08-12-03 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
August 12, 2003
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 6:33 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Gertrude Ulrich; John Enger; and
Sue Sandahl.
Staff Present:
Samantha Orduno, City Manager; Steve Devich, Administrative Services
Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; John Stark, Acting
Community Development Director; Dan Scott, Public Safety Director; Jim
Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Jim Olson, Project Engineer;
Dave Zelazny, Street Maintenance Supervisor; Tom Foley, Transportation
Engineer; Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary; and Corrine Thomson,
City Attorney.
Brent Pavia, 6415 Pillsbury Avenue, addressed the City Council regarding keeping viable
City recreation park playground programs and the impacts if funding continues to be eliminated.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that the Community Council was pleased to provide
funding for youth programs.
Tom Rublein, 2016 West 64th Street, suggested the City Council establish a citizen/staff
task force to review City Hall building maintenance issues and the future plans for the facility to
meet the needs of the public.
Art Felgate, 7329 Girard Avenue, addressed the City Council regarding the street light
service fee and his proposed General Fund budget reductions.
Rob Hewitt, 7739 Vincent Avenue, addressed the City Council regarding information he
received from the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, prepared by the State Auditor's office for year
ended December 31,2001. He said the financial fact sheet indicates Richfield's 2001 spending per
capita group average compared to other cities is number one in total current expenditures and total
non-essential services. Mr. Hewitt suggested the City should be brought into line with the group
average of other cities for non-essential services.
City Manager Orduno explained how the City has "tightened its belt" with budget reductions
since January 2002. She added the tax information reviewed by Mr. Hewitt is from 2001 and
reality is different now.
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August 12, 2003
Council Member Rosenberg invited Mr. Hewitt to meet with staff and the City Council to
review the budget. She assured him the City's budget and accounting practices are open for
review.
Administrative Services Director Devich explained how the Taxpayers League data is
grouped. He also explained Local Government Aid (LGA) payments and its impact on the City's
fund balance in July and December.
Mayor Kirsch led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
M/Ulrich, S/Rosenberg to approve the minutes of Reaular City Council Meetina of Julv 22,
2003.
Motion carried 4-0. (Enger absent.)
Item #1
Public Works Director Eastling made a presentation regarding street light service fees:
. 2003 State Legislative Action
. City of Richfield Budget 2003 Reductions
. Richfield's street lighting system
. Annual street light costs
. Fee rates
. Survey of surrounding cities
. Implementation
Item #2
Mayor Kirsch announced this item was postponed to provide time for a meeting with residents
before having the report presented to the City Council.
Item #3
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August 12,2003
Council Member Sandahl recognized Karen Shragg, Wood Lake Nature Center Manager, for
receiving the Isaac Walton League Book..ofthe YearAward for Young Readers for her book,
"Nature's Yucky - Gross Stuff that Helps Natl.ire Work".
Ms. Shragg stated that book proceeds go to Friends of Wood Lake.
Mayor Kirsch stated that Richfield's recent Urban Wildland Half-Marathon and 5K proceeds
help fund Wood Lake Nature Center.
Council Members Sue Sandahl and Susan Rosenberg read e-mail correspondence from
participants commending the race.
The City Council recognized the Recreation Services Department and thanked City staff,
volunteers and sponsors for their efforts in the race.
Mayor Kirsch presented to Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer, recognition received
from USA Swimming and Minnesota Swimming commending the City and its citizens for their efforts
to retain and improve the outdoor pool. They also expressed appreciation for the City's support
during the recent swim meet.
Council Member Rosenberg announced plans for the 2004 Richfield Beautiful Home and
Garden Tour.
Council Member Ulrich recognized a letter received from the 66th Street/Emerson Avenue
neighborhood thanking the City for resolving a long-time traffic issue. She expressed appreciation to
the neighborhood for their patience in working with the City Council and staff to resolve the problem.
Council Member Ulrich referenced a Legislative Auditor's report regarding preserving housing
that states the best practices are taking place in Richfield.
Council Member Ulrich announced she and Myrt Link, Community Development Accountant,
have been appointed to a committee established by the Legislative Auditor's office to try to
standardize tax increment financing (TIF) reporting.
Item #4
City Manager Orduno recognized the diligent efforts of Deb Weseloh, Recreation Services Sr.
Clerk Typist, during the recent windstorm clean up in Richfield on a Saturday.
City Manager Orduno requested City Council approval to send a letter to Richfield's
congressional representatives rescinding Section 189 in a federal FAA reauthorization bill that
prohibits cities from using federal funds for noise mitigation programs beyond the 65DNL. She said
other cities that surround Minneapolis-St. Paul have voiced a protest to this provision.
M/Enger, S/Rosenberg to authorize the Mavor to send the letter rescindino Section 189.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Member Ulrich said that Jeff Hamiel, Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC)
Executive Director, has stated the MAC will stay with the 60DNL and holdfast to the 1996 agreement.
Item #5
M/Rosenberg, S/Ulrich to approve the aoenda.
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August 12,2003
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #6
A. Approved stipulation for settlement and settlement agreement and release for workers'
compensation claim S. R. No. 179
B. Approved CSM request to enter into proposed Consent and Agreement with CSM and its
lender as part of refinancing of Shops at Lyndale S.R. No. 180
C. Approved resolution granting off-street parking permit for Southdale Square, 2900-3020
West 66th Street S.R. No. 181
RESOLUTION NO. 9370
RESOLUTION GRANTING AN OFF-STREET PARKING PERMIT
AT 2900-3020 66th Street West (Southdale Square)
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9370 in Resolution Book No. 74.
D. Approved re-allocation of 2003 capital improvement budget funds from completed Wood
Lake Nature Center roof replacement project to Wood Lake Nature Center gate replacement
project S.R. No. 182
E. Approved temporary on-sale 3.2 percent malt liquor and itinerant food licenses for Fred
Babcock VFW Post #5555, 6715 Lake Shore Drive, allowing outdoor service at 50th
anniversary celebration on August 29 and 30, 2003 S.R. No. 183
F. Approved multi-animal residential kennel license renewals:
. 7144 Oliver Avenue; three dogs S.R. No. 184
. 7308 Sheridan Avenue; five dogs and one cat S.R. No. 185
. 6834 Knox Avenue; four dogs S.R. No. 186
. 6430 Logan Avenue; four cats S.R. No. 187
M/Ulrich, S/Rosenberg to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #7
None.
Item #8
Council Member Enger presented Staff Report No. 188 regarding a second reading of a
transitory ordinance directing a study be conducted and establishing a moratorium for firearms
related uses.
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August 12,2003
M/Rosenberg, S/Enger to close the public hearina.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Enger, S/Rosenberg that this constitutes the second readina of Bill No. 2003-16,
Transitory Ordinance 18.25 directina that a study be conducted and a moratorium be established
for firearms related uses, that it be published in the official newspaper and that it be made part of
these minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #9
Mayor Kirsch announced this item is tabled to a future meeting because the staff, bond
counsel and developer are not prepared at this time for City Council action.
Mayor Kirsch stated Council Member Ulrich would abstain from voting on this item because
she lives in the affected area related to this item.
M/Rosenberg, S/Enger to table consideration of a resolution awardina the sale of
$4.965.000 Taxable General Obliaation Tax Increment Bonds. Series 2003A: fixina their form and
specifications: directina their execution and delivery: and providina for their payment.
Motion carried 4-0. (Ulrich abstain.)
Item #10
Council Member Ulrich left the City Council meeting at this time because she lives in the
affected area related to this item.
Council Member Rosenberg presented Staff Report No. 190 regarding consideration of a
resolution approving a preliminary plat for Lyndale Gateway West/Kensington Place
redevelopment project by The Cornerstone Group.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to close the public hearina.
Motion carried 4-0.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl that the followina resolution be adopted, that it be spread in the
resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
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August 12, 2003
RESOLUTION NO. 9371
RESOLUTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF A SUBDIVISION
Lyndale Gateway West/Kensington Place
Motion carried 4-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9371 in Resolution Book No.
74.
Item #11
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl that the followina claims and pavrolls be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
AlP Checks: 125764 - 126144
PAYROLL 35811 - 35970
TOTAL
$ 988,344.02
$ 520,300.97
$ 1,508,644.99
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #12
City Manager Orduno suggested the City Council place an ad in the Richfield Sun Current
thanking the volunteers who helped with Richfield Beautiful Home and Garden Tour and the Urban
Wildland Half-Marathon and 5K. She said due to budget cuts there have been no volunteer
recognition events, but funding is in the budget to provide for this $500 ad.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to place the ad in the Richfield Sun Current to thank volunteers.
Council Member Enger asked if a letter could be mailed to each volunteer.
City Manager Orduno said that would be very costly in postage because there are many
volunteers.
Motion carried 4-0.
The City Council meeting was adjourned by unani~ :;:~,:.nt at US p,m ()
Date Approved: September 9. 2003 ' ~_~
Mart' Kir
M or '
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Recording Secretary