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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_90Sep26MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 1990 Baldwin convened the meeting at 7:05 P.M. ALL MEMBERS PRESENT Baldwin, Ciernia, Gehrz, Jacobs and Wallin. Also present were Gedde, Maurer, Wiessner and Chenoweth. ADDENDUM TO AGENDA Council added Item F-5, Staining and Painting of Park Building, to the Policy Agenda. MINUTES OF 9/12/90 APPROVED Council approved the Minutes of September 12, 1990 by unanimous consent. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Council approved the following Copnsent Agenda items by unanimous consent: 1. Disbursements: a. General Disbursements through 9/26/90, $31,564.46 b. Payroll, 9/1/90 - 9/15/90, $12,474.18 2. Appointment of Election Judges for November 6, 1990 General Election 3. Parks and Recreation Minutes of Septemer 10, 1990 4. Resignation of Jean Suppes from Parks and Recreation Commission 5. Lions Club Tree Sales at Community Park, License #0599 6. Licenses PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 1991 STREET IMPROVEMENTS Baldwin opened the Public Hearing at 7:14 P.M., explained the purpose of the hearing and the procedure to be followed. Maurer then briefly reviewed .the feasibility study, the City's assessment pglicy and the Minnesota State Aid system. He then asked for comments from those in attendance. GARY RWONG, 1700 FRY ST., asked where on Fry St. it will be necessary to acquire additional street right-of-way, to which Maurer replied the area is at the southeastern end of the street. LEO KLISCH, 1757 FRY ST., asked why City standards provide for wider streets (36 feet) than State requirements and Maurer explained the wider street would allow parking on both sides of the street. Rlisch asked if there was no need for parking could the street be narrower, perhaps 32 feet. Maurer stated he would not recommend going below 36 feet, however it might be possible to reduce the width and limit parking to one side only. ~~ IAN BAIN, 1626 GARDEN AVE., felt that the streets in the Maple MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26, 1990 PAGE 2 Knoll area do not need the extra width as they seldom have parking on both sides. JIM BYKOWSKI, 1745 ST. MARY'S ST., requested Council consider limiting the width of St. Mary's to a size appropriate for parking on one side only. JIM EVANS, 1725 FRY ST., favored a 32 foot width with parking on one side only. LOIS MILLETT, 1718 FRY ST., was concerned that widening would encourage increased traffic. She explained that Fry has experienced an increase in traffic since St. Mary's has been made a one-way street. LEO OHMAN, 1625 GARDEN, explained that there is presently a 15 foot storm drainage easement on his property, which he felt devalues the property. He also felt he should not have to pay the same per foot assessment as others. Maurer explained that all lots contributing drainage to the street are to be assessed the same according to the City's Assessment Policy. Ohman objected to paying a front footage rate for the 15 foot easement. DON GRITTNER, 1718 ARONA ST., inquired about the widths planned for Albert and Arona Streets. Maurer stated they are recommending a 34 foot width with parking on one side following MSA guidelines. Grittner asked if they had to use State Aid to which Maurer replied that the City has the option to build the street to City standards, but that would affect the funding because a portion of the funding comes from State Aid. Grittner feared that construction of a 40 foot street would encourage more use and was not in favor of such a wide street. Grittner commented on the fact that he thought curbing was a big advantage as it saves the streets and lawns. JOHN DUNCAN, 1753 ALBERT ST., stated he was in favor of the improvements but did not want to be penalized by having a State Aid Street which would dictate the width and parking. He indicated a preference for parking on both sides with a street as narrow as possible. He also commented on the fact that a 34 foot street would not damage the trees on the street. Maurer stated that they have checked the trees and feel that the proposed street should not damage the trees or their root systems. LEO KLISCH, 1757 FRY ST., felt that the City's money could be used in other areas rather than streets, that there is nothing wrong with what they have now, that very little water stands but drains to Larpenteur and that he did not see curb and gutter as an issue. He could see no reason for the project. Maurer explained that the purpose is to rebuild the City's deterioriating infrastructure, and that curb and gutter is an integral part of the drainage system as it prevents water from washing out along the boulevards flowing under the blacktop and speeding up deterioration. Klisch asked the age of the present street and the life expentancy of a new street. Baldwin ~~ MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26, 1990 PAGE 3 ~~ estimated the street to be 30 to 35 years old, and Maurer explained streets are designed for 20 y expectancy is more like 40 to 50 years. ears but Klisch the life said his street had not deteriorated in the seven years he has lived there. Baldwin explained that City streets are a part of an urban network of streets and must be kept up to full repair or it does not accommodate that network. COLLIN ALEXANDER, 1868 ARONA ST., stated he has lived at that address for 34 years, they have excellent drainage, no need for anything else, feared street improvment would increase traffic and speed, and felt bumpy streets deter speeding. He asked what the project would do for him. Baldwin explained that a City is responsibile for maintaining its streets at some reasonable standard and must serve the property regardless of use by the property owner, that it will increase property value, and allowing the deterioration to go longer would increase the cost of repairs. Wallin commented on the fact that police, fire and ambulance sometimes need to move at a high rate of speed and the City has a responsibility to see that firefighters are not juggled off fire trucks, or persons on stretchers are not made subject to unnecessary bumps. LEONARD BOCHE, 1776 FRY ST., supported the upgrading and repair, but was concerned for the safety of the neighborhood and drivers if the street is too narrow. He also commented on the fact that Council's action making St. Mary's one-way has made Fry into a feeder thoroughfare, and that the City has somme responsibility in providing funds for upgrading the street because of the disappropriate amount of traffic. Baldwin explained that the City Assessment Policy provides that regardless of use, all property owners are assessed the same and referred to Hamline Avenue, which is a street with a high traffic volume. IAN BAIN, 1626 GARDEN, felt that Larpenteur and Snelling do a good job of carrying traffic and asked why traffic should be increased on residential streets. He felt Council should be seeing the views of the citizens not the outside, and commented on the recent City planning meetings where residents indicated one of the City's assets was having nice residential areas - a nice place to live. Baldwin replied that he did not feel improving streets encourages additional traffic. He also stated that this public hearing is .the vehicle by which residents concerns are heard and considered. DAVE BISHOP, 1765 ST. MARY'S, stated his preference for a 32 foot street with parking on one side only, and asked if there was a cost savings for a narrower width. Maurer stated there is no significant savings, a few dollars per foot. Bishop was concerned because the feasibility study did not indicate that the sewers on St. Mary's would be televised prior to reconstruction. He asked who would bear the cost for repair of sewers or water lines. Maurer replied that water lines belong MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26, 1990 PAGE 4 to the St. Paul Water Department and it is not unusual for them to last 100 years. He felt there were no problems with the sewers at this time, but they will be televised prior to street repair. If a problem spot is detected, the City would repair it. Bishop also asked why Ciatti's Restaurant is not included, to which Maurer replied that their portion of the street was previously repaired and Ciatti's were assessed. Bishop urged that Council consider televising the St. Mary's sewers. PETER WYCOFF, 1834 ARONA ST., indicated he would prefer one side parking with a narrower street and encouraged Council to pursue that. He also inquired about the length of the assessment period and interest. Baldwin replied in the past few years a typical assessment period has been ten years and that interest is usually set at 1$ above the bond rate, however that is a decision Council must make at that time. JOHN HUSTAD, 1825 ARONA ST. inquired how much less it would cost each property owner if the street was constructed 7 tons instead of 9 tons and was informed it would make no difference. Maurer explained that under the MSA requirements the City must have a contract by June of 1991 or the City will be penalized. LOIS MILLETT, 1718 FRY ST., stated she is in favor of repairing the streets as she felt it is the responsibility of citizens to keep up streets and homes. Her concern was the width of the street. KATHRYN GUTZMANN, 1771 ARONA ST., was concerned that the trees might be damaged by street construction, and wanted to be assured this would not occur. Maurer explained that they will will be doing more measuring and evaluating the impact on trees and if they feel there is a problem the City Forester will become involved. GARY KWONG, 1700 FRY ST., asked what would be done by the apartments which already have curbing and Maurer replied it would probably be replaced. Kwong stated his preference for a 34 foot street with parking on one side. JIM BYKOWSKI, 1745 ST. MARY'S ST., inquired why in some areas the drawings show a storm drain every 300 feet while there is an area of about 1,200 feet on Maple Knoll where no existing or proposed storm sewer is indicated. Maurer stated they may change the design when drafting the plans. Bykowski suggested Council consider making Fry St. one-way to alleviate some of the increased traffic created by making St. Mary's one-way., IAN BAIN, 1626 GARDEN, was concerned that curb and gutter would extend the street beyond the proposed width and Maurer assured him the street width would include the width of curb and gutter DON GRITTNER, 1718 ARONA ST., commented on the lack of sewers on Simpson and Asbury which run into the system on Arona and asked ~~ MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26, 1990 PAGE 5 why those property owners are not included in the assessment. Maurer explained that the Assessment Policy provides for assessing abutting property owners for sewers in their streets, and when Simpson and Asbury are reconstructed they would then be assessed. BARBARA HEIDEMAN, 1750 ALBERT ST., wanted to know the cost to the homeowners if the City foregoes State Aid and Baldwin replied that would not affect the assessment. Heiedeman suggested the City consider decreasing the City standard of 36 feet. There being no others wanting to be heard Baldwin closed the hearing at 8:57 P.M. Council then. discussed the fact that most residents seemed to prefer a 34 foot street with restricted parking and decided to present the matter to the Planning Commission Parking Sub-committee to determine how parking should be related to street width. Wallin commented on the proposed widening at Garden and the Snelling Service Road as he felt it might create a problem for adjacant property owners. Maurer agreed the area could be narrowed. Following the discussion, Gehrz moved that the City Engineer be directed to prepare plans for 34 foot streets with curb and gutter. The Assessment Policy will be examined to see if this meets the City's goal. Motion carried unanimously. Gehrz then moved adoption of Resolution R-90-36 which carried unanimously. RESOLUTION R-90-36 A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS FOR THE PROPOSED 1991 STREET IMPROVEMENTS CLEVELAND AVENUE, LARPENTEUR TO ROSELAWN, FEASBILITY REPORT REPORT ACCEPTED Dan Soler, Ramsey County Public Works, reviewed the proposed Cleveland Ave. plans and the cost of both a 48 foot roadway and a 52 foot roadway as discussed by Council at the September 12th meeting. Following a brief discussion, Jacobs moved that the Cleveland Avenue Feasibility Report for a 48 foot roadway with a pathway on the east side be approved. Motion carried unanimously. HAMLINE AVENUE UPDATE Dan Soler explained that the City of Roseville has exceeded the legal time limit following their improvement hearing and must hold another hearing on the Hamline Avenue project. Maurer stated that if bids on the project are not let by February, 1991 it will be necessary that Falcon Heights hold another hearing on the project . t3 1 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26, 1990 PAGE 6 APPROVAL OF SNELLING AVENUE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE FIRST PAYMENT TO MN/DOT Wallin moved adoption of Resolution R-90-37 and authorization to make the first payment in the amount of $45,436.67. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION R-90-37 A RESOLUTION ENTERING INTO AGREEMENT NO. 63866-1 WITH THE STATE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SUCH AGREEMENT COMMUNITY PARK BUILDING USE POLICIES AND RENTAL FEE REVISION Following a brief discussion, Ciernia moved approval of the proposed Park Building Use Policy and moved adoption of Resolution R-90-38 which carried unanimously. RESOLUTION R-90-38 n U it A RESOLUTION REVISING THE RENTAL FEE FOR THE COMMUNITY PARK BUILDING (AMENDING SECTION 5-14.05 SUB (a) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE) DISCUSSION OF CAR PARKING BUSINESSES DURING STATE FAIR Jacobs questioned why the City licenses concession stands and Christmas tree lots but not persons who sell parking space during the State Fair. Baldwin stated that areas where parking space is sold are lots designated for parking and the use at Fair time is at the descretion of the properte owner. However, Christmas Tree sales are not the intended use for a parking lot. Jacobs felt the matter had been explained to his satisfaction. APPROVAL OF QUOTE FOR PAINTING AND STAINING OF NEW PARK BUILDING Jacobs moved awarding the constract to Dave's Painting at a price of 52,800 contingent upon all background checks being in order. Motion carried unanimously. 10:00 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING ON DELINQUENT UTILITY CHARGES Baldwin opened the hearing at 10:00 P.M. and presented the proposed assessment roll. There being no one in attendance wishing to be heard, he closed the hearing at 10:01 P.M. moved adoption of Resolution R-90-39 which carried unanimously. RESOLUTION R-90-39 A RESOLUTION RELATING TO LEVYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR DELINQUENT UTILITY CHARGES ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:14 P.M. ~j 1 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26, 1990 PAGE 7 ATTEST; Tom Baldwin, Mayor ey Chenbweth, City Cler I ~ ~~ Consent Agenda September 26, 1990 n U LICENSES Genera Contractors *Urban Heritage, Inc. #0617 Fred Keller #0618 *Wandrei Construction Co. #0593 *Paca Builders #0595 Mike Mohs Construction Co., Inc. #9047 Home Occupation *Beyond Brushing #0597 1905 Albert N Falcon Heights * indicates new licenses