HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 03142000 Meeting Sheet
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Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2000
Document: CC MINUTES 03142000
t CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 MARCH 14, 2000
4 I. CALL TO ORDER.
5 Mayor Cavanaugh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
6 II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
7 Mayor Cavanaugh invited the Council and the audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
8 III. ROLL CALL.
9 Councilmembers present:- Mayor Cavanaugh; Councilmembers Sparks, Thuesen, and Hodson
10 Councilmembers absent: Richard Horst
1 t Also present: Michael Mornson, City Manager.
12 IV. APPROVAL OF MARCH 14, 2000 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
13 Motion by Thuesen to approve the March 14, 2000 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda with
14 the following additions:
15 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
�16 C. Presentation to City of Award Received by SEH.
'i7 VI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
18 A. Update from Scott Tankenoff, Hillcrest Development, re: Apache Plaza.
19 B. Update on Events Reg the Sister City Association.
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
22 A. Defibrillator Presentation by Bill McReM.
23 Mayor Cavanaugh introduced and welcomed Bill McReavy. By way of background, Mr.
24 McReavy stated that he and his wife have lived in St. Anthony for the past 36 years. They have
25 raised four children and have 11 grandchildren. When Mr. McReavy became aware that the City
26 was in need of a defibrillator, he and his wife wished to provide back to the City and supply the
27 needed defibrillator.
28 . In this respect, Mr. McReavy presented a defibrillator to Police Chief Engstrom and Mayor
29 Cavanaugh. Mr. Engstrom and Cavanaugh expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation for
30 Mr. McReavy's generous donation.
31 B. Retirement Plaque for Fire Chief Dick Johnson.
32 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that Fire Chief Dick Johnson was retiring after 30 years of dedicated
service. In this respect, Cavanaugh presented a plaque to Mr. Johnson and expressed his sincere
0 appreciation on behalf of the City for Mr. Johnson's many years of loyalty and devoted service to
35 the City.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 14, 2000
Page 2
1 In relaying the importance of defibrillators, Mr. Johnson stated that the fire department was re-
2 cently called for a medical emergency. The first squad car on the scene used a defibrillator. Mr.
3 Johnson expressed his appreciation as well to Mr. McReavy and his family for the donation of
4 medical equipment.
5 C. Presentation to City of Award Received by SEH.
6 Mayor Cavanaugh introduced and welcomed Richard Potz of the firm Short, Elliott,
7 Hendrickson, Inc. ("SEH") and Michael Foertsch, Manager of the Municipal Department of
8 SEH, to the Council meeting.
9 Mr. Potz began by providing a background of the criteria for the award. The Concrete Pavement
10 Association and the Minnesota Department of Transportation awarded ten companies in 1999 for
11 outstanding service. The criteria for the awards is based on a rating system in place for new con-
12 struction as well as rehabilitated concrete pavement. The rehabilitated pavement must prove that
13 after one year it can withstand environmental conditions and serve the purpose for which it was
14 intended.
15 SEH received notice that the project the firm completed at 33rd Avenue from Silver Lake Road
10 to Highcrest Road and been nominated and had won the award. The award stated that it was for
the outstanding performance of high quality concrete pavement construction. In addition,the
18 project had been rated the best project of its type completed in Minnesota during 1999.
19 In this respect, Mr. Potz and Mr. Foertsch presented the award to Mayor Cavanaugh on behalf of
20 the City of St. Anthony.
21 Mr. Potz reminded the Mayor that all State awards are automatically forwarded to the National
22 contest.
23 On behalf of the City, Mayor Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Potz and Mr. Foertsch for their presenta-
24 tion of the award.
25 VI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
26 A. Update from Scott Tankenoff, Hillcrest Development, re: Apache Plaza.
27 Mayor Cavanaugh invited Mr. Scott Tankenoff, Managing Partner of Hillcrest Development, to
28 address the Council. Mr. Tankenoff is in charge of the Apache Plaza redevelopment and, in this
29 respect, brought panoramic pictures of the Plaza as it currently exists. Mr. Tankenoff stated that
30 an interesting point to note is the lack of landscaping around the building.
31 Consequently, Mr. Tankenoff presented an illustration of the proposed renovation of the outside
of the structure. He reminded the Council that the illustration was a minimum standard of the
planned final outcome of the outside of the building.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2000
Page 3
1 Additionally, Mr. Tankenoff stated that in coming days, more information will be released as it is
2 finalized within Hillcrest Development. Mr. Tankenoff offered that.Hillcrest Development
3 wants to have a complete cleansing and freshening of the Center and would like to provide the
4 community with a solid minimum of what to expect in the coming months.
5 Hillcrest Development will soon be presenting a landscaping plan to the City Manager, City
6 Staff, and consultants. The company has submitted a draft of a zoning overlay ordinance that
7 they believe will have a positive impact for both Apache Plaza and the neighborhood.
8 In response to suggestions for the City to hire its own planner, Mr. Tankenoff was in full support
9 of the City retaining a planner to work on its behalf. Time is of the essence, he stated, and Hill-
10 crest is willing and anxious to begin coordinating efforts with a planner retained by the City. He
11 stated it would assist in the success of the project and would positively impact the scope and per-
12 ception of Apache Plaza.
13 For the Council's information, Mr. Tankenoff distributed a copy of a report that concerned shop-
14 ping centers and how such uses have changed in the surrounding area. He noted that there is an
15 interesting list of shopping centers that have been converted to other uses and invited the Council
40 to notice the consistent pattern and relate it to Apache Plaza.
17 Hodson commended Mr. Tankenoff for consistently apprising the Council, as well as the
18 community, on updates for Apache Plaza. Hodson related that he has heard a significant amount
19 of positive feedback from the community relating to receiving consistent updates and for the
20 project scope as a whole.
21 Mayor Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Tankenoff for his presentation and attendance at the Council
22 meeting.
23 B. Update on Events Regarding the Sister City Association.
24 Mayor Cavanaugh introduced Ruth Ann Marks, 3424 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony, and invited
25 her to address the Council.
26 Ms. Marks began by stating that she is the President of the St. Anthony Sister City Association
27 and Co-Chair of the Youth Art Exchange. Ms. Marks stated that the youth in St. Anthony have
28 put together and created two-dimensional art pieces and 60 of those pieces have been sent.to
29 Salo, Finland for display.
30 Salo, Finland is St. Anthony's sister city and, at the same time, the youth in Salo have created
31 and forwarded art for display here. The theme for Finland's artwork is "Life in Salo." The
pieces are expected to arrive shortly and a grand opening art show will be held at the Community
40 Center on Thursday, April 13, 2000 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be additional public
34 viewing times on Friday, April 14, 2000 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15 from 10:00
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2000
• Page 4
1 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 21, 2000 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
2 In this respect, Ms. Marks presented photographs of the area in which the art from St. Anthony
3 will be displayed in Salo, Finland.
4 Ms. Marks stated that the funding for this program is being provided by a grant the Association
5 recently received as well as funds from the St. Anthony Sister City Association.
6 Sparks asked about the process for the youth to submit art. Ms. Marks replied that students were
7 able to submit work to their art teachers and all of the work that could not be forwarded to Salo,
8 Finland will be displayed at the Community Center.
9 Mayor Cavanaugh extended congratulations to Ms. Marks for her election as President of the
10 Sister City Association and thanked her for her presentation at the Council meeting.
11 VII. CONSENT AGENDA.
12 Motion by Hodson, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, which included:
13 1. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 22, 2000;
2. Contractors License (Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, Mpls. MN)
5 3. Cigarette Sales Renewal (SAVI, SAVII, Stonehouse Bar& Grill, Erickson Oil)
16 4. Bench License Renewal (US Bench Corporation, Minneapolis, MN)
17 5. Garbage Haulers License (Larry's Quality Sanitation, Ramsey)
18 6. Service Station License Renewal (Don's Apache Car Wash, Dick's St. Anthony
19 66, Erickson Oil Products, Freedon Value Centers)
20 7. Vending License Renewal (SIN INC, Apache Plaza, Laundromat)
21 3. Five pages of verified claims.
22 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
23 None.
24 IX. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
25 A. Consider Resolution 00-022 re: Call a Hearing on Sidewalk, Lighting, and Plantings for
26 29th Avenue NE.
27 Mayor Cavanaugh reviewed for the Council that this issue was discussed at the City Council
28 meeting on February 22, 2000 and additionally at the Council's worksession.
29
30 City Manager Michael Mornson stated that each homeowner affected by Resolution 00-022
31 would receive a notice and there would also be a notice in the newspaper. Additionally,
32 Morrison stated, the engineer would be present at the public hearing to answer any questions.
0 By way of background, Cavanaugh stated that one of the issues that was presented at a public
34 hearing in 1999 regarded the installation of sidewalks along 29th Avenue. It was apparent that
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 14, 2000
Page 5
1 the residents did not support sidewalks for the South side of the street and the concept was
2 abandoned.
3 However, certain issues have arisen that have caused the City Council to reconsider the installa-
4 tion of sidewalks, but on the North side of the street on 29th Avenue instead of the South side as
5 originally contemplated in 1999. Cavanaugh indicated that the concept is a different scenario.
6 He suggested to City Manager Michael Morrison to ask that the engineering firm of WSB present
7 and display the diagrams that the Council received in the work package.
8 Additionally, Cavanaugh suggested that the Councilmembers review the City's Comprehensive
9 Plan and familiarize themselves with the contents, in particular the information surrounding
10 sidewalks.
I i Thuesen noted that the Council had previously discussed installing decorative lighting in
12 conjunction with the installation of sidewalks. It was his hope that the Council would continue
13 to discuss the option of decorative lighting, and keep in mind the context of the rest of the
14 community in order to create a general theme.
Sparks noted that, although there appears to be opposition to the installation of sidewalks from
0 residents along 29th Avenue, there is support from the rest of the community. She believed that
17 the needs of the larger community need to be considered. In addition, Sparks commented that
18 this could also be considered a landscaping project and an attempt to give 29th Avenue a residen-
19 tial feeling.
20 Motion by Sparks to approve Resolution 00-022, a resolution calling a hearing on sidewalk,
21 lighting and plantings for 29th Avenue NE, wherein the City Council of the City of St. Anthony
22 calls a public hearing to be held before the Council on Tuesday, April 11, 2000, commencing at
23 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible,to receive public input on a proposed plan on side-
24 walk, lighting and planting improvements to be made in conjunction with the proposed street and
25 utility improvements to 29th Avenue NE.
26 Motion carried unanimously.
27 B. Consider Resolution 00-023 re: Approval of Plans and Specifications and Order
28 Advertisement for Bids for 33rd Avenue NE.
29 Mayor Cavanaugh invited Mr. Richard Potz and Mr. Mike Foertsch, SEH, to address the
30 Council.
31 Mr. Potz stated that the firm is present to provide final plans and specifications and to ask for the
6 Council's approval to move forward.
33 Mr. Potz provided a brief history of the project at hand. On September 14, 1999, the City
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2000
• Page 6
1 Council ordered a feasibility study to be completed on a project for 33rd Avenue NE.
2 Moreover, a neighborhood meeting was held on October 28, 1999 to inform the residents of the
3 plans and schedule of the improvements.
4 SEH prepared a feasibility study (dated November 23, 1999) and presented the report to the City
5 Council at the November 30, 1999 regular meeting. In short, the report outlined the scope for re-
6 habilitation of the concrete pavement on 33rd Avenue from Silver Lake Road to Stinson Boule-
z vard, concrete sidewalk improvements, along the north side of the roadway and sanitary sewer
8 and storm sewer improvements.
9 On November 30, 1999, the City Council accepted the feasibility study and authorized the prepa-
10 ration of final plans and specifications. In this respect, Mr. Potz presented an aerial photograph
11 of the area involved for reconstruction and reviewed in detail the work to be accomplished and
12 the time frame involved.
13 Mr. Potz stated that the construction would be completed in three phases, beginning in May 2000
14 and ending completely by October 2000. A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for May 2000.
0 Cavanaugh inquired about the total cost of the project. Mr. Potz stated that the total estimated
16 cost is $690,000.
17 City Manager Michael Morrison stated that the neighborhood would receive a weekly newsletter
18 during the construction period, which would provide updates and information about the progress
19 of the project.
20 Motion by Hodson to approve Resolution 00-023, a resolution approving plans and specifications
21 and ordering advertisement for bids, wherein the City Council of the City of St. Anthony deems:
22 1) Such improvement is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible as detailed in the feasibility
23 re port.
24 2) Such plans and specifications are hereby approved.
25 3) The consulting engineering firm shall prepare and cause to be inserted in the official
26 paper and in the Construction Bulletin, an advertisement for bids upon the making of
27 such improvement under such approved plans and specifications. The advertisement
28 shall be published for two times, shall specify the work to be done, shall state that bids
29 will be opened on April 14, 2000 and bids the responsibility of the bidders will be
30 considered by the City Council at 7:00 p.m. on April 25, 2000 in the Council Chambers
31 of the City Hall. Any bidder whose responsibility is questioned during consideration of
the bid will be given an opportunity to address the Council on the issue of responsibility.
40 No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the clerk and accompanied by a
34 cash deposit, cashier's check, bid bond or certified check payable to the City of St.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 14, 2000
Page 7
1 Anthony for Five (5%) percent of the amount of such bid.
2 Motion carried unanimously.
3 As a point of information, Mornson stated that 29th Avenue is considered a state aid road, and so
4 is 33rd Avenue. In other words, both projects are competing for state aid money and it could be
5 wise to hold off on the 29th Avenue project until the cost of the construction is determined. The
6 overall budget needs to be considered, he stated.
7 C. Consider Resolution 00-024 re: Policing Services for the City of Falcon Heights for 2001
8 and 2002.
9 Mayor Cavanaugh provided a background in that the City has had the Policing Contracts dating
10 back to 1994. Meetings have been held with Police Chief Engstrom on the workings of the con-
1 1 tracts and the costs involved. It is believed that the contracts are fair to the community and that
12 the benefits are difficult to quantify. The cities that are served by the Policing Contracts have
13 been extremely pleased with the service received. Therefore, it is Cavanaugh's recommendation
14 that the Council approve the contracts. As an aside, Cavanaugh reminded the Council that the
15 contracts are reviewed every two years.
0 Motion by Thuesen to approve Resolution 00-024, a resolution approving the joint powers
17 agreement for police services for the years 2001 and 2002 with the City of Falcon Heights and
18 authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute said agreement.
19 Motion carried unanimously.
20 D. Consider Resolution 00-025 re: Policing Services for the City of Lauderdale for 2001 and
21 2002.
22 Motion by Sparks to approve Resolution 00-025, a resolution approving the joint powers agree-
23 ment for police services for the years 2001 and 2002 with the City of Lauderdale and authorizing
24 the Mayor and City Manager to execute said agreement.
25 Motion carried unanimously.
26 X. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF.
27 A. Report from Hennepin County Assessing by Tamara Doolittle.
28 Mayor Cavanaugh introduced Tamara Doolittle, an appraiser with Hennepin County, and invited
29 her to address the Council. Ms. Doolittle stated she was present to provide a brief overview of
30 the assessment cycle that takes place throughout the year, what the assessor's is experiencing
31 with values, as well as information on how the local Board of Review is conducted.
aMs. Doolittle directed the Council's attention to a sales booklet that was distributed to Council-
33 members. She continued by reviewing the booklet and pointing out certain facts and figures of
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2000
• Page 8
1 interest.
2 In particular, Ms. Doolittle stated that the assessor's office performs annual revaluations of home
3 values. During this process, a postcard notice is sent to homeowners to provide notification of
4 possible valuations. Additionally, Ms. Doolittle stated that property values have increased over
5 the past several years and continue to be strong. Single family properties increased an average of
6 8.8%; a small increase was viewed for condos and townhomes, and an average of a 14.4% in-
7 crease was experienced for duplexes.
8 Ms. Doolittle provided a brief overview of the Board of Review process for homeowners. Con-
9 cerns from homeowners that are not resolved by a simple file review or visit to the home can be
10 addressed at the Board of Review. Tuesday, April 11, 2000 is the date for the Board of Review
11 hearing and said hearing provides an opportunity for taxpayers to appeal the market value or
12 assessment of the home.
13 Occasionally, the taxpayers wish to discuss property taxes at the Board of Review and,
14 unfortunately, the hearing is simply to provide an avenue to appeal stated market values or as-
15 sessment. A different entity would address the issue of property taxes.
0 Cavanaugh inquired about the process for assessing the mobile home park and if the current as-
17 sessments proved an appreciation or depreciation in home value.
18 Ms. Doolittle offered to research the subject and provide specific information to Cavanaugh re-
19 garding valuation of the mobile home park.
20 Cavanaugh asked about the specific process of determining property values. Ms. Doolittle ex-
21 plained the process in detail, but in short, the assessor's office is expected to provide assessment
22 values between 94.5% and 105% of what a property would be expected to sell on the open mar-
23 ket.
24 Cavanaugh stated that the Council is looking forward to the local,Board of Review meeting with
25 the residents and he thanked Ms. Doolittle for her in-depth presentation and input.
26 B. Planninp- Commission Chair Doug Bergstrom to Discuss Various PlanningItems.
27 Mayor Cavanaugh welcomed the Chair of the Planning Commission, Doug Bergstrom, and in-
28 vited him to address the Council.
29 Chair Bergstrom directed the Council's attention to information presented in the Council agenda
30 packages entitled "Year 2000 Annual Planning Commission Report." In this report, Mr.
1 Bergstrom stated that information is provided regarding projects addressed in 1999, as well as
the definitive structure of the Commission, and upcoming activities for the calendar year 2000.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 14, 2000
Page 9
l Specifically, Mr. Bergstrom pointed out that, in 1999,the Commission held 11 public hearings, 9
2 variance requests, 5 concept reviews, and various other activities. Mr. Bergstrom stated that the
3 Planning Commission serves somewhat as a lightening rod for the Council and makes a
4 concerted effort to solicit comments from the public.
5 Additionally, Mr. Bergstrom thanked the Council for appointing a City Council Liaison to the
6 Planning Commission and stated that such a connection promotes excellent communication
7 between the two organizations.
8 Mr. Bergstrom wished to review a few of the upcoming activities for the year 2000:
9 1. Apache Plaza. Hillcrest Development is providing an excellent job in keeping the
10 City residents informed as well as the Planning Commission and City Council. Mr.
11 Bergstrom foresees two major issues surrounding the Apache Plaza renovation: (a) the
12 demalling of the structure will create many issues with respect to the community, public
13 space, landscaping, traffic situations, and other issues; (b) with equal significance is the
14 long-term development of the surrounding property.
In short, as Chair of the Planning Commission, Mr. Bergstrom would recommend that the
6 City hire a planning firm to promote the City's interests in the renovation of the property.
17 Furthermore, Mr. Bergstrom recommended that the City Council provide City Manager
18 Michael Morrison the authority to retain the planning firm of Dahlgren, Shardlow, Uban
19 ("DSU") as soon as possible to work with Hillcrest Development, on behalf of the City,
20 during this major redevelopment period.
21
22 In addition, Mr. Bergstrom would suggest that the Planning Commission be empowered
23 to take the lead, together with the City Manager, to move forward with plans for the
24 renovation of Apache Plaza.
25 Morrison offered that this is a large parcel of property and time is of the essence. It
26 would be his recommendation for the City Council to authorize the City Manager to
27 negotiate with the planning firm. He reminded the Council that there are funds in the
28 Planning Commission budget to pay for initial start up costs, and a preliminary agreement
29 with the developer would be drafted.
30
31 Additionally, Morrison stated that Hillcrest Development already has a professional staff
32 on board. The intent of hiring a planner for the City is not to create additional energy, but
33 to provide an opportunity for both the City and Hillcrest to work together in developing
34 an excellent project.
Cavanaugh expressed his understanding that the firm of DSU has been highly
36 recommended and he was aware of its excellent reputation.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 14, 2000
Page 10
1 Motion by Thuesen to authorize the City Manager to hire the firm of Dahlgren, Shardlow, Uban
2 ("DSU") to perform planning services for the redevelopment of Apache Plaza in an amount not
3 to exceed $3,000.00.
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5 Additionally, Thuesen expressed his support for authorizing the Planning Commission to become
6 directly involved in the planning of Apache Plaza.
7 2. Joint Meeting with City Council.
8 Mr. Bergstrom stated that the Planning Commission is looking forward to the joint
9 meeting with the City Council on April 18, 2000. The meeting is scheduled to begin at
10 5:30 p.m. and last until 7:00 p.m., at which time the regular Planning Commission
11 meeting will begin. The meeting is intended to serve as a forum to discuss planning-
12 related issues of concern to both the Commission and the Council.
13 3. Bus Tour.
14 A bus tour of the City has been scheduled for the Planning Commission members on the
morning of Saturday, April 15. The purpose of the tour is to acquaint the members with
6 the physical conditions in the City, including housing stock, commercial and industrial
17 districts, for comparison with proposed actions in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr.
18 Bergstrom invited any members of the Council who would like to join the Planning
19 Commission for the bus tour.
20 In summary, Mr. Bergstrom felt it was vitally important that the Planning Commission
21 encourage maintenance and enhancement of the housing stock in the City. Additionally,
22 Mr. Bergstrom stated that the Planning Commission can boast significant talent within
23 the members and would like to take the lead on projects as directed by the Council.
24 Cavanaugh mentioned that he had provided City Manager Michael Morrison with a draft
25 of a book that would provide some structure for the Planning Commission, as well as
26 provide materials for new Commissioners.
27 C. Fire Chief Dick Johnson Will Present the Fire Department's 1999 Annual Report.
28 Mayor Cavanaugh invited Fire Chief Richard Johnson to address the Council. Mr. Johnson
29 stated that he would be presenting the 1999 Annual Report, which would be his last presentation
30 before his retirement.
31 Essentially, Mr. Johnson said the most somber and foremost event of the year was the passing of
2 Bill Myers. Mr. Myers had been a dedicated and valuable employee of the Department for 28
years and the Department felt a tremendous loss.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 14, 2000
Page 11
1 Mr. Johnson directed the Council's attention to a report in the agenda packages entitled "City of
2 St. Anthony Fire Department 1999 Annual Report." Mr. Johnson reviewed the report in detail
3 with the Council, providing facts and figures of emergency runs, fire loss, age distribution, and
4 public education programs. Additionally, Mr. Johnson stated that the first aid and CPR classes
5 that were offered to students turned out to be in high demand and very successful.
6 Cavanaugh remarked that the low fire numbers indicated excellent prevention methods and he
7 commended the Department on the aggressiveness of fire prevention.
8 Cavanaugh expressed his belief that the Council will need to obtain ideas from the City Manager
9 on maintaining uniformity in the community and neighborhoods regarding code and ordinance
10 violations.
11 Hodson expressed his appreciation for the leadership that Fire Chief Johnson has given the City,
12 community and City Staff. He also wished to state that he continually receives positive
13 comments from the residents about the leadership from the Department.
14 D. City Manager.
City Manager Michael Morrison reported that the City is currently working on a goose problem.
6 Two years ago, the City experienced a similar problem and talked with a professor from the
17 University of Minnesota. The City is currently in discussions with the University of Minnesota
18 and Mornson stated he would report back to the Council at the next meeting.
19 Mornson further reported that he has been in contact with Parks Commission Chair Carol Jindra
20 and a tentative date of June 12, 2000 has been set for the joint meeting between the Commission
21 and the City Council. The Parks Commission is anxiously awaiting the results of a site survey
22 for Central Park and that will be a topic of discussion for the meeting, as well as other issues.
23 Additionally, Mornson stated that a regular City Council meeting is scheduled for June 13, 2000;
24 however, that is the same date as the League of Cities Conference in St. Cloud. Mornson asked
25 for input if the Conference would conflict with the regularly-scheduled Council meeting.
26 Mornson reported that he and Roger Larson, Finance Director, met with "Netlink," a company
27 that provides computer consulting for the City. Due to requests from the Council and the public,
28 the City plans on updating the City's web page to add meeting agendas and minutes. The City
29 has asked Netlink for a proposal to do such work, or the City has considered training someone in-
30 house to update the web page.
31 Hodson asked Mornson if the City would consider recruiting high school students to coordinate
�2 the effort to update the web page.
33 Mornson further reported that the process is almost complete for the hiring of a new Assistant
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 14, 2000
Page 12
1 City Manager. Twenty-six applications were received, and those have been narrowed down. A
2 decision is expected to be made by the end of the week.
3 Mornson reminded the Council that the regularly-scheduled City Council meeting set for March
4 28, 2000 has been canceled. As an aside, Mornson reminded the Council that the month of April
5 would bring forth many new issues, including the new budget process, audit presentation, a dis-
h cussion regarding the moratorium for the Salvation Army property, as well as progress on the
7 Apache Plaza.
8 Additionally, Mornson reported that he and Mayor Cavanaugh attended a meeting with the
9 Salvation Army. He felt it was a productive meeting and wished to inform the community and
10 Council that the property is now back on the market for sale. The Heart of the Earth School, who
11 was in negotiations for the purchase, has encountered difficulties in purchasing the property, al-
12 though the possibility still exists for that purchase to continue.
13 However, Mornson stated that it is a large parcel of property, encompassing 128 acres. He noted
14 Mayor Cavanaugh's prior comment that the parcel is large in light of the fact that it is in a fully-
15 developed community and the City is concerned about the decisions to be made surrounding that
property. The Salvation Army had reassured the City during the meeting that it would foresee
some type of public use for the property and would be somewhat choosy in the potential buyer.
18 One main point Mornson wished to announce is that the Salvation Army expressed a desire to
19 open up communications with the City and that it was concerned about the moratorium on the
20 property.
21 On an unrelated matter, Mornson reported that he had a meeting with John Marty's assistant re-
22 garding the bonding bill. Mornson was able to report good news about the bill and stated that it
23 was his belief that St. Anthony would be high on the list to receive funds for flood mitigation.
24 Mornson stated that the Ramsey County Commission conducted and invited City Managers and
25 Mayors of five cities to talk about joint issues. Momson and Mayor Cavanaugh received updates
26 from the Transportation Department of Ramsey County and found out that the Silver Lake
27 Bridge project is currently up for bids.
28 Cavanaugh offered that he felt a similar meeting should be held with Hennepin County as it
29 would be beneficial to have an overview of items that could be accomplished for the community.
30 XI. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS.
31 Hodson reported that he attended an outstanding meeting with the Community Prevention
Coalition. The meeting involved grant writing and funding for the group, which is working with
46 charitable gambling and the Sports Boosters to identify funds available.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 14, 2000
Page 13
1 Sparks reported that the St. Anthony Civil Orchestra is in its 25th season and is planning a
2 benefit on May 13, 2000 and a silent auction.
3 Additionally, Sparks reported that ACTION (Adults and Children Together in Our
4 Neighborhood) has begun a newsletter which will go to all parents with children in St. Anthony
5 and New Brighton. ACTION is also encouraging participation in the block club and block
6 activity over the summer.
7 Thuesen reported that he attended the Parks Commission meeting on March 13, 2000 as the City
8 Council Liaison. He stated that the Commission is anxiously awaiting the site survey for Central
9 Park and it is anticipated that the survey will be completed by the next Parks Commission meet-
10 ing. Additionally, a few punch list items are remaining regarding Water Tower Park.
11 Furthermore, Thuesen reported that a representative from Hennepin County, Mr. Del Miller, was
12 present and the Parks Commission and offered a report on a prospective trail system throughout
13 the metro area. Mr. Miller had briefly discussed the abandoned railroad tracks across from the
14 St. Anthony Shopping Center. Hennepin County is serious about-going forward on the project
15 and, depending upon funding, the trail could be ready for use by 2001 or 2003.
06 Cavanaugh reported that he attended the Employee Recognition Luncheon and felt it was an ex-
17 cellent event. He noted that the length of service for the City employees demonstrates outstand-
18 ing commitment and experience.
19 Cavanaugh wished to extend sincere congratulations to Mr. Glenn Seefeldt, who was recently ap-
20 pointed as Senior Pastor to Nativity Lutheran Church.
21 In regard to the new schedule for budgeting, Cavanaugh stated that he had received the new
22 draft. At the Council meeting scheduled for April 11, the Council will discuss goals and
23 objectives, and at the meeting on April 25, 2000, the Council would look to the community for
24 input. He encouraged the residents to prepare a list and share their thoughts.
25 Cavanaugh also encouraged participation in the enrichment program through the local schools.
26 He visited a fifth grade class recently and as astounded and impressed with the level of questions
27 the children asked him as the Mayor. Cavanaugh wished to applaud the organization and invited
28 all of the Councilmembers to participate if possible.
29 Additionally, Cavanaugh met with Metro Transit regarding bus service between the Shopping
30 Center and 33rd Avenue. It was his impression after the meeting that the MTC had agreed to re-
31 instate service during peak time.
0 Cavanaugh reported that he met with the Cable Commission and there are some issues evolving
33 regarding franchise fees for communities. He felt it was an important issue to obtain updates and
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 14, 2000
Page 14
1 in which to be involved.
2 Lastly, Cavanaugh reported that he attended the Farewell Party for Ms. Kim-Moore Sykes and
3 Police Chief Johnson. He felt the event was a great success and he wished both Ms. Moore-
4 Sykes.and Mr. Johnson the best.
5 XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
6 Mornson offered that the City Staff continues to receive requests for telecommunications anten-
7 nas. Mornson stated that the City is-attempting to utilize existing-poles and has turned down
8 many requests to use the water tower. He inquired if the Council would be interested in leasing
9 the water tower for telecommunications antennas as those requests have been received in the
10 past. However, currently a particular company is requesting to utilize the Apache Medical
1 1 Building for antennas.
12 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
13 Motion by Sparks to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
14 Motion carried unanimously.
•
15 Respectfully submitted,
16 Sue Selseth
17 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
18 N
19 ayor
20 ATTEST:
21 City Clerk
•