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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 10222002 Meeting Sheet IIIIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIIIII IIII iossos Box: 34 Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2002 Document: CC MINUTES 10222002 r City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 1 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 3 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 4 5 October 22, 2002 6 7 CALL TO ORDER 8 Mayor Hodson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 9 10 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 11 Mayor Hodson invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance. 12 13 ROLL CALL. 14 Present: Mayor Hodson; Councilmembers Horst, Sparks, Thuesen, and Faust. 15 Absent: None. 16 Also Present: City Manager Mike Mornson and City Attorney Jerry Gilligan. 17 18 CONSIDERATION,DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING 19 ITEMS. 20 I. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 22, 2002 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. Motion by Councilmember Sparks to approve the City Council Meeting Agenda of October 22, 23 2002. 24 25 Motion carried unanimously. 26 27 II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS. 28 None. 29 30 III. COMMUNITY FORUM. 31 Mayor Hodson invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items 32 that are not on the regular agenda. 33 34 Hearing none, Mayor Hodson moved forward with the agenda. 35 36 IV. CONSENT AGENDA. 37 A. Consider October 8. 2002 Council meeting minutes. 38 B. Consider licenses and permits. 39 C. Consider payment of claims. 40 41 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen to approve the Consent Agenda items. 42 qPMotion carried unanimously. r City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 2 1 V. FORUM ON LIQUOR REFERENDUM. 2 Mayor Hodson provided a presentation on the upcoming liquor referendum, noting that on 3 November 5th several questions will be posed regarding on-sale liquor in St. Anthony. He 4 explained that if approved, it would allow family restaurants to have on-sale liquor. He noted the 5 current restaurants do not have an ability to sell wine or beer with a meal. He explained that in 6 meetings with developers, Mr. Mornson has been asked about this option. Currently the City 7 does not have the ability to issue on-sale, consumption on-site, liquor licenses. State law requires 8 voters authorize the liquor licensing authority to the City. The referendum will ask the residents 9 to vote on this issue in two questions as follows: 10 11 "Shall the City of St. Anthony be authorized to issue on-sale liquor licenses to hotels and 12 restaurants as provided in Minnesota Statutes, Section 340A.601?"and 13 "Shall the City of St. Anthony be authorized to issue Sunday on-sale liquor licenses as provided 14 in Minnesota Statutes, Section 340A.504?" 15 16 Mayor Hodson stated that St. Anthony is currently one of two cities that do not have the authority 17 to issue on-sale liquor licenses. If approved, St. Anthony would have the ability to issue up to six 18 on-sale and Sunday on-sale liquor licenses but most likely less than that would be issued. The 19 City would also have the ability to define those guidelines and establish the regulations that 20 would be enforced and criteria used for these establishments. 40 Mayor Hodson reviewed the types of family restaurants that St. Anthony would be looking for 23 and stated he has received numerous resident requests for more unique restaurants. He stated he 24 believes the market will supply the demand as well as the demographics as the Northwest 25 Quadrant takes shape. 26 27 Mayor Hodson explained that if the referendum passes, it provides the City with an additional 28 option to operate at the Stonehouse Restaurant and Bar and in the dining community. He stated 29 the City may not necessarily issue six liquor licenses but would have that ability as well as the 30 ability to look at the types of restaurants coming into St. Anthony. Currently without the ability 31 to issue an on-sale liquor license,the City does not have the ability to negotiate with that type of 32 restaurant. 33 34 Mayor Hodson stated these two questions will be on the ballot and a simple majority is all that is 35 needed to pass. He encouraged anyone who does not know of their polling location to call the 36 City Hall. 37 38 Mayor Hodson asked if there were any questions from the audience members. 39 40 An audience member asked if a no vote is counted. Mayor Hodson stated a simple majority of 41 the ballots cast is needed. 42 it An audience member asked the name of the other city that does not have on-sale liquor. r• City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 Page 3 Mike Larson, Liquor Operations Manager, responded that the City of Wayzata has split liquor q OP 2 and is the remaining municipality in the on-sale business in the metro area. 3 4 Councilmember Thuesen encouraged any residents viewing from home to call the City Hall if 5 they have questions regarding this item. 6 7 Mayor Hodson stated he has received only four telephone calls regarding the types of restaurants 8 or establishment coming into St. Anthony with specific concern about chain restaurants. He 9 stated currently the City has no options available to issue such a license until it is voted on and 10 approved. 11 12 Mayor Hodson asked if anyone would like to make comment. Hearing none, he moved on with 13 the agenda. 14 15 VI. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF. 16 A. Planning Commission Report—October 15, 2002. 17 18 Planning Commissioner Steeves introduced himself and stated he would like to report on the 19 Planning Commission action from their last meeting. He stated they discussed the request to 20 consider an ordinance related to second hand goods dealers and the intent is to appoint a small #P committee at the next Planning Commission meeting to start looking at that issue. 23 1. Resolution 02-068, Building height and side yard variance request for Business 24 Data Record Services/Belair Excavation, 3015 —37`h Avenue NE. 25 26 Mr. Steeves explained that Business Data Record Services has submitted demolition and 27 expansion plans at 3015 — 37`h Avenue Northeast. He noted they currently operate on 28 this site and would, under their proposal, demolish four existing buildings and construct a 29 new 40,000 square foot building. Mr. Steeves used a site plan to point out the location of 30 the proposed building. He noted the setback from Macalaster Drive is proposed to be five 31 feet. He also noted the Code requirement for a 35 foot setback. Thus a 30 foot setback 32 from Macalaster Drive is being requested. 33 34 Mr. Steeves stated they also proposed to add a stormwater detention pond at the northeast 35 end of the site which would be an added feature. He noted the configuration of the site 36 and truck route. He stated ample parking is proposed for this use. 37 38 Mr. Steeves presented a cross section from County Road D (37`h Avenue), noting the 39 location of the existing warehouses and new warehouse being proposed. He pointed out 40 the line of the permitted 35 foot maximum height and proposed 44 foot in height. Thus 41 the request for a nine foot height variance. Mr. Steeves then pointed out the downward 42 slope of the site,noting it would appear the building is not as high from County Road D. 0 Mr. Steeves stated Business Data Record Services constructed a similar building in New 45 Brighton and the use of the facility is to store documents. This business rents out space City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 4 1 by the cubic foot. This facility would store thousands of bankers boxes filled with 2 important documents their clients need to retain. The boxes are stacked on pallets, 3 palletized, and loaded with forklifts onto high racks. He stated currently the owners of 4 this company own the entire site and have several other sister companies that would be 5 moved to other locations. Then they would demolish those buildings to construct this 6 new 40,000 square foot building. 7 8 Mr. Steeves stated the applicants have been forthright, open, and cooperative. He stated 9 that no one on the Planning Commission wants to discourage business in St. Anthony or 10 this applicant from attempting to utilize this site to its fullest capacity. However, in 11 reviewing the application, the Planning Commission found it difficult, given the size and 12 construction of the building, to find that it met the requirements for a variance as set forth 13 in the City's Code. In order to consider a variance, the following findings must be met: 14 1) The property cannot be put to a reasonable use without the variance; 2) The 15 circumstances causing the hardship were not created by the owner; 3) The variance, if 16 granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality; and, 4) Economic 17 considerations alone are not the basis of the hardship. 18 19 Mr. Steeves stated that for the majority of the Planning Commissioners, it was felt the 20 applicant wanted to build the maximum sized building. However, they could construct a building that meets the Code, though it may not be as cost effective. He noted they could 16 set the building back and lose about 7,000 square feet, drop the roof line to the allowable 23 height, and have a smaller sized building that could be used for the same purpose of 24 storage. Due to that, it was difficult for the Planning Commission to find that a variance 25 should be considered. 26 27 Mr. Steeves stated the applicant raised the issue of constraint due to the proximity of the 28 rail line and an Xcel utility easement through the site. He noted the location of the utility 29 easement and stated that would have minimal impact to construction as proposed. He 30 stated that easement has been mitigated quite well with the building shifted somewhat to 31 accommodate the full turning radius. However, the setback issue is on the Macalaster 32 Drive side, not the north side. 33 34 Mr. Steeves stated the railroad easement does not seem to greatly effect the location of 35 the building and has been accommodated reasonably well. He stated the stormwater 36 retention pond is required by the Rice Creek Watershed District and is also 37 accommodated. 38 39 Mr. Steeves stated that considering these issues, the Planning Commission did not find 40 the rationale met to consider granting a variance. 41 42 Councilmember Faust asked if the applicant indicated why the height variance was being requested. Mr. Steeves stated the building height is partly driven by what is inside, large racks that hold pallets. 45 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 Page 5 Councilmember Faust asked if it is an industry standard for height. Mr. Steeves stated the 2 height request was made due to how the material is stored. 3 4 Councilmember Faust asked if the Fire Department indicated concern. Mr. Steeves stated 5 they made no comment. 6 7 Councilmember Faust asked if they have exceeded lot coverage. Mr. Steeves stated that 8 was not addressed by staff. 9 10 Councilmember Faust asked about the sister companies on this site. Mr. Steeves stated 11 he does not know that information. 12 13 Councilmember Faust asked if there were neighborhood comments. Mr. Steeves stated 14 there were none. 15 16 Councilmember Horst asked how it was determined that the stormwater pond was 17 needed. Mr. Steeves stated the applicant informed the Planning Commission that the 18 Rice Creek Watershed District is making that requirement. 19 20 Mayor Hodson noted it was a 3-2 vote to recommend denial with two Commissioners 16 being absent. Mr. Steeves stated that is correct. 23 Councilmember Sparks asked Mr. Steeves to again read the variance requirements. Mr. 24 Steeves complied by reading them. 25 26 Mr. Steeves stated the Planning Commission was divided in its recommendation but the 27 majority felt the plan was being driven by the applicant's desire to have a large building 28 on the site to accommodate their business needs. 29 30 An unidentified resident asked what this building will cost the individual taxpayer and if 31 it will benefit St. Anthony residents. She also asked why the City is not getting 32 reimbursement from the company. 33 34 Mr. Steeves explained that this is an entirely privately funded project and the applicant is 35 requesting no public assistance. 36 37 Mayor Hodson asked about the increase in tax base as a result of this new building. 38 39 City Manager Mornson explained that in almost all cases with a building like this the City 40 is a winner from an expenditure point since the project will not cost the City anything and 41 will gain tax base. He noted the public services required for this type of business is very 42 low. 0 Mark Murlowski, Chief Executive with Belair Excavating, thanked the Mayor and 45 Council for this opportunity to present their application. He explained that Berger City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 Page 6 1 Transfer constructed the first building on this site in 1959. He stated Berger Transfer is 2 over 90 years old, was established in 1910, and has become the largest Allied Transport 3 company in the United States. He reviewed their contribution to City events on a regular 4 basis, to parades, festivals, the fire department, and engineering department by providing 5 storage space at no charge. He stated Berger Transfer was named Business of the Year 6 for the City of St. Anthony several years ago. 7 8 Mr. Murlowski stated he has been working with Berger Transfer for over 25 years and 9 before that his father did. He stated that he is proud to be associated with Berger Transfer 10 and that this project requests no City assistance or TIF. It will be privately funded and is 11 a large job. He stated that each year Belair Excavating is involved with only 10 to 15 12 projects larger than this throughout the United States. He noted that within the current 13 economy, they are thankful to have Berger Transfer as a customer. He stated he 14 appreciates the question of the audience member about public assistance and assured 15 everyone that the project will be privately funded and nothing will be asked except for the 16 two variances. 17 18 Mr. Murlowski stated they are asking for relief from Code requirements they feel are 19 restrictive based on restriction that the land provides. He stated they are disappointed that 20 things did not go their way with the Planning Commission and will try to do a better job 16 tonight to explain reasonable use. 23 Mr. Murlowski stated the evidence discussed previously was proven, besides the 24 reasonable use item, and they are prepared to address that issue tonight. He stated the 25 most important thing he can talk about is that in today's business climate, businesses 26 cannot operate on the status quo because the world changed in 2000 and 2001 and 27 business intelligence needs to rise above that level. He stated if this is not built as a high- 28 pile storage business, he will guarantee the building will not be constructed and Berger 29 Transfer will remain unable to attract new customers or maintain the existing customer 30 base without this type of new construction. He stated a good example of the proposed 31 building is at 200 Old Highway 8 in New Brighton which was built about two years ago 32 as an addition to an older lower ceiling height building. He stated the New Brighton 33 building is 56,000 square feet and this proposed building would be 40,000 square feet. 34 35 Mr. Murlowski presented colored pictures of the New Brighton building, noting the 36 pleasing aesthetics by breaking up the wall panels. 37 38 Councilmember Sparks inquired regarding the relationship between Belair Excavating 39 and Berger Transfer. Mr. Murlowski stated Belair Excavating is the contractor for Berger 40 Transfer. He explained that BDRS has been in business for about 20 years and is a 41 business unit of Berger Transfer that supplies record transfer. 42 Councilmember Horst asked if the applicant is using an economic basis to say the 10 building will not be constructed unless at this size and height. Mr. Murlowski stated it is 45 somewhat driven by economics. However, architecturally for height and aisle widths, if City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 7 1 they don't get enough square footage, the building is not feasible. He stated this is a free 2 standing, clear span structure and if the ceiling height is lowered, it will loose one full 3 pallet height without question. 4 5 Jim White, JRP Architects representing the applicant, stated his firm was involved to 6 develop the site in New Brighton and has some history with Berger Transfer. He 7 explained that the New Brighton and electronic storage facilities are due too reach 8 capacity within 12 to 18 months. Thence the application to accommodate its increased 9 business. He explained that the cost to construct a building that is more square and tall is 10 lower than a building that is lower and more spread out. He stated that is one of the 11 economics and the optimum is 65 feet in increments. 12 13 Mr. White reviewed the boundaries of the existing site and noted Macalaster Drive is a 14 dead end street which ends in the location of the fence. The nearest residential structure 15 is an apartment building to the east. The project will sprinkle three existing buildings. 16 BDRS has been gradually improving the appearance and safety features of this site and 17 this project will continue that program by removing the four 40-year old buildings and 18 constructing a new structure of maintenance free materials that is sprinkled. The four 19 buildings to be removed are also not ADA compliant. 20 Mr. White stated since the Planning Commission meeting they have tweaked the site plan 16 to accommodate better utilization of the site and address some of the issues the Planning 23 Commission had raised. He stated the building will be of pre-cast concrete material 24 similar to the building in New Brighton. It will exceed the height restriction by nine feet 25 and be located in line with the existing electronic media storage building. With a five 26 foot setback there is no issue with snow storage and the Fire Marshal has indicated no 27 objections to the proposed building location or height. The placement accommodates the 28 utility easement and the retention pond being required by the Rice Creek Watershed 29 District. That pond would be located in an unbuildable corner location of the site. 30 31 Mr. White stated the site cross section illustrates the building will be about six or seven 32 feet taller than the highest building as measured from County Road D and would be 33 approximately the same height as the bridge where Silver Lake Road crosses over the 34 railroad tracks. 35 36 Mr. White asked the Council to take note that the City Engineer and Fire Marshal have 37 reviewed their application and voiced no objection. He stated this building will allow 38 BDRS to meet their clients' ever expanding business needs and increase the property tax 39 base by providing a more appealing looking building of maintenance free materials, 40 reduced fire risk, lower traffic congestion than currently exists, and improve the site 41 characteristics. 42 Councilmember Faust asked what changed when they "tweaked" of the site plan. Mr. 9 White noted that previously they did not indicate clearly the easement placement, where 45 trucks may be parked at the truck docks, truck turning radius, and need for trucks to park City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 8 1 to serve the new facility. He stated they did not change the building size or location,dust 2 the use of the area surrounding the building. 3 4 Councilmember Horst asked if the justification for the building placement is to create the 5 turning radius needed for trucks. Mr. White stated that is correct. 6 7 Mr. Murlowski stated it is causing them to push the overhead doors more to the east 8 within the setback area. He noted that this land is irregular in shape and very difficult for 9 construction which pushes the building towards the substation access. 10 11 Mr. White stated another point is that the existing buildings on the site are used for the 12 same purpose. He clarified the other buildings are used for storage, but not for document 13 storage. 14 15 Councilmember Thuesen stated when the Planning Commission receives the request, 16 their consideration needs to be more than whether you want it or not. He stated that 17 normally when receiving Planning Commission recommendations, he agrees with it and 18 believes it has been very well thought out. However, in this case he is questioning it. He 19 stated that to him it appears the land cannot be put to a reasonable use that meets their 20 criteria without the variances being granted. He stated he believes the circumstance was not created by the owner and if granted would not alter the essential character. He noted 16 that if anything, the character will be improved through the holding pond, nicer aesthetics 23 of the building, removal of the 40-year old buildings, and reducing the level of traffic. He 24 stated that the economic considerations may need a harder look but it does not appear to 25 him that it is solely economics. He noted that ADA compliance is another improvement 26 and this is only six to seven feet higher in a dead-end industrial area that is not out of 27 character with the appearance of the area. He stated he thinks the City would benefit if 28 this application is approved. 29 30 Councilmember Thuesen stated St. Anthony is looking to work with business and keep 31 good businesses so if the City Attorney has no problem, he thinks this holds a lot of 32 potential. 33 34 Councilmember Horst stated he spent six years on the Planning Commission and knows 35 that with any variance request, you do not have luxury of an elected official; you were 36 allowed a set of criteria and your determination is whether the application meets or does 37 not meet that criteria. You do not have the ability to determine whether it is a good or 38 bad project,just whether it meets the City's criteria. Councilmember Horst stated it is a 39 difficult situation with this type of building to find that all of the criteria that are needed 40 for a variance are met. He stated the Planning Commission did the right thing in 41 recommending denial. However, as public officials and being responsible to the voters, 42 the City Council has the ability and duty to try to work with businesses, especially an exemplary business like Berger Transfer who has worked with St. Anthony for many years. 45 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 9 1 Councilmember Horst stated it is not unprecedented that the Planning Commission may 2 be reversed and he thinks in this case it is warranted. He stated it is more beneficial to the 3 City to have this project than it is to stick with the letter of the law, which is what the 4 Planning Commission is required to do. Councilmember Horst commended the Planning 5 Commission for their work and stated he thinks the Council needs to look beyond that 6 and at what is good for business. 7 8 City Attorney Gilligan explained that undue hardship is required by the Code and that is a 9 difficult standard to apply in some cases. He stated that in what he saw from the 10 testimony, the NSP utility easement pushes back the building, required parking, and truck 11 movement, and the diagonal railroad easement also pushes the building towards 12 Macalaster Drive. He stated those are circumstances that can be cited for an undue 13 hardship. 14 15 Councilmember Faust stated that he also served on the Planning Commission and realizes 16 that is a difficult position to be in. He stated the Planning Commission did the right thing 17 to make a recommendation so it can be considered by the Council. He stated that when 18 he looks at the application conditions he thinks the uniqueness of the property and 19 surrounding areas makes it unique in that only certain uses can be made of this property. 20 He stated he thinks this project will make the neighborhood better and is the compelling reason for him to consider granting the variance. He stated he appreciates that they are 40 good neighbors, but that is not a consideration under this application. 23 24 Councilmember Faust stated that he does not want the Planning Commission to take that 25 as a vote of no confidence, should the variances be approved. He stated he would vote in 26 favor of the variance. 27 28 Councilmember Horst stated Berger Transfer made compelling arguments to satisfy some 29 of the criteria and should that have been done before the Planning Commission it may 30 have been easier for them during their deliberations. 31 32 Councilmember Sparks indicated she has nothing to add to what has already been stated. 33 34 Mayor Hodson explained that for the last three years St. Anthony has been involved with 35 being a smart growth livable community and the City is rethinking all development in St. 36 Anthony in the spirit of smart growth and livable community standards. Mayor Hodson 37 stated that considering the circumstances with the lot size and density request, he would 38 support this application. He noted that to do otherwise may be questioned by the 39 Metropolitan Council. 40 41 Mayor Hodson reviewed language that would approve the two variance requests. 42 0 City Attorney Gilligan stated the draft resolution can be amended to include those criteria. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 Page 10 Motion by Councilmember Faust to adopt Resolution 02-068, Approving Building Height 2 and Side Yard Variances for Business Data Record ServicesBelair Excavation, 3015 — 3 37`h Avenue NE.,based on the following rationale: 4 5 "The City Council having due consideration for the recommendation of the Planning 6 Commission has reviewed the variance requests and believes that the utility and railroad 7 easement over the property and the new water retention pond required to be located on 8 the property in connection with the construction of the proposed building present an 9 undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the property not created by the 10 owners of the property and the variances if granted will not alter the essential character of 11 the City." 12 13 Councilmember Horst asked if the draft resolution will be renamed or a new resolution be 14 drafted. City Attorney Gilligan stated the resolution will be redrafted with this new 15 language and citing a hardship finding. 16 17 Motion carried unanimously. 18 19 Mr. White thanked the Planning Commission for their assistance and stated they were 20 very good to work with. 46 B. Engineering eering Project Update—Todd Hubmer, WSB &Associates. 23 Mayor Horst welcomed Todd Hubmer, WSB &Associates, to the meeting. 24 25 Mr. Hubmer addressed the Council and provided an update on six engineering issues as follows: 26 27 Wellhead Protection Plan. Mr. Hubmer noted the meeting packet contains a number of figures 28 that the Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has completed for the 29 City of St. Anthony for ground water modeling. He has reviewed that information with them and 30 will be meeting with the Minnesota Department of Health at the end of the month to discuss 31 those results and to define the Wellhead Protection limits within St. Anthony. That information 32 will be presented to the City Council once completed. 33 34 Water and Sewer Study. Mr. Hubmer stated they have completed the St. Anthony Water Needs 35 and Sanitary Sewer Studies. He stated this Study has been provided for the Council's review and 36 included a summary of the information used to evaluate the water and sewer needs. Mr. Hubmer 37 noted the list of recommended improvements and implementation dates, and displayed a chart 38 contained in the Study identifying population projections with lower and upper estimates. 39 40 Councilmember Horst asked if larger utility lines will be constructed should the higher 41 population range be met. Mr. Hubmer stated that is correct as well as maintenance and system 42 performance issues. 0 Mr. Hubmer reviewed the recommendation section which had been modified based on City staff 45 input. He noted the water and sanitary sewer system recommended improvements have been City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 11 1 prioritized from one to fourteen and probable costs included. Mr. Hubmer provided specifics on 2 each of the improvements and explained the rationale for the ranking. 3 4 Councilmember Horst asked if the priority is listed as high for the new water main at Kenzie 5 Terrace based on current development. Mr. Hubmer stated it is standard engineering practice to 6 loop water services should a break occur, to sustain fire protection, and improve water quality. 7 8 Councilmember Thuesen asked if the City lost an opportunity to make these improvements 9 during a past construction improvement project. Mr. Hubmer stated that improvements have 10 been made during current street projects. He stated he does not think the City has missed an 11 opportunity to complete this project during a past construction project. 12 13 Councilmember Horst asked if a new water filtration system is being considered. Mr. Hubmer 14 stated it is not and would be the chlorine injection system. 15 16 Councilmember Thuesen asked if it is realistic to renovate the treatment facility at this point and 17 if it wore out more rapidly than anticipated. Mr. Hubmer stated it is realistic maintenance since 18 most systems have a service life of 20 to 30 years. They are looking at a maintenance program to 19 replace valves, meet code requirements, and safety requirements. 20 Mr. Humber stated that St. Anthony has a secure water system but new mandates have been 46 issued for each City to prepare a water security strategy plan. 23 24 Councilmember Thuesen asked about the recommendation to continue to identify and eliminate 25 inflow infiltration. He asked about results on what has been done so far and if there are 26 measurable results. Mr. Hubmer stated there are preliminary indications and the Metropolitan 27 Council notified St. Anthony two weeks ago that with the record rainfall, the infiltration rates in 28 the sanitary sewer have been very high. He stated there will probably be an increase in sanitary 29 sewer treatment rates in the range of 20-35%. Mr. Hubmer stated he and Roger Larson will 30 review those numbers and verify with the Metropolitan Council that their equipment is operating 31 correctly. 32 33 Councilmember Thuesen stated 15%of the flow is through UI and asked if the City should be 34 more aggressive to identify and eliminate UI problems. Mr. Hubmer stated there are several 35 residents who have addressed those issues through the public information process. He stated for 36 residents that have sanitary backup problems,this is their highest priority. 37 38 Mr. Hubmer stated that two years ago the City said they'd do an assessment in 2003 to evaluate 39 the effectiveness of improvements and to evaluate options to further reduce VI, if necessary. He 40 stated that the street reconstruction projects have addressed the drainage concerns and have been 41 supported by residents. 42 Councilmember Thuesen asked if the problem with UI is dumping sump pump water into the sanitary sewer. Mr. Hubmer stated that some residents have passive drain tile connections to the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 12 1 sanitary sewer, which do not have sump pumps, and may not even know that they are discharging 2 clear water into the sanitary sewer. 3 4 Councilmember Thuesen asked if that area should be looked at more closely during the 2003 5 study. Mr. Hubmer answered in the affirmative. 6 7 Councilmember Thuesen asked about the houses that are not metered. Mr. Hubmer stated there 8 are a small number of houses in St. Anthony that flow into Roseville or Minneapolis but it is felt 9 that it is not worth the cost to meter. 10 11 Councilmember Thuesen asked about the areas being picked out with the flows and trying to get 12 a rough idea of the flow. He asked if the City should be concerned whether the flow has been 13 estimated correctly and won't be worse than estimated. Mr. Hubmer stated that issue will be 14 raised with the Metropolitan Council. He stated the Metropolitan Council recognizes the need to 15 replace the meter on Lowery Avenue and since they have now indicated the flows are higher than 16 in the past, staff will raise the issue of the older meters and need to provide a more accurate 17 picture. 18 19 Councilmember Sparks stated Mr. Hubmer has identified a lot of projects for the next few years 20 and asked if this is above and beyond the City's normal maintenance projects or if the City has the tax revenue to do these projects. Mr. Hubmer stated that is a good question about whether the City has the revenue to do these projects. He stated he will be speaking with staff about 23 funding and will return with options for funding and impact on the community. 24 25 Councilmember Faust noted it has been suggested to replace motor controls at wells 3, 4 and 5 to 26 get a better rate to do all at the same time. He stated that typically they do not buy all the police 27 cars at one time, but integrate it over a number of years as the City does with the streets projects. 28 He asked if the wells are worn out now. Mr. Humber stated if you do the work at the same time 29 the mobilization costs will only be charged once. And, if they can purchase controls in quantities 30 of more than one, there will be a price break. The labor will also be better for three consecutive 31 jobs. Mr. Humber stated if the wells are done one at a time, that may better fit the City's budget 32 and is an option since the City is not in eminent danger of losing a well. However it is a high 33 priority project. 34 35 Councilmember Faust stated that strategically the City may be wise to phase the work so the 36 wells do not all wear out at one time. He asked staff to look at that option. 37 38 Mr. Mornson stated that he, Mr. Hubmer, Mr. Larson, and financial consultants will meet to put 39 together a financial plan for these projects. He stated that information will be provided at the 40 November 12th meeting since some of the projects may be ordered at the beginning of next year. 41 He noted the funding may involve rate increases, grants, or Metropolitan Council monies. 42 Councilmember Sparks asked if the City will assume the responsibility for the Northwest Quadrant improvements. Mr. Mornson stated that is an area of negotiation and could be funded 45 through assessments. However if assessed the property may not be redeveloped. He stated there City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 13 1 could be a special taxing district for that area and those negotiations are yet to be undertaken. 2 Mr. Mornson stated the developer may not want to build up to 700 homes if the City does not 3 have the sewer capacity to handle them. 4 5 1999 Street Reconstruction. Mr. Hubmer stated the resident has requested this item not be 6 considered tonight. 7 8 2001 Street Reconstruction. Mr. Hubmer stated that the project is 100%complete. There will be 9 ongoing maintenance issues, such as dead trees to be replaced. Recently an additional retaining 10 wall was constructed for some residents adjacent to the pond. Mr. Humber stated that he had met 11 with the contractor to discuss the completion of warranty work on driveways that did not meet 12 inspection. 13 14 2002 Street Reconstruction Project. Mr. Hubmer stated the utility work is 100%complete, 15 driveways are in, and the contractor is bringing in topsoil, cleaning the site, and preparing for 16 sod, weather permitting. 17 18 C. Resolution 02-067, re: Authorizing Advertising for Bids for the 2003 Street Projects. 19 Mr. Hubmer stated this project includes the reconstruction of Edward Street from 33rd Avenue 20 NE to 34th Avenue NE; Belden Drive from 33rd Avenue NE to 34th Avenue NE; and 34th Avenue NE from Stinson Boulevard to Silver Lake Road. He stated they will do several things 40 differently in 2003 to phase the project. He advised of the phases being proposed and how they 23 will provide information to residents should questions arise. Street reconstruction updates will 24 be provided every other week to bring everyone up to speed. 25 26 Mr. Hubmer stated they held a public information meeting and residents had some concerns 27 related to special access which can be addressed. He noted the project construction schedule 28 29 Councilmember Thuesen stated they discussed communication options, placing it on the website 30 and including it in newsletters. He stated he appreciates this effort to better communicate with 31 residents which will make their lives easier. 32 33 Mr. Hubmer stated they anticipate receiving bids and computing assessments in December of 34 2002, approving resolutions on improvement hearing and special assessments in January of 2003, 35 holding the public hearing for the project and assessments, award the bid and call for bond sales 36 in February of 2003, award the sale of bonds in March of 2003,begin construction in May of 37 2003, substantial completion of construction in October of 2003, certifying assessments to the 38 County Auditor in August of 2003, and final completion of construction in July of 2004. 39 40 Motion by Councilmember Sparks to adopt Resolution 02-067, Authorizing Advertising for Bids 41 for the 2003 Street Projects. 42 Motion carried unanimously. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 14 1 Mayor Hodson stated his concern is the cost estimated for the sewer and water system 2 improvements. He stated there is work ahead of the Council on how to pay for all of these 3 improvements that are necessary repairs. 4 5 VII. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL. 6 None. 7 8 VIII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS. 9 Mr. Mornson stated there will be a joint meeting with the School Board at 6:00 p.m. next 10 Tuesday at the High School Media Center. 11 12 Mr. Mornson stated the Salvation Army will be holding an open house next Wednesday from 13 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and in this facility from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 14 15 Mr. Mornson stated the North Metro Mayor's Association has requested the City's possible 16 participation in that organization. That has not been discussed formally but the Council can 17 informally attend the meeting tomorrow night. Mr. Mornson stated funds have not been 18 budgeted to join this organization but funds could be used from the EDA. He suggested that the 19 Council can discuss if they want to join at the December 9, 2002 budget meeting. 20 Mr. Mornson stated the closing of the Hardees site to Culver's Restaurant will be held on 16 Monday, October 28, 2002. 23 24 Councilmember Horst had nothing to report. 25 26 Councilmember Sparks had nothing to report. 27 28 Councilmember Thuesen had nothing to report. 29 30 Councilmember Faust stated the Council received information from the League and should vote 31 for the top five issues they feel are important. 32 33 Councilmember Faust stated a candidate forum was sponsored by the Chamber a week ago 34 Monday and reminded all to vote on November 5, 2002. 35 36 Councilmember Faust stated he met several times with Ehlers in preparation for the Metropolitan 37 Council meeting on October 16, 2002. He stated he appeared before the Metropolitan Council 38 Livable Communities Development Act Committee which is made up of 15 members. He stated 39 they asked questions about the project and funding. The Metropolitan Council has $6 million in 40 funding and St. Anthony asked for$3,250,000. He stated he told them the City could phase 41 some of the project in order to help them assist St. Anthony and came away with fairly good 42 review. He stated it was an interesting meeting. 0 Mr. Mornson stated that 40 communities applied for$45 million dollars and the Metropolitan 45 Council has only$6 million to give out. He stated Councilmember Faust had 15 minutes to City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2002 • Page 15 1 make that presentation and noted the awards will be announced at a meeting next Wednesday, 2 October 30, 2002,by Chair Ted Mondale. 3 4 Councilmember Faust stated if St. Anthony is awarded some money, he would encourage all to 5 attend the presentation since he was one of two elected officials to make the presentation before 6 the Metropolitan Council. He stated the Mayor was out of town so he was able to make that 7 presentation and he believes that weights well in the favor of St. Anthony to show they are a 8 team and support each other and the efforts of the City. 9 10 Mayor Hodson thanked Councilmember Faust for making that presentation and stated he enjoys 11 the Council working together as a team. 12 13 Mayor Hodson reported on the transportation conference he attended in Chicago. 14 15 Mayor Hodson announced that he will hold another Coffee with the Mayor on November 2, 2002 16 from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. He stated this will be a time he can answer questions on the upcoming 17 referendum, Apache redevelopment, or other issues. He stated recent sessions have been 18 excellent with great feedback being received from residents. 19 20 IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. 16 None. 23 X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS. 24 None. 25 26 XI. ADJOURNMENT. 27 Motion by Councilmember Faust to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. 28 29 Motion carried unanimously. 30 31 Respectfully submitted, 32 33 34 Carla Wirth 35 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 36 37 Mayor 38 ATTEST: 39 City Clerk 40 0 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 24, 2002 Page 5 Mayor Hodson indicated that this should be on someone's radar screen right now with potential upcoming funding from congress. 3 4 Ms. Vap indicated the other person leading the project is in transit and community works and she 5 said she would relay the message. 6 7 Mayor Hodson indicated he would be happy to commit to sitting down with someone to discuss 8 that. 9 10 B. Discussion on Greater Metropolitan Housing 11 12 Jennifer Bergman of the Greater Metropolitan Housing Agency indicated that they began 13 providing services to residents on July 1, 2002 and had already served 27 clients with 20 of those 14 being construction consultations. She then indicated they had been in contact with Staff 15 concerning the creation of a revolving loan program with approximately$100,000 available for 16 the loan program. 17 18 Ms. Bergman indicated they are proposing a 4% interest loan with a maximum loan amount of 19 $10,000 and a max term of 7 years. She then provided an overview of the program they 20 administer in Roseville. 21 22 Ms. Bergman commented that since the beginning of the Roseville program they have done 60 0 loans for over$480,000 worth of total rehabilitation. 25 Ms. Bergman indicated that there is a rehab incentive program through the Minnesota Housing 26 Finance Agency and noted the City's application would be decided upon on Thursday. She then 27 said that, if the application is approved, the City would have available $50,000, $45,000 of which 28 could be used for loans and $5,000 would be set aside for emergencies. 29 30 Ms. Bergman commented that homeowners usually invest more than the loan amount in their 31 homes. 32 33 Ms. Bergman indicated the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency loans funds at 6.5%with a 34 maximum income of$77,000 and the maximum income on the rebate is $88,205 so this is a very 35 generous program. 36 37 Mayor Hodson commented that this is a very exciting program to assist the City with 38 redevelopment of its aging housing stock. 39 40 Councilmember Faust questioned if there were already 20 contractor consultations. 41 42 Ms. Bergman indicated the construction manager has visited with 20 homeowners since July 1, 43 2002. 44 Ms. Bergman indicated that there were a few calls in June, more in July and an increase in August. She then noted there would be a slower time during the winter as construction slows. 47