HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 05251999 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 19
Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1999
Document: CC MINUTES 05251999
i
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
•
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
4 MAY 25, 1999
5
6
7 I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
8 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor
9 Ranallo.
10
11 The Council and audience observed a moment of silence in remembrance of firefighter William
12 Myers who died last week. Ranallo presented a memorial plaque to his widow, Jan.
13
14 II. ROLL CALL.
15 Councilmembers present: Ranallo, Marks, Faust, Cavanaugh, and Thuesen.
16 Councilmembers absent: None.
17 Also present: City Manager Mike Mornson, City Attorney William Soth.
18
19
20 III. APPROVAL OF MAY 25, 1999 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
21 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve the May 25, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting
22 Agenda as presented.
405
23 Motion carried unanimously.
IV. APPROVAL OF MAY 11, 1999 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
26 Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen to approve the May 11, 1999 Regular City Council
27 Meeting Minutes as presented.
28
29 Motion carried unanimously.
30
31 V. LICENSES/PERMITS/PETITIONS.
32 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve the following licenses:
33
34 General Contractors License:
35 Central Minnesota Tree Service, Fridley, MN
36 Johnson Concrete Masonry & Waterproofing, Minneapolis, MN
37 Arrigoni Brothers Company, St. Paul, MN/Tower Park Contractor
38
39 Heating Licenses:
40 Marsh Heating& Air Conditioning, Brooklyn Park, MN/working at 3612 Coolidge
41
42 Multiple Dwelling License: (Renewal)
43 Macalaster Manor, 3800 & 3808 Macalaster Drive
44 Chandler Place, 3701 Chandler Drive
Equinox Properties,.2808 Silver Lane
Autumnwoods Apartments, 2600 Kenzie Terrace
47 Caravelle Apartments, 3713-3720 Foss Road
[ 7
City Council Meeting Minutes
• May 25, 1999
Page 2
1 Highcrest Manor, 3605-3615 - 37th Avenue NE
2
3 Motion carried unanimously.
4
5 Motion by Thuesen, second by Faust to approve the following license:
6
7 Temporary 3.2 Beer Permit:
8 Hai Quan/Honeywell Finance Department Picnic/July 22, 1999/Central Park
9
10 Voting on the motion: Ranallo, Faust, Thuesen and Cavanaugh voted aye. Marks voted nay.
11
12 The motion carried.
13
14 VI. PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS.
15 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve the following claims:
16
17 A. Purchase of Properties:
1. Evergreen Land Services Company in the amount of$709.80 for service and
4_ expense for April 16, 1999 through April 30, 1999.
20 B. Underground Storage Tanks:
21 1. Ceres Environmental Services in the amount of$2,000.00 for additional work
22 performed for the UST removal and AST installation project at the Public Works
23 Department.
24 2. Nova Consultinroup in the amount of$1,385.00 for professional services
25 rendered with regard to the public works facility and petroleum release
26 investigation.
27 C. Legal/Prosecutions:
28 1. Foster, Wentzell, Hedback& Brever in the amount of$3,000.00 for professional
29 services rendered.
30 D. Engineering Services:
31 1. SEH/RCM in the amount of:
32 a. $500.00 for professional services rendered for the period ending March 31,
33 1999 with regard to 1998 bridge inspection.
34 b. $250.00 for professional services rendered for the period ending March 31,
35 1999 with regard to 1999 State aid reports.
36 C. $149.97 for professional services rendered for the period ending March 31,
37 1999 with regard to 33rd Avenue construction.
38 d. $1,906.13 for professional services rendered for the period ending March
39 31, 1999 with regard to 1998 street improvements construction.
e. $3,981.03 for professional services rendered for the period ending March
41 31, 1999 with regard to Silver Lake Road watermain.
City Council Meeting Minutes
• May 25, 1999
Page 3
1 E. 1999 Street and Water Main Improvements:
2 1. Northdale Construction Company in the amount of$55,153.77 for 1999 street and
3 watermain improvements.
4 F. Silver Point Park and Central Park Storm Water Improvements:
5 1. Richard Knutson. Inc. in the amount of$56,486.88 for Silver Point Park&
6 Central Park Stormwater Improvement Project.
7 G. 2 pages of Verified Claims as presented by the Finance Director.
8
9 Motion carried unanimously.
10
11 VII. REPORTS.
12 A. Planning Commission- May 18. 1999.
13 Mayor Ranallo welcomed Planning Commissioner Randy Stille and invited him to
14 address the Council.
15
16 1. Sunset Memorial Cemetery: for 2250 St. Anthony Boulevard; side yard setback
17 variance request.
Stille explained the owners of Sunset Memorial Cemetery are requesting a sideyard
variance request to construct a sidewalk around the mausoleum. He added the Planning
20 Commission recommends approval of this request.
21
22 Marks asked what hardship had been found in connection with this request. Stille stated
23 the sidewalk is needed to accommodate staff operating heavy equipment as well as for
24 families visiting the mausoleum and grounds in inclement weather.
25
26 Cavanaugh stated the sidewalk seems to be an integral part of the mausoleum, and asked
27 why it wasn't included in the original design. Dennis Bridges, a representative from
28 Sunset Memorial Park, stated the original building permit did not incorporate sidewalks
29 around the entire structure, which needed to be in the original permit process. He added
30 they thought they could complete the process after the building was built,but then
31 discovered they would be encroaching on the setback.
32
33 Marks stated the necessary hardship must relate to City ordinances or unusual topography
34 or shape of the property. Stille stated the omission of the sidewalks from the.original
35 plan was an oversight on the part of the contractor and probably would have been initially
36 approved.
37
38 Ranallo noted the welfare and safety of staff and visitors is affected by the lack of a
39 sidewalk.
1 }
City Council Meeting Minutes
• May 25, 1999
Page 4
1 Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Bridges for his efforts in maintaining the cemetery which is a
2 wonderful park, adding the residents are the beneficiaries.
3
4 Motion by Cavanaugh, second by Thuesen to approve a sideyard setback variance request
5 from Sunset Memorial Cemetery.
6
7 Motion carried unanimously.
8
9 2. Dave Sperry: for 4XXX Fordham Drive, lot width and lot area variance requests.
10 Mr. Stille explained that a request is recommended for approval by the Planning
11 Commission for lot width and lot area variances on property which Arvid and Eleanor
12 Johnson intend to sell to Mr. and Mrs. David Sperry.
13
14 Marks stated there is clearly a hardship in this case as created by City ordinance.
15
16 Cavanaugh stated a reference had been made to water problems in the area, and asked if
17 that issue had been resolved. Stille stated a resident of that neighborhood, who is a civil
8 engineer, indicated he believes water problems in that neighborhood are caused by
inadequate pipes on Silver Lake Road and not the addition of 1 home.
20
21 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve lot width and lot area variance requests for
22 4XXX Fordham Drive, David Sperry, Buyer.
23
24 Motion carried unanimously.
25
26 3. Coppo Partners; for 2837 Anthony Lane South: rear yard setback variance
27 request.
28 Stille explained that a request is recommended for approval by the Planning Commission
29 for rear yard variance request by Coppo Partners to construct a warehouse addition at
30 2837 Anthony Lane.
31
32 Marks asked what hardship was associated with this request. Stille stated the building
33 was built in 1972 while the zoning code was modified in 1978 and as such the code
34 created the hardship. Marks asked whether the proposed addition requires a variance
35 because of its placement in relation to the existing building. Stille stated the variance
36 relates to the whole structure because it was grandfathered in.
37
38 Faust stated the building is nonconforming at its present site, and the addition requires a
39 variance as it is being added to a nonconforming use.
r
City Council Meeting Minutes
• May 25, 1999
Page 5
1 Motion by Faust, second by Thuesen, to approve a rear yard variance request by Coppo
2 Partners for 2837 Anthony Lane.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 B. Stuart Bonniwell will present the 1998 Ci1y Audit.
7 Ranallo welcomed Stuart Bonniwell and invited him to address the Council. Mr. Bonniwell
8 reviewed the 1998 City Audit Report, which he presented to the Council at their May 4, 1999
9 worksession for comments and questions. He added the changes to the final report were a result
10 of issues raised at that worksession.
11
12 Mr. Bonniwell noted an addition to the report on Page 4-5 of Exhibit A, an exhibit of fund types
13 and account groups, to include the general fund, special revenue funds, debt service funds, and
14 capital project funds.
15
16 Mr. Bonniwell noted, under the column General Long-Term Debt in Exhibit A on Page 5, the
17 City currently has over$7 million in general long term debt. He added the remaining sections of
the report are concerned with details of the variance funds which were reviewed extensively at
40 the recent worksession.
20
21 Cavanaugh stated there appear to be only 2 recommendations in the report, pertaining to a parks
22 improvements fund and liquor inventory fund. He asked Mr. Bonniwell to review these
23 recommendations. Mr. Bonniwell stated the creation of a parks improvements fund would assist
24 the City in attracting funds to be spent in the future, similar to a capital project fund but
25 designated for parks.
26
27 Mr. Bonniwell stated, with regard to the liquor inventory system, an adjustment was made to the
28 inventory at the end of 1998, and he recommends a quarterly reconciliation of funds in case of
29 discrepancy.
30
31 Cavanaugh asked how the Council should act on these recommendations. Mr. Bonniwell stated
32 last year's recommendations were addressed by City management. Mr. Morrison stated the parks
33 improvements fund issue will be addressed at the budget worksession. Mr. Bonniwell stressed
34 the importance of making funds more visible for parks improvements.
35
36 Cavanaugh noted Mr. Bonniwell's statement dated March 30 which was included in the meeting
37 packet but not referenced in the audit report. He stated he believes the information would be of
38 interest to the public and should be in the report. Mr. Bonniwell stated that is a separate letter
39 which is not typically included in the report of items which he felt might be of interest to the
0 Council. He added this is a standard practice.
41
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 25, 1999
Page 6
1 Ranallo noted the first paragraph of the report notes the financial condition of the City remains
2 strong. Mr. Bonniwell confirmed the City's finances are in good shape and have not eroded.
3
4 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to accept the 1998 City of St. Anthony Financial Report as
5 prepared by Stuart J. Bonniwell, Certified Public Accountant.
6
7 Motion carried unanimously.
8
9 C. Mark Flaten will be present to discuss renewal of the City's insurance.
10 Ranallo welcomed Mark Flaten,Berkley Risk Services, and invited him to address the Council.
11 Mr. Flaten reviewed.the City's insurance renewal and premiums, noting those items which had
12 increased dramatically, such as automobile premiums due to the addition of 2 cars.
13
14 Mr. Flaten noted the general increase is mainly due to Worker's Compensation, related to an
15 increase in the City's payroll.
16
17 Mr. Flaten noted the Y2K coverage, which is optional, is dependent upon coverage for the City
from the League of Minnesota Cities, a decision on which is forthcoming and should be made
46 within 30 days.
20
21 Ranallo asked whether the City would receive a dividend back this year, and whether that was
22 reflected in these numbers. Mr. Flaten stated the dividend should have already been received by
23 the City and was not reflected in the renewal notice. Finance Director Roger-Larson confirmed
24 the dividend had been received.
25
26 Marks asked, with regard to Y2K premiums, whether the City should expect to have it in place
27 and make the decision at a later date. Mr. Flaten stated the decision to take additional Y2K
28 coverage could be deferred.
29
30 Cavanaugh requested clear delineation of what is covered under the Y2K premium, and an
31 appreciation for issues which that policy will handle. Mr. Flaten stated the City should
32 determine whether major vendors and service providers are Y2K compliant. Ranallo stated they
33 indicate they are compliant but the City is unsure.
34
35 Faust asked whether the City will indeed be insured by the League of Minnesota Cities for Y2K
36 issues if they find the City in compliance. Mr. Flaten stated the League will make an offer of
37 coverage if they find the City to be a good risk.
38
39 Cavanaugh asked for clarification with regard to the lack of competition among insurance
companies for the League. Mr. Flaten stated the League comprises an insurance pool which is
41 owned by its member cities, and its entities belong to this pool which produces good returns.
City Council Meeting Minutes
• May 25, 1999
Page 7
1
2 Mr. Flaten drew the Council's attention to his letter of May 19 informing City staff that Berkley
3 should resign as the City's consultant due to a potential conflict of interest related to the League
4 of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. He expressed his enjoyment at working with the Council
5 over the years, and thanked them for their past relationship. He assured the Council that all
6 issues will be resolved before the relationship is ended. -
7
8 Ranallo expressed his appreciation to Mr. Flaten of his hard work on behalf of the City, and
9 recalled Berkley's support when the City was unable to obtain insurance anywhere else. He
10 added Mr. Flaten's services have been greatly appreciated by the Council and Staff.
11
12 Marks agreed,noting that Mr. Flaten and Berkley have improved the City's insurance situation
13 significantly over the years.
14
15 Motion by Faust, second by Marks to approve renewal of the City's insurance coverage for 1999
16 with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.
17
49 Motion carried unanimously.
D. Councilmembers.
20 Cavanaugh reported on his attendance at the St. Anthony neighborhood meetings, which were
21 well attended by interested residents. He requested that copies of Kim Moore-Sykes presentation
22 and the Y2K procedures be available as hand-outs at the last meeting. Ranallo noted these
23 copies had been available in the community center lobby at the first meeting.
24
25 Cavanaugh stated that information on the Crime Watch program should be available at the
26 meeting as well,to provide residents with information regarding requirements and process, as
27 there seems to be much interest. He noted a resident had commended the Fire and Police
28 Departments at the 2nd meeting for their hard work.
29
30 Marks reported that a memorial service held recently in the Hennepin County Government
31 Center to honor officers who have died in the line of duty was very moving and inspirational.
32
33 Marks presented a tour schedule for the upcoming Rivakat Dance Group visit from Salo, Finland.
34 He encouraged interested residents to contact City staff about the family dinners evening,
35 particularly those with teenagers.
36
37 Faust stated he attended the neighborhood meetings, expressing his appreciation of resident's
38 support of the Police and Fire Departments. He added other departments deserve recognition as
39 well as they have a great impact on the City and are a real asset to the community.
0
City Council Meeting Minutes
• May 25, 1999
Page 8
1 Faust stated the legislature adjourned on May 17, and some new rules which appear to be
2 paternalistic will not be insurmountable or burdensome.
3
4 Thuesen congratulated staff and all involved in planning the neighborhood meetings which were
5 a success. He recommended holding such meetings on a yearly basis to give residents an
6 opportunity to speak on various issues in a more informal setting than the Council meetings.
7
8 E. Maw
9 Ranallo stated the neighborhood meetings, which were a success,were attended by less than I%
10 of the population, which he finds disappointing considering the staff time and planning efforts
I 1 required. He suggested residents might think things are going well within the City and have no
12 complaints.
13
14 F. Ci1y Manager.
15 Mr. Mornson brought to the Council's attention a memo prepared by Kim Moore-Sykes
16 outlining various grant programs. He added this was prompted by a recent discussion at which it
17 was suggested that the City is missing out on grant opportunities.
4 Mr. Mornson stated that Ms. Moore-Sykes had reviewed various financial sources and grant
20 programs, and indicated whether the City was eligible for these programs. He noted that the City
21 has been successful in obtaining $3.2 million in outside funding over the past 2 years, and has
22 requested another$2.6 million.
23
24 Mr. Mornson stated, in his opinion, no opportunities are being missed. He added he feels the
25 City has staff who are capable of applying for grant opportunities. He noted that both he and Ms.
26 Moore-Sykes have applied for grants independently in the past, and often fund recipients are
27 conceded before the grant process is completed.
28
29 Cavanaugh stated the resident was making the point about available grants, and perhaps there
30 was a communication problem. He suggested Mr. Mornson might provide a quarterly report on
31 grant applications and activities to the Council. Ranallo stated the City has been deficient in
32 making these activities visible.
33
34 Thuesen stated that while larger grants are more visible, he agrees that smaller amounts are
35 important and provide much relief, and should be communicated to the public.
36
37 Monson stated that 15 firms had recently walked through the public works facility, and 5 of
38 those firms submitted proposals to the City. He added the staff's recommendations will be
39 presented to the Council at the June 22, 1999 regular meeting, and the recommended firm will be
present to answer questions.
41
City Council Meeting Minutes
• May 25, 1999
Page 9
1 Cavanaugh stated he would prefer to have this discussion at a worksession. Ranallo agreed. Mr.
2 Mornson agreed to schedule this issue for discussion at upcoming worksession.
3
4 Mr. Mornson stated the 29th Avenue feasibility report will be deferred to the June 22, 1999
5 regular meeting. He added a neighborhood meeting was held with regard to the 2nd storage
6 pond, the intent of which was to reintroduce the issue and obtain permission from residents.to
7 enter the property and do soils testing and survey work. He noted property owners were asked to
8 respond by June 1, 1999.
9
10 Mr. Mornson stated a petition was filed with the Environmental Quality Board by the
11 neighborhood to have the City complete an Environmental Assessment Worksheet(EAW). He
12 added the Council will need to act on this, and staff is reviewing the options.
13
14 City Attorney Bill Soth stated the agency makes the determination of whether the petition is
15 proper and meets all regulations and requirements. He added the City can do nothing and see
16 what the agency determines. He noted, in any case, there is no urgency because no action is
17 currently being taken and no permits are being issued.
Mr. Soth noted the purpose of the EAW is to determine whether an Environmental Impact
20 Statement is required. He added the EAW is completed with assistance from City-retained
21 engineers, and is a standard procedure. Cavanaugh asked whether WSB would be the best
22 choice. Mr. Soth stated WSB is already familiar with the project and would be a good choice.
23
24 Mr. Mornson reminded the Council of its joint worksession with the Parks Commission at 6:00
25 PM on Tuesday, June 1, 1999..
26
27 Mr. Mornson stated, with regard to the Salvation Army Camp property, he and Ranallo met with
28 members of the Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District to determine their interest in the
29 property and assess their overall position. He added they are not affiliated with the County, and
30 they indicated their willingness to work with the City on other possible projects.
31
32 Mr. Mornson noted the District develops regional parks which are preferably at least 200 acres
33 but can be as small as 100 acres. He added that they expressed their opinion that the property
34 would not be suitable for a regional park as 1)their approval process is lengthy and time-
35 consuming; 2)their funding comes from bonding bill legislation which takes place next year, and
36 they are already requesting $26 million; and 3)the price is high.
37
38 Mr. Mornson stated the District has indicated willingness to work with the property's new
39 owners on a joint cooperative venture of some sort. He noted that the Salvation Army is in
0 negotiations with Heart of the Earth School.
41
City Council Meeting Minutes
• May 25, 1999
Page 10
1 Mr. Mornson stated he also met with representatives from Heart of the Earth, who indicated they
2 are in active negotiations and are close to getting a final purchase agreement drafted. He added
3 they expressed their willingness to cooperate with the city on accessibility issues and
4 collaborative efforts. He noted it was agreed that school officials would attend a joint City
5 Council/School Board meeting to discuss their plans for the property if they purchase it.
6
7 Cavanaugh asked whether the City is actively involved in planning since the moratorium was
8 imposed, and whether the Planning Commission is being kept informed. Mr. Soth stated the City
9 should be studying possible future uses for the property and changes in the Comprehensive Plan.
10 He agreed the Planning Commission should be involved. Mr. Mornson agreed the Planning
11 Commission could study the issue and report back to the Council.
12
13 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None.
14
15 IX. NEW BUSINESS.
16 A. Resolution 99-041, re: Approval of a tax impact study for the Salvation Army property
17 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve Resolution 99-041, approving Springsted to
perform a tax impact study.
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21
22 B. Resolution 99-042, re: Approval of City's participation in the CDBG program.
23 Cavanaugh asked whether the City has pursued the possibility of participating in Ramsey
24 County's program. Mr. Mornson stated the City participates in both programs which are set up
25 differently.
26
27 Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen.to approve Resolution 99-042, authorizing the execution
28 of a joint cooperation agreement between the City of St. Anthony and Hennepin County for
29 participation in the Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Program in
30 FY 2000-2002.
31
32 Motion carried unanimously.
33
34 C. Ordinance 1999-005, re: Park dedication(1st reading), and Resolution 99-043, re: Fees
35 for park dedication.
36 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve Ordinance 1999-005 (1 st reading), relating to
37 parks, amending Chapter 7, by adding a Section 701 to the 1993 St. Anthony Code of
38 Ordinances.
39
Motion carried unanimously.
41
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 25, 1999
• Page 11
1 Mr. Soth requested the Council's consideration of issues which may arise with regard to the fees
2 before approving the 2nd reading of this ordinance. He added the issue of what will be
3 considered in the 10%designation should be clarified.
4
5 Mr. Soth stated the City's fees are all included in one ordinance rather than in resolutions, which
6 is not a good practice: He recommended the issue should be referred to the Planning
7 Commission. Mr. Mornson stated the ordinance was proposed as it is easier to amend via
8 resolution._
9
10 Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen to table Resolution 99-043, establishing park dedication
11 fees for the City of St. Anthony.
12
13 Motion carried unanimously.
14
15 X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS.
16 A. Ordinance 1999-004, re: Right-of-wawmanagement 2nd reading).
17 Mr. Soth stated he was surprised at the length of the ordinance, which should be shorter to make
it easier to read and administer. Ranallo stated the ordinance was submitted by the Cable
Commission's attorney, and all cities involved have adopted it. Mr. Soth stated he would refer
20 his wording comments to Mr. Mornson.
21
22 Motion by Marks, second by Cavanaugh to approve Ordinance 1999-004, relating to managing
23 and regulating public right-of-way in the public interest and to provide for the issuance and
24 regulation of right-of-way permits by adding a new section 1165 to the 1993 St. Anthony Code
25 of Ordinances.
26
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28
29 XI. ADJOURNMENT.
30 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 P.M.
31
32 Motion carried unanimously.
33
34 Respectfully submitted,
35 Mary Mullen
36 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
37
38 layor
39
ATTEST:
41 City Clerk -