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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL PACKET 12191995 Meeting Sheet •i 101454 ,•z •,u BOX: 20 Folder: PL PACKETS 1995 Document: PL PACKET 12191995 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA DECEMBER 19, 199.5 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER. IL ROLL CALL. III. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 19, 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA. IV. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 21 , 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES. V. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE VI PUBLIC HEARING. A. Conditional Use Permit -- Solid Rock Church VII CONCEPT REVIEW A. Ste. Marie Company -- Apache Plaza Architect Civil Engineer Company Agent VIII STAFF UPDATE. IX. ADJOURNMENT. STAFF REPORT DATE: December 19, 1995 TO: Planning Commission Members FROM: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant ITEM: Solid Rock Church -- Request for Conditional Use Permit to lease space in a Commercial District BACKGROUND: Paster Bill Matthews has submitted an application requesting a conditional use permit so that he and the congregation of the Solid Rock Church may hold Saturday evening services at the Apache Plaza Shopping Center. Currently, they hold services in their church in Elk River, Minnesota. As is stated in the letter accompanying their application, there are several members who reside in the Twin City area who would benefit from having a more centrally located place of worship. The Solid Rock Church has negotiated a lease for space with Welsh Companies, Inc., pending the granting of a conditional use permit by the City. The space that the Solid Rock Church is interested in leasing is located across the corridor and to the north of the Apache Wells Sports Bar and Restaurant. This is a desirable location for the Church because it is easily accessed from the parking lot. In discussing their application with Staff, they were advised by Staff of the close proximity to Apache Wells; Paster Matthews was not concerned about the closeness to the Apache Wells. ANALYSIS Staff submitted the Church's application to the City Attorney's office for review. The attorney indicated that the Church's application does not fully meet all of the conditions as required by the Minnesota Statutes and the City Ordinances. It is a use that is specifically listed as a conditional use for the zoning district in which it is to be located. It can be assumed the proposed conditional use will not be detrimental to health, safety or the general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity. The City Attorney referred to the City Ordinance reference regarding compatible use in Section 1665.04, Subd. 3 (b), and states that the Council may specify the conditions that it deems necessary.to make the use compatible with other uses in the area. It is clearly not compatible to any of the retail businesses that are currently doing business in Apache Plaza nor is it compatible to the Apache Wells Sports Bar and Restaurant. His question is, are there any conditions that the City could impose that would make the Church's use compatible to the other uses within Apache Plaza? He is concerned that locating the Church in Apache would be injurious to property values and that it is probably not a desirable location for the Church. Staff has received a few calls from the business community stating their opposition to the Solid Rock Church locating in Apache Plaza. There have also been a few calls from residents that support the granting of a conditional use permit to the Church. RECOMMENDATION Based on the City Attorney's findings and reservations, Staff recommends that the Planning Commission deny the application for a conditional use permit. 12/19PCSTF.RPT Date: 11/16/95 Fee: $130.00 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Applicant: SOLID ROCK CHURCH Phone: 441-2816 Address: 11800 196th AVE. NW, ELK RIVER, MN 55330 Status of applicant (owner, buyer, renter, agent, etc.): RENTER Street address and/or legal description of property in question: APACHE PLAZA Zoning district in which property is located: 0-oMme-CCI0d Conditional use proposed: CHURCH SERVICES Minnesota Statutes and City Ordinances require that the following conditions be.satisfied before a conditional use may be authorized. Please respond to these conditions, using additional sheets, if necessary. 1) The proposed conditional use is one of the conditional uses specifically listed for the zoning district in which it is to be located. Cbrn►'nei'CI 0.� 2) The proposed conditional use will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity or injurious to properm values or improvements in the vicinity. R CAkrCh ll!1 I( hot �X Je_-fri menfo-1 +-o heciq- So. ef- -y ©r general wdfore. of fh2 CommLLr)►ty . I will be a moral N' Q-+i c-aJ• lrnpzVernent- 3) The proposed conditional use is necessary or desirable at the above location to provide a service or a facility which is in the interest of public convenience and will contribute to the general welfare of the neighborhood or community. Signature of applicant: � �. ai n t hon nilla e Administrative Offices 3301 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony, Minnesota 55418-1699 (612) 789-8881 FAX (612) 781-9323 APPLICANTS, PLEASE NOTE: All developers/property owners must submit the following information to the City of St. Anthony by the Thursday prior to the Tuesday meeting of the Planning Commission or City Council. meeting. 1 ) Complete application for specific request and pay fee. (If public hearing is required, application and fee must be paid before Thursday.) 2) . Complete survey and site plans (including measurements) showing buildings, driveways, driveway openings, ingress, egress, etc., on the property in relation to adjacent sites. 3) Explanation of material used and plans for screening, landscaping, fencing and dumpster enclosures. 4) Drawings of completed buildings and type of material used. 5) A letter explaining the reason for the variance or - conditional use. In the letter you need to address what the hardship is and have all the questions on the form answered correctly before your request is presented to the Planning Commission. 6) Drainage plans. - � 23 17 18 T 2 . 21 . ..Z 7c 8b y 15; a � I 12 11 - . . 151 101 b 7a 7b . ' 8;a*'. - 8 87 � 1 S®LID ROCK CHURCH November 20, 1995 City of St. Anthony 3301 Silver Lake Road St. Anthony, MN 55418-1699 To Whom It May Concern: Attached is the application for Conditional Use Permit submitted by Solid Rock Church. . We are applying for use of a portion of the Apache Plaza building to conduct church services as an extension of our church in Elk River. We have many attenders who come from.the metropolitan area of the twin cities and feel this is a more central area to not only meet their needs but to reach out.into new communities as well. This proposed use falls within the guidelines for the.commercial zoning district for this location. The use of this building as a church is certainly not detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity. The use of this facility as a church will benefit the community of St. Anthony in a positive way. Often times the gathering of large groups for services will benefit the community financially (eating establishments, etc.) as well. Our services on Saturday night will draw from a wide array of cultural backgrounds and age groups. Our intent is to be a most positive influence on the community as a whole and this location is desirable because of its easy accessibility and convenience. We appreciate your consideration for this Conditional Use Permit. Thank you. Sincerely, Pastor Bill Mat e, s BM/cmw 11800 1%th Avenue N.W. • Elk River MN 55330 • (612) 441-2816 WHERE REVIVAL NEVER ENDS MEMORANDUM To: Pastor Bill Matthews From. Terese Refiling, Welsh Companies, Inc. Subject: Apache Plaza Shopping Center Date: November 20, 1995 Welsh Companies, Inc. as Agent for the Landlord (First Bank), has been directed to proceed with negotiations between Landlord and Solid Rock Church for space located in Apache Placa, 3800 Silver Lake Road, St, Anthony Minnesota. We are aware that a lease between the Landlord and Solid Rock Church would require a conditional use permit from the City of St. Anthony. You have oiir support in proceeding with the conditional use permit process as it is our intention to finalize negotiations for a lease between the two parties. Please let me know if you need anything else or if we can assist you in any way. Sincerely, /11r 1 ` Terese Reiling Welsh Companies, Inc. As Agent for the Landlord of Apache Plaza Shopping Center 897-7755 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY �2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 3 November 21, 1995 4 I. CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 5 The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Bergstrom at 6 7:00 P.M. 7 II. ROLL CALL. 8 Commissioners present: Bergstrom, Makowske, Gondorchin, Horst, Faust,Thompson, and 9 Franzese. 10 Commissioners absent: None 11 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant. 12 III. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 21, 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 13 Motion by Franzese, second by Makowske, to approve the Planning Commission Agenda 14 for November 21, 1995 as presented. IR5 Motion carried unanimously. 16 IV. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 17, 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES. 17 Corrections: 18 Page 2, line 4: "...informaiton...",changed to "...information..." 19 Page 2, line 5: "...Comprenehsive...", changed to "...Comprehensive..." 20 Page 2, line 17: "...a reduction in...", changed to "...better management of..." 21 Page 4, line 12: "...good technical...",changed to "...comprehensive and detailed..." 22 Page 4,line 28: "...Northeastern...",change to "...Northeast.." 23 Motion by Franzese, second by Makowske to approve the Planning Commission minutes of 24 October 17, 1995 as corrected. 25 Motion carried unanimously. 26 V. PUBLIC HEARINGS. 27 A. Sign variance -Apache Medical Building; 418 Chair Bergstrom Opened the Public Hearin at 7:05 p.m. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 21, 1995 Page 2 1 Management Assistant Moore-Sykes reported the Wirth Companies,the management company 2 for the Apache Medical building, has submitted a petition for a sign variance for the Apache 3 Medical building, basing their request on a lack of adequate exterior commercial signage for . 4 business tenants. They are asking to be allowed to place two additional commercial signs on the 5 exterior south wall. 6 Ms. Moore-Sykes explained in reviewing the sign ordinance, it appears that there is an unclear 7 definition of what was meant by "commercial establishment" with regards to this situation. The 8 question before Staff is, whetheror not the Apache Medical Building is considered one 9 commercial establishment or are the individual service businesses located within the Apache 10 Medical Building each a commercial establishment? 11 Ms. Moore-Sykes further explained if the Planning Commission establishes that each business 12 located in the Apache Medical Building is an individual service establishment,then the next 13 question is the number of wall signs allowable for the Apache Medical Building. the City's sign 14 ordinance states that the total area of all wall signs affixed to a wall may not exceed 15%of the 15 total area of that wall. Currently the total of the proposed sign area, including the Apache sign, is 16 9.7% of the wall. If it is determined that the Apache Medical Building is allowed multiple wall 17 signs, the proposed signs would fall within the 15% of the total area of the wall restriction. 18 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated Staff is asking the Planning Commission to make a determination on 19 the definition of a commercial establishment and whether the individual businesses in the 20 Apache Medical Building qualify as such. 21 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted Staff recommends that if the Planning Commission finds tht there exists 22 multiple commercial establishments in the AMB, that the Wirth Companies be authorized to 23 install the wall signs according to the submitted signage plan, without variance. 24 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated Staff would then recommend that the variance petition fee be 25 refunded to the Wirth Companies once it is determined that no variance is required. 26 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicted Staff recommends that Wirth Companies adhere to the wall signage 27 restrictions as stated in 1400.12, Subd.2(1), whereby the number of additional signs be limited by 28 the 15%wall coverage and that the Wirth Companies limit the total number of wall signs to six, 29 as per the letter dated October 18, 1995 and submitted to the City. 30 Chair Bergstromq uestioned what portion of the Code this request is a variance from. Ms. 31 Moore-Sykes indicated this is actually unclear because of the definition of"commercial 32 establishment". 33 Commissioner Franzese indicated she has lived in St. Anthony for 25 years and has always 34 known this building as the Apache Medical Building. She felt patrons would be looking for the 35 building rather than a particular business. Y Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 21, 1995 ` Page 3 1 Mr. Scott Schmit indicated his request is variance from Subd. 5, 1400.09, but he indicated he 2 also is unsure of where the building definition fits in. 3 Commissioner Makowske indicated the Planning Commission needs to establish if the Apache 4 Medical Building is a single commercial establishment or several commercial establishments 5 under one roof. 6 Mr. Schmit indicated his request is for two additional signs for his tenants Rehab Dynamics, and 7 a salon. He indicated Wirth Companies would not allow more than six signs on the building. 8 Commissioner Horst inquired as to Benson Optical. Mr. Schmit indicated Benson-Optical is 9 vacating the building. 10 Commissioner Faust inquired as to the current occupancy percentage. Mr. Schmit indicated the 11 current occupancy is 86%. 12 Mr. Schmit reported there are approximately 25 suites in the building, with eight vacant at this 13 time. Commissioner Faust asked what kind of tenants are marketed. Mr. Schmit indicated currently S' 100%of their marketing is towards medical services,professions, although they would not turn 16 away tenant requests for other businesses. 17 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired as to what the applicant felt was the hardship in this case. 18 Mr. Schmit indicated if the request was denied the tenant would be denied additional advertising. 19 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if Mr. Schmit felt the business relied on drive by customers. 20 Mr. Schmit indicated there are no substantial facts to base this on. 21 Commissioner Gondorchin asked how the applicant,would control the signs proposed by tenants, 22 in regards to trademarks, etc. Mr. Schmit indicated the lease agreement states all signs are at the 23 discretion of the Wirth Companies. 24 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if, as an example, the area now used by Benson Optical was 25 requested by three tenants,would they try to accommodate this request. Mr. Schmit indicated 26 that could be a possibility. 27 Commissioner Franzese inquired if the applicant had reviewed the potential for just a building 28 sign,perhaps using the address 4001. Mr. Schmit indicated this had been reviewed,but no 29 decision had been made. Commissioner Franzese expressed concern that any signs would not be seen from the road 31 anyway,and felt'a building sign using the address would be more appropriate. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 21, 1995 Page 4 1 Commissioner Makowske indicated there are three conditions the Planning Commission must 2 meet in order to grant a variance; one of which is the property must be unique. He questioned 3 the applicant as to what he felt made this building unique. Mr. Schmit felt the building was 4 unique because of low visibility from higher traffic roads. 5 Commissioner Franzese inquired if there are similar buildings that have such signs. Mr. Schmit q g !m 6 indicated the Central Medical Building in St. Paul. 7 Chair Bergstrom indicated in his review the closest definition of this building in the Code was 8 "Strip Mall",but this still does not define this building. He indicated this issue still needs to be 9 addressed. 10 Chair Bergstrom noted the Planning Commission is also struggling with finding the three 11 conditions bound by State Law in regards to the variance request. 12 Chair Bergstrom closed the Public Hearing at 7:35 p.m. 13 Commissioner Gondorchin indicated it was his perspective this building should be addressed as a 14 single entity. 15 Commissioner Gondorchin expressed concern for perpetual sign requests in the future as tenants 16 change. 17 Commissioner Gondorchin suggested a monument sign would be more appropriate. 18 Commissioner Horst indicated he felt the signage would not be unusual. He did not want to 19 inhibit what the owner could do with his building. 20 Commissioner Faust indicated he did not feel comfortable with the determination of the 21 definition of"commercial establishment" and felt the City Attorney should review and make 22 recommendations. 23 Commissioner Gondorchin indicated the current professional tenants also need to be taken into 24 consideration and their opinion that signs, perhaps, detract from the aesthetics of the building. 25 Motion by Makowske,to table action until the City Attorney can review and make 26 recommendations in regard to the definition of"Commercial Establishment". 27 Chair Bergstrom expressed concern at tabling the item. 28 Commissioner Makowske explained he was addressing the definition separately from the • 29 variance request. Commissioner Makowske withdrew his motion. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 21, 1995 ` Page 5 1 Chair Bergstrom indicated the Planning Commission is not generally opposed to a detailed 2 signage request, but this request seems too vague, or "open-ended". 3 Commissioner Faust expressed concern with not having all the information, or a more detailed 4 sign request. 5 Commissioner Franzese indicated most patrons go to the building for appointments and are 6 looking for the building,not a individual business sign. 7 Motion by Franzese, seconded by Makowske,to deny Petition for a Wall Sign Variance - Wirth 8 Companies for the Apache Medical Building, based on the rationale that the petition did not meet 9 the three conditions for granting variances. 10 Motion carried 6-1. (Commissioner Horst opposed) 11 Commissioner Horst felt it may be an unfriendly gesture of the City to deny signage for 12 businesses. 13 Commissioner Faust indicated it could be detrimental to the City, since there is no parameters of how many signs would be allowed. Commissioner Faust did not believe there was enough *5 information to make a decision. 16 Commissioner Gondorchin concurred with Commissioner Faust. 17 Commissioner Makowske indicated he felt the evidence was inadequate; there may be a better 18 vehicle by which the applicant could achieve his request. 19 Commissioner Horst noted he also agreed that there may be another way in which the applicant 20 could achieve signage needed. 21 Chair Bergstrom indicated this item will be reviewed by the City Council at its November 27, 22 1995 meeting. 23 The Planning Commission directed Staff to further review the definition issue and forward to the 24 City Attorney for review and recommendations. 25 Chair Bergstrom appointed Commissioner Franzese as the representative of the Planning 26 Commission at the November 27, 1995 meeting of the City Council. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 21, 1995 ` Page 6 1 VI. GUEST SPEAKER 2 A. Larry Hamer, Director of Public Works. 3 Mr. Hamer was not in attendance. 4 VII. COAIN[ENTS 5 Each member of the Planning Commission congratulated Commissioner Faust on his Council 6 election victory. 7 Ms. Moore-Sykes reminded the Planning Commission of the November 27, 1995 City Council 8 meeting at 7:00 p.m. due to the Truth in Taxation meetings,the regular meeting had been 9 rescheduled for Monday,November 27th. 10 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated there will be a Special Use Permit request at the December meeting 11 of the Planning Commission. 12 Chair Bergstrom indicated he would have a conflict with the meeting in December and would not 13 be able to attend. 14 Commissioner Faust thanked all those who supported him in his campaign. 15 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if there was anything in regard to Apache Plaza. Ms. 16 Moore-Sykes indicated nothing has come to City Hall as far as requests. 17 Commissioner Horst reminded everyone of the Carriage Rides to be held on December 8, 1995. 18 VIII. ADJOURNMENT 19 Motion by Thompson, second by Franzese to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. 20 Motion carried unanimously, 21 Respectfully submitted, 22 Ruth McLaurin 23 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 0'3 NOVEMBER 14, 1995 4 I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL. 5 The meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor 6 Ranallo. 7 II. ROLL CALL. 8 Councilmembers Present: Ranallo, Marks (arrived at 7:06 P.M.), Enrooth, Wagner, and Fleming. 9 Also Present: Michael Mornson, City Manager. 10 III. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 14, 1995 COUNCIL AGENDA. 11 Motion by Fleming, second by Wagner to approve the November 14, 1995 Council Agenda as 12 presented. 13 Motion carried unanimously. 14 IV. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 18, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES. 15 APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 24, 1995 REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES. 16 APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 7, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES. Motion by Enrooth, second by Fleming to approve the October 18, 1995 Special Council minutes *8 as presented,to approve the October 24, 1995 Regular Council minutes with the following 19 changes: 20 Under VII. REPORTS..C. Page 3, Line 25: Prior to "Valuation" insert "increased". 21 Under VII. REPORTS. C. Page 3, Line 26: Replace "1995" with "1994". 22 and approve the November 7, 1995 Special Council minutes as presented. 23 Motion carried unanimously. 24 V. LICENSES/PERMITS/PETITIONS. 25 Motion by Wagner, second by Enrooth to approve the.following licenses: 26 Heating and Air Conditioning 27 Cronstroms Heating and Air Conditioning, St. Louis Park, MN 28 Motion carried unanimously. 29 Councilmember Marks arrived at 7:06 P.M. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 14, 1995 ` Page 2 1 VI. PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS. 2 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to approve the following claims: 3 A. Calgon Corporation in the amount of$35,528.80 for invoice dated October 16, 1995, in 4 the amount of$17,871.20 for invoice dated October 16, 1995 and in the amount of 5 $17,800.00 for invoice dated October 14, 1995. 6 B. Dorsey & Whitney in the amount of$1,035.10 for legal services rendered through 7 September 30, 1995. 8 C. Foster, Ojile. Wentzell &Breve r in the amount of$2,400.00 for legal services rendered 9 for the month of November, 1995. 10 D. Transfer in the amount of$500.00 from City's General Fund to #310 HRA 11 Building/Community Center Fund. 12 E. 4 pages of Verified Claims as presented by the Finance Director. 13 Motion carried unanimously. 14 VII. REPORTS. 1`5 A. Mayor. 16 Mayor Ranallo reported the 50th Anniversary Celebration dinner was held on Saturday 17 night. Everything went well and there were 200 people in attendance. 18 B. Council. 19 Marks reported he had talked to City Manager in regard to the two houses built on Kenzie 20 and Coolidge. He noted he had received comments from neighbors that it was bare and 21 asked if some trees could be planted along the edge. 22 C. Cijy Manager.. 23 City Manager Mornson reminded Council their next three meetings are scheduled for 24 November 27, December 6, and December 20, 1995. The City Hall/Community Center 25 . bonds were scheduled to be approved at the November 27, 1995 meeting. Mornson 26 reported he has been advised by Mr. Thistle, Springsted Inc.,that the Federal 27 Government shut down may affect the interest rates of the bonds. A decision to call off 28 the bond bids, if appropriate, must be made by Monday,November 20, 1995. 29 There was Council consensus to direct City Manager to confer with Mr..Thistle on 30 Monday,November 20, 1995 and make the determination to maintain the date of the 31 bond bids or withdraw and submit for bids at a later date. 32 Mornson reported he had met with the Superintendent of the schools to discuss the 33 changes they would like made to 33rd Avenue. A meeting between the Superintendent, 34 City Manager and the residents of 33rd Avenue is being scheduled to receive the 35 residents opinion on the changes they would like made. City Council will then review City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 14, 1995 ` t Page 3 1 and make a.determination. There was Council consensus to direct City Manager to 2 discuss parking in the horseshoe in front of the school at that meeting. 3 Councilmember Marks stated he would like to have joint meetings with the School 4 Board. He also noted he would like to have a City strategic planning meeting. Mayor 5 Ranallo stated the Council will schedule a City strategic planning meeting at their first 6 work session in January, 1996. 7 8 VIII. PUBLIC HEARING -None. 9 IX. NEW BUSINESS 10 A. Purchase of Variable Speed Drive for High Service Pumps. 11 Motion by Marks, second by Enrooth to approve the purchase of a Variable Speed Drive .. 12 for High Service Pumps from Connelly Industrial Electronics. 13 Mornson explained this drive will be installed at the plant at a cost of$13,715.00 in 1995 14 and $11,000.00 in 1996. This item was recommended by NSP. The cost will be 15 recouped within 5 years and after that will save money on the light bill and not waste as 16 much water. 7 Motion carried unanimously. 18 B. Resolution 95-053. re: 1996-1997 Firefighters Union Agreement, 19 Motion by Marks, second by Fleming to adopt Resolution 95-053,regarding ratifying the 20 1996-1997 agreement between the City of St. Anthony and International Association of 21 Fire Fighters, Local 3486, representing the St. Anthony Fire Department. 22 Motion carried unanimously. 23 C. Resolution 95-054. re: 1996-1997 Police Union Agreement. 24 Motion by Wagner, second by Marks to adopt Resolution 95-054, regarding ratifying the 25 1996-1997 agreement between the City of St. Anthony and Law Enforcement Labor 26 Services, Inc., #186, representing the St. Anthony Police Department. 27 Motion carried unanimously. 28 D. Resolution 95-055, re: 1996-1997 Public Works Agreement, 29 Motion by Enrooth, second by Wagner to adopt Resolution 95-055,regarding ratifying 30 the 1996-1997 agreement between the City of St. Anthony and International Union of 31 Operating Engineers, Local 49,AFL-CIO, representing the St. Anthony Public Works Department. 33 Motion carried unanimously. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 14, 1995 ` Page 4 • 1 Mornson noted the City Council had been working on these budgets at their work 2 sessions for the past five months. 3 Ranallo commended and thanked City Manager for all the work he had done in 4 negotiation of these contracts. 5 E. Resolution 95-059. re: Road Maintenance Agreement with Ramsey CountY' 6 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to adopt Resolution 95-059,regarding authorizing 7 the Mayor and City Manager to execute the agreement between Ramsey County and the 8 City of St. Anthony for road maintenance services. 9 Motion carried unanimously. 10 F. Ordinance 1995-007. re: Unused Sick Leave Pay (First Reading). 11 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1995-007, 12 relating to unused sick leave; amending Section 300.10, Subd. 8 (a). 13 Motion carried unanimously. 14 X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None. 15 XI. ADJOURNMENT. 16 Motion by Marks, second by Enrooth to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 P.M. 17 Motion carried unanimously. 18 Respectfully submitted, 19 Lorri Kopischke 20 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 21 22 23 Mayor 24 ATTEST: • 25 City Clerk 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3 NOVEMBER 27, 1995 4 I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL. 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: Ranallo, Marks, Wagner, and Fleming. 9 Also Present: Michael Mornson, City Manager and Councilmember Elect Faust. 10 Councilmember Absent: Enrooth. 11 III. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 27; 1995 COUNCIL AGENDA. 12 Motion by Marks, second by Fleming to approve the November 27, 1995 Council Agenda as 13 presented. 14 Motion carried unanimously. 15 IV. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 14, 1995 COUNCIL MINUTES. 16 Motion by Wagner, second by Marks to approve the November 14, 1995 Council minutes as 0 presented. 18 Motion carried unanimously. 19 V. LICENSES/PERMITS/PETITIONS -None. 20 21 VI. PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS. 22 Motion by Marks, second by Fleming to approve the following claims: 23 A. Midwest Machinery in the amount of$60,598.50 for John Deere 444G Wheel Loader. 24 B. 4 pages of Verified Claims as presented by the Finance Director. 25 Motion carried unanimously. 26 VII. REPORTS. 27 A. Planning Commission -November 21. 1995. 28 1. Apache Medical and Professional Building 4001 Stinson Boulevard: Sign 29 Variance. 30 Commissioner Franzese was present representing the Planning Commission. She 31 reported the issue of discussion of the Planning Commission was the question of whether the office building should be considered one business or a number of businesses. She q'3 indicated there were no guidelines in the recently completed comprehensive sign 34 guidelines to address this question. She reported the Planning Commission, after 1-1/2 35 hours of debate, had recommended denial of the variance as the three criteria for granting City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 27, 1995 ` Page 2 • 1 a variance were not met in this case. Commissioner Franzese noted the current 2 occupancy of the building is 86%. There are 25 suites in the building and eight are 3 vacant. She noted the requested sign is not very visible and will not accomplish what the 4 tenants are looking for. She also questioned if people look for the building or for an 5 individual business. 6 City Manager Mornson noted staff was initially concerned with the definition of 7 "commercial establishment" as by code each "commercial establishment" is allowed one 8 identification sign per right-of-way frontage. Under further study, it has been determined 9 there can be as many signs as desired as long as it does not exceed 15%of the total area 10 of the wall,up to a maximum of 150 square feet. The reason for the variance is that the 11 signs must be located on a wall facing a right-of-way. This request is for signs facing the 12 south side of the building and that side of the building has no "right-of-way frontage". 13 Motion by Ranallo, second by Wagner to deny the petition for a wall sign variance for 14 Wirth Companies for the Apache Medical Building based on.the recommendation of the 15 Planning Commission and staff and that there is insufficient information provided. 16 Mornson again stressed the variance was required not for the amount of signs being 17 requested but due to it being placed on a side of the building which had no public right- • 18 of-way. 19 Councilmember Wagner noted Wirth Co. could install a ground sign or an entry sign. 20 Commissioner Franzese stated there was already a free standing sign on Stinson 21 Boulevard. She again noted the requested sign was not located in the most desirable 22 location as it would not be very visible. 23 Mayor Ranallo stated he concurred with the Planning Commission that there had not been 24 enough study done on the sign placement. He felt the issue should be reconsidered with 25 staff to determine the best options for Apache Medical Building and it's tenants. 26 Councilmember Elect Faust noted the Planning Commission did not have the benefit of 27 the letter from City Attorney Soth. Wirth Company did not present the Commission with 28 a good plan. The Commission decided to deny the petition and 'allow Wirth Companies 29 to come back with more information and allow the Commission to obtain the information 30 they required. 31 Mayor Ranallo noted the City wants to work with the businesses in Apache Medical 32 Building. If there is a way to erect the sign within the code it should be done. He stated 33 staff should work with Wirth Companies to determine.a solution that would benefit all • 34 parties. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 27, 1995 ` Page 3 1 Voting on the motion: Marks, Ranallo, Fleming and Wagner voted aye. 2 Motion carried unanimously. 3 There was Council consensus to direct staff and the Planning Commission to determine a 4 solution for sign placement which would be beneficial to Wirth Company to identify and 5 help promote the businesses in the building. 6 B. Mayor. 7 Mayor Ranallo reported he and the City Manager had met with First Bank, St. Marie 8 Corporation, and they are still working to bring CUB Foods into Apache Mall. It still 9 appears to be a strong possibility. 10 Ranallo also reported his attendance at a meeting with the City Manager,and the School 11 Superintendent to discuss parking and related issues on 33rd Avenue in front of the 12 school. A letter had been sent to the 17-18 residents along 33rd Avenue indicating the 13 City's intent to install no parking signs on the south side of 33rd Avenue in front of the 14 resident's homes. Ranallo reported he had received three calls from residents expressing 15 they did not approve of the no parking signs. He noted two residents had attended the meeting and expressed they did not mind the no parking signs or the 25 mile per hour W7 speed limit but were in opposition to flashing yellow lights. He reported there were other 18 options discussed at the meeting, such as parking the buses on the street to let the children 19 off,using the turn around open for parents to drop off students and not allowing parking 20 in the horseshoe. City Manager will further investigate this issue and report back at a 21 later date. 22 Ranallo reminded Council of the City staff appreciation breakfast scheduled for 23 December 21, 1995 at 7:00 A.M. 24 C. Councilmembers, 25 Councilmember Fleming reported Jeff at the library was excited as they would be 26 extending their hours. 27 Councilmember Marks submitted a draft resolution in regard to honoring Telle Lassooy- 28 Saura from Salo, Finland. He noted he had embedded some of the history into the 29 resolution. 30 D. City Manager, 31 City Manager Morrison noted the Council needed to meet with the architect to discuss the 32 exterior color of the new City Hall/Community Center. There was Council consensus to discuss this with the architect at the December 20, 1995 Council meeting if it could not 4S4 wait until the January 2, 1996 work session. Morrison reported the contractor plans to 35 continue work on the City Hall/Community Center as long as weather permits. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 27, 1995 ` Page 4 1 Mornson noted a conditional use permit was being requested by the Solid Rock Church to 2 locate in Apache Plaza. They are requesting a one year lease. This item will be 3 considered at the Planning Commission meeting on December 19, 1995 and at the City 4 council meeting on December-20, 1995. 5 Mornson reminded the Council the next two meetings are scheduled for December 6 and 6 December 20, 1995. 7 Mornson noted a letter received by the City of Columbia Heights in regard to a Joint 8 Powers Agreement between St. Anthony and Columbia Heights for the construction of a 9 signal at 39th Avenue and Stinson Boulevard. On November 10, 1995 new rules were 10 adopted for State Aid Operations which will allow St. Anthony's entire cost of this 11 construction to be funded by Municipal State Aid Construction Funds. There was 12 Council consensus to place this item on the agenda of the December 6, 1995 City Council 13 meeting. 14 VIII. PUBLIC HEARING -None. 15 IX. NEW BUSINESS. 16 A. Resolution 95-063 re: Award Bid for Sale of$2.650.000.00 Tax Increment Bonds. 17 Series1995B. 18 Mr. Bob Thistle, Springsted, Inc. explained the City of St. Anthony had authorized their 19 company to go to bid on behalf of the City for general obligation tax increment bonds in 20 the amount of$2,650,000.00 for the City Hall/Community Center. Nine bids were 21 received. The low bid was received by Piper Jaffray Inc. in conjunction with Robert W. 22 Baird& Co.,Inc. at an interest rate of 4.8520%. The estimated interest rate had been 23 5.23%. The difference will result in a$30,000.00 reduction of interest over the life of the 24 issuance, The City of St. Anthony's credit rating was reaffirmed by Moody's as A-1. Mr. 25 Thistle noted the interest rate has not been comparable to this since 1968. He 26 commended the City for bringing the project into the market at the right time. 27 Ranallo noted the reduction in interest resulted only in a savings, not in an excess of 28 funds which could be used elsewhere. Mr. Thistle concurred. 29 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to adopt Resolution 95-063, relating to 30 $2,650,000.00 General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds, Series 1995B; authorizing the 31 issuance, awarding the sale to Piper Jaffray Inc. in conjunction with Robert W. Baird& 32 Co., Inc. at an interest rate of 4.8520%, fixing the form and details, and providing for the 33 execution and delivery thereof and the security therefor. 34 Motion carried unanimously. • City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 27, 1995 ` i Page 5 1 B. Resolution 96-060. re: Federal Drug Testing Act, 2 Motion by Wagner, second by Marks to adopt Resolution 95-060, in regard to 3 implementing the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act and related 4 regulations. 5 Motion carried unanimously. 6 C. Resolution 95-062. re: Metropolitan Livable Communities Act, 7 Motion by Marks, second by Ranallo to adopt Resolution 95-062, in regard to approving 8 the housing goals agreement of the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act. 9 Motion carried unanimously. 10 D. --Resolution 95-058.re: City Manager's 1996 Salary. 11 Motion by Marks, second by Fleming to adopt Resolution 95-058, in regard to approving 12 the 1996 salary of Michael J. Mornson, St. Anthony City Manager. 13 Motion carried unanimously. Ranallo thanked City Manager for all his dedicated efforts. He noted an error in the paper f V last week which stated that City Manager had negotiated the labor contracts this year and 16 two years ago the City had hired someone to do this. Ranallo stated Public Works 17 Director had negotiated the contracts two years ago. 18 X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. 19 A. Ordinance 1995-007. re: Unused Sick Leave ( 2nd Reading 1. 20 Motion by Wagner, second by Marks to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1995- 21 007,relating to unused sick leave; amending Section 300.10, Subd. 8 (a). 22 Motion carried unanimously. 23 XI. ADJOURNMENT. 24 Motion by Marks, second by Wagner to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 P.M. 25 Motion carried unanimously. 26 Respectfully submitted, 27 Lorri Kopischke 28 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial "'3'0 Mayor 31 ATTEST: 32 City Clerk s, _w I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 CITY COUNCIL TRUTH IN TAXATION 3 HEARING MEETING MINUTES 4 DECEMBER 6, 1995 5 I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL. 6 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. 7 H. ROLL CALL. 8 Councilmembers Present: Ranallo, Enrooth, Wagner, and Fleming. 9 Also Present: City Manager Michael Morrison, Finance Director Roger Larson, Management- 10 Assistant Kim Moore-Sykes, Public Works Director Larry Hamer, Police Chief Richard 11 Engstrom, Fire Chief Richard Johnson, Liquor Operations Manager Don Perry and 12 Councilmember Elect Faust. 13 Councilmembers Absent: Marks. 14 III. OPEN TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING. 15 Motion by Wagner, second by Enrooth to open the Truth in Taxation Hearing at 7:02 P.M. 16 Motion carried unanimously. 17 Mayor Ranallo indicated all Department Heads were present at the meeting to answer any 18 specific questions from residents. He noted a work session had been held on October 3, 1995 to 19 receive input in regard to the budget from residents. Only three residents had attended that 20 meeting. Mayor Ranallo stated the proposed budget for the City of St. Anthony had increased 21 from $2,812,370 in 1995 to $2,923,325 in 1996. This results in a 4.02% increase. 72% of the 22 budget is made up of salaries. He noted salary negotiations had just been completed for Police, 23 Fire and Public Works Departments with a 3%increase. Mayor Ranallo stated some of the 24 factors affecting the increase in the budget included state mandates for the comprehensive plan 25 update, upgrading of the police data entry clerk, and a decrease in local government aid. Mayor 26 Ranallo stated there would be no increase in sewer or water charges for the year of 1996. He 27 stated the dollar increase in taxes paid for the average $100,000 home in St. Anthony for the year 28 of 1996 would be-$362.46. 29 IV. PRESENTATION OF THE 1996 CITY BUDGET AND TAX LEVY BY CITY 30 MANAGER AND FINANCE DIRECTOR. 31 City Manager Morrison outlined the budget calendar for 1996. He re-emphasized the October 3, 32 1995 work session which was held to receive input from residents in regard to the budget. He 33 noted this work session was not required by law but was conducted by the City Council to 34 receive information from residents before the mandated public hearing. 35 Morrison outlined the 1996 budget request justification for each department. He noted the first 36 major expenses in each category were salaries,pensions, and insurance. He explained the Cable City Council Truth in Taxation Hearing Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 ` Page 2 1 Franchise category was required to be included in the budget but is self supporting. The City 2 actually has no expense in this category, as they receive a check from the Cable Company for 3 $26,000, spend $17,000 to fund the cable franchise and distribute $9,000 to fund cable 4 expenditures. He noted the major expense in the Finance, Assessing category was the Hennepin 5 County contract for assessing services. He noted the Engineering, Planning/Zoning category had 6 increased due to state mandate that all cities in the metro area utilize consulting/contracting 7 services and $5,000 to redo the comprehensive plan. Mornson explained the Inspection, 8 Building/Plumbing/Heating/Health was similar to the Cable Franchise category in that the 9 building permits, plumbing permits, etc. funded the expenses of this category. The Public Works 10 category included an increase of$1,200 due to state mandated CDL drug and alcohol testing for 11 public works employees. 12 Mornson explained the State Legislature determines resident's property tax by establishing 13 property classes and class rates, determining the level of state aide the City receives, and 14 imposing unfunded mandates to local government. The tax jurisdiction determines resident's 15 taxes by determining the levy and the amount. The County assessor determines resident's taxes 16 by determining market value of homes and assigning a property class. 17 Mornson explained some of the factors affecting taxes include changes in the tax levy made by 18 the city, county, school and special taxes, changes to the market value of your property, changes 19 in the market value of the area or a particular type of property. Also legislative changes to class 20 rate, legislative changes to state aide, and new taxes approved by the referendum. 21 Finance Director Larson outlined the major revenues for the City of St. Anthony for 1996. Total 22 revenues for the year 1996 are$2,923,325. They include 4.5%LGA, 5.6%Liquor, 52.9% 23 certified levy, 11.3%HACA, 14.9% Contracts, and 10.8% other. The composition of the 1996 24 tax base is 12.4%commercial, 12.0%apartments, 73.9%residential, and 1.7% other. The 25 composition of the tax rate is 76.033% school, 38.099%county, 28.055%city, and 6.799% 26 other. The increase in tax rates from 1995 to 1996 is 10.243% school, .645%county, 2.286% 27 city, and .180%other. The increase in the tax rate is due to $96,295 budget increase, $13,595 28 loss of LGA, and $45,478 road levy and a slight increase in total local tax capacity. The increase 29 in 1996 is only $82,596. In comparison,the increase in 1995 was $409,045. Finance Director 30 Larson illustrated based on a$100,000 home with no increase in valuation, city taxes would 31 increase by $29.26. Larson explained the Fiscal Disparities Contribution was up 20% from last 32 year. This contributed to the slight increase in total local tax capacity. Apartment valuations 33 dropped. This decrease also contributed to the slight increase in total local tax capacities. 34 Larson explained in a fully developed community when the valuations of commercial and 35 apartment properties decrease, the burden is shifted to the residential properties. 36 Mr. Stan Nelson, 3504 Maplewood Drive, stated over the five year period from 1992 to 1996, his 37 taxes have increased at a yearly rate of 10.1%. Even if no increase is assumed for 1996,the 38 yearly increase would be 5.4%. He stated he felt this was still too high. He stated he suspected 39 most people in the City were experiencing similar increases. Mr. Nelson commended the r � City Council Truth in Taxation Hearing Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 ` Page 3 1 Finance Director for his presentation. He suggested the City become pro-active in the mandate 2 issue. 3 Mayor Ranallo noted the City was pro-active. This is the reason they belong to the League of 4 Minnesota Cities and Association of Metropolitan Municipalities. He explained residents needed 5 to contact their legislators in regard to these issues. 6 Mr. Nelson asked if the City made a profit by providing police assistance to Falcon Heights and 7 Lauderdale. 8 Mayor Ranallo indicated the City did. From those funds the City was able to increase their own 9 police protection. The revenues pay for three cars needed to cover the City of St. Anthony each 10 year. _ 11 Mr. Raymond Olson, 3412 Skycroft Drive, stated his taxes had increased by 17%. His market 12 value had increased from$129,000 in 1995 to $136,000 in 1996. This is an increase of 7%. Mr. 13 Olson stated he had contacted the County in regard to his valuation and they had sent out a 14 young lady. He felt she did not hear a word he said. He questioned why the Mayor/City 15 Council budget increased by $13,000 from 1994-1995. 16 Finance Director Larson explained line items had been transferred to clarify the cable issue. 17 There was not an increase in expenditures but a redirection of numbers. 18 Mr. Olson stated his market value had been increased because the assessor thought this was a hot 19 area. His market value was$136,000 but even if his house sold for that amount,how much 20 would go for the salesperson's commission. 21 Mayor Ranallo stated that was not the way the assessor determined the market values. The 22 assessors are receiving a lot of pressure to assess values within 93-100% of the selling prices of 23 homes. 24 Mr. Frank Budnecki, 3124 Wilson Street N.E., stated he lived in a home valued at only $80,000. 25 Last year his market value increased by$5,000 and this year by $4,000. He questioned how this 26 could be. 27 Mayor Ranallo noted this did not relate to the budget. He explained the assessor only comes to 28 your every four years. The other years an average is determined and values are raised according 29 to that average. 30 Mr. Budnecki stated his city taxes had increased by 18.8%. He questioned why his were so high 31 and why the rates of increase aren't the-same for everyone. R City Council Truth in Taxation Hearing Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 ` Page 4 1 Finance Director Larson explained the home is assigned a tax capacity. That number is taken 2 times the market value to give the amount of increase. He offered any residents with concern 3 over their valuation a brochure which explained the process for appeal. The first step would be 4 to read the brochure and contact the Hennepin County Appraiser. Then in April attend the Board 5 of Review meeting. He cautioned that if the home was re-appraised, the valuation may be 6 increased. 7 Mayor Ranallo stated no one is happy when taxes increase but the only way to reduce taxes is to 8 reduce services. 9 Mr. Robert Brown, 3304 Wendhurst, stated he has experienced an increase as high as everyone 10 else. He noted he would like to see a chart which illustrated several years tax capacity and 11 changes with further study of the tax capacity broken down into homestead, non-homestead and 12 commercial. 13 Finance Director Larson explained this had been illustrated at the October 3, 1995 work session. 14 Each time the market value decreases,the tax capacity increases. 15 Mr. Brown stated the increase in market value of the home was not the only reason taxes 16 increased. 17 Mr. Peter Leba, 3316 Edward St.N.E., stated he has lived in St. Anthony for 41 years. He noted 18 the School Board estimated their portion of taxes would raise $50.00 to $150.00 per household if 19 the referendum passed. He questioned why the City couldn't estimate their increase like.the 20 School Board. 21 Councilmember Fleming stated she agreed with Mr. Leba but that the City was unable to predict . 22 these figures as they did not know how much property valuations would change. 23 Mr. Anthony Kazor, 3008-33rd Avenue N.E., stated he agreed with the City Council that if this 24 many people attend other meetings,there may be some changes made. He indicated he had 25 moved to St. Anthony six months ago and was proud to say he lived here. He noted the 26 commercial portion of the City is too small and that accounts for the increase to residents. He 27 encouraged more business in the City. He commended the City Council for the new business in 28 the American Monarch building. 29 Mayor Ranallo noted fifteen years ago when the Kenzington project was started, residents were 30 not happy with the use of tax increment financing. This is,however, an excellent way to get 31 businesses started. He noted tax increment financing was used with the American Monarch 32 building and the Arbors redevelopment. If these things had been done 20-25 years ago,the City 33 would be much better off financially in 5 to 10 years. City Council Truth in Taxation Hearing Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 Page 5 1 Mornson noted the Arbors project will contribute $45,000 in real estate taxes when fully 2 developed. 3 Mr. Stephen Rekuski, 3215 Silver Lake Road, stated he was a painting contractor. He asked if 4 apartment taxation was down so much, why didn't the City better balance the amount of 5 commercial and apartment properties. He noted other communities eliminate old residential 6 areas and replace them with strip malls. 7 Councilmember Enrooth noted the City has tried to do this but the residents react 8 overwhelmingly that they do not want this. 9 Mayor Ranallo stated the City has tried desperately to get CUB Foods into Apache Mall. At first 10 residents wanted Apache torn down and houses located on that property. It has been a battle to 11 keep that property commercial. Ranallo reported he and City Manager had met with Opus 12 Company last week and they continue to work with CUB Foods. They are having difficulty 13 attracting other retailers to Apache Mall because of the close proximity to Rosedale Mall. 14 Mr. Rekuski stated his taxes have doubled in the last five years and the City has nothing to 15 provide except school, fire and police. In this same period his valuation had increased from 16 $119,200 to $154,000. He felt this put too much stress on a person trying to raise a family of 17 five. Mr. Rekuski stated he tries to help the community by coaching football, baseball, and 18 soccer. He feels he is doing everything he can but the City is not pushing hard enough to help 19 the residents in return. 20 Mayor Ranallo asked Mr. Rekuski what he suggested the City do. Mr. Rekuski suggested the 21 City do some housekeeping. He asked why the City searches outside help. 22 Finance Director Larson stated the City doesn't have the staff qualified to provide some services 23 that they are required to provide and they are forced to seek outside contractors. 24 Mayor Ranallo noted the City Council had looked at each line item in the budget and tried to 25 identify ways to reduce costs. He noted the City is trying to do things to increase the tax base, 26 such as the project on Fordham. At completion of that project, the taxes will increase from 27 $4,000 to $35,000. 28 Mornson noted the State Legislature has reduced state aide every year since 1988. In 1990 29 Apache Plaza's valuation was $14 million. It is now down to $4 million. He noted the Council 30 has delayed the street project one year in an effort to reduce costs. 31 Mr. Rekuski asked when the City intends to improve the park systems. He noted Central Park 32 improvements have been planned as long as he can remember. He felt the City needs to give 33 something back to the residents. City Council Truth in Taxation Hearing Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 ` Page 6 1 Jim Olson, 3213 Hilldale Avenue N.E., stated he has lived in the City for 40 years and has never 2 seen such an increase. He felt it did not appear there is any relief in sight. He noted last night at 3 the School Board meeting,they announced a school tax that will be with the residents for the 4 next 20 years. He felt this was a serious situation. Mr. Olson stated his frustration with 5 unfunded mandates. He reported last night it was suggested that State Legislators be present at 6 the taxation meetings and face the questions the City Council faces in areas of unfunded 7 mandates. 8 Mayor Ranallo noted that the State Legislators do attend meetings at the City but the residents 9 don't attend those meetings. 10 Mr. Olson suggested the City look at their expense sheet and find ways to save pennies. He 11 suggested only allowing increases as high as the cost of living increase of 2.5%. He stated he felt 12 if the City succeeds in getting CUB Foods into Apache with tax increment financing, it will not 13 help the City at all as CUB will not be on the tax roll. 14 Mayor Ranallo acknowledged CUB would not be on the tax roll for 12 to 14 years. He also 15 noted, however,there are other properties which will be coming onto the tax roll soon and the 16 City will benefit. 17 Finance Director Larson noted there are some properties scheduled to come on the tax roll in the 18 years 2000 to 2005. 19 Mr. Ralph Johnson,2504-36th.Avenue N.E.,recounted his experience with dog control in the 20 City and stated in his opinion,the City did not have any animal control. He objected to the 21 federal government bragging about the fact that the next seven years they will continue to plunge 22 the country into deeper debt at which time they will admit they can't spend money they don't 23 have. He noted how difficult raised valuations can be for unemployed and senior citizens on 24 fixed incomes. 25 Jim Wiehoff, 3508 Coolidge Street N.E., stated he had built his house in 1960 and was proud to 26 live in the Village. He indicated since Mayor Sundland passed away, his taxes have doubled. He 27 stated he feels the Police Department spends too much time writing traffic tickets. He noted he 28 likes police protection but he has had one car stolen and one broken into in front of his house in 29 the last six months. He stated he firmly believed that the people who run the City should live in 30 the City. Mr. Wiehoff stated in 1990 the budget for police and fire protection was less than$1 31 million. He complimented the Fire Department for not "going wild" with their budget. He felt 32 employees, like Fire Chief Johnson, who lived in the Village have more interest in the residents. 33 He stated the current City Hall could probably withstand another tornado and asked if the new 34 building would be able to. He suggested cutting the fat in the budget and getting rid of it quick. 35 He stated he felt the taxes were ridiculous. He asked if Apache Mall was closing this month. City Council Truth in Taxation Hearing Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 ` Page 7 1 Mayor Ranallo stated he was not aware of Apache Mall closing. There were a number of 2 businesses located there. 3 Mr. Wiehoff asked if the City had approached other food chains besides Super Valu, such as Hy- 4 Vee. 5 Mayor Ranallo indicated the City has approached all the major food chains and other businesses 6 such as Mills Fleet Farm. K-Mart, and WalMart. He noted the residents had been polled and 7 there was no interest in a Hy-Vee store in Apache Mall. 8 Mr. Wiehoff stated he was mad at the whole thing. 9 Mayor Ranallo noted the tax on a$100,000 home was $362 per year. He stated there are seven 10 major lawn services licensed in the City of St. Anthony. Residents pay these services an average 11 of$610 per year to care for their lawn and plow their snow. In comparison$362 isn't a bad price 12 to pay for the services delivered by the Police Department, Fire Department and Public Work 13 Department. 14 Mr. Wiehoff asked how many full-time City employees lived in the City of St. Anthony. 15 Finance Director Larson stated it was a small percentage but he would calculate and have that 16 information available for Mr. Wiehoff. 17 Mayor Ranallo noted that would have to be discussed with the City Attorney as that is private 18 information. He noted his own daughter would love to live in St. Anthony but cannot afford to 19 because of the cost of houses in the City. 20 Stan Nelson asked if the budget in the City was determined by the "bottom up" or the "top down" 21 method. He suggested giving the employees 0%in salary increase this year. 22 Mayor Ranallo indicated all the other cities were giving 3-6% increases in salaries. He felt the 23 City was doing well by holding the increase to 3%. Mayor Ranallo stated the budget was 24 determined with the "bottom up" method. 25 Mr.Nelson stated in his experience in the commercial area of large companies, the "bottom up" 26 method is no longer being used in companies who are successful. The "top down" method is 27 used and limits are set. He felt the $113,000 increase in the budget could be eliminated without 28 affecting services. He recommended that in a good faith effort to help the people of St. Anthony, 29 the increase be.removed from the budget or be taken from the $814,000 set aside in the City's 30 account. 31 Councilmember Fleming noted that may be possible if all things were equal on the state and 32 federal government level. But they are not. City Council Truth in Taxation Hearing Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 Page 8 ` 1 Mornson noted the state has cut the funds to local government. The City either has to reduce 2 services or increase taxes as they receive less revenue each year. 3 Fire Chief Johnson stated he has been the Chief since 1990. The fust year the departments 4 were to cut their budget by 5%. The second year the budgets were to be cut by 5%. Taxes still 5 increased. Even when a stand-in-place budget is followed, taxes go up. 6 Mr. Nelson stated this is his suggestion for short term relief. 7 Mayor Ranallo noted this was not sensible and if done services would have to be cut. 8 Mr. Nelson stated he did not believe that. He stated if the City didn't think it was possible, then 9 they should "kick in" the $113,000 from the excess $814,000. 10 Councilmember Wagner noted the $814,000 was necessary as the City only gets paid twice per 11 year to replace funds. 12 V. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING. 13 Motion by Enrooth, second by Wagner to close.the Truth in Taxation public hearing at 9:23 14 P.M. 15 Motion carried unanimously. 16 VI. SET ADOPTION MEETING FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1995 AT 7:00 P.M. 17 Motion by Wagner, second by Fleming to continue budget discussions at the Truth in Taxation 18 Adoption Meeting, Wednesday, December 20, 1995 at 7:00 P.M. 19 Motion carried unanimously. 20 VII. OTHER BUSINESS -None. 21 VIII. ADJOURNMENT. 22 Motion by Fleming, second by Enrooth to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 P.M. 23 Motion carried unanimously. 24 Respectfully submitted, 25 Lorri Kopischke 26 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 27 28 Mayor 29 ATTEST: 30 City Clerk City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 Page 3 1 Mornson noted there has been a change in the law that will allow St. Anthony's total cost 2 for this project to be funded by the Municipal State Aid Construction Funds. 3 Motion carried unanimously, 4 IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. 5 A. Ordinance 1995-007. re: Unused Sick leave ( 3rd Reading). 6 Motion by Wagner, second by Fleming to accept the third reading and adopt Ordinance 7 1995-007, relating to unused sick leave; amending 300.10, Subd. 8 (a). g Motion carried unanimously. 9 Councilmember Fleming asked if something more could be done at Apache Wells. 10 Liquor Operations Manager Perry reported the City is studying the issue. He stated he 11 has been in communication with First Bank and they understand and are fully aware of 12 the situation. 13 There was Council consensus to direct the City Manager to make one final attempt to 14 negotiate the lease agreement with First Bank. 15 Perry noted the Apache Merchants Association was disbanding this month. He stated 16 their funds had been depleted. Kellie Friese will continue to work through January 31, 17 1996 to bring all items,to conclusion. He reported the Post Office is leaving Apache Mall 18 because they were subsidized by the Merchant's Association. Braun's will also be leaving 19 the mall on December 31, 1995. 20 X. ADJOURNMENT. 21 Motion by Enrooth, second by Wagner to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 P.M. 22 Motion carried unanimously. 23 Respectfully submitted, 24 Lorri Kopischke 25 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 26 27 Mayor 28 ATTEST: 29 City Clerk IQ 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 6, 1995 4 I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL. 5 The meeting was called to order at 9:32 P.M. following the Truth in Taxation Public Hearing. 6 II. ROLL CALL. 7 Councilmembers Present: Ranallo, Enrooth, Wagner, and Fleming., 8 Also Present: City Manager Michael Mornson, Liquor Operations 1Vlanager Don Perry, and 9 -Councilmember Elect Faust. 10 Councilmembers Absent: Marks. 11 III.. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 6, 1995 COUNCIL AGENDA. 12 Motion by Wagner, second by Enrooth to approve the December 6, 1995 Council Agenda as 13 presented. 14 Motion carried unanimously.- 15 IV. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 27, 1995 COUNCIL MINUTES. 16 Motion by Enrooth, second by Wagner to approve the November 27, 1995 Council minutes as 17 presented. 18 Motion carried unanimously. 19 V. LICENSES/PERMITS/PETITIONS -None. 20 VI. PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS. 21 Motion by-Enrooth, second by Fleming to approve the following claims: 22 A. Dorsey& Whitney in the amount of$333.92 for legal services rendered through October 23 31, 1995. 24 B. 2 pages of Verified Claims as presented by the Finance Director. 25 Motion carried unanimously. 26 VII. REPORTS. 27 A. Mayor, 28 Mayor Ranallo thanked Lorri Kopischke for filling in temporarily in the City Office. 29 B. Council, 30 Councilmember Wagner reported he and City Manager.had attended a recent League of 31 Minnesota Cities convention. Due to the late hour, he stated he will report more fully at a 32 later date. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 Page 2 I Councilmember Enrooth reported the VillageFest Committee plans to hold a meeting 2 after January 1, 1996 to discuss either a different location for or a modified version of the 3 celebration in case the area to the north is not completed by the time of the 1996 4 Villagefest. 5 C. Ci1Y Manager. 6 City Manager Morrison reported Apache Medical Building had provided a plat survey to 7 the City which clarified that they do have right-of-way off 39th Avenue. They will now 8 be able to erect the identification sign for which they had previously requested a variance. 9 Morrison reported the Ramsey County Road agreement for which a 5% increase had been 10 approved has been terminated. Ramsey County will now be responsible to plow Silver 11 Lane between Silver Lake Road and Stinson Boulevard. There was Council consensus to 12 direct City Manager to notify the effected residents on Silver Lane that St. Anthony 13 would no longer be plowing their street. 14 Morrison reported the Sports Boosters have requested their charitable gambling license 15 and lease be put on the December 20, 1995 agenda. The license and lease will expire in 16 March of 1996. 17 Morrison reported the discussion with the architect for the new City Hall/Community 18 Center which was scheduled for the December 20, 1995 agenda will be postponed until 19 the January 2, 1996 work session due to a conflict in schedules. 20 Morrison also noted that due to the dirt being piled up near the building, the children's 21 room has been experiencing a problem with mice. 22 Morrison thanked Lorri Kopischke for the great job she did in filling in at the front desk. 23 There was Council consensus to change the time of the January 2, 1996 work session to 24 5:30 P.M. 25 VIII. NEW BUSINESS 26 A. Resolution 95-064 re: Approval of Tellervo Lassooy--Saura as an Honorary Citizen of 27 St. Anthony. 28 Motion by Enrooth, second by Wagner to adopt Resolution 95-064, regarding declaration 29 of Tellervo Lassooy-Saura an Honorary Citizen of the City of St. Anthony. 30 Motion carried unanimously. 31 B. Resolution 95-065 re: Joint Powers Agreement with Columbia Heights, 32 Motion by Fleming, second by Enrooth to adopt Resolution 95-065, regarding approval 33 of a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of St. Anthony and the City of Columbia 34 Heights and authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute said agreement. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 6, 1995 Page 3 1 Mornson noted there has been a change in the law that will allow St. Anthony's total cost 2 for this project to be funded by the Municipal State Aid Construction Funds. 3 Motion carried unanimously. 4 IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. 5 A. Ordinance 1995-007. re: Unused Sick leave ( 3rd Reading 1. 6 Motion by Wagner, second by Fleming to accept the third reading and adopt Ordinance 7 1995-007, relating to unused sick leave; amending 300.10, Subd. 8 (a). 8 Motion carried unanimously. 9 Councilmember Fleming asked if something more could be done at Apache Wells. 10 Liquor Operations Manager Perry reported the City is studying the issue. He stated he 11 has been in communication with First Bank and they understand and are fully aware of 12 the situation. 13 There was Council consensus to direct the City Manager to make one final attempt to 14 negotiate the lease agreement with First Bank. . 15 Perry noted the Apache Merchants Association was disbanding this month. He stated 16 their funds had been depleted. Kellie Friese will continue to work through January 31, 17 1996 to bring all items.to conclusion. He reported the Post Office is leaving Apache Mall 18 because they were subsidized by the Merchant's Association. Braun's will also be leaving 19 the mall on December 31, 1995. 20 X. ADJOURNMENT. 21 Motion by Enrooth, second by Wagner to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 P.M. 22 Motion carried unanimously. 23 Respectfully submitted, 24 Lorri Kopischke 25 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 26 27 Mayor 28 ATTEST: 29 City Clerk