HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL PACKET 05152001 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 27
Folder: PL PACKETS 2000-2004
Document: PL PACKET 05152001
AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 15, 2001
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY, MINNESOTA
7 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PUBLIC INPUT
.The public may speak at this time on any planning and zoning related.matters of a general
nature. However, there will not be any discussion or action by the Commission at this time..
6. MEETING MINUTES
6.1 Review/Approval of Planning Commission Minutes of March 20, 2001
7. COMMUNICATION WITH CITY COUNCIL.
7.1 Designate a Planning Commissioner-to the City Council regular meeting of May 22,•2001
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS
8.1 Report of Sign Subcommittee- City Monument Sign Recommendation
8.2 Update from Antenna Ordinance Subcommittee- Chair Melsha
9. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION
9.1 - Northwest Quadrant Master Plan Update
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
11. ADJOURNMENT
I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 March 20, 2001.
4 7:00 p.m.
5 1. CALL TO ORDER.
6 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Melsha.
7 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
8 Chair Melsha invited the Commission and the audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9 3. ROLL CALL.
10 Present: Chair Melsha, Vice Chair Stille; Commissioners Hanson, Hatch,
11 Steeves, Thomas, and Tillmann
12 Commissioner absent: None.
13 Also present: Assistant City Manager Susan Henry and Councilmember Brian
14 Thuesen.
15 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
16 Motion by Hanson, second by Thomas,to approve the meeting agenda. .
17 Motion carried unanimously.
18 5. PUBLIC INPUT.
19 Chair Melsha asked if anyone in the audience was interested in addressing the Planning Commission .
20 on issues that were not on the regular meeting agenda. Hearing no comments,Chair Melsha moved
21 forward with the agenda.
22 6. MEETING MINUTES.
23 The Commissioners requested the following corrections:
24 Page 5, line 5: "similar size, the locker rooms..."
25 Page 7,line 2"Tedlund,was to fit with the green space study. In regard to the Northwest Quadrant
26 Development Study, from a planing perspective..."
27
28 Motion by Chair Melsha,second by Stille,to approve the February 20,2001 Planning Commission
29 Meeting Minutes as corrected above.
30 Motion carried unanimously.
31 7. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY COUNCIL.
32 7.1 Report from Brian Thuesen. Councilmember.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 2
1 Councilmember Brian Thuesen introduced himself as the new Council representative to the Planning
2 Commission and encouraged the Commissioners to make him aware of when they would like him.
3 to attend their meetings or advise him of special issues.
4 Tillmann requested an update on what is going on with the Salvation Army Camp and how it will
5 be used. Thuesen stated he has no recent news on the Salvation Army Camp or the Hennepin
6 County Park proposal to purchase this property. He noted they intend to make it 100%green space
7 and are not excited about housing on this piece of property. He stated he cannot speak for the rest
8 of the Council but believes this is an important and unique piece of property. Also,it is not common
9 that such a large green space becomes available and he endorses the County's desire to keep it green,
10 such as an nature interpretative center. Thuesen stated this would serve a very real need in this
11 location of the County.
12 Thomas asked about the redevelopment of the St.Anthony Shopping Center and potential for green
13 space. Thuesen stated originally there were greenspace easements but the City held off because they
14 want to see more movement from the current owners and where they are headed with redevelopment.
15 Now with Hennepin County moving forward and the new health center, it should spur activity.
16 Thuesen stated because of those recent activities and he would support revisiting that issue in the
1:7 near future:
18 Thomas requested an update on the Liquidators property. Thuesen stated it was asked if that
19 property could be used as a temporary teen center but the cost would be $400,000 to $500,000 and
20 there are other factors that make it unlikely the building would be used in that capacity. He noted
21 that the redevelopment of the Apache Shopping Center and Northwest Quadrant have also taken a
22 lot of attention. He stated it is important to get control of that property but some other developer
23 may come in with a project.
24 Chair Melsha noted it has been suggested by a few people to keep the redevelopment of both areas
25 going on at the same time,perhaps part of the same process.
26 Thuesen commented on a college student who works on murals that he has invited to.a work session
27 to present her work to the Council.. He stated he.also talked to the owner of the St. Anthony
28 Shopping Center who gave permission to use part of the wall that faces the Mobile station for such
29 a mural.
30 7.2 Plan for the Joint Meeting with City Council on April 17, 2001.
31 Ms. Henry advised that on April 17, 2001, there will be a joint meeting of the City Council and
32 Planning Commission,starting at 6:00 p.m. The regular Planning Commission meeting will begin
33 at 7:30 p.m. She suggested that Planning Commissioners familiarize themselves with the City
34 Council's strategic plan.
35 Chair Melsha stated the issue of Hillcrest was discussed at the last joint meeting.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 3
1 Stille stated at the last joint meeting,the previous Chair had prepared an agenda and spoke for the
2- Planning:Commission. He suggested some thought be given.onhow to best Use this time with the
3 Council.
4 In response to Chair Melsha, Thuesen suggested the St. Anthony Shopping Center easement issue
5 be discussed.
6 Chair Melsha noted the Council's Strategic Planning Report.
7 Thuesen encouraged the Planning Commission to bring forward any concerns or issues they have.
8 Hanson suggested they blend the Council's 2001 goals with the Planning Commission's goals to see
9 if any overlap. The Planning Commission could also discuss their goals with the Council, attempt
10 to obtain their"blessing," and request direction on how to get work on these goals started.
11 Chair Melsha stated he will work with Ms. Henry to develop an agenda.
12 Ms. Henry agreed it is a good time to.prioritize the Commission's goals and work with the Council
13 on how to:best accomplish them.
14 7.3 Designate a Planning Commissioner to the City Council Meeting of March 27. 2001.
15 Chair Melsha stated since there is not much on the agenda tonight a Commissioner will not be
16 appointed to represent the Planning Commission at the March 27, 2001 Council meeting.
17 8. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
18 8.1 Ordinance Regulating a Towing Business in Residential Areas - Staff Report.
19 Ms. Henry reviewed this issue for the Planning Commission by stating that the City Council is
20 interested in adopting an amendment to the City's towing ordinance that states "no tow trucks are
21 allowed in residential areas." She advised that towing businesses located in residential areas have
22 been an issue.
23 Chair Melsha asked if the concern is that towing trucks are parking in residential neighborhoods or
24 towing businesses are being run from residential homes. Ms. Henry stated the concern is that the
25 actual business is being run from residential neighborhoods.
26 Hatch asked if the amendment means that businesses already legitimate will be grandfathered in and
27 allowed to remain or if those businesses will be pushed to relocate in a commercial area.
28 Ms. Henry stated she has no recommendation on that point at this time but will be further studying
29 the issues.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 4
1 Stille asked if towing businesses are permitted uses in residential neighborhoods. Ms.Henry stated
2 she does not.-believe towing businesses are specifically addressed so the,suggestion was made to
3 include language in the ordinance to address towing businesses.
4 Thuesen suggested determining whether the issue is a towing business operation or a towing
5 business employee who drives the tow truck home after work.
6 Hatch asked if such an amendment will address other types of commercial vehicles that are used to
7 commute between home and work. He noted the Fire Chief may have a suggestion on other types
8 of businesses that could come into play.
9 Ms. Henry stated she will report further at the next meeting.
10 8.2 Northwest Quadrant Master Plan.Update - Chair Melsha.
1 I Chair Melsha noted the recent information that was distributed related to the three concept plans and
12 explained the differences with each. He advised that the next order of business for the task force is
13 to take.a bus tour of redevelopment projects in the metro area. He explained there is concern with
.14 high density apartment types of development.
15 Hatch asked if there is movement for target occupants, seniors,young families, etc. Chair Melsha
16 stated the task force has not gotten that far.
17 Thomas stated the demand for a range of housing is strong; for senior housing,townhomes,empty
18 nesters,and affordable housing as well. He noted that one task force member addressed the School
19 Board about attempts to control the population of St. Anthony. The School Board Superintendent
20 has now indicated a willingness to work with the task force recommendations. It was also
21 mentioned that housing developments would be phased in and the School Board indicated a
22 willingness to work with developers.
23 Chair Melsha agreed there was a change in tone between the School Board and developers. He
24 stated there was a.discussion about how many children different developments, bring in and,
25 surprisingly., the number was relatively.low. He explained that this topic will be-further studied
26 Stille asked if Mr. Shardlow shared rationale for density numbers or proformas. Chair Melsha stated
27 the number discussed to acquire the land and get it ready for development was$150,00 to$200,000
28 to make the project feasible.
29 Ms. Henry stated the numbers are very preliminary. She reviewed the buildings that could be
30 demolished as part of this project.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 5
1 Hatch asked if there was mention of businesses with residences on the.second story. Chair Melsha.
:2 stated that was discussed at the.Issues Forum where.about 60 people attended to view a presentation .
3 and provide input.
4 Tillmann stated it was also mentioned that type of development could be worked into any of the
5 three schemes.
6 Thomas stated if any of the Commissioners are interested, the bus tour will begin about 9 a.m. on
7 Saturday, March 31, 2001, and last about three hours.
8 Tillmann suggested that the Windsor Green townhouse area be toured.
9
10 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS.
11 9.1 Report on Sign Subcommittee - City Monument Sign Recommendation.
12 Stille stated the Sign Subcommittee met and discussed several locations. He stated they recommend
13 'the sign be located half-way between the tennis courts, west of the tennis courts and east of the
14 holding pond.
15 Tillmann displayed a colored picture of that location with the proposed sign sketched in'.
16 Stille stated the other location north of the City Hall was considered but determined that there is not
17 enough room for more than a sign. The location by the tennis courts can accommodate plantings.
18 Also,the copy size standards were researched and determined they can have up to 150 square feet
19 of copy. Thus, the sign will be located farther from the road so it can be better seen.
20 Stille stated the Sign Subcommittee is recommending an electronic sign and suggested it be
21 discussed with the Council since Code requirements will have to be addressed. He stated clear
22 direction is needed from the Council relative to electronic signs. He noted that electronic signs can
23 be allowed throughout the City with conditions or only for educational purposes.
24 Thuesen suggested this item be discussed with the Council at the upcoming joint meeting.
25 Tillmann stated this is a two-fold recommendation. The first recommendation is for this location
26 and the second recommendation is that the City's Sign Ordinance be reviewed relative to allowing
27 electronic signs.
28 Chair Melsha stated his support for the recommended location.
29 Tillmann stated the trees are tall enough that they do not block the sight lines. Stille noted the trees
30 are also spaced farther apart by the tennis courts.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 6
1 Hanson noted that temporary sign_ s have been placed in that same location several times to promote
2 civic events.
3 Stille stated the cable can only be run so far so that issue will have to be researched. He advised the
4 cost for a small sign is about $30,000. Stille explained how the sign messages are changed via
5 computer modems and that a computer modem can be used to remotely change the sign message at
6 this location or another location.
7 Ms. Henry stated a committee is looking at"sprucing up" the City Hall campus and this area will
8 tie into that effort.
9 Hatch commented on the importance of this location and impression it will give to residents as well
10 as non-residents. He commented on the need for quality and a pleasing appearance.
11 Hanson stated the Sports Boosters may be interested in supporting the cost of this sign since it can
12 be used to advertise athletic events.
13 Stille stated they also recommend that the Code address temporary signs which he thinks should be
14 eliminated. In addition,they recommend the standardization of signs. Stille stated they talked about
15 the fact that they are not experts on signs so, perhaps, the use of a consultant should be discussed
16 with the Council.
17 Tillmann stated they talked about people's image of the Northwest Quadrant and Apache area and
18 it was the general consensus that people did not like that appearance. It was also felt that
19 standardization of signs will help that area.
20 Ms. Henry stated the City requires a comprehensive sign package for a shopping center or certain
21 areas but maybe there should be overall sign standards to address what the City would like to see as
22 areas develop.
23 Chair Melsha stated it is the general consensus that the recommended location is the best spot for
24 this sign. He asked that this topic be added to the agenda for the joint meeting with the City Council.
25 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
26 Hatch asked about the status of planning cases that were considered at the last meeting. Ms. Henry
27 reported that the health club passed unanimously and Walgreens withdrew their request for the sign
28 variance and moved on.
29 Hatch noted the start time of the joint meeting is 6:00 p.m. and asked if a boxed meal will be
30 provided. Ms. Henry stated it can be provided.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20; 2001
Page 7
1.. Hanson asked when.Walgreens will start construction. Ms. Henry stated they pulled a demolition
2 -permit for the gas station and should submit final building plans within several weeks.
3 Hanson asked if the veterinarian clinic has pulled a building permit. Ms. Henry stated she
4 understands they have closed on their property but she is unaware of the building permit status.
5 Hanson stated he looks forward to the joint meeting with the Council.
6 Tillmann stated 29th Street will be a huge mess during the spring thaw but she is looking forward
7 to seeing that street project completed.
8 Ms.Henry noted the flyer on the Center for Energy and Environment and explained that it involves
9 home improvement loans. She reported that a letter will be sent to residents about the loan programs
10 that are available.
11 11. ADJOURNMENT.
12 Motion by Steeves, second by Hatch, to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m.
13 Motion''carried unanimously.
14 Respectfully submitted,
15 Carla Wirth
16 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
MEMORANDUM
DATE: 5/8/01 MEETING DATE: 5/15/0.1
TO: Planning Commissioners
FROM: Susan Henry, Assistant City Manager .
RE: City Monument Sign Recommendation
As you know, the City Council is interested in an electronic city monument near the City
Hall/Community Center Building. Last month at the Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission/City
Council, there was consensus to go ahead with the city electronic monument sign,justifying public
purpose as the reason.
Originally, the sign subcommittee considered an update to the sign portion of the code to allow
electronic signs citywide. While this is still under consideration, that is not the recommendation at
this time. Allowing the.City to have electronic reader board signs requires making an ordinance
change to allow electronic signs for public purposes only, in specially zoned areas, such as
Recreational/Open Space. If the Planning Commission were agreeable with pursuing this, the
public hearing on the ordinance change would take place on June 19. The Council would then have
three hearings on the case (June 26, July 10 and 24).
The Monument Sign Subcommittee was formed late last year to study the issue as it relates to
need, location, and current city code. After studying the potential, the preferred is on the hill near
the-tennis courts at 371' and Silver Lake Road. The recommendation includes the monument sign
to be attractively landscaped and built into the side of the hill. This scope of work will probably cost
more than originally planned due to the fact that it's more elaborate. However, this location makes
the most sense and ties in with the City improving the City Hall/Community Center campus. An
alternate location is in front of Central Park, along Silver Lake Road. This option would probably
cost less money. It may be a budgetary decision to eliminate the more elaborate sign location.
Currently, there is not money budgeted for this item. The Council will need to take a look at funding
of the expenditure in 2001 or 2002, if necessary. The expenditure is unknown at this time until the
design concept and bids are received for the project.
Once the ordinance change has gone through its procedural channels, city staff can go ahead and
begin working with a firm for design concepts. What input would the Planning Commission like to
give to the design firm in terms of what the sign should look like? The design firm could draw
concepts for both potential sign locations. Is it important to establish standards for maintenance
and operation? This is an appropriate time to make those comments. The Council and Planning
Commission mentioned at the joint meeting the importance of tying the project to the same firm that
will be working on Central Park. This way there can be design consistency between the public
areas. Once the design concept is completed, the plans will be forwarded to the Planning
Commission for comment, then onto the City Council for final approval. If approved, it is hoped the
project can be accomplished yet in 2001.
Staff Recommendation: Send the project recommendation to the City Council for comment. Begin
the process by making an ordinance change to the sign code stating that the city can place
electronic signs in areas zoned recreational/open space for the purposes of public information.
Attachments:
• Sign Subcommittee Meeting Summary— March 14, 2001
• Planning Commission/City Council Joint Meeting Summary—April 17, 2001
Sign Subcommittee Meeting Summary—March 14,2001
The sign subcommittee met to discuss issues with regard to placing a monument sign
with electronic capabilities near the community center. Two possible locations were
identified. The first location is located west of the tennis courts and oast of the holding
pond. The second location is north of the community center parking lot and south of the
Central Park parking lot on the island that separates them. The subcommittee
recommends the placement of the sign by the tennis courts due to the following reasons:
• The south location provides the space to further enhance the look of the sign by
incorporating a landscaping plan that could include a retaining wall, flowers, and
shrubs. The confined space at the north site will likely limit enhancements such as
these.
• This site will allow for a larger sign than the north location.
• This site makes good use of a piece of land that otherwise has limited possibilities.
• The site seems to provide for a better location that identifies not only city hall,but the
entire campus the city manages, such as Water Tower Park, Central Park,the
Community Center,public services, etc.
The committee suggests the city hire a consultant t6provide input with regard'to updating
of the sign portion of the code. Some issues within the code that need to be addressed
include:
• Defining electronic signs, expanding their use, and establishing standards for
maintenance and operation
• Eliminating the use of temporary signs
• Incorporate design standards for future signs
Anthony Village.
,Memo,
To: Michael Morrison, City Manager
From: Susan Henry,Asst City Manager
Date: 05/09/01
Re: 4/17/01 PC/CC Joint Meeting Summary
Main Topics Discussed:
1) Electronic City Monument Sign: The consensus was the City favors an electronic style sign,
using the newer technology for public informational purposes. The group discussed the
commercial versus public dilemma where electronic signs are placed.The consensus was it is best
to change the city code as it relates to the electronic sign for public. Most agreed the location by the
tennis courts is preferred, if it fits.in the budget, otherwise choose the altemate site,which is in front
of Central Park along Silver Lake Road. There was some discussion about articulating what the
sign should look like, and.for that vision to be conveyed to.the City Council:. .
2) St. Anthony Shopping Center. The area surrounding the St. Anthony Shopping Center was
discussed. Redevelopment was the focus of conversation, like what to do at the site, especially
with the Stonehouse and the Fire Station. With the City acquiring 40,000 square feet at Custom
Liquidators plus the 40,000 square feet already acquired at Kenzie Terrace and the 26,000 square
feet Hitching Post easement One frustration discussed is the lack of investment or interest on the
Shopping Center's part to construct green space. Why should the City put $200,000 - $300,000
into the area if the Center owners aren't doing anything? One idea discussed is to get the
easement back,and to get money back, if possible.
3) Northwest Quadrant: The redevelopment master planning is underway. The process and
potential was discussed.
4) Housing Stock: Housing code issues were discussed. A point of sale ordinance was mentioned
as to possibly reviving its potential again.
•Page 1
The Next meeting of the
Northwest Quadrant Master Planning Project
Planning Steering Committee
will be held
Thursday May 31 , 2001 , 7 p.m.
St. Anthony City Hall
3301 Silver Lake Road
DRAFT AGENDA
7:00 p.m. 1 ) Call to order
7:00-7:30 2) Review of pros and cons of redevelopment
concepts
7:30-8:00 3 Discussion of specific concerns
8:00-8:10 4 Break
8:10-8:40 5 Options to refine and improve concepts
8:40-9:00 6 Review of next steps
Additional information will be sent out approximately 10 days before the
meeting.
Questions or comments may be directed to Sue Henry - Assistant City
Manager at 612.789.8881 , or Geoff Batzel - DSU at 612.339.3300
925.04 Leasing. No person shall engage in the business of leasing motor vehicles to
others for use on the property of the lessor, or charging or authorizing another
person to charge for allowing a motor vehicle to be operated on public or private
property within the City without first obtaining approval of the Council.
925.05 Ekceptions. The.provisions of this Section do not apply to snowmobiles or to:
golf carts while operated on golf courses.
Section 930 - TRUCK RESTRICTIONS
930.01 Trucks Prohibited on Certain Streets.
Subd. 1. Weight Regulations. No person may operate or cause to be operated
any vehicle having a gross weight in excess of 9,000 pounds, other than a
`� GNS public transportation vehicle, upon any roadway in the City without a permit
from the City, unless the roadway is designated a state or county roadway or
truck route, or unless necessary for the purpose of delivering or removing
goods or materials to or from premises abutting the roadway.
Subd. 2. Residential Areas. No person may stop, ark or leave a vehicle in
excess_ nnn nn,incic unatten on a roa way or on public or private
property,in any area-zoned residential•for a period of more than two hours
between the hours of.6:00 p.m..and 6:00 a.m.-except that a.property owner is.
allowed'to park on the owner's property a maximum of one camping or
recreational type vehicle and is allowed to operate such vehicle upon City
roadways for the purpose of ingress and egress to the property.
930.02 State Aid Roads Excepted. State aid roads within the corporate limits of this
City, other than St. Anthony Boulevard, are excepted from the provisions of this
Section.
930.03 Seasonal Load Restrictions. The Director of Public Works may prohibit the
operation of vehicles upon all roadways including state aid roads, or impose
restrictions as to the weight of vehicles to be operated on all roadways, whenever a
roadway, by reason of deterioration; rain, snow, or other. climatic conditions will be
seriously-damaged or destroyed unless the use of vehicles on it is prohibited or the .
permissible weight'allowed is reduced. The Director of Public Works will post signs
plainly indicating the prohibition or restriction at each end of the affected roadway.
930.04 Gross Weight Stencil Required. It is unlawful for any person to operate a
truck within the limits of this City without having the gross weight of the vehicle
for which the license tax is paid stenciled in a conspicuous place on each side of the
vehicle in letters not less than 2-1/2 inches high and 3/8 inch stroke in a color.
giving a marked contrast with that of the part of the vehicle on which it is.placed,
9-9
v
2000 1999 1990 2000 1999 1990
City Census State Census City Census State Census
Roosevelt 166 188 1801 St.Augusta 3065 3,132 2,657
Roscoe 116 136 1411 St. Bonifacius 1,873 1,829 1,180
Rose Creek 354 372 3631 St.Charles 3,295 3,104 2,703
Roseau 2,756 2,755 2,3961 St Clair 827 720 633
Rosemount . .14,619 13,544 8;622 St.Cloud 59,107 60,076 48,812
Roseville 33,690 34,548 33,485 St Francis . 4,910 . 4,4141 2,463
Rothsay 497 `. 454 443 St Hilaire 272 294 298
Round Lake 424 450 463 St James 4,695 4,392 4,364
Royalton 816 863 802 St Joseph 4,681 4,934 3,349
Rush City 2,1021 1,667 1,497 St Leo 106 107 111
Rushford 1,696 1,638 1,583 St. Louis Park 44,1261 44,236 43,787
Rushford Village 714 703 607 St.Martin 278 283 274
Rushmore 376 358 381 St Marys Point 344 361 339
Russell 371 383 394 St Michael 9,099 8,291 2,506
Ruthton 284 317 3281 St Paul 287,151 266,927 272,235
Rutledge 196 185 152 St Paul Park 5,070 5,022 4,965
Sabin 421 491 495 St. Peter 9,747 10,038 9,481
Sacred Heart 549 569 603 St Rosa 44 74 75
Sanbom 434 441 459 St.Stephen 860 868 607
Sandstone 1,549 2,101 2,057 St Vincent 117 113 116
Sar eant 76 73 781 StacV 1,278 1,290 1,081
Sartell 9,641 8,960 5,409 Staples 3,104 2,973 2,754
Sauk Centre 3,930 3,866 3,646 Starbuck 1,314 1,195 1,143
Sauk Rapids 10,213 9,957 7,823 Steen 182 178 176
Savage 21,115 18,071 9,906 Stephen 708 690 707
Scanlon 838 879 878 .. Stewart 564 572 566
Seaforth . 77 83 871 Stewartville 5,411. .. 5,319 4,520
Sebeka .'710 654 662 Stillwater 1.5,143 16,193 13,882
Sedan 65 58 63 Stockton 682 597 529
Shafer 343 399 368 . Storden 274 265 283
Shakopee 20,568 17,251 11,739 Strand uist 88 78 98
Shelly 266 202 225 Strathcona 29 42 40
Sherbum 1,082 1,071 1,105 Sturgeon Lake 347 266 230.
Shevlin 160 146 157 Sunburq 110 111 117
Shoreview 25,924 26,545 24,587 Sunfish Lake 504 490 413
Shorewood, 7,400 7,082 5,917 Swanville 351 318 324
Silver Bay 2,068 2,066 1,894 Taconite 315 317 310
Silver Lake 761 793 7641 Tamarack 59 52 53
Skyline 330 337 344 Tao pi 93 93 83
Slayton 2,072 2,150 2,147 Taunton 207 170 175
Sleepy Eye 3,515 3,720 3,694 Taylors Falls 951 830 694 .
Sobieski 196 207. 199 Tenney 6 3 4
Solway 69 74 74 Tenstrike 195 197 184
South Haven 204 200 193 Thief River Falls 8 410 8,484 8,010
South St Paul 20,167 20,194 20,197 Thomson 153 146 132
Spicer 1,126 1,183 1,020 Tintah 79 69 74
Spring Grove 1,304 1,237 1,231 Tonka Bay 1,547 1,496 1,472
Spring Hill 55 73 77 Tower 479 496 502
Spring Lake Park 6,772 7,142 6,532 TracV 2,268 2,017 2,059
Spring Park 1,717 1,843 1,571 Trail 62 55 67
Spring Valley 2,518 2,478 2,461 Trimont 754 731 745
Springfield 2 215 2,178 2 173 Trommald 125 113 80
Squaw Lake 99 133 139 Troskv 116 119 120
St.Anthony 8,012 8,435 7,727 Truman 1,259 1,274 1,292
St.Anthony 90 .77 81 Turtle River 751 83 1 62
Page 26 LIVIC Cities Bulletin
I SCITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 March 27, 2001
4 I. CALL TO ORDER.
5 Mayor.Cavanaugh called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
6 H. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
7 Mayor Cavanaugh invited the Council and audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
8 M. ROLL CALL.
9 Councilmembers present: Mayor Cavanaugh; Councilmembers Sparks, Thuesen, Horst and
10 Hodson.
11 Councilmembers absent: None.
12 Also present: City Manager Michael Momson; City Attorney Jerome Gilligan.
13 IV. APPROVAL OF MARCH 27,2001 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
14 Motion by Hodson to approve the March 27, 2001 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda.
15 Motion carried unanimously.
16 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
17 A. Proclamation Declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
18 Mayor Cavanaugh asked that Councilmember Sparks read in full a Proclamation declaring April
19 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of St Anthony.
20 Councilmember Sparks explained that St. Anthony has been asked to participate in, and support,
21 this cause. She acknowledged that, fortunately, child abuse is not a large issue in the City of St.
22 Anthony.
23 Motion by Sparks to adopt a Proclamation Declaring April as child Abuse Prevention Month.
24 Motion carried unanimously.
25 B. Fire Department Presentation.
26 Mayor Cavanaugh noted the attendance of Fire Chief Hewitt, and the entire Fire Department who
27 were present to model their new uniforms and apparatus,which were funded by the City. Fire
28 Chief Hewitt expressed his deep appreciation to the City Council.
29 Fire Chief Hewitt referred to the new mandate regarding their apparatus,which states that
30 firefighter gear be replaced every three to five years,depending on the use that it has. He stated
31 that some of their former gear was ten to twelve years old. Fire Chief Hewitt added that in
32 addition to the uniforms,they were in need of new SCBAs(self-contained breathing apparatus).
33 He noted that the old SCBAs weighed thirty six pounds,while the new ones weigh about
34 nineteen pounds,which means there is significantly less stress placed on the firefighters,
35 specifically their hearts. Fire Chief Hewitt noted that the house fire reaches 960 degrees
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2001
Page 2
1 Fahrenheit, and this gear is what protects them and allows them to safely return home to their
2 families at night.
3
4 Fire Chief Hewitt introduced Chris Fuller who was the fireman that headed the committee
5 responsible for conducting the necessary research on the fire apparatus. Fuller indicated that the
6 committee went to Minneapolis to try on gear, then brought in some vendors, discussed the cost,
7 tested different gear, and made the decision buying the best they could afford. He added that the
8 technological advances in the gear were incredible, and thanked the Council for funding the
9 money, and showing that they care about the Fire Department.
10 Mayor Cavanaugh thanked them all for coming to show their gear and appreciation and stated
11 that, as a community, he was proud to have them in the best safety equipment that they can
12 afford. He added that, seeing all of the apparatus, it is obvious that they got their moneys worth.
13 Councilmember Hodson inquired about the old equipment and what happens to it. Fire Chief
14 Hewitt responded that the old equipment is non-compliant so it cannot be passed along anywhere
15 in the United States for liability reasons.
16 Councilmember Hodson added that he has contacted an ambassador for Costa Rica who said that
17, they would be interested in this equipment. .He volunteer to coordinate the effort to donate
18 equipment to Costa Rica,.preferably in the area of the rain forest.
19 Mayor Cavanaugh stated the only issue he has with passing on the gear was that there be some
20 utility that accompanies it, so that there is not a false sense of protection and security. Otherwise,
21 Mayor Cavanaugh thought it was an excellent idea, and thanked Councilmember Hodson for
22 volunteering to work with Fire Chief Hewitt and City Manager Mike Mornson on this project.
23 Fire Chief Hewitt acknowledged Rob Miller, a thirteen-year veteran to the Fire Department, who
24 had accepted a position with the Woodbury Fire Department. He thanked Mr. Miller for his
25 service and dedication to the Fire Department and the City of St. Anthony.
26 . Fire Chief Hewitt and Firefighter Fuller gave a brief overview of the new apparatus.
27 Mayor Cavanaugh thanked the department for coming,and the entire department shook hands
28 with the Council.
29 VI. CONMIMTY FORUM.
30 Mayor Cavanaugh invited any residents in the audience to speak to the Council on items that are
31 not on the regular agenda.
32 Hearing no further response, Cavanaugh moved forward with the agenda.
33 VII. CONSENT AGENDA.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2001
Page 3
1 Councilmember Sparks presented the following changes to the regular meeting minutes of
2 February 13, 2001:
3 Page 7, line 3 to add"$60,000 of immediate maintenance and$390,000 to $480,000 to renovate
4 into a Community, or Teen Center."
5 Page 7, lines 17 and 18 to strike last sentence.
6 Motion by Thuesen, seconded by Cavanaugh to approve the Consent Agenda as corrected above.
7 Said Consent Agenda consisted of-
8 1. Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2001
9 2. Council Study Session Minutes of March 13, 2001
10 3. Licenses and Permits. and
11 4. Claims.
12 Motion carried unanimously.
13 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
14 None.
15 IX. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
16 A. Resolution 01-053 re: Award Sale of Bonds for 2001 Street and Utility Improvement
17 Project.
18 Mornson noted that this is a component of the funding for the 2001 Street Project for this year as
19 well as the start of the funding for the holding pond. He stated that between the $1.1 million and
20 the DNR money there is a total of $2 million dollars which are needed to fund this project.
21 Mornson introduced Mr. Robert Thistle of Springsted, and asked that he review the bids for this
22 project, and offer his recommendation.
23 Mr. Thistle stated that they had gone to market earlier that day for the sale of$1,160,000 of
24 General Obligation Improvement Bonds for the above projects. He advised that the low bid was
25 from Cronin& Company Incorporated with an interest rate of 4.653012%. Mr. Thistle
26 recommended the.Council award the sale of bonds to Cronin& Company Incorporated. He
27 stated that the second bid by Dain Rauscher Incorporated was only .02%higher,which indicated
28 that the market is very good.
29 Mayor Cavanaugh inquired of the difference between the net interest cost, and the true interest
30 cost. Mr. Thistle responded that a net interest cost and the true interest cost is the addition of
31 some issuance cost,which is defined by Federal Law.
32 Motion by Hodson to adopt Resolution 01-053,re:Award Sale of Bonds for 2001 Street and
33 Utility Improvement Project.
34 Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2001
Page 4
1 B. Resolution 01-051 re: Authorizing� idding for Central Park Redevelopment Proiect.
2 Mornson referred to his Staff Report,and stated that the project was being bid out in 2 phases:
3 the first phase is for the Park:Project(landscaping,ball fields, fencing),the second phase is the
4 buildings phase for the individual parks.
5 Mornson indicated that they need to go out and authorize bids at this time. He added that
6 estimates are coming in a lot higher than what the City had projected and budgeted but,until they
7 go through the bidding process,they are unsure of what the estimates are going to be. Mornson
8 stated that the latest estimate is between$2.2- $2.5 million,which does not include any
9 environmental cleanup.
10 Mornson added that they are looking at all possible funding sources. He stated that it is
11 recommended that they proceed, as they have already spent the money on the consultants up to
12 this point.
13 Councilmember Horst expressed his concern with the substantial financial increase that has taken
14 place with this project. He stated that when they initially discussed this project the cost was $1.6
15 million and now it is up to $2.5 million. He questioned if the $2.5 million estimate include the
16 : building estimate. Mornson responded that the figure does include the building estimate.
17 Councilmember Horst as ked what kind of obligation exists when they go out for bids. City
18 Attorney Jerome Gilligan indicated there are no assumed obligations when accumulating bids.
19 Councilmember Horst stated his belief that the cost of this project is getting out of hand. He
20 continued that the relativity of what they are getting to what they are paying is being lost, and he
21 believes that they will come up short somewhere on the project.
22 Mayor Cavanaugh explained that the reason they are acquiring bids is to prevent Councilmember
23 Horst's concerns from happening. Mayor Cavanaugh also added that there have been some
24 structural changes since the first numbers were stated,such as the permanent restrooms,which
25 have increased the cost..
26 Mornson echoed Mayor Cavanaugh by saying that gathering bids was giving them perspective.
27 Councilmember Thuesen suggested that the Council keep in mind the quality of the building,
28 which will be reflected in the cost. He also suggested the possibility of adding some type of user
29 or rental fee to help offset the funding for the maintenance of the building.
30 Motion by Sparks to adopt Resolution 01-051,re: Authorizing Bidding for Central Park
31 Redevelopment Project.
32 Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 27,2001
Page 5
1 C. Resolution 01-052, re: Adopt Strategic Planning Report.
2 Momson explained that the proposed resolution would adopt the Strategic Planning Report
3 which was developed_following the two Strategic Planning sessions conducted in January of
4 2001.
5 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that,back in January, the Council had a study session to establish their
6 goals for the City of St. Anthony. During that meeting,they created a Strategic Profile, which
7 consists of Core City Values, a Mission Statement, and Key Action Areas. Mayor Cavanaugh
8 reviewed them with the Council,as follows:
9 The Core City Values are:
10 Community, collaboration,resident focus, safe and secure environment,the feel of a
i i village, and fiscal responsibility.
12 The Mission Statement:
13 "Our Mission is to be a progressive and livable community, a `walkable' village which is
14 safe and secure,that invites residents to linger and enjoy our centralized environment."
15 Mr. Cavanaugh reviewed the 6 Key Action Plans as follows:
16 1. . Flood protection
17 2. Redevelopment
18 3. Welcoming image and appearance
19 4. Strong infrastructure
20 5. A safe and secure environment
21 6. Clear and open communication
22 Mayor Cavanaugh explained from that point,the Council established seven goals. He read each
23 of the goals as follows and commented on each:
24 1. Shape the future by defining and reviewing regularly our goals and fiscal policies.
25 2. Develop a Plan or Options for the Stonehouse Property.
26 3. Provide 100-Year Flood Protection for all residents and businesses to protect health and
27 property.
28 4. Focus on redevelopment initiatives so that our image and tax base stays firm. .
29 5. ' Protect and maintain our infrastructure so that our City works both now and in the future.
30 6. Provide a Park System that offers a mix of recreational opportunities for residents of all
31 ages.
32 7. Build a sense of community by involving our City's diverse groups in the ongoing
33 development of the City.
34 Mayor Cavanaugh indicated that a newsletter will be sent out to residents and will include these
35 seven City Goals. He expressed his willingness to receive feedback from the residents on these
36 seven City Goals. Mayor Cavanaugh asked the Council if they had any questions, or concerns
37 regarding the Strategic Profile.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2001
Page 6
1 Councilmember Sparks recommended the following changes be made to the Strategic Profile:
2 On Page 20,to delete "centralized environment" and substitute`.`what our City has to
3 offer."
4 On Page 31,to remove item#7 under the action steps and make"Review and revise if
5 necessary our code enforcement system" into its own objective under Goal#5, and add
6 action steps recommended by staff.
7 On Page 35,under Action Step#6 to read, "Increase the number of active volunteers.
8 Assess by comparing this years volunteer dinner invitation to next years list."
9 The Council agreed to make Councilmember Sparks' recommended changes.
10 Morrison reviewed the above City Goals,while listing their respective objectives. He noted that
11 City Goals#1 and#2 have received the most attention from the residents, and will take up a large
12 portion of the Council's time.
13 Councilmember Sparks recommended adding an Action Step to Goal#7 to assess the City Hall
14 sound system and, if necessary, determine the cost to improve it. Morrison suggested that this be
15 placed under Goal#5, Objective#1.
16 Councilmember Sparks also asked if the shopping center green space should be added as an
17 Action Step under Goal#4. Morrison responded that he did not see it necessary to add.
18 Councilmember Thuesen added that the decision of what to do with the green space is,
19 ultimately, out of the Council's control, and in the hands of the shopping center.
20 Mayor Cavanaugh asked if there were any questions, or comments from the Council at this time.
21 Motion by Sparks to adopt Resolution 01-052,re: Adopt Strategic Planning Report with the
22 above corrections.
23 Motion carried unanimously.
24 X. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF.
25 None.
26 XI. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
27 Mornson reviewed his report,which consisted of the following:
28 1. Joint meeting with the Planning Commission on Tuesday,April 17d'; 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
29 2. Police Open House on May 161 at 6:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
30 3. Fire Department Pancake Breakfast on Sunday,April 291.
31 4. First budget work session on May 8', or June 121.
32 5. Audit presentation on May 8`''.
33 6. Volunteer Dinner on April 27t'.
34 7. Meeting with school officials this week.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2001
Page 7
1 8. Clean Up Day on May 5`'.
2 9. Wine in grocery stores—staff report
3 10. Bus tour on Saturday;March 3111 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m:
4 `l l. Investment Recap on April 24th.
5 12. New format for the Newsletter
6 13. Walgreen's in mid- April for permit.
7 14. Opticon System on May 151,weather permitting.
8 15. Closing on Custom Liquidators Building on April 151H
9 Mayor Cavanaugh added he felt it was very important that as many Councilmembers as possible
10 attend the bus tour on March 31St, so they are all on the"same page"when discussing the housing
11 in the future.
12 Councilmember Sparks stated that the City Hall Improvement Task Force discussed improving
13 the signage for the City Hall building and they will begin to set priorities. Councilmember
14 Sparks added that the City newsletter has been improved,with a contemporary new look, and
15 will be easier to read.
16 Councilmember Thuesen offered his support to improve the signage on the City Hall building.
17 He noted that he had attended the Planning Commission meeting last week, and noticed.that they
18 area very committed group. Mayor Cavanaugh concurred:
19 Mayor Cavanaugh noted that a meeting is scheduled at the Community Center for eighth grade
20 parents on awareness and networking. He asked Councilmember Sparks what would be
21 discussed, and if members of the Council should attend. Councilmember Sparks responded that
22 they would be discussing alcohol and drug use, eighth grade parent-child issues, and that
23 members of the Council were welcome to attend.
24 Mayor Cavanaugh relayed some information on Villagefest. He stated that a meeting was held
25 earlier to discuss Villagefest, and only four residents showed up. After factoring several issues
26 that surround Villagefest, Mayor Cavanaugh recommended that Villagefest not take place this
27 year. He added that there will be a meeting on April 4t''. at 7:00 p.m.to discuss other options to.
U do in the park during the summer months, and that all are.welcome and encouraged to attend.
29 Councilmember Hodson asked of the status of the Salvation Army property. Mayor Cavanaugh
30 responded that they have not heard from the Salvation Army headquarters in Chicago, and have
31 been instructed to wait to hear from them.
32 X11. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
33 None.
34 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
35 Motion by Horst to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2001
Page 8
1 Motion carried unanimously.
2 Respectfully submitted,
3 Courtney Seesz
4 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
5
6 Mayor
7 ATTEST:
8 City Clerk
I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MEETING MINUTES
3 April 10, 2001
.4 .I. CALL TO ORDER.
5 Mayor Cavanaugh called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m.
6 II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
7 Mayor Cavanaugh invited the Council and audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
8 III. ROLL CALL.
9 Councilmembers present: Mayor Cavanaugh; Councilmembers Sparks,Thuesen, and Horst.
10 Councilmembers absent: Hodson.
11 Also present: City Manager Michael Mornson and City Attorney Jerome
12 Gilligan.
13 IV. COMMUNITY FORUM.
14 Mayor Cavanaugh invited any residents in the audience to speak to the Council on items that are
15 not on the regular agenda.
16 Hearing no response,Cavanaugh moved forward with the agenda.
17 V. ACTION ITEMS.
18 A. Consent Agenda.
19 Mayor Cavanaugh advised of the school's comment that Cindy Swan-Henderlite is an excellent
20 candidate for the Northwest Youth and Family Services. He recommended the Council adopt
21 that resolution for her appointment as part of the Consent Agenda.
22 Motion by Sparks to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Said Consent Agenda consisted
23 of:
24 1. Licenses-,
25 2. Claims: and
26 3. Resolution 01-054. .
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28 B. Proclamation Declaring April 22-28, 2001 Volunteer Recognition Week.
29 Councilmember Sparks read in full a proclamation declaring April 22-28,2001 as Volunteer
30 Recognition Week.
31 Motion by Sparks to adopt Proclamation Declaring April 22-28, 2001 Volunteer Recognition
32 Week.
33 Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10,2001
Page 2
i VI. REVIEW ITEMS.
2 A. 2001:.Police Department Annual Report:
3 City Manager Morrison advised of the four items for the Council's review. He noted the
4 attendance of Police Captain John Ohl and Fire Chief Joel Hewitt who will be presenting their
5 annual reports.
6 Police Captain Ohl reported that Police Chief Dick'Engstrom has an unknown medical malady
7 and all wish him their best. He stated Chief Engstrom is missed at the Police Department.
8 Mayor Cavanaugh encouraged all to call Police Chief Engstrom and wish him a speedy recovery.
9 Police Captain Ohl presented a brief overview of the 2001 Police Department Annual Report,
10 explaining the four-pronged approach which they use to arrest offenders,prevent crime, solve
11 ongoing problems and improve the overall quality of life. He advised of their level of staffing,
12 noting the level of crimes experienced in 2000. He explained that Part I crimes are more serious
13 when compared to Part II crimes. He advised of the crime clearance rates for St. Anthony,
14 Hennepin County, and Ramsey County. Police Captain Ohl reviewed the top ten cities with high
15 . crime and advised that St. Anthony is ranked 16th. He advised of the number of,tickets issues,
16 cases investigated, and activity of reserve officers who volunteer their.time'. He explained the
17 type of activities that the Community Service Officers (CSO)are involved with and stated they
18 do a very good service for the Police Department.
'19 Mayor Cavanaugh advised that CSO officers were hired as part of a grant and one of the
20 conditions of the grant was that the CSOs must remain hired.
21 Police Captain Ohl reviewed the crime prevention activities including bike patrol program,bike
22 rodeos, block parties,town meetings,community prevention coalition,and other activities. He
23 stated they have maintained a full complement of officers in 2000 which is a great
24 accomplishment and bodes well for the City and the officer's working'environment. Also, the
25 community benefits by having well-trained officers. He reviewed the risk management training
26 which has been undertaken for all officers and transition to work with a CJDN computer system
27 to be able to work with the State..He stated they are working on intruder drills with schools and
28 to assessed weaknesses with the response for the schools. Police Captain Ohl reviewed the 2001
29 work plan as detailed within the annual report. He stated that 2000 was a successful year and he
30 believes 2001 will also be a successful year.
31 Councilmember Thuesen noted 40% of the operating budget is from outside sources and asked if
32 there are standards on what the percentages should be. Police Captain Ohl stated the Police
33 Department is not an enterprise operation, however,in attempting to be frugal they do go outside
34 for grant money,citation and court revenues generated through citations and arrests,monies from
35 the State for certification of officers,forfeiture funds,and grants for equipment.
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10,2001
Page 3
1 Mayor Cavanaugh asked about the$986,000 figure. Police Captain Ohl explained that they
2 brought in 40% which lowered the operating budget.
3
4 City Manager Mornson noted the City also gets aid from the State of Minnesota to pay for police
5 activities.
6 Councilmember Thuesen asked if there are advantages to the 800 megahertz system. Police
7 Captain Ohl stated there are benefits but there are also problems. He reviewed the cities that are
8 and are not going with that system since it requires changing dispatch systems, and not being
9 able to communicate with outlying counties that have not gone with an 800 megahertz system.
10 However, most of the nation is going to that type of system and officers can communicate via a
11 hand walkie talkie with no dead spots, static, or doubt about who is transmitting the signals.
12 With the current system, sometimes communication is compromised due to dead spots, low
13 batteries,etc.
14 Councilmember Thuesen asked if this is visionary on behalf of the County and if problems
15 discussed can be resolved. Police Captain Ohl stated it is somewhat visionary, however, a
16 concern is the costs to have both this and a VHS system in the patrol cars to allow
17 communication with outlying counties.
18 Mayor Cavanaugh stated there is to be seamless radio transmission and he see no reason why St.
19 Anthony should progress with this if other communities are not compatible. He questioned
20 having duplicate radio systems.
21 Police Captain Ohl explained that all of Hennepin County is going with 800 megahertz and once
22 Hennepin County does so, there will be State-wide seamless communications. Mayor
23 Cavanaugh asked why St. Anthony should carry the cost to have duplicate radio systems and
24 noted that St. Anthony is a small community and does not have finances for a luxury like this.
25 Police.Captain Ohl stated that a small community like St. Anthony does not have the luxury of
26 being separated from communication with Hennepin County.
27 Mayor Cavanaugh stated he believes the Legislature should require seven county wide seamless
28 communications. He noted that the Bear Cat scanner cannot pick up 800 megahertz.
29 Police Captain Ohl stated these concerns have been expressed by many other communities.
30 Councilmember Horst stated there was a discussion of the police budget and there being no
31 reserve in the case of a catastrophic crime. Police Captain Ohl stated he also has that concern
32 and believes they would have a great deal of difficulty in handling a catastrophic crime. He noted
33 they would hope to get services and help from the counties and other police departments, but the
34 cost associated in working with a catastrophic crime are quite large. Should that happen,they
35 would have to come back to the Council to obtain additional funds.
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2001
Page 4
1 Councilmember Horst asked if this situation should be further discussed and if the police budget
2 should contain a contingency to help defray costs should a catastrophic crime.occur.
3 Mayor Cavanaugh stated the City already has that covered since the Council has$800,000 of
4 reserves in the General Fund.
5 City Manager Mornson explained that reserve is used to carry the City's costs from the first of
6 the year until taxes are received. He suggested this be addressed during the upcoming budget
7 meetings.
8 City Attorney Gilligan advised of another city with a catastrophic crime that had requested
9 funding from the Legislature.
10 Mayor Cavanaugh noted the Police Department is already planning how to handle the
11 investigation of a catastrophic event.
12 Councilmember Horst noted the City is working through a Comprehensive Plan process and
13 asked about the influence of higher density housing on police activities. He noted that higher
14 density.housing is being discussed in the northeast quadrant and asked about the crime rate at
15 Autumn Woods.
16 Police Captain Ohl stated that it is no secret that the more people you put into one place,the
17 more problems that will occur.
18 Mayor Cavanaugh asked about crime experience at Autumn Woods. Police Captain Ohl
19 explained that it depends on the age of the occupants and in the case of Autumn Woods, there are
20 not a lot of calls. Mayor Cavanaugh asked the City Manager to submit a report on Autumn
21 Woods and stated that to portray Autumn Woods as a troubled residence is not fair.
22 Councilmember Horst reviewed his conversation with the Police Chief about crime experience at
23 various apartment developments which he believes is partially due to high density housing.
24 Mayor Cavanaugh stated if there is a high density development at Apache,he would have some
25 thoughts about that but this is not the time to express them. He noted there are different types of
26 high density housing which is impacted by the management company and other issues. He
27 suggested the Council just let the project come to them.
28 Councilmember Horst stated he believes the nature of higher density housing is that there is
29 increased crime, whether a new project or an old project.
30 In response to Councilmember Sparks,Police Captain Ohl explained the difference between calls
31 for service and report incidents.
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2001
Page 5
1 Councilmember Sparks noted the calls for service from 1999 to 2000 went down 800 calls but
2 : Lauderdale and Falcon Heights went up in the number of calls. Police Captain Ohl explained.
3 that those calls have increased because of the type of law enforcement that St. Anthony provides
4 which increases the propensity for people to contact their Police Department since they believe
5 they are more reactive, responsive, and appreciates the call.
6 Councilmember Sparks noted the investigation report and asked if they are more comfortable
7 with the service or if more crime is occurring. She noted that Lauderdale and Falcon Heights
8 were to be a smaller percentage of the budget but had 500 investigations compared to 600 in St.
9 Anthony so she questions whether the budget should be considered differently.
10 Police Captain Ohl noted there is a monetary profit to providing law enforcement to contract
11 cities. Also,there are other intangibles such as having more officers available should the need
12 arise.
13 Councilmember Sparks asked about the ratio of staff between the communities. Police Captain
14 Ohl stated there are 14 officers in St. Anthony and 6 officers are assigned to Falcon Heights and
15 Lauderdale. He explained how criminal investigations are conducted by the officers which
16 results in a high percentage of cleared cases.
17 Councilmember Spark stated it appears there is a disproportionate number of cases coming from
18 Lauderdale and Falcon Heights and she wants to assure that St. Anthony residents are not
19 covering their costs. Police Captain Ohl stated that is not occurring and the information is
20 readily available.
21 Mayor Cavanaugh stated these issues can be discussed during the budget hearings, noting there is
22 a capital gain from contract services. However, a professional cost study has not been
23 conducted.
24 Councilmember Sparks asked if there is no concern about the number of cases coming from
25 Lauderdale and Falcon Heights. Police Captain Ohl stated it does.not and he believes there are
26 benefits for all three cities in providing contract services. He stated they contract.for a certain
27 amount of time to have a patrol officer in their city and investigations come back to the central
28 office unless it is conducted by the officer that is there on contract time.
29 City Manager Morrison advised that historically the City has made about$50,000 annually plus
30 with contract police services the contract city pays for police vehicles for their city as well as for
31 St. Anthony.
32 Mayor Cavanaugh stated the violent crime rate looks like it is about 100. Police Captain Ohl
33 stated that number is attached to the population versus number of offenses. He stated it is not
34 reflective of the number of offenses. Mayor Cavanaugh noted St. Anthony is at the low end of a
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2001
Page 6
1 range of 0 to 2000 which indicates the rate of violent crime is very low. Police Chief Ohl stated
2 that is correct and the City should be proud of that fact since it is'a first tier suburb.
3 Mayor Cavanaugh reviewed the number of moving violations and DWIs and asked if reserve
4 officers work the street. Police Captain Ohl stated they randomly drive through the City and
5 attempt to be the "eyes and ears" of the Police Department. He advised of the number of squads
6 per shift that they utilize. Mayor Cavanaugh asked if a reserve squad car is added to that
7 number. Police Captain Ohl stated it would be added and explained how their reporting system
8 works.
9 Mayor Cavanaugh stated when the City first got the CSO truck, he saw it a lot but has not seen it
10 in his neighborhood for six to nine months. Police Captain Ohl stated many of the CSO details
11 are outside of St. Anthony such as taking cars out for radio service, taking tags and citations to
12 Hennepin County, etc. which decreases the number of trips that police officers have to take
13 outside of the City.
14 Mayor Cavanaugh asked about the UHP grant. Police Captain Ohl stated the"Clinton Cops"
15 grant funds were a three-year commitment and have been expended. He noted there is a one year
16 retention requirement.
17 Mayor Cavanaugh commented on block parties. Police Captain Ohl explained the original intent
18 of block parties to reunite neighborhoods and encourage crime prevention. He agreed that it is
19 difficult to encourage residents toward crime convention.
20 Mayor Cavanaugh asked if the squads are on 12-hour shifts. Police Captain Ohl stated that is the
21 case and is the same as many other communities.
22 Mayor Cavanaugh asked if the officers are EMTs. Police Captain Ohl stated the police officers
23 are first responders,not EMTs.
24 In response to Mayor Cavanaugh,Police Captain Ohl explained that night vision equipment is
25 being checked out and will help with detecting criminal activity. Mayor Cavanaugh noted there
26 is a decline in criminal activity, which is occurring nation-wide. Police Captain Ohl stated that is
27 true and may be related to positive economic times. He commented on the importance of staying
28 on top of criminal activity to assure it stays low.
29 Mayor Cavanaugh asked about the list of mandates. Police Captain Ohl stated they do have a list
30 of mandates from the State, one of which relates to racial profiling. He stated no police officer in
31 the Department has used a person's race when determining whether to stop a motor vehicle.
32 Mayor Cavanaugh requested enforcement of the outdoor ordinance. He noted it is Spring and the
33 noise from motorcycles and 4x4's has returned so residents by four-way stop signs are greatly
34 impacted by those vehicles. Police Captain Ohl stated the Police Department would monitor the
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2001
Page 7
1 violation by ear and if a vehicle is stopped for loud exhaust,they are forced to look under the car.
2 for'a.defective exhaust. He stated officers do,make stops for loud exhaust but it becomes a
3 ' probable cause for a stop.
4 Mayor Cavanaugh suggested they meet with the City's prosecutor and judges to determine what
5 it takes to enforce this law. He suggested posting signs indicating the City enforces this
6 ordinance. He stated his intent to proceed with this matter since he believes this violation is
7 causing damage to the City.
8 Mayor Cavanaugh distributed statistics on what is spent on services. He suggested a community
9 is capable of producing just so much crime based on its demographics and other issues. He noted
10 the level of crime is pretty constant over rime, which is not surprising since St. Anthony is a
11 mature community. He stated he believes there is a predictable level of crime and the City
12 should fund to that level. He stated this is very subjective and he believes the issue is how much
13 resource is needed and to assure that level is provided. Mayor Cavanaugh stated he appreciates
14 the annual report and information it provides. He stated he feels totally safe in St. Anthony and
15 wanted to provide the statistics to demonstrate the trends in crime.
16 Councilmember Thuesen asked Mayor Cavanaugh if he is suggesting that communities only
17 have a certain level of crime. Mayor Cavanaugh reviewed the number of moving violations that
18 were ticketed, noting it is within a range of expectation.
19 Councilmember Thuesen agreed there are trends but he believes this is a bit of a"slippery slope"
20 and he would like to get feedback from the Police Department.
21 Police Captain Ohl stated he has not had the opportunity to review this report. He stated if it was
22 a small town up north that may be true but crime in St Anthony is impacted by events from
23 outside of the community and, as a first ring community,there is a higher propensity for crime
24 than a small town outside of the metro area. He stated he does not believe it is accurate to
25 indicate that St. Anthony has the propensity for only a certain level of crime.
26 Mayor Cavanaugh stated the statistics he provided.will answer whether the City is funding the ,
27 Police Department adequately.
28 Councilmember Horst stated the difficulty is in trying to determine how much an incident or
29 traffic stop is worth. He noted there are many other factors such as the cost for equipment and
30 training.
31
32 B. 2001 Fire Department Annual Report.
33 Fire Chief Hewitt introduced Captain Drusch and advised of his involvement with Code
34 enforcement and software training. He explained they have experienced some problems with the
35 software and would like feedback from the Council on the annual report. Fire Chief Hewitt
36 presented on overview of the 2001 Fire Department Annual Report, commenting on the change
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2001
Page 8
1 with Chief Johnson retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. He noted they responded to 938.
:2. emergency incidents which is an increase 93 incidents.responded to in 1999,.or an 11%
3 increase. Fire Chief Hewitt reviewed the number of positions that were created and commented
4 on.the risks experienced by fire fighters. He thanked the Council for their support over the last
5 few months including the new equipment purchase. Fire Chief Hewitt reviewed his past
6 employment and stated the St. Anthony firefighters are by far the best he has worked with.
7 Fire Chief Hewitt then reviewed the chain of command,personnel listing, and his efforts to build
8 a cohesive group. He noted the current apparatus inventory and use of each engine and vehicle.
9 He stated their average response time is 2 minutes and 40 seconds from the time when a call is
10 dispatched to the fire department to the time the first fire department personnel arrive at the scene
11 of an emergency. Fire Chief Hewitt stated they responded to 681 emergency medical incidents
12 and 257 fire incidents. He then reviewed the dollars lost from fire and the dollars saved from fire
13 damage. Fire Chief Hewitt presented the significant incidents in 2000, distribution of incidents;
14 and provided a description of each.
15 Councilmember Sparks asked if any trends were experienced. Fire Chief Hewitt stated he did
16 not notice any trends, however, more fire losses.were experienced.
17 Fire Chief Hewitt stated he believes that training is the`foundation'of their service delivery. He
18 advised of the training they have undergone and that they have also secured a contract with the
19 City of Minneapolis for use of their training campus. He noted the drill percentages for 2000,
20 EMS training, and department journal. Fire Chief Hewitt advised of mutual aid response and
21 emergency medical incident analysis.-He noted the chart depicting code compliance complaints,
22 and the additional activities in which they are involved. Fire Chief Hewitt addressed emergency
23 management activity and other activities he has been involved with.
24 Councilmember Sparks noted the summary of incident calls by district indicating 20% of the
25 calls are going to Chandler and the St. Anthony Health Care. She asked if this is typical for
26 service to such facilities. Fire Chief Hewitt advised that in another community, a similar facility
27 was informed that the Fire Department is not to be called for emergency medical,issues,they
28 should be calling the hospital. He stated if he finds this to be.a problem in'St. Anthony,he will
29 address the issue with them.
30 Mayor Cavanaugh requested a listing of the types of illnesses from the 190+calls to Chandlers.
31 Captain Drusch stated they have that statistic but it would include both Chandlers and the nursing
32 home. He stated the nursing home does have a policy with Hennepin County to call.the
33 ambulance service directly. Depending on the nature of the call,the Fire Department may also
34 be called.
- 35 Councilmember Sparks asked why the nursing home would call the Fire Department since they
36 have medical professionals on staff. Captain Drusch explained they call when someone needs to
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2001
Page 9
1 be transported. Fire Chief Hewitt agreed that the nursing home handles most of the day-to-day
2 situations.
3 Mayor Cavanaugh distributed a report on the ambulance response service from Hennepin County
4 and information contained in their annual report. He reviewed the percentage of calls for
5 different response times, noting that only 10% of the calls were five minutes or better. He stated
6 he finds that 10% is outrageous and is the worse perfonnance of any community in the City's
7 peer group. Mayor Cavanaugh suggested that he, City Manager Mornson, Fire Chief Hewitt, and
8 Hennepin County staff schedule a meeting to address why St. Anthony is being under served.
9 Captain Drusch advised that all full-time staff and some of the part-time staff are EMTs.
10 Mayor Cavanaugh stated he would rather get the money back and invest it in training so the City
11 can provide its own service. He stated this ambulance service should improve and he is
12 interested in finding out what Hennepin County has to say.
13 Captain Drusch explained how ambulances are"floated" to maximize coverage area. If nothing
14 is going on in Minneapolis, the ambulance should be at the Second Precinct. However, if a call
15 goes out, that ambulance is usually the first one to go.back to Minneapolis.
16 Mayor Cavanaugh stated if they do not respond, he would support funding for more self help.
17 He thanked the Fire Department for their informative annual report which will be a good base to
18 build from.
19 C. Code Enforcement.
20 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that he supports the proposed policy and would hope it can be moved
21 forward at the next Council meeting.
22 Councilmember Sparks asked about the code enforcement complaint procedure and if they also
23 look for violations. Fire Chief Hewitt stated they do not look for them as diligently as,perhaps, a
24 Public Works Supervisor would notice.violations.
25 Mayor Cavanaugh stated he would support a statement of being proactive with Code
26 enforcement rather than waiting for a neighbor to call in a complaint.
27 Councilmember Horst asked if they should be out looking for violations or if that would take
28 them away from other activities. He noted that Public Works and the Police Department are out
29 in the community more often.
30 Fire Chief Hewitt stated when they receive a report, they look at it and what else is going on in
31 the area.
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes.
April 10, 2001
Page 10
1 Councilmember Sparks stated she assumed it.was an oversight and that there was a proactive
2 component: She stated she supports being proactive and having an intent of looking for
3 violations.'
4 Councilmember Horst asked if that is feasible.
5 Fire Chief Hewitt stated they talked about how to resolve issues and find a fair and consistent
6 way to apply the Code and resolve the violation. He stated they do not want to give preferential
7 treatment. He stated he talked with Roseville staff about how they resolve complaints and this
8 policy is a derivative of that. Fire Chief Hewitt suggested a discussion of this policy and if the
9 Council prefers a more proactive approach that goes beyond what they feel they can handle, the
10 Council can decide what to do.
11 Mayor Cavanaugh suggested the Council address the level of proactivity to strike a balance. He
12 noted that with this form,there is a sense of how to get into the system. He stated he would like
13 it to operate for the rest of the year and see what the response is. Mayor Cavanaugh stated he
14 would like staff to draft this into policy form for Council action at the next meeting.
15 Fire Chief Hewitt stated if a,violation is reported,they would work with:the property owner to
16 try to gain compliance. If that is not possible, ordinance enforcement would kick in. He asked
17 what the procedure would be if the violator ignored the citation.
18 City Manager Morrison stated it would be turned over to the prosecuting attorney and brought
19 into court.
20 City Attorney Gilligan reviewed the criminal procedure, noting the difficulty involved in a court
21 process since this type of case is not a high priority in the minds of some judges.
22 D. Stone Water Retention Area Maintenance Agreement.
23 City Manager Morrison stated Engineer Todd Hubmer presented this language previously and
24 City Attorney Gilligan prepared a legal document to protect the City. .He stated negotiations .
25. continue and the condemnation hearing is scheduled shortly.- He stated if the Council agrees with
26 this, the same opportunity would be offered to the other five that have currently not signed.
27 City Attorney Gilligan stated it anticipates a maintenance schedule and other standards.
28 Councilmember Horst stated it appears to be quite open ended. Mornson stated the latest
29 agreement is that a contract with a landscape contractor will assure the grass and landscaping is
30 maintained for a period of three years and then the homeowner takes over that responsibility. He
31 noted this agreement addresses other maintenance issues with the pond.
32 City Attorney Gilligan stated this agreement does not require the City to do anything more than
33 they intend to do.
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2001
Page 11
1 Councilmember Sparks asked about the other areas. City Attorney Gilligan stated that area is not
2 covered.
3 Mayor Cavanaugh stated the retention pond is a known area and the easement goes back off of
4 that. He stated the plantings are determined now but in 10 years the homeowner may have
5 changed the landscaping and the City does not want to restrict that from occurring. He noted this
6 is just the initial plan that is approved by the current homeowners.
7 Councilmember Sparks noted it indicates the area needs to be maintained neat and orderly,
8 however, a resident has indicated she does not think it is neat and orderly. Also, the City's
9 record on maintaining holding ponds is not great so she is concerned about moving forward with
10 this agreement. She stated she wants an agreement that also protects the residents.
11 City Attorney Gilligan stated the agreement places an obligation on the City that is not present
12 with other holding ponds and gives a standard for a homeowner to come to the City if they think
13 the City is not meeting their obligation. However, if there is a violation the City cannot be sued
14 for damages, only to maintain the area.
15 Mayor Cavanaugh pointed out that the holding ponds are"young" and things will get better. He
i6 stated he is committed to:work towards finding a standard. Also,this is now in writing and not
17 subjective.
18 Councilmember Sparks stated the stormwater retention area is defined and asked where that
19 point is located. City Attorney Gilligan explained the easement area is defined and the second
20 WHEREAS indicates the pond will be constructed as part of the easement.
21 Mayor Cavanaugh suggested a legal description be included as Exhibit A. City Attorney
22 Gilligan stated that could be included.
23 Mornson stated the Public Works Director will want the residents to call if they have a concern.
24 He reviewed some of the problems with current ponds related to how they were designed and the
25 City is attempting to make improvements. In this case,the City is taking more control over the-
26 design of the pond.
27 Councilmember Thuesen stated he knows several who will call if they feel something is wrong
28 but he believes people are reserving judgement since they know the ponds are new. He asked
29 what is meant by "periodic inspection."
30 Mayor Cavanaugh suggested semi-annual inspections. City Attorney Gilligan suggested
31 language indicating"periodically but no less than semi-annual inspections."
32 Councilmember Sparks stated she would like the Addendum included as discussed.
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2001
Page 12
1 Motion by Horst to approve the Storm Water Retention Area Maintenance Agreement subject to
2 the revisions discussed tonight.
3 Motion carried unanimously.
4 VII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
5 City Manager Michael Mornson reported on the PCA meeting about contamination in Central
6 Park. He stated this contamination is considered far enough underground that if the area is not
7 disturbed nothing needs to occur. However,they will require a deed with a general statement
8 that any excavation to a certain point will require precautions and involvement of the PCA. He
9 stated early cost estimates have not changed.
10 Mornson reported that for the third year in a row, the Liquor Stores have 100%compliance when
11 the Police Department performed compliance checks.
12 Mornson advised of a request from community concerts for$27,000 of start-up funding for a
13 concert program.
14 Mayor Cavanaugh asked if there is policy for this type of funding request.
15 Momson stated there is no policy but this came from the intergenerational group which the City
16 funds so it will meet the public purpose doctrine. However, staff is not comfortable with making
17 this decision since it is a new program. Mornson stated staff would like Council dialog and
18 determination on this request.
19 Councilmember Thuesen stated he is uncomfortable with not having a policy in place to assure
20 like requests are treated equally.
21 Councilmember Sparks advised that they are going to a lot of sources for funding,not only the
22 City.
23 Mornson explained that a lot of funding requests are received so it was previously decided that
24 only public purpose activities would be considered for funding.
25 Mayor Cavanaugh suggested the issue of policy be further explored including finding out what
26 surrounding communities are doing.
27 Councilmember Thuesen agreed with the need for consistent standards.
28 Councilmember Sparks stated this was discussed at the newly elected officials conference so the
29 League may have some information.
City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes
April 10,2001
Page 13
1 Mornson reported they closed on the Custom Liquidators property and an inspection found the
. 2 inside of the building to be clean. They were given to the end of the week to remove the trailers.
3 Momson suggested the Council schedule a tour next Tuesday prior to the joint Planning
4 Commission meeting.
5 Mayor Cavanaugh announced the Fire Department pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 29,2001.
6 Councilmember Sparks displayed a copy of the newly designed City newsletter.
7 VIII. ADJOURNMENT.
8 Motion by Thuesen to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m.
9 Motion carried unanimously.
10 Respectfully submitted,
11 Carla Wirth
12 ' TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
13
14 Mayor
15 ATTEST:
16 City Clerk
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2
3 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
4
5 April 24, 2001
6
7 I. CALL TO ORDER.
8 Mayor Cavanaugh called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
9
10 II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
11 Mayor Cavanaugh invited the Council and audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
12
13 III. ROLL CALL.
14 Councilmembers present: Mayor Cavanaugh; Councilmembers Sparks,Thuesen, and
15 Hodson.
16 Councilmembers absent: Councilmember Horst.
17 Also present: City Manager Michael Mornson; City Attorney Jerry Gilligan.
18
19 IV. APPROVAL OF APRIL 24,2001 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
20 Motion by Mayor Cavanaugh to approve the April 24,2001 City Council Regular Meeting
21 Agenda.
22
23 City Manager Michael Mornson made an addition to the agenda, introducing Resolution 01-058,
24 re: Approve a drainage and ponding easement relating to the Harding Street Ponding Project.
25
26 Motion carried unanimously:
27
28 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
29 None.
30
31 VI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
32 Mayor Cavanaugh invited any residents in the audience to speak to the Council on items that are
33 not on the regular agenda.
34
35 Steven Fuller, of 2701 29`h Avenue, stepped forward and asked the Council when the driveway
36 project would begin on his street, and when his sidewalks would be filled. He was concerned
37 about the traffic speed and asked what the city would do to keep the speed down. He also
38 mentioned problems with the angle of his driveway,the retaining walls and his buckling
39 sidewalk. Mayor Cavanaugh suggested that he meet with Public Works Director Jay Hartman to
40 determine when the engineers could meet him on his property to review the problems.
41
42 VII. CONSENT AGENDA.
43
44 Motion by Thuesen to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Said Consent Agenda
45 consisted of:
46
47 1. Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 27 2001:
48 2. Board of Review'Meeting Minutes of April 10. 2001;
49 3. Council Study Session Minutes of April 10, 2001;
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 2
1 4. Licenses and Permits: and
2 5. Claims.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 VIII. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
7
8 A. Presentation of Concept Plan for Northwest Quadrant. John Shardlow,DSU, Inc. will be
9 rp esent.
10 John Shardlow explained that he would review where they are on the project, the process that has
11 taken place up to this point, and, finally, the current Concept Plan. He added that he would then
12 like to hear from the Council and see how they are feeling about the process, as well as explain
13 how his company is anticipating closing out the project.
14
15 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the objectives of the project, and the four phases of the project. He
16 indicated that the phase that they are entering into right now is the fourth, and final, phase:
17 Preparation of Redevelopment Master Plan.
18
19 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the other companies that are working on this project, and their respective
20 roles and objectives.
21
22 Mr. Shardlow took the opportunity to thank the Council for the excellent Steering Committee
23 with whom he has been working so closely. He identified them as a first-rate group of people
24 who represent a broad cross-section of interests in the community, who have been a pleasure to
25 work with and have done an excellent job for the community.
26
27 Mr. Shardlow continued by reviewing the role of the Steering Committee, as well as the
28 Northwest Quadrant Planning Study Meeting Schedule.
29
30 Mr. Shardlow reviewed some of the analysis of the project that included the land use, the
31 ownership of the land, and the physical features on the site. He continued that they examined the
32 potential development of land and how it relates to the regional transportation context.
33
34 Mr. Shardlow stated that the site has good local access,but no freeway access, nor exposure. He
35 indicated that his company examined the relationship between the property and surrounding
36 roadways and identified those locations where access could be gained into the property.
37
38 Mr Shardlow indicated that this project is an opportunity site identified by the Metropolitan
39 Council as part of "Smart Growth Twin Cities". He continued that a clear opportunity in that
40 effort is to work closely with the development and redevelopment of the land with the
41 Metropolitan Transit.
42
43 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the environmental issues with the Silver Lake Water Quality. He
44 indicated that the water quality is improved, but still poor. He reviewed the recommendations
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 3
1 made to improve the water quality which include the implementation of best management
2 practices, and identifying additional ponding locations.
3
4 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the Market Study Demand Summary that revealed a very strong demand
5 for housing:
6 1. Demand for 50-60 high-amenity single-family homes.
7 2. Demand for 250-310 units of for-sale town-homes.
8 3. Demand for 290-355 units of apartments.
9 4. Demand for 230-289 units of senior housing.
10
11 He continued that the office demand was for 146,000-245,000 square feet, and the retail demand
12 was for the redeveloping of the existing retail to a total of about 75,000 square feet.
13
14 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the Community Issues Forum Analysis Summary. The summary
15 included the strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats of the project as perceived by the
16 community.
17
18 Mr. Shardlow took the above information and comprised a more detailed Urban Design Analysis
19 of the property. The findings of this analysis were that the site has little curb-appeal, poor visual
20. access, poor interior visibility, and convoluted internal circulation.
21
22 Mr. Shardlow indicated that there are a few things that certainly need to happen with this site.
23 He stated that one thing that needs to occur is a new front door to the site, and a reestablishment
24 of some kind of form to this site. He cited an opportunity to do that with a major interior spine
25 road that would carry a parkway character.
26
27 Mr. Shardlow reviewed a range of alternatives to see what could physically fit on the site. The
28 common elements that they all have are the center roadway, and a strong sense of arrival.
29
30 Mr. Shardlow identified the Concept Plan that best meets the financial criteria and has the
31 characteristics that they have determined are important.
32
33 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the proposed future meeting schedule with the Council. He concluded
34 his presentation by distributing a handout containing the meeting Schedule and the
35 Communications Plan.
36
37 Mr. Shardlow stated that they are not yet in the position to request funding for the project. He
38 believes they will be in a much better position to request funding when they have a plan that has
39 some community support, and a clear handle on project costs including acquisition,cleanup and
40 improvement costs.
41
42 Mr. Shardlow explained that they are currently in the process of phasing. He added that,
43 wherever this project goes, he is aware that there has to be a developer, or team of developers
44 involved in this process. Thus, he believes there exists some risk in being too detailed in how
45 they finalize the product.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24,2001
Page 4
1
.2. Councilmember Thuesen stated that,from early on,housing has.been the main focus of this
3 project. He questioned why there has not been more of,a focus on industrial. Mr.Shardlow
4 stated that every developer indicated that housing was the key to the success of this site..He
5 continued that the site does not have community-scale shopping center potential, and that light
6 industrial uses do not pay enough in order to make this project work.
7
8 Councilmember Thuesen asked about funding for the project. Mr. Shardlow said that the project
9 was unable to carry the cost of subsidizing housing cost within the way it is currently set up. He
10 stated that the City of St. Anthony is an ideal location for the success of this effort. He indicated
11 that there are a number of keys to the success of this effort that included finding a developer that
12 has the wherewithal to ensure that the project.makes financial sense for the community, and also
13 making sure that it is designed in a way to accommodate density without causing any threat to
14 the surrounding area.
15
16 Councilmember Thuesen stated that he wanted the details when the Final Concept Plan is
17 presented, as to why and how it came to be the way that it is. Mr. Shardlow indicated that the
18 next step for them is to produce a recommendation of what the concept should be and the reasons
19 for the recommendation.
20
21 Councilmember Thuesen asked that the long-term benefits to the city and community be
22 included in that information. He also requested the Financial Summary be included as well. Mr.
23 Shardlow indicated that all of the requested information will be presented to them, broken down
24 by phases.
25
26 Councilmember Hodson asked if there has been any discussion about how much life the Apache
27 Building has left in it, and has tearing it down and starting from scratch been an option. Mr.
28 Shardlow responded that Apache has some real liabilities aesthetically as it sits today. He
29 indicated that he has a lot of respect for the work Hillcrest has done in other places, and is
30 confident in their recommendation.
31
32 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that there was never a Planned Unit Development for the park site, and
33 indicated he hoped that one is now in place to'make sense of the site. Mr. Shardlow responded
34 that there are some things that can be improved with some type of Architectural,Master Plan,but
35 there is a limit to what can be done that way.
36
37 Mayor Cavanaugh asked for a timeline on this sort of project. Mr. Shardlow stated
38 that, if the building is cleared, and the park is in the center,then the residential should go fairly
39 quickly. He added that if there is a commitment to clear the land and improve the visibility, he
40 saw the residential in three to five years.
41
42 Mayor Cavanaugh acknowledged that there are more tools available to do office space in
43 conjunction with residential. Mr. Shardlow stated that there is a healthy office component in this
44 plan, and it is too difficult to project what the response would be to an office building because it
45 is not a Class A location for office.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 5
1
2 Councilmember Hodson asked if any of the higher-end developers have seen the last Concept
3. . Plan. Mr. Shardlow indicated that they had shown a preliminary draft to a couple of them,.and
-4 thaf they will'show them some of the newer ideas. Mr. Shardlow stated that,more than anything,
5 the higher-end developers need to see that there is a community that will embrace such a plan.
6
7 Councilmember Hodson asked about the water capacity of the Rice Lake Watershed. Mr.
8 Shardlow indicated that they have an engineer for the ponds and stated that they would be
9 building water filtration throughout the site. He indicated that there were a lot of options with
10 regard'to water features in this Plan.
11
12 Councilmember Hodson expressed his concern with the potential sale of the Salvation Army
13 land, and any recommendations for holding ponds on the site. Mr. Shardlow responded that the
14 opportunity exists to make those improvements.
15
16 Councilmember Thuesen asked how they could avoid housing misuse within these potential
17 residential sites, and how the city can get long-term, well-managed residential sites. Mr.
18 Shardlow responded that, first, the Council would have the opportunity to research the work and
19 reputation of any companies that are interested in this project. Second,.he indicated that they
20 would be entering into a Redevelopment Agreement where the value of the development site
21 would be guaranteed. Third, the Planned Unit.Development Agreement which would stipulate
22 the quality of the construction.
23
24 Councilmember Sparks mentioned the impact that the project will have on the school district.
25 She expressed her hope that someone analyzes the impact that this project will have on the
26 school district. Mr. Shardlow acknowledged Councilmember Sparks' concerns,but indicated
27 that, until they have a concrete plan with which they are working, they cannot look too deeply
28 into it. He stated that the concern has been heard before and would be addressed.
29
30 Mayor Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Shardlow and expressed the positive feedback he has received
31 for some of the members of the Steering Committee. Mr. Shardlow again stated his pleasure
32 with the Steering Committee.
33
34 B. Resolution 01-057 re: Acquire Hardin Street treet ponding easement.
35 Mornson reviewed Resolution 01-057 for the Council.
36
37 Motion by Hodson to adopt Resolution 01-057,re: Acquire Harding Street ponding easement.
38
39 Motion carried unanimously.
40
41 C. Resolution 01-058 re: Approving a drainage and ponding easement relating to the
42 Harding Street Ponding Project.
43 Mornson reviewed Resolution 01-058 for the Council.
44
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 6
1 Motion by Hodson to adopt Resolution 01-058,re: Approving a drainage and ponding easement
2 relating to the Harding Street Ponding Project.
3 ..
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 D. Resolution 01-055 re: Appraisal 12rices relating to condemnation of the three properties
7 involved with the Harding ponding_project.
8 City Attorney Jerry Gilligan reviewed Resolution 01-055 with the Council. He indicated that
9 Parcel A be deleted from the Resolution.
10
11 Motion by Thuesen to adopt Resolution 01-055, re: Appraisal prices relating to condemnation of
12 the three properties involved with the Harding ponding project.
13
14 Motion carried unanimously.
15
16 E. Resolution 01-056 re: Approve City Code Enforcement Policy.
17 Mornson reviewed Resolution 01-056 with the Council and stated that the City Code
18 Enforcement Policy is a work in progress, which probably needs to be analyzed and modified
19 annually.
20
21 Mayor Cavanaugh asked about the Office Follow-Up section on page 43 has been spelled out
22 clearly. Mornson responded that the Office Follow-Up is a last resort where the offending party
23 is unwilling to cooperate.
24
25 Councilmembers Sparks and Hodson commended Fire Chief Hewitt on an excellent document.
26 Mayor Cavanaugh acknowledged that there are good things already happening under this revised
27 policy.
28
29 Motion by Sparks to adopt Resolution 01-056,re: Approve City Code Enforcement Policy.
30
31 Motion carried unanimously.
32
33 IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
34
35 A. Review prolosed 2002 City budget.
36 City Manager Michael Morrison stated that all of the major departments were represented at the
37 meeting. He reviewed the important dates for the budget schedule for the 2002 Budget.
38 Morrison then reviewed a Budget Projection Summary of actual audited figures for 2000. He
39 cited a couple of other revenues that could offset any budget increases.
40
41 Mornson reviewed the 5-year Revenue Comparison, 5-year Expenditure Comparison, and 5-year
42 Budget Reserves. He stated that he sees the funding sources that the reserves have been spent on
43 as good decisions. He stated that the requests for funding are growing, and that other sources
44 need to be established. He reviewed a summary of"Where Property Tax Dollars Go," and the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 7
1 Local Levy Comparison and stated that the rationale behind the tax abatement levy is that it
. 2 would impact tax payers at no cost to them.
3
4 -. Mayor Cavanaugh invited residents to come forward with any questions, or concerns regarding
5 the proposed 2002 City Budget.
6
7 Casey Scott, 2501 Paul Avenue Northeast, asked for an explanation of the Estimated City Tax
8 Rate. Mayor Cavanaugh explained that it was an estimate on what the 14%Tax Levy would look
9 like on a$147,100 house that had it's value assessed at$154,500, and the 18% increase
10 represents the amount of tax increase that a house would have, given the valuation increase. Mr.
11 Scott stated that he thought the meeting tonight would provide residents with a picture of what
12 the needs of the city are from the staff and be able to provide input. He added that this would be
13 helpful in the future.
14
15 Mornson indicated that those issues would be discussed at the August 14I' meeting. Mayor
16 Cavanaugh suggested that Mr. Scott attend that meeting to hear what comes out of these
17 reserves, and provide feedback. Mr. Scott stated that the 5-year plan is what he viewed as most
18 important and beneficial as a resident of the City of St. Anthony.
19
20 Mr. Scott commended the Council for their work and commitment to the community..
21
22 Mayor Cavanaugh reviewed a handout he had created from the 2001 budget that displayed
23 historical patterns. He stated that these charts will play an important role at the August 14''
24 meeting.
25
26 Councilmember Hodson asked Jay Hartman how the city faired this year. Mr. Hartman stated
27 that Public Works ran out of salt at one point, but that labor was not a problem.
28
29 X. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF.
30
31 A. Investment report recall by Finance Director Roger Larson.
32 Finance Director Roger Larson stated that the City's rate of return was 1.8% higher than the rate
33 . .Of return on treasuries, which:is a benchmark that is used to determine what comprises.the
34 portfolio. He stated that by making a few adjustments, they could even improve the rate of
35 return on investments.
36
37 Larson indicated that the investment portfolio review report recommended consolidating the
38 City's money market accounts into the 4/M Fund in order to gain a higher annualized yield.
39
40 Larson referred to the recent merger of Firstar and US Bank,and that Bremer Bank purchased the
41 Firstar St. Anthony branch. He indicated that little change would be reflected under the new
42 owner. Larson indicated that a meeting with Bremer produced an analysis comparing Firstar,
43 Bremer, and the 4/M Fund, which he reviewed.
44
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 8
1 Motion by Sparks that staff formalize and restructure the City's banking services with Bremer
2 Bank to include: .
3
4 1. Interest earnings equal to that of Bremer's Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund
5 for all accounts.
6 2. Maintain.waived banking fees agreement with a minimum cash balance of$200,000.
7
8 Council authorized the Mayor, City Manager and Finance Director to sign the appropriate
9 paperwork and signature cards.
10
11 Motion carried unanimously.
12
13 XI. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
14 City Manager Michael Mornson reviewed a few of upcoming meetings that he would like to see
15 members of the Council attend. Among these meetings is the June 12th meeting with Ehlers and
16 Associates for a first strategy work session, and the AMM annual meeting will be held on May
17 31s`.
18
19 Mornson also indicated that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has.developed a
20 grant program for Fire Departments,throughout the country:.Fire Chief Hewitt has applied fora.
21 grant that will pay for 90% of the cost.for equipment, or issues.that need to be funded He.
22 indicated that they have applied for a Pumper and Thermal Scanner.
23
24 Councilmember Thuesen stated that the community has expressed their exceptional satisfaction
25 with the Fire Department and their dedication with regard to the rain. Mornson concurred.
26
27 Councilmember Sparks referred to the Middle Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.
28 They are proposing a watershed-wide levy to happen in 2002, and would like to know if the City
29 of St. Anthony would still be a part of it. The City of St. Anthony said they would be a part of
30 the levy, if they got their money back.
31
32 Councilmember Hodson commended George and Mary Rockwood.for bringing the Spring Kick
33 Off Concert Series to the city. He urged the Council to.do what they.can:to participate if the
34 event.
35
36 Councilmember Hodson referred to the many letters that were written thanking the Police
37 Department and the Fire Department for their numerous efforts and jobs well done..
38
39 Councilmember Hodson also noted that he would be traveling to Costa Rica tomorrow to meet
40 with the appropriate people to determine how the donated fire gear will get to them.
41
42 Mayor Cavanaugh noted that a meeting will be held at the Earl Brown Heritage Center that may
43 be educational in relation to what is going on with the Northwest Quadrant. He also indicated
44 that the meeting between the Council and the Planning Commission went well.
45
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 9
1 Mayor Cavanaugh expressed his disappointment that the sewer backed up,but noted that it is
2 being handled well.
3
4 Mayor Cavanaugh distributed an analysis that Captain John Ohl had given to him regarding what
5 various cities pay their Police Departments. He reviewed a couple of the details of the analysis,
6 which indicate that the City of St. Anthony is in the fair range in relation to other cities.
7
8 Mornson indicated that Councilmember Hodson and Mike Larson of Sports Boosters had a
9 meeting to discuss the use of, and future of, the Stonehouse building.
10
11 XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
12 None.
13
14 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
15 Motion by Mayor Cavanaugh to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
16
17 Motion carried unanimously.
18
19 Respectfully submitted,
20
21
22 Courtney Seesz
23 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
24
25 Mayor
26
27 ATTEST:
28 City Clerk
29
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 March 12, 2001
.4 7:00 p.m.
5 I. CALL TO ORDER.
6 Chair Jindra called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone in attendance.
7 II. ROLL CALL.
8 Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Commissioners Dan Ganley, Julie Gebhardt,
9 Colleen Hallada, Jan Jensen, Doug Koehntop and George Wagner
10 Absent: None.
11 Also Present: Public Works Director Jay Hartman,Representative from Community
12 Services Diane Skrivseth; Representative from Sports Boosters
13 George Zurbey and Representative from School Board Denise Dunn.
14 III. APPROVE FEBRUARY 12,2001 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.
15 Motion by Ganley,second by Hallada,.to approve the February 12,2001 Parks Commission Meeting
16 Minutes as submitted.
17 Motion carried unanimously.
18 IV. PRESENT FINAL DESIGN OF CENTRAL PARK-BOB KOST - BRW.
19 Jindra reported Bob Kost would be presenting the final design plan for Central Park to the
20 Commission. Mr. Kost indicated a subcommittee meeting was held last week to review the final
21 plans with Jindra and several park members. He reviewed the park.plan and corresponding cost
22 estimate.
23 Jindra asked Mr. Kost to review the changes in this plan from the previous. Mr. Kost reviewed
24 the alterations in the plan and noted that in the northern part of the park there would be a new
25 playground area,wading pool, bicycle parking'and trails. He added there would be a
26 reconstructed volleyball court and skating area,as well.
27 Mr. Kost noted all areas would be handicap accessible. He reported all trails would be bordered
28 by shade trees with scattered benches. Mr. Kost stated there would be eight-foot sidewalks at the
29 main entrance with handrails on each side of the steps. He indicated a watermain would be
30 replaced with these park changes. Mr. Kost stated with the proposed changes, the cost for this
31 park would run$1,829,459.
32 Jindra asked if the height of the backstop was sufficient. Mr. Kost noted the backstop would be
33 20 feet at the overhang.
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2001
Page 2
1 Koehntop asked if the fencing would be silver or colored. Mr. Kost indicated this could be
2 determined at a later date without effecting the cost of the fencing.
3 Zurbey asked why the irrigation for the City property was being included within the park
4 expenses. Mr. Kost noted the expense for adding the City Center irrigation has reduced the total
5 City expense by $10,000.
6 Jindra noted this was discussed at the meeting last week because extra funding would be needed
7 to alter the watermain, resurface the parking lot, and to add irrigation. She indicated there would
8 be a separation of these expenses when this is presented to the Council.
9 Zurbey asked for the reasoning behind the watermain expenses. Mr. Kost noted the line item
10 expenses within his estimate and stated this watermain is being removed because of the changes
11 being made within the park. -
12 Jindra asked if street sweeping was necessary for this project. Mr. Kost noted street sweeping
13 would be necessary with the amount of earth moving that would be done for this project, along
14 with silt fencing to reduce the amount of erosion.
.15- Jindra questioned the large increase in the expense of the wading pool. Mr. Kost'noted the prices
16 have increased greatly due to demand and changing technologies for wading pools.
17 Jindra noted several neighbors have questioned the use of the volleyball court and asked if a half
18 court basketball court could be put in this place. Mr. Kost stated a half court paved surface with
19 a standard would run roughly $12,000 to $15,000. He noted the City may want to get separate
20 prices when bidding these items out. Mr. Kost indicated this would allow the Commission
21 flexibility with several amenities.
22 Zurbey asked where the major expenses incurred in comparison to the past plans. Mr. Kost
23 indicated parking and curb and gutter have increased in price significantly for labor along with
24 the watermain work. He stated otherwise, there was no single item that has jumped.
25 Jindra noted the contamination problems and parking concerns were brought up years ago. She
26 indicated if these items were taken care of years ago, this would have eliminated a large portion
27 of the expenses for the park revamp. Hodson concurred with these comments and stated the
28 Council should understand these concerns.
29 Jensen asked if a line by line comparison could be done to last month's numbers. Mr. Kost
30 indicated this could be completed. Mr. Hubmer noted the costs are all estimates at this point but
31 are in the "ballpark" for each item. He added that he felt the Commission should go forward
32 with the bidding process to get an idea of the final price tag before making any rash decisions.
33 Mr. Hubmer indicated the Council may chose to phase the park project if the final expenses are
34 still too great.
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2001
Page 3
1 Gebhardt asked, if the park was phased, would construction damage the previously completed
2 fieldwork. Mr. Kost noted he felt there would be minimal,destruction of the fields because
3 construction fences would be erected and noted the environmental work could also be Out off
4` through phasing.
5 Jindra noted this park was established to meet needs of the entire community. She indicated if
6 the park was phased out, only the fields would be completed within the first few years. She
7 asked if this was really what the Park Commission wanted to present to the Council.
8 Ganley agreed stating it may be beneficial to complete the entire project in today's dollars
9 without putting it off to the future with inflation.
10 Hodson indicated the Commission could offer this up to residential comments and see if there
11 was a strong desire to complete the park in whole or in phases.
12 Skrivseth asked if the current wading pool and building would continue to exist if this area was
13 going to be phased into the plan in five years. Mr. Kost stated this area could be used right up
14 until the area was reconstructed.
15 Mr. Hubmer questioned if the play areas and wading pool-area could be bid as alternates. Mr.
16 Kost stated this could easily be completed.
17 Jensen asked how the line item for the wading pool could have jumped by $100,000 and if other
18 items would be increasing significantly. Mr. Kost stated this was only an estimate at this time
19 from the market value for these items. He indicated that after the park was sent out for bid the
20 Commission would learn the true market values of each item.
21 Jensen stated he would like to meet with Mr. Kost in a subcommittee to define the growth items
22 and where the Commission members can analyze these lines items before going before the
23 Council. Ganley stated he would be willing to volunteer.for this subcommittee as well.
24 Jindra-asked if the Commission would like to meet again, after this item was reviewed by the
25 subcommittee and before the next Council meeting. Anderson noted he felt this item could be
26. wrapped up with the subcommittee to provide answers to the Council.
27 Gebhardt asked if the lights were needed on each and every field. She wondered if decreasing
28 the number of lit fields would eliminate the usefulness of the fields. Ganley indicated the
29 lighting would allow for greater use of the fields for both baseball/softball and soccer. Jensen
30 noted there was a great demand for field use as heard from the residents and Councilmembers.
31 Jindra reported a subcommittee consisting of Jensen, Ganley and Anderson would meet with Mr.
32 Kost to answer any financial questions before the next Council meeting.
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2001
Page 4
1 V. PRESENT COST ESTIMATES FOR CENTRAL PARK BUILDING, TOWER PARK
2 RESTROOMS, AND SILVER POINT PARK BUILDING - MOLLY OLVIER- SEH.
3 . Molly Oliver reviewed the cost estimates for Central.Park, Tower Park restrooms and the Silver
4 Point Park building.. She noted she is suggesting two restrooms in Tower Park being handicap
5 accessible and provided with changing stations.
6 Ms. Oliver indicated the architecture and style of the structures would be similar throughout all
7 the parks. She added that all restrooms would be stainless steel to withstand the use and abuse
8 the parks would endure. Ms. Oliver reviewed the highlights of the Silver Point Park building
9 with the Commission.
10 Jensen questioned if the proposed building would fit into Silver Point Park. Ms. Oliver indicated
11 700 square feet have been removed from the proposed building and would fit comfortably
12 between the two ballfields.
13 Zurbey asked if drainage would be a concern with the location of the building as proposed. Ms.
14 Oliver noted the floor would be raised one foot to accommodate for a heavy spring but a 50-year
15 or 100-year storm would heavily impact the structure. She indicated the proposed structure
16 would equalize the effects of water as it passes through the building.
17 Ms. Oliver reviewed the Central Park buildings with the Commission. She noted there would be
18 a concession stand with restrooms and warming house. Ms. Oliver reviewed her renovations to
19 the concession stand area and noted her suggestions could save roughly $67,000 to $70,000.
20 Ms. Oliver added that the mezzanine area would be eliminated to reduce the construction costs as
21 well. She noted the restrooms would consist of three stalls in both the men's and women's
22 lavatories. Ms. Oliver indicated the picnic area would allow for seating to observe the
23 neighboring ballfields and pool area. She stated the same architecture and building materials
24 would be used as suggested for the other park buildings.
25 Jindra asked if the air conditioning was absolutely necessary. Ms. Oliver noted she felt this was
26 not absolutely necessary and could be substituted out for ceiling fans and windows for venting.
27 Jindra questioned if the Commission was in favor of offering only a partial concession stand
28 from the warming house.
29 The Commission came to a consensus to approve the removal of the concession stand from the
30 warming house building.
31 Jensen asked if there would be plug ins available on the exterior of the warming house for
32 pitching machines. Mr. Hartman stated this was a good point and noted junction boxes could be
33 added to the exterior of the building for this purpose.
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2001
Page 5
1 Skrivseth questioned if the meeting room would be rented out through community services or
2 through the City. She noted this was up in the air because of the financial gain on the rental fees
3 that would not be gained by the City. Jindra indicated she felt this could be discussed at a future
4 meeting.
5 Ms. Oliver explained the expenses for the Tower Park restrooms to be roughly $56,000 with a
6 15% contingency. She noted Silver Point Park would be approximately $230,000. Ms. Oliver
7 indicated the Central Park buildings would run roughly $470,000. She reported the removal of
8 the mezzanine level and permanent concession stand would reduce these expenses roughly
9 $67,000 to $70,000 bringing the fee to somewhere around $400,000.
10 Koehntop asked if bidding all these structures at the same time could reduce the expense for the
11 City. Ms. Oliver indicated the buildings would all be of the same materials, which could reduce
12 the expense on the Park Commission's part. She explained the structures being planned would
13 last for a substantial amount of time with an architectural style that fits into the surrounding
14 neighborhoods.
15 Jindra invited Ms. Oliver to revise her numbers on the Central Park buildings and then report
16 back to the Commission at the March 20, 2001 joint Council meeting.
17 VI. DISCUSS SILVER POINT BUILDING LAYOUT/PRESENT GRADING AND
18 LIGHTING PLAN—TODD HUBMER—WSB.
19 Jindra asked Mr. Hubmer to report on the Silver Point Park building layout and grading issues.
20 Mr. Hubmer reviewed the changes to the Silver Point Park grading with the Commission.
21 VII. REPORTS
22 A. Community Services.
23 Skrivseth noted she had nothing new to report.
24 B. School Board.
25 Dunn was noted she had nothing new to report.
26 C. Snorts Boosters.
27 Zurbey indicated the Sports Boosters are excited about the current Central Park plans and hope to
28 see the plans progress.
29 Jensen explained outside sources may be interested in completing a fundraiser to provide funds
30 for items that may not be provided by the Park Commission for Central Park. Jindra stated this
31 would be kept in mind after the park was sent out for bidding.
32 VII. OTHER BUSINESS.
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2001
Page 6
1 Mr. Hartman noted the Commission needed to decide on a joint Park Commission and City
2 Council meeting date. He suggested April 91h, May 14`h or June 11`h:
3 Jindra noted this meeting was held in June of last year. She suggested March 20`h as an option to
4 allow for a joint session with the Council to review this park information before it goes before
5 the public at the March 271h City Council meeting.
6 Hodson indicated he would bring this up to the Council members on March 13`h at the Council
7 study session meeting.
8 VIII. ADJOURNMENT.
9 Motion by Jensen, second by Koehntop, to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 p.m.
10 Respectfully submitted,
1.1 Heidi Guenther,
.12 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 April 9, 2001
4 7:00 P.M.
5 Conference Room
.6 1. CALL TO ORDER.
7 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by ChairJindra.
8 2. ROLL CALL.
9 Commissioners Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Commissioners Dan Ganley,Julie Gebhardt,
10 Colleen Hallada, Doug Koehntop, and George Wagner.
11 Commissioners absent: Jan Jenson.
12
13 Also present: Public Works Director Jay Hartman, Representative from Community
14 Services Diane Skrivseth; Representative from Sports Boosters
15 George Zurbey; Parks Commission Chair Person Maurie Anderson;
16 Molly Olivier from SEH.
17 3. APPROVAL MARCH 12, 2001 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.
18 Page 3, line 1 and line 32 change "Mr. Hubmer" to read"Mr. Anderson".
19 Page 4, line 54 change"would be rented out" to read"would continue to be used with reservations
20 through community...".
21
22 4. PRESENT FINAL DESIGN AND BID ALTERNATES FOR CENTRAL PARK— BOB
23 KOST, BRW.
24 Mr. Kost was absent.
25
26 Chair Jindra indicated that a meeting had taken place between Jay Hartman,herself,Bob Kost, and
27 Maurie Anderson, which determined that several bid alternates will be incorporated into the bid
28 documents. Chair Jindra explained that the intention of these alternates is to allow the City greater
29 flexibility in selecting a low bidder for the park project.
30
31 Chair Jindra reviewed the following nine items that were identified as alternates to either be added,
32 or deleted:
33. 1.. Irrigation system for Civic Center area.
34 2. Sand Volleyball court.
35 3. '/2 Basketball court (surface and hoop only, no fence).
36 4. Sports lighting of field#4 (deduct alternate).
37 5. Bituminous Roller Hockey paving.
38 6. Bare-root deciduous shade trees (deduct alternate).
39 7. Wading Pool complete: equipment, pool,fence etc.
40
41 Additional clarification and determination of bid alternates was discussed by the URS Project Team
42 on Friday, April 6h, and the following items were added:
43 8. Maxicom Cable for computerized irrigation system maintenance.
44 9. Redesign and reconstruction of north parking area,base bid will be for repairing/patching
45 curb and mill/overlay of existing parking lot. Acceptance of this bid alternate will be
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 2
1 based upon the outcome of additional north area soils investigation. If the soil is clean
2 enough to be reused on site,then hillside grading and parking lot reconfiguration will be
3 acceptable. If soils are too polluted to reuse, on site soils should be left in place and
4 hillside grading and parking reconfiguration should not be pursued. Redesign of.the
5 north-park area will be explored at that time.
6
7 Mr. Anderson questioned the deletion of the wading pool, and expressed concern that the decision
8 would leave children without a wet area to play in. Jindra replied that the deletion of the wading
9 pool would not happen, and that they need to discuss and clarify this alternate with Mr. Kost.
10
11 Chair Jindra asked Mr. Hartman about the eighth alternate and what a Maxicom Cable is. Mr.
12 Hartman was also uncertain.as to what a Maxicom Cable is,but indicated that he would contact Mr.
13 Kost to find out. Ms. Olivier suggested that it might be something to sound the system with
14 anything that is wrong. Mr. Anderson agreed.
15
16 Chair Jindra questioned the ninth alternate. Ms. Olivier indicated that she had left money in the
17 budget in order to offset the footing charges,if they are necessary. Anderson asked if there was any
18 money built in to the budget to cover the cost of eliminating the contaminants to which Ms. Olivier
19 responded no.
20
21 Commissioner Zurbey asked if the actual location of the building is a good.one. Mr. Hartman
22 responded that it is a good location for the building.
23
24 Commissioner Koehntop inquired about the sixth alternate. Mr.Anderson stated that planting bare-
25 root trees is the best option for this area, so that you can see how they are growing and surviving. .
26 Commissioner Hallada noted that the expense of the bare-root trees,and several other different kinds
27 of trees, has increased this year.
28
29 Chair Jindra noted that all of the alternates need to be discussed later when the bids come in.
30
31 Commissioner Zurbey indicated that at his recent Sports Boosters meeting,they expressed a strong
32 desire for the basketball court to be built.
33
34 5. PRESENT BUILDING DESIGNS—MOLLY OLIVIER;SEH.
35 Ms.Olivier distributed a handout to the Commission that illustrated the status of construction up to
36 that point. She continued by reviewing each building and any recent changes.
37
38 Ms.Olivier stated that the Tower Park warming houses and restroom building has stayed the same.
39 She reviewed the handicap accessible area, the permanent changing table, and stated that there is
40 room to accommodate strollers.
41
42 Chair Jindra inquired about the ventilation in the building. Ms. Olivier stated that the doors will be
43 vented, will have a vented window above them, and there will be vents across the back of the
44 building. Ms.Olivier indicated that the glass block could be turned into a smaller band to help with
45 the ventilation. She also said that they would focus on as much natural cross-ventilation as possible.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 3
1
2 Commissioner Zurbey asked if this building would be shut down and drained in the winter. Mr.
3 Hartman indicated that it would be shut down-in the winter because it is not heated.
4
5 Chair Jindra asked if the building is designed to be too big. Ms. Olivier indicated that the building
6 could be reduced by about 3 feet, 8 inches,which would be achieved by eliminating the permanent
7 changing tables, and putting in the drop-down style. The Commission agreed that the smaller size
8 is better, and that putting in the drop-down changing tables is worth the financial gain.
9
10 Ms. Skrivseth questioned the location of the path in relation to the building, and stated that the
11 building should not be in the way of the path because it poses a danger to the users. Ms. Olivier
12 stated it had not been determined where exactly the building would be in relation to the path, and
13 expressed her concern of going deeper into the hill, as kids may then have roof accessibility.
14
15 Commissioner Koehntop stated that the location of the building seems impractical. Commissioner
16 Gebhardt concurred,noting that there really is no good place for the building in this park. The entire
17 Commission agreed and indicated that they were relying on Ms.Olivier and Todd Hubmer for their
18 expertise.
19
20 ' Mr. Hartman suggested that a group of them re-visit the area to determine the best way to cut back
21 on the size of the building.. Ms. Olivier suggested that they eliminate the storage, mechanical and
22 vending sections of the building plan, which would also allow better access to the path.
23
24 Commissioner Zurbey suggested moving the drinking fountains outside, as well as heating the
25 building. Mr. Hartman interjected that they continue working on the existing plan, and then make .
26 these changes. Mr. Hartman reminded the Commission that DNR funding is being used for the
27 project. He added that some room will be needed for storage.
28
29 The Commission agreed to set up a time to look at the site, now that the snow has melted.
30
31 Ms. Olivier continued her presentation with the Central Park Pavilion. She indicated that the only
32 change in the plan is in the space for the wading pool equipment.
.33
34 Chair Jindra expressed concern over the lack of accessibility to the restrooms from the soccer field,
35 citing the inability for parents to watch their children. Ms. Olivier concluded that changing them
36 on the side of the soccer field would create the same problem on the other side by the picnic
37 pavilion.
38
39 Commissioner Zurbey mentioned the expense of putting in the new pool. He asked if the existing
40 pool could be kept,where it is, and improved. Mr. Hartman said the existing pool has been
41 extremely problematic, and is no longer repairable.
42
43 Chair Jindra continued to be concerned with the accessibility of the restrooms. Ms. Olivier stated
44 she
45 would explore some other options.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 4
1
2 6. APPROVAL OF BUILDING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS-MOLLY OLIVIER,SEH.
3. Olivier reviewed the cost of the Silver Point Project with the Commission and indicated that she had
- 4 adjusted the prices to include the changes made prior to tonight's suggestions;and expressed concern
5 with pulling any numbers at this point. -She stated that the cost for the Silver Point Project is still
6 close to $300,000. Ms. Olivier identified the buffer zone of the project, which is 15% of the total
7 cost, and indicated that it is high.
8
9 Commissioner Zurbey questioned the impact that the environmental issues and the pollution in the
10 park will have on the current plans. Mr.Hartman said he believed that the timelines for the building
11 project and the pollution project would turn out.
12
13 Chair Jindra asked if these figures have been given to the City. Mr. Hartman responded that they
14 had been presented to the City Council, and the Council had determined that the tentative date for
15 the bids to be considered by the Council is May 8, 2001,and the tentative construction date would
16 be June. 15, 2001.
17
18 Mr.Hartman indicated that the start date had been moved back because the bids are coming in later,
19 as the environmental issues have changed things significantly.
20
21 Commissioner Zurbey expressed-his concern with the use of the fields for school.games and
22 playoffs. He said he needed confirmation on dates that the field can be used. Mr.Hartman indicated
23 he would work with him on dates.
24
25 Ms. Olivier indicated that she has started construction documents, there will be a two-week .
26 advertising period, and then the bidding will begin. She indicated that Silver Point Park would be
27 up and running in October.
28
29 Ms. Olivier and the Commission will meet on Wednesday, April 11d, at 2:00 p.m. to tour the park
30 and decide on the proposed changes from the meeting tonight. The Commission decided to entrust
31 the subcommittee to follow through on the decisions that are made with Ms. Olivier, who will then
32 get the project moving.
33
34 Mr. Hartman stated that May ?will be the bid opening, and that the Commission will present the
35 bids to the City Council on May 8`h at their Work Session. The Commission decided to meet on
36 Thursday, May 3`d at 5:30 p.m. to review the bids before they are presented to the Council.
37
38 6. REPORTS.
39 A. Community Services
40 Commissioner Skrivseth indicated that a water facility is definitely desired in the plans for Central
41 Park.
42
43 B. School Board
44 None.
45
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 5
1 C. Sports Boosters
2 Commissioner Zurbey indicated that there was confusion of the field availability between now and
3 . the end of the school year.
4
5 7. OTHER BUSINESS.
6 None.
7
8 8. ADJOURNMENT..
9 Motion by Chair Jindra, second by Commissioner Koehntop, to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
10 Motion carried unanimously.
11 Respectfully submitted,
12 Courtney Seesz
13 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 May 1,2001
4 5:30 P.M.
5 Conference Room
6 I. CALL TO ORDER.
7 Chair Jindra called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. and welcomed everyone in attendance.
8 II. ROLL CALL.
9 Present: Chair Carol Jindra,Vice Chair Doug Koehntop,Commissioners Dan
10 Ganley, Julie Gebhardt, Colleen Hallada, Jan Jenson, and George
11 Wagner.
12 Absent: Community Services Representative Diane Skrivseth.
13 Also Present: Public Works Director Jay Hartman; Representative from Sports
14 Boosters George Zurbey; Representative from School Board Denise
15 Dunn; Independent Contractor Maury Anderson; Bob Kost, and
16 Auggie Wong, of BRW.
17 III. APPROVAL APRIL 9, 2001 MEETING MINUTES.
18 Page 2, line 43 Tower Park to read, "Central Park".
19
20 Motion by Commissioner Wagner,second by Commissioner Koehntop,to approve the April 9,2001
21 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes as corrected above.
22 . Motion carried unanimously.
23 IV. PRESENT AND DISCUSS FINAL BID TABULATIONS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT
24 OF CENTRAL PARK-BOB KOST,BRW-WILL BE PRESENT.
25 Bob Kost indicated that there were about 25 interested contractors, and that he was expecting
26 more than three bids to be submitted. He stated that at a meeting last week, only three parties
27 showed up, all of which were general contractors. Mr. Kost indicated that all three bids came in
28 today within thirty minutes of each other, and that they all came in higher than anticipated.
29
30 Mr. Kost stated that all three bidders made numerical mistakes in their bids, which was very
31 disappointing. He also informed the Commission that the document that they were reviewing
32 tonight was put together today, and may have an error, or more.
33 Mr. Kost reviewed the three bids with the Commission. It was determined that Veit and
34 Company was the lowest bidder who came in at approximately 19% above the Engineers
35 Estimate.
36
37 Mr. Kost reviewed the nine alternates of the Plan and compared the individual bids against each
38 other. When they reviewed Alternate six, Mr. Kost indicated that, while they were out to bid,
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2001
Page 2
1 they were told that they would need to add showers in the restrooms for the wading pool. He
2 recommended to the Commission that a wet deck be put in to avoid all of the issues that are
3 associated with the wading pool. He indicated that the wet deck option is.an economical one, as
4 it shuts off when kids aren't playing with it.
5
6 Alternate nine displayed a broad range of bids, from $89,000 to $146,000. Mr. Kost reviewed
7 several of the descriptions contained in the alternate. Mobilization costs are included in
8 Alternate nine, and a few of the contractors indicated they were scared off by the possibility of
9 contaminated soil. Mr. Kost indicated that there would need to be some cleaning up in that area,
10 which he did not see as a major expense.
11
12 Mr. Kost recommended that the Commission drop all of the bids, look over the Plan for a month
13 and determine if there are things that they simply should not do. He said they could possibly put
14 the project back out for a June 15`h bid, having construction begin in September, working through
15 the fall of 2002, and opening the park in Spring 2003, as was originally intended.
16 Commissioner Gebhardt asked if the three current bidders would have the option to re-bid, if
17 they rejected all three bids at this time. Maury Anderson indicated that they could re-bid, but
18 warned them that their bids.could come in higher. Mr. Kost concurred.
19 Commissioner Koehntop asked what affect the status of the economy had on the bids coming in
20 so high. Mr. Kost indicated that he did not think that state of the economy played a significant
21 role.
22 Mr. Kost went through the entire Engineer's Cost Estimate and pulled the lowest estimate for
23 each item from the bidders and determined that the project could be done for$1,324,217.
24 Chair Jindra asked if there was any room for negotiation on specific items, if they decided to
25 extend an offer to one of the three bidders. Mr. Kost indicated that different city guidelines exist
26 in contract negotiation, but said that it may be possible.
27
28 Chair Jindra expressed her confusion with the inconsistency of the numbers. .Mr. Kost indicated.
29 that the estimates submitted are very rough numbers. Mr. Hartman said he viewed the broad
30 range as an indication that the contractors do not care too much whether they get the job, or not.
31 Mr. Hartman indicated that it would cost$2.5 million to do the entire project, including the
32 buildings.
33 Mr. Kost indicated that if it were a wet fall, things would be pushed back.
34 Mr. Anderson recommended that they reject all three bids. He indicated that contractors
35 sometimes play games, and that reviewing the Plan, with hard numbers to refer to, gives them the
36 opportunity to look at some different options. For example, they could use a lower-grade topsoil
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2001
Page 3
1 for the ballfields. Mr. Kost agreed and suggested examining only the items that are changeable.
2 He believes that the savings are out there,and that.they simply need to.find them.
3 Commissioner Gebhardt asked if they had officially decided to go with the mushroom in the
4 wading pool. Chair Jindra responded that they had.
5 Mr. Anderson suggested that they approach the City Council delicately. Mr. Hartman added that
6 they do not have the numbers on the buildings yet, which will significantly increase the cost of
7 the overall project. He also pointed out the cost of having Mr. Kost and Mr. Wong continue to
8 work on this for the next five months is significant.
9 Mr. Kost recommended that they reject the bids at this time, take a month to re-engineer the
10 plans and then go for a fall bid.
11 There was discussion about a timeline on the project, if they decided to reject bids at this time.
12 Mr. Anderson indicated that irrigation is key to this project, and that good grass germinates in
13 about 16 days.
14 Chair Jindra asked Mr. Kost what he knew about Veit and Company. Mr. Kost indicated that
15 they are a reputable company, and highlighted ahigh-profile project they had recently completed.
16 He indicated that they could award the Base Bid Contract to the and then go through the City
17 Attorney to determine what type of changes could be made in there estimate, if any.
18 Commissioner Koehntop asked how they could diffuse the contamination issue. Mr.Kost responded
19 that they provide the contractors with more specs.
20 There was discussion over the lighting of the sports athletic fields, which Commissioner Zurbey
21 indicated would be a big problem. Commissioner Gebhardt agreed with Commissioner Zurbey,
22 indicating that the Commission told the community that all three would.be lit.
23 Mr.Kost indicated the$45,000 savings to light 2 of the 3 athletic fields. He went on to list the other
24 discussed options.where he saw a possibility of cutting the cost by another$150,000.
25 Chair Jindra thought it made sense to re-visit the Plan,but indicated that the City Council is already
26 unhappy with the Park Commission regarding this project and the length of time that it is lingering.
27 She stated that, while she agrees to discard the bids, she thinks they may be putting the project in
28 jeopardy.
29 Mr.Kost indicated that any of the contractors could be playing a game by deliberately low-bidding
30 something that they know the project cannot do without.
31 Chair Jindra expressed her concern with the response from the community. Mr.Kost indicated that
32 their response is directly dependent on how the Commission sells it to the community.
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2001
Page 4
1 Mr. Anderson suggested they present it to the community like this: either accept the lowest bidder,
2 or through them out and revisit the plan. He indicated that the community would see that they are
3 making the decision:
4 The Commission continued with discussion on the impact of the weather on this project.
5 Mr.Hartman suggested that they cross their fingers that the buildings come in low at$600,000(not
6 including the Silver Point Park building) and keep on moving.
7 Mr. Anderson indicated that,if the bids for the buildings and the re-bids for the park come in at the
8 same time, they could have a grand bid opening.
9 Mr.Kost led the Commission through discussion of the alternates in order to determine what would
10 be added, and what would be deleted. The conclusions:
11 Add Alternate 1: yes.
12 Add Alternate 2: Yes to items 1 and 3.
13 Add Alternate 3: yes.
14 Deduct Alternate 4: yes.
- . 15 Add Alternate 5: no.
16 Deduct Alternate 6: yes:-
17 Add Alternate 7: no.
18 Add Alternate 8: no.
19 Add Alternate 9: yes.
20 Mr. Kost stated that if they recommend that Veit and Company get the project, they take 50% of
21 their price for Alternate Seven to use as an allowance for a wet-deck system.
22 Mr. Kost and Mr. Wong determined.that the total cost of the project was $2,046,631. This total
23 included everything, with only half of the allowance for the pool.
24 Mr..Kost and Mr..Wong subtracted the alternates to be deducted(alternates 4, 5,6, and 8),and the
.25 total was $1,915,657. Mr. Kost suggested that this be the number that they propose to the.City
26 Council.
27 Mr. Kost indicated that they had just received the numbers they were all reviewing today, and that
28 he and Mr. Wong need to go through and compare the three contractors more in-depth.
29 Commissioner Ganley asked if the Commission were changing their mind and deciding to present
30 this to the Council next week.
31
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2001
Page 5
1 Chair Jindra identified three sources whose support is critical: the City Council,the school,and the
2 Sports Boosters. Commissioner Gebhardt indicated that.the contaminated soil is standing as a major
3 problem right now,and that those groups need to understand that.
4 The Commission discussed their options.
5 Mr. Kost stated that the Engineers Estimate was $1,855,834. He indicated that after they factor in
6 the additions and deductions, the total is $1,747,614.
7 Commissioner Zurbey suggested that the Commission determine where they could change the specs
8 in order to reduce the cost of this project. Mr. Kost suggested reducing the soil profile by half, to
9 $300,000. However, he stated that he did not want to see the soil depth go below 8 inches.
10 The Commission decided that all would attend the next City Council meeting where the bids would
11 be presented.
12
13 Motion by Ganley to proceed with option A: the low bid from Veit and Company which represents
14 $1,915,567, 11% over the engineers estimate.
15.- Motion carried unanimously.
16 V. REPORTS.
17 A. Community Services.
18 None.
19 B. School Board.
20 None.
21 C. Snorts Booster.
22 George Zurbey indicated that they informed everyone that they can not schedule time for
23 the use of the athletic field after May 3 V. Commissioner Jenson asked the Commission
24 if it were possible to use the field two days after the scheduled close date for an alumni
25 football game.
26
27 VI. OTHER BUSINESS.
28 Chair Jindra asked if everyone had a chance to go down to Silver Point Park and see where Ms.
29 Olivier had sectioned off an area to show where the storage and mechanical area would be
30 located. The storage and mechanical area was moved to the front of the building with an
31 overhang, where it will not affect the path.
32 Chair Jindra reviewed the changes Ms. Olivier made to the Central Park Pavillion, where she has
33 put some of the mechanical and storage space up above, which should reduce the price a little
34 more.
35
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2001
Page 6
1 Commissioner Gebhardt asked if Ms. Olivier had factored in the changes they,recommended be
2 made to the women's restrooms last meeting. .Commissioner Zurbey indicated that she had,
3 which adjusted the cost by another$5,000.
4
5 Chair Jindra mentioned that she had received several calls from parents regarding the use of the
6 skating park. They are concerned about the ages of the kids using the park, the swearing, and the
7 smoking that is being done on that property. The parents wanted to know where their younger
8 children could play.
9 Chair Jindra decided to table this topic for discussion until a later date.
10
11 VII. ADJOURNMENT.
12 Motion by Hartman, second by Commissioner Gebhardt, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
13 Motion carried unanimously.
14
15 Respectfully submitted,
16 Courtney Seesz
17 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.