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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_86Feb12MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 1986 A regular meeting of the Falcon Heights City Council was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Baldwin. PRESENT Members Baldwin, Ciernia and Hard. Also present was Clerk Administrator Barnes, Attorney Van de North and Engineer Schunicht. ABSENT Member Chenoweth CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Baldwin moved, seconded by Hard, that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 1986 APPROVED Baldwin moved, seconded by Hard, that the January 22, 1986 Minutes be approved as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CABLE TV UPDATE Commissioner Eggert from the North Suburban Cable Commission reviewed the sale by Westinghouse of Group W Cable, Inc. The stock is being purchased by a five member consortium and the north suburban. system will then be purchased from the consortium by Daniels and Associates and Hauser Communications, a partnership. Commissioner Eggert advised that according to the franchise agreement, the North Suburban Cable Commission has the right of first refusal. Several questions and concerns have been raised regarding when the NSCC rights to purchase are triggered. Due to a conflict of interest with the present NSCC Attorney, a corporate attorney will be engaged. Two public hearing are required to be held (as stated in the franchise) to approve the sale. The first public hearing can be held either by the cities or the NSCC. The second public hearing will have to be held by the cities because the franchise will have to be amended at that point. A letter will need to be sent to the NSCC advising whether the Council wishes to hold the public hearing themselves or to have the NSCC hold the public hearing. Commissioner Eggert advised that he is not comfortable entering the negotiation process concerning the sale of Group W if he did not adequate insurance coverage. Since he is not a member of the City Council, he questioned whether the insurance provided by the City is adequate. The Clerk Administrator discussed the issue with the League of Cities and was told that it is a gray area. He requested Attorney Van de North to review the present policy to determine whether he is covered and to what extent. An opportunity has been made available to purchase insurance through the NSCC. The insurance agent with the proposed coverage did advise that there was a deductible clause and suggested the City Council pass a resolution indemnifying the Commissioner for the deductible amount. He requested that the issue be placed on the next City Council agenda. ~. MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 1986 PAGE 2 Commissioner Eggert .advised that the North Suburban Access Corporation had made funds available to purchase equipment that would allow the City to video-tape City Council meetings as well as to be used for other City functions. The Administrator from the NSAC has determined what type of equipment would be needed. Ciernia moved, seconded by Baldwin, to defer the right of the City of Falcon Heights to hold a public hearing regarding the sale by Westinghouse of Group W Inc. and that such public hearing be held by the North Suburban Cable Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Van de North suggested that the insurance agent from the League of Cities, who provides the City coverage, should attend the next Council meeting. VARIANCE REQUEST FROM PAUL BAEHR, 1746 HOLTON, FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A DRIVEWAY TO THE SOUTH LOT LINE AND MOVE THE UTILITY POLE Paul Baehr, 1746 Holton, requested a variance to construct his driveway one foot from the property line and requested that the utility pole located on his property be moved to the property line. Discussion ensued regarding the placement of the utility pole, why the present location was chosen and the fact that it could be moved but would be at the expense of Mr. Baehr. Mr. Baehr advised that due to the location of his garage and the size of the vehicle he drives, he needs a large area for a turning radius. Baldwin reviewed the zoning ordinance and why variances were granted in the surrounding neighborhood. He did advise that variances should be granted only when there is hardship displayed and did not feel that undue hardship had been demonstrated. After a lengthy discussion, Hard suggested that the driveway could be constructed in such a fashion that it could be made wider at the garage creating a larger apron and keep within the five foot side yard setback at the boulevard. That would allow the utility pole to stay as it is. Discussion continueias to where the widening of the driveway could start and just how many feet are involved from the side lot line to the house. Baldwin stated that he felt it was the sense of the Council to enforce the code and still allow a feasible area that would maximize the greatest usage by the homeowner but leave the utility pole in its present location. The Clerk Administrator was directed to measure the driveway and yard area and present a workable plan at the next Council meeting. If Mr. Baehr agreed with the plan, it would not be necessary for him to attend the next Council meeting. He also was advised that it would be necessary to install a curb along the driveway to control surface drainage. STORM DRAINAGE REPORT Engineer Schunicht reviewed his February 7 letter (a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Clerk Administrator) addressing the value of the existing storm drainage system, an estimate of .future storm drainage expenditures and the development of alternative methods of financing on- going construction, replacement and operation. He then reviewed what. policy questions needed to be discussed and suggested a workshop be ~.~ MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 1986 PAGE 3 scheduled. After a discussion, a workshop was scheduled for March 19 at 7:00 P.M. ORDIN7~NCE 0-86-4 RELATING TO AMENDING THE CODE REGARDING GENERAL CONTRACTORS Hard moved, seconded by Ciernia, that Ordinance 0-86-4 be adopted. Motion carried unanimously. ORDINANCE 0-86-4 RELATING TO AMENDING THE CODE REGARDING GENERAL CONTRACTORS (SECTION 5-12A.01) APPOINTMENT OF JOSEPH EDWARD OLSON, 2247 ROSELAWN, TO RESCUE DEPARTMENT Ciernia moved, seconded by Hard, to appoint Joseph Edward Olson, 2247 Roselawn, to the Falcon Heights Rescue Department upon the completion of the required probation period and physical examination. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION R-86-7 RELATING TO UNIVERSITY TRANSITWAY Baldwin moved, seconded by Hard, that Resolution R-86-7 be adopted. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION R-86-7 A RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY TRANSITWAY SPRING DUMP SCHEDULED FOR MAY 9 THROUGH MAY 18 Attorney Van de North suggested that the Clerk Administrator contact the Minnesota Department of Pollution Control to obtain brochures relating to the disposition of hazardous wastes. These restrictions could then be placed in the newsletter to advise residents what items could be disposed of. The Clerk Administrator was directed to review the procedures used last year, to contact the Falcon Heights Fire Department to see if a fireman could again man the dump and check with the property owner if the land north of the City Hall could again be used and return with recommendations. Ciernia then made a motion to schedule the spring dump from May 9 through May 18. The motion was seconded by Baldwin and upon a vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. NEWSLETTER PREPARATION/DISTRIBUTION DISCUSSION Baldwin advised that he had not heard from the person he contacted for the preparation and distribution of the newsletter and would again contact that person and have the item be placed on the next agenda. He felt that intensifying the present information to make it more readable for the residents would be a valuable asset. VIDEO TAPING COUNCIL MEETINGS Baldwin advised that a community member had volunteered to video tape ~~ 1 MINUTES REGULAR CITY FEBRUARY 12, PAGE 4 COUNCIL MEETING 1986 Council meetings who is highly qualified. When the equipment is made available from the North Suburban Access Corporation, the Falcon Heights City Council meetings will be taped. The City staff will also try to obtain additional volunteers. RECOGNITION RECEPTION FOR COMMISSION MEMBERS ~D Baldwin advised that numerous volunteers from the community had devoted their time to the many Commissions throughout the years and he felt it worthwhile for the City to establish a policy to welcome new members and thank present and past members for their volunteer time. He suggested a reception be scheduled yearly and that this years be scheduled sometime in March. Council directed the Clerk Administrator to determine the cost involved and suggested dates. The item should be placed on the next agenda. REDEVELOPMENT CONCERNS Baldwin commented on information he has read regarding the sale of the property on the southeast corner of Larpenteur and Snelling. The city needs to get aggressive and look at what is good for the City. The Clerk Administrator is meeting with several development companies to determine what options are available for that corner. The input of the citizens committee has been drafted and will be finalized, which will then be furnished to the Clerk Administrator. A discussion ensued about the involvement of the Citizens Committee and its structure. COUNCIL INFORMATION Clerk Administrator Barnes advised that the Recycling Committee met. Leo Klish will serve as Chairman. Several members are planning on attending a Recycling Seminar. Baldwin advised that the Metropolitan Council had made available a software package for redevelopment planning and suggested City Staff review its usefulness since redevelopment is being planned within the City. Ciernia distributed the results of the Park and Recreation survey and a quiz on the Falcon Heights Parks. The Commission will be discussing the results at upcoming meetings. Parking on Coffman will need to be addressed when spring and summer arrive because residents will need to have a place to park their cars when using the Grove park. Hard advised that the Planning Commission requested that the City Planner attend their next meeting and reviewed what actions were taken at their last meeting. ADJOURNMENT Hard moved, seconded by Ciernia, to adjourn the meeting at 9:49 P.M. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 1986 PAGE 5 Tom Baldwin, Mayor ATTEST: 1 -~~~~~ 2i Dewan B. Barnes, Clerk Administrator Regular City Council Meeting of February 12, 1986 ~. ~ ~~ i~ CONSENT AGENDA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 1986 1. Falcon Heights Ambulance Reports #2-00586 - ~2-00886 2. Lauderdale Ambulance Report #4-00186 3. Disbursements 1/22/86 - 2/12/86 $49,768.87 4. Payroll 1/16/86 - 1/31/86 $ 7,915.24 5. Planning Commission Minutes of February 3, 1986 6. Prosecutorts Statement for November and December, 1985 7. Statement from Bonestroo & Associates for December, 1985 8. Statement from Briggs & Morgan for December, 1985 9. Certificates of Recognition for Alan Stefanson, Erma Olson, and Jerry Wallin, Retiring Planning Commission Members 10. Ramsey County Sheriffs Report for January, 1986 11. Licenses: General Contractors Warren 0. Biorn Roofing Co. #1465 3124 Edgewood Ave. N Minneapolis, MN 55427 VendinAt Machines Bullseye Golf, Inc. #1463 & 1462 1557 W. Larpenteur Ave. Falcon Heights, MN 55113 Mechanical Contractor C. 0. Carlson Air Conditioning X491 1156 Aldrich Avenue N. Minneapolis, MN 55411 Lawrence Signs,Ine. #1464 945 Pierce Butler Route St. Paul, MN 55104