HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 08111998 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 19
Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1998
Document: CC MINUTES 08111998
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1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 AUGUST 11, 1998
4 I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL.
5 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 P.M. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor
6 Ranallo.
7 II. ROLL CALL.
8 Councilmembers Present: Ranallo, Marks, Faust, and Cavanaugh.
9 Councilmembers Absent: Thuesen.
10 Also Present: City Manager Mike Morrison.
11 III. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 11, 1998 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
12 Motion by Marks, second by Cavanaugh to approve the August 11, 1998 Regular Council
13 Meeting Agenda as presented.
14 Motion carried-unanimously.
15 IV. APPROVAL OF JULY 28, 1998 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
16 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve the July 28, 1998 Regular Council Meeting
Minutes as submitted.
18 Motion carried unanimously.
19 V. LICENSES/PERMITS/PETITIONS.
20 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve the following licenses:
21 Heating License: (Renewal)
22 River City Sheet Metal, Inc., Coon Rapids, MN
23 A-abc Appliance& Heating, Minneapolis, MN
24 General Contractors License:
25 RAF Construction, Inc., Ham Lake, MN/working at the Middle School
26 Environmental Resources, Inc., Ramsey, MN/demo 2716 St. Anthony Boulevard
27
28 Motion carried unanimously.
29 VI. PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS.
30 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve the following claims:
31 A. Water Tower Rehabilitation:
32 1. V.E. Gray & Sons Contracting Company in the amount of$91,607.84 for
Application for Payment No. 1, Rehabilitation and Recoating of Existing Water
0 Storage Tank.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 11, 1998
Page 2
1 B. 1998 Road Improvement Projects:
2 1. Progressive Contractors. Inc. in the amount of$201,595.12 for Application for
3 Payment No. 1, 33rd Avenue NE: Silver Lake Road to Highcrest Road; Concrete
4 Pavement Rehabilitation and Sidewalk Construction.
5 2. Forest Lake Contracting Inc. in the amount of$49,530.91 for Application for
6 Payment No. 3, 1998 Watermain, Street and Storm Sewer Improvements.
7 C. Computer Hardware/Network:
8 1. MicroA a Computer Centers
9 a. In the amount of$25,635.04 for Invoice No. 016497 dated July 23, 1998.
10 b. In the amount of$1,127.76 for Invoice No. 016542 dated July 30, 1998.
11 D. Legal Services:
12 1. Dorsey & Whitney
13 a. In the amount of$397.50 for legal services rendered through June 30,
14 1998.
15 b. In the amount of$2,050.00 for legal services rendered through June 30,
16 1998.
17 E. 6 pages of Verified Claims as presented by the Finance Director.
18 Motion carried unanimously.
410 VII. REPORTS.
21 A. Discuss Emergency Operations Plan with Fire Chief Johnson.
22 Fire Chief Johnson presented the Emergency Operations Plan for the City of St. Anthony and
23 advised it is driven by Federal law and is a rare mandate in that it comes with a "carrot" of
24 $4,000 to $4,500 in funding. He advised that this Plan was evaluated this Spring and the City
25 received a clean bill of health. In fact,the St. Anthony Plan is used as a model for others. Fire
26 Chief Johnson noted the map indicating siren coverage for the City and that the Salvation Army
27 Camp is not covered by the St. Anthony sirens. However, sirens from New Brighton and
28 Columbia Heights do cover that area so the Camp receives warning from those two sirens. He
29 advised the sirens are radio operated and contain a battery backup.
30 Fire Chief Johnson noted the map of the City Community Center and roles of the various rooms
31 should an emergency occur. He noted the sample memo form and advised that the Fire Station
32 has a supply of them for use to communicate during an emergency. Fire Chief Johnson
33 continued review of the Plan by noting the listing of telephone numbers for various media
34 groups, information on SOPs, fire protection, radio frequencies,mutual aid agreements, damage
35 assessment, reference to the American Red Cross involvement, debris clearance, utilities
36 restoration, radiological protection, hazardous materials protection, communications, internal
37 radio capability, series of checklists, and community service integration.
QMayor Ranallo asked if this Plan is similar to that used during the tornado. Fire Chief Johnson
39 stated it is with refinements.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 11, 1998
Page 3
1 Marks commented on the tremendous response from emergency vehicles and staff, some without
2 being called for help. Fire Chief Johnson stated this is correct and advised that about 100 police
3 officers volunteered to help when the tornado hit. He explained that this Plan will identify how
4 those resources can be best utilized when they arrive.
5 Cavanaugh inquired regarding the communication capabilities. Fire Chief Johnson advised they
6 will move to an 800 megahertz system which allows a broader communication range.
7 Cavanaugh asked if the mobile home park has an emergency plan. Fire Chief Johnson stated
8 they do and are under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Health.
9 Cavanaugh asked if the Williams Pipe Line property is included in an emergency plan. Fire
10 Chief Johnson noted that property is located within Roseville and their plan should address that
11 site.
12 Cavanaugh raised issues with regard to the safety and security of the City's water supply. Fire
13 Chief Johnson explained that tampering with the City's water supply would require a forced
14 entry. Cavanaugh suggested a test of the security system be completed.
Cavanaugh commented that it may be beneficial for the Councilmembers to have a copy of this
4P6 Plan at their homes, should an emergency occur.
17 Faust commented on the need for a controlled communications center to assure procedures are
18 followed.
19 Cavanaugh concurred and suggested that a smaller informational packet be prepared which
20 Councilmembers could use should a resident need assistance with a smaller emergency, such as a
21 power outage. Fire Chief Johnson stated he could prepare such a packet of information.
22 B. Councilmembers.
23 Cavanaugh extended his appreciation to Tom Shamp and Denise Dolan for their work on
24 VillageFest, which was a huge success. He stated there was an outstanding team of volunteers
25 with great leadership. He also thanked the Fire Chief and Public Works crew who helped with
26 set up and take down. Cavanaugh stated there was also a great golf event, parade, and fireworks
27 display.
28 It was also reported that a Generational Day will be scheduled where five generations will meet
29 for discussion of today's issues.
30 Marks announced a Sister City meeting is scheduled for this week. He reported on a Teacher
Exchange Program where a teacher will go to Finland and the anticipation there will be a
10 program later this fall highlighting that program. Marks advised they have also received a
33 request for an exchange with respect to the Boy Scouts Program which they will be checking out.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 11, 1998
Page 4
1 Faust stated he echos Cavanaugh's accolades about what the volunteers did for VillageFest and
2 stated that he enjoyed the silent auction. He stated he is heartened by the community survey
3 which indicates a lot of the things being done are validated by the community. He noted this
4 survey will be published in the next Bulletin. Faust extended his appreciation to the VillageFest
5 volunteers.
6 C. Mayor.
7 Mayor Ranallo stated he will be sending a letter to thank the VillageFest volunteers. He stated
8 he was surprised about the high amount of bottled water which was sold during this event, to old
9 and young alike. Mayor Ranallo commented there will be a party held for volunteers.
10 Mayor Ranallo reported that the Cable Commission has been in existence for 20 years and it was
11 decided to review their mission and structure. He explained that cable companies are changing
12 tremendously and a lot of money is being made in that business. Mayor Ranallo stated he has
13 agreed to chair a ten-person task force (one from each city) to review that structure. He advised
14 that Roseville hired an attorney to review the Cable Commission activities and a favorable report
15 was received.
16 Mayor Ranallo advised that he and the City Manager met with Lt. Colonel David Grindle and
Alan Stokes to discuss what will be happening with the Salvation Army. They have 77 to 119
q1 acres and have outgrown that location. He advised they have looked at several options including
19 constructing a headquarters for this region, a church, and a pool,but it is almost impossible to do
20 so without having to tear down some of the existing buildings. They now have a task force
21 committee that will be researching the feasibility of keeping the Camp as it is or if they should
22 sell it and find a new location farther out where they can purchase 400+acres of land. Mayor
23 Ranallo stated they have had Realtors and Ramsey County evaluating the Camp in terms of value
24 and if they do sell, will sell to the highest bidder with the funds used to rebuild the new camp.
25 Mayor Ranallo stated this was a good meeting and the Salvation Army staff thanked the City for
26 all they have done. If this property were to be used for residential, it would need to be rezoned.
27 Cavanaugh asked how the City should start to prepare themselves to look at options for the City
28 to purchase this land, or to do so collectively with Ramsey County. Mayor Ranallo stated it
29 would be premature to start that process now since it is not known if the property will be for sale.
30 However, the City will be the first to be notified.
31 D. City Manager.
32 Mornson reported that he has been in contact with the Metropolitan Council about the possible
33 revision to the City's sump pump inspection program to see if they will allow the continued use
34 of their loan money ($40,000) for that program. Mornson stated he and others will meet with
35 Metropolitan Council staff tomorrow and he will report back at the next meeting.
0 Mornson advised that the DNR "mock" check will be presented to the Mayor and Council on
37 August 25th. He stated the task force has been invited to attend.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 11, 1998
Page 5
1 Mornson reported that letters, as revised by City Attorney Soth, have been sent to the two
2 remaining property owners of the home buyout program.
3 Mornson noted the Harding neighborhood informational meeting is scheduled for tomorrow
4 night. He updated the Council with regard to the feasibility report for Silver Point Park and
5 estimate of fill that would need to be removed from the Park. Mornson advised of the concern to
6 find an appropriate location to place the fill since this would save a significant amount of money.
7 Staff is suggesting the fill be bid out as an alternate. Mornson stated this issue will be discussed
8 in more detail in September.
9
10 Mornson advised that a petition was filed today by group of property owners from Harding Street
11 as follows: "We the undersigned,pursuant to Minnesota Rules Part 4410.110, do hereby
12 petition requesting the preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet(EAW) in the
13 matter of the implementation of the Comprehensive Water Management Plan (the Project)
14 proposed by the City of St. Anthony Village. The Project includes the implementation of flood
15 mitigation measures with a budget of approximately$6,000,000 and includes financial
16 participation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Hennepin County Block
17 Grant funds, and the State of Minnesota. Potential adverse environmental effects include
18 alteration of natural drainage patterns, loss of wildlife, loss of irreplaceable mature trees and
significant stands of vegetation, destruction of natural and manmade resources, and substantial
0 social and economic impacts in areas of the proposed construction."
21 Mornson advised that it is the opinion of the City Engineer and City Attorney that the process is
22 as follows: An Environmental Quality Board (staff member) determines if this is a valid petition
23 within three to five days. If the petition is not valid it is submitted back to people. If the petition
24 is valid the EQB submits it to the responsible governmental unit(typically the city of the
25 project). However, this petition is asking that the City not be the responsible government unit
26 since the City is doing the project. If so, the City has a certain number of days to get legal and
27 engineering opinions and adopt a resolution saying the EAW is not necessary. There is then an
28 appeal period to declare an EAW is needed or necessary. If that occurs, all work freezes until the
29 EAW is completed. Mornson advised that he asked the City Attorney if the projects should be
30 stopped and the City Attorney said that as long as the City has not approved any construction, or
31 issued construction bids or grading permits,they can still do research, background and feasibility
32 studies, and hold the Harding neighborhood informational meeting. However, that is up to the
33 Council to determine.
34 Brent Gunsbury, 2701 30th Avenue NE, stated he is looking forward to the Council instituting
35 alternates that do not involve the Silver Lake holding pond. He stated he is curious to see the
36 plans for the area and looks forward to seeing all of the Councilmembers in attendance at the
37 informational meeting.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 11, 1998
Page 6
1 Cavanaugh clarified there is no plan for adoption at the meeting tomorrow but it may be the
2 beginning for discussions about the plan. He stated there has not been a lot of fact finding or
3 discussion held yet so he had the impression the meeting would be followed by another meeting.
4 Morrison concurred it will be the first meeting of a series of meetings.
5 Mayor Ranallo explained that members of the task force will be in attendance but it is not a
6 Council meeting. He stated the Council wants to first see what the task force has put together
7 and then the Council will review it.
8 Don Burr, 2417 30th Avenue NE, stated he has observed that as the City is constructing new
9 streets and tearing up old asphalt, for entire City blocks,no additional storm sewers are being put
10 in. He stated he understands they are downhill grade and the strategy is to allow water to drain
11 downgrade to the low point where there is a means for water to exit to the storm water system.
12 Mr. Burr stated that he has also observed that the City of Minneapolis, on virtually every city
13 block,has a means for water to enter into the storm water system. He suggested that allowing
14 water to travel for more than one block allows a larger accumulation of water than can be
15 accommodated by the grate going into the storm water system, especially if that grate is blocked
16 by leaves or twigs. He stated he is frustrated by the fact that the City is spending a lot of money
to upgrade the roads but not upgrading the storm sewer system, especially since there are so
8 many problems in the lower part of the City, 33rd Avenue and southward. Mr. Burr suggested
19 that during future planning of road upgrades, the City seriously consider the addition of storm
20 water systems, as is being done by the City of Minneapolis.
21 Jim Kozarek, 4029 Shamrock Drive, spoke in favor of the efforts of the task force and City to
22 alleviate flooding. He advised that after the July storm, his house had 6.5 feet of water in the
23 finished basement, within 18 inches of reaching first floor. He stated that since then they have
24 spent thousands of dollars (no insurance coverage)to correct that damage. Mr. Kozarek stated he
25 is amazed that some think there is no flooding problem, and if it floods it is the resident's
26 problem and they should have known better. He maintained the City's storm water system is not
27 adequate but the City has taken a proactive stance to hire a consultant, obtain grant funds, and
28 study the issues. Mr. Kozarek stated St. Anthony Village is a mature community with little open
29 space and a correction may result in a sacrifice. He asked that 115 of the time spent fighting be
30 used, instead, to work with the City's engineering consultant,the task force, and the City to find
31 a solution to stem the problem. He stated the litigation is blocking attempts to solve the
32 problems, and these problems will not go away.
33 Jane Hintz, 3503 Maplewood Drive, stated she serves on the task force and just learned about the
34 petition which may stop all of the work they have been doing for the past year. She stated she
35 understands this concern but to halt the entire project because of one area bothers her
tremendously. Ms. Hintz stated that the activity of the task force has been well published. She
stated her property was not damaged by flooding but she wanted to become involved. She stated
38 she supports hiring other engineers but not halting the project which should move forward.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 11, 1998
Page 7
1 Due to the receipt of the petition, Cavanaugh asked if the Council has determined to proceed
2 with the process. Mayor Ranallo stated the process can proceed up to the point where
3 construction is ordered. He suggested the meeting tomorrow night be held, as scheduled.
4 Cavanaugh stated it is his understanding that an EAW is part of the process and would not stop
5 the process. He reviewed the language of the petition with regard-to impacts of the project which
6 would be evaluated. He stated the City may have to modify the plan or come under some
7 constraints but that would not stop the project. Cavanaugh stated this is a good State law
8 designed to protect the City and good government from an environmental perspective but it will
9 not stop the project. Also, new solutions may result from this problem but solving the storm
10 drainage problems will still occur. Cavanaugh clarified this is just another step in the process
11 and a routine process established in the State of Minnesota. He commented on the need for good
12 legal counsel on the EAW process.
13 Mayor Ranallo noted that with the Apache petition, an EAW was not needed.
14 Marks stated there are two reasons to rebuild the streets; change the surface of the street and
15 address cracking, and address the utility infrastructure contained under the streets. If the
�16 engineer has declared the infrastructure is adequate, no changes would be made.
�T7 Marks noted that in 1971 the City of Minneapolis offered St. Anthony the opportunity to join in
18. expanding the storm sewer system and St. Anthony elected not to join so Minneapolis has a
19 larger system.
20 Mr. Burr stated maybe that would be a possibility today since the system today is not adequate
21 and in looking at examples of other cities,he believes this should be evaluated before proceeding
22 with new street projects in 1999. He stated he would also like larger pipes installed when the
23 streets are reconstructed which would be the best time financially to do so.
24 Mornson reported that a meeting will be held with the PCA regarding reimbursement of costs for
25 clean up.
26 Mornson advised the survey is available at the library and City Hall.
27 Mornson updated the Council on the 1998 Street Project which has reached closure,noting the
28 nice letters received from residents. He advised that 33rd Avenue will be done in two weeks and
29 the water tower work and new logo should be completed by Labor Day. Also, work will start on
30 the St. Anthony Boulevard and Kenzie Terrace sidewalk project.
31 Mornson provided a recap of the budget workshop from last week where the Council viewed the
draft budget. The next decision will be at the September 8 Council meeting where a resolution
will be considered on the 1999 tax levy. Mornson reviewed the future meeting schedule and
34 decisions that will be made at each step in the process.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 11, 1998
Page 8
1 Cavanaugh asked if a copy of the proposed budget is available at the library. Momson stated the
2 copy at the library will be provided a few weeks prior to the October 6 meeting.
3 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS. -None.
4 XI. NEW BUSINESS.
5 A. Resolution 98-064, re: NetLink web site proposal
6 Morrison reviewed the cost estimate for the development of St. Anthony's web-site. Staff
7 recommends the Council approve NetLink's proposal for network web-site development services
8 at a cost not to exceed $10,000.
9 Motion by Faust, second by Marks to approve Resolution 98-064, re: Approving a proposal for
10 network web site development services at a cost not to exceed $10,000.
11 Motion carried unanimously.
12
13 B. Change Order for SAV2 Reconstruction with Michael Knisely of KKE Architects.
14 Motion by Cavanaugh, second by Marks to approve payment to Listul Industries (steel
15 contractor) in the amount of$4,460 and designate funding as follows: $1,000 from the
0 Construction Fund and $3,460 from the HRA Building Fund.
17 Motion carried unanimously.
18 C. Appoint Election Judges for September 15, 1998 State Primary,
19 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to appoint the election judges and official witnesses for
20 absentee voting purposes for the September 15, 1998 State Primary as recommended by the City
21 Clerk.
22 Motion carried unanimously.
23 X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. -None.
24 XI. ADJOURNMENT.
25 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 P.M.
26 Motion carried unanimously.
27 Respectfully submitted,
28 Carla Wirth
29 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
30
. Mayor
ATTEST:
33 City Clerk