HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 04242001 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 36
Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2001
Document: CC MINUTES 04242001
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1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2
3 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
5 April 24, 2001
6
7 I. CALL TO ORDER.
8 Mayor Cavanaugh called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
9
10 II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
11 Mayor Cavanaugh invited the Council and audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
12
13 III. ROLL CALL.
14 Councilmembers present: Mayor Cavanaugh; Councilmembers Sparks, Thuesen, and
15 Hodson.
16 Councilmembers absent: Councilmember Horst.
17 Also present: City Manager Michael Mornson; City Attorney Jerry Gilligan.
18
19 IV. APPROVAL OF APRIL 24, 2001 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
20 Motion by Mayor Cavanaugh to approve the April 24, 2001 City Council Regular Meeting
21 Agenda.
22
23 City Manager Michael Mornson made an addition to the agenda, introducing Resolution 01-058,
24 re: Approve a drainage and ponding easement relating to the Harding Street Ponding Project.
6 Motion carried unanimously.
27
28 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
29 None.
30
31 VI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
32 Mayor Cavanaugh invited any residents in the audience to speak to the Council on items that are
33 not on the regular agenda.
34
35 Steven Fuller, of 2701 29`h Avenue, stepped forward and asked the Council when the driveway
36 project would begin on his street, and when his sidewalks would be filled. He was concerned
37 about the traffic speed and asked what the city would do to keep the speed down. He also
38 mentioned problems with the angle of his driveway, the retaining walls and his buckling
39 sidewalk. Mayor Cavanaugh suggested that he meet with Public Works Director Jay Hartman to
40 determine when the engineers could meet him on his property to review the problems.
41
42 VII. CONSENT AGENDA.
43
44 Motion by Thuesen to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Said Consent Agenda
45 consisted of:
46
�a 7 1. Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 27 2001;
2. Board of Review Meeting Minutes of April 10. 2001;
49 3. Council Study Session Minutes of April 10. 2001;
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 2
•
1 4. Licenses and Permits, and
2 5. Claims.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 VIII. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
7
8 A. Presentation of Concept Plan for Northwest Quadrant. John Shardlow, DSU, Inc. will be
9rp esent.
10 John Shardlow explained that he would review where they are on the project, the process that has
11 taken place up to this point, and, finally, the current Concept Plan. He added that he would then
12 like to hear from the Council and see how they are feeling about the process, as well as explain
13 how his company is anticipating closing out the project.
14
15 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the objectives of the project, and the four phases of the project. He
16 indicated that the phase that they are entering into right now is the fourth, and final, phase:
17 Preparation of Redevelopment Master Plan.
18
19 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the other companies that are working on this project, and their respective
2 roles and objectives.
0
22 Mr. Shardlow took the opportunity to thank the Council for the excellent Steeling Committee
23 with whom he has been working so closely. He identified them as a first-rate group of people
24 who represent a broad cross-section of interests in the community, who have been a pleasure to
25 work with and have done an excellent job for the community.
26
27 Mr. Shardlow continued by reviewing the role of the Steering Committee, as well as the
28 Northwest Quadrant Planning Study Meeting Schedule.
29
30 Mr. Shardlow reviewed some of the analysis of the project that included the land use, the
31 ownership of the land, and the physical features on the site. He continued that they examined the
32 potential development of land and how it relates to the regional transportation context.
33
34 Mr. Shardlow stated that the site has good local access, but no freeway access, nor exposure. He
35 indicated that his company examined the relationship between the property and surrounding
36 roadways and identified those locations where access could be gained into the property.
37
38 Mr Shardlow indicated that this project is an opportunity site identified by the Metropolitan
39 Council as part of "Smart Growth Twin Cities". He continued that a clear opportunity in that
40 effort is to work closely with the development and redevelopment of the land with the
41 Metropolitan Transit.
42
Mr. Shardlow reviewed the environmental issues with the Silver Lake Water Quality. He
44 indicated that the water quality is improved, but still poor. He reviewed the recommendations
r
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Apri 124, 2001
Page 3
•
1 made to improve the water quality which include the implementation of best management
2 practices, and identifying additional ponding locations.
3
4 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the Market Study Demand Summary that revealed a very strong demand
5 for housing:
6 1. Demand for 50-60 high-amenity single-family homes.
7 2. Demand for 250-310 units of for-sale town-homes.
8 3. Demand for 290-355 units of apartments.
9 4. Demand for 230-289 units of senior housing.
10
11 He continued that the office demand was for 146,000-245,000 square feet, and the retail demand
12 was for the redeveloping of the existing retail to a total of about 75,000 square feet.
13
14 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the Community Issues Forum Analysis Summary. The summary
15 included the strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats of the project as perceived by the
16 community.
17
18 Mr. Shardlow took the above information and comprised a more detailed Urban Design Analysis
19 of the property. The findings of this analysis were that the site has little curb-appeal, poor visual
46
access, poor interior visibility, and convoluted internal circulation.
22 Mr. Shardlow indicated that there are a few things that certainly need to happen with this site.
23 He stated that one thing that needs to occur is a new front door to the site, and a reestablishment
24 of some kind of form to this site. He cited an opportunity to do that with a major interior spine
25 road that would carry a parkway character.
26
27 Mr. Shardlow reviewed a range of alternatives to see what could physically fit on the site. The
28 common elements that they all have are the center roadway, and a strong sense of arrival.
29
30 Mr. Shardlow identified the Concept Plan that best meets the financial criteria and has the
31 characteristics that they have determined are important.
32
33 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the proposed future meeting schedule with the Council. He concluded
34 his presentation by distributing a handout containing the meeting Schedule and the
35 Communications Plan.
36
37 Mr. Shardlow stated that they are not yet in the position to request funding for the project. He
38 believes they will be in a much better position to request funding when they have a plan that has
39 some community support, and a clear handle on project costs including acquisition, cleanup and
40 improvement costs.
41
Mr. Shardlow explained that they are currently in the process of phasing. He added that,
16 wherever this project goes, he is aware that there has to be a developer, or team of developers
44 involved in this process. Thus, he believes there exists some risk in being too detailed in how
45 they finalize the product.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
0 Page 4
1
2 Councilmember Thuesen stated that, from early on, housing has been the main focus of this
3 project. He questioned why there has not been more of a focus on industrial. Mr. Shardlow
4 stated that every developer indicated that housing was the key to the success of this site. He
5 continued that the site does not have community-scale shopping center potential, and that light
6 industrial uses do not pay enough in order to make this project work.
7
8 Councilmember Thuesen asked about funding for the project. Mr. Shardlow said that the project
9 was unable to carry the cost of subsidizing housing cost within the way it is currently set up. He
10 stated that the City of St. Anthony is an ideal location for the success of this effort. He indicated
11 that there are a number of keys to the success of this effort that included finding a developer that
12 has the wherewithal to ensure that the project makes financial sense for the community, and also
13 making sure that it is designed in a way to accommodate density without causing any threat to
14 the surrounding area.
15
16 Councilmember Thuesen stated that he wanted the details when the Final Concept Plan is
17 presented, as to why and how it came to be the way that it is. Mr. Shardlow indicated that the
18 next step for them is to produce a recommendation of what the concept should be and the reasons
19 for the recommendation.
0
Councilmember Thuesen asked that the long-term benefits to the city and community be
22 included in that information. He also requested the Financial Summary be included as well. Mr.
23 Shardlow indicated that all of the requested information will be presented to them, broken down
24 by phases.
25
26 Councilmember Hodson asked if there has been any discussion about how much life the Apache
27 Building has left in it, and has tearing it down and starting from scratch been an option. Mr.
28 Shardlow responded that Apache has some real liabilities aesthetically as it sits today. He
29 indicated that he has a lot of respect for the work Hillcrest has done in other places, and is
30 confident in their recommendation.
31
32 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that there was never a Planned Unit Development for the park site, and
33 indicated he hoped that one is now in place to make sense of the site. Mr. Shardlow responded
34 that there are some things that can be improved with some type of Architectural Master Plan, but
35 there is a limit to what can be done that way.
36
37 Mayor Cavanaugh asked for a timeline on this sort of project. Mr. Shardlow stated
38 that, if the building is cleared, and the park is in the center, then the residential should go fairly
39 quickly. He added that if there is a commitment to clear the land and improve the visibility, he
40 saw the residential in three to five years.
41
6 Mayor Cavanaugh acknowledged that there are more tools available to do office space in
conjunction with residential. Mr. Shardlow stated that there is a healthy office component in this
44 plan, and it is too difficult to project what the response would be to an office building because it
45 is not a Class A location for office.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 5
1
2 Councilmember Hodson asked if any of the higher-end developers have seen the last Concept
3 Plan. Mr. Shardlow indicated that they had shown a preliminary draft to a couple of them, and
4 that they will show them some of the newer ideas. Mr. Shardlow stated that, more than anything,
5 the higher-end developers need to see that there is a community that will embrace such a plan.
6
7 Councilmember Hodson asked about the water capacity of the Rice Lake Watershed. Mr.
8 Shardlow indicated that they have an engineer for the ponds and stated that they would be
9 building water filtration throughout the site. He indicated that there were a lot of options with
10 regard to water features in this Plan.
11
12 Councilmember Hodson expressed his concern with the potential sale of the Salvation Army
13 land, and any recommendations for holding ponds on the site. Mr. Shardlow responded that the
14 opportunity exists to make those improvements.
15
16 Councilmember Thuesen asked how they could avoid housing misuse within these potential
17 residential sites, and how the city can get long-term, well-managed residential sites. Mr.
18 Shardlow responded that, first, the Council would have the opportunity to research the work and
19 reputation of any companies that are interested in this project. Second, he indicated that they
�o would be entering into a Redevelopment Agreement where the value of the development site
would be guaranteed. Third, the Planned Unit Development Agreement which would stipulate
22 the quality of the construction.
23
24 Councilmember Sparks mentioned the impact that the project will have on the school district.
25 She expressed her hope that someone analyzes the impact that this project will have on the
26 school district. Mr. Shardlow acknowledged Councilmember Sparks' concerns, but indicated
27 that, until they have a concrete plan with which they are working, they cannot look too deeply
28 into it. He stated that the concern has been heard before and would be addressed.
29
30 Mayor Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Shardlow and expressed the positive feedback he has received
31 for some of the members of the Steering Committee. Mr. Shardlow again stated his pleasure
32 with the Steering Committee.
33
34 B. Resolution 01-057, re: Acquire Hardin Street treet ponding easement.
35 Momson reviewed Resolution 01-057 for the Council.
36
37 Motion by Hodson to adopt Resolution 01-057, re: Acquire Harding Street ponding easement.
38
39 Motion carried unanimously.
40
41 C. Resolution 01-058, re: Approving a drainage and ponding easement relatingto o the
Harding Street Ponding Project.
Momson reviewed Resolution 01-058 for the Council.
44
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Apri 124, 2001
Page 6
•
1 Motion by Hodson to adopt Resolution 01-058, re: Approving a drainage and ponding easement
2 relating to the Harding Street Ponding Project.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 D. Resolution 01-055, re: Appraisal prices relating to condemnation of the three properties
7 involved with the Harding ponding project.
8 City Attorney Jerry Gilligan reviewed Resolution 01-055 with the Council. He indicated that
9 Parcel A be deleted from the Resolution.
10
11 Motion by Thuesen to adopt Resolution 01-055, re: Appraisal prices relating to condemnation of
12 the three properties involved with the Harding ponding project.
13
14 Motion carried unanimously.
15
16 E. Resolution 01-056,re: Approve City Code Enforcement Policy.
17 Mornson reviewed Resolution 01-056 with the Council and stated that the City Code
18 Enforcement Policy is a work in progress, which probably needs to be analyzed and modified
19 annually.
20
0 Mayor Cavanaugh asked about the Office Follow-Up section on page 43 has been spelled out
22 clearly. Mornson responded that the Office Follow-Up is a last resort where the offending party
23 is unwilling to cooperate.
24
25 Councilmembers Sparks and Hodson commended Fire Chief Hewitt on an excellent document.
26 Mayor Cavanaugh acknowledged that there are good things already happening under this revised
27 policy.
28
29 Motion by Sparks to adopt Resolution 01-056, re: Approve City Code Enforcement Policy.
30
31 Motion carried unanimously.
32
33 IX. PUBLIC BEARINGS.
34
35 A. Review proposed 2002 City budget.
36 City Manager Michael Mornson stated that all of the major departments were represented at the
37 meeting. He reviewed the important dates for the budget schedule for the 2002 Budget.
38 Mornson then reviewed a Budget Projection Summary of actual audited figures for 2000. He
39 cited a couple of other revenues that could offset any budget increases.
40
41 Mornson reviewed the 5-year Revenue Comparison, 5-year Expenditure Comparison, and 5-year
Budget Reserves. He stated that he sees the funding sources that the reserves have been spent on
16 as good decisions. He stated that the requests for funding are growing, and that other sources
44 need to be established. He reviewed a summary of"Where Property Tax Dollars Go," and the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 7
is
1 Local Levy Comparison and stated that the rationale behind the tax abatement levy is that it
2 would impact tax payers at no cost to them.
3
4 Mayor Cavanaugh invited residents to come forward with any questions, or concerns regarding
5 the proposed 2002 City Budget.
6
7 Casey Scott, 2501 Paul Avenue Northeast, asked for an explanation of the Estimated City Tax
8 Rate. Mayor Cavanaugh explained that it was an estimate on what the 14%Tax Levy would look
9 like on a$147,100 house that had it's value assessed at$154,500, and the 18% increase
10 represents the amount of tax increase that a house would have, given the valuation increase. Mr.
11 Scott stated that he thought the meeting tonight would provide residents with a picture of what
12 the needs of the city are from the staff and be able to provide input. He added that this would be
13 helpful in the future.
14
15 Mornson indicated that those issues would be discussed at the August 14`, meeting. Mayor
16 Cavanaugh suggested that Mr. Scott attend that meeting to hear what comes out of these
17 reserves, and provide feedback. Mr. Scott stated that the 5-year plan is what he viewed as most
18 important and beneficial as a resident of the City of St. Anthony.
19
2 Mr. Scott commended the Council for their work and commitment to the community.
22 Mayor Cavanaugh reviewed a handout he had created from the 2001 budget that displayed
23 historical patterns. He stated that these charts will play an important role at the August 14"
24 meeting.
25
26 Councilmember Hodson asked Jay Hartman how the city faired this year. Mr. Hartman stated
27 that Public Works ran out of salt at one point, but that labor was not a problem.
28
29 X. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF.
30
31 A. Investment report recap by Finance Director Roger Larson.
32 Finance Director Roger Larson stated that the City's rate of return was 1.8% higher than the rate
33 of return on treasuries, which is a bench mark that is used to determine what comprises the
34 portfolio. He stated that by making a few adjustments, they could even improve the rate of
35 return on investments.
36
37 Larson indicated that the investment portfolio review report recommended consolidating the
38 City's money market accounts into the 4/M Fund in order to gain a higher annualized yield.
39
40 Larson referred to the recent merger of Firstar and US Bank, and that Bremer Bank purchased the
41 Firstar St. Anthony branch. He indicated that little change would be reflected under the new
2 owner. Larson indicated that a meeting with Bremer produced an analysis comparing Firstar,
Bremer, and the 4/M Fund, which he reviewed.
44
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
Page 8
1 Motion by Sparks that staff formalize and restructure the City's banking services with Bremer
2 Bank to include:
3
4 1. Interest earnings equal to that of Bremer's Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund
5 for all accounts.
6 2. Maintain waived banking fees agreement with a minimum cash balance of$200,000.
7
8 Council authorized the Mayor, City Manager and Finance Director to sign the appropriate
9 paperwork and signature cards.
10
11 Motion carried unanimously.
12
13 XI. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
14 City Manager Michael Mornson reviewed a few of upcoming meetings that he would like to see
15 members of the Council attend. Among these meetings is the June 12`h meeting with Ehlers and
16 Associates for a first strategy work session, and the AMM annual meeting will be held on May
17 31s`.
18
19 Mornson also indicated that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has developed a
grant program for Fire Departments throughout the country. Fire Chief Hewitt has applied for a
46 grant that will pay for 90% of the cost for equipment, or issues that need to be funded. He
22 indicated that they have applied for a Pumper and Thermal Scanner.
23
24 Councilmember Thuesen stated that the community has expressed their exceptional satisfaction
25 with the Fire Department and their dedication with regard to the rain. Mornson concurred.
26
27 Councilmember Sparks referred to the Middle Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.
28 They are proposing a watershed-wide levy to happen in 2002, and would like to know if the City
29 of St. Anthony would still be a part of it. The City of St. Anthony said they would be a part of
30 the levy, if they got their money back.
31
32 Councilmember Hodson commended George and Mary Rockwood for bringing the Spring Kick
33 Off Concert Series to the city. He urged the Council to do what they can to participate if the
34 event.
35
36 Councilmember Hodson referred to the many letters that were written thanking the Police
37 Department and the Fire Department for their numerous efforts and jobs well done.
38
39 Councilmember Hodson also noted that he would be traveling to Costa Rica tomorrow to meet
40 with the appropriate people to determine how the donated fire gear will get to them.
41
Al Mayor Cavanaugh noted that a meeting will be held at the Earl Brown Heritage Center that may
0 be educational in relation to what is going on with the Northwest Quadrant. He also indicated
44 that the meeting between the Council and the Planning Commission went well.
45
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2001
. Page 9
1 Mayor Cavanaugh expressed his disappointment that the sewer backed up, but noted that it is
2 being handled well.
3
4 Mayor Cavanaugh distributed an analysis that Captain John Ohl had given to him regarding what
5 various cities pay their Police Departments. He reviewed a couple of the details of the analysis,
6 which indicate that the City of St. Anthony is in the fair range in relation to other cities.
7
8 Mornson indicated that Councilmember Hodson and Mike Larson of Sports Boosters had a
9 meeting to discuss the use of, and future of, the Stonehouse building.
10
11 XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
12 None.
13
14 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
15 Motion by Mayor Cavanaugh to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
16
17 Motion carried unanimously.
18
19 Respectfully submitted,
4
22 Courtney Seesz
23 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
24
25 Mayo
26
27 ATTEST:
28 City Clerk
29
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