HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 05271997 Meeting Sheet
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Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1997
Document: CC MINUTES 05271997-
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
4V3 MAY 27, 1997
4 I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL.
5 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by
6 Mayor Ranallo.
7 H. ROLL CALL.
8 Councilmembers Present: Ranallo, Marks, Enrooth, Wagner, and Faust.
9 Also Present: City Manager Michael Mornson and Finance Director Roger Larson.
10 Councilmembers Absent: None.
11 III. APPROVAL OF MAY 27, 1997 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
12 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to approve the May 27, 1997 Regular Council Meeting
13 Agenda as presented.
14
15 Motion carried unanimously.
16 IV. APPROVAL OF MAY 13, 1997 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.
17 Motion by Wagner, second by Enrooth to approve the May 13, 1997 City Council Regular
18 Meeting Minutes with the following changes:
09 Page 3, Line 7: Replace "Sunday" with "Tuesday".
20 Page 5, Line 3: After the word "retiring" add "from his full-time job".
21 Motion carried unanimously.
22 V. LICENSES/PERMITS/PETITIONS.
23 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to approve the following licenses:
24 Contractors License:
25 Scenic Sign Corporation, Sauk Rapids, MN/Great Clips
26 DKH Excavating, Inc. Shakopee, MN/demo old City Hall
27 All State Construction Service, Inc./working at 3713 Foss Road
28 Hage Construction Company, St. Louis Park, MN/working at 2905 W. Armour
29 Multiple Dwelling License:
30 3820 Macalaster Drive, Sandberg Family Partnership/46 Units
31 Equinox Apartments/Sentinenal Management Company/266 Units
32 Highcrest Manor/Wesley Robertson/69 Units
33 Garbage Haulers License:
34 Lightning Disposal Inc., St. Paul, MN (Commercial License)
35 Larry's Quality Sanitation, Ramsey, MN (Residential)
36 Woodlake Sanitary, Inc., Circle Pines, MN (Residential)
�7 Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 27, 1997
• Page 2
1 Motion by Faust, second by Wagner to approve the following permit:
2 Temporary 3.2 Beer Permit:
3 August 9, 1997/Family Picnic/Therese Louiselle
4 Vote on the motion: Ranallo, Faust, Enrooth and Wagner voted aye. Marks voted naye.
5 Motion carried.
6 VI. PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS.
7 Motion by Marks, second by Enrooth to approve the following claims:
8
9 A. Rieke Carroll Muller Associates, Inc. in the amount of$4,307.74 for professional
10 services rendered from March 30, 1997 to April 26, 1997 in regard to 1997
11 street/watermain improvements.
12 B. 4 pages of Verified Claims as presented by the Finance Director.
13 Motion carried unanimously.
VII. REPORTS.
5 A. Planniniz Commission _ May 20, 1997.
16 1. J. Kahn, Lot Area Variance.
17 Planning Commissioner George Thompson was present to report on the issues addressed at the
18 May 20, 1997 Planning Commission meeting.
19 Commissioner Thompson reported that a Public Hearing was held on May 20, 1997 to
20 consider a lot area variance request for Janice Kahn for property located at 39th Avenue and
21 Penrod Lane. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission to grant the variance as long
22 as the house was built within the setback and lot coverage requirements.
23 Thompson reported the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of
24 the lot area variance of 1,800 square feet provided Ms. Kahn constructs a house that is within
25 the setback and lot coverage requirements for a residential corner lot and as it meets the
26 following criteria of a variance request:
27 1. This land cannot be put to reasonable use without granting the variance;
28 2. The hardship was not created by the landowner but is unique to the individual and this
29 lot;
30 3. This variance is within the spirit of the redevelopment of St. Anthony and economic
31 considerations are not the sole criteria.
32 4. No one appeared to speak against this request.
•3 Marks asked if there were any other lots nearby that land could be obtained from to obliterate
34 the need for this variance.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 27, 1997
• Page 3
1 Thompson stated there were not. He also reported that two neighbors of the property were
2 present at the Public Hearing. Mr. Robert Lee questioned the elevation of the lot. Mr. Scott
3 Jahner asked what the house would look like.
4 Enrooth confirmed that the proposed home would meet the 35% lot coverage requirement.
5 Ms. Janice Kahn, applicant, verified that the house would meet the requirement.
6 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to approve the lot area variance of 1,800 square feet for
7 Janice Kahn, 39th Avenue NE and Penrod Lane, based on the findings of the Planning
8 Commission.
9 Motion carried unanimously.
10
11 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None.
12 IX. NEW BUSINESS.
13 A. Renewal of City's Insurance Coverage.
14 Motion by Marks, second by Enrooth to approve the League of Minnesota Cities insurance
15 renewal for insurance coverage for June 1, 1997 to May 31, 1998.
06 Mayor Ranallo noted this issue had been discussed and reviewed at the May 6, 1997, Council
17 Work Session.
18
19 Motion carried unanimously.
20
21 B. Resolution 97-032, re: Street Improvements for 33rd Avenue NE between Silver Lake
22 Road and Highcrest Road.
23 Mr. Bob Moberg, Rieke Carroll Muller Associates, presented the Feasibility Report for this
24 project. The project will consist of pavement rehabilitation and planning similar to that done
25 on 37th Avenue. An exposed aggregate crosswalk is proposed for the corner of 33rd Avenue
26 and Silver Lake Road and the intersection at 33rd Avenue and Rankin Road. Existing
27 sidewalks will be replaced with a five foot wide concrete sidewalk. The sidewalk on 33rd
28 Avenue will be extended from Skycroft Drive to Highcrest Road.
29 Mayor Ranallo asked if the exposed aggregate was more expensive.
30 Mr. Moberg stated he believed it was and that a cost study would be performed.
31 Mr. Moberg explained that in order to accommodate the sidewalk improvements on 33rd
32 Avenue NE between Rankin Road and Skycroft Drive, a masonry retaining wall and chain
33 link fence would have to be installed. There is also an area near Highcrest Road where white
0- pines are located and a retaining wall will be necessary in this location so as not to harm the
trees. Mr. Moberg noted the new sidewalks in the project will be placed adjacent to the curb,
36 minimizing the disturbance to adjoining property and avoiding removal of trees.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 27, 1997
• Page 4
1 Mr. Moberg explained the current roadway is 40 feet wide. State Aid requirements for width
2 are 44 feet. The impacts of widening the roadway to current standards are extensive enough
3 that a variance request will be made to MNDOT to allow construction of proposed
4 improvements.
5 City Manager Mornson asked how long it will take to obtain a variance.
6 Mr. Moberg stated that construction is scheduled for 1998 and he believes there is sufficient
7 time to request a variance.
8 Mr. Moberg explained it will not be possible to maintain two-way traffic during this project
9 due to the narrowness of the street. Traffic will be one-way and the other direction will be
10 detoured to another State Aid road rather than a residential street. Construction will not be
11 allowed during the normal school year, to minimize impacts on the school.
12 Mr. Moberg explained funding for this project will come from the City's Municipal State Aid
13 (MSA) account. This account does have sufficient funds to finance the project. MNDOT
14 policy is that the City is required to finance all preliminary engineering costs and then seek
15 reimbursement from its State Aid account at the time of bid award. Similarly, the City is
16 required to finance all construction engineering costs and then seek reimbursement upon
0 preparation and submittal of the final estimate for payment.
18 Mr. Moberg estimated the project will cost $438,000. Of that amount, approximately $73,000
19 will be engineering and administration costs.
20 Mr. Moberg explained the project schedule. A neighborhood meeting will be held in July
21 1997 to be certain the property owners understand that there will be no assessments for the
22 improvements. Advertisement of bids will occur in September 1997 and bids will open in
23 October 1997. Construction will begin in June 1998 with completion by September 1, 1998.
24 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to approve Resolution 97-032, receiving Feasibility
25 Report and ordering Plans and Specifications for repair and rehabilitation of 33rd Avenue NE
26 between Silver Lake Road and Highcrest Road.
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28 Morrison noted the discussion of the regular 1998 Street Project is on the agenda for the next
29 Council Work Session. Mr. Moberg has recommended that the 1998 and 1999 Street Projects
30 be concentrated in this same area.
31 Mr. Moberg stated he has identified four blocks of street for the 1998 Street Project. These
32 would include Edward Street between 35th and 34th Avenues, Harding Street between 36th
and 34th Avenues and Roosevelt Street between 35th and 34th Avenues. The cost for this
0 improvement would be comparable to the 1997 Street Project. There is more street to be
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 27, 1997
• Page 5
1 repaired but there is significantly less storm sewer and less water main. In 1999 the area
2 would be finished by repairing Edward Street between 34th and 33rd Avenues.
3 There was Council direction for Mr. Moberg to work with Staff to develop a long range
4 Street Project Plan.
5 C. 1996 Audits for the City and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
6 Stuart Bonniwell, City's auditor, explained the results of the City's audit. He noted all funds
7 have a positive fund balance. This reflects well of the City. Mr. Bonniwell noted the special
8 assessments were significant enough to pay all the debt services.
9 Faust asked if there were any areas where the City should be paying off debt to reduce their
10 interest expense.
11 Mr. Bonniwell and Finance Director Larson stated Springsted watches this closely and
12 refinances when the opportunity is available.
13 Mayor Ranallo suggested the Housing and Redevelopment Authority audit report be discussed
14 and noted that the 1997 HRA audit will be considered for approval by the HRA at a future
15 HRA meeting.
aMomson reported he had met with Jerry Gilligan and there are two law changes that the
17 Council should be aware of. Previously, the City has been transferring interest earned in tax
18 increment financing (TIF) accounts to the HRA account. This has allowed a greater
19 flexibility in the use of those funds. As of July 31, 1997, this will no longer be allowed.
20 Interest earned in TIF accounts will be required to remain in TIF accounts.
21 Momson also reported that commercial rates are dropping. He noted CUB Foods and First
22 Bank have signed a shortfall agreement which will provide assistance in that district.
23 Mr. Bonniwell explained the results of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority audit. He
24 noted the Kenzington Economic District has a cash balance of$240,000. This was a TIF
25 district for a shopping center. None of the funds were used for rehabilitation, it was a short-
26 term district and it has been decertified. The Council directed the City Manager to work with
27 Jerry Gilligan of Dorsey & Whitney to determine the appropriate action the City should take
28 regarding the fund balance of the Kenzie Economic District.
29 Mornson reported he had discussed the possibility of transferring the funds to another district
30 with Jerry Gilligan and he has suggested the funds be paid to Hennepin County. The City
31 will then get their percentage back from Hennepin County.
32 The Council then considered the suggestions in Mr. Bonniwell's letter of April 15, 1997.
03 Faust agreed that the expense reimbursements should be reviewed before they are placed on
34 the verified claim list.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 27, 1997
• Page 6
1 There was Council consensus to form a committee of two persons to review the City
2 Manager's expense reimbursements on a monthly basis. Mayor Ranallo and Councilmember
3 Marks volunteered to perform this review. The City Manager will review expense
4 reimbursements submitted by the Department Heads and the appropriate Department Head
5 will sign off on other City Staff.
6 Mayor Ranallo noted this action is being done to strengthen current City procedures and is not
7 to be interpreted that someone is doing something that is incorrect.
8 Morrison reported that Mr. Bonniwell did have possession of the information he had requested
9 in his letter in regard to the Community Center. In regard to documentation for Housing and
10 Redevelopment Authority projects, Mornson stated this was addressed in the Developers
11 Agreement.
12 Mr. Bonniwell explained that the State auditor requires that the City receive documentation
13 from developers receiving direct assistance from the Authority to insure that the assistance
14 was actually used for the purposes granted.
15 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to approve the audit report for the City of St. Anthony
16 for the year ended December 31, 1996, as presented by Stuart J. Bonniwell dated April 15,
0 1997.
18 Motion carried unanimously.
19 Motion by Enrooth, second by Faust to form a Committee consisting of George Marks and
20 Clarence Ranallo to review the expense reimbursements of City Manager and City Manager to
21 review the expense reimbursements of City Staff and to require documentation from
22 developers receiving direct assistance from the Authority to insure that the assistance was
23 actually used for the purposes granted.
24 Motion carried unanimously.
25 Mayor Ranallo thanked Mr. Bonniwell for the work he had performed and for the suggestions
26 included in his letter of April 15, 1997.
27 D. Resolution 97-033, re: Traffic Signals on 39th Avenue NE and Stinson Boulevard.
28 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to approve Resolution 97-033, approving a contractor
29 and awarding the bid Ridgedale Electric of Long Lake, Minnesota at a cost of$58,000 for
30 traffic signals on 39th Avenue NE and Stinson Boulevard.
31 Motion carried unanimously.
VII. REPORTS (continued).
3 B. Councilmembers.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 27, 1997
• Page 7
1 Faust reported he had reviewed the Tax Bill today. He noted the City can ask the County to
2 perform the Board of Review. The request must be made by December 1 and if the City asks
3 the County, they must allow the County to perform the Board of Review for three years.
4 Faust requested that the Finance Director utilize the levy impact formula and measure how
5 much ability the City has to raise the levy for the upcoming year. He asked that this
6 information be presented to the Council prior to the July meeting.
7 Enrooth reported the Village Fest Committee discussed the location of the medallion and that
8 the_Public Works Department will, hide the medallion. The Committee is willing to use the
9 parks for the medallion hunt. Enrooth also noted that an eighth grade boy has requested that
10 his band be able to perform at Village Fest.
11 Faust offered to arrange for a humvee to be in the parade.
12 Marks noted that plans for the visit of the Fire Brigade Band from Finland are moving ahead.
13 A final schedule should be available within a week.
14
15 Marks distributed a copy of two pages which he had downloaded from the City of Maple
16 Plain's website. He noted that a third page of the website included the names and addresses
of the Maple Plain City Council and other officials. He also noted the Maple Plain City Code
was included on the website.
19 C. Mayor.
20 Mayor Ranallo asked Councilmember Enrooth is he would be available to attend the Cable
21 Commission meeting on June 5, 1997.
22 Enrooth stated he believed he was available. If he was not, he would contact Management-
23 Assistant Moore-Sykes.
24 Mayor Ranallo reported he was still working on the Tale of Ten Cities Program on cable.
25 D. City Manager.
26 Mornson referred the Council to the letter from Dorsey & Whitney dated May 19, 1997. He
27 reported the Purchase Agreement for the Tires Plus building has been signed and $1,000 has
28 been submitted to Ste. Marie Company as earnest money. The Purchase Agreement contains
29 an inspection and construction bid contingency which are in effect until the closing date.
30 These contingencies will permit the HRA to back out of the transaction if the bids are too
31 high or the Phase I update reveals unacceptable environmental conditions.
32 Mornson reported closing is scheduled for June 10 at 10:00 A.M. At that time, the HRA, Ste.
33 Marie Company and OPUS will enter into an easement agreement providing for access and
sanitary and storm sewer easements.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 27, 1997
• Page 8
1 1. Tollefson.
2 Morrison reported the City has closed on the Tollefson property. There are a lot of
3 Tollefson's belongings remaining in the building and Mr. Tollefson has been given
4 until Thursday to remove it. Plans are for the building to be demolished Tuesday,
5 June 3, 1997.
6 2. SAV 2 Update.
7 Morrison reported the schedule is as follows: June 3rd - bids due; June 9th - award
8 bids and call for bond sale; June 10 - close on the property; July 8 - award bond sale;
9 June 20 to October 20 - construction. Mornson reported the budget for the project is
10 $650,000; $50,000 for architect/legal, $50,000 for shelving, signs, and asbestos, and
11 $550,000 for construction. This will result in payments of$80,000 per year (the same
12 amount which would be paid if leased) and the building being paid off in 15 years.
13 3. Lot 4 Development.
14 Morrison reported Freedom Gas has proposed a Conoco gas station and car wash for
15 Lot 4 of the Apache Plaza development. The applicant has applied for a conditional
16 use permit for the gas station and car wash. There currently is an asphalt curb
17 between the Tires Plus building and Lot 4. If the development occurs as planned, the
18 asphalt curb may be removed at a later date and a concrete curb installed.
aMornson explained the drainage from the Tires Plus building will include a catch basin
20 with a pipe and another catch basin directing the water to the storm water holding
21 pond. The other 50% of the water from the Tires Plus site will drain into a grid
22 chamber. The City is still negotiating responsibility of the cost of the drainage with
23 Ste. Marie Company and OPUS.
24 Mayor Ranallo stated he did not feel the City of St. Anthony needed another car wash.
25 Enrooth stated he did not feel the City of St. Anthony needed another gas station.
26 Faust stated he felt it was standard procedure to include a car wash with a gas station.
27 He noted that a market analysis had most likely been performed which indicated the
28 City could sustain another gas station/car wash/convenience store in this location.
29 Marks stated he was uncomfortable that the City was not provided with the market
30 analyses which were performed for the developers. He felt the City should be
31 informed as to the results of these studies.
32 4. June 2, 1997 - Park Information Meeting,
33 Mornson noted a memo from Director of Public Works with regard to improvements
34 to Silver Point Park. The basketball stand and ball hoops will be replaced along with
several maintenance corrections including installation of a childrens swing set. These
W costs are included in the Capital Improvement Budget. Mark Flaten, League of
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 27, 1997
• Page 9
1 Minnesota Cities has indicated the childrens swing set can be installed if it meets the
2 requirements. The swing set will be installed on a trial basis.
3 Morrison reported he had met with Bob Kost today. It has been noted that the old
4 play area was 30,000 square feet and the new proposed play area is only 4,500 square
5 feet. In an attempt to increase the size of the play area, different locations are being
6 investigated. Morrison reported the area between the tennis courts and the street was
7 being considered. Mornson reported Mr. Kost is proposing small changes to the other
8 parks in the City. These improvements are limited as there is not a lot of land to work
9- with.
10 The Council suggested other locations for the new play area could include the other
11 side of the tennis courts or the area where the ice rink is located.
12 Morrison reported the goal is to install the tennis courts and some of the playground
13 equipment this fall. He noted however, there is only $20,000 allocated in the budget
14 for this project.
15 Marks stated he would like to see benches installed around the parks for people to sit
16 and visit.
. 0 Morrison reported Staff is considering installation of picnic tables in the green area
18 next to the City Hall.
19 5. Parkview Demolition.
20 Morrison reported the asbestos crew is currently working at Parkview and everything is
21 going according to schedule. Demolition is scheduled to begin in one month.
22 6. Silver Lake Road, Overlay Project.
23 Morrison reported Hennepin County is planning to perform an overlay on Silver Lake
24 Road, south of 29th Avenue NE to south of 37th Avenue NE. This project is
25 estimated to be completed in two weeks and the Hennepin County Public Works
26 Director estimates the improvement will last for 15 years.
27 7. Vacation Dates.
28 Morrison reported he is changing his vacation dates from May 22nd and 23rd to May
29 30th and June 7th and the LMC conference of June 10th to 13th.
30 Morrison reported the motor on the hand earth packer went out the week of May 19, 1997.
31 He authorized the purchase of a new Earth Packing Machine in the amount of $1,511.
32 Morrison reported the School Board approved that the expenses of the joint election of School
WBoardmembers and Councilmembers be split 50150.
4
35 X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 27, 1997
• Page 10
1
2 XI. ADJOURNMENT.
3 Motion by Marks, second by Enrooth to adjourn the meeting at 9:16 P.M.
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5 Respectfully submitted,
6 Lorri Kopischke
7 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial
8
9
10 Mayor
11 ATTEST:
12 City Clerk
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