDARD SPRING OF MPLS EQUIPMENT PARTS 685.58 STAT MEDICAL GENERAL SUPPLIES 74.12 STEFONOWICZ, JODY OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 195.00 STEPHENS,RICHARD OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 100.00 STROTH, NANCY MILEAGE-PERSONAL CAR 9.30 SUBURBAN FEED & SUPPLY GENERAL SUPPLIES 47.93 SUBURBAN PROPANE MOTOR FUELS 61.63 SUBURBAN TIRE CO TIRES 247.59 SUN NEWSPAPERS LEGAL NOTICES 94.90 SWEENEY BROS TRACTOR EQUIPMENT PARTS (875.83) TARGET/DAYTONS GENERAL SUPPLIES 514.08 TAYLOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 1,700.00 TEKSYSTEMS OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 896.00 TIERNEY BROTHERS INC EQUIPMENT PARTS 6,361.01 TIFT, ANNA OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 53.90 TKDA OTHER IMPROVEMENT SERVICE 198.70 TRANSMISSION SHOP INC EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 684.22 TWIN CITY OPTICAL GENERAL SUPPLIES 365.14 U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE 44.06 95 UNITED RENTALS EQUIPMENT PARTS 156.78 VESSCO INC EQUIPMENT PARTS 50.06 WALSER FORD EQUIPMENT PARTS 170.73 WARNING LITES OF MN INC GENERAL SUPPLIES 348.14 WATSON CO INC CONCESSION SUPPLIES 289.55 WEISNER,MADDY PROGRAMMING 20.00 WM H MC COY PETROLEUM FUELS GENERAL SUPPLIES 45.53 WSB ASSOCIATES INC OTHER IMPROVEMENTS 1,641.50 WWW EQUIPMENT PARTS 2,032.11 ZEE MEDICAL SERVICE GENERAL SUPPLIES 51.62 ZIEGLER INC EQUIPMENT PARTS 36.77 ZIP SORT POSTAGE 172.81 190,704.13 January 14, 2000 VENDOR NAME DESCRIPTION AMOUNT AAA-LICENSE DIVISION MACHINERY & AUTO EQUIPMENT 3,495.38 ADVANTA BANK CORP OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 97.45 AIRTOUCH CELLULAR TELEPHONE 1,570.89 ALBINSONS OTHER IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIES (60.05) AMERICAN FORD EQUIPMENT PARTS 156.05 AMERICAN INSTITUTIONAL SUPPLY SUBSISTENCE SUPPLIES 112.92 ANCHOR PAPER CO GENERAL SUPPLIES 498.75 ARAMARK UNIFORM CORPORATE ACCT GENERAL SUPPLIES 353.03 ARC-Action Radio & Comm inc EQUIPMENT PARTS 218.00 AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS NETWORK SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 60.00 BARON, EILEEN OFFICE SUPPLIES 155.15 BARR ENGINEERING COMPANY OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 10,103.00 BATTERIES PLUS EQUIPMENT PARTS 244.93 BAUER BUILT TIRE & BATTERY EQUIPMENT PARTS (35.87) BOB JORGENSON DEPOSITS PAYABLE 100.00 BOYER FORD TRUCKS MACHINERY & AUTO EQUIPMENT 53,375.00 BOYER TRUCK PARTS EQUIPMENT PARTS 138.56 BROADWAY RENTAL RENTAL EQUIPMENT (1.66) BUSKEY, JENNIFER MILEAGE-PERSONAL CAR 140.43 Brinkman,Mark & Deborah INSPECTION-SINGLE/DOUBLE 25.00 CAPITOL COMMUNICATIONS RADIO COMMUNICATIONS 932.93 CARTRIDGE CARE POSTAGE 1,269.08 CATCO PARTS SERVICE EQUIPMENT PARTS (159.75) CEIL GORDAN PROGRAMMING 40.00 COFFEE MILL INC GENERAL SUPPLIES 96.00 CONCEPT SEATING INC GENERAL SUPPLIES (180.00) CONSECO FINANCE VENDOR SERV CO OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 751.89 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS GENERAL SUPPLIES (938.10) COPYMED INC OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 348.11 CORNERHOUSE OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 5,150.00 96 DALCOM INC RADIO COMMUNICATIONS 1,170.00 DANKO EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT CO GENERAL SUPPLIES 266.84 DIESEL COMPONENTS EQUIPMENT PARTS 351.64 ELAN GENERAL SUPPLIES 187.06 ENGINEERING REPRO SYSTEMS GENERAL SUPPLIES 7.20 ERV'S LAWN MOWER REPAIR EQUIPMENT PARTS 65.65 EVERGREEN LAND SERVICES CO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1,612.47 FACTORY MOTOR PARTS COMPANY EQUIPMENT PARTS (15.67) FREEWAY RADIATOR SERVICE EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 55.00 GALLAGHER & CO OF MN INC, A J WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE 0.00 GENERAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT CORP EQUIPMENT PARTS (14.07) GENUINE PARTS COMPANY EQUIPMENT PARTS 2,428.84 GIRARD'S BUSINESS MACHINES INC EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 220.00 GIWOYNA, NANCY MILEAGE-PERSONAL CAR 13.95 GLS-GREG LARSON SPORTS GENERAL SUPPLIES 435.98 GOHMAN, DAVID OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 105.00 GRAYBAR ELECTRIC CO BLDG/STRUCTURE SUPPLIES (261.50) HACH CO GENERAL SUPPLIES 130.92 HENN CO TREASURER SUBSISTENCE SERVICE 4,712.50 HENNEPIN CO SHERIFF'S ACCT SUBSISTENCE SERVICE 5,103.93 HENNEPIN COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS D CLEANING/WASTE REMOVAL SERVICE 7,813.01 HOME HARDWARE SMALL TOOLS 237.74 HPI INTERNATIONAL INC GENERAL SUPPLIES 283.60 IMC SALT INC OTHER IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIES 739.03 JOSEPH CATERING MEETING EXPENSE 278.59 KATH FUEL OIL SERVICE LUBRICANTS/ADDITIVES 1,159.89 KIENENBERGER, BRIDGET MILEAGE-PERSONAL CAR 99.20 KNOX LUMBER GENERAL SUPPLIES 21.86 LABOR RELATIONS ASSOCIATES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 4,758.00 LAND CARE EQUIPMENT CO EQUIPMENT PARTS 142.66 LARSON COMPANY EQUIPMENT PARTS 220.15 LEARNING INNOVATIONS INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 93.00 LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGIES INC LUBRICANTS/ADDITIVES 932.21 MAIL BOXES ETC # 1236 GENERAL SUPPLIES 160.18 MASTERSON PERSONNEL INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1,365.00 MENARDS GENERAL SUPPLIES 22.77 METRO SALES INC OFFICE SUPPLIES 332.69 METROCALL GENERAL SUPPLIES 801.82 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL SEWER AVAILABILITY CHARGE 45,738.00 MINN BLUE DIGITAL GENERAL SUPPLIES 13.80 MINN DEPT OF ADMINISTRATION TELEPHONE 3,418.98 MINN DEPT OF AGRICULTURE TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 50.00 MINNEAPOLIS AREA ASSOC SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 161.88 MINNESOTA CONWAY GENERAL SUPPLIES 40.39 MINNESOTA FIRE SERVICE TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 70.00 MN DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS 510.00 MN DEPT OFFICE OF TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 200.00 MN DRIVER & VEHICLE SVCS EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT CHARGE (46.00) 97 MN SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SCHOOLS 100.00 MN/S C I A SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 18.00 MPELRA SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 150.00 MSSA SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 2.00 MTI DISTRIBUTING CO EQUIPMENT PARTS (159.75) MUNICILITE EQUIPMENT PARTS 1,448.59 N E P CORPORATION EQUIPMENT PARTS 40.81 NATIONAL EMEREGENCY NUMBER ASS SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 75.00 NATL AUTOMOBILE DEALERS SERVIC SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 55.00 NATL INSTITUTE OF GOVT PURCHAS SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 150.00 NORTH STAR INTERNATIONAL TRUCK EQUIPMENT PARTS 44.25 NSP CO ELECTRIC SERVICE 10,235.23 OESTREICH, MARK MILEAGE-PERSONAL CAR 39.06 OFFICE DEPOT OFFICE SUPPLIES 582.84 OFFICE MAX GENERAL SUPPLIES 344.23 OLSEN CHAIN & CABLE CO INC GENERAL SUPPLIES 7.24 PARK PET HOSPITAL OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 639.00 PARTS PLUS EQUIPMENT PARTS 164.73 PERSONNEL DECISIONS INTERNATIO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 125.00 PFC EQUIPMENT INC NON-CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 1,352.45 PRECISION BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC EQUIPMENT MTCE SERVICE 2,182.68 PRO STAFF OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 489.60 QUINLAN PUBLISHING CO INC SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 68.00 ROGERS ENTERPRISES INC GENERAL SUPPLIES 2.39 ROTH, MICHAEL J STUDY INCENTIVE & MERIT PAY 815.00 SALONEK, MYRON MILEAGE-PERSONAL CAR 188.17 SCHARBER & SONS EQUIPMENT PARTS 20.34 SCHWARTZ, LYNN MILEAGE-PERSONAL CAR 79.36 SECURITYLINK FROM AMERITECH OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 36.10 SEVEN CORNERS ACE HDWE GENERAL SUPPLIES 260.60 SEWERMAN INC OTHER IMPROVEMENT SERVICE 1,650.00 SILVER CREEK OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 350.00 SLP POLICE RESERVES OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 310.29 STAR TRIBUNE OTHER ADVERTISING 1,107.00 STREICHER'S GENERAL SUPPLIES 2,227.87 SWEENEY BROS TRACTOR EQUIPMENT PARTS (875.83) TEKSYSTEMS OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 1,120.00 THE INTERNATIONAL CPTED SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 25.00 TRACY/TRIPP FUELS MOTOR FUELS 12,408.28 TRU VALUE EQUIPMENT PARTS 8.47 U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE 3,784.13 UNIFORMS UNLIMITED DEPOSITS PAYABLE 3,489.12 UNITED RENTALS EQUIPMENT PARTS (909.49) UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE GENERAL SUPPLIES 15.00 US POSTAL SERVICE POSTAGE 100.00 VALLEY-RICH CO INC OTHER IMPROVEMENT SERVICE 2,868.00 VIKING OFFICE PRODUCTS OFFICE SUPPLIES 63.70 VOELKER, STACY M MILEAGE-PERSONAL CAR 47.37 98 W & W GENERATOR REBUILDERS EQUIPMENT PARTS 490.03 WASHINGTON CO GOV CTR SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS 270.00 ZEP MANUFACTURING LUBRICANTS/ADDITIVES 1,008.20 ZIPSORT POSTAGE 75.59 213,439.96 January 14, 2000 VENDOR NAME DESCRIPTION AMOUNT AETNA LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 642.57 CEDAR TRAILS WEST HOMEOWNERS A DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 243.52 COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 203.00 ICMA RETIREMENT TRUST-401 DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 245.98 ICMA RETIREMENT TRUST-457 DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 12,074.37 ORCHARD TRUST COMPANY DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 4,966.00 PARK NATIONAL BANK DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 99,900.49 PERA DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 44,939.45 PERA FIREMEN'S RETIREMENT ASSO DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 2,727.97 PERA POLICE RETIREMENT ASSOC DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 6,565.00 USCM / MIDWEST DEDUCTIONS PAYABLE 6,529.26 179,037.61 January 14, 2000 VENDOR NAME DESCRIPTION AMOUNT EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE 304.70 ORTHOPAEDIC CONSULTANTS WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE 1,214.33 PARK NICOLLET MEDICAL CENTER WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE 215.39 TWIN CITIES ANESTHESIA WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE 300.00 2,034.42 99 City of St. Louis Park City Council Agenda Item # 11a Meeting of January 18, 2000 11a. School Security Contracts These contracts with School District 283 and School District 287 formalize relationships with the City of St. Louis Park for police school liaison services. Recommended Action: Motion to authorize Mayor and City Manager to execute contracts with School Districts 283 and 287 for police school liaison services. Background: The St. Louis Park Police Department has been providing school liaison services to St. Louis Park Senior High School for nearly 20 years. This partnership has grown and evolved over time and continues to provide tremendous benefits to our community. Seven years ago, a second school liaison position was created by the St. Louis Park Police Department. This position was created primarily to serve the Echo Eliot-West Metro School on Cedar Lake Road, which is operated by Intermediate School District 287. However, the position was also designed to provide services to St. Louis Park Junior High School, which is located a short distance away on Texas Avenue. Five years ago, the St. Louis Park Police Department created a third school liaison position. This officer serves as the DARE instructor for St. Louis Park fifth grade students and also provides school liaison services to our elementary schools. Analysis: During the past two years, revenue analysis done by police staff revealed some inconsistencies regarding the perceived revenue relationships between the City and school districts 283 and 287. During the past 12 months, meetings involving police staff and representatives from both districts were held to discuss police school liaison services. Because of the value placed on these partnerships by the police department and both school districts, contract agreements were developed to fairly and equitably define revenue commitments from both school districts to the City of St. Louis Park. 100 As a result of these contracts, the following funding ratios will exist:  St. Louis Park Senior High School Liaison Officer − 50% by City of St. Louis Park − 50% by St. Louis Park School District 283  Echo Eliot/St. Louis Park Junior High School Liaison Officer − 65% by Intermediate District 287 − 19% by City of St. Louis Park − 16% by St. Louis Park School District 283  St. Louis Park Elementary School Liaison/DARE Officer − 100% by City of St. Louis Park Summary These contracts clarify the relationships for all three partners. The contracts contain cost escalation and termination provisions. As a result of these contracts, District 287 will continue to provide revenue support as it has in the past. District 283 will provide new revenue support following the formulas outlined above and in the contracts. Attachments: School Liaison Service Contract between ISD 283 & City School Liaison Service Contract between ISD 283, ISD 287 & City (Contracts available for review in the City Clerk’s office) Prepared by: John D. Luse, Chief of Police Approved by: Clint Pires, Deputy City Manager 101 City of St. Louis Park City Council Agenda Item # 11b* Meeting of January 18, 2000 11b.* Consultant Retention for Construction Surveying and Engineering Services for the Hutchinson Spur Regional Trail This report considers the retention of an Engineering Consultant to provide Construction Surveying and Engineering Services for the Hutchinson Spur Regional Trail Recommended Action: Motion to Authorize Mayor and City Manager to execute a Contract with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. (SRF) for Construction Surveying and Engineering Services for the Hutchinson Spur Regional Trail Background: In May, 1998 the City Council authorized the retention of SRF to provide professional design services for development of the Hutchinson Spur Regional Trail along with coordination with Hennepin County Parks and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The final construction plans have been completed and staff is recommending the firm be retained for the next phase of the project, construction surveying and engineering services. The project is anticipated to be bid for construction in the summer of 2000. Discussion: The next phase of the project is construction surveying and engineering services. This will involve much more administrative work as Federal Funds are involved, which requires more documentation than typical City contracts. Following is a summary of the tasks involved for construction surveying and engineering services: A. Construction Surveying -- Perform day-to-day construction/surveying services as needed by the Contractor. B. Construction Engineering – To provide periodic on-site visits “as-needed” to assist City staff and to ensure the construction meets specifications. C. Contract Administration – Assist in preparing required contract/construction documentation in accordance with the Federal requirements. It is anticipated that the contract will be as follows: • Construction staking $ 30,000 • Site visits/assistance $ 6,000 • Contract administration $ 12,000 $ 48,000 Staff has reviewed the work effort for this project with the Consultant and recommends the City Council authorize execution of a contract with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $48,000. Prepared by: Carlton B. Moore, Mike Rardin, Public Works Approved by: Clint Pires, Deputy City Manager 102 City of St. Louis Park City Council Agenda Item # 11c* Meeting of January 18, 2000 11c.* Consultant Retention for Assistance in Design and Construction Inspection for Six (6) Flood Problem Areas This report considers the retention of an Engineering Consultant to assist City Staff in the design and construction inspection of six (6) flood problem areas scheduled for construction this year. Recommended Action: Motion to Authorize Mayor and City Manager to execute a Contract with WSB & Associates, Inc. (WSB) for design and construction inspection services for six (6) flood areas. Background: In 1999 the City Council directed staff to develop preliminary engineering solutions for 22 flood problem areas and develop an implementation plan. In the fall of 1999, proposed solutions were presented to the Council and staff was directed to begin implementation. One project was completed in 1999 (Area No. 20A at Wooddale Avenue and W. 42nd Street) and another started with detailed design. The City’s consultant on these studies and projects has been the firm of WSB & Associates, Inc. In reviewing the public projects scheduled for 2000, staff has determined that the assistance of WSB is needed due to their engineering expertise in the area of hydrologic/hydraulic design, their knowledge of the problem areas, and their familiarity with our Surface Water Management Plan. Discussion: In response to staff’s request WSB submitted a proposal to assist City staff with the engineering design and construction inspection for the six (6) projects scheduled for 2000. Activities to be performed by WSB are as follows: • Assist with public information meetings • Finalize hydrologic/hydraulic design • Assist in preparation of construction plans and specifications • Develop cost estimates • Assist in construction management/inspection • Provide oversight of contract administration It is anticipated that the level of involvement will vary with each project, typically varying from $5,000 to $15,000. The total consultant fee for the engineering services is estimated to be $70,000. Staff has reviewed the consultant’s proposal and recommends the City Council authorize execution of an agreement with WSB & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $75,000 to provide for some flexibility in actual services required. Prepared by: Carlton B. Moore, Mike Rardin, Public Works Approved by: Clint Pires, Deputy City Manager 103 City of St. Louis Park City Council Agenda Item # 11d* Meeting of January 18, 2000 11d.* Approve lease extension with MnDOT for Webster Park. Authorization to execute lease extension between the City and MnDOT for the land at the corner of Highway 7 and Highway 100 known as Webster Park. Recommended Action: Motion to approve lease extension. Background: The City of St. Louis Park leases land from MnDOT at the corner of Highway 7 and Highway 100. We use this area as Webster Park. In reviewing the lease, I found that the leased area is much smaller than the area that we mow and maintain as Webster Park. I have spoken with MnDOT about expanding the area in the lease agreement to include the area we currently use as park. They are interested in doing so, but would like the City of St. Louis Park to construct a fence along the exit ramp to keep users of the park safe and away from the ramp. Lease Extension: MnDOT has drafted a six-month lease extension for the park area at Webster Park. The six-month time period will allow staff time to meet with the neighborhood to discuss the need for the fence and to hire a contractor to erect the fence. Future Lease: MnDOT has agreed to change the description of the property they lease to us to include the entire portion we are using once we have constructed a fence. Once MnDOT has approved the fencing plans, they will renew the lease through November 2002. Staff will return to Council to request such a lease renewal following meeting with the neighborhood and a decision on fence construction. Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the lease extension and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the lease agreement. Reviewed by: Cynthia S. Walsh, Director of Parks and Recreation Approved by: Clint Pires, Deputy City Manager