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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_83Feb10_Specialrl i~ MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 1983 A special meeting of the Falcon Heights City Council was called to order by Acting Mayor Larson. Acting Mayor Larson, Councilmembers Ciernia, Chestovich, and Eggert. Also PRESENT present were Clerk Administrator Barnes and Engineer Lemberg. Mayor Warkentien. ABSENT Councilmember Eggert moved, seconded by Acting Mayor Larson, that th® CONSENT Consent Agenda be approved as presented. Motion carried unanimously. AGENDA APPROVED 1. Lauderdale- Rescue Reports #LF-00383 - 00583 2. Lauderdale Fire Report #LF-00183 3. Falcon Heights Rescue Reports #R-0983 and 01083 !~. General Disbursements 1/27/83 - 2/10/83 $126,185.87 5. Liquor Disbursements 1/25/83 - 2/8/83 $ 16,653.51 6. General Payroll 1/16/83 - 1/31/83 ~ 5,987.117 7. Liquor Payroll 1/16/83 - 1/31/83 $ 3,077.32 8. Planning Commission Minutes of February 7, 1983 9. Ramsey County Sheriffs Report for January, 1983 10. License: General Corporate License #926 (Company Store) Grain Terminal Association 1667 N. Snelling Falcon Heights, MN 55108 131 Councilmember Eggert moved, seconded by Councilmember Chestovich, that MINUTES OF the Minutes of January 26, 1983 be approved with the following correction: 1/26/83 Minutes of 12/15/82, line !1, delete the words "he felt". Motion carried APPROVED unanimously. Dr. David French explained to Council that he had previously resigned as DR. DAVID City Horticulturist, but that due to his concern for his community he FRENCH had continued in a supervisory capacity, obtaining well qualified 1983 SHADE persons to do the actual work. Dr. French indicated that he has a person TRHES who would be qualified to work as Tree Inspector and to assist with the planting of young trees. Council commented on the ~'~ina1 Report on the. 1982 Shade Tree Program, submitted by Fred Baker, 1982 Tree Inspector, suggesting that in 1983 Council consider therapeutic pruning and woodpile inspection. Dr. French indicated he was in favor of the pruning method to deter loss of trees to Dutch Elm Disease. Dr. French will provide the Clerk Administrator with names of prospective Tree Inspectors and the Clerk Administrator was directed to contact other persons who might be interested in working in that capacity. The Conditional Use and Variance requests from Nordquist sign was deferred VARIANCE & to a later date at the request of Nordquist sign. CONDITIONAL USE RE~?UESTS FROM NORDt~UIS' SIGN DEFERRED MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 1983 PAGE 2 Engineer Lember~ explained that he and Clerk Administrator Barnes had met with representatives of the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding the proposed upgrading of Snelling Avenue and were given the following inf ormation: (1) the project will be funded 75~ with Federal Aid Urban Funds, the remainder with State Funds, (2) there are no present plans to assess for curb and gutter, roadway or service roads, (3) signals will be financed on a share basis, the Roselawn signal to be shared by the State and Ramsey County, (tt) although Hoyt does not meet the necessary criteria for signals, the Department of Transportation is considering a signal at Hoyt and Snelling, the costs to be borne by MN/DOT, Ramsey County and the State Fairgrounds, (.5) storm sewer might be assessed, 75~ paid by Federal Aid urban Funds, 25~ to be paid by the State and others. Of that 25~, the State would pay for the cost of catch basins and their share of runoff, the runoff for right-of-way is estimated to be 90~ to 95~ leaving 1.23 to assess to others {such as the City). The analysis has not been completed and it is possible that the State could determine that assessment is not feasible. ~i SNELLI NG AVE . PROJECT UPDATE In reply to questions raised by residents at the January 26th meeting, Engineer Lemberg provided the following informations (1) speed limits are set by criteria set forth by the state; however, the signals wsluld be timed thereby aiding in compliance with the speed limit as deemed necessary, (2) the DOT does not feel snow plowing will be a problem, the area will be similar to that near Har Mar and snow will be hauled away if necessary, (3) the west service road is based on uniformity and to remove areas which might be the cause of potential accidents, due to the fact that Federal funds are being used Federal guidelines must be followed and those guidelines require service roads in this instance to allow traffic to move more smoothly, (!~) the project can proceed even though the City Council does not approve, the State would prefer not to proceed without approval but there is a procedure whereby they may proceed after a one year period, and (5) a height of over 6" on medians or curbs are considered unsafe. Engineer Lemberg also informed that if the street project is done, a lift station will be installed at Idaho and Snelling which would alleviate the flooding problems at the Idaho/Spelling Playground and it would then be feasible to develop the playground area. Council discussed what influence the City might have in dealing with the Department of Transportation and concurred that the best way would be to continue a professional communication. Engineer Lemberg agreed. Ronald Johnson, 1826 N. Snelling, presented to Council a petition signed RONALD JOHNSOI' by all residents on the east side of Snelling opposing any widening of the 1826 SHELLING service road. Engineer Lemberg explained that there would be no closer PRESENTS encroachment on the east side than now exists. PETITION Engineer Lemberg displayed and discussed with the residents and Council, the preliminary plans provided by MN/DOT. Engineer Lemberg then presented his letter dated January 28, 1983 recommend- ing that, when and if the Snelling Avenue reconstruction becomes a reality, that the City of Falcon Heights install a watermain loop to serve the area not presently covered. i~l MINUTES SPACIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 1983 PAGE 3 After a short discussion, Councilmember Chestovich moved, seconded by MEETING OF Councilmember Larson, that the meeting of February 23, 1983 be cancelled 2/23/83 (due to the fact that some members will be out of town during the School CANCELLED District #623 energy break). Motion carried unanimously. Council noted Attorney Van de North's letter regarding re-wording a part LIMITED USE of the Limited Use Permit and directed Clerk Administrator Barnes to PERMIT TO relate the information to Ramsey County. In con3unction with the ~'ermit RETURN TO which applies to the northeast corner of Larpenteur and Snelling, Clerk COUNTY FOR Administrator Barnes informed Council that he had been contacted by North RE WORDING Star State Bank regarding the possibility of constructing a drive-in bank on that corner, and that he was of the opinion that such a business would not be viable for that property. he did recommend some other sites which might be available for use as a drive-in bank. Councilmember Eggert moved, seconded by Councilmember Chestovich, that GISELA HARDEN the resignation of Gisela Harden, 1777 Simpson, from the Human Rights RESIGNS FROM Commission be accepted. Motion carried unanimously. HUMAN RIGHTS Acting Mayor Larson presented a request from John A. Biancini, Trustee, PRAYER & Prayer and Praise Fellowship, to lease or rent space in the Community PRAISE FELLO~IF Building for Sunday services. Acting Mayor Larson expressed some concern SHIP TO RENT that such action might violate the Church/State separation. After a SPACE TN short discussion, Acting Mayor Larson moved, seconded by Councilmember CITY Chestovich, that the Prayer and ?'raise Fellowship group be allowed to BUILDING rent the space for approximately 3 hours on Sundays for services, at a cost of ~lt5.00 per session providing the City Attorney gives approval. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Eggert presented the Human Rights By-Laws which were HUMAN RIGHTS recently re-written by the Commission. Councilmember Eggert moved, BY-LAWS seconded by Councilmember Chestovich, that the By-Laws be approved as APPROVED written. Motion carried unanimously. Following a short discussion, Councilmember Eggert moved, seconded by CHAMBER OF Councilmember Chestovich, that the Clerk Administrator renew the City's COMMERCE membership in the Suburban Area Chamber of Commerce for 1983-198t~, with MEMBERSHIP X105.00 of the fee to be paid from the amount budgeted and the remaining APPROVED FOR l~5.00 to be paid from the Contingency Fund. Motion carried unanimously. 1983-1}8?~ Acting Mayor Larson informed Council that Fire Chief Renchin is still attempting to obtain prices on the items requested by the Fire Department, FIRE and wil 1 submit them for discussion when complete. Acting Mayor Larson DEPARTMENT explained to Council that the night of the February 2nd snow storm the CONCERNS Rescue Department had a difficult time exiting from the building and out Prior Avenue and that it is imperative that some method of keeping the area open must be found. Clerk Administrator Barnes informed that he had discussed the matter with the Ramsey County Highway Department and that they had agreed to plow Prior before plowing Larpenteur and would attempt to keep the street open for emergency vehicles. The City will pay for the service on an hourly basis. isi MINUTES SP~~CIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 1983 PAGE !t Council discussed the drafting of an Ordinance Brochure to be delivered house-to-house in order that residents might be made more aware of the existing ordinances. In order to determine which items would be of interest to residents, it was suggested by Councilmember Chestovich that there be some public input. Council directed that an item be published in the Council Newsletter and an article be placed in the official News- paper requesting volunteers to serve on a committee for the purpose of drafting a community interest brochure. ORDINANCE 33ROCHURE 1 Councilmember Ciernia informed that he had discussed the matter of YJEATHER the "V~eather Ball" with Mike Heffron of the Fai_~grounds and was advised BALL by Mr. Heffron that the ball will probably not be in place until 19811. UPDATE Mr. Heffron indicated he is willing to discuss the placement with the City. Councilmember Ciernia informed Council that he and Clerk Administrator Barnes had made arrangements to attend a seminar at the M.E.C.C. Computer Center in Lauderdale on February 11th. He explained that M.E.C.C. can provide computer programs established expressly for small cities 6,000 or less in population. In view of the fact that the Flower City property is for sale and there are indications that prospective buyers are checking into the use of the property, Clerk Administrator Barnes asked Council if the City should become actively involved in finding a developer for the block, and in that way have some input in finding a development which would be most advantageous to the City. Engineer Lemberg stated that there are some urban renewal grants available which could be considered. Following a discussion, and acting upon a suggestion from Engineer ''emberg, Council directed the Engineer to check into some development ideas and come back to Council with suggestions. The Clerk Administrator was directed to contact tu~rr. Stillman, owner of the Flower City property. Maplewood Resolution No. 82-2-36 regarding court consolidation in Ramsey County was noted. Council noted a letter dated January 31, 1983 from Commissioner John Finley regarding problems at the November 2, 1982 election. Council scheduled a ~prkshop Meeting for Tuesday, March 1, 1983 to be held at the Lido Cafe from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Council viewed samples and discussed the purchase of drapes for the administrative offices. Acting Mayor Larson moved, seconded by Councilmember Chestovich, that the Clerk Administrator be author- ized to order draperies for the offices at a cost not to exceed X1,602.13. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk Administrator Barnes presented proposed Ordinances #197 and #198 relating to establishing a ~~ franchise fee on the distribution of gas and electricity in the City, an option stipulated under Ordinances #160 and #161. Councilmember Ciernia stated he had computed the cost to the average homeowner would be approximately X50.00 per year based on the average gas and electric charges in the Twin City area 090.00 per month). He felt there were advantages and disadvantages to the franchise fee, OFFICE AUTOMATION UPDATE FLOI~ER CITY PROPERTY. DISCUSSION MAPLEWOOD RESOLUTION NOTED JOHN FINLEY LETTER NOTED COUNCIL 1~TORKSHOP SCHEDULED DRAPES TO BE ORDERED FOR CITY OFFICES DISCUSSION PROPOSED ORDINANCES #197 & #198 MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 1983 PAGE 5 utility bills are a sensitive area; however, it would give a stable in- come to the City and could, perhaps, defer some of the property tax. acting Mayor Larson wondered if this X50.00 per year could be a burden to families on a fixed income. Clerk Administrator Barnes had calculated the amount of income to be derived from a !~~ fee would be approximately X178,000 per year, about the same amount as the City receives in State Aids. Both Acting Mayor Larson and Councilmember Ciernia were concerned that since the State is financially unstable and is contemplating more reductions in aid to communities that the City might have a shortage of funds. Clerk Administrator Barnes informed that in 1982 the State Aids for Falcon heights were reduced $37,336.50 and the State is now considering another reduction. Councilmember Eggert did not approve of the franchise fee, he recognized that if the state makes ma,~or cuts it would be necessary to find other sources of revenue, but, at present the situation does not lookbad and that there is sufficient slack built into the budget for the year. He stated that the franchise fee was a hidden tax in which the public has no input. Councilmember Eggert was of the opinion that Council should not implement the franchise at this time but if necessary, put it into effect at a later date. Councilmember Chestovich stated she was opposed to the franchise fee on the grounds that it was a hidden tax, there was no public input and not necessary a t this time. Councilmember Ciernia proposed that the fee might be set at 2% rather than ltd, thus lowering the cost to residents, but still providing the City with some extra income. Councilmember Ciernia moved, seconded by Acting Mayor Larson that Ordinances #19? and #198 be adopted stipulating that a 2~ franchise fee be established on Northern States Power Company~s gross operating revenue for the distribution of gas and electricity within the City. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted in favor thereof: Acting Mayor Larson and Councilmember Ciernia, and the following voted against the same: Councilmember Eggert, due to the fact that it is a hidden tax, and not necessary at this time and Councilmember ehestovich for the same reasons. Motion d efeated. Clerk Administrator Barnes informed Council that the Municipal Liquor Store had been held up on February 8th and that the robbery was under investigation. Acting mayor Larson commended Deputy Vandeberg, who was on duty at the time of the robbery, and the Clerk Administrator was directed to write a letter to Sheriff Zacharias informing him that Council was pleased with the Deputy~s performance. 1'a FRANCHISE FEE (cont.) Council discussed at length means by which robberies might be prevented. LI~~UOR STORE The Clerk Administrator was directed to check into additional security HOLD-UP measures and report back to Council, Council felt that important BISCUSSED occurrences such as the robbery should be reported to each Council- member immediately and directed the Clerk Administrator to do so. ~l MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 1983 PAGE 6 G~ Sandra G. Larson, eting Mayor 1 ATTEST: ewan arnes, Clerk Administrator Special City Council Meeting of February 10, 1983. 1~