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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 01231979 Meeting Sheet IIIIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIIIIIIIII iossaz Box: 36 Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1979 Document: CC MINUTES 01231979 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY COUNCIL MINUTES January 23 , 1979 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Haik at 7 : 35 p.m. Present for roll call: Sundland, Haik, Ranallo and Letourneau Absent: Sauer Also present: Jim Fornell, City Manager Bill Soth, City Attorney Ron Berg, Administrative Assistant Carol Johnson, Clerk/Treasurer An Addendum to the Agenda for a license for St. Anthony Mobil was accepted. Motion by Councilman Sundland and seconded by Mayor Haik to approve the minutes for the Council meeting held January 9 , 1979 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. William Bowerman presented the recommendations to the Council made by the Planning Board during their meeting January 16th as reflected in the • minutes for that meeting. He told the Council that, believing their reappointment to the Board had inadvertently been overlooked, and after ascertaining each of the current members ' willingness to continue their service for another year, the Board had elected George Marks Chairman and Dick Klick Chairman Pro Tem for 1979 . He especially wanted it noted that the Board had unanimously commended the leadership provided them by Richard Rymarchick and George Marks the past year. Mayor Haik asked Mr. Bowerman to relay to the Board her appreciation of the support the Board had provided the Council , especially commending them for their concise and direct communications with the Council. Motion by Councilman Sundland and seconded by Councilman Letourneau to re- appoint the current members of the Planning Board to continue their service on the Board during 1979 noting the indication of their individual willingness to take these positions . Motion carried unanimously. A majority of the Board had recommended Council approval of the lot split and the variances necessary for its approval of the property owned by Elmer (Pete) Hansen at 4033 Silver Lake Terrace, Mr. Bowerman reported. • Mr. Hansen was present but did not speak. • Council approval followed the guidelines suggested by the City Attorney. Motion by Councilman Ranallo and seconded by Councilman Sundland to grant all variances necessary to the lot split for the residence requested by Elmer Hansen for Lot 1, Block 1 Olsens Addition, subject to all easements as well as the granting to the City by Mr. Hansen of a 15 foot snow storage easement on that portion of the newly created Lot 2 which has been vacated by the City for the project and the relocation of the existing utility pole; minding that, (as did the Planning Board) (1) neither the lot size nor side yard width which will result from these variances will interfere with any adjoining dwellings, (2) the resultant front yard will be consistent with other residences on that cul-de-sac, (3) the backyard boundary line is governed by the shoreline of Silver Lake where property lines extend beyond dry land, (4) all conditions required for granting such variances have been met because (a) this particular property is somewhat unique as distinguished from the surrounding lots; (b) a hardship might be suffered by Mr. Hansen if the variances were not granted and, (c) the sole purpose for such variances is not monetary gain for Mr. Hansen. Preliminary plat approval was also given. Motion carried unanimously. The Board representative then reiterated the difficulties experienced by Richard Baer in his attempt to utilize for 12 ,000 square feet of the space which was previously used for Disco Skate. He reported the Board had in- dicated general approval of the concept of the teen center provided Mr. • Baer is able to demonstrate such an activity is permissible under a 1923 State Statute 624 . 42 which several Attorney General opinions find is still enforceable. Representative Steve Novac had come to discuss current legis- lation with the Council and answered questions directed to him by Mr. Baer regarding the viability of the 56 year old law which seems to prohibit attendance at any public dance by most teenagers which to Mr. Baer seemed very "discriminating" since this age group are allowed at almost any other function where liquor is not served. The Legislator said from a practical standpoint the statute should not be a problem but agreed with Mr. Soth that it might be preferable to try to have the law changed rather than to ignore it which could leave the City in a vulnerable position as to liability. He might be willing to sponsor legislation which would remove the law from the books but Representative Novac did not anticipate this could be done much before the end of March. The Mayor told Mr. Baer the City will not make any change in the City ordinance until the question is cleared up. Mr. Sauer arrived at 8: 00 p.m. Mrs. Kenneth Johnson, appearing for her husband- who operates the Burger Chef, 4004 Silver Lake Road, joined in the discussion of the request vari- ance to the City Sign Ordinance which will permit her husband to substitute for the existing signage on the restaurant the franchise's new logo which, though it would be smaller, will still not bring the sign into conformance with the ordinance. Mrs . Johnson questioned that portion of the Board minutes which referred to the "drive thru" sign saying there is no such sign on the driveway. (2) M +. • Mr. Bowerman reported the Board had unanimously recommended Council approval of the variance request. Motion by Councilman Sundland and seconded by Mayor Haik to grant the necessary variance to the City Sign Ordinance which will permit the change in signage proposed for the Burger Chef restaurant finding, (as the Plan- ning Board did) it would appear unreasonable to deny the variance for the proposed change in signage which brings the new sign into closer conform- ance with the City' s current sign philosophy and a hardship for Mr. Johnson might result if he is forced to retain the old signage. Motion carried unanimously. The Board had indicated a general approval of the proposed expansion plans for the American Monarch Corporation plant at 2801 37th Avenue N.E. espe- cially in view of the provision for adequate parking proposed by the plant manager, Edward Fiore. Mr. Fornell said he had learned since the Board meeting that Mr. Fiore had been successful in negotiating a five year lease with the Soo Line for 50 feet on the railroad' s right-of-way which can be utilized for parking to the rear of the building. Councilman Sauer who lives on Harding Street N.E. near the plant said he agreed with Mr. Klick's assessment that Mr. Fiore is doing a good job of • controlling parking by plant employees on the side streets . No contingency bids for the sale of the vacant lots at the corner of Silver Lake Road and 33rd Avenue N.E. will be accepted by District #282, the Manager reported, but rather the School District intends to refuse to sell those lots for any other use than R-1, Single Family Residential, their existing zoning. At the conclusion of the Board report, Representative Novac discussed pend- ing legislation in which the Council might have an interest. Included was that dealing with aid for schools and municipalities , efforts to reduce speed on residential streets which he had introduced, and of special inter- est to the City, the problems for municipalities from sky rocketing costs of insurance. Representative Novac said there may have been an attempt made to eliminate the Dram Shop Law altogether on one hand, and on the other, an attempt by the Insurance Commissioner to get more insurance carriers to offer this type of coverage. He was also hopeful there might be a meaningful reform of Workmen's Compensation Insurance. The Mayor thanked Representative Novac for his informative report and willingness to keep the City apprised of pertinent legislation. The November 21, 1978 report from the Chemical Abuse Information Committee was noted. Motion by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Mayor Haik to reject Ordinance 1978-011. (3) ORDINANCE 1978-011 AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO TEMPORARY OUTDOOR EXHIBITIONS Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilman Sundland and seconded by Councilman Letourneau to adopt the first reading of Ordinance 1979-002 . ORDINANCE 1979-002 AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO WATER DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS AND WATER CHARGES AND RATES, AMENDING PORTIONS OF SECTIONS 245 AND 550 OF THE 1973 CODE OF ORDINANCES Motion carried unanimously. The proposed amendment to the ordinance which prohibits parking on resi- dential streets between 3:00 and 7: 00 a.m. was considered but it was the general consensus of the Council that setting up conditions for suspension of the prohibitions might result in the City' s inability to maintain the streets in the winter months. Motion by Councilman Ranallo and seconded by Mayor Haik to not adopt the first reading of Ordinance 1979-003 but rather to strive for a more dis- criminating "in house" administration of the existing ordinance. ORDINANCE 1979-003 • AN ORDINANCE REALTING TO THE PARKING OF VEHICLES, AMENDING SECTION 720 :05 OF THE 1973 CODE OF ORDINANCES Motion carried unanimously. Roger B. Short and Steve Campbell of Short-Elliott-Hendrickson, Inc. dis- cussed the feasibility study proposal their firm submitted and answered questions regarding the proposed Highcrest Road improvement project which will be a joint undertaking with Roseville. In his January 17th memorandum the Manager had discussed methods of financing the project including as- sessment of abutting properties and utilization of MSA funds . He referred to the required MSA five year construction program which the Council had approved November 14, 1978 which limited the amount of funds which could be used for this project and said he saw no other alternative except for the City to reconstruct the deteriorating sanitary sewer lines along Highcrest and to build a meter station on Highcrest Road at the same time that street is rebuilt. Motion by Councilman Sundland and seconded by Councilman Letourneau to adopt the resolution which calls for a Public Hearing on the rebuilding of Highcrest Road at 8 :00 p.m. February 27, 1979 . RESOLUTION 79-013 A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 1979-001 • Motion carried unanimously. (4) Mr. Short then presented his firms proposal to study the feasibility and • cost of diverting surcharged sanitary sewer flow from that area of the City northeast of Central Park into a Metro Waste Commission line into Roseville. He felt the diversion could not help but be beneficial but said he could not tell without monitoring the system whether it would provide adequate assistance to the City's system.. Such a diversion had been recommended by the Ad Hoc Sewer Study Committee in 1976 . Motion by Councilman Ranallo and seconded by Councilman Sundland to authorize the expenditure of $4,000 to Short-Elliott-Hendrickson, Inc. to perform Tasks Numbers 1, 2 and 3 of their proposal submitted December 19, 1978 for the investigation and evaluation of the northeast portion of the City's sanitary sewer system directed towards the relief of sanitary sewer flooding within the St. Anthony system. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Sundland said he was going to accept Mr. Fornell 's invitation to ride along with a City patrolman the following evening. This action was suggested by the Manager to give Council Members a better understanding of the patrolman's perspective on his job and allow an open discussion of the proposed reserve officer program about which many of the police have ex- pressed reservations . Their skepticism he said is based not so much on a fear of being supplanted by the reserves but rather apprehension regarding working side by side with an untrained person in potentially dangerous situations . He felt they might be more receptive to the reserves being • utilized in the areas suggested by the Police Chief and the Council agreed the reserves might best be used to assist the police with traffic at certain school functions, park patrolling and various crime prevention pro- grams. Mr. Fornell will investigate sources of training which might be available to the reserves . The Mayor felt the suggested uses for the re- serves should be presented to the department for suggestions from them as to how the program can be facilitated. Motion by Mayor Haik and seconded by Councilman Ranallo to approve the pro- posed preliminary application for Year V Community Development Block Grant funds and to adopt the one and three year summary proposals for the funds which are recommended by the Manager. Motion carried unanimously. The Mayor said she still had an interest in stablizing the area around Mirror Lake and felt there were enough low to moderate income residents in that area to benefit from a grant to develop the pathway around the pond. The Council will hold a work session on job classification and salary ad- ministration with a Stanton representative February 5th (subsequently changed to February 12th) . Interviews of lawyers interested in serving the City will be held February 26th. ® Motion by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Mayor Haik to approve the in- crease in fees to be paid George M. Hansen Company for the City's 1979 audit. (5) • Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilman Sundland and seconded by Councilman Ranallo to not offer more than the usual $1 .00 in compensation for the easement the City is seeking along Anthony Lane from the owner of part of the W z of the SW 4 of the SW 4 of 5-29-23. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Ranallo said he had no objections to cable television being offered to City residents especially since there will be no cost to the City for the service. No formal action was taken. The resolution from Governor Quie dealing with model cities will be con- sidered in February. It was noted that the advance reservation deadline for the League of Cities congressional conference is February 9th, 1979 . Data processing alternatives for the City as detailed in Mr. Fornell 's January 8th memo and other pertinent documents were discussed with him and Mrs. Johnson. There appeared to be a preference for the "in house" mini- computer. The Manager will invite proposals from the firms and perhaps schedule a few presentations before the Council . The attempted homicide listed in the Police Report for December was noted • before the report was filed. Motion by Councilman Ranallo and seconded by Councilman Sundland to grant a vehicle towing and starting license to St. Anthony Mobil . Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Sundland to approve payment of all Verified Claims listed in the January 23, 1979 Agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Fornell explained his dissatisfaction with the allocation of costs for the League of Minnesota Cities Labor Relations Subscriber Service but re- commended approval. Motion by Councilman Sundland and seconded by Councilman Ranallo to ap- prove payment of $850 .00 for LMC Labor Relations Subscriber Service but to direct the Manager to indicate the City's opposition to the service schedule as applied to the City's needs. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Ranallo reported that he had visited the Congregate Dining Center and was favorably impressed with the number of participants in the program and said they had indicated to him their desire to have the program continued. He said many had expressed their gratitude for seminars con- ducted for them by Patrolman Puffer and Community Service Officer Sherry Schliesing. (6) • Councilman Sauer reported the center is serving an average of 41 people daily and 110 on Sunday. However, he said participants are donating only an average of 43� a meal which is not even close to the actual cost of the meal. He also reported that Community Services is anticipating an additional grant which will enable the Community Education/Recreation program to be expanded next year. Motion by Councilman Sundland and seconded by Councilman Sauer to adjourn the meeting at 10 : 30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor ATTEST: • City Clerk (7)