HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 11142000 Meeting Sheet
IIIIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIIIIIIIII
100692
Box: 19
Folder. CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2000
Document: CCMINUTES 11142000
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 November 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, Horst and
10 Hodson
1 l Councilmembers absent: None.
12 Also present: City Manager Michael Morrison.
13 W. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 14, 2000 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
14 AGENDA.
15 Motion by Hodson to approve the November 14, 2000 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda as
16 presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
18 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
19 None.
20 VI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
21 Mayor Cavanaugh asked that Todd Hubmer of WSB provide an update for the 29th Avenue proj-
22 ect. Mr. Hubmer began by providing a current status report of the project by'stating that the sod
23 restoration would not be accomplished this year due to the recent change in the weather. Mr.
24 Hubmer continued to state that along the east end, the last part of the street reconstruction is
25 taking place. The material will be removed material and the road reconstructed with a minimum
26 of gravel before the snow. Additionally, Mr. Hubmer explained that if the weather does not get
27 warmer soon, the gravel would stay throughout the winter as opposed to pouring concrete in too
28 cool a weather and having an undesirable result.
29 Cavanaugh inquired about a fallback plan if concrete could not be poured. Mr. Hubmer said eve-
30 rything will be grated with gravel, the only thing missing would be the concrete if the weather
31 did not warm up appropriately for concrete pouring.
32 Thuesen said he would like to see a summary of the events that have occurred once the project is
33 completed. In other words, certain things have gone awry from when the project was approved,
to putting out the bid, to the process now. Thuesen believed that it would be in the City's best
interest to have a summary of all the events from beginning to end for future use in other
36 projects.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2000
• Page 2
1 Deb Henry from the audience stated that she had placed a call for a damage problem and was
2 asked for a claim number. She mentioned that she had not been given a claim number. Mr.
3 Hubmer stated that he was aware of the situation and he would pursue a remedy.
4 One of the residents in the audience mentioned her concern about the.lowering of the street. She
5 did not feel that the issue had been communicated accurately to the residents. Mr. Hubmer noted
6 that it had been discussed that certain areas of the street would be lowered approximately 1 - to 1
7 ''/� feet with retaining walls for some homes. The resident felt that this was a surprise to everyone
8 living on that street and that information had not been communicated appropriately. ,The resident
9 also indicated she would appreciate the driveways being poured with concrete before winter so
10 that gravel does not need to be the surface beneath the snow on the driveways.
11 Another resident discussed with Mr. Hubmer the possibility of using.a snowblower and shovel
12 on a gravel surface. Mr. Hubmer assured the resident that gravel freezes in the winter and it is
13 possible to shovel and use a snowblower on such a surface. Although it is not an ideal condition,
14 Mr. Hubmer stated that it is possible to maintain during the winter.
15 Cavanaugh noted that the City would be involved in some way for maintaining the driveways
0 over the winter that are not poured with concrete.
17 Mr. Hubmer offered to visit the construction site on Wednesday and speak with residents about
18 the project and their concerns.
19 A resident from the audience inquired about the insurance settlement for the sanitary sewer
20 backup. Cavanaugh stated that an offer must be made from the insurance company and that
21 would be the starting point for negotiations or settlement.
22 A resident living at 2816 29th Avenue inquired which direction the storm water runoff flows.
23 Mr. Hubmer noted that the water runs east towards Silver Lake Road, and a small section that
24 flows back towards Roosevelt.
25 Mr. Hubmer stated that he has appreciated the residents' patience on the 29th Avenue project. He
26 would request that if residents have concerns to contact the construction manager or himself.
27 Some of the residents in the audience noted that they have approached the construction crew
28 repeatedly. Cavanaugh noted that Mr. Hubmer would be visiting the construction site and some
29 of the concerns and issues may be resolved.
30 Cavanaugh encouraged the residents to continue to speak with the construction manager.
0 Mayor Cavanaugh asked for input from the audience on any issue that is not on the regular
32 Council agenda, and hearing none, moved forward.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• November 14, 2000
Page 3
1 VII. CONSENT AGENDA.
2 Motion by Sparks to approve the Consent Agenda, with the noted changes. Said Consent
3 Agenda consisted of-
4 1. City Council Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2000.
5 Change the abbreviation of"WMO" to "MMRWMO" beginning on page 6 and
6 throughout the rest of the minutes where it appears.
7 2. Licenses and Permits. Cavanaugh had concerns about the-Motor Vehicle Starting
8 License of All Star Metro Towing. He has requested that Staff look into the issues he
9 raised, although he stated his concerns would not prevent him from voting to approve the
10 License.
11 3. Claims.
12 Motion carried unanimously.
13 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
40 None.
15 IX. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
16 A. Resolution 00-087, re: Northwest Youth and Family Services.
17 Cavanaugh recommended that the Council table this issue because Councilmember Amy Sparks
18 is currently drafting a letter in response to the request from Northwest Youth and Family
19 Services. Thuesen inquired about the basis for the concerns of the other Councilmembers.
20 Sparks noted that the City is currently investigating how much the service offered by Northwest
21 Youth and Family Services would be utilized by the City, and if the contribution that is being
22 considered is being justified.
23 Thuesen cautioned the Council against denying the service unless a similar service could be insti-
24 toted. Sparks noted that such an issue is part of the investigation.
25 B. Resolution 00-089 re: Sale of Liquor in Grocery Stores.
26 Mornson noted that this is a big issue for the grocery stores and the Minnesota Municipal Bever-
27 age Association. The City is currently a member of the Minnesota Municipal Beverage Associa-
28 tion (MMBA). Apparently, this issue is top priority for the MMBA and is going to various City
29 Councils and asking the Councils to approve a resolution opposing the concept of allowing
30 liquor sales. Staff feels it is important that the City support the resolution from the MMBA.
46 Horst felt that it was possible that the MMBA was simply trying to protect profits.
i
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• November 14, 2000
Page 4
1 Thuesen noted that he agreed with the MMBA that it could encourage underage sales of liquor if
2 sales were allowed through the grocery store.
3 Michael Larson, Liquor Operations Manager, was introduced and invited to address the Council.
4 Mr. Larson noted that the priority was to eliminate underage liquor sales. However, he agreed
5 with Horst in that profits were also trying to be protected.
6 Mr. Larson felt that if grocery stores would begin to sell liquor,.it-would encourage underage
7 sales because-many of:the grocery store-employees are under the age of 21. Typically,.liquor
8 stores only employ individuals 21 years of age or over.
9 In response to a question by Horst, Mr. Larson stated that there is a bill that has been created in
10 the legislature that would create a loophole that could encourage liquor sales to minors.
11 Cavanaugh stated that, although he approved of the Resolution, he opposes�the involvement of
12 government in liquor sales.
13 Thuesen asked the Councilmembers to remember that selling.alcohol in a grocery store is a
0 different scenario than selling food.
15 Cavanaugh would like to see some research that has investigated if selling liquor in grocery
16 stores actually encourages underage drinking and liquor sales. He noted that other states,
17 particularly California, that sell liquor in grocery stores. Hodson complimented Liquor Manager
18 Larson for the profit increases at SAV 1 and 2.
19 Motion by Horst to approve Resolution 00-089, a Resolution Opposing the Concept of Allowing
20 Further Proliferation of Liquor Sales from Dispensaries Other than Duly Authorized Off-Sale
21 Liquor Stores.
22 Motion carried unanimously.
23 C. Ordinance 2000-13 re: Fee increases for Heating and Multiple Dwelling Licenses (2nd
24 Readin .
25 Motion by Horst to approve Ordinance 2000-13, Second Reading, an Ordinance Relating to Fees,
26 Amending Section 615.06 of the 1993 St. Anthony Code of Ordinances.
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28 D. Ordinance 2000-014 re: Uncollectible alarm permit Fees (2nd Reading).
Motion by Thuesen to Approve Ordinance 2000-014, Second Reading, an Ordinance Relating to
46 Alarm User Fees, Amending Section 540.06, Subd. 2 of the 1993 St. Anthony Code of Ordi-
31 nances.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• November 14, 2000
Page 5
I E. Mako Alley Deed - Chet Makowske.
2 Mornson reviewed for the.Council that he has been working with Chet Makowske and Donald
3 Makowske regarding the intent of Mako, Inc. to deed an alley (identified as Lot 13 in
4 Subdivision 377)to the City of St. Anthony. The property, which is classified as a common area
5 by the Hennepin County Assessors Office, has no taxes assessed.
6 The alley in question serves four families. Mornson stated that he has reviewed this issue with
7 the Fire Chief and has not found any obstacles of note that would prevent.the transaction.
8 However, Mornson-noted that-he was.unsure of the_proper.way to handle,this-unusual matter and
9 thus he invited the Makowskes to attend the Council meeting to discuss the issue in greater
10 detail.
11 The matter was discussed further and then Cavanaugh inquired of the feelings of the Council
12 about the prospect of inheriting an alley from the Makowskes. Horst noted that he would like to
13 hear from Jay Hartman, Public Works Director, and City Staff about the potential costs of main-
14 taining this property.
15 Mr. Chet Makowske provided a brief summary of the background of how the property for the al-
ley was obtained. He stated that in the early 1940's his folks bought piece of land. Many years
later, Mr. Makowske built his home in the middle of the field thinking that the road would be
18 placed in front of his house. Through a process, an alley has become a part of the property
19 around his home and is being shared by other families. Mr. Makowske stated that insurance has
20 been impossible to obtain for the alley property and he does not have any intended uses for the
21 property. In short, the Makowskes would like to give the property to the City.
22 Cavanaugh stated that he appreciated the Makowske's generosity and would refer this matter to
23 the Planning Commission. Additionally, Mornson noted that the City would review the cost of
24 the maintenance for that property; however, he did not expect that cost to be high. After a review
25 from the Planning Commission, Staff would refer the matter to the City Attorney for final
26 consideration.
27 Horst inquired what role the Planning Commission would take in this issue. Mornson clarified
28 that the Planning Commission would be reviewing the matter in more detail and providing a rec-
29 ommendation to the City. It is an unusual circumstance, and it was simply thought that the Plan-
30 ning Commission could provide further insight.
31 Horst noted that he does not foresee any further discussion is necessary and that he is not sure
32 specifically what the Planning Commission would need to review.
Cavanaugh noted that there are not any action items necessary on this issue at the meeting, and
46 that City Staff had enough direction to go forward on the issue. Mornson noted that he was sim-
35 ply looking for input from the Council and would place this issue on the Planning Commission's
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• November 14, 2000
Page 6
1 agenda for the next meeting simply to keep the Commission updated on what the Council has as
2 a consideration.
3 X. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF.
4 A. Building Inventory Analysis .
5 Cavanaugh noted that a representative from Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. ("S.E.H.") was in at-
6 tendance to provide the physical needs assessment report for the.public facilities. In that respect,
7 Ms. Nancy Schultz was invited to address the Council.
8 Ms. Schultz began by stating that the purpose of the assessment is to evaluate the existing condi-
9 tion of St. Anthony's facilities and make recommendations.for current and future improvements.
10 The Assessments would serve as a guide for an improvement plan and provide estimated costs
11 -associated with the improvements.
12 The assessment report involves nine recently surveyed individual buildings, the Space Needs
13 Study for the Public.Works Department, and the recently built City Hall and SAV 2.
14 The facilities included in the report can be fit into four groupings according to their improvement
needs. Those four groups included: (1) Liquor Operations Building SAV 2, GAC Plant, and
06 City.Hall; (2) Booster Station, Well Houses, and Water Filtration Plant; (3) Fire Station #1 and
17 Public Works; and (4) Liquor Operations Building SAV 1 and Stonehouse.
18 The representative continued by detailing the proposed improvements and repairs to the facilities
19 as well as the anticipated costs and recommendations.
20 Cavanaugh reviewed some of the details on the "Executive Summary" page of the physical needs
21 assessment report and raised some issues and concerns for discussion and investigation.
22 Sparks noted that she would like to implement into the City's budget for facility improvement
23 some aesthetic improvements to the Community Center.
24 Thuesen mentioned that he would like to increase the air quality of the Stonehouse. Mr. Larson,
25 Liquor Operations Manager, detailed for the Council the type of filter that is currently being used
26 to increase air quality.
27 Mornson mentioned that this issue, as well as retaining some restaurant consultants, should be an
28 issue for the goal setting retreat for next year. Additionally, Mornson reported that the
29 Stonehouse building will be in need of repair shortly and other improvements could be
30 considered as part of the goal setting retreat.
Cavanaugh thanked Ms. Schultz from S.E.H. for her report and input.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• November 14, 2000
Page 7
l XI. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
2 City Manager Michael Morrison reported on the following:
3 1. Utility Survey. The survey has been completed regarding whether residents would be in-
4 terested in an electronic funds transfer for the accounts. The option would be started for those
5 residents that are interested in participating. This would begin for next year.
6 2. Monument Sian. Morrison directed the Council's attention to a memorandum from Jay
7 Hartman, Public.Works-Director, regarding a monument sign for City Hall. Horst.expressed his
8 surprise at the possibility of the City installing a type of sign that has been discouraged by the
9 City to other businesses in previous years.
10 Thuesen noted his opinion that the sign would be beneficial to the community.
11 Horst expressed his disappointment that the City would consider a type of a sign that has been
12 denied for other businesses.
13 Morrison noted that a ground sign is acceptable. Sparks noted that the sign was not.intended to
0 be flashing or animated.
15 Cavanaugh suggested that this issue be turned over to the Planning Commission. He noted his
16 approval of a sign for the Community Center to alert residents of upcoming events.
17 Morrison said Staff would put a list together for the Councilmembers of other cities that have
18 similar signs.
19 3. Northwest Quadrant Task Force Update. The first meeting is on Thursday,November 16.
20 However, a pre-planning meeting was held in October and several of the Councilmembers were
21 present. There are 25 members to the group and their first order of business at the meeting on
22 Thursday will be to arrive at a name for the group.
23 Mornson noted that the meetings would be open to the public.
24 Morrison discussed some of the grant programs that the City has applied for and some of the po-
25 tential grant programs.
26 Cavanaugh announced that at the YMCA in Minneapolis on Wednesday,November 15, the
27 Metropolitan Council will have a presentation regarding some of the grants available. He noted
28 that the Met Council has a large interest in the Salvation Army Camp being retained as green
space.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• November 14, 2000
Page 8
1 4. Walgreens Update. At a.prior Council meeting, Mornson noted that there had been a re-
2 quest for Tax Increment Financing ("TIF") for the new Walgreens Store. After conducting a
3 poll of the Councilmembers, it was determined to-investigate the issue further. The TIF request
4 has been submitted to Ellers & Associates to analyze and return to the Council with a
5 recommendation. This recommendation be prepared by the November 28, 2000 Council meeting
6 Additionally, the request for a rezoning of the vacant lot(to commercial zoning) and will be on
7 the agenda for the December Planning Commission Meeting.
8 5. Custom Liquidators. The Council-has been discussing.for sometime the idea of purchas-
9 ing the property. At the last meeting, Staff was given direction to pursue this possibility and
10 through negotiations, a price of$600,000 has been obtained. The details of the negotiations will
11 be presented at a later meeting for future discussion.
12 Hodson asked if the City acquired the Custom Liquidators building, is it something that could be
13 considered for intergenerational youth space? This would be on.a short-term basis until the sur-
14 rounding area could be developed and other.projects integrated into that site.
15 Cavanaugh.asked Ms. Schultz from S.E.H.to review•the building and provide a report to the r
Council. Mornson agreed that some due diligence would be in order with the building as well as
an environmental study.
18 Cavanaugh agreed that the building could be used for a community purpose depending upon the
19 outcome of the study.
20 6. Code Compliance Policy. Mornson reported that a written policy is being developed
21 about Code Compliance. Once the policy is written, it will be submitted to the Planning
22 Commission and ultimately the City Council.
23 7. Annual Christmas Luncheon. The Luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 14
24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. The Planning and Parks
25 Commissioners are invited.
26 8. Meeting Schedule. Mornson presented the meeting schedule for the rest of the year. The
27 November 28, 2000 City Council meeting will also be a joint meeting with the School Board.
28 Sparks reported that she has heard from the Boy Scouts Leader that there are some Eagle Scouts
29 looking for community service projects.
30 Sparks also reported that she went to the Healthy Community Conference. She attended a num-
ber of seminars, particularly one regarding youth in government, and was impressed with the in-
formation presented. Additionally, she learned about the latest research regarding healthy youth.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• November 14, 2000
Page 9
1 She will put together additional information regarding how the City can become involved in
2 some of the issues to bolster the healthy youth.
3 Thuesen attended a Parks Commission meeting on Monday,November 13. -Some time was spent
4 in discussions regarding the concession stands and where the bathrooms would be located. Also,
5 a potential long-term warming house was discussed. The Commission is progressing forward
6 with many of the issues.
7 Horst reported that he attended the.Board of Directors meeting for--the-St. Anthony Chamber of
8 Commerce. He presented a silver bag that was distributed to the residents for use. Also, the
9 Chamber will be having the annual lighting contest and entries may be submitted at City Hall.
10 New categories would be instituted this year:
I 1 Horst reported that he attended the pre-planning meeting of the Northwest Quadrant, but a prior
12 commitment prevented him from attending the first meeting to be held this next Thursday. How-
13 ever, he wished to express his support for the task force.
14 Finally, Horst reported that there are several Planning Commissioners whose terms expire at the
end of this year. He would encourage-those Commissioners, and anyone else in the community
0 who is interested, to apply.
17 Hodson reported that he just returned from Tai pai and he met with some officials in that area of
18 China. He will be hosting some of the officials and he would suggest that the City offer some
19 type of warming ceremony to welcome them into the City. He will keep the City posted.
20 Cavanaugh reported that he attended a meeting on October 26 for the Twin Cities Army Ammu-
21 nition Plant to update the communities on the pollution with the water supply. He found this to
22 be a very interesting meeting and a significant amount of information was received during this
23 meeting regarding the need for extraordinary filtration on the water supply. Cavanaugh would
24 suggest that this organization visit the Council next year to make a presentation.
25 XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
26 None.
27 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
28 Motion by Hodson to adjourn the meeting at 9:09 p.m.
29 Motion carried unanimously.
i0 Respectfully submitted,
31 Sue Selseth
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• November 14, 2000
Page 10
I TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
2 /J
3 Mayor
4 ATTEST:
5 City Clerk
•
•