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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1977/07/11Members CITIZENS COMMENTS AND REQUESTS PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA A regular meeting of the Mounds View City Council was called to order by ,Mayor Pickar at 7:30 PM on July 11, 1977 at the Mounds View City Hall, 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Present: Also Present: Mayor. Pickar Councilmember ;Ziebarth Councilmember Baumgartner Councilmember Hodges Councilmember Rowley was absent, on vacation. MSP (Hodges Ziebarth) to approve the minutes of the June 27, 1977 meeting. citizen comments or requests. Clerk Administrator Achen Attorney Meyers Engineer Hubbard APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Ziebarth asked if any record of complaints is kept against any of the businesses applying, for license renewal. Administrator Achen replied that a file is kept and any pertinent information is brought to the Council's attention at the time of renewal. MSP (Baumgartner-Ziebarth) to approve the consent agenda as follows: 4' ayes 177M Set public 1ic 7 0 AugusV R, 1977 on Ed Cherrier appeal of Planning Commission decision preventing establishment of an automotive repair garage at 5497 Adams Street. ITEM B. Adopt Resolution No 844 approving Berwyn Addition final plat which meets requirements established by the Council in approving the preliminary plat en March 14, 1977. ITEM C. Accept resignation of Mischa `•loran as senior accounting clerk effective July 15, 1977. Authorize administrator to recruit and recommend a renlacerc.nt, 4 ITEM D. Approve the following licenses: CONTRACTORS expire 6 -30 -78 General renewals Lindman Builders 5120 Irondale Road St Paul, MN 55112 Eigenheer Builders, Inc 2828 Highway 10 Minneapolis, MN 55432 Miles Garages 4500 Lyndale Avenue N Minneapolis, MN 55412 Lida Construction 16413 Jasper Street NW Anoka, MN 55303 Harding Home Comfort Stinson Boulevard Box 448 Chisago City, MN 55013 Capp Homes (Evans Products) 3355 Hiawatha Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55416 Crown Iron Works PO Box 1364 1229 Tyler Street Minneapolis, MN 55440 T V Construction 5135 Greenwood Drive Mounds View, MN 55112 Rite -Way Waterproofing 7337 Lake Drive Linn Lakes M`'1 59014 Kozitza Construction 5230 Greenfield Avenue New Brighton, MN 55112 Aquarius Swimming Pool 16900 Cedar AvF:nuc E Rosemount, MN 55068 Po-My Construction 7647 Knollwood Drive Minneapolis, MN 55432 Gorco Construction 3384 Brownlow Avenue St Louis Dark, M`: 55426 Aladdin Pools 4738 North 42nd Avenue Robbinsdale, MN 55422 M J Arndt Construction 2808 Sherwood Road Minneapolis, ?4N 55432 Buzzell Builders 5741 Polk Street NE Fridley, MN 55432 Heating renewal Twin City Furnace 459 N Snelling St Paul, MN 55104 Montgomery Wards Co 1400 University Avenue St Paul, MN 55101 The Snelling Co 1400 Concordia St Taub 55104 AA -1 Furnace Cleaning Service 2716 T i col l et Avenue So Minneapolis, MN 55408 All Season Comfort 1417 NW 18 Street New Brighton, MN 55112 Andover Asphalt 7641 NW 150 Lane Anoka, MN 55303 Horwitz Mechanical 1411 Eleventh Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55404 Fred Vogt Co 3260 Gorham Avenue S St Louis Park, MN 55426 Pak Company 2832 Highway 10 Minneapolis, MN 55432 Berhorst Plumbing Heating 10732 Hanson Boulevard Coon Rapids, '1N 55433 Ideal Heating Air 3116 Fremont Avenue N Minneapolis, MN 55411 Standard Heating Air 410 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 Denny's Mobile Home Ser 745 NW llth Avenue New Brighton, MN 55112 Masonry renewal Stone Masonry 2101 NE 105th Avenue Blaine, MN 55434 Buzzell Brick Cement 22001 Lake George Blvd Anoka, MN 55303 Crete -wood Construction 1705 Radison Road Blaine, MN 55434 Master Masonry 14914 N 93rd Avenue Osseo, MN 55369 Excavating renewal Iravel Excavr— i ncr 456 t County road B P r; 11 MN 55113 'i i 1 c r Suchy Excavating 73 West Count. Jo cl C Paul, 'd'] 55117 -3- Kaciloc Excavating 724 Main Street NW .Anoka, MN 55301 Nickelson Plumbing 16101 Ramsey Blvd NW Anoka, MN 55303 Jarson's Service Co 9180 Xylite Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55434 Asphalt renewals Northern Asphalt Co 11064 Raddison Road NE Minneapolis, MN 55434 Buck Blacktop 32 S Owasso Blvd St Paul, MN 55117 C S Blacktopping 8832 W Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55445 Signs renewals Brede, Inc 2211 Broadway NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Lawernce Signs, Inc 945 Pierce Butler Route St Paul, MN 55104 Naegele Outdoor Advertising 1700 West 78th Street Minneapolis, MN 55423 L 1C( {ul Sign Co 312 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 Stucco renewal Joe nelson Stucco Co 1150 NN 98 Lane Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Bill Zimmerman's Stucco Route 2 P.-)gers, MN 55374 Gene Karne plasterinn Stucco 721 Bradford Avenue Champin, MN 55316 Beating CO`.T Floyd Hoskins Constrctinq 646 NW 123 Avenue Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Thompson Plumbing 12201 Minnetonka Blvd Minnetonka, MN 55343 Hank's Excavating 601 Pearson Parkway Brooklyn Park, MN 55444 4 ITEM E. Approve the July 8, 1977 C; Sedwick Heating Air 1001 Xenia Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55416 Four Seasons Air Specialist 312 Division Street White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Fence renewal Shadawn Fence Company 5255 Irondale Road Mounds View, MN 5511.2 bills for payment (attached) RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKING REGULATIONS Councilmember Baumgartner reported that some of the items concerning recreational vehicle parking were discussed at the agenda meeting, and that one item was that recreational vehicles be kept 20 feet away from the curb. A representative of the police department was present at the meeting and after discussion, the consensus was that the vehicles should be 15 feet rather than 20 feet from the curb. Also, the original proposal was that vehicles could be parked less than 15 feet from the curb line for less than two hours. However, it was decided that the two hour limitation would be too difficult to enforce and it was recommended that it be removed. The intent as far as on- street parking of recreational vehicles is that they should be included with trucks which are subject to a two hour limitation. Councilmember Ziebarth questioned if there was a clear definition of on- street parking, i.e whei a does cne b!! ..v ,.affil i. J3;;k 3lii t[!2 s i ree L o! Li equ i r ed 15 feet Administrator Achen replied that it was 15 feet from the paved surface. Councilmember Ziebarth also questioned if the area of 15 feet from the street is off limits to any recreational vehicle. Administrator Achen replied that it was off limits. MSP (Baumgartner Pickar) to approve Ordinance No. 266, amending the off street parking regulations of the municipal code of Mounds View by amending Chapter 40, entitled Zoning, and Chapter 81, entitled Parking. 4 ayes -5- SUBURBAN RAMSEY COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BOARD Administrator Achen reported that the Joint Powers agreement formalizes a channel for advising the County Sheriff on dispatching procedures. It is designed to promote more uniform communication operating procedures among users of the County Sheriff's dispatching center. It may also assist in securing federal and state financial assis- tance for implementation of the mandated 911 emergency communication system and further technological advancement in emergency communications. Administrator Achen stated that the agreement would establish an advisory board who would establish uniform operating procedures and that the sheriff's office provides dispatching services for a number of agencies. Also. there are no monetary or budgetary powers involved. Mayor Pickar asked if the program would at some time require funds. Administrator Achen replied that the State Legislature has mandated that everyone go to the 911 phone system by 1982. He stated that Council's would have to amend the joint powers agreement before this board could exercise any financial powers. MSP (Pickar Baumgartner) to table the resolution for the Emergency Communications Board until the City Attorney has had a chance to review it and discuss it at the July 25 Council Meeting. Mayor Pickar pointed out that the City had previously been able to purchase insurance at a fixed rate for a three -year period. MSP (Pickar- Hodges) to approve the purchase of umbrella liability coverage from Larry Donohue for $6,120. At 8:00 p.m. Mayor Pickar recessed the regular meeting and opened the public hearing. 4 ayes UMBRELLA LIABILITY INSURANCE Mayor Pickar reported that the City's insurance agent, Larry Donohue, has obtained a quotation of $6,120 from Inter -State Fire and Casualty Company for $1,000,000 umbrella liability coverage. This policy would increase the present general liability coverage of $500,000 and the present police liability coverage of $300,000 to $1,000,000. Mayor Pickar also stated that when the City had renewed it's insurance a few months previous, the agent was not able to get umbrella insurance coverage at that time and had been searching since then to get the coverage. Administrator Achen reported that the City had budgeted approximately $21,000 for it's insurance coverage for the year and that the umbrella coverage would increase the amount spent to $59,000, or $38,000 more than what was budgeted. He also stated that public liability insurance was getting so expensive that many companies were steering away from it Until it wag cleared !up in the court as to w h a t public liability is. Several large cities and institutions ere going to self-insurance. Administrator Achen reported that the insurance package is the equivalent of 2 mills out of a total of 20 mills for the City, or 1C percent of th2 City's L% The insurance agent has indicated that the City can expect a 20 percent increase in the rates next year. 4 ayes -6- PUBLIC HEARING GUSTAFSON OFFICE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT 7664 GREENFIELD AVENUE Mayor Pickar reported that the notice of the public hearing indicated that rezoning for development of an office building was under consideration and that technically it should have specified that a conditional use permit was also under consideration. Thus, through the recommendation of the City Attorney, Mayor Pickar asked that everyone be aware it was both a public hearing on rezoning and that a conditional use permit was also under consideration. Mr. Gustafson is requesting approval of the plot plan and development proposal for an office building development (B -1). The proposal requires two variances of parking and setback requirements. The office building is to be 32' x 58', and 11 stories tall. 22 parking spaces would be required and Mr. Gustafson has provided for 20, which would require a variance of 2 parking spaces. The building meets all setback requirements and the parking lot also meets all setback requirements except for along the west property line. Parking there is proposed to be located 2' from the property line, which would require a variance. A 4' redwood fence will be provided to screen the adjacent parking lot, and a 6' redwood fence will be provided along the south line to screen the R -1 development. The lot is zoned B -4, Business General Use, and the Comprehensive Plan has proposed a residential medium density use (R -31. The Pro- posed use is B -1. Engineer Hubbard reported that he had looked at the plans and the only changes that had been made since the previous meeting were that four more parking places were planned, as per the Council's request. The Planning Commission had wanted green space, which would have cut out the four additional parking spaces, but since the ordinance requires 22 parking spaces, the Council requested the 4 to be put back in. Mayor Pickar reported that the Planning Commission had recommended approval of the plot as it presently stands. Councilmember Baumgartner questioned Mr. Gustafson where the water would drain to that would be put out onto County Road I. Mr. Gustafson replied that he had assumed it would just drain off. Engineer Hubbard stated that the water should follow the drainage flow into the system. However, the area in question is presently soil, so the water has been soaking into the ground rather than running into the street. Mr. Gustafson pointed out that the street from County Road I and Greenfield slopes down to a field, and most likely the water wc9ld flow there. Councilmember Baumgartner suggested that the Council check into the drainage system before approving Mr. Gustafson's request, and that they should not approve the request until it can be guaranteed the water will not accumulate and cause problems. Administrator Achen pointed out that the Council had told Mr. Gustafson he need not come with detailed plans of the development to the hearing since the hearing was to take action on rezoning, and that the Council had intended to discuss and decide whether to approve the rezoning before having Mr. Gustafson go to the expense of having the detailed plans drawn up Mayor Picker pointed out that the Staff recommendation is to rezone from R -4 to R -1. -7- Attorney Meyers pointed out that the hearing was to determine if the area could be rezoned but that a development agreement must be entered into before a conditional use permit could be issued. MSP Pickar- Hodges) to rezone the property at 7664 Greenfield Avenue from B -4 to B -1. "A rollcall vote was taken: Councilmember Ziebarth aye Councilmember Baumgartner aye Councilmember Hodges aye Mayor Pickar aye Administrator Achen stated that Mr. Gustafson would need detailed building plans and site plans before receiving final Council approval of the building, and that he should address the drainage problem. Mayor Pickar stated that Mr. Gustafson's next step would be to meet with Mr. Rose and then come back before the Council for final approval of the development agree- ment. Mayor Pickar closed the public hearing on the rezoning of property, and reopened the regular meeting. Administrator Achen pointed out, for the Council's information, that Norm Ecklund had resigned from the Ramsey County League of Local Government since he had been transferred within his company to St. Cloud. Attorney Meyers reported that he had received a letter of credit from Minnesota Rent -All and that the agreement was in proper form except that it listed a termi- nation date of December 24, 1977 and that the City would lose the bonding back -up if the project extended beyond December 24, 1977. He stated that he would contact Rent -All and work out the problem. At 8:20 the Mayor recessed the regular meeting and opened the public hearing on the Singer Development request. PUBLIC HEARING S MGER UPERA i y, HOME DEVELOPMENT 7850 S P iu LAKE ROAD Singer Therapuetic Concepts has made an application for a recuperative home to be located 7850 n, -.d 1J, DPW license as a child caring institution for up to 10 girls, ages 13 t at 7JJV J�.i i'iay L1 i:' �1vu 1`f ....�;^-.�,v... carry i. u to 17. The home would be operated by five full -time staff on a 24 hour hospital shift basis. Patrick Sweeney introduced himself as the attorney for Mrs. Singer and gave a general background of the proposed home. He stated that Mrs. Singer has gone through the program with the State Welfare Department and has filed an application with the City of Mounds View. The State Health Department and the Fire Department have both approved the property in question, with one small modification being required by the Fire Department regarding a fire exit on the second floor of the home. Mr. Sweeney stated that the Council had received copies of the program Mrs. Singer intends to conduct at the home, if it is approved. -8- Mr. Sweeney stated that he and Mrs. Singer had investigated other group homes in the Metropolitan area to see if property values for surrounding hones had decreased, and they had not found that to be the case. He also stated that he and Mrs. Singer had contacted and worked with the Ramsey County Welfare Department and that the Welfare Department has approved Mrs. Singer's program. Mr. Sweeney stated that Mrs. Singer is a professional who would like to work with juveniles in Ramsey County, and to take juveniles who have not previously had experience with the juvenile court and work with them in her home and with their families. The girls would stay in the home anywhere from 3 to 9 months and then hopefully would return to their families and communities. Mr. Sweeney pointed out that one objection that had been brought up at the Planning Commission meeting was that there were not the required number of parking spaces, and that he and Mrs. Singer had experimented with the present owners of the home and found that with angled parking they were able to provide five more parking spaces in the front yard, in addition to the three spaces available in front of the garage. Mrs. Singer stated that basically her program is designed to deal with the adolescent female, a person who cannot live at home successfully and who has behavior. problems. She would provide a structured living experience for the youngsters and teach them different ways of dealing with their problems. The girls would participate in at least three therapy sessions a week. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that there was confusion on the number of girls Mrs. Singer planned to have in the home, and that in previous reports the number had been listed as 12. Mrs. Singer stated that she had always intended to have no more than 10 girls, and that the DPW license has a limit of 9, but that somewhere along the line in her discussions with the City of Mounds View, they had come up with the number 12, mistakenly. Irene Schaffer, 7860 Spring Lake Road, identified herself as the next door neighbor to the proposed home and stated that if a fence were put up that it would cut off her view of the lake. She also asked where the girls would have room to play outside if the parking spaces were put in the front yard. Mrs. Singer replied that the house has a large back yard and that a 6 foot privacy fence would be put in the back yard and that the neighbors had indicated they would all put in fences if the home did not fence their yard. Gordon Kuluvar, 7815 Gloria Circle asked if the 8 planned parking spaces were enough. Mrs. Singer replied that the 8 parking spots were enough, and Mayor Pickar agreed t h a t 8 spaces were required Mrs. Burnie Lossing, 7805 Gloria Circle stated she was a neighbor of the proposed home and asked what effect the fence would have, forming a corridor down to the lake, and also asked if the home would be able to be added on to at a later date and then be able to house 15 or 16 girls? Mayor Pickar replied that if approval is given by the City, the specific number of residents would be stated so that the home would not be able to increase it's size without further permission from the City. Mr. Kuluvar asked how many girls would be in the home. Mr. Sweeney replied that there would be only 9 girls in the home. -9- P•1r. Kuluvar pointed out that there were several other areas within Mounds View that were zoned R -4 already where the applicant could locate, rather than changing an R -1 area. He also stated that he felt if this area was changed, several other people would be coming to the City and asking to have other areas within the City changed. Burnie Lossing, 7805 Gloria Circle asked what restrictions would be placed on the property if it were rezoned, as far as if it should be resold at a later date, would it remain R -4 or revert back to R -1. Attorney Meyers stated that if the property was rezoned to R -4 and then sold at a later date, another hearing would have to be held to revert it back to R -1. Mrs. Schaffer stated that she understood from the Planning Commission that the pro- perty could not go back to R -1 after being changed to R -4. Attorney Meyers replied that a request would have to be made to the City, then a hearing would have to be held. Eugene Schaffer, 7860 Gloria Circle asked what type of guarantee the City would have that girls from Mounds View would be in the, home. Mrs. Singer replied that she would be glad to hold one or two beds for Mounds View girls if the City was willing to pay for the beds. Otherwise, she would have to make the facility available to Mounds View girls as openings occurred. Gerald Singer informed the Council that a statement had been made by the representa- tives of the home in front of the Planning Commission that they would be willing to have the land revert back to R -1 if they sold it. Mr. Sweeney stated that the State Legislature had passed a statute that for a home of this type, if there were to be six or less girls in the home, City Council approval was not needed at all. Thus, he felt Mrs. Singer was asking only for a variance of three girls for her home. Mr. Sweeney also stated that as far as the future use of the home was concerned, no one could say for certain what would happen, but that Mrs. Singer is a professional and feels that the home would be an asset to the community and would fit into Mounds View's Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Pickar stated that he could appreciate the concern of the citizens over what might happen to the property if Mrs. Singer were to sell it. Mr. Sweeney replied that they would be willing to put in a covenant that if the property were sold or changed hands, that the property would revert back to R -1. Attorney Meyers staled t(iaL the statute Mr. Sweeney had mentioned regarding six or less girls referred to mentally retarded or physically handicapped individuals, and that the City .i st detPrmi n a if tho girls 1.'or t he ronsirlarPd mentally retarded or physically handicapped. Janet Schultz, 7887 Spring Lake Road asked if the Council had received a copy of the petition the neighbors had circulated, stating that they did not want the land rezoned. Mayor Pickar replied that the Council had received the petition. Mrs. Schultz also stated that the Planning Commission had voted against rezoning since it did not fit into Mounds View's Comprehensive Plan. Richard Nunn, 7755 Spring Lake Road stated that in order to fit into the category of six girls or less, they must live at the home, and the staff was not going to be a live -in staff. -10- Mrs. Schaffer asked where the girls would be going to school. and what type of super- vision they would have, especially at night. Mrs. Singer replied that she would be hiring a special education teacher to teach the girls and that there would be someone on duty 24 hours a day to supervise the girls. Susan Townsend identified herself as a probation officer for Hennepin County and stated that she was speaking on an individual basis in Mrs. Singer's behalf and that she had witnessed Mrs. Singer's work with juveniles at the Hennepin County Group Home and felt that Mrs. Singer had excellent qualifications for the home she proposed to open. She also stated that one point to be considered was that by having the home in Mounds View, the Mounds View girls would be within their own community, which would not pre- sent the same hardships for other girls who have to go outside their community for help. The Mounds View girls would be close to their family and friends. Allan Elrose, 7800 Gloria Circle stated that while he had heard a great deal that evening in reference to Mrs. Singer's qualifications, the matter at hand was if the property should be rezoned, and that the overwhelming characteristic of the neighbor- hood was R -1. Mr. Elrose also pointed out that there was open land nearby that was zoned R -4 which the home could build on. Mr. Kuluvar asked what variances would be required if the home were approved. Attorney Meyers replied that R -4 zoning requires a conditional use permit for that type of a facility. There is also a licensing requirement. Mr. Kuluvar asked if the angled parking in the front yard would be proper. Mayor Pickar stated that the only requirement to be met is to have the required park- ing spaces, eight. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that the Planning Commission minutes stated that a variance is needed for the parking spaces, for the side yard set -back, and for the 6 foot screening for the front yard. Attorney Meyers stated that the hearing is to decide whether to rezone from R -1 to R -4, and that the Council can only consider the public health, safety and welfare and that the judgement should be based upon, but not limited to, the following: a. Relationship to di )i comp' ns va 'iar b. Geographical area involved c. Whether such use will tend to or actually depreciate the area in which it is proposed d. The character of the surrounding area e. The demonstrated need for such use Mrs. Lossen asked if the property surrounding the home would depreciate. Attorney Meyers stated that the Council could ask for opinions, and Mayor Pickar then asked for the citizens opinions and comments. Mr. Schaffer stated that he felt that rezoning the property from R -1 to R -4 would depreciate the value of the surrounding area. Mr. Lossing stated that in case he were to sell his property at d later date, he felt that the value of his property would be lowered by having the R -4 home in there. Mr. Sweeney stated that he and Mrs. Singer did a survey in Golden Valley and that there was no indication that property values had dropped because of the facility there. Mr. Lossen stated that he had bought in the neighborhood because it was zoned R -1, and that he selected that particular area because Mounds View is known for it's zoning, school district, etc. He stated that the property value may not change as far as taxes are concerned but he felt the market value would drop. Donald McDonald, 7825 Gloria Circle stated that he felt the home should be able to go in an area that was already zoned R -4 and that he was not in favor of the home going in at the proposed location. Mr. Kuluvar stated that if the property were rezoned to R -4, it would open things up for others to rezone other areas of Mounds View. Mrs. Schaeffer stated that she felt her property value would drop if the home were put in. Richard Nunn, 7755 Spring Lake Road stated that he had two objections to the home, that one, the traffic in the area would increase, and that he also objected to spot rezoning and that if it was done for one person, it could be done for several. Mrs. Schultz stated that she objected to spot rezoning, and that she had purchased in an R -1 neighborhood. Mr. Elrose stated that he felt there would be an increase in traffic and that the home is located next to a blind S- curve. He also stated the proposed facility is not in line with the City's Comprehensive Plan and that the facility is not in line with the rest of the neighborhood, and that the value of his home would be reduced with the group home next door. He also stated he felt Mrs. Singer would be the one with the burden of proof to pruve that home values would not decrease. Mr. Schaffer stated that he felt someone from a real estate agency should make a statement on the property value. Mr. Singer stated that at the Planning Commission meeting someone on the Commission was going to go to the Golden Valley home and check out the neighborhood. Mr. Singer also asked what Mounds View intended to do with the 40 female juveniles that they have each year that have to be placed in homes. Attorney Meyers replied that that was not the issue at hand. Mrs. K.a uvar, 7215 Glnri n Ci r' l st't that she was opposed to the home [bas ally because it would require rezoning the R -1 area. Mr. Sweeney stated that he hoped the Council would consider the issue and that he felt the home was not out of whack in the neighborhood, and that the home would be a place for people to live in, and that a business would not be operated out of it. Mr. Sweeney also stated that most of the citizens seemed to be against the home and he asked the Council to state their reasons if they should oppose the home. Mayor Pickar reminded the Council that they must concern themselves with the issue of health, safety and welfare, and asked the Council for their comments. M er Ziebarth stated tf t h o= 'ounce lmembe Zi barth i i qi.sPstions had been nvered .',vring the -12- discussion but that he did have some questions regarding the operation of the facility. He stated he was interested in knowing how the particular area was selected for the home. Mr. Sweeney replied that the home in question was the only one available that would suit the needs of Mrs. Singer. He also stated that Mrs. Singer wanted a beneficial treatment home for the juveniles that would provide them with room for recreation and would also be large enough to house 8 or 9 girls. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that if that was the criteria used, Mrs. Singer would run into problems in every community as the home she was looking for, with that type of atmosphere, would be found in an R -1 location. Mr. Sweeney replied that in Mounds View, that type of property was R -1, but it could be different in other communities. Councilmember Ziebarth asked what was the closest facility that provided a similar service. Mrs. Singer replied that Home of the Good Shepard in Shoreview was the closest. Councilmember Ziebarth replied that the reason for his question was that he was con- cerned with a duplication of effort within Ramsey County and asked Mrs. Singer what recommendations Ramsey County had made to her. Mr. Sweeney replied that Mrs. Singer had gone before the Ramsey County Mental Health department and made her presentation and that the department had made suggestions on what would be needed to accept the program within Ramsey County. Also, the Health, Welfare and Fire departments all gave their approval. Councilmember Ziebarth asked if the Planning Commission had addressed the problem of parking for visitors, in addition to the required 8 parking spots. Mr. Sweeney replied that the 8 spaces would be all that was required, and that friends and visitors were not allowed at the home, and that the families were only allowed on Sundays. Councilmember Ziebarth asked what type of teaching program was planned. Mrs. Singer replied that a special education teacher would be provided to handle all situations. Councilmember Hodges stated that he felt that the huiiie would provide a public safety hazard since it would go against the rezoning policy of the community. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that his questions had been answered during the discussion but that he did want to know how Mrs. Singer would discipline the girls. Mrs. Singer replied that all discipline would be done through revoking priviledges, not through physical discipline. Fur example, phone priviledges would be revoked for someone who abused their phone rights, and that the individual would have to go before the group to regain her priviledges. She also stated that she and the staff would deal directly with any girls who caused trouble and that they would sit down with them and work the problems out. Councilmember Baumgartner asked the type of background the staff would have. -13- Mrs. Singer replied that of the staff she had lined up, one was a psychiatrist, one a psychologist and the remainder had B.A.'s in drama, dance, art, etc. Mayor Pickar stated that he felt the location of the home was the main problem and that he had no objection to the home itself but rather its location. He asked Mrs. Singer if she had tried to locate an R -4 location. Mrs. Singer replied that she had looked for over a year in Shoreview, Mounds View, Anoka County, Washington County, Ramsey County and other areas and that the proposed home was the only suitable location she had found. MSP (Pickar- Baumgartner) to deny the application of Mrs. Singer for a group home at 7850 Spring Lake Road on the basis of the welfare of the community and because the rezoning is in conflict with the City's Comprehensive Plan and R -1 single family residential characteristics of the neighborhood. 4 ayes MSP (Baumgartner Pickar) to amend the above motion to include both the safety and welfare of the community because of the potential traffic problems cited at this hearing. 4 ayes 9:45 PM Mayor Pickar closed the public hearing and reopened the regular meeting. ADMINISTRATOR ACHEN'S REPORT Administrator Achen reported on the levy limit base increase which is allowable under the Omnibus Tax Bill adopted in the last legislative session. It is a provision that any city with a per capita levy limit base below 80% of the average per capita levy limit base for all cities within a county may request such be increased to 80% of the county average. The request may be made by letter to the State Commissioner of Revenue. Administrator Achen requested the Council to authorize him to make this request. Administrator Achen reported that Mounds View has a per capita base of $44.36, which is $4.59 less than 80% of the county average of $61.19. Adjustment of the Mounds View levy limit base would provide an additional $60,592 in potential tax levy authority. Whether the City actually uses such authority will be a budget decision. However, Administrator Achen reported the procedure is relatively painless and would provide the City additional financial breathing room. It might also have some beneficial effect on the amount of local government aid the City receives from the state. Councilmember Ziebarth asked if raising the figure would affect the property taxes. Administrator Achen replied that it would affect the taxpayer if the Council decides to use it. MSP (Pickar- Hodges) to authorize Administrator Achen to request the increase to 80% of the county average to the State Commissioner of Revenue. 4 ayes ATTORNEY MEYERS' REPORT Attorney Meyers had no report. -14- ENGINEER HUBBARD'S REPORT Engineer Hubbard requested that the Council approve the specifications and solici- tation of bids for the sealcoating project in Mounds View. Engineer Hubbard stated that he had received an estimate of $37,900 for the project and that $40,000 had been budgeted for. MSP (Pickar- Ziebarth) to approve the solicitation of bids for the sealcoating project on July 14 and July 21, with the bid opening to be July 25 at 10:00 AM, and the Council to discuss the bids at the July 25 Council meeting. 4 ayes Engineer Hubbard also requested the Council to approve the water utility study design and solicitation of proposals. Engineer Hubbard reported that the 1977 budget includes $7,500 for a long -range water study. He has collected several water studies from other cities, and after reviewing them, Engineer Hubbard proposed the following objectives for the City of Mounds View's water study: a. To relate present and future land usage to water usage. b. To analyze present and future source and storage requirements. c. To hydraulically analyze the water distribution system to adequate residual pressure. d. To provide a "Master Plan" showing projected future additional water lines and changes necessary to modernize the existing system. e. To analyze present maintenance practices and recommend any changes that may be necessary. f. To develop cost estimates for all proposed changes or additions to the existing system. Engineer Hubbard recommended the City Council authorize the Staff to solicite pro- posals from several consultants, evaluate the proposals, interview the top two or three firms and recommend a consultant to the Council. The selection process would require about five or six weeks. MSP (Baumgartner Ziebarth) to authorize Staff to solicit proposals for the water study project. 4 ayes Engineer Hubbard also reported that Comstock Davis is preparing specifications for the project to dehumidify Well No. 1 at City Hall. $14,000 has been budgeted for the project, and since the unit itself runs about $5,000, Engineer Hubbard stated that h did not :eel here would be any problem wi ih going over budget. MSP (hedges- Ziebarth) to approve the solicitation of bids on July 14 and July 21 for the dehumidifier project, with hid Opening to be AUTIst 1 at 11:n0 AM, with the Council to consider at the August 8 meeting. 4 ayes COUNCILMEMBER ZIEBARTH'S REPORT Councilmeir "er Ziebarth reported that he was concerned with the water drainage problem on Ardan Avenue and asked Engineer Hubbard if he could come up with some type of proposal and get an estimate of having the area fixed. Engineer Hubbard replied that he had been checking into the possibility of storing the water elsewhere and that he would continue to work on the problem. -15- COUNCILMEMBER HODGE'S REPORT Councilmember Hodges asked if the City Council could send a letter of appreciation to Mischa Moran, thanking her for her service. Mayor Pickar replied that a letter would be sent by the Administrator. COUNCILMEMBER BAUMGARTNER'S REPORT Councilmember Baumgartner reported that the Planning Commission did not have a quorum its regular July meeting, so another meeting has been scheduled for July 20. Councilmember Baumgartner also asked where the City stood in its negotiations with M &E Realty concerning the park property. Attorney Meyers stated that they had had a meeting and that the City was interested in acquiring 19 acres of land. The property had been appraised at $6,500 an acre earlier, which would represent an investment of $123,500, of which $31,000 would be the City's responsibility and the remainder would be covered under the grant. Attorney Meyers reported that there are another 12 acres of land that could also be acquired and used as a holding pond. Discussion followed on if the City wanted all the land or just wanted the 19 acres, and different ways of financing the land if the City did acquire it all. Attorney Meyers stated that if the City did decide to purchase all the property at $6,500 an acre, it would be a wise purchase. He also stated that the owner of the property had not indicated whether $6,500 an acre was an agreeable price. Mayor Pickar stated he felt the City should try and acquire the 19 acres now while the grant is still available. Councilmember Ziebarth mentioned that if the City just purchases 19 acres, the owner might be willing to make an offer on the remaining land at a better price. Councilmember Baumgartner suggested that the issue should be discussed before the next Council meeting. MAYOR PICKAR' S REPORT Mayor Pickar had no report. MSP (Hodges- Ziebarth) to adjourn at 10:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mark Achen Clerk- Administrator 4 ayes