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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_85May22 L MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING/PUBLIC HEARINGS MAY 22, 1985 A regular meeting of the Falcon Heights City Council was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Eggert. Mayor Eggert, Councilmembers Ciernia, Baldwin and Hard. Also present Were Clerk Administrator Barnes, Attorney Van de North, and Engineer Schunicht. Councilmember Chenoweth. Mayor Eggert moved, seconded by Councilmember Hard, that the Consent Agenda be approved with the addition of one item, Approval of the Revised Site Plan for 1666 Coffman. Motion carried unanimously. PRESENT ABSENT 61. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED 1. Falcon Heights Fire Reports ~~1-00885 - X61-01185 2. Falcon Heights Ambulance Reports ~~2-04585 - ~~2-04985 3. Lauderdale Fire Reports 4~3-00785 and 4~3-00885 4. Lauderdale Ambulance Reports ~~4-01685 - 4~4-01985 5. Appointment of Fire Chief and Assistant Chiefs (Renchin, Lindig, Dowdell) 6. Appointment of Ross Berndt, 1561 W. Idaho, Apt. 4~1, to Fire/Rescue Dept. 7. General Disbursements 5/9/85 - 5/22/85. $72,325.90 $11,495.00 8. Payroll 5/1/85 - 5/15/85 $ 7,845.68 9. Request for Payment of City's Contribution to North Suburban Cable Commission Budget ($9,294.60) 10. Memo from Paul Ciernia dated May 17, 1985, Advising that the Community Services Citizens Advisory Board Desires Appointment of a Person to Replace Helen Brown 11. Letter dated May 6, 1985 from Roger G. Aiken, 1589 Hollywood Court, Regarding Recycling Unlimited 12. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes of May 6, 1985 13. Letter Dated May 13, 1985 from Floyd C. Bedbury, 1433 W. California, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Commission 14. Minutes of SE Corner Redevelopment Committee 15. North Suburban Cable Commission Financial Statement for 1984 16. Bi-monthly Financial Report 17. City Planner's Statement for April, 1985 18. Report Dated May 2, 1985 from George M. Hansen Company, Evaluating City's Accounting System 19. Briggs and Morgan Statement for Legal Services Through March 31, 1985 20. Ramsey County Sheriff's Report for April, 1985 21. Licenses: General Contractors C. 0. Field Co., Inc. 41285 2940 Harriet Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55408 R. C. Construction 411284 551 Brunson St. Paul, MN 55106 Vending Machine Licenses 461283 and 41284 Coca-Cola Bottling Midwest, Inc. 1189 Eagan Industrial Road Eagan, MN 55121 Sewer Cleaner's License 461286 Ken's Sewer Service Co. 1900 Grand St. Paul, MN 55105 22. Approval of Revised Site Plan for 1666 Coffman MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING/PUBLIC HEARINGS MAY 22, 1985 PAGE 2 S2 Councilmember Baldwin moved, seconded by Councilmember Hard, that MINUTES OF the Minutes of May 8, 1985, be approved as presented. Upon a vote being 5/8/85 taken, the following voted in favor thereof: Mayor Eggert, Councilmembers APPROVED Baldwin and Hard, and the following voted against the same: None. Councilmember Ciernia abstained. Motion carried. Attorney Van de North presented the most recent draft of the proposed liquor ordinance and reviewed the document with Council. The review was interrupted for the 7:15 P.M. Public Hearing. Mayor Eggert opened the Public Hearing on a Conditional Use Request from the Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton, and presented the Affidavits of Publication and Mailing. Bob Olson, Chairman of Building and Grounds for the Church, explained the need for the conditional use to provide additional parking due to the fact that the Church is expanding programs and entering a concentrated growth campaign. Mr. Olson then reviewed the site/ landscaping plan, addressed lighting, drainage, and traffic patterns. Ken Esperson, 1835 Holton, expressed concern over the plan for two ingress/egress areas on Holton Street and questioned the need for expanded parking. Mr. Esperson recommended that one entrance be placed on the Pascal side of the lot. Bob Olson explained that the drives were placed on Holton as the drive used most at present is on Holton and the neighbors are accustomed to it. Louis Cristan, 1830 Holton, was concerned over added traffic on Holton, and was of the opinion that more parking spaces would not alleviate on-street parking. Engineer Schunicht felt that the two entrances seemed proper, however, would have his firm's traffic engineer review the matter. Jim Utne, 1806 Pascal, gave a brief history of the Church parking lot in the 30 years he has lived adjacant to the lot. He expressed concern that the landscaping and buffering would not be completed if the lot is expanded, and questioned the need for the additional parking. Mr. Utne also stated he prefers the lighting as it now exists, security lights activated by photo cell. Jan Zoerb, 1825 Pascal, expressed concern that an exit might be constructed on Pascal and drivers would go through the Church lot rather than going around the block. Ms. Zoerb had done a survey Sunday, May 12th, and noted that the present lot was filled and 30 vehicles parked on the street. Ms. Zoerb indicated the landscaping plan was attractive. LIQUOR ORDINANCE REVIEW PUBLIC HEARING ON CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST FROM FALCON HEIGHTS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 1795 HOLTON KEN ESPERSON, 1835 HOLTON LOUIS CRISTAN 1830 HOLTON JIM UTNE 1806 PASCAL JAN ZOERB 1825 PASCAL Louis Cristan, 1830 Holton, commented on the fact that the Church has not LOUIS CRISTAN maintained the greenery on the present lot and questioned whether it would 1830 HOLTON be properly maintained if enlarged. Mr. Olson explained that the .plantings would be of low maintenance varieties. Mayor Eggert stressed the fact that the City Code requires plantings and if the plan is approved, completion of all plantings would be necessary. MINUTES 6 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING/PUBLIC HEARINGS MAY 22, 1985 PAGE 3 PUBLIC There being no others wishing to be heard, Mayor Eggert closed the public HEARING hearing at 7:58 P.M. CLOSED Council discussed at length number of driveways, landscaping, lighting, PLANS TO snow storage or removal, and storm drainage. Mayor Eggert moved, seconded BE REVIEWED by Councilmember Hard, that the City Engineer, City Planner, and a Traffic PLANNER AND Engineer, be authorized to meet with Church representatives for the ENGINEERS purpose of addressing these questions. Motion carried unanimously. The matter will again be addressed at the June 12 meeting. Developer Frank Kubitschek introduced John Briscoe, John Herman and John PROPOSED Klick, who are cooperating on a proposed project for the remainder of PLANS FOR the Hawkins property and the Moder property. Mr. Klick reviewed the REMAINDER OF preliminary plans for seven office condominium buildings, five-one story, HAWKINS two-two story. Mr. Kubitschek indicated that they would be requesting both PROPERTY & industrial revenue bond and tax increment financing in order to make MODER the office condo price competitive with rental office space. Council- PROPERTY member Ciernia commented on current assessments against the property REFERRED TO (approximately $50,000) and possible use of TIF funds to defray that PLANNING cost. Council encouraged the developers to apply for both IDB and COMMISSION TIF. Councilmember Hard moved, seconded by Councilmember Ciernia, that the matter be referred to the Planning Commission on June 3rd. Motion carried unanimously. At 8:30 P.M. Mayor Eggert opened the Public Hearing on Conditional Use PUBLIC Request from the Lido Cafe, Inc., 1611 West Larpenteur, and presented HEARING ON the Affidavits of Publication and Mailing. LIDO CAFE USE OPENED John Labalestra explained that in an attempt to find an agreement with AT 8:30 P.M. the neighborhood and wind up the project, they have again modified their plans scaling down the project to 34 foot addition, leaving the Croft JOHN house in tact with parking on the southerly portion of the lot, and LABALESTRA, a cul-de-sac at the end of St. Mary's St. He then presented the parking LIDO CAFE analysis for the revised plan. Mr. Labalestra stressed that they need citizen support, access to the Hermes alley, and agreement with Bucks Unpainted Furniture for parking. He explained that there should be no problem with the Bucks arrangement for parking, but no agreement had been reached with Hermes'. Mr. Labalestra then requested that there be a commitment from Council allowing the conditional use for parking on the south 30 feet of the Croft property. Attorney Van de North reviewed State Statute which allows a City ATTORNEY ', the privilege of granting conditional uses, that Council is required VAN DE NORTH to consider Planning Commission recommendations, but are not bound by the Planning Commission, and that Council must consider surrounding area which is not only abutting property but a broader area, both residential and commercial. Planner John Uban reviewed his memorandum of May 22, 1985 (a copy of PLANNER which is on file in the Clerk's Office) and explained that the City JOHN UBAN Comprehensive Plan addressed the upgrating of the business districts and stressed that screening and design are of importance. MINUTES r /~ REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING/PUBLIC HEARINGS V`s MAY 22, 1985 PAGE 4 L~ Ted Meyer, 1710 St. Mary's, stated he had not had time to discuss the TED MEYER, new plan with his neighbors, but he, personally, felt it a compromise 1710 ST. worth pursuing, he could live with the cul-de-sac, but would want a MARY'S permanent/long term solution with a guarantee that there be no additional parking on other than the 30 foot strip of the Croft property. He stressed that he is opposed to a conditional use on the entire Croft property. Dennis Smith, 1725 St. Mary's, indicated he felt similar to Mr. Meyers, DENNIS SMITH would like a long term solution, and requested that the traffic flow 1725 ST. be structured in such a way that it will not have a large impact on MARY'S Fry Street. He indicated a willingness to work on the matter. Wayne Wakefield, 1708 Lindig, commented on the Lido operation, and WAYNE WAKE- indicated he felt there was a need for this type of business. He FIELD, 1708 also questioned the letter in the St. Paul paper indicating that the LINDIG private alley would cost taxpayers $1,000,000. Mayor Eggert explained that it is not known where the number came from. Jim Bycowski, 1745 St. Mary's, felt there were still unanswered questions JIM such as an agreement with Hermes, vacation/ownership of the St. Mary's, BYKOWSKI, devaluation of the Croft property, and the possibilit y that the Croft 1745 ST. property would become run down if the home is sold or rented. Mr. MARY'S Bycowski stated he was awaiting a more specific plan, and requested that any solution be a permanent one. Chuck Laszewski, 1713 St. Mary's, agreed with his neighbors who had spoken, and stated he was cautiously optimistic. David Bishop, 1765 St. Mary's, explained that the $1,000,000 figure published in the newspaper was in error, misprint by the paper. He indicated he also is cautiously optimistic regarding the new plan, but felt there are still many contingencies. He also stressed that there should be a stipulation that the balance of the Croft lot not be used fior parking, but that the new proposal seemed like a good one. Randy Gustafson, 1775 St. Mary's, liked the dramatic, positive changes, wished a permanent solution, expressed concern as to whether or not the plan would work for the Lido, or if they might in the future wish to make the outdoor dining area part into part of the building. CHUCK LASZEWSKI, 1713 ST. MARY'S DAVID BISHOP, 1765 ST. MARY'S RANDY GUSTAFSON, 1775 ST. MARY'S Gary Kwong, 1700 Fry Street, asked if a cul-de-sac is made at the end of GARY KWONG, St. Mary's if the parking lot would be public or private, and if there 1700 FRY would be am emergency entrance for fire trucks. Mr. Kwong expressed STREET concern that traffic would increase on Fry Street and was assured by Planner Uban that it should not increase a great deal. Mayor Eggert explained that decisions have not been made regarding the cul-de-sac. Fred Kueppers, Jr., Attorney representing Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Hermes, expressed the following concerns: 1) would the plan consider closing of the opening to Larpenteur at the Hermes/Lido property, 2) the parking pattern on the cul-de-sac makes the alley unuseable for truck access and egress, and 3) if street is vacated, the alley would empty into private property. He also indicated that there has been no headway made as far as an agreement with the Lido is concerned. Planner Uban explained that the plan does show the access to the Hermes/Lido lot on Larpenteur closed but it is not especially necessary. FRED KUEPPER JR. MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING/PUBLIC HEARING b MAY 22, 1985 PAGE 5 Barbara McCoy, 1746 St. Mary's, commented on landscaping, berming re- BARBARA quirements, snow removal, and stressed that the neighbors wish the whole McCOY, house be left as a buffer, and with berming there would be little parking 1746 ST. space left. Ms. McCoy was informed that if the house remains, there would MARY'S be no berming. She then commented on the present appearance of the Croft property, lack of lawn mowing, dandelions, no snow shoveling last winter, and the fact that the Lido owners moved the lawn only after it was requested. Walter McCoy, 1746 St. Mary's, stated that at the many neighborhood meetings WALTER all 17 neighbors agreed that the Croft house should be left as it is but all McCOY, do not agree on the cul-de-sac. Mr. McCoy expressed his 1746ST. opposition to any infringement on the neighborhood. MARY'S Steve Reiter, 1746 Fry Street, commented on the fact that he understood STEVE the City code to require plans attached to the conditional use request, REITER, whether or not tax increment financing should be allowed, the parking 1746 FRY ST. analysis does not provide space for deli parking, he felt the parking figures did not work, and that in his opinion St. Mary's would become a "dead end". Lawrence St. George, 1660 Maple Knoll, stated he was a new resident LAWRENCE of the area, commented on the fine neighborhood, and expressed concern ST. GEORGE, for safety with vehicles cutting through the neighborhood from Snelling 1660 MAPLE Avenue to Fry Street. He felt that St. Mary's should not be closed. KNOLL Leo Klisch, 1757 Fry, expressed the same concerns as Mr. St. George LEO KLISCH, regarding traffic and safety and asked if Council plans to vote at this 1757 FRY meeting. Mayor Eggert explained that there may not be a vote tonight, that Council has six months from the date of the hearing to make a decision. Rod VonDeLinde, 1734 St. Mary's, stated he appreciated the compromise, ROD VON DE and asked that a permanent solution be found. LINDE, 1734 ST. MARY'S Mayor Eggert explained that the City Attorney has advised that Council could move on the modified conditional use at this time, but if the Citizens Committee is willing to meet with the Labalestras, the Planner and Mr. Kueppers to discuss the issues, he would be in favor of con- tinuing the hearing to a later date. This would also allow time for a meeting of the City Attorney, Labalestras, Mayor Eggert, and Clerk Administrator Barnes (and a Hermes representative if necessary). Several members of the Citizens Committee indicated a willingness to meet and discuss. Planner Uban requested that a survey of the properties involved be prepared. Mayor Eggert moved, seconded by Councilmember Hard, that the public HEARING hearing be continued at a special meeting scheduled for June 19, 1985 CONTINUED TO at 7:00 P.M. Motion carried unanimously. SPECIAL MEETING OF Clerk Administrator Barnes explained that Northern States Power will 6/19/85 prepare plans and specifications for the undergrounding of utilities at Larpenteur and Snelling Avenues at a cost of approximately $1,000.00. PLANS AND Mayor Eggert moved, seconded by Councilmember Hard, that the plans SPECS FOR and specifications be ordered at a cost not to exceed $1,500.00. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES AT LARPENTEUR SNELLING TO BE ORDERED ~~ MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING/PUBLIC HEARINGS MAY 22, 1985 PAGE 6 APPRAISALS TO Mayor Eggert moved, seconded by Councilmember Hard, that the City BE ORDERED Attorney be authorized to order the necessary appraisals for the ON TATUM/ proposed Tatum and Hamline improvements. Motion carried unanimously. HAMLINE IMPROVEMENTS Councilmember Ciernia moved, seconded by Mayor Eggert, that the meeting MEETING be extended for the period of time necessary to complete the discussion of EXTENDED the proposed liquor ordinance. Motion carried unanimously. Council and Attorney Van de North completed the review of the proposed LIQUOR liquor ordinance which will be redrafted for discussion at the public ORDINANCE hearing on June 12, 1985 at 6:30 P.M. REVIEW COMPLETED Councilmember Ciernia moved, seconded by Mayor Eggert, that the meeting MEETING be continued another five minutes to allow discussion of the Bullseye EXTENDED item. 5 MINUTES Councilmember Baldwin expressed his displeasure with misleading statements MISLEADING made by Bullseye Attorney, Robert Collins. He especially objected to the STATEMENTS statement made at the March 27, 1985 meeting indicating that the Bullseye MADE BY project was delayed until spring of 1985 due to the fact that the City BULLSEYE lost the deed to the liquor store when he had previously (September 10, ATTORNEY 1984) stated that construction was being delayed in orde~C to realize a REVIEWED savings in construction costs of $100,000.00. Councilmember Baldwin stated that he did not know if Mr. Collins was unprepared or misleading Council, but in any event he felt it as not ethical. Councilmember Ciernia asked if there was an organization which investigates this type of behavior to which Attorney Van de North replied in the affirmative . Councilmember Hard moved, seconded by Councilmember Baldwin, that the ADJOURNMENT meeting be adjourned at 10:47 P.M. Motion carried unanimously. ATTEST C C. Eggert, M.D., Mayor ,~ Dewan B. Barnes, Clerk Administrator Regular City Council Meeting/Public Hearings of May 22, 1985