HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 07242001 Meeting Sheet
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Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2001
Document: CC MINUTES 07242001
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 July 24, 2001
4 I. CALL TO ORDER.
5 Mayor Cavanaugh called the meeting to order at 7:02 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
0 Hodson.
>> Councilmembers absent: None.
12 Also present: City Manager Mike Mornson; City Attorney Jerry Gilligan.
13 IV. APPROVAL OF JULY 24,2001 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
14 Motion by Mayor Cavanaugh to approve the July 24, 2001 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda.
Motion carried unanimously.
16 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
17 A. Proclamation declaring National Niaht Out.
18 Council member Sparks read the proclamation which stated that the citizens of the City of St. Anthony
19 join the St. Anthony Police Department and the National Association of Town Watch support the "18`h
20 Annual National Night Out"on August 7, 2001.
21 Councilmember Sparks encouraged the community to have a block party, and if they do, to inform the
22 Police Department and they will arrange for one of the Councilmembers to attend their party.
23 VI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
24 Mayor Cavanaugh invited any residents in the audience to speak to the Council on items that are not on
25 the regular agenda.
26 Resident Ron Hansen expressed his opposition to an electronic sign in the City of St. Anthony. Mr.
27 Hansen explained that there are three reasons for which he is opposed: cost, technology, and safety.
28 He stated that the area where they are proposing to put the sign is one of the busiest intersections in the
29 City. He suggested that the Council do some sort of study to determine how the community wishes to
30 communicate as a city.
411 Colleen Kapsch, winner of the Kiwanis Builders Club Contest, came forward to thank the Council for
32 their support in her trip to Washington D.C. She added that it was a wonderful opportunity for her to
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1 be able to spend time with mentors. She stated that her speech was presented at their opening general
2 session before five hundred Kiwanis Key Club Members and thought it was a great opportunity to get
3 the message of Kiwanis and the Builders Club across.
4 Ms. Kapsch thanked the Council again for all of their support, and encouraged them to continue to
5 support Kiwanis and the Builders Clubs, as all the students are appreciative.
6 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that the community was very proud of Ms. Kapsch.
7 Resident Jeff Winker came forward and referred to the last time that he was before the Council, when
8 he expressed the difficulty he was experiencing in trying to get his home inspected. He stated that, as of
9 today, his home has finally been inspected. He asked the Council to state their perspective on the
10 difficulty people were experiencing with getting their homes inspected.
11 Mayor Cavanaugh acknowledged that it has been slow, and that he was just thankful that he finally got
12 his home inspected today. He apologized for the length of time it took, and said he appreciated Mr.
13 Winker contacting, so that the Council could follow through on their obligations. He added that Mike
14 Mornson was the focal point in the community to take care of issues such as this.
0 Councilmember Thuesen stated that he also was sorry for the length of time it took to for Mr. Winker
16 to get his house inspected. Councilmember Hodson echoed Councilmember Thuesen.
17 VII. CONSENT AGENDA.
18 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen to approve the Consent Agenda. Said Consent Agenda consisted
19 of:
20 1. Council Regular Meeting Minutes- June 26, 2001,
21 2. Licenses/Permits-, and
22 3. Claims.
23 Motion carried unanimously.
24 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
25 None.
26 IX. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
27 A. Middle Mississippi Watershed District budget discussion (Report pages are included in packet,
28 but not numbered.
29 Mike Mornson asked Tom Frame to come forward and inform the Council of where they are in the
Vprocess. Councilmember Sparks asked Mr. Frame to solicit final comments about the budget.
31 Mr. Frame introduced Jon Steadland. Mr. Steadland stated that he would provide a review.
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1 Mr. Steadland stated that a watershed is based on drainage patterns and that it is required by the state
2 of Minnesota that in the Metropolitan area, a Watershed Management Organization needs to cover
3 every piece of the land in the nine county Metropolitan area. He added that he and Mr. Frame
4 represent the Middle Mississippi Watershed District.
5 Mr. Steadland stated that Councilmember Sparks is the representative for the City of St. Anthony of
6 the Middle Mississippi Watershed Board. Mr. Steadland stated that money for the watersheds is
7 created through levies which will be discussed tonight.
8 Mr. Frame stated that he would discuss three items this evening: the projects and programs, the budget
9 they are proposing, and their commitment to the City of St. Anthony and their other partners in the
10 watershed.
1 t Mr. Frame stated that the projects would be funded by levy. He stated that the Watershed
12 Management Plan which would be implemented in 2002, which consists of three projects/programs:
13 the creation of a wetland in a near north-side housing project in North Minneapolis, the creation of a
14 wetland in the Southeast Minneapolis industrial area, and improvements in the upper Mississippi River
15 (which would include stream bank restoration and improvement in access to the River).
6 Mr. Frame stated that the programs that they are proposing are a benefit throughout the Watershed:
17 combined sewer overflow program to address the problem of the overflows as they exist, to develop
18 and integrate a Flood and Drought Plan, and to address non-point source pollution. Mr. Frame went
19 through each item and stated that they were proposing a budget of$3,500,000 million, most of which
20 would be carried by the City of Minneapolis. He stated that the City of St. Anthony would carry
21 1.93%of the budget, and 3.3% is the land area within the watershed.
22 Mr. Frame added that the numbers are estimates, due to the changes in legislature, and that they are
23 working with the County Assessors Office to determine the actual redistribution. He added that they
24 are committed to the City of St. Anthony, and the other communities to work with them and identify
25 specific projects that will benefit the watershed.
26 Mr. Frame thanked the Council for the opportunity to update them and asked for any questions.
27 Councilmember Hodson asked for a definition of CSO, and the $200,000 that was mentioned in a
28 letter from Mr. Frame to the Council in June. Mr. Frame stated that CSO stands for the Combined
29 Sewer Overflow. Councilmember Sparks stated that the $200,000 was not the City of St. Anthony's
30 portion of the budget for the Watershed, but is a grant program, and asked Mr. Frame to review their
31 portion of the budget.
Mr. Frame stated that the $3,500,000 is what is being proposed, and they would be voting on the
43 budget for approval and implementation on August 16`h, 2001.
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July 24, 2001
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t Mayor Cavanaugh asked about the Estimated Tax Capacity portion of the handout. Mr. Frame stated
2 that the levy amount is based upon what their projected budget costs would be to implement the
3 programs over a number of years. He added that the share of the $3,500,000 budget for the City of
4 St. Anthony was $67,510.46 for the first year.
5 Councilmember Horst asked how the Middle Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization
6 (MMRWMO) interfaces with the Metropolitan Council on the sewage issues that he mentioned. Mr.
7 Frame stated that the Metropolitan Council owns the Interceptor System, and the MMRWMO owns
s the Storm Drain and Sanitary System, which each are responsible to maintain.
9 Councilmember Sparks asked what an interceptor was. Mr. Frame stated that it is a major drainage
10 tunnel that accepts the municipal waste from all of the municipalities throughout the Metropolitan area
I t which are interconnected to drain through to the Metroputin Facility.
12 Councilmember Sparks asked about the backups that occur in people's basements, and if it is the City
13 of St. Anthony's sewers, and not the interceptors that cause the problem. Mr. Frame indicated that
14 determining the answer to that is part of the integrative portion of the plan.
465 Councilmember Thuesen asked how closely MMRWMO works with the Metroputin Council. Mr.
6 Frame stated that they are a separate governmental entity, but that one of their goals is to maximize
17 themselves by working with the local communities as well as the regional governments.
18 Councilmember Thuesen stated that one of the big goals for the City of St. Anthony would be to
19 eliminate some of the sanitary sewer backups. Mr. Frame stated that what they hope to do with the
20 Combined Sewer Overflow Program is to identify what is contributing to that type of problem. He
21 added that the Integrative Flood and Drought Planning would also play a role in attempting to eliminate
22 the problem with sewer backups by determining a better way to collect rainwater than by dumping it
23 into the sanitary sewer.
24 Councilmember Sparks suggested that they remove the St. Anthony Harding Street Holding Pond, and
25 the 29`h Avenue Storm Sewer Reconstruction from their Capital Project Implementation Schedule
26 because they are in process and near completion.
27 Mayor Cavanaugh asked about the Non-point Sourcing. He stated that it seems that the use of
28 phosphorous seems to be greening out Silver Lake, and requested that they educate and determine a
29 different product to be put on the grass.
30 Councilmember Thuesen mentioned an old study on phosphorous that indicated, if applied correctly, it
31has no bearing on the grass and the lakes. He agreed with Mayor Cavanaugh that he was in favor of
S2 education on the product.
33 B. Discussion of Northwest Quadrant Study options (Craig Rapp of DSU and Jim Prosser of
34 Ehlers and Associates will be present.)
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Mayor Cavanaugh indicated that a resolution to move the two recommendations for the Northwest
2 Quadrant forward was possible tonight.
3 Mike Morrison stated if they adopt the Plan tonight, they would be exhausting the Smart-Growth Grant
4 from Metropolitan Council.
5 Craig Rapp, DSU, came forward to distribute the adjustments to the final document that were made
6 following the Planning Commission Meeting on July 17, 2001. He indicated that the adjustments will
7 appear in the final document.
8 Mr. Rapp stated that there exist two Concept Plans for the Northwest Quadrant. He indicated that the
9 goal of the next step is to reach out to the developing community with as much flexibility as is possible in
10 order to receive a number of well-qualified proposals.
I 1 Mr. Rapp indicated that he would highlight Chapter five in the Report which discusses the Master
12 Framework. He stated that it communicates the standards and guidelines that they wish to impart on
13 the developer community:
404 5.1 Development Principles and Patterns
5 -Identity, character, and diversity
16 -Integration with community
17 -Integration of uses remaining in and around development area
18 5.2 Street Pattern
19 -Use of existing access points
20 -Development of roadway spine through site
21 -Reintroduction of grid within site
22 -Sidewalks and pedestrian bicycle paths
23 -Transit linkages
24 5.3 Open Spaces
25 -Development of key central open space
26 -Network of open spaces throughout development
27 -Linkage with Hennepin Parks Regional Facility
28 5.4 Natural Environment
29 -Silver Lake Water Quality
30 -Integration of Stormwater Management into open space network
31 5.5 Building Development
32 -Site Planning Principles
33 -Define spaces with buildings, not parking lots.
34 -Create a variety of looks to match variety of types.
105 -Maintain a pedestrian friendly environment.
36 -Provide visual terminus points.
37 -Surround the central open space.
38 -Building Placement, Height, Massing
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1 -Parking
2 -Signage
3 -Lighting
4
5 Mr. Rapp elaborated on the above items and stated that items that the community may perceive to be
6 simple, common sense approaches are the things that are important to identify and illustrate in the
7 document. He added that, in doing so, the developer will understand what the community wants as a
8 final product, as well as know how to market and cost out the specifics.
9 Mr. Rapp continued that the rest of the report contains the implementation of the Northwest Quadrant
10 Development Schedule, and the Financial Analysis. He stated that DSU has brought the process to the
I 1 point of requesting approval of the two alternatives that they have put forward. He added that the
12 following step would be to authorize the development team to move forward to the Marketing Phase.
13 Jim Prosser, Ehlers and Associates, stated he would discuss three different items with the Council this
14 evening: the Implementation Process, how the concept would be used in the Implementation Process,
15 and the financial gap.
4 Mr. Prosser added that they are currently providing similar services to over a dozen other projects, and
the experience that they gain from those projects helps them to help the City of St. Anthony in getting
18 from the Concept Phase to the Implementation Phase of the redevelopment project.
19 Mr. Prosser stated that the framework for the future implementation requires them to take the design
20 framework and package it with other materials in order to market it to developers. He stated that they
21 have already been contacted by a few developers. Mr. Prosser added that the marketing would start
22 as early as tomorrow, upon approval to move forward tonight.
23 Mr. Prosser outlined the initial process for the developer: identify their qualifications in terms of
24 experience with similar types of redevelopment, complete a development program worksheet which
25 identifies the project components, and a site plan with more specific information.
26 Mr. Prosser indicated that they would also suggest that the City provide a pre-proposal conference
27 which will give developers an idea of what the City is specifically looking for. He stressed that the
28 number one question that is asked during that conference is if the City is committed to the
29 redevelopment project.
30 Mr. Prosser stated that developers have about four weeks to present a proposal. He added that they
31 are evaluated based upon the development program. Mr. Prosser indicated that they would also
32 evaluate their ability to pay for land, TIF projections, their ability to secure equity and financing, and
Wtheir overall consistency with the concepts that have been presented.
34 Mr. Prosser stated that some of the types of concerns that were raised during public presentations
35 include the impact that certain types of development may have on schools, city services, water quality
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I and traffic. He added that Ehlers captured that type of information and would be able to include that as
2 part of the evaluation criteria.
3 Mr. Prosser stated that the end result is a report with the various development proposals and the
4 evaluation. He added that Ehlers uniformly does not provide a recommendation to the City. He added
5 that they feel it is much more important that the City looks at the information and makes a selection.
6 Mr. Prosser stated that it was not unusual to segment the project, and look at multiple developers for
7 different parts of the project. He added that they recommend that the City narrows the field and invites
s the developers back to make presentations to them before the City makes a selection. Mr. Prosser
9 stated that even after they make that selection, they are only entering into the Preliminary Development
10 Phase which allows the developers to provide a little more detail in all of the areas.
I t Mr. Prosser indicated that once the developer and City Staff are comfortable, Ehlers recommends that
12 they go to the community to gather feedback on the proposal before the formal presentation for
13 consideration for the Final Development Stage. Mr. Prosser indicated that the Final Development
14 Stage includes negotiating issues such as land use, and any needs for financial assistance.
15 Mr. Prosser indicated that one of the chief concerns that a community has over TIF Fund usage is
*6 whether the developer really needs that level of assistance, or not. He stated that Ehlers would provide
17 them with a Perform Analysis which would provide an examination of the actual financial need along
18 with a recommendation.
19 Mr. Prosser continued with the next step, the financial gap. He stated that the need is bigger than they
20 thought. He added that when they first looked at this project, a very rough estimate revealed a cost of
21 $33,000,000, with a gap of$2,300,000-$2,500,000, which is very manageable.
22 Mr. Prosser indicated that the legislature changed that gap to $12,000,000. He added that the
23 feasibility of the project needs to be determined by the City. Mr. Prosser stated that the fundamental
24 question is if accepting the status quo was an option. He continued that, if the City is comfortable with
25 the option to do nothing, then that needs to be looked at. He added that, if it is not an option, then he
26 believed that the gap was something that can be managed.
27 Mr. Prosser stated that one way to fill the gap was to look at outside funding. He added that another
28 way to close the gap was to look at staging the project where they would not need to acquire all the
29 land at one time. He identified a third way to lessen the gap as trying to incorporate existing businesses
30 into the development.
31In summary, Mr. Prosser acknowledged the significant challenges, and added that it is the challenges
02 that make the need for the project to happen.
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1 Councilmember Horst asked about the overall financial. He stated that$33,000,000 is the City portion
2 of what the City portion would be. Mr. Prosser added that, at this time, they are not recommending for
3 the City to incur any obligation to buy the property and do the demolition.
4 Councilmember Horst asked where the gap was. Mr. Prosser stated that the cost to acquire, relocate,
5 demolish and public improvements equals roughly $33,000,000. He stated that adding the revenues
6 that would come from development, and the tax increments together then look at the cost of the project
7 also equals the gap.
8 Councilmember Horst asked if it was true that there was a$2,500,000 gap that would need outside
9 funding such as Metropolitan Council. Mr. Prosser stated that was correct, but values and costs
10 included in the estimates may also reduce the gap.
1 l Councilmember Horst asked how large a development this was in terms of taxing. Mr. Prosser stated
12 that they were looking at an increment of $1,000,000 plus of new taxes.
13 Councilmember Horst stated that he thought the best option was the Corporate Campus idea because
14 of the scale in the population growth, but does not see how it can be paid for. Mr. Prosser stated that
15 the impact of Residential versus Corporate Campus have to be measured very carefully. He added that
0it is not accurate to look at a proportional increase in city services on a population basis. Mr. Prosser
17 continued that retail has the greatest impact on city services, and that higher density housing is the most
18 efficient housing.
19 Planning Commissioner Chair Melsha stated that the Planning Commission struggled with the financial
20 feasibility, as well. He added that the details of their recommendation were that attention be paid to the
21 expenses incurred by the City as they go through the process.
22 Councilmember Horst stated that if they decided to approve to move forward, he needs to see some of
23 the models of higher density housing because it is very scary to him. He added that the City really
24 needs to be behind this project, and that he did not want to prevent the project from happening, yet
25 made his fears known.
26 Councilmember Thuesen asked about the twenty-five year TIF. Mr. Prosser stated that no action
27 taken tonight commits them to using TIF, and that they will need to examine that on an individual usage.
28 Councilmember Thuesen thought it was safe to say that a substantial portion of TIF would probably be
29 used for the project.
30 Councilmember Thuesen referred to the portion in the Redevelopment Plan that indicates that people
31 rent out of choice, not out of obligation. Mr. Rapp addressed Councilmember Thuesen's concern, and
stated that, as the demographic bulge of the baby boomer generation goes through and people make a
4V3 variety of housing choices for a maintenance-free lifestyle, it is happening in increasing numbers.
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I Councilmember Thuesen expressed his concern over the possibility of mismanaged apartment
2 buildings. He added that it was important to him to have certain safeguards in place to prevent
3 apartment buildings from falling in the hands of negligent managers.
4 Councilmember Thuesen asked if they would be considering the higher density housing with 69% of the
5 housing being rental unit if they were not in a financial bind. Mr. Rapp stated that the more value dollars
6 they can create, the less tax increment subsidy and the better the project works, regardless of the type
7 of dollar it is.
8 Councilmember Thuesen referred to some cookie-cutter housing developments he saw recently, and
9 stated that structures like that would be an aesthetic nightmare in the City of St. Anthony. Mr. Rapp
10 stated that is exactly why they have the framework in place.
I t Mr. Prosser stated that if they do not like the higher density Concept Plan then they should not approve
12 it. He added that the housing densities mentioned are very consistent with the patterns working in other
3 parts of the Metropolitan area, and that more people are looking for that type of residential living. Mr.
14 Prosser also stated that they would not recommend a Concept Plan that was not a solid plan with
15 sound principles from a planning perspective.
06 Councilmember Thuesen referred to the possibility of cutting corners on quality as the project goes
17 along, and his concern to prevent this from happening and leaving them with cheaply made housing.
18 Mr. Rapp stated that they have direct control in this process to prevent that from happening.
19 Councilmember Thuesen asked about the Herberger's lease. Mr. Prosser indicated that the
20 Herberger's lease was not identified in the cost, which indicated that the numbers could go up.
21 Councilmember Thuesen stated that the TIF amount made him nervous.
22 Councilmember Thuesen stated it would be a good idea if the superintendent of the schools would
23 provide a statement to the city they were on board with the project, as well as any concerns they are
24 having regarding a potential enrollment increase.
25 Councilmember Thuesen indicated that he would support this tonight, although he feels there is a lot of
26 legwork ahead of them to make the project work.
27 Councilmember Sparks asked Planning Commissioner Chair Melsha how the public hearing went at
28 their meeting. Chair Melsha stated that the meeting was nearly filled to capacity with residents. He
29 added that a few residents addressed the Commission, and that, as a community, they seemed
30 informed of what was happening.
0
31 Councilmember Sparks asked about the Market Analysis and what the research firm thought that the
32 City could accommodate, she stated the Concept Plan we exceeded the capacity provided by the
33 Market Analysis by five units. Geoff Betzel, DSU, stated that the total number Councilmember Sparks
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July 24, 2001
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I identified from the Market Study are not necessarily additive, and that the five extra units are within the
2 margin of error.
3 Councilmember Sparks asked if it would need to be redone before the lenders look at it. Mr. Rapp
4 stated that, in order to get a loan for an apartment, they would need to have a Market Analysis done by
5 a credible source which would be part of the Lending Package.
6 Councilmember Sparks asked about the recommendation by the Market Analysis of for-sale own-
7 homes versus the framework recommendation for all rental units. Mr. Rapp stated that the town-homes
s in the framework were for-sale town-homes.
9 Councilmember Sparks asked what high-value development was, as referred to on page 4.5. Mr.
10 Rapp stated that, in that context, high-value development means that if they have something going in that
I 1 is high-cost to develop, in order to make a profit, a developer would come in to determine costs, and
12 ways of covering the costs in order to make a return. He added that they are already assuming that
13 they have a relatively high-cost project which would demand a higher-priced product mix to make sure
14 that it covers those costs and that an investment return is generated.
405 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that the higher-cost development was an issue of which to be aware. He
6 referred to the Riverfront Development and freezing out the existing residents of the community because
17 it is too far out of reach.
18 Councilmember Sparks asked about the potential height of the one hundred unit senior housing. Mr.
19 Rapp stated that it was to be determined by the City, but that they are imaging it to be around eight
20 stories tall.
21 Councilmember Sparks asked if they have given any thought to the changing demographics in twenty
22 years. Mr. Rapp indicated that the housing industry has learned that too much of any one product is
23 bad for any location and any city. He added that a broader mix will lead to adaptive reuse of a space
24 for a different demographic type.
25 Councilmember Sparks stated that she agreed with Councilmember Thuesen for the need to learn some
26 of the experiences that other communities have faced as they have gone through similar projects.
27 Councilmember Sparks stated that Chapter 6 indicated that Ehlers has not engaged in any conversation
28 with U.S. Bank, and that she was discouraged to hear that. Mr. Prosser stated that Ehlers was not
29 authorized, nor would they recommend having discussions with U.S. Bank until they perceive that the
30 Council wants to move froward.
0-1 Councilmember Sparks asked how much of a partner they would be, if they were able to proceed.
32 Mr. Prosser stated that the partnership that they would envision includes a major property owner that
33 has been part of the community.
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1 Councilmember Sparks asked when they become part of the process. Mr. Prosser stated he hoped
2 they already feel like they are part of the process. He added that they need to keep the communication
3 open, and need to advise them when they would be contacted.
4 Councilmember Hodson stated he appreciated the process, and commended all of the parties
5 responsible for getting them this far. He continued that numbers do not scare him, and that he fully
6 supports the Planning Commission's decision to move forward and fund this process of investigating
7 what those proposals will examine.
8 Mayor Cavanaugh also thanked all of those involved, especially the Northwest Quadrant Task Force.
9 He added that he sees this project as the same spot that the City was in during the Water Task Force.
10 He continued that they are at the right place, at the right time with a plan, and that luck plays a large role
1 I in success.
12 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that he was excited to get to the next step, and that it was crucial that they
13 develop a synergy among the different structures. He added that the product that has been delivered to
14 them was right on the money. Mayor Cavanaugh stated that the City was well equipped to take on the
15 project with a strong City Manager and City Council. He concluded that he shared all of the
16 apprehensions that were expressed tonight.
17 Councilmember Hodson asked about the funding that they were looking at for the second phase. Mike
8 Morrison stated that they were looking at about $25,000 to get to the second phase where they would
19 have a developer picked, which would come out of the H.R.A. funding from the Smart-Growth
20 Initiative.
21 Councilmember Horst reminded the Council that they said they were going to be flexible. He stated
22 that they were not operating with an open checkbook, as was included in the recommendation by the
23 Planning Commission. He added that he does not have much faith in the Council.
24 Mayor Cavanaugh asked Councilmember Horst to elaborate on his lack of faith in the Council.
25 Councilmember Horst referred to a past issue that he chose to not rehash.
26 Motion by Councilmember Hodson to approve Resolution 01-070, re: Approving the Northwest
27 Quadrant Plan and authorizing proceeding with the second phase of the project.
28 Motion carried unanimously.
29 X. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF.
30 A. Planning Commission- July 17, 2001.
0-3
1 1. Ordinance 2001-002,re: Electronic signs (1"reading).
2 Planning Commissioner Chair Melsha stated that they have gone back to the conditional use
33 permit because they felt that it gave the City a lot more control.
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July 24, 2001
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1 Melsha reviewed the ordinance with the Council and stated they were trying to avoid being
2 reactive and not allow projects to drive their decisions.
3 Councilmember Thuesen asked that the hours of operation be changed to 10:00 p.m. and 6:00
4 a.m. The Council agreed to change the hours.
5 Councilmember Sparks thought the tennis court lights were on until 11:00 p.m.
6 Jerry Gilligan indicated that they could impose different requirements as part of a conditional
7 use and for different times of the year.
8 Councilmember Horst asked if anyone on the Council considered an electronic sign blight. The
9 Council responded that they did not. Councilmember Horst suggested that they offer this
10 conditional to businesses. He added that he was a little uncomfortable in doing for the City
11 what they do not allow for the businesses.
12 Mayor Cavanaugh stated he was under the impression that businesses did not want this
13 because it is too restrictive.
104 Councilmember Thuesen stated that the use of the internet could help the City communicate to
15 the public. However, he stated, he sees just cause for the sign
16 Resident Ron Hansen came forward to express his disappointment in the process. He added
17 he felt he was wasting his time because the electronic sign is a done deal. Mr. Hansen stated he
18 thought this sign was a blight to the City. He stated he has received calls of support.
19 Mr. Hansen stated that this sign is going to take more landscaping maintenance when
20 landscaping maintenance is already neglected.
21 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that, at this date, the Council has not made any decision to put a sign
22 in. Therefore, he added he did not want to go through his list of hypothetical. He added that
23 there is a resolution before them to amend the ordinance, nothing else.
24 Mr. Hansen stated that he was opposed to the ordinance. He stated that safety was his
25 primary concern, and that it would be too great a distraction for drivers.
26 Councilmember Sparks stated that perhaps Mr. Hansen should do some research and gather
27 evidence that supports his concern for safety regarding the sign.
0-8 Mr. Hansen stated it was common sense that the sign would be a distraction when driving, and,
29 therefore, a safety issue.
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July 24, 2001
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1 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that the safety issue is a concern, that they will work through.
2 Councilmember Hodson echoed the Mayor's concern for safety.
3 Motion by Councilmember Sparks to approve re: An ordinance relating to signs; amending
4 section 1400.04, section 1400.07, and section 1400.12, subd. 4 of the St. Anthony City Code.
5 Amending subd 4. Section b to 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
6 Motion carried 4-1. Councilmember Horst opposed.
7 XI. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
8 Mike Morrison informed the Council that they will be very busy over the next five months.
9 He reviewed the following:
10 2002 Budget Update.
I t -Council reviews budget on August 14, 2001.
12 -Council adopts levy on September 11, 2001.
13 -Tax law changes:
14 -Levy limits back
15 -HACA is eliminated
16 -No Truth in Taxation hearings required this year
07 -No tax rate hearing and resolution ever
18 -Class rates decreased (impacts TIF)
19 Central Park Update.
20 -Bid opening on August 7, 2001
21 -Park Commission reviews on August 13,2001
22 -Council and Park Commissioners meet to review bids on August 14, 2001 at 5:15
23 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
24 -Council considers awarding bid on August 14, 2001
25 Community Center Task Force.
26 -Presentation of recommendations at the September 11, 2001 City Council Meeting.
27 Proposed that the Council cancel that meeting and push it to September 25, 2001.
28 Council agreed.
29 Inflow and Infiltration Project.
30 -A brochure has been developed.
31 Councilmember Sparks recommended that the letter that was written by WSB on illegal
32 sub-pumps be rewritten so that the community can understand the language.
33 -First neighborhood meeting was July 18, 2001
34 Mayor Cavanaugh recommended that the City partner with an outside source to do
35 100%of everything in relation to sub-pumps and wells so that the residents have
36 someone to respond to them.
0,7 Stonehouse Update.
38 -Presentation from Ehlers and Associates on August 28, 2001 at the City Council
39 Meeting
40 Council Work Session with Ehlers and Associates on financial strategies on October 9, 2001.
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 24, 2001
Page 14
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1 Hennepin Parks purchase of Salvation Army property; City Council action in August.
2 St. Anthony police presented a plaque to Osell's Bike for their efforts assisting the Bike Patrol.
3 Logo on Silver Lake bridge.
4 Northwest Quadrant.
5 -Moratorium expires on October 4, 2001- has been advised to let it expire
6 -Meeting with bank- sometime in August
7 -Meeting with Metropolitan Council in August
8 Meeting with new School Superintendent in August.
9 Change in requiring a super-majority for re-zoning; re-zoning of commercial to residential only
10 requires simple majority of 3-2.
11 -Need to look at the language more closely
12 Jerry Gilligan stated that any zoning amendment requires a super-majority vote,
13 effective May 31, 2001.
14 Miscellaneous
15 -Liquor award- best wine
16 -City Police meeting
17 -Union contracts-tough year because of economy and labor shortages
18 -Custom Liquidators update-presenting a proposal to demolish at August meeting
19 Noise ordinance
'!o -Signage in community on thirteen or fourteen streets, total cost of$400.00
21 -Council approved putting up signage that states that they enforce the noise ordinance
22 XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
23 Mayor Cavanaugh indicated that he had a great meeting with the new school Superintendent.
24 Mayor Cavanaugh indicated he would be starting a new monthly program of highlighting a Hero-of-the-
25 Month from the community. This meeting,he recognized Mark Sitarz who is a member of the Fire
26 Department. Mr. Sitarz recently responded, as a resident, to an incidence of a death and a heart attack
27 with incredible compassion and insight. He thanked Mr. Sitarz for being a wonderful citizen.
28 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
29 Motion by Mayor Cavanaugh to adjourn the meeting at 10:44 p.m.
30 Motion carried unanimously.
31 Respectfully submitted,
32 Courtney Seesz
33 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
34 AIA
35 ayor
06 ATTEST:
37 City Clerk