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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 10121999 Meeting Sheet IIIIII VIII VIII VIII VIII VIII IIII IIII 100766 Box: 19 Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1999 Document: CC MINUTES 10121999 f 4 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3 OCTOBER 12, 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: Michael.Mornson, City Manager(7:15 p.m.) l 1 III. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 12, 1999 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. 12 Motion by Faust, second by Marks, to approve the October 12, 1999 Regular City Council 13 Meeting Agenda as presented. 14 Motion carried unanimously. 15 IV. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 28, 1999 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 16 MINUTES. 17 Motion by Marks, second by Cavanaugh,to approve the September 28, 1999 Regular City 4FCouncil Meeting Minutes as presented. 19 Motion carried unanimously. 20 V. LICENSES/PERMITS/PETITIONS. 21 Cavanaugh questioned the reinstatement of one of the licenses due to an experience with the 22 company in question. Marks stated that, although the Council has control over approving li- 23 censes, a significant reason must be presented in order for the Council to deny the license. 24 Ranallo suggested that any concerns over license renewals be presented to the City Clerk prior to 25 the Council meeting. 26 Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen, to approve the following licenses: 27 Heating License Renewal): 28 Heating & Cooling Two Inc., Maple Grove, Minnesota 29 30 Contractors License: 31 McMillan Masonry Inc., Stillwater, MN/working at 2804-34"Avenue NE 32 McGough Construction, St. Paul, MN/working at 3312 Silver Lake Road 33 British Landscapes Ltd., Roseville, MN/working at 3737 Foss Road 4 Pioneer Tree Service, Pierz, Minnesota 35 Motion carried unanimously. 1 City Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 1999 • Page 2 1 VI. PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS. 2 Motion by Marks, second by Faust, to approve the following claims A-F: 3 A. 1998 Street Improvement Project(final): 4 1. Forest Lake Contracting Inc. in the amount of$12,803.29 for professional serv- 5 ices accomplished through September 10, 1999 regarding 1998 Water Main, 6 Street, and Storm Sewer Improvements. 7 B. New Public Works Facility: 8 1. SEH in the amount of$9,564.47 for professional services rendered from August, 9 1999 through August 31, 1999 regarding Design and Planning Services for New 10 Maintenance Facility. 11 C. Schnitzer Legal: 12 1. Hessian& McKasy in the amount of$1,436.20 for legal services rendered regard- 13 ing MERLA Site Group Settlement—Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Claim for Past 14 Costs pursuant to invoice dated September 28, 1999. 15 D. Legal Services: 16 1. Dorsey& Whitnex: a. $225.00 for legal services rendered through August 31, 1999 regarding 41 Pahl Avenue Properties/Condemnation. 19 b. $360.00 for legal services rendered through August 31, 1999 regarding 20 Harding Street Ponding Project. 21 C. $3,009.60 for legal services rendered through August 31, 1999 regarding 22 General Matters. 23 E. Y2K Insurance Coverage: 24 1. League of Minnesota Cities in the amount of$2,362.00 for coverage period from 25 June 1, 1999 to June 1, 2000. 26 F. 3 pages of Verified Claims as presented by the Finance Director. 27 Motion carried unanimously. 28 29 VII. REPORTS. 30 A. Councilmembers 31 Marks reported that he attended the Parks Commission meeting on October 11, 1999 as City 32 Council Liaison. He stated that the Commission had a number of issues at hand. In particular, 33 the Commission had a lengthy discussion about Water Tower Park and punch list items yet to be 34 accomplished. �5 In addition, there are currently two positions open for Parks Commissioners and interested i; parties are invited to submit a letter to the Parks Commission for application. Marks stated that City Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 1999 Page 3 1 reports from Community Services, Sports Boosters, and the School Board were given during the 2 meeting. The next Parks Commission meeting will be held on November 8, 1999. 3 Ranallo commented that he would speak to City Manager Michael Morrison regarding the avail- 4 ability of two Parks Commission seats. 5 Marks also reported that he would be attending a Sister City Association meeting on November 6 14, 1999. At that meeting, a person from the Minneapolis Sister City Association, particularly 7 the Finnish group, would be speaking. This person has traveled to Finland extensively and has 8 agreed to show pictures and speak about her experiences. 9 Faust reported that he was heartened to see that the engineering firm of WSB & Associates dis- 10 tributed a punch list or reminder to residents regarding unresolved issues on the latest street re- 11 construction. He felt that the interaction with the neighborhood residents by WSB was 12 commendable and appreciated. 13 Faust stated that he had attended an open house on Wednesday, October 6, 1999 at the Fire 14 Department. He was encouraged to see many children in attendance and was pleased with their interaction with fire department personnel and public officials. Of particular interest, Faust no- ticed how youngsters showed younger siblings how to escape the smokehouse. This was an in- 17 valuable training tool and Faust felt the open house was an excellent presentation by the Fire De- 18 partment. This type of involvement, Faust said, makes for a strong community. 19 Faust wished to thank the City Staff on the letter written regarding City business, and had hopes 20 that such-letter would resolve the issue. 21 Thuesen reported that he had attended a Community Services Advisory Council meeting. The 22 primary focus of that meeting was to honor Dick Johnson, who had been Chairman of the Com- 23 munity Services Advisory Council for many years. Mr. Johnson's contributions to the 24 community have been invaluable and Thuesen wished to commend him for his service. 25 Morrison arrived at 7:15 p.m. 26 Thuesen further reported that he had attended the Fire Department open house as well. He stated 27 that the Fire Department had done a tremendous job every year in sponsoring the open house. 28 Thuesen felt that it was beneficial to the community and a source of good will that the Fire De- 29 partment demonstrated the services offered and provided valuable techniques for fire prevention 30 and escape. Cavanaugh reported that he had attended the national board meeting of Adults and Children in Our Neighborhood. He stated that a grant proposal of$7,500.00 had been approved and the 33 funds would be used for implementing various community projects and gatherings. t City Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 1999 Page 4 1 Cavanaugh further reported that he had participated in a forum with a seniors group called "Life 2 Enrichment Adult Forum for Seniors." Y2K issues were discussed and the.seniors were assured 3 that the City is prepared for the millennium. Cavanaugh felt that the underlying concern with the 4 seniors was the improbable event that the neighborhood is not prepared for Y2K. Cavanaugh 5 would suggest a type of forum or structure to cope with the anxiety in the neighborhoods 6 regarding the Y2K issues. 7 In addition, on Saturday, October 9, 1999, Cavanaugh attended a project organized by the middle 8 school on government. In review, Cavanaugh stated that students in Minnesota have graduation 9 standards that must be completed prior to graduation. One of these standards is to participate in 10 the elective process of government. Approximately 75-100 students had signed up for this 11 project and each individual running for office chaperoned 10-15 students. These students 12 accompanied the person seeking office on the campaign trail. Then, each student would 13 complete the project by writing a paper on the event. Cavanaugh wished to thank Megan Mills 14 for her time and donation of refreshments, and felt the experience was constructive and 15 interesting. 16 B. Mao. Ranallo stated that he attended a meeting on Thursday, October 7, 1999 regarding the recent IN problems many residents have experienced with Media One in upgrading the cable service. The 19 City has placed Media One in noncompliance with their franchise agreement. Ranallo stated 20 that, rather than asked the cable company to pay fines,the City felt Media One should supply the 21 customers who have experienced problems with some sort of token. Currently, a committee is in 22 the process of negotiating an agreement and an updated report will be provided at the November 23 Council meeting. 24 Ranallo reported that the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a forum for candidates on 25 October 25, 1999 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Chamber will set up tables in the 26 hallway for candidates to distribute literature. Ranallo reminded residents that flyers are being 27 distributed and should be received soon from the Executive Director of the Chamber, George 28 Wagner. The schedule for the forum will be (1) School Board candidates first; (2) City Council 29 candidates next; and (3) Mayoral candidates last. There will be moderators directing 30 questioning. Ranallo expressed a reminder that most of the members of the Chamber of 31 Commerce are not residents of St. Anthony,but have businesses in the City, so questioning 32 would be of an impartial nature. 33 Ranallo mentioned that, in the past,the forum had been held at noon. However, this year, the 34 time has been switched to evening in the hope of filling the Council Chamber with residents. 35 The forum will be televised live and replays will be programmed. 10 C. City Manager. i City Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 1999 • Page 5 1 Mornson reported that City Staff held a meeting with Ramsey County regarding the Silver Lake 2 Bridge project scheduled for the year 2000. Construction should begin around March. Mornson 3 stated that there appear to be two concerns surrounding the project which are: (1) costs are in- 4 creasing due to the unusual routing of the watermain; and(2) the lighting. Mornson stated that 5 he would report back to the Council at the November 2 worksession regarding this project. In 6 addition, at the November 9, 1999 City Council meeting, the Ramsey County Engineer will be 7 present and will be requesting approval on two issues, which are(1) approval of the plans; and 8 (2) approval to enter into a cooperative agreement with Ramsey County. Mornson felt that the 9 project is proceeding as planned. In addition, Mornson said that the original estimate of the 10 bridge design and cost was anticipated to be approximately $70,000; however, Ramsey County is I 1 currently in negotiations with the federal government for assistance in cost and thus St. 12 Anthony's out-of-pocket cost could drop. 13 Mornson commented on the 33"Avenue project and stated that a neighborhood meeting will be 14 held on October 28, 1999. Mornson planned on reporting back to the Council at the November 9 15 or November 30 City Council meetings regarding the progress. 16 Also, Mornson met with WSB & Associates regarding finalizing soil and survey work performed on the Harding Project. A neighborhood meeting will be held on November 10, 1999 and IN notices will be sent next week to depict the results of the soil and survey, and to begin dialogue 19 regarding the pond design. 20 Cavanaugh requested that the Council receive copies of the materials sent to the residents. 21 Mornson further reported that, over the next three weeks, he would be negotiating union con- 22 tracts that are expiring at the end of the year. His hope is to have the contract issues resolved for 23 the November 30 City Council meeting, but in any event,he will be updating the Council on pro- 24 posals and counter proposals. 25 Cavanaugh asked if the Council would be updated on any new costs associated with the 26 negotiated union contracts. Ranallo stated that it is typically the practice of the City Manager to 27 negotiate the contracts, receive proposals, and update the Council periodically on all aspects. 28 Finally, the City Manager will report to the Council that either an agreement has been reached, or 29 not been reached, and the Council will proceed from that point. 30 Cavanaugh stated he would be interested in being informed about any new work rules and related 31 issues for the new contracts. Ranallo confirmed that the Council would receive any proposals. 32 Mornson reported that in November 1999, he would have a quarterly meeting with administrators from Administrators of Falcon Heights and Lauderdale, the Chief of Police, and the Finance Director. Mornson reviewed for the Council that the Chief of Police and the City Manager 35 typically meet on a quarterly basis and that the City's contract extends through the year 2000; City Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 1999 • Page 6 1 however, when the contracts were signed, it was agreed that the City needed to determine costs 2 by May 15 of the final year of contracts. 3 Another issue Morrison reported on was that on Friday, October 8, 1999, the City closed on the 4 purchase of 2809 301 Avenue. This property was one of four that the City had agreed to 5 purchase. Pursuant to the Council's direction, the home will be winterized and will stay in tact 6 until certain progress on the Harding project is determined. 7 Cavanaugh responded_that a neighborhood resident had contacted him expressing concern about 8 safeguarding the property. 9 Mornson mentioned that November 10 is the tentative date to close on the two properties in the 10 Pahl area. In addition,November 29 is the tentative date to close on the Carlson property. I l Initially, the City was anticipating closings after the first of next year and Mornson is pleased 12 that all the properties being purchased will have closings by the end of the year. 13 Mornson reported that he had a meeting with the secondary parties for the St. Anthony Shopping 14 Center development. Improvements and landscaping to the Center were the primary topic for discussion. Mornson felt that the meeting was productive and the participants were receptive and 4k willing to consider various options. Custom Liquidators had a concern about losing some of the 17 store's parking due to redevelopment changes, but seemed to be agreeable to discussing 18 alternatives with the Council. In addition, Dick Krier will be present at the October 26, 1999 19 City Council meeting to review the site plan. 20 In reference to the Council's prior concern about the condition of the old New Market site, 21 Mornson stated that the weeds had been chopped down. Equally important, Mornson reported 22 that the City Staff had sent a letter to Exhaust Pros in reference to the conditional use permit vio- 23 lations and provided the business with 30 days in which to correct the violation issues. 24 Mornson wished to announce that a citizen, Kevin Morelli, received the Hospy Award at the 25 Food, Beverage, and Lodging Expo of'99. Mornson stated this is a prestigious award and is 26 bestowed upon individuals who have proven their diligence and excellent work. 27 Regarding awards, Ranallo summarized that, earlier this year, the City of St. Anthony, Police, 28 and Fire Departments participated in a videotape of a mock drunk driving crash and the 29 presentation won a local award. The presentation was subsequently entered into a national 30 contest and won first place. Ranallo wished to express warm thanks to the St. Anthony High 31 School Video Club, which had compiled the videotape. Mounds View and Roseville were cities 32 that received awards as well. S3 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS. None. City Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 1999 • Page 7 t IX. NEW BUSINESS. 2 A. Resolution 99-065, re: call public hearing for amendment to Tax Increment Financing, 3 Mornson drew the Council's attention to a memo dated October 6, 1999 regarding Tax Increment 4 Financing (TIF). He explained that the City has approximately a$1.4 million fund balance in the 5 Kenzie TIF account. Due to a change in state law in 1999, the fund balance can only be used on 6 projects outside of the District until December 31, 1999. The balance can be used within the 7 District until 2008, which is when the District is set to expire. In addition, in 1996, the City 8 amended the TIF budget to allow certain activities to occur from any fund balances from the 9 Chandler Place and Kenzie Districts. Specifically, the City has two options: (1) Add activities to 10 the current plan (such as the purchase of the Hardies's property) which would require a hearing; 11 or(2) amend the budget in the current plan, which would require a resolution, and not a hearing. 12 Cavanaugh requested a description of the boundaries of the Kenzie District. Mornson responded 13 that Autumn Woods and the Kenzie Condos are the boundaries. 14 Marks questioned the possibility of the City completing the purchasing process of the Hardies's 15 property by year end. Ranallo stated that his concern would be completion of an environmental 16 study. Mornson clarified that a Phase I study could be completed, which would research the site, but that soil tests are not usually performed in Phase I testing. 18 Faust clarified that the Council had two issues to consider: (1) amend the TIF plan by resolution; 19 or(2) consider a swift purchase of the Hardies's property. Faust said in light of the current 20 discussions, it would appear that the property could be purchased; however, the purchase would 21 be risky because a complete environmental study would not be completed by the end of the year. 22 Faust agreed that the Council needed to consider the opportunity, however, all factors needed to 23 be weighed. 24 Thuesen agreed that, although it would be beneficial to obtain the property since it has been va- 25 cant, there would be a certain amount of risk involved with the environmental factors and contin- 26 gencies on the property. 27 Ranallo recommended that the City Manager prepare a resolution to amend the budget pursuant 28 to the plan presented. Mornson stated he would update the Council at the November 2, 1999 29 worksession. 30 Mornson continued to report that a meeting was recently held with the St. Anthony Shopping 31 Center owners and The Hitching Post owners. A survey will be done soon to obtain legal de- 32 scriptions, and it is Mornson's hope that a price can be agreed upon the end of the year regarding 33 green space. • City Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 1999 Page 8 1 Cavanaugh asked if there would be a window of opportunity for some of the TIF funds to be set 2 aside for the parks and public space issues. Morrison said that contracts would need to be entered 3 into and signed in order to allocate those funds. 4 X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. None. 5 XI. ADJOURNMENT. 6 Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen,to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m. 7 8 Motion carried unanimously. 9 Respectfully submitted, 10 Sue Selseth 11 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 12 Mayor 14 ATTEST: 15 City Clerk