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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_75Jul29MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING FALCON HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JULY 29, 1975 A special meeting of the Falcon Heights City Council was called to order by Mayor Warkentien at 8:00 p.m. Mayor Warkentien, Also present were Attorney Kenefick. None. 'Y 2 Councilmen Black, Ecklund, Steele, and Labalestra. Clerk-Administrator Barnes, Engincer Lemberg, and Mayor Warkentien opened the discussion on requested front yard parking for the State Fair Season: He reviewed the request and asked for a show of hands from the audience for and against. Out of the 75 people or so present at the time, 5 indicated they were in favor of it and 70 indicated they were not. Mayor Warkentien then informed the audience that a special meeting of the Falcon Heights Planning Commission was being called Monday, August 11, 1975, at 7:30 p.m. to consider the i°equest and to give recommenda- tions to the Council to be heard on August 11~, 1975• PRESENT ABSENT FRONT YARD PARKING DISCUSSION STATE FAIR SEASON Mayor Warkentien then opened the special hearing on the proposed improvements on Crawford Street between Snelling Drive and Arona Street by the construction of grading, bitLUninous surfacing, curb and gutter, and appurtenances at an estimated cost of $37,530.00. Mayor Warkentien then requested Engineer Lemberg to present to the Council and citizens the proposed plans. CRAWFORD STRZ+;ET PF~POSED IMPROVEMENTS PUBLIC HEARING Engineer Lemberg reviewed the proposed plans which are on file in the Clerk-Administrators office. He also noted sidewalk could be included on one or both sides of Crawford as per Council approval, and that, as proposed, the street would be widened to l~1~ feet to permit parking on both sides. He noted curb and gutter would carry water to the storm drainage area at the intersection of Arona and Crawford and that any trees that would be damaged by the project would be replaced. He noted assessments as had been charged in the past for curb and getter would run appro~amately $2.50 per foot and that the Council under the State Aid Plan would have the option to assess or not to assess for this project. _ Oliver Stratham, 1570 North Snelling Drive, stated he never heard anything about this and wanted to know the reasons for widening the street. Mayor ~Jarkentien stated the street has to be rebuilt, and in order to use State A3_d money which has been appropriated to Falcon Heights, we have to conform to their rules. He stated the three possible widths of 36, LSO, or ~~ feet, and the parking permitted for each. Oliver Statham then wanted to know who wants to widen the street with parking on both sides. ~~ ~~~ Mayor Warkentien then stated the base of the street needs to be CRAWFORD replaced as it is clay, and due to the small annual amount of CONTINUED State Aid the City receives, we have not had enough funds until now to proceed with these projects. Oliver Statham then asked is it true as I was told that stoplight would be installed at Hoyt and Snelling and if this would have at~ything to do with the project. Ntayor Warkei~cien noted no light had been planned for Snelling and Hoyt and if there was to be one, the State would install it. Vincent Landis, 1538 Crawford, wanted to know why the Council wanted to make Crawford between Arona and Asbury ~.~.feet. He stated there are about eight people that live on Crawford, and he does not want his front yard any shorter. He suggested that the road remain the same as the width between Pascal and Arona, and that people park in their garages. Mayor Warkentien replied that parking would be banned if the street was kept the same width. Engineer Lemberg stated Arona north of Crawford is 32 to 33 feet, and Arona south of Crawford is ~0 feet. He related the improvement would correct the drainage problems and stated the Council wished to use State Aid funds for this. He discussed trees on the boulevards and stated most of the trees are outside the boulevard. Vincent Landis suggested banning parking on one side of the street as +.1-.e parking area is not needed. He also asked about assessment policies. Ma~.ror Warkentien stated Falcon Heights had always assessed in the past for curb, gutter, and sidewalks. He then discussed the hearing in March when the notices of the preliminary input meetings were handed out by the Boy Scouts. Vinsent Landis stated he wanted curb and gutter as it is needed. Councilman Black noted this is not an assessment hearing, but stated many people would feel the two are tied together and that their opinions as to the project as a whole may depend upon an~r assessments. H® suggested the Council relate to the citizens their attitude towards assessments. The width of the streets was then discussed; Mayor Warkentien suggested leaving the street as it is on the south side, and giving four extra feet on the north side. He then suggested some type of parking lane. 1 74 Councilman Steele ti:~~ discussed the previous meeting of Crawford, CRAWE'OftD Arona, and Garden, and the notices. He then asked about State CONTINUED Aid funds, and what it would pay for. He stated at the time the Council did not know if the State Highway Commission would allow a 36 foot wide street. He stated the City of Falcon heights could build a street entirely under State Aid funds. He noted he thought the result of the prevtius hearing was for ~t~t feet, which he stated he was against. Councilman Ecklund stated he was afraid a wider street would create a loop for traffic to avoid the Larpenteur-Snelling intersection, and stated part of the reasoning for the project was to increase parking for the Municipal Liquor Store. H® also stated that with the long range planning and zoning proposal submitted by the Businessman~s Association showing the homes south of Crawford being rezoned, that the Council should first consider citisen~s input on the overall plans and improvements. He further stated if the proposed rezoning went into effect, it would be foolish to put in a narrow street, but if there was not a change in zoning, it would be practical to reduce the width of the street to reduce traffic on Crawford. Mayor Warkentien then stated the Council should consider this for the future, as the street, Arona, between Larpenteur and Crawford, and Crawford between Arona and Snelling Drive is really a bypass for the intersect:i.on at such a time the underpass would go through. He stated this is seven years away, and this is one of the reasons it was designated Stat® Aid. He noted the Council has turned this proposal down as it would have cost the Village too much. rlayor l~:arkentien then stated he felt a wider street is safer than a narrow street. Councilman Black stated if he gave accord to private telephone conversations he had with people, they would go 36 feet as a maximum. He stated he felt parking should be permitted on one side, the south side, and that he would favor no assessment for curb and gutter. He stated he would not favor sidewalks either, as this is in accordance with the wishes expressed. Vincent Landis then discussed parking, and in answer to ~4r. Steele~s question stated h® would prefer a 36 foot street, with parking not permitted. Thomas Mooney, 1!}98 West Iowa, asked if the Council would be voting on the practicality of the two issues tonight, and if so, in what order. He requested that at~y vote that might be taken be delayed on Issue One (Crawford), until Issue Two (Arona) could be discussed. He stated he felt the two issues were related to the bypass discus- sion and esthetics of the community, and stated he was against the bypass . Councilman Labalestra stated he felt Falcon Heights needs a stronger tax base for the community and this is a way the business can better help out the community if Improvements are made. Councilman Labalestra moved, seconded by Councilman Steele, to CRAWFORD defer voting on both of the public hearings until after full CONTINUED representation had been heard. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted "aye": Mayor Warkentien, Councilmen Black, Ecklund, Steele, and Labalestra, and the following voted "nayit: None. Motion carried. Mrs. William Borchert, 1715 Arona, stated she and several of her neighbors discussed the project, and they feel there is too much traffic now and they assumed the reason for the project is to increase parking for the liquor store. Thomas Mooney stated he felt Falcon Heights is a neighborhood community and not a business community, and this is what he wants to retain it as. Councilman Labalestra stated we need a stronger tax base to survive as a community, and that a neighborhood does not pay the same taxes as a business community does. He stated we need a stronger tax base to maintain our identity, othervaise, there is the possibility of annexation by St. Paul or Roseville in l0 or 15 years. He stated he wanted to make a better business community than what Falcon Heights has now. Mayor Warkentien opened the public hearing on Arona Street at ARONA STREET 8:l~5 p.m ., for the proposed improvements consisting of grading, PROPOSF~! bituminous surfacing, curb and gutter, storm sewer, and appurten- IMPROVEMENTS ances between California Avenue and Hoyt Avenue at an estimated cost of $60,865.00. He then requested Engineer Lemberg to pr®sent the proposed plans to the Council and citizens. Engineer Lemberg reviewed the proposal, and stated Arona Street had been designated in the State Aid system since 1960. He reviewed the results of the preliminary hearing in March, and noted it seemed to be the wish of the people to keep Arona at 36 feet without parking. He stated he drew the preliminary plans, as per Council request, at 36 feet with no parking. He stated any trees that would have to be removed would be replaced. He stated the improvement is needed, as too much money is spent on maintenance. He stated under this proposal, storm sewer would be included extending north from Hoyt Avenue with catch bas placed at Hoyt, Idaho, and Iowa so the water will be intercepted and not carried to the ponding area on Snelling Avenue. Engineer Lemberg noted sidewalks are shown on the proposal; however, it could be deleted at the discretion of the Council. He noted the 36 foot width is the minimum presently allowed by the State Highway Department, and noted the Council would have to pass a resolution ~° banning parking on both sides of the street. He noted the storm sewer as proposed would b® partly paid for by State Aic? funds, including the catch basins, leads, and a part of the storm sewer and the remain- der trunk line could be paid by the City or by assessment. He noted the ~s area included in the storm sewer area extends from Arona Avenue on the west to Pascal on the east, and from the alley between Hoyt and Iowa on toe south, to the alley between Larpenteur and California Avenue on the north, and this area is the storm sewer area subdistrict. He noted the boulevards and sidewalks would be replaced if damaged, the drainage would be corrected, standard curb and gutter would be installed. Thomas Mooney stated the street would be wider, flatter, better, but this would allow more traffic, and stated he was concerned for safety of people with a wider street. He also stated since the Council would have to enforce no parking, there would b® too many signs on the street. He stated he was not too concerned with the business district, but wanted to maintain the neighborhood area. He stated he was not in favor of grade separation at Larpenteur and Snelling. He stated he was concerned about the neighborhood being cut in half, and the number of commercial vehicles that would be using the streets. He sta;c:d he feels this is a disasterous move to destroy the neighborhood when neighborhood preservation is being looked for. He noted he is very concerned about assess- ments and that this is an impractical solution. He stated he feels the project is not necessary, even if State Aid funds are available. He stated the no parking signs would be an eyesore for the street and that most of the people he had talked with were not in favor of the project at a11. Mayor Warkentien stated the crucial point is the maintenance of Arona. Thomas Mooney wanted to know the cost of maintenance on Arona. Mayor Warkentien stated maintenance is on an area-wide contract, and that maintenance is carried out whe~~ needed. He also related high maintenance costs are due to a very poor base on Arona. Engineer Lemberg stated th era are no records kept of how many shovels of blacktop are used for patching a street, however, we know they spend much time out there maintaining the street. As to signs, h® stated there would on 1y b® two or three signs per block. He noted that all roads in Falcon Heights are nine-ton streets as per state law. He stated with a 36 foot wide street as prcposed, the majority of the trees could be saved and those that could not be saved would be replaced. Mr. Mooney then stated he was concerned about the traffic that was going to bypass Snelling creating a loop effect on Arona and suggested a traffic study. Engineer Lemberg then informed Mr. Mooney that there are no plans for an underpass within the next ten years at Larpenteur and Snelling and that there is a S-E;ate Law that allows the State to declare at~y public right-of-way as a bypass without any Council approval. AR~ONA CONTINUED ~~ Joan Helin, 1755 Arona, stated she felt Falcon Heights does not AP~ON~~ need to give Arona any more maintenance than is being done and CONTINUED that her main concern is for her children. Bruce Rushton, 11169 California, asked about the storm sewer sub- district, and the basis for establishing the storm sewer. Engineer Lemberg stated it is the area that drains to Arona Avenue and explained the drainage system in detail. Bruce Rushton stated approximately nine months ago on Arona he nearly had a close call when a child on a bicycle hit a pothole and fell. He felt that something should be done. Mayor Warkentien asked Mrs. He1in if she would be in favor of sidewalks. Joan He1in replied no; she is in favor of leaving the street as it is. Bob Talland, 1530 West Iowa, felt at the last meeting the people were not in favor of widening the street at all. He felt that widening and upgrading the street from Larpenteur to Hoyt would result in a safety hazard for children. Ray Schommer, 7.11.97 1rJest Idaho, stated in the 33 years hers lived here, he feels the City has done a terrific job on maintenance. How- ever, he would like to see a stop sign installed to decrease traffic at Idaho and Arona, if widened. Engineer Lemberg replied that under State Law, a stop sign must be installed to control traffic, rather than the speed of the traffic, and that traffic speed is a police problem. He stated traffic signs must be placed to permit the heavier traffic to go through and, in this case, it would be on the wrong side of the street. Vincent Landis stated he felt Crawford and Arona were being widened for the Municipal Liquor Store business. He suggested that Crawford be made all one width as between Arona and Pascal. Engineer Lemberg then stated in order to use State Aid f~7nds, Falcon Heights must follow the Status criteria, with a minimum of 36 feet, otherwise someone would have +,; ~^~;~ for it. Jim L=~11Anthir~e, 15C2 West California, stated he wants to keep t_he traffic on Snelling and Larpenteur, and felt triat Arona needs , r~o impreven•_onts. He then asked why all of tkie st•,orm sewer costs ~' cannot be paid with State Aid funds and asked that an ®stimate be given on assessments. i Engineer Lemberg stated the rest of the City other than this has been assessed for storm sewer and that State Aid funds cannot AR,ONA be used for all the project as all the water does not come off CONTINUED the street right-of-way. He then stated State Aid funds would pay for the catch basins, pipes from the catch basins to th e trunk line and the trunk line in propoertion to the amount of area that the trunk line drains. H® stated the right-of-way would pay 2/3 based on a 90 per cent runoff factor as compared to a 1+5 per cent runcff. He then stated the estimated assessment for storm sewer would run $8,01..00 if based, on a square foot use of 1,050 square feet of area, it would b® $1.78 per square foot and for the average size lot of 6,250 square feet, the average assessment would be $111.25. He noted for the 67 homes involved, the assessment would be about $120.00 per home. Tom Rushton, 1188 West Idaho, asked about the recreational area pond and sine it is a recreational area, are there considerations in traffic control being set. Engineer Lemberg stated State Aid funds are available to paint crossc:alks, tines, bicycle lanes, etc., and that this could be included as part of the project. David Andersen, 1512 West Idaho, stated h® has a problem with standing water on Arona, and that this is causing his sideyard to sink. He then asked about possible lower speed limits on Arona to discourage the use of the street, and wondered if the Council would take action. Engineer Lemberg stated State Law requires 30 miles per hour and to reduce the speed limit would require legal procedures before the Commissioner of Highways. Engineer Lemberg stated he recommends -the Council discuss assess- ments at this time (but the Council is not bound by previous Council action), and recommended that assessment hearings be h®1d at a later dat®. Councilman Black then noted if either of the projects were ordered, the decision to assess or not to assess Yrould have to be determined. ~/ He further stated he was aware that a portion of the Storm Sewer Improvement would have to be aseessed. Councilman Ecklund then stated the Council should make their ~,~,- intentions known as to whether they would assess for curb and gutter on Arona. Attorney Kenefick then noted assessment hearings are set up in two steps; one to determine i_f the project is needed, and seccnd, after the contract or improvements are made, to determine which portion would be assessed against the property owners which were benefits. He then noted that the Engineer has not been ordered to draw final plans, and that the price for the fi_na1 bids cannot b® determin®d until received. 7`+I ~ I;ayor Warkentien stated the need for the improvement is there ARONA and he feels strongly for the storm sewer. He then stated he ~ CONTINUED would not be for assessing curb and gutters. Councilmen Black and Ecklund then stated they were not in favor J~ of assessing for curb and gutter. Councilman Steele stated he has been against assessment from the `C beginning. Councilman Labalestra stated as long as Falcon Heights has State )C Aid, that is reason enough to pay for the curb and gutter. Ed Qmark, 1512 Iowa, was concerned about the trees. He asked about the trees on Iowa to Hoyt which are green and what would be done about replacing tharn. Engineer Lemberg noted there are three trees very close to the curb. He stated the trees would be either moved back or replaced. He then discussed a 36 foot wYde street and stated there would be room to park in the driveways or if the street were J~0 feet, parking on one side would be permitted. George Timmers, 1523 Hoyt, stated he does not have enough room to park his car in his driveway at present and is concerned he may have to relocate his garag®. Jean Peterson, 1513 West California, wanted to know if her property had been assessed for this before. She was also con- cerned about parking north of California. Engineer Lemberg replied it had been assessed for curb and Y gutter and that parking would be permitted north of California. /~ Bruce Rushton then asked about the widening and funneling effect on Crawford from the wider section into the narrower section in the same block. Engineer Lemberg replied that Crawford Street east of Arona is 32 feet wide. He stated it may be possible to get the street approved 36 feet wide and discussed curbs on Crawford. Betty Ernst, 1167 West Iowa, stated she was concerned about the trees and how marry would be removed. She gave an example of a street in Minneapolis that had trees removed for a pro3ect similar to this, and that it lost most of the shade trees. She was also concerned about the sideyard situation. Engineer Lemberg stated it appears there are 6 or 8 trees that will have to be removed or replaced and stated it may be possible to plant a few additional trees on the south end where there are none at present. He then stated State Aid would pay for the sidewalk as proposed, however, the Council can decide if the sidewalk is necessary. ~"~ ;,,: ~;; ~ ~, Mrs. Leah Johnson, 1521~titiest Iowa, wanted to know if it would do any good for the people to come up and express their opinions. AftONA CCNTIN~'+D 1 Mayor Warkentien then stated under the Open Meeting Law, the Council would have to make a decision publicly. Thomas Mooney then suggested the Council ask for a show of hands to see if people wanted any improvements at a11. Councilman Black then noted that matxy people present seem to feel that no improve¢ents are necessary and stated he wanted to know if not now, when are the improvements going to be done and with what money. David Anderson then discussed the sinking on his front yard and stated he felt there were negative aspects to the whole project. He then stated he felt assured he would not have a sideyard assess- ment, but that he was in favor of the project. Councilman Steele then asked Dave Anderson, since he is in favor of the project, what width street would he like, curb, gutter, sidewalk, etc. Dave Anderson stated that he wants curb and gutter to correct the water problem, and that he wanted the surface of the street taken X care of and that a 36 foot street with no parking would be fine. Thomas Mooney suggested looking at the long-term affect for th e people in the neighborhood, and again stated he was concerned about any future overpass and underpass for Lai^penteur and Snelling and the possible effect these improvements could have on it. He also states he was not concerned about the commercial area. Engineer Lemberg answered the State has the right by Statute to declare arty road or street as a by-pass for construction purposes. Bob Ke11in, 1513 West Iowa, noted at the last meeting that there was concern about the possible by-pass, and the possibility of a stoplight at Snelling and Hoyt. He also was concerned about the traffic that would occur with the improvements and noted most of the people present were opposed to the project. Bob Ke11in stated the bypass is not the point, but the fact is the kids will have a speedway when the street is improved. Dorothy Schommer, 1197 ~n'est Idaho, asked if there is anything that can be done to solve drainage problems on Idaho and Arona without getting involved in arty other part of the proposed improvement. ' Engineer Lemberg answered the drainage is part of the problem and the storm sewer could be put in assessed. He noted the storm sewer could be put in without putting the street in. He noted if the catch basins were placed and sized to take the drainage, then that portion that is State Aid could be paid out of State Aid funds and the rest could be assessed. H® noted the storm sewer would be less costly if put in with the total project. ~'""~ Councilman Black asked how many catch basins would be needed and ~` ARONA how many feet of line for storm sewers alon®. CONTINUED Engineer Lemberg replied 10 to 12 catch basins, 3 manholes, and about 700 feet of line from Hoyt to Idaho, and noted the estimated cost for just the trunk line is $9,212.00, not including catch basins, and the assessed cost would be about $8,000.00. Bob Ke11in then asked if a proposal including storm sewer and }~ building up the corner of Idaho and Arona, could be made. ,/ Engineer Lemberg stated he would have no objection to this. Councilman Labalestra stated this goes only half way and does not take care of the street surface problem and maintenance. Engineer Lemberg then sketched a diagram and explained the proposal in detail and the costs involved by doing storm sewers now and street improvements later. Councilman Black stated Engineer Lemberg's estimates appear to be ~( accurate and that something should be done, as Fa11 weather will be approaching. Councilman Black moved, seconded by Councilman Labalestra, to ARONA PLANS order plans and final specifications for the installation of AND SPECS storm sewer on Arona Street from California Avenue to Hoyt Avenue. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted "aye"s Mayor Warkentien, Councilmen Black, Ecklund, Steele, and Labalestra, and the following voted "nay": None. Motion carried. Mayor Warkentien moved, seconded by Councilman Steele, to improve CRAIrr'FORD PLANS Crawford Street from Arona to Asbury at a 36 foot width, and AND SPECS Arona Street to Snelling Drive at a 1.~ foot width. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted "aye": Mayor Warkentien, Councilmen Black, Steele, and Labalestra, and the following voted "nay": Councilman Ecklund. Motion carried. Councilman Ecklund moved, seconded by Councilman Black, to approve GES~iERAL the general payroll (July 16 - 31) in the amount of $3,085.01. PAYROLL Upon a vote being taken, the following voted "aye": Mayor JUZY 16 - 31 Z:rarkentien, Councilmen Black, Ecklund, Steele, and Labalestra, and the following voted "nay": None. Motion carried. Councilman Steele moved, seconded by Councilman Labalestra, to LIQUOR approve the liquor payroll (July 16 - 31) in the amount of PAYROLL $1,671.66. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted "aye": JULY 16 - 31 Mayor tiJarke ntien, Councilmen Black, Ecklund, Steele, and Labalestra, and the following voted "nay": P1one. Motion carried. ~7 ~~ Clerk-Administrator Barnes Aresented the following quotes from RE-ROOFING the following companies for the proposed re-roofing of the City BID AWARD Ha11: BERWALD E. R. Berwald Roofing Company, Inc. $x.,982.00 •~ Ette1 & Franz Company. $6,190.00 The Quimby Company $6,2.7.00. Councilman Steele moved, seconded by Councilman Ecklund, to award a contract to E. R. Berwald Company, Inc., to replace the roof on the Municipal Building, excluding the Maintenance Building portion, as quoted in their quotation in the amount of $x,982.00. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted "aye": Z.ayor Warkentien, Councilmen Black, Ecklund, Steele, and Labalestra, and the following voted "nay": None. I~Zotion carried. The Planning Commission meeting of August 11, 1975, at 7:30 p.m. PL~'.NNITJG concerning the request for parking on front yards during Fair COI~•ZISSION Season was noted. The letter from the Univ®rsit~* concerning the sewer improvements UNIVERSITY in the University grounds was noted. The letter from the State Fair objecting to John McEachron's hot STATE FAIR dog stand was noted. ..ayor ti°~arkentien moved, seconded by Councilman Ste©1e, to author- AIR ize Engineer Lemberg to draw up a proposal for an adequate air CONDITION]~i. conditioning system for the Council Chambers, and directing the FOR COUPdCIL Clerk Adm~.nistrator to acquire quotations on the air conditioning CHAMBERS system and installation prior to replacement of the roof. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted "aye" : Mayor ?rIarkentien, Councilmen Black, Ecklund, Steele, and Labalestra, and the following voted "nay": None. Motion carried. Councilman Bcklund moved, seconded by Councilman Labalestra, to ADJUURIJr~NT adjourn the meeting at 11:35 p.m. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted "aye": Mayor tiJarkentien, Councilmen Black, Ecklund, Steele, and Labalestra, and the following voted "nay": None. Motion carried. _ _ 7 ;_ WILLIS C. A. WARKENTI N, Mayor Attest: '~ i ~ 7i ~~ Dewan B. Barnes, Clerk-Administrator Special Tieeting of July 29, 1975•