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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1993/10/11 (2)• M E M O R A N D U M TO: MAYOR WELLS AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS, SPRING LAKE PARK FROM: MICHELE SEVERSON, DEPUTY CLERK (RECORDING SECRETAR DATE: OCTOBER 12, 1993 RE: MINUTES FROM JOINT MEETING OF SPRING LAKE PARK AND MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCILS ON SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 - SPRING LAKE PARK CITY HALL At their regular Council Meeting on Monday, October 11, 1993, the Mounds View City Council considered the minutes of the above referenced meeting for approval. Councilmember Trude brought forth the fact that throughout the minutes, Mounds View was written as one. word.. The City of Mounds View is two words and it was concurred by the Mayor and Council that the minutes should be amended to reflect the two word spelling of the City name. The following represents the Motion and the Vote: • MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Wuori to Approve the Minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Spring. Lake Park and Mounds View City Councils on September 20, 1993 at Spring Lake Park City Hall As Amended VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried • JOINT MEETING ~ SPRING LAKE PARK/MOUNDS VIEW -SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 • OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special joint meeting of the Spring Lake Park and Mounds View City Councils was held on September 20, 1993, at the Spring Lake Park Community Center, 1301 81st Avenue N.E., at 5:30 P.M. 1. CaII to Order Mayor Wells called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. 2. Roll Call Members Present: Spring Lake Park Councilmembers Mathiowetz, Carlson, Hollow and Mayor Wells Mounds View Councilmembers Trude, Wuori, Quick, Blanchard and Mayor Linke • Members Absent: Spring Lake Park Councilmember Mason Staff Present: Spring Lake Park Engineer Anderlik; Attorney Carson; Clerk Busch and Recording Secretary Mueller Mounds View Assistant City Manager, Tim Cruikshank and City Planner, Paul Harrington Visitors: Bill Stewart, Spring Lake Park Lions 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Welcome Mounds View City Council Mayor Wells welcomed the Mounds View City Council and staff to the Spring Lake Park Chambers, explaining that the purpose of the joint meeting is to review several matters of interest to both cities. 5. Signalization of Pleasantview Drive and Highway 10 Mayor Wells explained that both the cities of Spring Lake Park and Mounds View agreed on the signalization project approximately five years ago and referred it back to the State. Mayor Wells added however, that shortly after agreement was reached between the two cities, the intersection was taken off the State's "hot list" of intersections with a high rate of accidents and referred back to the two cities to solve the problem, at which point, the project was dropped. Mayor Wells continued that the plan before the Councils this evening, is the most recent proposal and is being brought forward again for two reasons: (1) the construction of the new fire station at the southeast corner of Pleasantview Drive and Highway 10 and OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PAGE 2 SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 (2) a proposal for construction of a senior citizen apartment • building on the northwest corner of Pleasantview Drive and Highway 10. Mayor Wells stated that the Fire Chief has expressed his opinion that the Fire Department would have safer ingress/egress to the fire station, if the intersection were signalized. Mayor Wells added that the Fire Department is currently working with the City of Blaine to obtain an Opticon system for all fire units and stated his belief that this issue will be brought before the Blaine, Spring Lake Park and Mounds View City Councils in the near future. Mayor Wells noted that the City of Spring Lake Park currently has the Opticon system installed at the intersection of 81st Avenue and Highway 65, primarily for the Police Department, however it will be ready for use by the Fire Department as soon as their vehicles are equipped. Mayor Wells informed the Mounds View City Council and staff that the Spring Lake Park Planning and Zoning Commission will be considering a proposal this month for a three story senior citizen housing complex on the northwest corner of Pleasantview Drive and Highway 10. Mayor Wells commented that this development, along with the need to relieve the traffic problems at Highway 1o and Sunset Road, are added reasons to take another look at the signalization of this intersection. Mayor Wells stated that Spring Lake Park has contacted the • Minnesota Department of Transportation and they have provided summary costs which have been included in the Council packets. Mayor Wells referred to the correspondence from MNDOT noting that the proposal is for MNDOT to pay 50~ of the cost of the signal and Spring Lake Park and Mounds View to pay 25o each. Mayor Wells noted that there may also be some participation by Ramsey County on the south side of the intersection. Mayor Wells turned the discussion over to Joe Anderlik, Engineer for the City of Spring Lake Park. Mr. Anderlik explained that discussion of the signalization of this intersection has come up again because of the location of the new fire station however, the proposal for senior housing at this intersection, makes it doubly prudent to revisit the issue. Engineer Anderlik stated that the City of Spring Lake Park believes this project is highly appropriate and recognizes the fact that it impacts the City of Mounds View on the north side. Engineer Anderlik stated his opinion that Ramsey County should be approached to share in the funding as Pleasantview Drive is a county road south of Highway 10, and Anoka County should also be approached as Old Central, which is a county road, ties in with this intersection. Engineer Anderlik referred to the cost estimate of $420,000 prepared by the Highway Department, noting that it does not include storm sewer or land acquisition. Mr. Anderlik added ~,~ OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PAGE 3 SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 • however, that if the senior housing proposal goes forward, the drainage problem which exists on the north side of this intersection will be solved with this development. Engineer Anderlik further commented that there are some State funds which might be available for the signalization, such as high-hazard safety funds however, it may be some time before they are readily available. Mr. Anderlik stated that the cities would have to apply for the money and 1996 would be the earliest funding year. Mr. Anderlik pointed out that the cities' application would compete with other applications for hazard funds throughout the State of Minnesota. Mounds View Mayor Linke asked if the $420,000 figure includes the road work on the south side of the intersection all the way to McKinley Street, or if it is just for the intersection. Mr. Anderlik stated his understanding that the estimate includes the frontage road work but does not include any drainage work or right- of-way acquisition. Mayor Linke asked about maintenance costs commenting that the City of Mounds View shares maintenance costs with Ramsey County and MNDOT at other intersections and suggested that a maintenance agreement be developed between the Cities of Spring Lake Park and Mounds View, and the Counties of Anoka and Ramsey, along with MNDOT • for this signal. Mr. Anderlik agreed stating that such maintenance agreements cover re-lamping, painting, etc. Mayor Wells referred to the plan and stated that part of the problem on the south side of the intersection is that Pleasantview Drive drops down into McKinley Street in the trailer park, and at this point, McKinley Street is not a public street but belongs to the trailer park. Relative to the Engineer's comment about Anoka County's involvement, Mayor Wells explained that Anoka County has proposed upgrading Old Central to a four lane road from 81st Avenue to where it wraps around south of Highway 10, and the intent is to divert some of the traffic from the intersection at 81st and Highway 65. Mayor Wells stated his belief that since Old Central belongs to Anoka County, they should be approached about sharing in this project. Mounds View Councilmember Trude asked if the senior housing proposal is the reason for bringing this issue to their attention at this time. Mayor Wells indicated that it is not the primary reason adding that . Spring Lake Park has had on-going discussions with the Fire Chief since the relocation of the fire department to this intersection. Mayor Wells stated his opinion that it has become a safety issue OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PAGE 4 SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 and signalization with the Opticon system would give the fire • vehicles safe, quick access to the highway, Councilmember Trude stated her understanding that the three city fire department would actually be the primary beneficiary of the signalization at this intersection. Councilmember Trude added her opinion that she does not see how the signal would benefit the City of Mounds View in any other way. Councilmember Trude asked what would become of the property if the senior housing is not developed and Mayor Wells stated that he doesn't know but pointed out that the highway department is interested in closing off the access to westbound highway 10 in this area, and if not signalized allowing an eastbound right-turn- only to the commercial area, closing off the access to Sunset Road would make Pleasantview Drive the only access for the businesses in this area. Councilmember Trude stated her belief that this would benefit the businesses in Spring Lake Park. Mayor Linke stated that MNDOT approached both cities about this project approximately five years ago and when the Cities of Spring Lake Park and Mounds View came to an agreement, the highway department appeared to abandon the project. Mayor Linke added that since that time, the City Council gets a letter every spring from MNDOT stating that they are going to close off the intersection however, it has yet to happen. Mayor Linke stated that the plan being discussed this evening has been developed as a cooperative effort between the two cities. Councilmember Trude asked Mayor Linke if it is his opinion that it is time to address this issue and Mayor Linke answered affirmatively. Mayor Wells stated that a great deal of time has been spent by the cities and MNDOT to design a plan that would allow the least amount of traffic on the Mounds View side of the intersection; i.e., the design of the curve, the center island, etc., taking into consideration that this is a residential street and not a through street. Councilmember Trude commented that she can see where this would impact the Mounds View traffic with more people using the exit at Pleasantview Drive when it is signalized. Mayor Linke stated that this was taken into consideration when designing the intersection pointing out that it will be a little more difficult to make the swing onto northbound Pleasantview. • • Y OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PAGE 5 SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 • Mayor Linke added that it doesn't appear this project will happen until 1995 to 1997 and asked Mayor Wells if the senior housing project would be started in the spring. Mayor Wells indicated that the developer would like to get started this fall with approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Mayor Linke commented that this project was approved by resolution of both Councils several years ago, however he would like to take the proposal back to his city. to review the alignment of the intersection and generally look the whole plan over again. Mayor Wells stated that the joint meeting was called for the purpose of sharing ideas and there is no need to come to a decision this evening. 5. Renaming of Lakeside Park Mayor Wells stated that he would like to re-open discussion of renaming Lakeside Park. Mayor Wells explained that Spring Lake Park is not suggesting a total name change but a change to Lakeside Lions Park. Mayor Wells stated that he does not want to take anything away from the people who worked hard to establish the park however, over the last 4 to 5 years, both cities have been impacted by diminishing funds from the State and in response, the Lions Club • stepped forward with many, many hours of donated labor and approximately $200,000 worth of improvements to park. Mayor Wells pointed out that the Lions Club funded improvements include the ball diamonds with bleachers, the walking path, the beach house and blacktopping. Mayor Wells stated his opinion that the Lions Club deserves recognition for their contribution that such recognition would lead to continued support of this park. Mayor Wells stated that the Spring Lake Park City Council passed a motion approving the name change and he would like to get the opinion, and possibly action, by the Mounds View City Council. Mayor Linke stated for the record, that it is the Spring Lake Park Lions Club who has done this work; not the Mounds View Lions. Councilmember Trude asked if the same issue was considered two or three years ago and Mayor Linke replied positively. Mayor Linke explained that at that time, the concern of the Mounds View City Council was that the original founders, who had made great sacrifices to establish the park, not be lost in the shuffle. Mayor Linke commented that the land for the park was donated by private citizens from Mounds View and Spring Lake Park, and those citizens maintained the park for many years until the Lakeside Park Commission was formed to manage it. Mayor Linke added that when the Lakeside Park Commission was disbanded, the Parks and Recreation Departments of both cities .assumed responsibility for • aFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PAGE 6 SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 managing the park. Mayor Linke noted that when the land was • donated, it was written into the deed that zf the park was ever abandoned, the land would revert back to the original owners. Councilmember Trude commented that both cities contribute toward the upkeep and management of the park and voiced concern that the public might believe the cities are no longer in charge if the name is changed. Mayor Wells stated that the Spring Lake Park City Council feels the Lions Club deserves recognition for their contribution. Mayor Wells recalled that the previous discussions on this matter, resulted in a plaque being placed on the beach house. Mayor Wells recalled that there was also discussion of placing a reader board at the park containing a brief history of the founding of the park. Mayor Wells pointed out that although it is a joint park, the additional funding has come primarily from the Spring Lake Park Lions. Mounds View Councilmember Blanchard asked if the Lions would be responsible for maintaining the park if the name change is approved. Mayor Wells stated that the park would still be maintained by the Cities of Spring Lake Park and Mounds View however, stated his • belief that the Spring Lake Park Lions would continue to fund special projects and items not covered by the two city budgets. Mayor Wells stated his belief that the cities could not continue to maintain the park in the manner in which the Lions have. Mayor Wells also added his opinion that even if the name is changed to Lakeside Lions Park, the residents of the area would still refer to it as Lakeside Park, as this is how it is known to them. Councilmember Blanchard stated that what she is hearing tonight is very different from what was originally proposed. Councilmember Blanchard commented that when the idea was first presented, the name was to be "Lions Park" and she was strongly opposed to that name. Councilmember Blanchard agreed that the Lions Club has done a "fantastic job" of improving the park and she does not wish to minimize that contribution however, added her opinion that the Lions received recognition with the plaque that was placed at the park and people do realize what the Lions have done. Councilmember Blanchard stated that she continues to have a problem with a name change, believing that it takes away from the originators of the park who contributed their labor to establish the park and did not simply write a check and hire someone else to do the work. However, Councilmember Blanchard restated that what is being presented this evening is different from the original proposal and she could "possibly go along with this change." Councilmember Blanchard noted that there are only four of the original founders • • OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PAGE 7 SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 still living; two are 88 years old and the other two are in their 70's. Councilmember Blanchard stated that if the issue could be delayed a few more years, there would not be a problem in making the name change. Mayor Wells stated his opinion that these individuals should not be forgotten. Councilmember Blanchard indicated that she does not intend to let anyone forget them adding that she is "adamant" about this issue. Councilmember Blanchard pointed out that the founders did all of the clearing of the park themselves and manually dredged the lake with railroad ties to make a swimming beach. Councilmember Blanchard stated her belief that these people deserve to be remembered as they did not hire the work to be done, but did it themselves. Councilmember Blanchard added that she would not "argue too strongly against" the change to Lakeside Lions Park but remains adamantly opposed to Lions Park. Councilmember Trude asked if the Lions are actually doing any work at the park or just donating their pull-tab money. Councilmember Mathiowetz stated that when the park was founded, it was in cooperation with both cities and it remains that type of i situation today. Councilmember Mathiowetz stated that this cooperation must continue in order for the park to remain in existence due to the clause in the deed providing for the property to revert back to its original owners should it cease to be a park. In reference to pull-tab monies, Councilmember Mathiowetz stated that the Lions did use pull-tab money but also did a lot of hard work at the park planting trees, general up-keep, etc. In reference to the comment regarding just hiring someone to do the work, Councilmember Mathiowetz pointed out that both cities would not have allowed the beach house to be built with volunteer labor. Councilmember Mathiowetz also pointed out that the old building had to be raised, plans and specifications prepared and approved and bids sought prior to construction of the new building. Councilmember Mathiowetz stated that if they had wanted to, the Lions would not have been allowed to do this work on their own. Councilmember Mathiowetz noted that when the request for a name change was denied several years ago, the Lions did not abandon the park, but continued their support with both gambling money and labor. Councilmember Mathiowetz stated that this issue is not being resurrected at the behest of the Lions, but because the Spring Lake Park City Council believes they deserve recognition for all that they have done at Lakeside Park and feels that this can be done by renaming it Lakeside Lions Park. • -..._, OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PAGE 8 SEPTEMBER 20, 1.993 Councilmember Trude commented that she is concerned that the • homeowners in the area will feel the cities have abandoned the park if there is a name change. Councilmember Trude asked if the Spring Lake Park councilmembers have discussed this possibility. Mayor Wells stated that this issue has not been brought up to the Council. Councilmember Trude stated that it would be her perception upon seeing a sign for Lakeside Lions Park, that the Lions had established the park for the cities. Councilmember Trude stated that she would also believe the cities no longer contribute to the upkeep of the park, which is not true. Mayor Linke stated his understanding that the Lions are primarily contributing to the infrastructure of the park while the cities continue to support the basic upkeep of the park. Mayor Linke stated that this should become part of the history of the park. Councilmember Trude commented that perhaps they should call their city hall Mounds View Lions City Hall as their Lions have contributed much to the plantings and upkeep of the grounds there. Mayor Linke reminded both Councils that both cities continue to contribute approximately $7,500 per year towards the park fund and • will continue to do so with the park being managed by both Parks and Recreation Departments. Councilmember Trude asked if this issue needs to be decided tonight and Mayor Linke replied negatively. Mayor Linke indicated that the Mounds View City Council will address this issue at their regular Council meeting. Councilmember Blanchard reiterated her concern that the people who established the park should not be forgotten. Mayor Wells agreed, stating that no matter what the Lions have done or will do, the cities will and should always remember the original founders. Mayor Linke asked if there should be some kind of plaque or sign erected recognizing the founders and Mayor Wells agreed. Mayor Wells added that Spring Lake Park will also be bringing this issue back for discussion at a regular Council meeting. Mayor Wells stated-that he would like to discuss another topic related to Lakeside Park and that is, the annual budget. Mayor Wells stated his concern that each year, both cities automatically • put $7,500 into their budgets for the operation and maintenance ,~ .-•• OFFICIAL PROCEEBINGS PAGE 9 SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 • of Lakeside Park however, the Parks and Recreation Departments do not submit a budget showing how much they will need and for what purpose. Mayor Wells pointed out that two or three years ago, when the cities experienced a severe cutback in LGA and needed to trim their budgets, it was discovered that there is money being carried forward in the Lakeside Park fund which was never reported to the Councils. Mayor Wells stated that he is somewhat uncomfortable with funds in reserve in view of the Governor's position on such reserves. Mayor Linke stated that he is in favor of having some reserves and is not in favor of spending down to a zero or near zero figure. Councilmember Trude asked what the current reserves are for Lakeside Park and Mayor Wells cited approximately $6,000. Mounds View Councilmember Wuori stated her belief that the cities need some flexibility because a good part of the decision on how much money is spent depends on the weather. Mayor Wells stated that he expects the Lakeside Park fund to be run just like any other city department and the Parks and Recreation staff should prepare a budget and operate the park within those guidelines. Mayor Wells stated that when he receives the . accounting reports for Lakeside Park, he does not see a carried forward figure although there is money there. Mayor Wells stated that he would also like to discuss administration of the park advising the Mounds View Council that Spring Lake Park would be happy to alternate responsibilities for administration and maintenance of the park from year to year. Mayor Wells stated that Spring Lake Park Parks and Recreation Director, Jay McCluskey, is not present this evening due to a family emergency however, the Council would like to discuss this in more detail at another time when staff is available. Mayor Linke agreed stating his opinion that it is a good idea to get the two staffs together adding that he would like to get his Public Works Department more involved. Mayor Linke expressed concern however, about changing over the checkbooks and accounting records every Qther;year. Mayor Linke agreed to bring the matter up to his st~~a€~=,, at their regular meeting. Mayor Linke stated that he would also like to discuss the fire department training facility. Mayor Linke stated that the cities were recently asked to approve a new joint powers agreement which drops Columbia Heights from the agreement for a joint training facility. Mayor Linke stated that this reduced the available funding from $200,00 to $150,000 and he is delaying the signing of • the amended joint powers agreement because he is troubled that the cities of Blaine, Spring Lake Park and Mounds View do not have more OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PAGE 10 SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 control over the matter. Mayor Linke pointed out that the City • managers know relatively nothing about the training facility since it is being handled by the Chiefs' Association. Mayor Linke stated his opinion that the cities need more control over this facility. Mayor Wells agreed stating his concern that when the bond referendum for the fire department was discussed, certain promises were made, and the decision to approve a bond referendum were made based on those promises which were never put in writing. Mayor Wells stated his opinion that the three cities should be represented on the fire department's governing board. Mayor Linke suggested a freeze on signing the amendment joint powers agreement until both Councils are able to sit down and discuss the matter at greater length and until the assets of the fire department are put in the name of the three cities. Councilmember Mathiowetz recalled that some of the older equipment was supposed to be sold to offset the cost of the bonds. Mayor Wells stated that the three cities should demand representation on the fire department's governing board and could discuss the matter further at a joint meeting of the three Councils. Councilmember Mathiowetz stated his belief that there isn't any • `~ representation on the governing board from any of the three cities and Clerk Busch agreed. Mayor Wells asked if there is any thing further to come before the joint Councils. No one came forward. Mayor Linke thanked the Spring Lake Park Council for inviting them to this meeting for the opportunity to share ideas. MOTION BY MAYOR LINKE TO ADJOURN. VOICE VOTE: ALL AYES. MOTION CARRIED. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 P.M. ~~ Harley Wells Mayor ATTEST: Donald B. Busch, City Clerk/Treasurer •