HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 07271982 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 21
Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1982
Document: CC MINUTES 07271982 (02)
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
COUNCIL MINUTES
• July 27, 1982
Mayor Sundland opened the. meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at
7 : 30 P .M.
Present for roll call: Marks , Ranallo, Sundland, Letourneau and
Enrooth .
Also present: David Childs , City Manager; William Soth, City Attorney ;
Ronald Berg , Administrative Assistant; Carol Johnson,
Finance Director; . and Larry Hamer, Public Works Director.
The Council minutes for the meeting held July 13th were amended to
change the title of "State Representative Rose" from "Senator" in the
first and last paragraphs on Page 4 .
Motion by Councilman Msrks and seconded by Councilman Letourneau to
approve as amended the, minutes for the Council meeting held July 13 , 1982 .
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Ranallo and seconded by Councilman Letourneau to
approve . the minutes for the Special Council Meeting held July 20 , 1982 .
• Motion carried unanimously..
Approximately 100 persons were present to provide input to the discussion
of the proposed on-sale 3 . 2 beer license being considered by the Council
for Chick' s Billiards to open in September in the St. Anthony Shopping
Center next to Vincenzo's at 2529 Harding Street. The Council had
granted licenses for cigarettes .and amusement devices for the business
during their July 13th meeting but had tabled the beer license request
for further information about Chick ' s in Coon Rapids . Mayor Sundland
read the applicable portion of the July 13th minutes which would
familiarize those who were present with the Council 's actions up to that
point. He said he- had received two phone calls each from St. Anthony
and Minneapolis residentson the subject and read the letter he had
written to Mary Ann Kuharskiin response to her letter protesting the
Chick ' s presence in the City. In the letter he had informed Mrs . Kuharski
that he had been in negotiation with the applicant, Roger E. Springfield,
and his partner and, when he reported the opposition to the license
demonstrated in. the community, Mr. Springfield had indicated he was
interested in becoming a part of the community and, as a way of avoiding
such a conflict,. withdrew the application for the license.
The Mayor concluded his . report .by telling those present he intends to
personally lobby the legislature to raise the drinking age to 21.
Councilman Ranallo questioned the Mayoras to exactly when the appli-
cant had withdrawn his beer license request since the Mayor had not
• indicated that possibility when the Council had met -the previous evening.
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Mrs. Kuharski who lives at 2709 .Pahl .Avenue N.E. said she was sorry
• she had not known. the application had been -withdrawn earlier since
she and her family had missed the East Side parade that evening
because she had to be .at City Hall. She then presented a petition
against the beer license which had been signed by 409 persons and
told the Council not one person had refused- to sign when the door-
to-door solicitors approached them. She then questioned why their
elected officials were not doing-.a better -job of protecting the
whole community around the Shopping Center, citing the Fun Center
as another trouble spot which she believes has an adverse effect
on City property values and the- willingness of parents to let their
children frequent the shopping center. She- listed the objectionable
items left all over her neighborhood by the young people "who hang
out" at the Fun Center and posed the question, "What do we want
for this family oriented community -- more family oriented businesses
or more pool halls and game rooms?" The Mayor told Mrs. Kuhar-ski
that the .disintegration .of the southern portion- of the shopping
center where Chick 's is going .in was the very reason the Council
is trying to redevelop the area,. as fast as they legally and
economically can do so, for residential development. He also .said
he was not- aware there was such intense opposition to the license
since he had only received four calls and' knew nothing of the
petition which .was being distributed. Councilman Ranallo said he
had instigated some of the opposition, but "unfortunately didn' t
know the Mayor ' s negotiations were going on" .
Motion by Councilman Ranallo and seconded by Councilman Marks to
• direct the City Manager and Mayor to see if the hours of operation
of Chick' s could be curtailed so the hall would close at 10:00 P.M.
and not be open 24, hours a day. An involved discussion followed
before a vote was taken on the motion.
Councilman Marks said he had been disappointed to see this business
come in to the area because he wants housing developed there and
the Council has worked for three. and .a half years to accomplish
this . He said it will probably be several more years before the
redevelopment- plans can be realized and Mr. Springfield has indicated
he is looking for a ten year lease. The Councilman indicated he is
afraid Mr. Springfield "has a . legal right to make a beer license
application" ; and could, "under the existing City- ordinance have
opened a pool hall without contacting the City at all" .
Walter Dziedzc:, Minneapolis: Alderman, said he was present to protect
the rights and concerns of his Minneapolis constituents who will
live within two -blocks of the' billiard. hall when it opens , which he
became -. aware of when Darlene Gerber, - 2243. N.E . Roosevelt called
him to report a billiard hall which would be open 24 hours a day
was going in 200 feet from the Minneapolis,/St. Anthony. boundary lines .
Alderman Dziedzic told the Council Minneapolis has seven pool hall
licenses , six of which are for all -night operations. and four out
of the seven serve beer, and all are trouble spots . He said , "we
• all know there is an association between crime and liquor operations ,
but for years couldn"t fight the system to prevent them from coming
in" . Now, the Alderman reported, Minneapolis has developed documentation
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of the direct relationship between these types of businesses and
• crime and sinking home values in the neighborhoods and that "the
closer you live, the more likely you are to become a victim" . He
promised to leave the document for them to read but cautioned the
Council that "now that the. City 's_. problems are coming to the
suburbs , you should learn from our mistakes" . The Minneapolis
official insisted, "it is possible to vote them out" , citing as an
example the Minneapolis Council 'ssuccess in convincing the court
to rule against the "My Place" bar.
He continued by saying it was his understanding: that the voting
that evening would probably have been only three votes against the
beer license and insisted he believes the City- has it in its power
to control the hours of. operation for the billiard establishment.
The Alderman cited a long History of cooperation between the City.
of Minneapolis and St. Anthony saying Minneapolis police have often
responded to calls for help when there has been a problem at the
Stonehouse , and just last week , had assisted St. Anthony and Rose-
ville in the hazardous materials emergency. He cited his own
cooperation with getting the semaphor installed near the bank on
Stinson and with providing water and sewer to that building and
told of his attempts to get the appearance of the Champion Auto
Store on Stinson and 37th improved as requested by the City Council.
The Alderman reported he was somewhat surprised that he had not
been notified that an all night operation was being permitted to
operate so close to the Minneapolis- boundary line.
• The Mayor said he is very conscious that "deteriorating shopping
centers do attract objectionable business but reminded the Alder-
man that many of St. Anthony 's ordinances are fashioned after
Minneapolis ' . He said the Minneapolis officials comments would not
go unnoted and "the Council is particularly aware of the police
viewpoint" . He also. believes the Council will continue to"look
at our ordinances" .
Mrs . Gerber' said she is a .resident of what is known as the Stinson
triangle , comprising Lowry , Wilson, Harding and Stinson, where there
is very easy access to the shopping center. She reported problems
with bikes, motorcycles , etc. traffic going to and from the center
and said the neighborhood had just succeeded in cutting down the
burglary instances by forming block clubs and are now shocked to
find out a new source of problems is being permitted to operate
almost in their backyards . She believes the residents in her area
are "sitting ducks" and questioned why. such an element is invited
to come into the area which was a wholesome, family oriented com-
munity long before the City ordinance was formed to permit billiard
halls and wondered "what . laws are there to protect the residents?"
Diane Glodek, 2235 Wilson Street N.E. , also a. Minneapolis resident ,
who lives within two blocks of the subject site, cited the instances
of vandalism and irritations her -neighborhood has experienced since
the Fun Center went into the St. Anthony Shopping Center and asked
• what the City:'.is doing to guarantee that these irritations are not
increased with the. new business.
Sue Michaelov, 2319 Harding Street N.E. , who said she will be "right
behind the billiard hall in a neighborhood which had -been quiet before
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. the Fun Center went in" agreed, saying she doesn' t see how the police
will be able to patrol: that .area to prevent an - injury to persons
• or property when they have not been able to prevent the vandalism
and other annoyances experienced by the same neighbors which she
attributed -to Fun Center customers ..
Mayor Sundland said he is unable to give the residents the kind of
guarantees they are seeking.. He admitted tiere have been complaints
about the Fun Center but said .the kind ofomplaints he heard that
evening have never been expressed to the 'uncil at the time the
licenses and permits for the Fun Center have\come -up for renewal in
the past. Instead, the City has had to rely n the reports they
have gotten from the City Police Departmept a out the operation.
He recommended the Minneapolis objectors and A derman Dziedzic
should ask the applicant to curtail his hours o operations since
Mr. Springfield had indicated to. him "he wants o get along with,
and to become a part of , the community" .
Mikki Gottwalt, 2517 St. Anthony .Boulevard, was concerned that the
Council might change its mind about the beer license if it should
be resubmitted and .wanted assurances fmm-ithe Council that "no beer
license will ever be issued for the billiard hall" . Councilman
Ranallo assured her that, "you"ll know it, if he ever comes back" .
The Mayor told .11rs . Gottwalt that some of the Council members had
been concerned that the City might become involved in a costly
litigation if the beer, license for this location were denied when
a precedent had already been established for permitting beer to be
• served where minors are customers in the same shopping center. He
said the Council has no way of verifying the ratio of minors to
adults which can be expected for Chick's in this new location but
would have a better feel for that. in six months .
C. A. Wildes , 2701 St. Anthony Boulevard, said 'he would be interested
to see the outcome of 'a vote on the beer bar and pool hall since
he knows from the experience of his youth what kind .of activities
can be expected in this type of establishment. The Mayor reiterated
his negotiations with Mr. Springfield indicate .he wants to fit into
the community- and doesn' t want to cause - trouble and had told the
Playor he doesn 't need a beer license to operate. .
Mr. Kuharski indicated she would like to know how .each Councilman
would vote if the vote were taken.
Mr. So.th .reminded those present that billiards have been included
in the existing Zoning Ordinance .as a permitted use and that it
would not have been necessary for the applicant to have come in for
permission to operate such an establishment.
Councilman Marks reiterated the potential problems with a deteriorat-
ing shopping center had prompted the Council to move as fast as
they could to get family housing in. He also pointed out that 3 .2
beer is now being served in a restaurant and bowling alley which
are both family oriented. .However, as he had indicated at the
• last meeting, he is convinced any business with a 50 percent minor
clientele should not be permitted to serve 3. 2 beer. Mr. Wildes
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then inquired whether any type of- business , including saunas , could
rent out the vacant space in. the shopping center and Mr. Soth said
• "probably not since the -.City Ordinance only provides for "health
spas" , which he told Jan Moen, 2909. 32nd Avenue N.E. , could not
be classified as "rap parlors".
Peggy -Ondrey, 2904 - 32nd Avenue N.E. , wanted .to know why the
ordinance couldn' t be tightened up and the Attorney told her the
amendment procedure would take at. least a month with consideration
by both the Council and Planning 'Commission and hearings before the
public,. and he .doubts that would .be. of any benefit in this case
since any attempt by. the City to .change the Ordinance for the
purpose of blocking this operation:.would be grandfathered in with
the change in any event.
When Mr. Soth reminded those . present. that permits for the amuse-
ment devices had already been approved for Chick' s , Virgil Gottwalt
indicated he doesn' t believe any family oriented community would
like this type of operation. and _said older people are afraid to
walk past the young people who congregate near the Fun Center now.
Councilman Ranallo told. him it would have been considered dis-
criminatory for the Council to deny the licenses for cigarettes
and the amusement devices for Chick 's since both have been approved
for both. bowling alleys in the City as well as-. for the mall area of
Apache Plaza. Mr.. Gottwalt said he was objecting to having to live
where he can -see a pool hall operation 24 hours a day , to which
Councilman Ranallo replied that the Council had not been aware that
Chick ' s might be open all night when they approved those licenses .
The Mayor added that he believes there is nothing a municipality
can do to prevent a business fromstaying open all night but at
least beer can' t be served after 1 :0.0 A.M. He would be willing
to do what he can to convince the applicant he should not stay
open that long and noted that St. Anthony residents as a practice
do not stay up for 24 hours at a time, but acknowledged the City
could do nothing to keep people from outside the City from coming in .
Mrs . Glodek speculated that "the spillover could beincredible"
and asked who she should call to report problems , the St. Anthony
or Minneapolis police-. The Mayortold her she would probably have
to report the problem to St. Anthony if the problem originated
there. Alderman Dziedzic told how the Minneapolis police force is
being cut down, especially the East side , which Chief Bouza con-
siders. to be a "low crime area" . He would therefore anticipate a
diminished ability to .patrol his ward near St. Anthony and said
Minneapolis ' ability to respond to calls for assistance at the
Stonehouse might also be affected. In reference to the inherent
problems with pool halls , the Alderman cited a recent incident
in Minneapolis where 10 or 12 squad cars had to respond to an
altercation at 4 :00 A.M. where combatants were using pool cues as
weapons . He told the Council that he was not trying to tell them
how to .run their City , but just -reflecting the concerns of his
• constituency.
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Mrs . Gottwalt wondered if a .freeze could be put on the number of
amusement devices . Mr. .Soth responded by saying an ordinance
• specifying only .so many amusement devices could be established but
cautioned .the ordinance could not be made so -restrictive that one
area of . the City. was discriminated against while other areas were
permitted to keep their games . Councilman Ranallo indicated because
Chick 's has -already been granted thesepermits , -. the new ordinance
might not be . effective for solving this particular problem. Mr. Soth
agreed to research the matter further.
Airs . Kuharski then asked for a .straw vote of the Council to see how
individual Council members would have voted on the beer license , if
it hadn' t been withdrawn. She said she 'was concerned with the
civil rights of citizens .to limit beer licenses and whether or
not the. Council would support a freeze on gaming devices , since
in her opinion.; there are. enough fun _centers, game .rooms and billiard
halls in the City.
The Mayor said he understood from- the City Attorney's advice , that
the City could not prevent this operation from having a 3.2 beer
license since the precedent had been set for permitting similar
operations to serve beer where there are minor customers . He said
he would be glad to work on an ordinance to restrict the number of
amusement devices. Councilman Ranallo told the protesters he
would have voted "no beer" and had voted to approve the cigarette
and amusement device licenses for Chick's on the advice of the City
Attorney.
• Councilman Marks said .he is against 3..2 beer being served where
minors are customers and he is not very positive about video games
for the same reason and would therefore be interested in the
possibility of limiting them by ordinance .
Councilman Enrooth indicated it had been his recommendation at the
last meeting to table the beer license request because it had come
up too quickly and he was unable to determine exactly what was
being developed with the Chick's proposal and the testimony offered
that evening. had only reaffirmed his - doubts . He agreed with Council-
man Ranallo that there had been no legal justification for refusing
to grant the cigarette and -amusement devices licenses , but, if the
City is able to limitthe games , he believes "we have enough" .
Councilman .Letourneau said he had voted to table the beer license
request for further information and based on the information that
is now available , would probably vote against the beer license. He
would certainly- be interested in looking at 'ways of limiting game
licenses and could support such .action if this can be done legally.
One resident asked when the freeze could be put on , saying "the
St. Anthony Shopping Center hasn't had this type of- element before ,
and he ' s going to be operating 24 hours a day" .
• Mrs . i-�ichaelov .wanted to know who would be responsible to answer
to the people who "are bound to become victims of either burglaries
or assault" .
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Mrs . Ondrey wanted to know whether a security guard would be required
• and was told Mr. Springfield had indicated he uses off duty police-
men in Coon Rapids to provide security. She then inquired as to
what leverage the City might have to encourage Mr. Springfield to
cut back on his hours of operation and the Mayor told her the
petition might convince the -billiard hall proprietor that the
community doesn '.t want. an all night business , since he had withdrawn
his beer application when he learned there would be so much opposi-
tion to it from- the neighborhood. - He promised to' continue negotiations
with Mr. Springfield.
Councilman Ranallo promised- to alert: the community before the Fun
Center licenses come up for renewal March 15th.
Alvin C. Tengvall, 2343 . Harding Street N.E. , . reported one of his
workers who had been in Chick-' s in Coon Rapids at 1 :15 A.M. had
witnessed a brawl with five men armed with pool cues fighting and
observed there were no guards on duty at the time . Councilman
Ranallo added that when he had been in the establishment at 8:00 P .M. ,
and no guards were visible to -him-.- Mayor Sundland said Mr. Spring-
field had said uniformed protection would be provided, if necessary .
Mrs . Makowske .indicated she believes "it is very admirable for the
Council to communicate with.. tlie community" as they had in this
instance. However, she said. she was surprised to see no-reference
to the Council' s July 13th discussion in the City 's newspaper . She
believes any deviation from the normal to this extent would have been
of interest to the residents and should have been publicized. She
suggested the omission to be remembered when .the City' s official
newspaper is selected at the end of the year: .
Another resident commented that "all this feedback is not going to
prevent this operation in the City" , and, "the City has no leverage
to keep the establishment from operating 24 hours a day, and Mr.
Springfield is not going to make money if he closes early" . It
was this resident' s contention that the St. Anthony and Minneapolis
police have all they can do to handle the existing problems in the
area, citing a recent disturbance on Old Highway 8 as an example.
Councilman Marks believed the cigarette and amusement devices
approvals were based on letters of references from merchants in the
same shopping center and, in view of the reported disturbance in
Chick's place the night before , suggested those references should
be rechecked. Councilman Ranallo doubted persons who might give
a negative reaction would be sought for a, reference and said such
disturbances. often don' t show up on police logs. He mentioned
that it had been reported that a complaint about minors being served
beer in the bowling alley had not been logged in the City.
Mr. Soth said if evidence can be found that any of the letters were
falsified that might constitute grounds for revocation of the licenses
which. have been granted but noted the City police investigation
showed up negative. The Attorney cautioned against capriciously
• denying a license if a clear distinction cannot be made between
that business and other businesses which are permitted the same license.
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He believes that, -if Chick 's had demanded a beer license there might
have been a litigation if the distinction had not. been clearly demon-
strated- between this business and other types of businesses where
beer is permitted. It is also opinion that the City would have to
renew Chick 's games licenses unless some ordinance is violated in their
operation such as , their use for . gambling purposes . He told Tom
Schluender, 2708 27th Avenue N.E , the City would have to prove the
relationship between the license and any disturbance which occurs ,
but a good solid record of police problems in the establishment might
provide grounds for revocation. When Mr. Schluender suggested the
City might set the limits for licenses to less, than now exist, hoping
to eliminate- those in the. billiard hall, Mr. Soth indicated he foresees
that might be a problem. Ron Gates ,. 2816 Coolidge Street N.E. wanted
the City to. determine whether or . not the five references were legitimate
because he doesn' t believe "the City needs another place to add to the
existing traffic problems in thatpart of the City. " Mr. Gates -is con-
cerned that "when the bars .close all the drunks will head for this place
which is open all night. Jean Hayden who operates J.D. 's Total Look
near the Fun Center at 2904 Pentagon Drive- said- she hastrouble exiting
from her establishment because of all the cars and kids congregating
near the Fun Center.. She didn't -know how the police could watch the
billiard hall at one end of the center when they can' t do anything
now about the kids making a drag strip out of the parking lot at the
other end at 11 :00 P .M. everynight. She suggested the Council members
might find it interesting to observe the number of kids who are waiting
to get into the center at 8 : 45 'A.M. The Mayor said every time the
licenses for the Fun Center come up , the Police Department say they
have no problems with the operation.
Mr. Gates pointed out the traffic hazards he anticipates from young
people speeding through the parking lot near the Red Owl where old and
very young customers must walk to get to the grocery store.
Mr. Childs requested that anybody who fails to get an adequate response
to a call to the police department should call him personally, at home ,
and the Mayor added. "if Mr. Childs tells you to call, he means it. "
He said the problem with the Police Department is that they can't be
everywhere at once. He said he also believes persons- living in Minn-
eapolis should have a perfect right to inform the .City if they have
problems with Shopping Center activities .
Mary Jane Parish, 2812 Silver Lake Road,. asked who owned the space
where Chick' s will be opened and was told the owner is, Max Saliterman
and it is the City ' s inability to get him to reverse the deteriorating
conditions of the properties. he owns in- that section of St. Anthony
Shopping Center which has prompted the Council to initiate a redevelop-
ment and revitalization program which would provide housing for the area.
The Mayor. explained the process involving the establishment of a Housing
and Redevelopment Authority and a Tax Increment District but said the
fact that the area might be revitalized would not be .justification
for denying the licenses to Chick 's . Councilman Enrooth added that the
City anticipates the revitalization program would take about two years
• at best and any attempt to accelerate the process might involve the City
in serious . litigation. The Mayor then told Mrs . Gerber that, although
the City will have to aid the existing tenants to relocate they do not
have to be relocated in the same area..
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When Mrs .. Parish requested the residents be notified of any further dev—
elopmentsrelated to the Chick 's operation well in advance of such action,
• the Mayor told her he believes it was a miscalculation on his part not
to ..have contacted Alderman Dziedzic and the press about the matter.
Councilman Ranallo reported he had contacted the New Brighton, newspaper
regarding their lack of coverage of th.e controversy. which had arisen
about .the beer license during the last meeting. It was also noted that
the newspaper had only listed a "billiard parlor" consideration when
it published, the, agenda- for this meeting- - and. had omitted any reference
to the beer. license. Alderman Dziedzic indicated he disagreed that the
City could .do nothing .to prevent Chick"s from locating in the City sugg-
esting a Finding of Facts be developedwhich would include the fact
that ,at least 70. residents- don 't want the establishment near their
homes: He also believes the fact that the City didn't know Chick 's
in Coon Rapids was an all night operation and would probably stay open
24 hours a day in. St. Anthony- should be grounds . for revoking the licenses
which have been granted and for not proceeding with the beer license.
It is his opinion that the City could win .any litigation which followed
such action because recent court rulings have seemed to reaffirm that
municipalities have the right to. determine the kind of businesses
they believe should operate within their boundaries .
Mrs . Mary Dubay ,-3012 32nd Avenue N.E. , believed there is too much emphasis
being placed on .teenagers who create disturbances , saying she had met
a "delightful" girl who is President of the Student Council and who
signed the petition- because she doesn't like what goes on down at the
• Fun Center. Mrs . Dubay also mentioned the recent accomplishments of the
St. Anthony .High School marching band. Councilman Ranallo told her he
sees band members in the Fun Center all the time.
Alderman Dziedzic again .urged, the' City to investigate the possibility
of calling in the licenses . which had been granted- to Chick's but Mr. Childs
cautioned against interfering with the owner's Constitutional rights .
Mr. Soth said it. should be -easy to find out whether or not the letters
of recommendation for Chick 's had been forged. However, he did not
agree with- the Alderman that .the fact that residents don ' t want a bus-
iness is sufficient basis for:-not -granting a...license where a clear cut
distinction cannot .be made between this business and other places
such as the bowling alley in the same area. However,' he was willing
to research whether. the fact that these 'other places do not stay open
all night . might provide a basis for such. .a .distinction.
The Minneapolis official replied that the City of Minneapolis ' success
in curtailing the My Place bperation , .in his. opinion, reaffirmed the
City ' s rights and in -this- case, he reported there- were only 10. neighbors
who appeared to object to the establishment. Mr. Soth asked .whether
there was a real similarity in cases since the licenses have already
been issued to Chick 's.- Councilman Ranallo asked Alderman Dziedzic,
why, if Minneapolis has been so successful in getting rid of objectionable
establishments there is a place on. Lowry .which sells X,-rated movies and
there is a sauna operating on Central. Mrs . Kuharski believes the
residents would support the use of tax monies to fight this case
• and. prevent "our children and us from being exposed .to activities which
can be expected from the pool hall . " Mr. Sotfi reminded. her again that
the licenses. have no real connection with the pool hall which is permitted
under City Zoning Ordinance and said, "even is the licenses were eliminated
the billiard operation would still be there. "
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When Mrs . Gerber wondered whether picketing the location would be
• effective. Al Haik,_ 291.6 Hilldale , told the Council, "If you deny
him the licenses he ' ll probably go away. The citizens are just asking
you not to help him. "
There was also ,a suggestion made :that the Coon Rapids police might not
have given a valid assessment of the operation in their city. Mrs .
P'iichaelov .suggested checking other businesses in the same shopping
center with - Chick' s. to get their reaction to the fight which had been
reported by Mr. Tengvall.
Councilman Marks reminded the residents that. the City had lost a good
deal of moneywhen it had attempted to get an existing operation in the
City to become more acceptable to the neighbors and believes it would be
foolish to .risk a court case unless the City could be certain of winning.
Motion by Councilman Marks and seconded by Councilman Ranallo to direct
the City Attorney to put,,-together a case which might be used to encourage
.the proprietor'of Chick 's Billiards not to continue his operation in the
City of St. Anthony.
Motion carried unanimously.
The residents were encouraged to report any complaints about the operation.
Mrs . Kuharski requested the City to tighten up the-.ordinances to prevent
other objectionable businesses from going in the same area. Councilman
• Ranallo saying he. is concerned someone might try to open a sauna
somewhere in the City but the-.Council had been advised not to pursue
the adoption of 'a special City. Ordinance but rather to deal with each
request on an individual basis . The Attorney cautioned against
any action which might result in a .Declaratory Judgment being filed
against the City.
Motion by Councilman Ranallo and seconded by Councilman Marks to direct
the City Attorney to research the freezing of amusement device licenses
for the City at the number which now exist and to have his report
referred to the Planning Commission for their consideration and rec-
ommendations .
motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Marks and seconded by Councilman Enrooth to direct
staff to report back on the procedures which are followed for licensing
entertainment/amusement establishments .
Motion carried unanimously..
Gary Schneider, 2352 Harding Street N.E . , advised the Council that the
crew renovating Chick' s are working 12 hours a-,*,.day to get finished
and the Mayor told him .Mr. Springfield had told him he is putting
$35 ,000 into the remodeling of the building and anticipates opening
around the third week in August. Mr. Schneider told the Council he
• would think any type of liquor for that location would be unacceptable.
A letter from Mr. and Mrs . Kermit Sutton, . 2332 Harding Street N.E . ,
requesting that, "no business license- of any' kind be issued for Chick' s
Billiard Bar" was accepted as part of the testimony . Input was also
provided by Bill Zawislak, 2500 34th Ave. N.E. and John Dubay , 3023-32nd
Ave. N.E.
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Councilman Enrooth told those present the matter will be again under
discussion. by the Council during their August 10th meeting and invited
• them all to attend. He thanked anyone who had called him, saying these
were some of the- first calls he has. had from .residents since he became
a Councilman and he urged them all to feel free to contact him on
other issues as well in the future .
Before recessing the .meeting at 9 : 40 . P .M. , the Mayor told those
present he certainly appreciates- the large number of residents who took
the time to come to express their concerns . He told them the job of
a City official can become boring and difficult if there is no citizen
input and it is:;-very satisfying to find. out just what the citizenry
wants for their community. He asked their input related to some of the
financial decisions which must be made as well.
The meeting was reconvened at 9--:50 P .M.
Motion by Mayor Sundland and seconded' by Councilman Enrooth to grant
a multiple housing permit to. Sentinel Management for. Equinox Apartments .,
Motion carried unanimously.
Brad Bjorklund was present to request .a permit to use Central Park
for an icecream soci.al. in honor of District 63 DFL legislative candidates ,
George Marks and Neil Dieterich, the afternoon of August 21, 1982 .
Icecream cones will be sold for 10� each and they will get a permit
from Hennepin County to do so.. The Mayor reminded the other Council
• members that the park .would also have to be made available to other
candidates, as well , should they request it, if this event is approved.
Mr. Bjorklund. assured the Council. that the signage for the event would
comply with the City Sign Ordinance.
Motion by Councilman Enrooth and seconded by Councilman Ranallo to
grant a permit to Brad Bjorklund for the candidates meeting. held in the
Central Park.. th.e afternoon. of August 21, 1982 .
Voting on the motion:
Aye : Enrooth, Ranallo, Letourneau and Sundland.
Abstention : Marks .
Motion Carried.
Motion by Councilman Ranallo and seconded. by Councilman Marks to approve
payment of $2 , 527 for membership dues in the League of Minnesota Cities .
Motion carried unanimously.
Kathleen McKenna, representing the Sentinel Management ' Company - 7401
Metro Boulevard, Edina, who are .now managing the. Equinox Apartments ,
2808 Silver Lane , was present to discuss with the Council the- possibility
of developing the berm on the Silver Lane side of the property for
• housing, which the company is suggesting because there have been
so many complaints related to the berm's maintenance and there have
been at least two injuries reported in. that area. She showed an arch. .-._._. -
itect's conception of three different options for developing the -berm
which included 8 homes- with 70 foot wide lots.; eighteen family townhomes ,
-12-
or twelve duplexes , which she plans to take to the homeowners on the
• other side of Silver Lane as well as the Planning Commission.
Mayor Sundland reiterated the suggestion he had made in a previous letter
to the Equinox managers that the proposal should be worked out with the
Silver Lane residents in accordance with the covenant put on the deed
for the apartment complex and he .told the management representative he
is almost certain it would be the single family homes which would be
most likely to win the neighbor' s approval. Ms . McKenna responded that,
"it is not her firm's intention to "force anyone to accept any proposal , "
but rather, to find some other use for the berm then the existing one
which has been a .source of irritation to the neighborhood for years .
Mr. Enrooth suggested Sentinel might be able to sell the proposal to
the residents if they include in their plans an access onto Silver Lane
which would be designed to reduce some of the existing traffic hazards
on that street.
Brad. Bjorklund identified himself as the .-Treasurer for the League of.
Women Voters and .sdid his organization has- used the party room at the
apartment complex for years under the provision for a community meeting
room written into the covenant. He was concerned this provision might
be written out of any- new. agreement and .said he believes , "the public
has a vested interest in being notified of -any possible changes in the
covenant. "
Councilman Marks pursued the matter .of garage security for the apartments
which had been addressed in the July 13th letter from Bob Olson, Equinox
manager , to Larry Hamer which .had been included in the agenda packet.
Ms . McKenna said she agreed with Mr. Olson that .the garage fire wall
separations would not be feasible because the resulting turning radius
for individual parking spaces would .be too small for easy access .
Mr. Childs had distributed copies of the letter he had written to Sentinel
July 26th, in which he had attempted to clarify .some of the confusion
related to the St. Anthony police policy regarding security for the
garages. and had suggested ways in which burglaries and vandalsim
might be prevented. The Sentinel representative told the Council
Equinox' .record has not been too bad as compared with other apartments
her firm manages . She believes the security patrols which would now
be provided, should aid in alleviating some of the problems .
The Council had been provided copies of the Mayor's letters to Mayor
June Demos and the City staff of Roseville as well as to the St. Anthony
Fire, Police, Public Works departments and the Fire Reserves , thanking
them individually for the part they had played in the successful
toxic chemical removal operation which had taken place on St. Anthony 's
border with Roseville. He had .also provided them with a copy of his
July 27th memorandum related to the cost distributions for the rebuilding
of the St. . Anthony Boulevard bridge as reflected inthe proposed
resolution, which was included. Attached to these documents was a
copy of the July 23rd letter - from Richard P. Braun, Commissioner of the
• Minnesota Department of Transportation giving the state' s explanation
of changes in calculations for those costs . The Manager reported rec-
eiving apologies from DOT officials and recommended passage of the proposed
resolution accepting those changes .
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Motion by Councilman Marks and seconded by Councilman Enrooth to adopt
the resolution which accepts the State 's share of the costs of rebuilding
• the St. Anthony Boulevard bridge as $213 ,265. 61 .which will result in an
increase in the amount of MSA funds the City will have to expend for
the project.
RESOLUTION 82-037
A RESOLUTION REGARDING PAYMENT OF COSTS
FOR ST. ANTHONY BOULEVARD BRIDGE.
Motion carried. unanimously .
Councilman Marks. reported. that, in. a recent conversation with a resident
who.. lives near Silver Point Park, he ' learned that resident -takes her
children toa Minneapolis park. to- play because the Minneapolis system
provides .sand parks. for younger children, where Silver Point has
asphalt paths and play areas .
Irving Peterson was present to report the actions taken and recommend-
ations madeby the Planning Commission during their July 20.th meeting,
as reflected in the minutes of that meeting. Following a report
from Mr. Berg and an indication from the ..City Attorney that he would
anticipate there would be no legal problems with the 12 foot land transfer
requested by. Kenneth Lee, . the. Council took the following action:
Motion by Councilman Ranallo and seconded by Councilman Marks to adopt
• Resolution 82-0-36, which. approves the subdivision without platting of a
12 foot strip. of land described as- the. east 12 feet of *Lot 11*, Block 1,
Penrod Addition, as .requested by Hedlund, Lee , et al, from the property
currently known as. 3909 Silver. Lake' Road to that at 3904 Penrod Lane ,
as long as the transfer in no way affects the Hedlund PUD requirements ,
specifically those related to fencing, landscaping and parking. The
Council finds, as did the Planning .Commission that:
(-11, There was no public opposition demonstrated against the transfer
during the public hearing.
[2) Thei_transfer is not anticipated to have an adverse impact on the
abutting properties andwould not be considered to .in any way diminish
the conditions set by the PUD.
(3) The existing- large oak tree on the site would probably be saved
with. the transfer.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Lee reiterated the reasons he sees for permitting him to construct
the five foot, nine gauge fence which will divide these properties
rather than to have the redwood fence which Mr. Morris had agreed to
construct-' on his side of the property , which according to Mr. Lee
"would never be - as durable ,as the chain link fence . " He told the
Council the fence he is proposing had been ordered quite a while ago
along with the fencing for the other two sides of his property and
he had to have all the materials returned because of the confusion of
whether or not he would be permitted to constuct the fence on his
property. He also said, if the City insists on a six foot height, commer-
cial rather than residential type of materials would be required, which
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would be much more expensive , and pointed out that residential fences
are normally no higher than -five feet. Mr. Soth confirmed there would
• be no problem with the PUD since Mr. Lee 's prpoerty would still be part
of the PUD, and in conformance with the new Fence Ordinance , the fence
would have to be constructed on Mr. Lee 's property, if he owns it.
He read the original Concept Plan wording "A pedestrian barrier is to
be provided of chain link fencing between the commercial and residential
areas . . . " which, in his opinion, precludes the necessity for any further
public hearings and the Attorney said his research of associated materials
had failed to .indicate exactly where the PUD required landscaping.
Mr. Lee said he intends to terrace the rear of his property.
Councilman Enrooth wondered if -the proceeds of the $3,200 Letter of
Credit, which are being- held by. the City , could not be used to compensate
Mr. Lee for the additional cost of installing a six foot fence .
Mr. Soth reiterated that the PUD did not specifically require the fence
to be six feet tall , but Councilman Ranallo indicated he couldn' t
see how the .City could require less than a six foot fence be built
by Mr. Lee when Mr. Hedlund was going to be required to provide a fence
of that height.
The Mayor conif rmed that, "the City would bear the additional costs
of constructing a six foot fence , with no slats ,. where Mr. Lee has pro-
posed building a five foot fence , " recalling the Council had agreed
slatting should not be required because fencing of this type has not
held up over the years-. Staff was directed to inform Mr. Morris , the
proprietor of the hair styling shop at 3909 Silver Lake Road that, unless
the fencing required for the side yards�i of his property is installed
within 30 days , the proceeds of .the Letter of Credit will be used to
do the job.
Motion by Mayor Sundland and seconded by Councilman Marks to direct
staff to cause a six foot = chain link fence with no slats to be installed,
as per Council direction, on the property at 3904 Penrod Lane within 30
days .
Motion carried unanimously .
Councilman Marks indicated he did not believe the conditions , related to
the hardship which the Ordinance would cause for Walter Parkins if
he were not granted a five foot variance to build the garage addition
he proposes , had been adequately addressed by the Planning Commission
in their motion recommending approval. Mayor Sundland observed that
the City is always complaining about vehicles parked outside but Council-
man Ranallo questioned whether the garage would actually have to be
more than 43 feet in length to provide for four vehicles . The Parkins '
were not present for the discussion.
Motion by Councilman Enrooth and.- seconded by- Councilman - Ranallo to
table the action on the Parkins request until such time as the Planning
Commission can be more specific as to the hardship they believe would
be demonstrated if the Parkins ' request for a five foot variance were
not granted:
• Motion carried unanimously .
• -15-
A majority of the Council perceived the conditions set for granting
• variances had been adequately addressed in the recommendation for approval
of the Thompson variance request. However, Councilman Enrooth was
troubled by the fact that one of the Thompson' s neighbor' s , a Mr. Ella,
that had indicated to him he had not "realized just what. his neighbors
were putting in. " Orville Thompson was present and took exception
to this remark saying "he stood right there with me when Mrs . Makowske
was taking the measurements and commented, in her hearing, that he
couldn' t understand why I would need' any variance for what I was going
to do. " Playor Sundland reported looking .at the property a couple of
times and said he could see no reason why the addition should have an
adverse effect on any of the abutting properties because of the way
. Belden is laid out, . and he certainly agrees that, with the wholesale
florist operation behind him, "there is no'-. way Mr. Thompson can build
on the back. "
Motion by Councilman Marks and seconded by Councilman.' Ranallo to follow
the Planning Commission recommendation to grant a seven.- foot variance
to the .City Zoning Ordinance requirement that- front yards have setbacks
of 30 feet to permit the construction of a garage addition as proposed
by Orville Thompson which would be 23 feet from the front property line
of Lot 13 , Block 1, Belden. Terrace Second Addition, finding, as did the
Commission, that:
(1) On a curvature of the nature of Belden, the effect of a protruding
addition is less detrimental -to the adjacent property than on a
straight street.
• (2) The addition would not appear to have an adverse impact on their
properties or interfere with the sight line for Mr. Thompson's
neighbors .
(3) No neighbor opposition to the variance was demonstrated -during any
of the hearings on . the proposal.
The Council also finds that:
(4) Because of the siting of the existing Thompson home , there is no,-
way the'.addition -could be built on the back.
Voting on the motion :
Aye : Marks ,- Ranallo, Sundland and Letourneau.
Nay : Enrooth..
Motion carried.
The Commission .report -on the Nelson earth home as well as their meeting
with the Cable T.V. representative were noted with interest. Mr. Childs
later told -the Council the proposed 90 page Cable T.V. ordinance would
be available for them to read in the office. He then reported the light-
• ing which has been such a problem for the Morris shop at 3909 Silver
Lake Road had been permanently removed because there is no .: need for night
lighting when the shop closes at 8 :00 P .M.
-16-
Mr. Soth indicated the documentation he believes should be provided
before the final platting of the Midland Office Addition.
Motion. by Councilman Marks and seconded by Councilman Enrooth to approve
the preliminary platting of . Lots 3 and 4 ,. Block 2 , St. Anthony Office
Park Addition (also identified as 2817 Anthony Lane South) as the
Midland Park ..Addition which .would combine the two .lots and officially .
transfer a 60 foot x 212. 46 foot tract of land to the westerly abutting
property.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Financial Monthly and Seventh Month Investment . Reports from the
Finance Director were acknowledged with. appreciation.
Information on the emergency education network .video tele-conference to
be carried through KTCA was accepted as informational, as were the notes
on the July 21st staff meeting and information related to the landfill
abatement proposal from Ramsey County.
Mr. Childs had included in the- agenda'-packet a memo responding to the
Management Letter submitted by Adrian S. Helgeson Company in conjunction
with the City ' s 1981 audit. - - -
He announced that the Kenzie Terrace senior housing proposal had passed
by a 5 to 0 vote of the Metropolitan Council which he perceives should
be a positive factor in its final acceptance by HUD.
• The manager then reported that,. because there are major differences
between the City and the 49 'ers , the contract negotiations have gone
to mediation.
Carol Johnson had reported her research_ on. the economic. fe.asibility of
the City selling motor vehicle registrations,, which. she 'said indicated
the municipalities who do -provide this- service.- have told her is a
"pain in the neck but a money maker.. " . Because he sees the service as
one which. the residents .might like provided, Councilman Ranallo rec-
ommended the possibility bepursued further. The Council. agreed that
staff, should proceed toinvestigate further.
When a decision had .to be. made .as to whenthe public hearing on the Kenzie
Terrace Redevelopment Plan should be scheduled, Dick. Krier who was present
for the HRA meeting to follow, sugge"sued that, because it is apparent
the August 10th. agenda would' be crowded, it might be preferable to
defer the hearing to the..Council' s next: meeting.
Mr. Krier invited the Council members to attend the meeting of St. Anthony
Chapter of the. Suburban Chamber of.- Commerce August 19th, where the
Chamber would discuss the redevelopment plan.
Motion by Councilman Enrooth and seconded by Councilman Ranallo to
schedule the public . hearing on the Kenzie Terrace Redevelopment to
be held at 8:00 P.M. during the Council 's August 24th meeting.
• Motion carried unanimously.
• -17-
Ben Lonsky , representing the City Fire Reserves was present to request
that the Council at least indicate they agreed in principle- with
• the proposed relief pension agreement which had been drawn up even
though the City Attorney had indicated he wanted to review it before
final approval.
Motion by Councilman Marks andseconded by Councilman Enrooth to adopt
Resolution 82-038 which authorizes the Manager and Mayor to enter into
and execute an agreement with the St. Anthony Volunteer Firefighters
based on the draft agreement as discussed by the City Council and
as approved by the City Attorney.
RESOLUTION 82-038
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
AND CITY MANAGER TO_ ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE ST. ANTHONY VOL-
UNTEER FIREFIGHTERS RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
Motion carried unanimously .
Motion by Councilman Letourneau and seconded by Councilman Enrooth to
adjourn the meeting at 11: 10 P.M.
Motion carried unanimously.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
• Helen Crowe , Secretary
Ma or
ATTEST:
- Of,A,44 Jq,
City Clerk
•