HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 02132007CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 13, 2007
CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Pro -Tem Horst called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
9 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
10 Mayor Pro -Tem Horst invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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12 ROLL CALL.
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Also Present:
Mayor Pro -Tem Horst; Councilmembers: Gray, Stille, and Thuesen.
Mayor Faust
City Manager Mike Mornson
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS.
I. APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 13, 2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the City
Council Meeting agenda of February 13, 2007.
Motion carried unanimously.
II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
None.
III. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Consider Approval of the January 23, 2007 Council Meeting Minutes.
B. Consider Licenses and Permits.
C. Consider payment of claims.
D. Resolutions 07 -023; Accepting a donation from Wal -Mart Corporation
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the Consent
Agenda Items B, C, D and remove Item A.
Motion carried unanimously
A. Consider Approval of the January 23, 2007 Council Meeting Minutes.
Councilmember Stille changed the word "concrete" to "bituminous" on page 7, line 36.
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the January 23,
2007 Council Meeting Minutes as corrected above.
Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 2
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
A. Resolution 07 -024; Ordering 2007 Improvements.
Mayor Pro -Tem Horst stated that due to a technicality in notification, these items would be
discussed again at the March 13, 2007 City Council meeting.
Mayor Pro -Tem Horst opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m.
9 Mr. Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, reported the project consists of street reconstruction,
10 replacement, and new construction of sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer lines,
11 sidewalk improvements, and lift station modifications.
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13 Mr. Hubmer indicated the improvements would include the following locations: 27`h Avenue
14 N.E. from Stinson Boulevard to Coolidge Street; Pahl Avenue from Roosevelt to Wilson Street;
15 Roosevelt Street N.E. north of 27`h Avenue; the alleys between Roosevelt and Wilson Streets -
I6 north and south of Pahl Avenue; the ally south of 27`, Street from Stinson Boulevard to Wilson
17 Street; 39`h Avenue N.E. from Silver Lake Road to Chandler Drive; Chandler Drive from 39`h
18 Avenue N.E. to Foss Road; the Foss Road Lift Station; the Foss Road Lift Station force main
19 from the lift station to Roseville; Highcrest Drive sidewalk and lighting from 37`h Avenue to 33`d
20 Avenue; and the Old Highway 8 sidewalk and lighting from 33`d Avenue to 29`h Avenue.
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22 Mr. Hubmer stated some common concerns from neighbors include wanting to replace their
23 driveways at the same time, driveway access, invisible fences and sprinkler systems, and any
24 special events planned during the construction timeframe. He assured everyone that the City
25 would work with them to mitigate the impact. Some sidewalk and concrete step replacement
26 will take place at this time also.
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28 Mr. Hubmer indicated the project would begin in late April 2007 at the Foss Lift Station and the
29 street construction would begin the first week May. Mr. Hubmer stated Center Point Energy
30 would relocate gas mains in all streets during this time. He indicated the project is scheduled for
31 completion in October 2007, weather permitting.
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33 Mr. Hubmer explained assessments are based upon assessable front footage of the street. He
34 stated street and local drainage assessment are assessed back to the resident at 35 percent with
35 the remaining 65 percent coming from the general fund levy and 50 percent to commercial and
36 tax exempt with the additional 50 percent coming from the general fund levy. He explained a
37 $400 water service replacement fee for benefiting properties would also be assessed to cover the
38 cost to replace service lines and a curb box.
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40 Mr. Hubmer explained how assessments were figured and stated the average assessment is about
41 $4,800. He outlined the options homeowners have to make assessment payments including full
42 payment before November 30, 2007, a partial payment by November 14 of each year, a deferred
43 payment option or the assessment would automatically be added to property taxes and applied
44 over 15 years.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 3
1 Councilmember Thuesen commented he appreciated the presentation and the information on
2 how properties would be assessed. He asked that this information be added to any future
3 presentations.
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Councilmember Stille asked if neighborhood meetings were held.
Mr. Hubmer replied a meeting was held January 31, 2007 to discuss any issues. He stated a
meeting was held for Pahl Avenue residents on specific concerns.
Hearing none, Mayor Pro Tem Horst moved forward with the meeting. He stated this public
hearing would continue at the March 13 meeting.
Mr. Hubmer suggested Council make a motion to continue A, B, C. to the March 13 meeting
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to continue
consideration of Resolutions 07 -024, 07 -025, and 07 -026 to the March 13, 2007 Council
meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Horst explained the public hearing would also continue on March 13, 2007, and
invited anyone wishing to speak to these items to do so.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. Resolution 07 -025; Adopt and Confirm Assessments for 2007 Street and Utility
Improvements.
C. Resolution 07 -026; Award the Bid for 2007 Street and Utility Improvements.
Consideration of these items was continued to the March 13, 2007 Council meeting.
REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
None.
VI. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
A. Resolution 07 -027, Silverwood Park Parking Plan. Joan MacLeod, SRF Consulting and
Dennis Hahn, Three Rivers District presenting.
Mr. Mike Horn, Sr. Landscape Architect and Project Manager, addressed the Council in
introduced the team working on the Silverwood Park Parking Plan. He stated demolition of 17
of the 22 structures is nearing construction. He displayed a site plan and indicated where the
road, parking areas, trails; the new Visitor Center and a Performing Arts Center would be
located.
Mr. Dennis Hahn, Three Rivers Park District, explained the Park District operates many parks in
addition to Silverwood Park. He stated that over the past two years, about 150 people visited the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 4
1 park on the weekends in the summer. He stated he anticipates that with more public
2 accommodations this would increase to about 300 per day for general park use.
4 Mr. Hahn explained the Visitor Center would include a large group meeting rental area and an
5 exhibit display area. He stated the large group area which would attract some public use. He
6 stated the outside area would include a performing arts stage amphitheater that would hold up to
7 200 people in a tiered area and up several thousand people on the larger side. Mr. Hahn
8 explained that for events for over 1000 guests, a shuttle service would be provided rather than
9 trying to park everyone in the park.
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11 Mr. Hahn stated education based programs would be offered with an emphasis on the natural
12 environment with an artistic flair. He explained the opportunity to have nature inspired art in
13 the Visitor Center would also be available. He stated that in addition to the programs, educators
14 would be employed to work these offerings.
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16 Mr. Hahn reported public safety and park police officers would be involved during the large
17 events. He stated the Park would work hand in hand with the community, the Police Department
18 and Park Police to ensure safety during events. Mr. Hahn said he anticipates the grand opening
19 would attract at least 1000 visitors.
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21 Ms. Joan MacLeod, SRS Consulting, presented the Silverwood Park Parking Plan. She
22 explained that as a site designer, her job is to provide the correct amount of parking spaces. She
23 stated her research involved gathering numbers from other parks with a similar utilization
24 expected at Silverwood Park. She mentioned they also viewed the programs and estimated the
25 number of visitors one could expect. Ms. MacLeod explained a model was put together with 296
26 parking spaces located in several areas within the park. She stated the first phase includes about
27 155 spaces for the Visitor Center and about 68 overflow grassy parking areas.
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29 Ms. MacLeod explained that in scenarios where a parking deficit would exist, incentives would
30 be offered to increase the number of people per car or valet parking. She indicated that during
31 peak events, the Three Rivers shuttle service would be used.
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33 Councilmember Thuesen pointed out Table 1, page 8, and asked if this referred to an event or a
34 normal Sunday.
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36 Ms. MacLeod pointed to the index and explained it referred to several events happening at the
37 same time. She stated this scenario would through the parking into a deficit.
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39 Councilmember Thuesen asked how he would know there are options for parking other than in
40 the park. Ms. MacLeod replied there would probably be valet parking during the events. She
41 stated the key is to not schedule those types of events together.
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43 Councilmember Thuesen asked if they have been fairly successful where the general user would
44 not be chased away.
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February 13, 2007
Page 5
Mr. Hahn replied a number of parking spaces are set aside for general parking use.
Councilmember Thuesen stated he could not imagine 2000 people in the park during a peak
event as Silverwood Park would be one of the smaller parks.
6 Mr. Hahn replied one of the special events is the park district is the Raptor release where 1000 to
7 3000 people could possibly attend. He indicated these people are directed to a specific area that
8 could hold the numbers. He stated these types of events are not scheduled more than three or
9 four times per year. Mr. Hahn explained there is an open area that would hold about 3000 people
10 sitting on the grass.
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12 Councilmember Thuesen reported there are a number of homes around Silverwood Park and
13 asked if noise would become a problem for these residents.
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15 Mr. Hahn replied the type of events at the performing arts would not be amplified to the point of
16 causing noise concerns.
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18 Ms. MacLeod pointed out the great lawn area on the site map where the large event would take
19 place.
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21 Councilmember Stille asked if shuttle parking is used at the other parks.
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23 Mr. Hahn replied the shuttle system has been used extensively for the other parks for about 30
24 years.
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26 Councilmember Stille asked about the large events and how many peak events would be held at
27 Silverwood Park.
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29 Mr. Hahn replied he estimated less than one per year at Silverwood Park.
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31 Mayor Pro -Tem Horst asked if the 366 number for a summer Sunday is for a typical Sunday or
32 special event.
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34 Ms. MacLeod explained this would include the 200 to 300 general use people and a medium size
35 event. She stated this is not a typical Sunday. She stated other large events would not be
36 scheduled that would conflict.
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38 Mr. Hahn stated side events would happen about four to five times per year.
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40 Mayor Pro Tern Horst asked Mr. Hahn how many police officers are in the Three Rivers Park
41 District.
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43 Mr. Hahn replied for a side event, two police officers would be on duty. He stated that on a
44 daily basis a non gun carrying officer would be on staff on a daily basis.
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February 13, 2007
Page 6
Mayor Pro Tern Horst asked when the park would open.
3 Mr. Hahn replied most of the buildings have been demolished. He stated the design for the
4 Visitor Center is undergoing Board of Commissioner review. He stated they hope to draw up
5 plans for Visitor Center this year, with potential construction to start in 2007. He anticipates
6 early 2009 as the estimated opening date.
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8 Mayor Pro Tern Horst asked if the parking area east of the main circle that is dirt is planned for
9 grass parking.
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11 Ms. MacLeod replied any area not planned for parking would be reseeded as grassy area. She
12 stated the shoulders might have some gravel.
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14 Councilmember Stille asked about the hours of operation.
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16 Mr. Hahn replied he hours are 5 a.m. to sunset throughout the park system.
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18 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to approve Resolution
19 07 -027, Approving the Silverwood Park Parking Plan as Outlined in the October 2006
20 Silverwood Park Parking Study.
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22 Councilmember Stille stated the Planning Commission heard a presentation on the parking plan.
23 He asked City Manager Mornson if this was for information only as the Planning Commission
24 made no recommendation.
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26 City Manager Momson replied that was correct. The only provision in the ordinance was for the
27 City Council to approve the parking plan. He indicated the City has a very good relationship
28 with Three Rivers staff and he feels any issues would be corrected.
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30 Motion carried unanimously.
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32 B. Resolution 07 -028; Calling for Bond Sale. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates
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34 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, reported on the calling for a bond sale in the amount
35 of $2,050,000 to finance the 2007 road reconstruction projects. She stated the bonds would be
36 issued under Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 429 and 475, and paid for by special assessments and
37 special levy.
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39 Ms. Kvilvang stated the Improvement Bonds would be issued for a 15 -year period, with principal
40 on the bonds due on February 1 in the years 2009 through 2023. She explained the bonds
41 maturing on February 1, 2015, and thereafter would be subject to prepayment at the discretion of
42 the City on February 1, 2014.
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44 Ms. Kvilvang explained the special assessments amount to $523,454 and would be levied in the
45 years 2007 through 2021 for collection in 2008 through 2022 at a rate of 2.0 percent per annum
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 7
1 over the true interest cost of the Bonds. She stated the remaining balance would be paid from a
2 tax levy. The remaining balance will be paid through a tax levy. She stated the required 105
3 percent coverage on the Bonds show a need for the City to levy approximately $144,000
4 annually for this project. Ms. Kvilvang stated the impact on a $250,000 home is about $45 per
5 year.
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7 Ms. Kvilvang stated an official statement would be distributed on March 1, 2007, a conference
8 with the rating agency would be held the week of March 5, 2007, the Bond sale would take place
9 on March 13, 2007 and the estimated closing date is April 6, 2007.
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11 Mayor Pro -Tern Horst noted the bond sale has been moved to March 27, 2007.
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13 Councilmember Stille asked about the rate environment.
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15 Ms. Kvilvang replied the rate environment looks good and anticipates decent rates.
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17 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to approve Resolution
18 07 -028, A Resolution Providing For The Sale Of $2,050,000 General Obligation Improvement
19 Bonds Series 2007a.
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21 Motion carried unanimously.
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23 C. 2007 Goals Presentation: Mike Momson, City Manager & Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers &
24 Associates.
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26 Mr. Momson reviewed the Goals with the Council and indicated that Ehlers and Associates
27 helped the City with the Goal Setting session. He stated this is the beginning of the
28 communication process with the community. We will be presenting the 2007 Goals to the Parks
29 and Planning commissions, St. Anthony — New Brighton School Board and former elected
30 officials.
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32 Ms. Kvilvang presented information on the January 11 -12, 2007 off -site retreat. She indicated
33 this is the opportunity for City Staff and City Council to work together to determine the goals for
34 the City, to resolve issues and understand direction of the City.
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36 Ms. Kvilvang explained the process used to establish the 2007 goals. She indicated the group
37 spent time on key infrastructure areas and to forecast issues. She stated that secondly key
38 financial strategies were discussed and explained how goals are tracked. She explained the
39 mission statement was reviewed to ensure it still fits.
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41 Ms. Kvilvang stated an environmental scan/SWOT analysis completed. She explained this
42 includes looking at the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for the City. She
43 mentioned time was spent brainstorming and prioritizing goals.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 8
City Manager Morrison stated that the 2006 goals were reviewed before the 2007 goals were
developed. He indicated the 2007 Goals are all are equal. He stated the key action items
include the reconstruction of Silver Lake Road, to develop a feasible broadband solution, review
and recodification of the City Ordinances and Codes to provide better efficiencies, to identify
environmental priorities and impacts for the City, and to complete key financial strategies for the
City. City Manager Morrison discussed the to -do list and stated this has been a successful way to
do this in the past.
9 Councilmember Stille commented on the environmental goal and stated he was at the
10 International Home Builders show and stated the emphasis is on green and what is right for the
11 environment. He stated the City wants to be ahead of the curve. He stated single sort recycling
12 and the park bench project are examples of the environmental goal
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14 Mayor Pro Tern Horst stated the communication of the Strategic Goals was one of the goals
15 years ago. He stated all the information and the decision making process is available to the
16 community.
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18 D. Ordinance 07 -001; Amending Sections 4 and 6 relating to the Automatic Water Meters.
19 (Final Reading).
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21 Mayor Pro Tern Horst explained this is the third and final reading of the ordinance.
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23 City Manager Morrison explained the proposed amendment to Chapter 4 and Chapter 6 of the
24 City code is to reflect changes related to the replacement of water meters and the card reading
25 system in St. Anthony Village.
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27 City Manager Morrison summarized the changes would include: meters would be read
28 electronically by the City and would eliminate the need for utility cards and residents to read
29 their own meters; the City would convert to measure water from cubic feet used to gallons of
30 water used; the water rates water rates would be converted from $1.93 per 100 cubic feet of
31 water used to a rate of $0.0026 per gallon of water; and the minimum charge for water usage
32 would go from $19.30 per 1,000 cubic feet to $19.50 for 7,500 gallons of water. He explained
33 the increase of $.20 is a result of rounding associated with the conversion of the system from
34 cubic feet to gallons.
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36 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to approve Ordinance
37 #07 -001, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 4 And Chapter 6 Of The City Code, Being The
38 Storm Water Facilities, Sanitary Sewer, Water, Street Excavation And Fees, Rates And Charges.
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40 Motion carried unanimously.
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42 VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
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44 City Manager Mornson reported a council meeting on February 27, 2007 is not necessary.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 9
1 City Manager Morrison reported Ehlers had a seminar on Stretching Your Financial Muscle. He
2 stated over 300 cities in attended. He mentioned that two of the sessions were on St. Anthony
3 projects. Another way we are getting credibility.
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5 City Manager Morrison reminded Council that on March 29, 2007 the Legislative session with
6 the League of Minnesota Cities.
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8 Councilmember Stille reported he attended Metro Council 2007 State of the Region Address by
9 Peter Bell on February 5, 2007. He emphasized the I/I issue throughout the Metro area. He
10 stated this was received very well and St. Anthony is doing its part.
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12 Councilmember Thuesen reported he signed up for Public Leadership Academy sessions.
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14 Councilmember Thuesen reported on the boxwood derby car and stated he hopes all will be
15 forgiven and that he is given another chance next year. He stated this was a great time and great
16 to see the imagination the kids bring to the event.
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18 Mayor Pro Tern Horst confirmed Council is in agreement to cancel February 27, 2007 meeting.
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20 VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM.
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22 Mayor Pro-Tern Horst invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on
23 items that are not on the regular agenda.
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25 Mr. Brian Rude, 3412 Skycroft Circle, addressed the Council and stated he wanted to address the
26 street reconstruction project. He mentioned that all cement or concrete streets would be replaced
27 with asphalt. He said he had never heard of this and had talked to about 25 other people who
28 were surprised and considered it a significant issue.
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30 Mr. Rude indicated the cement street look of St. Anthony is what makes it unique. He stated it is
31 special and adds to the look of the community. He stated what is unfair about this is if one area
32 gets asphalt and another gets concrete. He said he has tried to find out how the decision was
33 made about asphalt. He stressed he understands money and budget are part of the decision
34 process and tough decisions must be made.
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36 Mr. Rude said he understands that part of this was a cost issue. He mentioned he spent time on
37 the internet researching concrete streets vs. asphalt streets. He stated the long term of concrete
38 outweighs the upkeep of an asphalt street. He asked the Council to this considered in the decision
39 process.
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41 Mr. Rude said that even if concrete costs more, he believes there is another way to pay for this.
42 He stated he would like to know what the costs are. He pointed out nearly every driveway in his
43 neighborhood are concrete.
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February 13, 2007
Page 10
1 Mr. Rude stated the safety issue of asphalt requires more lighting. He mentioned blacktop is
2 slipperier to drive on than concrete. He stated that the comment that concrete is noisier is more
3 relative to highway noise.
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5 Mr. Rude mentioned the impact of blacktop on the environment and the leaching of oils into the
6 ground and the energy required to make blacktop. He stated cement is porous which would
7 allow more water to enter the ground rather than sewer system. Mr. Rude stated cement streets
8 increase mileage. He stated that other industrial waste is incorporated into concrete to make it
9 stronger and recycle.
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11 Mr. Rude stated this is a significant issue and would like to see more citizen input into the
12 decision. He asked what he needs to do to have this addressed.
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14 Mayor Pro Tem Horst responded the public forum is not a debate. He gave some background on
15 the Silver Lake Road project. He stated one of the projects did include a concrete road. He
16 indicated Council realized this could become a controversial issue. He stated the opportunity
17 comes up each year. He agreed this did need to be discussed further. He stated he and the other
18 Council members would look at the concerns in a more public forum.
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20 Councilmember Stille asked City Manager Morrison to put the numbers together as to what it
21 would cost. He stated he is open to listening to the comments of the community.
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23 Mayor Pro Tem Horst stated this issue would come up in the next several months. He mentioned
24 Staff should get this out to the public and get some public input.
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26 Mayor Pro Tem Horst moved forward with the agenda.
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28 IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
29 None.
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31 X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS.
32 None.
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34 XI. ADJOURNMENT.
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Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dianna Wise
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
44 ATTEST:
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Motion carried unanimously.
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