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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_92Nov25MINUTES ~ ~ ~~~ REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 25, 1992 Baldwin convened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. ALL MEMBERS PRESENT Baldwin, Ciernia, Gehrz, Gibson Talbot and Jacobs. Also present were Chenoweth, Hoyt and Maurer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 10/28/92 AND 11/12/92 Council approved the following minutes by unanimous consent: 1. Regular meeting of October 28, 1992 2. Special meeting of November 12, 1992 ITEM C-2 REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA AND PLACED ON POLICY AGENDA Item C-2, Proposed Ordinance Relating to Itinerant Salespersons, was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Policy Agenda at Ciernia's request. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Council approved the following Consent Agenda by unanimous consent: 1. Disbursements: a. General disbursements through 11/19/92, $35,642.11 b. Payroll, 11/01/92 - 11/15/92, $10,697.52 2. Adoption of Ordinance 0-92-6 Amending Chapter 5, Part 13 of the City Code Relating to Business Licenses 3. Authorizing the hiring of part-time temporary ice rink personnel 4. Authorizing purchase of various items of equipment for the Fire Department at a cost of $20,809.48 5. Licenses: Air Conditioning Associates, #0995, Lion's Club Tree Sales, #0994 and U of M Forestry Club Tree Sales, #0996 APPROVAL OF FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR PROPOSED 1993 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECS FOR SAME Baldwin reviewed the procedure followed by council in establishing policy and scheduling for upgrading the city's infrastructure. He explained that the object of the criteria established was to obtain the highest longevity for dollars spent, make responsible use of street funds and equitable distribution of costs, and use of MSA funds across the city while maintaining the city's superior financial rating. Baldwin also addressed some questions raised by property owners at a recent informational meeting on the proposed 1993 project. 1.5 ~s MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 1992 PAGE 2 Jim Solem, 1975 Autumn, indicated he did not question the need to fix the street and address drainage but questioned the apportionment of cost. He commented on the fact that due to the design of the area residents in the development to the south use the streets as much as the abutting property owners and should share in the cost of any improvements. Mr. Solem also questioned the placement of recent traffic checks. Ciernia explained that at the time development to the south was considered there were two options, multi family housing which would have required another access either to the south or the west, or single family homes with the exit to the north as it is today. Everyone's preference at that time was for single family homes. Baldwin stressed that use of streets by others than abutting property owners is the reason why 50~ of the cost is funded from general taxes. Peter Olin, 1958 Summer, urged that all options be considered. He indicated he had checked with a contractor who was of the opinion that two inches of the road can be milled off and replaced and paved at a lower cost. He also felt Summer Street did not need extensive repair and that cuts could be made and concrete curb installed without tearing up the street. Maurer indicated that he is familiar with that process, however had not investigated that possibility at the time of the informational meeting. He was of the opinion that Summer is in better condition than the other streets, that more information will be obtained, and he will be prepared to address this at the public hearing. Ray Garcia, 1906 Prior, said he has watched the street deteriorate for the last ten years, that in front of his property the entire edge of the black top is broken up all the way to Roselawn and he felt it would continue to do so. He also commented on damage of boulevards by the snow plows with the absence of concrete curbs. Mr. Garcia stated the proposed high assessment is oppressive but that things would not get cheaper and he felt the project should not be delayed. He did question why Roseville assessments are much lower than those proposed for this project to which Baldwin replied that due to Roseville's cash flow they can afford to pay 75% of the cost from tax revenues whereas Falcon Heights currently pays 50%. Maurer explained that he is presently working with estimates, these estimates are conservative, and hopefully bids will come in lower. 1.5 g MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 1992 PAGE 3 Larry Stowe, 1954 Autumn, indicated he has no problem with long range planning but even though there is a plan it is not necessary to automatically do it and urged flexibility. Mr. Stowe presented the following questions/comments: 1) Why is it necessary, streets are not in imminent danger and could be repaired, 2) curbs do not aesethically add to the area, 3) no need to extend storm sewers, 4) estimated assessment is high, residents have other uses for that money and, 5) Autumn, Prior and Summer Streets are used as collector streets by those in the newer development and they should share in the costs. Mr. Stowe asked that council consider voting down or postponing the project and that if the decision is to proceed that all efforts be made to reduce the assessment by eliminating storm sewers and curbing from the project. Maurer responded that storm sewers will be readdressed although he felt they are needed and that curb and gutter may not have an aesthetic value but there is an engineering value, as it prevents water from standing by the edge of the road infiltrating and damaging the road bed, plus making a nice transition from road to driveway. Jacobs commented on Mr. Stowe's request for flexibility. He stressed the fact that there is flexibility in the 5 year plan and that it had been used when this project was delayed from 1992 to coordinate with the Grove project to save money. Ray Garcia questioned why storm sewers would be necessary if the sub-grade is redone and curb and gutter installed. He felt this should facilitate the run off. Maurer commented on the relatively flat grades in the area and the fact that the run off water would have to travel a long distance. Will Rogers, 1947 Autumn, questioned why this project is more expensive than the 1991 project and why overhead costs are so high. Baldwin explained that assessment is based on front footage and properties in this area have the largest front footage in the city. Maurer commented on the fact that construction costs have increased in this two year period. Maurer reviewed the items covered by the overhead costs and explained that the estimated 28% overhead costs are actually low compared to other communities. Mr. Rogers suggested a citizens committee meet with council to have some input into the proposed project. Baldwin explained that council will be reviewing the present assessment policy which may or may not result in a change. ,-, MINUTES ' ~ NOVEMBER 25, 1992 PAGE 4 Wes Tennyson, 1935 Summer, stated he had been responsible for the petition on his street and that 85~ of those indicated opposition due to cost, concrete curb and gutter which will change the character of the neighborhood and the fact that they were already assessed for storm sewer approximately 10 years ago. They also questioned whether or not the assessment is fair and equitable because the neighbors to the south will benefit as much as those in the assessment area. Baldwin indicated the engineer will prepare a written response to questions brought forth at this meeting. Maurer stated that some who have been assessed for storm drainage to the south will not be assessed again. Judy McCleery, 1918 Autumn, asked who will fund repair of yards, sprinkler systems and driveways disrupted during construction. Maurer replied that the construction contract will include aprons and sodding. The contract will also require avoiding fences and sprinklers if at all possible, but if necessary they will be taken out and replaced. Karen Northrup, 1942 Summer, commented on the unusual usage of the streets, i.e., use of their streets by trucks during construction of the homes to the south which added to wear. Baldwin explained that the action being considered at this meeting is acceptance of the feasibility but does not commit to the project or assessment roll. He stressed that there will be another opportunity to discuss the project, the city is not committed until a bid is accepted. Peter Olein asked what chance there was to challenge the engineering to which Maurer replied there will be a public hearing in February and plans will be 85~ completed by that time and that information will be shared with the residents. Gehrz requested discussion of sidewalk construction in the University Grove area as it is being considered a part of the 1993 improvement project including the assessment. She questioned the cost,if criteria would be established to require replacement such as safety hazards, if individual homeowners would have the option whether or not to reconstruct and to obtain separate bids for the sidewalk abutting their property if so desired. Maurer explained that all sidewalks are in the feasibility, but it has not been determined which need repair. A brief discussion ensued regarding the need for consistency and the convenience of having it all done during the street construction. MINUTES 1. ~'j NOVEMBER 25, 1992 PAGE 5 Staff will work up a plan on the sidewalk issue and will discuss it with the Grove Homeowners Association. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION RECEIVING THE FEASIBILITY REPORT AND ORDERING PLANS AND SPECS FOR PROPOSED 1993 STREET PROJECT Ciernia moved adoption of Resolution R-92-49 which carried unanimously. RESOLUTION R-92-49 A RESOLUTION RECEIVING REPORT, AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN THE MATTER OF THE 1993 STREET IMPROVEMENTS POSSIBLE POLLING PLACE CHANGE FOR PRECINCT 2 Steven D. Petersen, 1730 W. Larpenteur, briefly reviewed his rationale for requesting that council consider moving the Precinct 2 polling place from Falcon Heights United Church of Christ to Falcon Heights Elementary School. Council concurred that Mr. Petersen's suggestions regarding parking, setting a role model for children regarding importance of voting, taxpayers have an investment in the school, and improved handicap accessibility. Following a brief discussion Gehrz moved that staff be directed to open discussion with the school district regarding moving the Precinct 2 polling place to Falcon Heights School. Motion carried unanimously. REQUEST FOR CONTRIBUTION TO ROSEVILLE AREA SENIOR PROGRAM DEFERRED Lynnae LeBarron, Executive Director North Suburban Senior Council, presented a brief history of the organization and an overview of the programs provided. She explained that there has been a decrease in funding from federal, state and county making it necessary to rely on donations. All cities within the school district are offered services by the Senior Program and are therefore being requested to contribute to the funding. Council questioned the formula on which the amount requested was based, indicated they were not opposed to some contribution but were not comfortable with the suggested amount, and requested more information from the organization regarding costs. The matter will be discussed further at a future meeting. MINUTES ~ U NOVEMBER 25, 1992 PAGE 6 COMMUNITY RELATIONS WORKSHOP WITH U OF M PERSONNEL SCHEDULED FOR 12/02/92 Council briefly discussed scheduling a workshop as requested by University of Minnesota personnel. The workshop was scheduled for 7:00 p.m., December 2, 1992. STAFF TO REVIEW CHARITABLE GAMBLING ORDINANCE Hoyt explained that recently there have been several inquiries from organizations interested in applying for charitable gambling licenses. Council directed staff to talk to neighboring cities regarding their experience in this area and then to proceed with review of the ordinance. PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING CODE RELATING TO ITINERANT SALESPERSONS AND SOLICITORS Council briefly discussed the proposed ordinance which will somewhat strengthen regulation of these businesses after which Ciernia moved adoption of Ordinance 0-92-7. Motion carried unanimously. ORDINANCE 0-92-7 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5, PART 7 OF THE CITY CODE RELATING TO ITINERANT SALESPERSONS AND SOLICITORS ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:54 p.m. Tom Baldwin, Mayor ATTEST: ~ ~ Shirley Chen weth, City Clerk