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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 09281999 Meeting Sheet IIIIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIIIIIIIII 100764 Box: 19 Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1999 Document: CC MINUTES 09281999 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3 SEPTEMBER 28, 1999 4 I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 5 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor 6 Ranallo. 7 II. ROLL CALL. 8 Councilmembers present: Mayor Ranallo, Cavanaugh, Marks, Faust and Thuesen. 9 Councilmembers absent: None. 10 Also present: Kim.Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant. 11 III. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 28, 1999 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. 12 Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen, to approve the September 28, 1999 Regular City Council 13 Meeting Agenda as presented. 14 Motion carried unanimously. 15 IV. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 14, 1999 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 16 MINUTES. 17 Motion by Thuesen, second by Marks, to approve the September 14, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes as presented. 19 Motion carried unanimously. 20 V. LICENSES/PERMITS/PETITIONS. 21 Motion by Marks, second by Faust, to approve the following licenses: 22 Heating License (Renewal): 23 Egan Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Minneapolis, MN 24 DeMars Heating, Brooklyn,Park, MN 25 Northwest Sheetmetal Company, St. Paul, MN 26 Motor Vehicle Starting License: 27 Dick's St. Anthony 66, Minneapolis, MN 28 Motion carried unanimously. 29 VI. PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS. 30 Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen, to approve the following claims A-D: 31 A. Engineering Services: 32 1. WSB & Associates, Inc. �3 a. $11,374.30 for professional services from August 1, 1999 through August 4 31, 1999 regarding 1999 Street, Utility, and Stormwater Improvement Construc- 35 tion Services. t .q City Council Meeting Minutes • September 28, 1999 Page 2 1 b. $3,145.50 for professional services from August 1, 1999 through August 2 31, 1999 regarding Harding Street Stormwater Basin Preliminary Design. 3 C. $6,308.25 for professional services rendered from August 1, 1999 through 4 August 31, 1999 regarding I/I Study. 5 d. $1,331.00 for professional services from August 1, 1999 through August 6 31, 1999 regarding Evaluation of Home Buy-Out Alternatives. 7 e. $3,833.50 for professional services rendered from August 1, 1999 through 8 August 31, 1999 regarding MN/DOT Tumback. 9 f. $379.50 for professional services rendered from August 1, 1999 through 10 August 31, 1999 regarding DNR& FEMA Grant Administration. 11 g. $276.00 for professional services rendered from August 1, 1999 through 12 August 31, 1999 regarding General Services. 13 h. $1,205.00 for professional services rendered from August 1, 1999 through 14 August 31, 1999 regarding 1999 Flood Proofing Grant Program. 15 I. $4,427.50 for professional services rendered from August 1, 1999 through 16 August 31, 1999 regarding Silver Point Park and Central Park Storm Water Im- 17 provements Construction. 18 j. $621.00 for professional services from August 1, 1999 through August 31, 1999 regarding 2000 Street Reconstruction Feasibility Study. B. Legal/Prosecutions: 21 1. - Foster, Wentzell, Hedback& Brever in the amount of$3,000.00 for legal 22 professional services rendered pursuant to invoice dated September 15, 1999. 23 C. New Public Works Facility: 24 1. SEH, Inc. in the amount of$870.21 for professional services rendered 25 from May 1, 1999 through July 31, 1999 regarding Design and Planning Services 26 for New Maintenance Facility. 27 D. 2 pages of Verified Claims as presented by the Finance Director. 28 VII. REPORTS. 29 Mayor Ranallo welcomed Heidi Thuesen, Councilmember Thuesen's daughter, in the audience. 30 Ranallo explained that Heidi is in sixth grade and is attending the Council meeting for a school 31 project. 32 A. Planning Commission. 33 Ranallo introduced Planning Commissioner Chris Melsha and invited him to address the 34 Council. 35 1. Lona and Robert Doolan, 3511 Harding Street, Lot Coverage Variance Request. 36 Commissioner Melsha reviewed for the Council that Mr. and Mrs. Doolan had submitted a Peti- tion for Variance to the R-1 residential lot coverage restriction of 35%. The Doolans are pro- posing to construct a deck and patio in their backyard,but that construction would require a 39 variance for an additional 10.5%of lot coverage. The large amount of lot coverage the Doolans I City Council Meeting Minutes September 28, 1999 • Page 3 1 have is due to an extraordinarily long driveway because the detached garage sits far from the 2 house in the rear yard. The structure was built in 1957 and existed prior to the City's ordinances 3 being codified. 4 Commissioner Melsha stated that the Planning Commission denied the Petition for Variance 5 after a lengthy deliberation because there was not necessary evidence of a hardship and the 6 property could be utilized in its current condition. The Commission was apprehensive about 7 denying the variance, but in light of the City's ongoing efforts to resolve the floodwater issue, 8 the Commission was reluctant to authorize additional impervious surfaces for the variance. 9 Marks mentioned that there are generally three conditions for granting a variance and he was sur- 10 prised that the Doolan's property wasn't in compliance with any of those conditions. I l Commissioner Melsha responded that, although the property pre-existed the current Code, there 12 were not any other circumstances that were found which would warrant a variance. 13 Marks suggested the possibility of building a deck in such a way that it would not be considered 14 impervious. Commissioner Melsha offered that such an option was discussed by the 15 Commission, but it was determined that a deck is considered a structure, and thus impervious. Cavanaugh asked about the length of time the City had to act on the variance request. 17 Management Assistant Moore-Sykes stated that a Petition for Variance is valid for a 60 day time 18 period and verified that the Doolan's application was dated August 16, 1999 and, therefore, 19 would expire approximately October 16, 1999. 20 Cavanaugh mentioned that he had visited the Doolan's property and believed that a deck or Simi- . 21 lar structure would be beneficial to the appearance of the property and the surrounding neighbor- 22 hood. Cavanaugh felt that a deck would not be as impervious a surface as a patio, and would 23 add ambiance to the property. 24 Commissioner Melsha offered that the building inspector-would treat the deck as a structure, and 25 therefore, impervious, but questioned the possibility of researching options that would cause the 26 structure to be more pervious. 27 Cavanaugh stated that he did not understand the Code to say that a deck is an impervious surface 28 and suggested additional research of the Code. 29 Thuesen stated the possibility of a deck being considered pervious depending on the surface 30 underneath a deck. Ms. Moore-Sykes clarified that the building inspector considered decking to be an impervious surface because of the polyurethane and other surfaces placed underneath a deck to eliminate City Council Meeting Minutes . September 28, 1999 Page 4 1 weeds and grass. Cavanaugh agreed with that finding, and stated that if the Council were to pro- w hibit that type of protection, it was possible the deck would be considered a pervious surface. 3 Marks said there are two issues at hand for the Council to consider: (1) granting the Variance 4 when there does not appear to be any justification for such variance; and(2)the design of the 5 deck. Marks agreed that issues could be researched and it is possible to alleviate the need for a 6 variance process altogether. Cavanaugh agreed as well and stated that the Council should offer 7 options to Mr. and Mrs. Doolan. 8 Commissioner Melsha stated that the Doolans are amenable to considering other options. 9 Ranallo stated that he had visited the property as well, and felt that the way the plans were 10 written and the request presented, that the variance would have to be denied. However, he added 11 that the Doolans would be encouraged to approach the Council with other options and plans. 12 Faust reminded the Council that if the Doolans were to return with other options, that the vari- 13 ance fee would be waived. Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen, that the City Council deny the Petition for Variance on 10 the basis that no legal hardship has been demonstrated, but directed City Staff to research a 16 viable alternative for the variance process of Mr. and Mrs. Doolan. 17 Motion carried unanimously. 18 Ranallo stated to Commissioner Melsha that he had read the minutes of the Planning 19 Commission meeting on September 21, 1999, and that the Council was aware of the 20 Commission's concern over a blatant violation of a Conditional Use Permit by a local business. 21 Ranallo said that the City had tried diligently and repeatedly to resolve the violation issues with 22 the business and were not successful. Ranallo would like to direct City Staff to begin immediate 23 action regarding the violations of the Conditional Use Permit by Exhaust Pros. 24 Faust mentioned that, during his report to the Planning Commission at the September 21, 1999 25 meeting, he had reiterated the need for follow up on issues. Faust believed that the City had tried 26 to be friendly and cooperative with Exhaust Pros in resolving the Conditional Use Permit viola- 27 tions, but now it was time to begin a more firm approach. 28 Cavanaugh.mentioned to Commissioner Melsha that he would like to see members of the 29 Planning Commission tour the City to recognize other businesses that could be in violation of 30 their Conditional Use Permit. In other words, the Council is not singling out one commercial 1 property for violation. City Council Meeting Minutes September 28, 1999 • Page 5 1 Commissioner Melsha stated that the name of the particular business being discussed had not 2 been disclosed by the Planning Commission at the September 21, 1999 meeting; however, the 3 Commission felt frustration as a group that this particular property owner could ignore the 4 Conditional Use Permit and this business happened to be a blatant example. 5 As an aside, Cavanaugh questioned the existence of a poplar tree farm that appears to be in the 6 New Market site that was torn down. He felt this was an example of additional housekeeping to 7 be instigated by the City. 8 Ranallo thanked Commissioner Melsha for attending the Council meeting and additionally 9 thanked him for his excellent work as a new member of the Planning Commission. 10 B. Councilmembers. 11 Cavanaugh reported that he had attended a Y2K meeting at Logan Park. In general attendance 12 were the utility companies and residents from the community. He felt a need for a Y2K 13 discussion at a council worksession to discuss ways to provide help for neighborhoods in 14 preparing for Y2K. Ranallo advised the Council that he would put the Y2K matter on the 15 worksession agenda. 0 Cavanaugh related that there is a program from the State of Minnesota which would allow for a 17 student to work with the Council. He believed there are new roles for the City in helping 18 students find roles in working with City government. 19 Ranallo reminded the Council that last January or February 1999, he had recommended that the 20 City work with a student to act in the course of a Page at City Council meetings. The student 21 would attend meetings and assist residents as they arrived or in speaking with the Council. He 22 had spoken with the School Board and the Student Council and found little interest amongst 23 either organization. Recently, Ranallo received a telephone call from a student showing interest 24 in becoming a Page for the Council, but Ranallo had not heard back from the student. Ranallo 25 was hoping that the student would come forth, or that other students would become involved. 26 Faust reported that he had attended the League of Minnesota Cities meeting, and said that there 27 were student delegates in attendance. He felt that it was an excellent opportunity for students 28 and would suggest that the City work with the school to sponsor students as delegates to attend 29 with a Councilmember. 30 Marks reported that he attended the annual Sister City Conference held on September 18, 1999 in 31 Minneapolis and found the conference quite interesting. He mentioned that Joyce Benson is a 32 former City Councilmember from Duluth and is in charge of the Sister City organization. Marks 33 recounted for the Council that previous consideration had been given to incorporating language into the City's sign that would name St. Anthony's sister city. Faust expressed support for this 1 City Council Meeting Minutes September 28, 1999 • Page 6 1 suggestion stating that he thought the City had planned on implementing the new signs. He also 2 mentioned that he believed that Hudson, Wisconsin has similar language on City signs. 3 Marks recapped by stating that he is looking forward to upcoming Sister City events and 4 reminded the Council that he will not be available to be the City Councilmember to the Sister 5 City organization next year. 6 Faust asked if a motion was needed to implement the new signs for the City. Ranallo stated that 7 City Staff would research the project and present cost estimates to the Council. 8 Faust stated that on September 16, he attended a Fiscal Future Policies Committee meeting from 9 the League of Minnesota Cities organization. This was the final meeting for the adoption of the 10 fiscal future policies as they relate to cities. The policies will be presented at the General 11 Adoption Committee meeting that is held November 19, 1999. Faust encouraged the 12 community to attend the meeting as some of the issues that will be presented could have an 13 impact on St. Anthony from a financial point of view. 14 Faust reported that he had attended a meeting for the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities 5 that included a briefing about metropolitan government. A survey had been performed and it was determined that there is substantial support for the Association and its platform. 17 18 Faust was the Council liaison at the Planning Commission meeting on September 21, 1999, and 19 reported on the Council's activities. He stated he was pleased to see all the Commissioners pres- 20 ent and it was a delight to see all the new faces and enthusiasm. Faust stated that it was invigo- 21 rating to share philosophies and ideas, and he would encourage an open dialogue between both 22 the Parks Commission and the Planning Commission with the Council. This communication 23 would create a stronger bond and thus benefit both the residents and the City in facilitating busi- 24 ness. 25 Faust related that he had attended a meeting with some organizations that were taking a stern 26 look at Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The concerns of the organizations were faxed to the 27 League of Minnesota Cities for input on the impact TIF financing would have on the City. 28 Faust reported that he had a meeting with Governor Jesse Ventura and spoke with him about a 29 number of issues. Mr. Ventura was cordial and friendly, and Faust enjoyed their meeting. Faust 30 felt the meeting was beneficial in many respects, as well as providing an avenue for the City to 31 continue discussions in the future. 32 Thuesen wished to follow up on the discussion of city government and youth. He stated that, last 33 spring, he taught a class on city government for elementary school students, and it was encourag- ing to see the youth's interest and enthusiasm. The students were able to arrive at different 35 angles for solutions to issues. Thuesen stated he had met with the new principal at Wilshire Park City Council Meeting Minutes September 28, 1999 • Page 7 1 and offered his services if the school would be interested in further discussions on city 2 government. 3 Thuesen also attended the League of Minnesota Cities Conference and stated he enjoyed the ses- 4 sion regarding youth involvement in city government. He would encourage exploring the 5 concept of a youth council for the City. 6 Thuesen commented on a sentence from the August 17, 1999 Planning Commission meeting 7 minutes wherein there had apparently been a discussion between a Commissioner and a City 8 Councilmember about enforcement of compliance issues. Thuesen cautioned the Council about 9. the necessity of discussing issues as a group as opposed to on an individual basis. 10 C. Mayor. 11 Ranallo disclosed that one of the City's police officers had been in a serous accident, but had 12 escaped with relatively minor injuries and was recovering well. The officer had been on a call 13 and was going through a red light when he was broadsided. Ranallo explained that if that officer 14 had a type of equipment in his squad car called an "Opticom," that the accident could have been 15 avoided. Ranallo clarified that "Opticom" is an attachment for a squad car, fire truck, or similar �6 vehicle, that when implemented, will automatically give opposite traffic a red light and the �j vehicle with Opticom a green light. The Opticom equipment has been included into the City's 18 budget, but the budget has not yet been approved. Ranallo requested that City Staff begin 19 researching the facts for obtaining and installing the Opticom equipment so that when the budget 20 is approved, the equipment can immediately be purchased and installed. All of the traffic lights 21 in Minnesota have the reception for the Opticom equipment, but the equipment needs to be 22 installed into the vehicles. 23 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS. None. 24 IX. NEW BUSINESS. 25 A. Approval of Election Judge List for the November 2, 1999 Local General Election. 26 Motion by Marks, second by Faust,to approve the Election Judge List for the November 2, 1999 27 Local General Election, and also to approve the following City Hall Staff to act as official wit- 28 nesses for absentee voting purposes: Judy Monson, Sandy Simon, Pat Laughter, and Gerri 29 Harrier. 30 Motion carried unanimously. 31 IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. 32 Cavanaugh inquired about the absence of a City Manager's report for the meeting. Ms. Moore- 33 stated that, in light of the absence of the City Manager, there would not be a report for this meeting. City Council Meeting Minutes September 28, 1999 • Page 8 i Cavanaugh responded that a letter from WSB &Associates was expected concerning some prob- 2 lems with the alleys. He felt that, with winter approaching, time was of the essence in resolving 3 those problems. 4 Thuesen offered that most of the alleys needed corrective work. Cavanaugh mentioned 5 discontent that the construction workers were tossing discarded asphalt pieces into the planters 6 along the retaining walls by the alleys. 7 XI. ADJOURNMENT. 8 Motion by Marks, second by Faust, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. 9 Motion carried unanimously. 10 Respectfully submitted, 49 Sue Selseth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 13 14 ayor 15 ATTEST: 16 City Clerk •