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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_03Nov26CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL MINUTES November 26, 2003 Mayor Gehrz convened the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 PM. PRESENT: Mayor Sue Gehrz, Council members Laura Kuettel, Robert Lamb, Peter Lindstrom and Richard Talbot Also present: City Administrator Heather Worthington, City Attorney Matthew Foli and Deputy Clerk Mary Shea Kodluboy COMMUNITY FORUM: There was no commentary from the audience. PRESENTATION: None Scheduled APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council member Kuettel recommended approval of the Council minutes dated November 12, 2003, with one change on page 3, paragraph 3, last sentence. The sentence should read: “She asked that she be able to take a peek at the newsletter before it goes out in December.” The motion was unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Consider the Vacation of Street Easements and an Alley Administrator Worthington said the City proceeded with a condemnation of the frontage road adjacent to the new Dino’s parcel in late August. The City has agreed to vacate the easements on those parcels, and convey the land to the two adjacent landowners, Dino Adamidis and Steve Wellington, for use as parking. She utilized the overhead projector to describe the easement areas being proposed for vacation. The City will retain an access easement across the alley right-of-way, and across the parking lot for purposes of access for residents adjacent to the new Dino’s parcel. The access on the site will not change from its current configuration, and will still allow residents and patrons of the shopping center access to their homes via the alley, and the parking lot for the Falcon Crossing Center via the alley and parking lot, as well as access for public safety vehicles. Attorney Foli explained that just a small portion of the alley that runs east/west will be vacated and Administrator Worthington highlighted the location on the overhead projector. Council member Lamb asked if the sidewalk and bus stop will remain and Administrator Worthington told him they would. Council member Lindstrom said that the general consensus of the Planning Commission, during their review of the site plan for Dino’s new restaurant, was that some green space remain, but recognized the importance of having adequate parking spots to meet code requirements. Dino’s initial site plan included a drive-thru, but Dino removed the drive-thru. FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -2- November 26, 2003 Consider the Vacation of Street Easements and an Alley (continued) Council member Kuettel said that residents will still be able to access that area and Administrator Worthington said that access won’t change. The Public Hearing was opened to the audience for commentary. There was no commentary from the audience and the Public Hearing was closed. Council member Lindstrom asked for an update regarding Dino’s. Administrator Worthington said the contractor is attempting to get the concrete curbing and asphalt in before winter. The sewer work was being done earlier in the day. Construction will take about 60-90 days. Construction has been slowed because they found an old structure on the site that had been demolished years ago and dumped into the basement. That material had to be removed before construction could begin. They are making decent progress. Council member Lamb said that the City Council has essentially already approved this. Administrator Worthington said that a neighbor came in with questions about alley access and they were answered. The construction foreman also changed the curbing for him so that his access will be better. RESOLUTION 2003-23 Kuettel moved adoption of Resolution 2003-23 vacating street easements and alley, as described in Exhibit A, outlined below. The motion was unanimously approved. EXHIBIT “A” 1. The easement for street purposes granted by the State of Minnesota to the City of Falcon Heights by quit claim deed dated May 17, 1997 and filed June 4, 1997 as Document Number 1155682 with the Ramsey County Registrar of Titles, affecting only that part of the land evidenced by Certificate of Title No. 153297 described below: That part of the Westerly 159.5 feet, except the North 49.5 feet thereof, of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 22, Township 29, Range 23 West, Ramsey County, Minnesota, lying Northerly of the Westerly extension of the Southerly line of Tract A, Registered Land Survey Number 2; which lies Easterly of Line 1 described below: Line 1. Commencing at the Northwest corner of said Section 22; thence run Easterly along the North line thereof on an azimuth of 88 degrees 48 minutes 49 seconds for 159.53 feet; thence on an azimuth of 179 degrees 53 minutes 31 seconds for 89.90 feet to the point of beginning of Line 1 to be described; thence on an azimuth of 269 degrees 53 minutes 31 seconds for 39.50 feet; thence on an azimuth of 179 degrees 53 minutes 31 seconds for 550.89 feet and there terminating. FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -3- November 26, 2003 Consider the Vacation of Street Easements and an Alley (continued) 2. The easement for street purposes granted by the State of Minnesota to the City of Falcon Heights by quit claim deed dated May 17, 1997 and filed June 4, 1997 as Document Number 1155682 with the Ramsey County Registrar of Titles, affecting only that part of the land evidenced by Certificate of Title No. 81354 described below: That part of the west 110 feet of Lots 1, 2 and 3 and the west 19.31 feet of Lot 23 and Lot 24 of Block 10, FALCON HEIGHTS ADDITION, according to the recorded plat thereof and on file in the office of the County Recorder in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota; which lies easterly of Line 1 described below: Line 1. Beginning at the southwest corner of Section 15, Township 29 North, Range 23 West; thence run easterly along the south line thereof on an azimuth of 88 degrees 48 minutes 49 seconds for 159.53 feet; thence on an azimuth of 359 degrees 35 minutes 10 seconds for 147.84 feet; thence on an azimuth of 269 degrees 35 minutes 28 seconds for 39.50 feet; thence on an azimuth of 359 degrees 35 minutes 28 seconds for 2000 feet and there terminating. The alley in Block 10, FALCON HEIGHTS ADDITION, lying west of the plat of KELLER’S RE-ARRANGEMENT OF BLOCK 10, FALCON HEIGHTS ADDITION. CONSENT AGENDA: Kuettel moved approval of the Consent Agenda, as outlined below. The motion was unanimously approved. 1. General Disbursements through November 20, 2003: $ 106,471.89 2. Payroll (11/01/03-11/15/03): $ 11,086.32 Council member Lindstrom asked how many people use the web-streaming component. Administrator Worthington said that she didn’t believe there was a counter on it. The City does get between 20-45 hits on its web-site each day. POLICY AGENDA Purchase of New Playground Equipment for Community Park Administrator Worthington said the Parks and Public Works 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan has the small play structure at Community Park scheduled for replacement in 2003. $15,000 was budgeted for replacement. The reasons for replacing this structure: The parts are made from treated lumber, which contains chemicals; the tires hold water, which can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes; the slide is damaged and replacing the splintered lumber creates a liability; and the surface and edging are not ADA compliant. FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -4- November 26, 2003 Purchase of New Playground Equipment for Community Park (continued) Administrator Worthington said that Community Park currently lacks play equipment that encourages creative play. Staff provided the Park Commission diagrams of different types of play structures that stimulate creative play. After reviewing these structures the Park Commission preferred the "Schooner" model manufactured by Play World Systems and distributed by Midwest Playscapes of Chaska, MN. The total cost to install this structure, including ADA compliant curbing and surface, is $21,500. The Lauderdale/Falcon Heights Lions Club has donated $3,000 toward the purchase of this playground. There was $6,000 budgeted for rubber ADA surfacing at the Grove Park in 2003, but by using ADA compliant engineered wood fiber the City saved $5,000. Staff recommends using $3,500 of this money to help pay for the surface, curbing and installation of the new play structure at Community Park. On November 10, 2003, the Park Commission voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council the purchase and installation of the "Schooner" play structure, at a total cost of $21,500. Council member Kuettel, for the benefit of the cable audience, explained that she is the Council liaison to the Park Commission. Council member Kuettel said the playground is really used and the new play structure will be good for 2-12 year olds. It is important for the residents to have a safe place to take their children. Council member Lamb asked if the City has finished complying with the ADA requirements. Can this money be diverted? Administrator Worthington said that the City is in compliance with the 2003 ADA Plan. Also, the money will be utilized for the same purpose. Council member Lamb said that even though the bid is for $21,500, the City can still keep the project within budget, with the help of the Lions. He thanked the Falcon Heights/Lauderdale Lions for their continued support. Council member Lindstrom said that during the Christmas season, the Lions sell Christmas trees at Community Park. Council member Kuettel commented that she and Council member Lindstrom, members of the Lions Club, will be taking their turns selling Christmas trees at Community Park. Mayor Gehrz said it is important that people know that when they are looking at the bill for the new play structure, the cost includes freight ($1,272.73) and sales tax ($1,074.27). Anytime the City purchases something they have to pay sales tax on it. People think the City doesn’t have to pay sales tax but it does. What will happen with the old equipment? Will we move it or sell it? Administrator Worthington said that because of the chemicals in the treated wood, it will have to go to a recycling firm that handles hazardous waste. She went on to say that the lease agreement with the University of Minnesota, the underlying landowner, stipulates that any improvements on the park stay with the park if/when it reverts to the owner. FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -5- November 26, 2003 Purchase of New Playground Equipment for Community Park (continued) Mayor Gehrz thanked the Lions for their generous donation of $3,000. Without their help the City would not be able to offer as many amenities to the community. Council member Lamb asked why the City doesn’t replace the rotting wood on the existing structure. Would the liability then shift from the manufacturer to the City? Administrator Worthington said that would be much like voiding a warranty. There are much better materials available now that are much safer. The surfaces are much more forgiving. The chips are recycled rubber so they will be safer to fall into. Mr. Thomas Lageson, 1740 North Pascal Street, asked if the playground equipment at the Falcon Heights Elementary School is of the same material. Administrator Worthington said that right now the City is in the process of re-examining the agreement with ISD 623 regarding that equipment. That was a joint project in the past and the City would like it to be a joint project in the future. In response to a question about space and comparability in size to the existing playground equipment at Community Park, Administrator Worthington said the new playground equipment will take more space. The use zone will be 47’ x 27’. Council member Kuettel said that 36 kids can play on the new equipment. It will be a larger piece of equipment. Administrator Worthington said that the City will be buying the equipment now and storing it until spring. Council member Kuettel commented that by doing this, the City will save a chunk of money. Talbot moved approval of the purchase and installation of a new play structure for Community Park, at a total cost of $21,500. The motion was unanimously approved. Request from John Zanmiller, West St. Paul City Council member, to be re-appointed to the St. Paul Regional Water Services Board of Directors There was a brief Council discussion about Mr. Zanmiller’s request to be reappointed to the St. Paul Regional Water Services Board of Directors. Kuettel moved approval of the reappointment of Mr. John Zanmiller to the St. Paul Regional Water Services Board of Directors, contingent upon him making semi-annual reports to the City Council and the community. The motion was unanimously approved. REPORTS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS: Council member Lamb said that he, Mayor Gehrz, Heather Worthington and Deb Jones toured the Housing Resources Center and met with their representatives. It is a non-profit organization with the mission to promote affordable housing. FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -6- November 26, 2003 REPORTS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS: Council member Lamb said that Housing Resources Center offers six different programs: Information and assistance programs, construction management services, home improvement and purchase programs, senior housing regeneration program, rehabilitation incentive program and rental assistance. It was a very interesting visit. He was impressed at the lack of bureaucracy and the paperwork did not seem very burdensome. Their programs would be applicable in our community. The City’s annual subscription rate would be $5,000 and this would make all of the City’s residents eligible. Their programs are not restricted to people with low incomes. He suggested that maybe in January all of the Council could familiarize themselves with this organization. Council member Talbot said that he has worked with the Housing Resources Center for three years and has used them as a resource on behalf of the City of Roseville. They are a good organization. It is important to keep the City’s housing stock as vital as possible. HRC offers low interest loans and grants and the City can use them as a resource. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council member Lamb gave a brief update regarding the new 2-sort recycling program and said the new method should be easier for residents, at no additional cost to the City. Council member Kuettel suggested that residents considering purchasing Christmas trees do so from the Lions. They will begin selling trees at Community Park the day after Thanksgiving. Council member Talbot said that the City sponsored community playroom at the Falcon Heights United Church of Christ nursery is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30 AM to 12 noon. Adults may bring their infants and preschool age children to meet with others during the winter season for indoor social and recreational opportunities. If anyone has questions, check the City web-site or call City Hall. Mayor Gehrz read a letter of thanks from the Mayor of Saint Paul, Randy Kelly, to Bill Maertz, Parks and Public Works Director, for his assistance with the removal and transport of a 45’ Colorado blue spruce donated by Falcon Heights residents Brad and Whitney Burke to the City of St. Paul for their holiday festivities. She said the City has received a $50.00 contribution from the St. Paul Foundation for completion of a survey about racism. The money will go into the Friends of the Parks Fund for improvements and scholarship funds. She said the County has contracted with Paul Kirkwold, recently retired County Manager, to be Project Manager of the 800 MHz communication system task force. Policy makers will figure out how to pay for the new system and identify people from the various communities to serve on the task force. She said the Metropolitan Council has adjusted their projected population numbers for Falcon Heights. They are now projecting a population of 6,100 by 2010. FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -7- November 26, 2003 INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Gehrz said the University continues to invite discussion about a stadium. They are no longer talking about a joint stadium plan between the University and the Vikings. They are looking at a 55,000 seat capacity stadium and would park about 6,000 cars at the State Fair on game days. A bigger threat would be a Vikings stadium on the fairgrounds. The Neighborhood Commission will be sponsoring CPR training on Saturday, December 6, at a nominal cost of $25.00, and she invited residents to sign up. Some of the funds from the State CERT grant will be used to design and distribute a refrigerator magnet that will be distributed via the City newsletter or a separate mailing. Council member Lindstrom asked if the telephone numbers will stay the same for a period of time. Administrator Worthington said the main number will stay the same for at least a year. The magnets are inexpensive and it was felt it is important to get this piece out to people. Mayor Gehrz said that she met recently with Tom Lageson, one of the candidates for City Council this fall. He e-mailed a nice written report to the Council and is in attendance this evening to review some of the resident concerns expressed to him during his door-to-door campaigning. Mr. Lageson gave a brief, oral review of his written report. One of the most common resident concerns is speeding and he named a number of City streets and areas where residents feel excessive speeding is occurring. Mayor Gehrz suggested that residents contact City Hall or the police department about speeding problems in their neighborhoods. She said the City has a supply of “Sidewalk Sammy’s” available for purchase by residents for $35.00 each. “Sidewalk Sammy” can be moved around a block to aid in slowing traffic. Council member Talbot commented that speeders aren’t from Richfield, they are from our neighborhoods. They aren’t thinking as they drive through our neighborhoods, they are on autopilot. They need to assume personal responsibility for their driving habits. Administrator Worthington said the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners has established tree and shrub waste drop-off sites at the compost sites and this should eliminate some of the storage on private property. On Monday evening, December 8, 2003, 7 PM at City Hall, the City will hold its Truth in Taxation hearing, a hearing required by State statute. The City is proposing a 0% or flat levy for 2004. The regular City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Shea Kodluboy Deputy Clerk