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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_89Apr261 1 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 26, 1989 Baldwin convened the meeting at 7:00 P. M. PRESENT Bush, Ciernia and Baldwin. Also present were Wiessner, S. Chenoweth, Gedde and Maurer. ABSENT P. Chenoweth and Wallin. (Wallin arrived later) CONSENT ITEM E (2), 40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, PLACED ON POLICY AGENDA Item E (2) was removed to the Policy Agenda as it had been inadvertently placed on the Consent Agenda. MINUTES OF APRIL 12, 1989 Council approved the Minutes of April 12, 1989 as presented. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED The following Consent Agenda was approved: 1. Disbursements a. General Disbursements through 4/26/89, $72,208.00 b. Payroll, 4/1/89 -4/15/89, $9,654.23 2. Fire/Ambulance Runs 3. Solid Waste Commission Minutes of April 6, 1989 4. Spring Street Sweeping Contract 5. Licenses APPROVAL OF ANIMAL CONTROL AND ANIMAL POUND CONTRACTS FOR 1989 Following a brief discussion, Council unanimously approved the 1989 Animal Control Contract with the City of Roseville, and the 1989 Animal Pound Contract with Brighton Animal Hosptial. APPROVAL OF CURBSIDE RECYCLING CONTRACT WITH SUPERCYCLE Council approved the proposed contract with SuperCycle, Inc. for curbside pickup for the remainder of 1989 as recommended by the Solid Waste Commission. CHANGES IN CITY'S DEDUCTIBLE ON LIABILITY AND AUTO INSURANCE Council approved changing the City's auto collision deductible to $1,000 and the building coverage to replacement cost as recommended by City Accountant Kelly. LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE POLICY APPROVED Council authorized participating in a long term disability policy plan through Ramsey County as recomended by Kelly. MINUTES APRIL 26, 1989 PAGE 2 ~,~, TRANSFER OF BUDGET FUNDS APPROVED Council approved Kelly's recommendation that budgeted funds for Insurance and Bonds be transf erred from the Administrative Budget to the respective department bud gets. BUSINESS BREAKFAST MEETING SCHEDULED FOR 5/17/89 An informal breakfast meeting with the local businesses was scheduled for May 17, 1989 at 7:30 A.M. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FINDINGS ON CITY'S PROCEDURES RELATING TO MEETINGS, MINUTES, AGENDAS, ETC. Council discussed the report (a copy of which is on file in the Clerk's Office) and some possible improvements in the present procedures. They also complimented the League on this comprehensive study. REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED FOR 5/10/89 CANCELLED - SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD 5/9/89 Due to conflicts with some other meetings, Council cancelled the May 10, 1989 meeting and scheduled a special meeting for May 9, 1989 at 7:00 P.M. DISCUSSION - PROPOSED HAMLINE AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS (LARPENTEUR TO COUNTY RD B2) Baldwin reviewed the Engineer's preliminary response to questions posed by concerned residents in their petition dated April 21, 19 89. WALLIN ARRIVES Wallin arrived at 7:35 P. M. Baldwin then explained the procedures for implementing projects such as the proposed Hamline Avenue Improvement and any subsequent assessments. He also stressed that the right-of-way belongs to Ramsey County and it is the County's right to use the property as they feel prudent and necessary. JACK WALTERS, 1821 Hamline, stated there is presently a culvert in front of his residence and wanted to know if there was to be anything done on the storm sewer system. Maurer responded that he had not seen the detailed plans as yet. GLORIA HOCKBEIN, 1877 HAMLINE, was concerned about the loss of driveway parking space and asked for suggestions on how to create more parking on their property, such as possible changes in side lot set back requirements to allow widening of their driveways. Baldwin replied that it is possible to apply for a variance to the 5 foot set back requirement. KiM BROCKMAN, 1811 Hamline, commented on the following items in the Engineer's reply: Item 3(j ), MN/DOT variance procedure, wanted to know the comparison of a variance to cost, Item 5(b), MINUTES APRIL 26, 1989 PAGE 3 which two cities requested the walkway, and 5 (b), felt there should be some survey of impact on property values and wanted to know if it was the responsibility of the homeowner or the City to obtain this information. She also felt that environmental issues should be addressed. Baldwin explained that in at the time the feasibility study is approved the City has to determine if there is inordinate denigration of property, and if residents feel they have been seriously affected there is recourse through the appeal system. BILL SOUKOUP, 1763 Hamline, stated he is opposed to the project, and that even though the County has standards the city should see how people feel. He was of the opinion that what the people say makes no difference. Baldwin explained that with the traffic count on Hamline the County would be derelict in its duty to not use the public land for public safety, and that the street construction is a County decision. Soukoup suggested that if a sidewalk is installed it be placed next to the street, and asked who would have to shovel the walk. Baldwin stated that it was his opinion that the present feeling of the Council is that the pathway would be a City service. Soukoup also expressed concern that with the new construction, Hamline would become a truck route in a few years. JOHN ENGELHART, 1889 Hamline, requested that the City pursue a variance to have turn lanes at intersections instead of a middle lane all the way, which would narrow the street and not intrude so far into the intersection. He felt most of the residents would prefer a sidewalk with no boulevard. Maurer explained that the City could request a variance to reduce the street from 52 to 48 feet, however, part of the County's funding is from State Aid Funds and State guidelines require a 52 foot street. If it is reduced the County will pay only for 20 feet down the center and the remainder would be a local cost. The reduction in size would gain two feet on each side and double the cost to the City. MARGERY MCPARTLAND, 1789 Hamline, was concerned that the street will become a truck route and wanted to know what protection the residents have that the street will not be increased from 3 to 4 lanes in the future. Maurer replied that the 52 foot street is based on traffic counts and the 3 lane configuration carries traffic as well as a 4 lane. He stated that there is no guarantee, but that the County has been happy with the 3 lane configuration. CAROL BROWN, 1835 Hamline, was concerned that Hamline could be used as a 4 lane street with the 52 foot width. TERRY SOUKOUP, 1763 Hamline, was not sure the County is an unstoppable entity and felt the residents have not been properly represented. Baldwin again stressed that the design standards are the County's and suggested those concerns should be addressed to County Commissioners Finley and Salverda. MICHAEL MAZANEC, 1897 Hamline, felt the pathway would not be practical for bikers and suggested that an area along the street MINUTES APRIL 26, 19 89 ~ r~. Page 4 be striped for bikers. He questioned the 11 foot boulevard and felt that 4 feet would be just as safe and serviceable, and would save some the present foliage. Mazanec was in favor of putting power lines underground and putting in additional lighting in conjunction with the street project. Baldwin stated that he would like all utilities underground but it is very costly. JIM KUEPPERS, 1717 Hamline, felt the interior streets are much better for walking and people will not go to Hamline to walk. He questioned spending money for a walkway on Hamline. Baldwin informed the residents that another informational - meeting will be held May 9th at 5:30 P. M. to further discuss the proposed Hamline improvements. DISCUSSION - POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF PERMANENT "NO PARKING" SIGNS FOR STATE FAIR Wiessner explained that Public Works Foreman, Vince Wright, has researched the possibility of purchasing permanent "No Parking" signs for State Fair time rather than installing and removing signs each year. This was in response to concerns raised by the City's Workers Compensation insurer, and would also save time and expense. Council discussed the visual impact on the neighborhoods and the possibility of installing permanent ports into which the signs could be placed. Wright stated that he had discussed the ports with Ramsey County Public Works and was informed that there are several problems with this method, i.e., the holes fill up with dirt, posts still need to be affixed to the ground or they will be removed, and the installation is costly. Wright was of the opinion that the residents would get used to the year around signage. Staff was directed to research how other communities address the problem and to explore additional alternatives. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION REGARDING 1 FOOT STRIP AT END OF LINDIG ST. Council reviewed the proposed resolution prepared by Attorney Edward Bock which would allow Heinrich Loos, owner of the strip, to deed the land to the City and still assure Mr. Loos of payment upon development of the lot across the street. Following a discussion Council directed Staff to inform Mr. Loos that they would be in favor of adopting the resolution with the following stipulations: 1) Loos would provide the City with an address of record, 2) would agree to a 25 year time limit, and 3) would pay the $800.00 legal and administrative fees up front. 40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION UPDATE - PARADE ROUTE APPROVED Bush presented an update of the activities planned for the celebration and requested approval of the proposed route for the parade and Fun Run, after which Council approved the same. MINUTES APRIL 26, 1989 PAGE 5 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 P. M. Tom Baldwin, Mayor ATTEST: ~~ Shirley Che oweth, City Clerk f~