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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-25-07 Council MinutesMINUTES Or THE REGULAR MEETING CITY COUNCIL LI'T'TLE CANADA, MINNESOTA JULY 25, 2007 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the City Council of Little Canada, Minnesota was convened on the 25th day of July, 2007 in the Council Chambers of the City Center located at 515 Little Canada Road in said City. Mayor Bill Blesener called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and the following members of the City Council were present at roll call: CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Mr. Bi11 Blesener Council Member Ms. Barbara Allan Council Member Mr. John Keis Council Member Mr. Michael McGraw Council Member Mr. Rick Montour ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Mr. Joel Hanson City Attorney Mr. Tom Sweeney City Planner Mr. Steve Grittman Cable TV Producer Ms. Vanessa Van Alstine City Clerk Ms. Kathy Glanzer MINUTES Ms. Allan introduced the following resoluti on an d moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2007-7-173 -APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 1I, 2007 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AS SUBMITTED The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. CANADIAN Mayor Blesener reminded the general public that the annual Canadian DAY5 Days celebration will beheld on August 3, 4, 5, 2007 in Spooner Park. Canadian Days buttons are available for purchase at the City Center and local merchants. A schedule of events has been included in this week's local newspaper and is on the City's web site. Blesener noted that the carnival is back this year. COMPRE- Mayor Blesener opened the public hearing to consider a Comprehensive HENSIVE Plan Amendment amending the land use designation of property that St. PLAN Jude Medical is proposing to purchase from the Roseville School District MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 AMENDMENT for an addition to their Lillihei Campus from Institutional to Commercial. & EAW - Also before the Council is the Rezoning of this property from Public (P) ST. JUDE to Planned Unit Development (PUD) to facilitate the expansion project, MEDICAL and Acceptance and Authorization of Publication relating to review of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). It was noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The Rezoning was tabled until St. Jude Medical presented their development plans and request for a PUD Permit. The City Planner reported that St. Jude Medical is proposing to purchase a parcel of land from the School District in order to expand their Lillihei facility. Given that the Comp Plan designates this property for Institutional use, it is necessary to amendment the Comprehensive Plan. That amendment will then be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for review and approval. The Planner noted that the need for an EAW is tied to the size of the St. Jude project. Steve Dorgan, CresaPartners, representing St. Jude, appeared before the Council and presented an overview of the project. Dorgan reported that St. Jude plans to submit building plans for consideration as part of the City's September development review cycle. Dorgan first reviewed the two existing St. Jude buildings, and noted that the current PUD that St. Jude has includes allowance fora 72,500 square foot addition on one building and a 40,000 square foot addition on the other. Dorgan then noted that St. Jude is proposing to purchase a 10 acre site from the Roseville School District to expand their campus. St. Jude's plan is to expand onto this property with two phases. Construction on the first phase would begin this fall and would consist of 150,000 to 180,000 square feet. The second phase would be approximately 150,000 square feet in size. Dorgan noted that all the St. Jude buildings would have a physical link. Allan asked about the timing for construction of Phase Two, which is adjacent to the Cobblestone Village Townhomes. Dorgan replied that there is no timeline established for that phase. Dorgan also noted that deck parking is planned for both the phase one and phase two buildings. There may also be the need to add more parking at the existing campus. This would be deck parking as well. Blesener asked the timing for the additions to the existing buildings. Dorgan replied that there are no current construction plans, and noted that he wanted to give the Council an overview of the entire St. Jude campus. 2 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 Dorgan reported that St. Jude is very aware of the adjacent townhome development, and plans to provide adequate vegetation and buffering between their development and these townhomes. Dorgan indicated that St. Jude will be holding a neighborhood meeting with the townhome residents to obtain their comments and input on the project. Allan noted that the roof of the Phase Two building would be 29 to 30 feet in height, and pointed out that it will be very difficult to screen the building from the townhomes. Allan asked about orienting the parking deck adjacent to the townhome development. Dorgan replied that that maybe an option, but noted that the building placement as proposed orients the new buildings toward the existing campus. Keis stated that the townhome residents may prefer having a building adjacent to them rather than a parking structure. Allan indicated that she proposed the idea so that all options might be considered. Blesener encouraged the neighborhood meeting so that St. Jude might work out specific details to the satisfaction of the adjacent neighborhood. Dorgan pointed out that some of the basis for the building orientation is related to drainage, noting that St. Jude will be creating water and vegetation features as part of this expansion project. Blesener asked about the height of the buildings. Dorgan noted that the buildings will be 3 to 4 stories in height; however, part of the building structure will be built into the existing topography. Dorgan reported that St. Jude is requesting approval of the Comprehensive Plan amendment and acceptance and authorization of publication for the EAW this evening. He noted some changes in the EAW correct the building height to 29 to 30 feet and include a new detailed civil engineering plan and contour plan. Dorgan also noted that St. Jude did not apply for the Rezoning to PUD as of yet. They would plan to request the Rezoning as well as a PUD Permit as part of the City's September review cycle. The City Clerk noted that staff inadvertently published the Rezoning, and that St. Jude Medical did not apply for the rezoning as of yet. Therefore, the City's 60-Day Review Period would not begin on the Rezoning until such time as St. Jude submits the application for the Rezoning. Blesener felt that the main concern will be with the height of the building proposed adjacent to the townhomes. Blesener stated that he felt consideration had to be given to the change of the use of this property from Institutional to Commercial, and whether this change is a loss to the MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 general public He noted that the property currently has 4 ballfields, 8 tennis courts, and 2 soccer fields. Blesener stated that in looking at the property and discussing its use with the City's Parks & Recreation Director, he pointed out that the ballfields are not used much, and the tennis courts are in poor condition. He noted that when he walked the property, the tennis courts were being used by someone hosting a tournament. However, they are used as an overflow to the tennis courts on the Middle School property. Blesener indicated that the tennis courts will not be functional much longer without major maintenance. Blesener reported that the soccer fields are used, but the City does not schedule any teams on these fields. The Parks & Recreation Director informed him that the City has enough of its own facilities; therefore, the loss of those fields will not impact the City's recreation programs. Blesener indicated that from his standpoint, he felt the designation of the property as Commercial was in the best interests of the residents of Little Canada. McGraw stated that he walks this area often and agreed there is little use of the tennis courts and ballfields, although the soccer field gets used. McGraw stated that he supported the Comp Plan amendment given that the City's recreation programs will not be diminished by the loss of this property. Jim Romaniak, Cobblestone Village, agreed that the ballfields are not used much, but the soccer fields are. Blesener noted that the soccer field use was not aCity-sponsored activity. Blesener also suggested that there may be room to relocate the soccer field by moving it to the west onto the ALC property. Allan noted that the 10 acre site is owned by the Roseville School District, and it is the School District selling the property. Romaniak stated that the townhome residents would like to see the existing woods remain, and would welcome a neighborhood meeting with St. Jude's as soon as possible to discuss the development. There was no one else present from the general public wishing to comment on this matter. Upon motion by Allan, seconded by McGraw, the public hearings on the Comp Plan Amendment and EAW review were closed. Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NOL 2007-7-I74 -APPROVING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AMENDING LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM INSTITUTIONAL TO COMMERCIAL TOR MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 THE 10 ACRE SITE ON CO LINTY ROAD B-2 TO BE SOLD BY THE ROSEVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ST. JUDE MEDICAL, CONTINGENT UPON THE SALE OF THE PROPERTY BEING COMPLETED, AND SUBJECT TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY PLANNER AS OUTLINED IN HIS REPORT DATED JULY 6, 2007 The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. The City Planner reported that the Comprehensive Plan Amendment will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for their review. The Met Council will review to ensure that the amendment is not in conflict with any regional plans. Montour noted that the EAW Synopsis includes a lot of specifics, and asked about the impact that the actual development plans will have on the BAW. The City Planner reported that the Synopsis builds the largest envelope relative to the project. Specific project details will shrink that envelope while remaining within the broader EAW outline. Mr. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2007-7-I75 -ACCEPTING AND A UTHORIZING FOR PUBLICATION THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET RELATED TO THE ST. JUDE EXPANSION PROJECT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY PLANNER AND CITY ENGINEER The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Allan. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. The City Administrator reported that the City has a complete copy of the EAW available for public review. There is a 30 day comment period on this document. Once that comment period runs, the EAW will come back to the Council in hopes of being able to adopt findings of no significant impact. The Administrator pointed out that there are some issues raised by the EAW relative to traffic impacts on Rice Street. The Administrator noted that the EAW assumes full development of the St. Jude site. He also noted that before full development occurs, there should be improvements to Rice Street that will mitigate the impact. MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2007-7-776 -TABLING ACTION ON THE REZONING OF THE 10 ACRE 5ITE THAT ST. JUDE MEDICAL IS PURCHASING FROM THE ROSEVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM PUBLIC (P) TO PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) UNTIL SUCH TIME AS ST. JUDE MEDICAL MAKES APPLICATION FOR THE REZONING AND THE REQUEST IS PROCESSED AS PART OF THE CITY'S NEXT AVAILABLE PLANNING CYCLE The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. PROPERTY Blesener opened the Public Hearing to consider the Property Division DIVISION, of the north approximately 120 feet from one parcel (2945 Condit Street) COMBINATION, and Combining it with the adjacent parcel (300 South Owasso Blvd. East) REZONING - as well as the Rezoning of said property from General Business (B-3) to 2945 CONDIT Industrial-Park (1-P). The City Planner and the Planning Commission STREET & recommended approval subject to conditions. 300 SOUTH OWASSO BLVD. - The City Planner indicated that the proposal is to divide 120 feet of ZOCH AND THE property from 2945 Condit Street and add it to 300 South Owasso Blvd. HOUSE which is owned by The House. The House is seeking this additional property in order to add on to their existing building. The zoning of The House property is I-P District, therefore, the rezoning of the property to be added would provided for a consistent zoning for the entire parcel. The Planner noted that if the property division and combination are approved, both parcels would continue to be compliance with the City's zoning regulations. Steve Poindexter, The House, reported that they would like to put a 60 foot addition onto the south side of their building on South Owasso Blvd. Therefore, they are proposing to purchase 120 feet of property from the Zoch's to enlarge The House property. Poindexter reported that they have submitted drainage and grading plans as well as have answered all questioned raised by the City Engineer. Poindexter reported that they have permission to excavate and grade a portion of the Zoeh property as well as the adjacent Arden Fastener property. Poindexter reported that they would like to have their new addition up and in use by October 1, 2007. MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 Blesener noted that the actions before the Council is for the property division, combination, and rezoning. Engineering details will need to be worked out during the building permit process. Allan asked when the project will be presented to the Watershed for review and approval. Poindexter replied that they are on the next agenda for Watershed review. Blesener noted that the storm water holding/leaching system that is being proposed eliminates the need for a holding pond. The City Administrator indicated that this system became necessary as part of the new Watershed standards that were adopted last October. Keis asked if this building addition will address The House's space needs into the future. Poindexter replied that it will address their needs for the foreseeable future. There was no one present from the general public wishing to comment on this matter. Upon motion by McGraw, seconded by Montour, the public Bearing was closed. Mr. McGraw introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2007-7-177 -APPROVING THE PROPERTY DIVISIONAND COMBINATION OF 120 FEET OF PROPERTY FROM THE ZOCH PROPERTY AT 2945 CONDIT STREET TO THE HOUSE PROPERTYAT 300 SOUTH OWASSO BLVD. SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OP THE CITY PLANNER THAT THE HOUSE INCREASE THE EVERGREEN PLANTING ON THE SLOPE AND PROVIDE VERIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO GRADE AND PLANT ON THE ADJOINING PROPERTIES The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. Mr. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTIONNO. 2007-7-178 -APPROVING THE REZONING OF THE NORTH 120 FEET OF PROPERTY BEING PURCHASED BY THE HOUSE FROM MARCEL AND ELAINE ZOCII FROM GENEIL4L BUSINESS (B-3) TO INDUSTRIAL PARK (I-P) MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Allan. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. CALL FOR The City Administrator reported that The House has requested that the VACATION drainage and utility easement on the current property line shared by the HEARING Zoch property and The House property be vacated given that this property line is being moved 120 feet to the south. Ms. Allan introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTIONNO. 2007-7-179 -CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT AS PETITIONED BYMARCEL AND ELAINE ZOCII AND THE HOUSE FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2007, AT 7:30 P.M. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. CUP FOR The City Administrator reported that Roy French at 2988 Edgerton Street GARAGE - is requesting the reconsideration of the Conditional Use Permit for garage 2988 space given that he has modified his plan. The new plan calls for the EDGERTON retention of most of the attached garage space, the remodel of a portion of STREET - that space into living area, and the conshuction of a smaller detached 120Y FRENCH garage at the rear of the property. Total garage space would be 1,488 after all renovations are completed. This revised plan eliminates the need for a driveway wrapping around the house. Roy French reported that after discussing his garage plan with some real estate agents, he was advised that it would be preferable to retain his existing attached garage as well as eliminate the long driveway he had proposed. Therefore, he has revised his plan as described by the City Administrator. Keis asked how French would access the back garage being that the driveway access is being eliminated. French replied that he would only have need to drive vehicles in and out of the garage a couple of times each year. He could do that by driving around the north side of his house as he currently does when he has to drive vehicles into his back yard. MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 Allan and Blesener indicated their feelings that the revised plan was much improved from the previous plan. Mr. Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2007-7-I80 -RECONSIDERING THE JULY Il, 2007 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPROVAL FOR GARAGE SPACE FOR THE ROY FRENCH PROPERTYAT 2988 EDGERTON STREET The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. Blesener noted that his only concern was for the need to keep the garage space at or under 1,500 square feet. French reported that his total garage space would consist of 1,488 square feet once he remodels a portion of the existing garage into livable space. French reported that he will be doing both the remodel work for the existing garage space and construction work on the new garage himself. He indicated that he will have to construct the new garage first. Therefore, he asked for athree-year timeframe to complete the work on the remodel The City Administrator indicated that he will discuss the matter with Mr. French and develop an agreement that has established timefiames for completion. Keis stated that he was agreeable as along as Mr. French shows progress on the project and as long as a performance bond is submitted to the City. Mr. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTIONNO. 2007-7-181-APPROVINGA CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A SECOND GARAGE AS WELL AS TOTAL GARAGE SPACE OF 1,488 SQUARE FEET AS REQUESTED BY ROY FRENCH, 2988 EDGERTON STREET, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: *BUILDING PERMITS ARE ISSUED FOR BOTH THE NEW GARAGE AND THE REMODEL OF A PORTION OF THE EXISTING GARAGE INTO LIVING SPACE SIMULTANEOUSLY; *THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR OBTAIN ASSURANCE, EITHER THROUGH A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT OR A PERFORMANCE BOND, THAT THE REMODEL OF THE EXISTING GARAGE INTO LIVING SPACE WILL OCCUR WITHIN AN ESTABLISHED TIMEFRAME; MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 INTERIM USE PERMIT - PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE *THAT THERE WILL BE NO BUSINESS USE OF THE NEW GARAGE; *NO OTHER ACCESSORYSTORAGE BUILDINGS WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. Blesener opened the Public Hearing to consider an Interim Use Permit allowing the storage of wood chips on the Public Works Garage site, 3100 Country Drive, for access by Little Canada residents. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Interim Use Permit. The City Clerk reported that as part of tree trimming operations, the Public Works Department chips the trimmings at their Public Works Garage site. The pile of chippings is almost immediately picked up by Little Canada residents for landscaping uses. In order for this stockpiling of chippings to comply with Code, an Interim Use Permit is required. The Clerk noted that the stockpile is small and disappears very quickly. The pile of chippings is only generated by the Public Works Departnent, and not by contractors. There was no one present from the general public wishing to comment on this matter. Upon motion by Montour, seconded by Keis, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2007-7-182 - APPROVING AN INTERIM USE PERMIT ALLOWING THE OUTDOOR STORAGE OF WOOD CHIPS ON THE PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE SITE AT 3100 COUNTRY DRIVE FOR ACCESS BY CITY RESIDENTS, CONTINGENT THAT THE WOOD CHIPS ARE GENERATED BY THE PUBLIC WORK OPERATION ONLY The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Allan. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. 10 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 AMEND ZONING CODE- DYNAMIC SIGNAGE Mayor Blesener opened the Public Hearing to consider an amendment to the Zoning Code relative to The regulation of electronic and digital sign technology. The Planning Commission passed their comments on to the Council without a specific recommendation. The City Planner reviewed his report dated July 5, 2007 in detail. Blesener indicated that the biggest issue with dynamic signage is how often the message is allowed to change. The Planner indicated that in addition to the dynamic sign issue, he is proposing changes to the City's broader sign ordinance that would minimize challenges on content-based grounds. He noted that this was the issue that precipitated the City's signage moratorium. The Planner noted that once the signage moratorium was put in place, the electronic billboard issue came to the forefront. The Planner indicated that the City of Minnetonka and the League of Minnesota Cities did an in-depth study of the issue of electronic billboards. The Planner utilized this information in drafting a proposed ordinance for Little Canada. The Planner reviewed the proposed changes to the City's sign ordinance as outlined in his report. Points 1 through 3 are fairly general in nature. Point 4 requires a minimum letter size of 10 inches. The Planner noted that Minnetonka's ordinance proposed a scaled size based on speed of the adjoining roadway. The Planner felt that over time this methodology can be problematic since speeds on roadways can change and roadways in primacy commercial areas front on County, State, or Federal highways where speed limits are not subject to City input. The Planner reviewed point 5 which requires message changes to be instantaneous, rather than animated. The Planner indicated that Minnetonka study notes indicated that animated message changes are responsible for a great amount of driver distraction. Point 6 prohibits dynamic displays in residential districts. I{eis questioned this noting that in Vadnais Heights along County Road D there are apartment buildings abutting the freeway. Allan pointed out The Lodge in Little Canada which is a mixed residential and commercial use. The Planner pointed out that the sign location has to be in other than a residential zone; however, the sign may still be visible from residential properties. He also noted that The Lodge is in a PUD zone, and dynamic signage would not necessarily be prohibited in that zone. Allan expressed concern about the potential amount of dynamic signage along Rice Street. It was noted that most signage is already lit. The difference with the dynamic signage is that the message will change. Montour noted that sign sizes are remaining the same. The Planner 11 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 200'7 pointed out the maximum letter size is proposed at 10 inches. Montour felt that was an adequate letter size, and noted that most reader board lettering is 8 inches in size. The Planner reviewed point 7 relative to the change period for this signage. The ordinance as proposed allows the sign message to change once every 24 hours. The Minnetonka ordinance allows a 20 minute change interval For dynamic signage. However, an agreement was negotiated with Clear Channel that would allow an elecU~onie billboard message to change ever 8 seconds provided that two other billboards were removed. Blesener suggested allowing the signage to change once every hour. Keis indicated that he could support a change once every 3 to 5 minutes. McGraw agreed that he could support a change that was in intervals of minutes. Blesener suggested that he would rather start out with a longer interval with the thought that it could be shortened if there are no problems with the signage. Keis pointed out that allowing changes in minutes or hours, it is likely that someone driving along the freeway would see two sign changes at the maximum. Allan stated that she could support a signage change interval that is in minutes, not seconds. Blesener asked what is the typical time change interval that other cities are adopting. The City Planner indicated that it is all over the board, but estimated the average to be between 10 and 20 minutes. It was the consensus of the Council to support a 10 minute sign change interval. The Planner reviewed point 8 which would make dynamic signage subject to the City's Architectural Guidelines The Planner felt that this would address the issue of brightness, and the Architectural Guidelines require that signage lettering is reversed out from a dark background, resulting in less white space and control of brightness. The Planner reviewed points 9 and 10, and noted his recommendation for requiring a license for the installation of dynamic signage. The licensing requirement results in the applicant signing a form agreeing to signage regulations and provides the City with another enforcement vehicle. The Planner suggested that he also include a clause requiring that electronic signage be limited to self-contained messages. Keis asked about requiring electronic signage to carry public service announcements and Amber Alerts. The Planner reported that this requirement was part of Minnetonka's settlement agreement with Clear Channel. The Council had discussion about the feasibility of this requirement, noting that while the technology is likely there to make this 12 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 requirement of billboard operators, it may not be for other dynamic signage. Council felt that it may have to differentiate the requirements of public safety messages and community messages between billboards and business signs. The City Planner indicated that he will try to find out more information on these capabilities. He noted that the Minnetonka settlement relative to public service announcements and Amber Alerts, etc. was limited to electronic billboards. The City Planner noted that the ordinance amendments he is proposing do not limit the dynamic technology to freestanding signs, such as Minnetonka did. This technology would be acceptable for wall signage, as he felt to include that limitation would encourage the construction of freestanding signs. The Planner also reviewed proposed changes relative to the City's content based regulations, but noted that he did not propose any changes for garage sale signs. In researching this issue, the Planner indicated that he did not find any good options for garage sale signs. The Planner suggested that if these signs are challenged based on the content regulations, the worst case scenario would be that the sign would lose the ability to say "garage sale". The Planner also indicated that he did not propose any substantive changes to the real estate sign language. He noted that these signs relate to a specific location, therefore are less worrisome than the garage sale signage. The Planner noted that he is proposing that references to "holiday signs" be changed to "holiday displays". The Planner also reviewed ordinance language changes relative to grand opening signage and dynamic displays. Blesener noted the Planning Commission Chair's recommendation that the word "ability" in the dynamic display section be change to "potential". Allan noted that that recommendation was based on the Chair's interpretation that studies have not proven that dynamic signage creates driver distraction. The Planner agreed that the word "potential" was preferable. There was no one present from the general public wishing to comment on this matter. The 'Planner suggested that he put together a revised ordinance draft incorporating the issues agreed upon this evening, and bring it back to the Council for action at their August 22"`~ meeting. Upon motion by Keis, seconded by Allan, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 13 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 CONSENT AGENDA RESOL UTION NO. 2007-7-183 -TABLING ACTION ON THE AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING CODE RELATIVE TO THE REGULATION OF ELECTRONIC AND DIGITAL SIGN TECHNOLOGY UNTIL THE AUGUST 22, 2007 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. Mr. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2007-7-184-APROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA WHICH CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING: *APPROVAL OF THE VOUCHERS; *APPROVAL OF PAYREQUEST FOR T. A. SCHIFSKYFOR 2006 IMPROVEMENTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ENGINEER The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. CITY Blesener noted the proposed amendment to the City Administrator's ADMINIS- employment agreement which incorporates the recommendations of TRATOR'S the City Attorney made at the last meeting. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2007-7-185 -APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE CITYADMINISTRATOR'S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AS PROPOSED AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. PURCHASE The City Administrator reported that Phil Franklin has agreed to sell AGREEMENT his property at 2825 Country Drive to the City for $145,600, which was 14 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 FOK the 2006 estimated market value as determined by Ramsey County. 2825 COUNTRY The Administrator noted that Mr. Franklin has signed the purchase DR1V.E agreement, but has since been married. Therefore, it will be necessary to amend the agreement to include signature line for Mr. Franklin's spouse. The City Administrator recommended approval of the purchase agreement with that modification. Mr. McGraw introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2007-7-186 -APPROVING THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR 2825 COUNTRYDRIVE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITYADMINISTI2ATOR AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITYADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE ON BEHALF OF THE CITY The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Blesener. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. SIGN The City Administrator reviewed his report dated July 20, 2007 relative AGREEMENT - to signage at 2935 Country Drive. He noted that since the report was 2935 submitted to the Council, Mr. Biagini has indicated that it is not COUNTRY feasible to mount nova brick on the posts for the U.S. Recordings sign. DRIVE Mr. Biagini has indicated that he will landscape around the bottom of this sign, however, to hide the concrete footings. Blesener noted that when the City agreed to vacate a portion of the Country Drive easement to facilitate Mr. Biagini's sign placement, Mr. Biagini agreed to construct a monument sign. Blesener suggested that the alternative would be to hold Mr. Biagini to that agreement. Montour asked if the Building Official could look at the U.S. Recordings sign and determine whether or not it is possible to install the nova brick. Council discussed this option, and it was their consensus that Council Member Allan, the City Administrator, and the Building Official meet with Mr. Biagini to negotiate a better solution than what he has proposed. This matter will be brought back for discussion at the next Council meeting. PARK The City Administrator reviewed the recommendation of the Parks & DEDICATION Recreation Commission to increase park dedication fees to $2,600 for FEE5 each dwelling unit up to structures of 8 units, and $1,950 per dwelling units for multi-family structures of 9 units or more. The City Adminish•ator noted the comparison information that was used in making 15 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 this recommendation. He also noted that the City has not increased this fee since the early 1990's. Allan felt that the recommended increase was in line with what other cities are charging. Blesener noted that the increase is large, but pointed out that the fee has been lagging behind what other cities are charging. Blesener also noted the hundreds of thousands of dollars that Little Canada taxpayers have spent on park land acquisition and maintenance. The park charge is collected at the time that new building permits are applied for; therefore new residents are contributing toward the City's park system. Keis asked where the money is used. The City Administrator noted that currently the money goes to the Park Land Acquisition Fund for the acquisition of park land and hail easements. McGraw asked how the City's park fee fell so far behind what other cities have been charging. The City Administrator stated that other cities have increased their fees dramatically over the last few years. The Planner agreed, and noted that five years ago Little Canada's fee was not Far out of line. It was noted that the new fee would go into effect upon publication of the a~dinance amendment increasing the fee. Mr. McGraw introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2007-7-187 -AMENDING CHAPTER 2701 OF THE LITTLE CANADA CITY CODE, KNOWN AS THE MUNICIPAL CODE, AS RELATES TO PARK CHARGES FOR INDI vIDUAL DWELLINGS The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Allan. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. TENNIS AND The City Administrator reviewed the Parks & Recreation Director's BASKETBALL July 19" report recommending award of the low bid for reconstruction COURT of the Spooner Park tennis courts and the Pioneer Park Cennis covets and RECON- basketball comas. The condition of these courts has deteriorated to the S1'RUCTION point where reconstruction is necessary. The low bid was received from Buck Blacktop in the amount of $39,382 for the Spooner Par]< courts and $54,332 for the Pioneer Park courts. He also noted that lighting needs to be upgraded at the Spooner courts. 16 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 Blesener noted that the Spooner Park courts have existed for approximately 30 years with some patching and repair done during that time. The Pioneer Park courts have existed for about 17 years. Ms. Allan introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTIONN0.2007-7-188 -AWARDING THELOWBIDOF BUCK BLACKTOP FOR RECONSTR UCTION OF THE SPOONER PARK TENNIS COURTS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PIONEER PARK TENNIS COURTS AND BASKETBALL COURTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. OUTDOOR Mayor Blesener noted thaC this evenings workshop nn outdoor storage STORAGE and concept reviews bas been continued to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, & CONCEPT September 26, 2007. xLVIEw WORKSHOP ADJOUKN Ms. Allan introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2007-7-189 -ADJOURNING The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. W~n Blesen r yor Attest: : ~.~. ~ l ~`,------_____ Joel - anson, City Administrator 17