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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 01222002 Meeting Sheet IIIIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIIIIIIIII iosan Box: 34 Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2002 Document: CC MINUTES 01222002 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -0. 5 January 22, 2002 6 7 8 CALL TO ORDER 9 Mayor Hodson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 10 11 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 12 Mayor Hodson invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance. 13 14 ROLL CALL. 15 Present: Mayor Hodson; Councilmembers Horst, Sparks, Thuesen, and Faust. 16 Absent: None. 17 Also Present: City Manager Mike Mornson; City Attorney Jerry Gilligan. 18 19 CONSIDERATION,DISCUSSION,AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING 20 ITEMS. 21 22 I. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 22,2002 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. 23 Motion by Councilmember Sparks to approve the City Council Meeting Agenda of January 22, 24 2002. aMotion carried unanimously. 27 28 II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS. 29 None. 30 31 III. COMMUNITY FORUM. 32 Mayor Hodson invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items 33 not on the regular meeting agenda. 34 35 Resident Jennifer Tanner, 2614 37`h Avenue NE, came forward to address the Council regarding 36 the conditional use permit that Essenco was granted. Tanner stated that she and her husband 37 went to see where Essenco was formerly located in St. Paul. She indicated that they spoke to a 38 couple of different people who work in the same facility in St. Paul, both of whom stated that 39 they could smell the odor. Tanner indicated that the smell was also detected outside of the 40 building. 41 42 Tanner stated that they plan to contact United Properties and investigate what type of tenant 43 Essenco was and suggested that the City do the same. 44 45 Councilmember Sparks asked how Tanner felt about the decision that the Council arrived at 46 during the last Council meeting. Tanner stated it was very important for them to get the issue resolved properly, and stated that already they have called the City to file complaints and will continue to do so, as necessary. 49 1 Doug Tanner, 2801 37`h Avenue, suggested that the Council make copies of previous meetings 2 (Planning Commission meetings of 11-20-01, and 12-18-01 and City Council meetings of 11-27- 01, and 1-8-02, and 1-22-02) and keep them in a safe place for future reference. He also requested that the Council temporarily rescind their decision to allow Essenco to operate until 5 September 1, 2002. 6 7 Tanner indicated that at a previous meeting, Solie stated that he would do whatever it takes in 8 order to eliminate the odor. 9 10 Tanner continued to cite information from several past meetings that suggested that the 11 manufacturing process does not emit any odor that would be offensive to a person. The 12 information that Tanner reviewed also expressed the sincere desire on behalf of Levitus and 13 Solie to fix any problems associated with the candle manufacturing. 14 15 Tanner concluded citing examples of statements made by Solie and Levitus that indicate they 16 have spoken falsely in previous meetings. 17 18 Tanner stated that he feels that laws have been broken; facts have been tested, and failed. He 19 continued that the City Council has bent over backwards to accommodate Essenco, which he 20 does not feel that Essenco deserved. Tanner recommended that all City Councilmembers review 21 the four videos that he referred to earlier in chronological order. 22 23 Mayor Hodson stated that they certainly would review the mentioned video tapes. 24 0 IV.CONSENT AGENDA. 27 1. Consider January 8. 2002 Council meeting minutes. 28 2. Consider licenses and permits. 29 3 Consider payment of claims. 30 4. Resolution 02-018,re: Consider Fire Department mutual aid. 31 5. Resolution 02-019, re: Consider Assessment Agreement with Hennepin County. 32 6. Resolution 02-020,re: Order feasibility rgport for flood abatement improvements for 33 Silver Lane. 34 35 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen to approve the Consent Agenda. 36 37 Motion carried unanimously. 38 39 PUBLIC HEARINGS. 40 None. 41 42 VI. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF. 43 None. 44 45 VII. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL. 46 1. Resolution 02-021,re: Consider Lease Agreement for charitable gambling at the Stonehouse. Morrison advised the Council that the rent could increase to as high as $1,000 per month, while it is currently$900. Morrison also stated that the expiration date of the Premises Permit Renewal 49 is March 31, 2002. 50 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2002 Page 3 • Councilmember Sparks asked how they would fulfill the terms of the contract if the 2 Stonehouse closed. Mornson cited a clause in the lease agreement which protected the city 3 from any lease obligation if they Stonehouse were to close. The lease can be terminated 4 earlier by mutual consent of both parties. 5 Councilmember Horst suggested that they increase the rent to $1,000, as they could use the 6 money. Faust suggested that they do not know the status of the Stonehouse at this time, thus, 7 suggested that they keep the rent at $900. 8 Councilmember Faust indicated that he was comfortable with the $900 per month rent. 9 Mayor Hodson stated that he did not find the dollar amount significant, either. 10 11 Motion by Councilmember Faust to approve Resolution 02-021, re: Consider Lease 12 Agreement for charitable gambling at the Stonehouse. 13 Motion carried unanimously. 14 15 2. Resolution 02-022. re: Consider Application for Premises Permit Renewal for charitable 16 gambling at the Stonehouse. 17 Motion by Councilmember Faust to approve Resolution 02-022, re: Consider Application for 18 Premises Renewal for charitable gambling at the Stonehouse. 10 Motion carried unanimously. 20 3. Ordinance 2002-001.re: Requiring licenses for physical culture and health servicpadoa). 21 Mayor Hodson suggested tabling this item until the City Council annual goal-setting 22 meeting, at which time they will have the opportunity to look at the issue of licenses for 23 physical culture and health services in depth. 24 4. Presentation of residential survey. 25 Mornson stated that Bill Morris was present from Decision Resources, LTD, to review the 26 results of the Executive Summary of the Village of St. Anthony. Mornson indicated that the 27 last survey was conducted in 1998. 28 Morris indicated that they spoke with four hundred randomly selected households by 29 telephone during November 26, 2001 through December 12, 2001. 30 Morris stated that the quality of life rating was very high in this community, with a 38% 31 "excellent"raring, and a 58%"good"rating. 32 Morris indicated that there were two dominant themes that came forward with what residents 33 like most about their community: viewed as being a small town, and location. Morris stated that the most serious issue in the Village of St. Anthony was the Apache Mall jo site. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2002 Page 4 1• Councilmember Sparks asked if the percentage of unsure responses (20%)to the most 2 serious issues in the community was high. 3 Reviewing sense of community,Morris revealed that 63%of residents rated the community 4 as good, 26%as excellent, and 1% felt the sense of community is poor. 5 Morris stated that at 80%of residents felt at least reasonably safe when walking alone in 6 their neighborhood after dark. He indicated that number in 20% above the norm. 7 Morris stated that a look at past changes in neighborhoods during the past couple of years 8 with respect to crime-rate,revealed that residents felt it was about the same as the past few 9 years. 10 Morris indicated that residents gave City Services quite high ratings, which he stated was 11 exceptionally solid in comparison to other communities. 12 Morris indicated that,by a ratio of 3-1,residents indicated that they would be in favor of a 13 tax increase in order to maintain city services at current levels. Councilmember Horst asked 14 if,when residents responded to tax questions,had they seen the 2002 property tax estimates. 15 Morris restated the time during which they conducted the survey. Morris indicated that a reduction in City Services in order to get a property tax cut had a 70% opposition. He stated that the general perception of property taxes was that 41% felt they 18 were about average, while 33% felt they were somewhat high. 19 Morris indicated that the value of Village services was high quite high in comparison to the 20 norm. 21 Morris indicated that 40%of residents indicated that they felt they knew a great deal about 22 the work of the Mayor and City Council, or at least a fair amount. Morris indicated that 23 there was an unusually high(47%) rating of job performance by the Mayor and City Council. 24 Councilmember Sparks asked if the high rating of uncertainty in job performance rating 25 suggested that there was a lack of communication on behalf of the City Council, or general 26 disinterest. Morris stated that residents felt that communications within the City are 27 generally adequate. 28 Morris indicated that the Community Center has good usership based on the programs that 29 are offered. 30 Morris indicated that youth programs were somewhat above the norm with a 42% sufficient 31 rating. Moms stated that a tax increase for the purpose of capital improvements received some support. He stated that residents would need to be convinced about the need of a 34 replacement Fire Station, and replacement of the Public Works building. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2002 Page 5 I Morris reviewed the principal information source for the City of St. Anthony which revealed 2 that the St. Anthony Bulletin was the primary source with a rating of 36%, and the grapevine 3 was next with a 17%rating. The least used information source was the Star Tribune(3%), 4 and Village Notes (5%). 5 In general, Morris indicated that the survey on the whole is a very good report, with the 6 quality of life in the City of St. Anthony graded very high by residents. He stated that taxes 7 and City Services were given a very high rating compared to other cities in the metro area, 8 and concluded that, if there are concerns, there are two: flooding, and the Apache Mall. 9 Morris stated that support, at best, is marginal for the Fire Station and the Public Works 10 building. He added that any referendum would require a very strong campaign. 11 Morris added that the ratings of liquor stores were exemplary. 12 Morris indicated that the City is doing well maintaining a small-town ambiance,which keeps 13 the area desirable to non-residents, as well current ones. 14 Councilmember Thuesen asked if he got a sense that a couple of issues got blurred together 15 regarding the flooding. Morris stated that flooding, and not sanitary sewer, was the concern. Councilmember Faust asked for a brief summary comparing demographics with other communities. Morris stated that they validated the community demographics in the survey 18 with the US Census Bureau statistics that had been released from the 2000 survey. 19 Morris indicated that the City of St. Anthony has more senior households than other 20 communities. Morris indicated that households with school-age children was a bit higher 21 than the norm. 22 Councilmember Faust asked about the average level of income in comparison to other 23 communities. Morris indicated that the income level for the City of St. Anthony of$49,000 24 was right at the norm. 25 Councilmember Sparks asked about the high level of satisfaction, and if it were directly 26 related to demographics. Morris stated that, with respect to City services and taxes, seniors 27 are not more satisfied residents. 28 Councilmember Sparks thanked Moms for his time and extensive information. 29 Mayor Hodson stated that he was very pleased with their results. 30 Mayor Hodson asked Police Chief Engstrom to come forward and address the Council on 31 the Police Department's Massage Ordinance Rationale. Engstrom indicated that the rationale on behalf of the Police Department to get an ordinance 33 in place was for the purpose of having the ability to take a license away, or provide a court 34 order to massage parlors which are conducting prostitution. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2002 Page 6 1• Engstrom reviewed a partial list of reasons to support a massage ordinance: 2 • Businesses associated with this type of activity are unusually prone to abuse, and 3 demand more than average service from the Police Department. 4 • Once begun, an ill-reputable business is hard to dislodge from the community. 5 • Ordinance gives both criminal and civil strength to City for combating illegal 6 operations. 7 • Capital requirements insures only reputable businesses 8 • Educational requirements insure business will engage in legal massage. 9 Engstrom stated that he felt that the new ordinance looked much improved,but asked that the 10 Council reconsider a capital investment, as it insures only reputable businesses. 11 12 VIII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS. 13 Morrison stated that they may need to use Village Notes for some more positive communication 14 than what they currently are. 15 Mornson stated that he and Mayor Hodson confirmed the agenda for the joint City 16 Council/School Board meeting with the School Board which is scheduled for January 29, 2002. 17 Mornson indicated that he has required that all department heads give an annual report to the 18 City Council. Councilmember Sparks stated that she would be in favor of receiving one report 1• per meeting. 20 Morrison indicated that the legislative conference was on February 28, 2002. 21 Mornson indicated that he, Mayor Hodson, and Todd Hubmer(WSB), would need to continually 22 monitor the funding that they have received for the flood mitigation project. He added that the 23 bonding bill will likely be increased, and that they will meet with legislators, in order to get 24 future funding. 25 Councilmember Faust indicated that he attended the Metropolitan Radio Board Meeting where 26 they discussed the 800 mega-hertz system. He stated that the system is a common frequency 27 about all the details of all public service being able to operate throughout systems. He stated that 28 they are getting to the point where they can use a hand-held device to communicate from one 29 Fire Department to another across the State. 30 Councilmember Thuesen stated that he felt it was good timing for the joint meeting with the 31 School Board. 32 Councilmember Sparks indicated that she met with the Mississippi Watershed Management 33 Organization recently. She stated that the Council will be reviewing the new joint and 34 cooperative agreement in the next couple of months. Councilmember Horst indicated that the Community Services Board meeting was on January 10, 3 2002. He stated that the main topic at that meeting was about necessary position cutbacks. He 37 stated that any and all feedback was welcome that may help them determine how to go about 38 cutting positions. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2002 Page 7 140 Councilmember Thuesen talked about the possibility of ECFE being eliminated during the next 2 legislative session. Councilmember Sparks referred to what a major issue losing ECFE 3 programs would be. 4 Mayor Hodson referred to the meeting the Community Services Board. He stated that they need 5 to determine some method of communication to inform the community of some of the issues. 6 He suggested that they discuss the topic at their annual goal-setting meeting. 7 Mayor Hodson stated that he has received a lot of positive response from the community of his 8 Coffee with the Mayor. He also stated that it has been suggested that they have a Coffee with 9 the Council. 10 IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. 11 None. 12 X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS. 13 None. 14 XI. ADJOURNMENT. 15 Motion by Councilmember Sparks to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 p.m. AlMotion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, 18 Courtney Seesz 19 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 20 21 May r 22 ATTEST: 23 City C erk 0