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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1977/11/14PROCEEDINGS 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 November 14, 1977 at the Mounds View City Hall, 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Members Present: Also Present: Mayor Pickar Clerk Administrator Achen Councilmember Rowley Attorney Meyers Councilmember Baumgartner Engineer Hubbard Councilmember Hodges It was noted that Councilmember Ziebarth was absent and was attending the infor- mational meeting at Spring Lake Park High School regarding further expansion of Janes Field. MSP (Rowley- Hodges) to approve the minutes of the October 24, 1977 meeting as presented. Mayor Pickar stated that he was abstaining from the vote as he had not been present at that meeting. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Howard Bisbee, 2816 Bronson Drive stated that he had purchased the property at 2816 Bronson Drive with a garage on it. He then built a home with an attached double garage, after being told he would be able to keep the original garage. He has now been told that he cannot keep the original garage. Mayor Pickar asked who had told Mr. Bisbee he could keep the garage to start with. Mr. Bisbee replied that he had spoken with Steve Rose, and that Mr. Rose had later told him the garage was in violation of a City ordinance. Councilmember Baumgartner explained that the ordinance reads that with a two car attached garage on the principle structure, no other would be allowed. However, an auxiliary building would be allowed to a maximum of 216 square feet, but since the garage in question was 20'x 24', it would exceed the maximum allowable. Councilmember Baumgartner also stated that he felt Mr. Rose had advised Mr. Bisbee against applying for a variance as it was almost certain the Planning Commission would turn down the request. Then Mr. Bisbee would be out his $50 application fee. Mr. Bisbee stated that he has one acre of property, which he feels is more than adequate for the buildings on his lot. Attorney Meyers stated that the ordinance was originally approved in 1960, and Administrator Achen stated that the size was increased last year to be more lenient. 3 ayes November 14, 1977 Page 2 Mrs. Bisbee stated that they had spoken to their neighbors, who agreed it would be better to keep their belongings in the garage rather than out in the open. Mayor Pickar recommended that Mr. Bisbee contact Mr. Rose again and apply for a variance if he so desires. Gerald Fields, 2255 Lambert stated that he was interested in the parking ordinance for commercial trucks. Mayor Pickar replied that the Police Department would begin enforcing Ordinance 270, Chapter 81 effective December 1, 1977 and that letters had been sent to known violators, giving them advance warning that the ordinance was to be enforced. Mr. Fields asked what the people with trucks were to do. Mayor Pickar replied that they could apply for an extension to enable them to find a suitable place for keeping their truck. Mayor Pickar explained that the issue was brought up at a public hearing in 1976 when the ordinance was first rewritten and then it had been reworded again this past year. The Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance and recommended to the Council that it not be changed, just reworded, and the Police Department was instructed to begin enforcing it. Councilmember Rowley pointed out that notice was also published in the New Brighton Bulletin and public hearings posted on the sign board outside City Hall. Jim Allen, 7943 Greenfield Avenue stated that he has a converted school bus which he uses as a vending wagon and stated that he felt one truck is a good as another. He also pointed out that he has a neighbor with a converted bus who uses it as a camper, and thus was not in violation since his was a recreational vehicle. Administrator Achen replied that a big problem in writing the ordinance had been in what one man's definition was versus another's. He stated that the ordinance was written to protect the people, so that a trucking company would not be able to come in and park in a residential area. Mr. Allen stated that the issue should be brought to the people for a vote. Mayor Pickar replied that from the input the Council had received in the past, if a vote were taken, chances are the ordinance would be approved to be enforced. Joel Berkes, 8075 Edgewood Drive stated that he was Mr. Allen's partner in the vending wagon and stated that they should not be discriminated against because their bus was a commercial venture whereas a neighbor's was a recreational vehicle. Administrator Achen replied that Mr. Berkes also appeared to be violating the home occupation ordinance if he was operating a vending wagon out of his bus. Councilmember Rowley stated that there had been several meetings on the issue to which the public was invited to come and that several articles had been published in the New Brighton Bulletin. She also stated that the issue had been batted around for 1i years and that the Council had to weigh the comments from the people in writing the ordinance. She also stated that while at one meeting there might be several people against the ordinance, the next meeting night consist of mainly people who were in favor of the ordinance. Mel Schukard, 5386 Clifton stated that there were very few companies that would allow November 14, 1977 Page 3 their drivers to take their tracks home at night. He also stated that he felt if the drivers were not allowed to park in their ow'r yards, the City should furnish them with a guarded lot in which to park. Gil Waltman, 2616 Hillview asked when the police would begin giving citations. Mayor Pickar replied that citations would be issued effective December 1, but that a time extension could be requested by individuals. Mr. Waltman said if he received a citation, he would take the issue to court. Mayor Pickar replied that that was his privilege. Lee Aspen, 8016 Edgewood asked what the reason was for the ordinance. Mayor Pickar replied that there had been several complaints from the citizens. Herb Gutneck, 5391 Raymond stated that he brings his truck home every night and thus would receive a citation, whereas a resident of an apartment building by him parked his truck in the street, but would not receive a citation since it was not considered a commercial vehicle, and stated that he did not feel it was fair and that he would be willing to go to court. Mayor Pickar thanked those present for their input on the ordinance and stated that their comments would be taken into consideration. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Pickar requested that Item D be deleted from the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Rowley asked that Item H be removed also. MSP Pickar- Rowley) to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: 4 ayes ITEM A. Authorize Mayor and Clerk to execute agreement with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for the 1978 diseased tree reimbursement program. The city expects to receive $7,336 in 1977 and $7,387 in 1978 under this program which provides a 35 -45 percent subsidy of local sanita- tion and reforestration expenditures. ITEM B. Adopt Resolution No. 871 designating that all state aid for police service monies be applied to the city's employer contributions to the Public Employees Retirement Association Police and Fire Fund. This is pursuant to action by the 1977 Minnesota Legislature which also altered the aid distribution formula. In 1976 $6,509 in aid were received. Under the new formula the city received $17,714 in 1977. Employer contributions to the PERA Police and Fire Fund are estimated to be approximately $24,600 in 1977. ITEM C. Adopt Resolution No. 872 notifying the Hearing Examiner (Docket No. PCA 78 006 EG) that the city objects to consideration of a moratorium on sanitary sewer extensions or connections that will flow to the Metropolitan Waste Treatment Plant at Pig's Eye Lake. This issue has been raised during hearings on the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and State Disposal Permits before the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. November 14, 1977 The city was not notified that this would be an issue in the hearings and is unable to respond to it on short notice. The Associati(_a of Metropolitan Municipalities has recommended all member city councils take this action since the deadline for comments to the hearing examiner is November 17, 1977. ITEM E. Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the CETA Youth Employment Program Worksite Agreement for the student clerical aide working in the police department. The student is working 15 hours per week during the school year and is entirely funded by CETA. ITEM F. Authorize the city participation in the Federal Surplus Personal Property Utilization program as recommended by the League of Minnesota Cities. The Program offers surplus federal equipment at nominal cost to government agencies. Any such purchases will be subject to customary city purchasing and budget requirements. ITEM G. Appoint the following election officials to serve in the Special Election to fill the vacated seat in Senate District 49. Election officials shall be paid as follows: chair- person $45 per day, judges $35 per day, counter $4 per hour, and $6 per training session. Total election official cost for the November 19 Primary and December 3 General will be approximately $480. election official position party Donna Bowman chair IR 8046 Long Lake Rd. Ruth Prose judge D 5079 Greenwood Lili Ripley judge IR 2432 Clearview Ave. Bobbie Malraison judge D 5229 Jeffery Drive Rita Zepper judge IR 5255 Ironddie Rd. Mary Czech counter D 5214 Skiba Drive Pauline Foster altern D 2516 Ridge Lane Muriel Christensen alternate IR 5091 Edgewood Drive Page 4 ITEM I. Authorize closing city hall at 4:30 PM Wednesday, November 23, 1977, the day before Thanksgiving. Normal Wednesday closing time is 6:00 PM. November 14, 1977 ITEM J. Appoint Sharon Ackermann senior clerk- typist (Inspections Department) effective November 14, 1977, at $3.60 per hour. ITEM K. Approve the following licenses: CONTRACTORS expire 6/30/78 Excavating new J. J. Charles Sons 2205 German St. Maplewood, MN 55109 Orrie L. Blake 11032 Ilex St. N.W. Coon Rapids, MN 55433 General new Future Fence (fence installation) 1200 104th Lane N.E. Blaine, MN 55434 Fahning Homes, Inc. P. 0. Box 124 Waterville, MN 56096 General renewal Dalberg Builders, Inc. 1121 80th Ave. N.E. Minneapolis, MN 55432 Masonry new M. F. Fleischhacker Inc. 343 Burlington Road St. Paul, MN 55119 Heating Air Conditioning renewal Master Mobile Home Service 2189 Long Lake Road New Brighton, MN 55112 Boehm's, Inc. 1598 Selby Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104 Page 5 Sewer Water Excavating renewa The DeLory Co. 2095 Larpenteur Ave. Maplewood, MN 55109 Ray Freeman Inc. 3448 S. Coon Creek Anoka, MN 55303 Thermal Design Engineering 1001 East Cliff Road Burnsville, MN 55337 Mr. Siding, Inc. 10800 Xavis St. N.W. Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Blacktop renewal Tri County Blacktop 10588 Highway 65 Blaine, MN 55434 ITEM L. Approve the November 14, 1977, bills for payment. ITEM M. Approve specifications for puchase of two police squad r,Dr^ for delivery in 1978. ge mid onr'rina for 11.00 T.M, Wednesday, December 3, 1977. November 14, 1977 Page 6 Mayor Pickar stated that he was rot familiar with Item D on the Consent Agenda and as;.ed for further details. Admini:;tra`or A.:' „n rp1iH that it was to adopt Resolution No. 813 designating tnat all Federal Anti- Recessionary Fiscal Assistance Funds received under the Title II of the Public Works Employment Act of 1976 be used to finance the uniformed police officer added to the 1977 City Budget. To date the City has received $4,017 in Anti Recessionary Funds. Administrator Achen also stated that he does not anticipate much more money from the program. He also explained that it was an attempt by Congress to put more money into the Cities for employment purposes. MSP (Pickar Rowley) to approve adoption of Resolution No. 873. 4 ayes Councilmember Rowley stated that she was concerned with Item H, the rerouting of MTC's Route #25 and wondered if the riders had been informed of the change. Administrator Achen replied that with the proposed new route, some people would have to walk further but that the new route would also make the bus accessible to new people. MSP (Rowley- Baumgartner) to authorize the Metropolitan Transit Commission to reroute Route #25 to avoid the rush -hour traffic congestion at the intersection of County Road J and Red Oak Drive, and inform them that the City would like them to notify the passengers before the change is made. 4 ayes MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEASIBILITY REPORT TRAFFIC CROSS -OVER AND SIGNAL T.H. 10 Glen Van Wormer, a representative of Mn/DOT explained that the volume on Highway 10 was increasing considerably and that the Highway was almost at its capacity, which was one of the reasons there was such heavy traffic on other streets. He also stated that in the future, when new Highway 10 is opened, in approximately 1983, the traffic on old Highway 10 would decrease considerably, to between 9,000 and 10,000 cars per day. Mr. Van Wormer also stated that the State feels that with signals at County Road H and County Road H2, they have covered most of the streets that require access. He also explained that the signals are synchronized, which has been proven to be safer, and that near perfect spacing would be required for the system to work. He also explained that Mounds View does not have a perfect setup so that the traffic going one direction is sometimes favored over that going another direction. Mr. Van Wormer stated that the State had looked over the considerations for putting in an additional signal, and after taking into consideration the fact that the speed of motorists can't be controlled and in looking at the Northcrest Park plan, they did not believe a signallized interchange would work. He also stated that the State could not put in the interchange until new Highway 10 was open because traffic would be increasing on old Highway 10 and would provoke more accidents. Mayor Pickar asked if there was any chance that new Highway 10 could be speeded up and opened early in view of all the problems. Mr. Van Wormer replied that that was highly unlikely since there were several steps that the State must go through which would take time, and that right of ways must be obtained, and if they were occupied, a few additional years could be added on. November 14, 1977 Page 7 blrry(;r Pickar >,pr d colic rn with the tine dela./ ,.n 1 ;tilted i would really hurt the developers of Northcrest Properties. Administrator Achen added that there have been indications from the Commissioner of Transportation's office that there might not be adequate funds for the Highway after 1980. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that with the sophisticated system of synchronized signals, a crossover should be possible somehow, perhaps without signals, if the timing were right. Mr. Van Wormer replied that a crossover would increase traffic, which would necessitate some type of control. Councilmember Baumgartner pointed out that while access would be available from County Road H2, it would not be desirable to put that increased traffic on a residential street. Administrator Achen stated that there was pressure on both sides: from the land owners to utilize vacant land and from the Legislature to plan ahead for development. Mr. Van Wormer stated that when new 10 is open, the traffic on old 10 would change considerably and that at that time additional controls or median openings could be added. Councilmember Baumgartner asked if the City would have to wait until 1983 or later for that to happen. Mr. Van Wormer replied that they would have to in order for accidents to be guarded against, since they would certainly increase if old 10 were changed now. Councilmember Baumgartner then asked what the City could tell developers who came in in the meantime. Mayor Pickar pointed out that the developers of Northcrest Properties have a very favorable piece of property and felt that they would have a strong case in getting a crossover. Mr. Van Wormer stated that he could appreciate the situation but that he believed problems would increase if a crossover were made. Stelios Aslanidis, a representative of the developer, stated that he had already spent one year working on the project and that no progress had been made to speak of. He explained that the development is staged and the first stage is not expected to be completed until new Highway 10 is open, and asked why the State could not agree to a median cut since it would not be needed until the 1980's, and if it were approved now, would allow the developer to proceed. Mr. Van Wormer stated that by adding one more signalized interchange between H and H2, and taking into consideration the ones already at Silver Lake Road and County Road I, it would be very difficult to time them. He also stated that if the development went as planned, a crossover should not present problems, but if the development of Northcrest went quicker than planned, or if the highway were slc..ec than planned, problems would be encountered. Mr. Aslanidis stated that he would be willing to work out some type of agreement with the City and State. Mr. Van Wormer replied that he would have the legal department check into it for him. Jack Anderson introduced himself as a representative of the project and stated that if traffic from the development were routed out onto 10, it would be easier to move the traffic along 10 than if it were routed out to H or H2, since that would require additional green time at the intersections. If a crossover were put in, they would November 14, 1977 Page 8 be able to get across during 1.11s in traffic. Mr. Van ;dormer stated that he agreed with Mr. Anderson in principle. Attorney Meyers asked how many years it would be before the intersection would actually have to be signalized. Mr. Aslanidis replied that completion was projected for 1990, and that while the first stage would be completed in 1983, he did not anticipate the need for signals right away. Administrator Achen recommended that the City, the developer and Mn /DOT get together for further discussions on the problem and see if a solution could be worked out, and recommended that the City make an effort to see if there was any way to speed up construction of new Highway 10. Mr. Van Wormer stated that he would like to have some time to prepare for the meeting. Administrator Achen suggested they meet after Thanksgiving and stated he would contact Mn /DOT and the developer. MSP (Pickar- Baumgartner) to authorize the City Clerk to proceed with any steps determined necessary to try and speed up the construction of New Highway 10. 4 ayes TRANSIENT MERCHANT LICENSE JAMES BILLER REQUEST TO SELL TREES Administrator Achen reported that James Biller, 8408 Groveland Road had requested a license to sell Christmas trees from his household garage. Mr. Biller explained that he planned to display the trees on his driveway and store them in his back yard, and would probably not have more than 100 trees on the property at one time. He also stated that he wished to sell them from his home as he could watch over them at all times. Mayor Pickar explained that in the past the City has denied requests of that nature and recommended that Mr. Biller try to work out an arrangement with the owner of a commercial lot. Councilmember Baumgartner pointed out that it would be in violation of the present ordinance and recommended that the City not approve it as they would then be bom- barded with requests of a similar nature. Councilmember Rowley stated that she agreed with Councilmember Baumgartner, and felt that since it would be in a residential area, it should not be allowed. MSP (Pickar- Hodges) to deny the request of James Biller for a transient merchant license. 4 ayes Administrator Achen recommended that if Mr. Biller found a commercial area, that he come in and put in his application with the City by November 23, in order for it to go before the Council for approval at their November 28 meeting. ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM SPECIFICATIONS FOR INSULATED WINDOWS IN CITY HALL Administrator Achen presented the specifications for replacement of existing City Hall windows with thermopane glass and an alcove addition to the front entry, which were approved during the 1978 budget process and would be financed by Revenue Sharing money. November 14, 1977 Page 9 Attorney Meyers asl ed if there oar, any s,alviae from the i glass. Administrator Achen replied that he wasn't certain but would check into it. MSP (Baumgartner Rowley) to accept the receiving of particular specifications dated November 14, 1977 for the City Hall energy conservation program and that a paragraph be added concerning salvaging the existing glass windows. 4 ayes ADMINISTRATOR ACHEN'S REPORT Administrator Achen reported that he would be out of town during the primary election on November 19 and asked that a deputy clerk be appointed. MSP (Pickar Rowley) to appoint Eva Melhouse deputy clerk for the November 19 election. 4 ayes ATTORNEY MEYERS' REPORT Attorney Meyers reported that he had received notice that Mounds View Square's assessment trial was set for January 4, 1978 and stated that he had begun preparing for the trial. ENGINEER HUBBARD'S REPORT Engineer Hubbard reported that the new CETA employee had begun working for the City as a mechanics helper. COUNCILMEMBER HODGES' REPORT Councilmember Hodges had no report. COUNCILMEMBER ROWLEY'S REPORT Councilmember Rowley reported that the Council adopted a resolution in February 1961 opposing further expansion of Janes Field and stated that she felt the Council should reaffirm that position at the Metro Council's hearings on the Regional Aviation Plan. She stated that Councilmember Ziebarth had found information on the issue dating back to 1942 in the Council's records. Councilmember Baumgartner agreed that it would be a good time for the Council to make a statement. Councilmember Rowley stated that there would be a hearing on the issue on November 30 and recommended that a statement be made at that time. Councilmember Baumgartner suggested that the Council get a report from Steve Rose and Councilmember Ziebarth of what went on at the meeting for the Council's agenda meeting and adopt a resolution at the next Council meeting, which would be in time for the hearing on November 30. Councilmember Rowley also reported that she had spent considerable time discussing the future of the Lakeside Park Commission at the last commission meeting. She November 14, 1977 Page 10 stated that meeting attendance had been extrcwely poor, with often times not enough members present for a quorum. She also stated that three members whose terms would expire on January 1, 1978 had indicated that they would not be available after that date. Councilmember Rowley also stated that she felt discussion should begin immediately on the future of the Lakeside Park Commission, and that there is a definite need to maximize the limited financial resources available. Mayor Pickar stated that he would be attending the Spring Lake Park Council meeting with Councilmember Rowley next week and would discuss the issue with them then. Councilmember Baumgartner asked if one solution would be to let the county take over the property. Councilmember Rowley replied that she was not sure if it would be possible for it to go back to the county. Attorney Meyers stated that he would look at the deed to see how it was worded. Councilmember Rowley also mentioned that she had received a request that the Council have a map of the City in the Council chambers for people to look at during discussions. COUNCILMEMBER BAUMGARTNER'S REPORT Councilmember Baumgartner had no report. MAYOR PICKAR'S REPORT Mayor Pickar introduced Bruce Anderson, the new park director. Mayor Pickar also stated that he had received a request to proclaim National Family Day and stated that he would be signing the proclamation for November 19. Mayor Pickar stated that a report would be put together regarding the Council's retreats after the joint retreat between Staff and Council. He also stated that everyone's reaction seemed to be very enthusiastic. MSP (Rowley- Baumgartner) to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 Ph1. 4 ayes Respectfully submitted, Mark Arhen Clerk Administrator