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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_06Jan25Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council City of Falcon Heights January 25, 2006 Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The following members were present: Council members Kuettel and Harris, Mayor Gehrz, Administrator Worthington, Deputy Clerk Kreuser, Parks and Public Works Director Hoag. Members absent: Council members Talbot and Lindstrom. Presentation: Community Event Neighborhood Commissioner Laura Kwong presented her idea for a “Treasures of Falcon Heights” city tour and asked for council approval. The proposed day is set for May 13, 2006 from 1-4 p.m. Her ideas included a tour of homes and landmarks within the city, a bike tour, and city history tidbits at the various stops. She proposed sending a map to residents within the City, along with a passport-style booklet to get stamped at the various locations. Any volunteers for this event are encouraged to contact City Hall. Council member Kuettel asked about transportation between the stops. Kwong answered she’d looked into a bus, but the expense would prevent those arrangements. She added that there is interest in carpooling. Mayor Gehrz thanked Kwong for her dedication and enthusiasm, and said the City was grateful to have teens on commissions. She added that other city commissions could help out with the planning, like the parks/rec commission. She also thanked the police department for their help in planning the event and for the safety measures they will take on tour day. The minutes from the January 11, 2006 regular City Council meeting were approved. Public Hearing Continuation: Roselawn Avenue Reconstruction Administrator Worthington began with an overview of the project, including the properties to be assessed, layout of the project, and projected cost. Mayor Gehrz opened the hearing for questions from the council first. She added the construction would begin in May 2006 and be completed before the State Fair. The Mayor opened for questions from the council. Council member Kuettel clarified the current street width is 32 feet, and will be reconstructed to 34 feet. Also the planting beds will be flush with the curb, not an elevated flower planter. Administrator Worthington also stated the lilies to be planted are heartier than grass and will be able to survive the salt and sand from the roadway during the winter. Council member Kuettel asked how many total planter beds there will be. Administrator Worthington replied there are 3-4 suggested for each block, for a total of 26. Council member Harris asked about the increased cost for putting in the flower beds. Administrator Worthington replied there would be no increased cost, the City would simply relay to the contractor to leave those areas concrete-free. She added there will be ongoing cost for maintenance, but the City would be able to handle the current layout without stretching resources too thin. Mayor Gehrz put to rest any confusion about the reasoning behind a 6-foot sidewalk by explaining it has to deal with the City’s ability to remove snow. Some of the equipment currently does damage to grass along 5-foot sidewalks because the plow is wider than the sidewalk. She added a 6-foot sidewalk would allow for two pieces of equipment to be used with little threat of damage to grass. Parks and Public Works Director Hoag replied that both pieces of equipment are currently used, and with the 5-foot wide sidewalks cleared by the 5-foot wide snow blower there is room for mistakes. Mayor Gehrz asked about the maintenance of the flower beds and what is involved in keeping them up. Hoag replied the lilies will re-populate on their own, however during the first few years, there will be weeding, watering, and gardening until they completely fill in the planter box. Mayor Gehrz opened the public hearing for comments from the audience. John Robertson-Smith, 1454 Roselawn, asked about the placement of the mailbox on Roselawn. Administrator Worthington replied the City was in contact with the post office, and is waiting to hear back from them regarding the best location. She added it will not be moved too far from its current location. Robertson-Smith added that on the north side, with the parking lane, the mailbox may be blocked by parked cars. Administrator Worthington replied the designs will be finalized in the next few days, and that will be taken into consideration. Lastly, Robertson-Smith stated how pleased he has been with the City’s work in compromising with residents, and that the project has been a good lesson in community cooperation. Laura Kwong, 1700 Fry, asked whether there would be a shoulder on the south side of Roselawn for biking. Administrator Worthington replied there would be a 2-foot shoulder. Bill Simmons, 1913 Albert, stated he sent an e-mail asking for 3 or 4 cutouts along their property due to the long extension (130-135 ft). Simmons added he would maintain them, and asked for council approval. Mayor Gehrz replied that issue will be taken up when the council decides. Pat Hanson, 1910 Snelling, wished to commend the council and staff for listening to the homeowners and being responsive to resident’s ideas. Mayor Gehrz closed the public hearing. Consent Agenda: Council member Kuettel moved to approve the following items on the consent agenda. The motion passed unanimously. 1. General Disbursements through 1/20/06: $74, 182.75 Payroll through 1/15/06: $14, 714.93 License Renewals for 2006 Policy Agenda: 1. Approval of the Roselawn Reconstruction Project Mayor Gehrz began by stating the project approval required a 4/5 vote by law. Since two council members were absent, the vote was tabled until the Feb. 8 council meeting. Mayor Gehrz responded to Simmons question of additional planter beds on properties. She stated there may be an option to have a contract drawn up that would provide for residents handling their own flowers and would follow the property in the event of sale. She stated she had no objections to that option. Council member Kuettel pointed out the balance and aesthetics of having more planters on some blocks than others would be beneficial. Kuettel said that while his lot is 130 feet, more planters would likely look more balanced due to the longer space compared to the other blocks. She stated she was all for making this work. Council member Harris said she would approve as long as the obligation to take care of the boxes followed the property, which would be drawn up by the city attorney. Mayor Gehrz stated the comments and concerns would be taken into due consideration, and further council discussion and a vote would occur on Feb. 8. Certificate of Completion and Certificate Regarding Defaults for Multifamily Building Administrator Worthington gave an overview of the documents, and the recommended changes by the city attorney. She pointed out the sidewalk installation agreement, which provides for a sidewalk along Snelling Avenue to be completed in spring 2006. Council member Harris moved to approve the certification of completion for the multi-family building and certificate regarding defaults. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Renewal of Tree Trimming/Removal Contract with S&S Tree Service Administrator Worthington began by giving an overview of the contract with S&S Tree. The company offered to extend the contract signed in 2004, without an increase in fees, for 2006. She stated they are able to do this by using their climbing class, who are heavily supervised, and do great work. Council member Kuettel commented that during emergency situations, S&S has been extremely impressive and professional. Council member Harris asked what was meant by “better and more competitive ways to solicit proposals.” Administrator Worthington replied that there are always ways to streamline the RFP process and by combining the trimming and removal requests together, it is more efficient and saves money. Council member Kuettel moved to approve the renewal of tree trimming/removal contract with S&S Tree Service. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Order feasibility report for Hamline/Hoyt Reconstruction project Administrator Worthington began the item by giving an overview of the project and the steps to completion. She said it will be the same process as the Roselawn project, however St. Paul is unlike partnering with Roseville as they have a different set of laws to follow. Still, the first step is to order the feasibility report. Council member Kuettel asked about the water main stops and who will pay to have them moved. Administrator Worthington replied St. Paul Water Utility will pay for moving them. She stated St. Paul will pay for the water replacements and Falcon Heights will handle the sewer. Council member Harris asked if the process will be outlined again by a presentation by the city engineer. Administrator Worthington replied it would. Mayor Gehrz then stated the city was unsure if a 4/5 vote was necessary for ordering the report, and since there was not time to do the legal research, the item would be voted on. However, if 4/5 was necessary the item would go back on the agenda for the Feb. 8 meeting. Council member Kuettel moved to order the feasibility report for Hamline/Hoyt Reconstruction project. The motion passed unanimously. Community Forum: Bryan Olson, 1592 Roselawn, asked the mayor and council to add a section in the council standing rules differentiating workshops from regular meetings. Staff will place the item on an upcoming council agenda. Information/Announcements: Council member Kuettel reported the planning commission met on 1/24/06. A chairperson was selected at the meeting. It was reported the code will be ready to review in April/May or 2006. Also, the city has received a grant from the Hubert H. Humphrey School to have interns in urban planning do a study on the walkability and livability of Falcon Heights this spring. Council member Harris reported the joint meeting of the CERTs/Liaisons/Human Rights Commission/Neighborhood Commission was held on 1/23/06. The meeting was held to discuss the changing neighborhoods and future demographics of Falcon Heights. Mayor Gehrz announced the Dead of Winter event will be held on 2/5/06 from 1-4 p.m. with sleigh rides or hay rides, food, games and fun. Also, she encouraged residents to call City Hall to volunteer for the Dead of Winter event or for the Treasures tour to be held in May. Mayor Gehrz adjourned the meeting at 8:20p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stacey Kreuser Deputy Clerk