07-08-08 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
July 8, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Fred Wroge; Sue Sandahl; and
Bill Kilian.
Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; John
Stark, Interim Community Development Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation
Services Director; Barry Fritz, Acting Public Safety Director; Karen Barton,
Community Development Manager; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary.
Item # I DISCUSSION REGARDING PENN AVENUE MORATORIUM (COUNCIL MEMO NO.
111)
City Manager Devich stated that at the April 22, 2008 City Council meeting, resident Tom
Rublein, representing the Penn Crossings Advisory Group, requested the City Council implement a
development moratorium along Penn Avenue between Highway 62 and 68th Street. Subsequently, the
proposed moratorium was discussed at a City Council Worksession on May 27, 2008. The Council did
not reach consensus at the Worksession, and therefore, the proposed moratorium has been placed on
tonight’s Worksession agenda for further discussion.
Interim Community Development Director Stark said this is not a staff driven initiative but rather
committee driven. Staff could assist with drafting the moratorium.
Gordon Hanson, Penn Crossings Advisory Group member, discussed that the group was in
consensus to consider a moratorium but a framework was not formed yet. The moratorium would
provide time to refine a focus of development that is not contrary to the overall community guidelines.
Mr. Hanson announced the August 10, 2008 event open to the community to become
reacquainted with the Penn Avenue/66th Street area.
Mayor Goettel asked about the conformance to the Comprehensive Plan and the length of time
for re-zoning.
Special Worksession Minutes -2- July 8, 2008
Interim Community Development Director Stark explained that the Penn Avenue area was not
in the adopted 2007 Comprehensive Plan, but this new plan does reflect the study. Approximately one
year would be needed to have zoning and the Comprehensive Plan be in conformance.
Mayor Goettel questioned the moratorium stopping a possible Park and Ride at Penn
Avenue/Crosstown.
Interim Community Development Director Stark stated the moratorium would not preclude
planning for changes and the City Council could, at any time, terminate the moratorium or
accept/exclude a development with findings.
Mr. Hanson added the moratorium gives the City some degree of control.
Interim Community Development Director Stark stated that current businesses have expressed
the desire to move within the Penn Avenue district.
Council Member Sandahl expressed support for the moratorium and discussed the 494
Corridor moratorium which provided time to develop a plan for that area.
Interim Community Development Director Stark stated the maximum length of a moratorium by
law is one year and it is very difficult to extend but easier to shorten. The Penn Avenue group
discussed how the moratorium would apply to any new construction or an expansion of a certain
amount of square footage requiring a building permit.
Council Member Rosenberg expressed support for a moratorium and cooperating with the
Penn Avenue group suggestions.
Mayor Goettel agreed with a liberal moratorium.
Council Member Wroge expressed concern that a moratorium stops everything, i.e. the
Candlewood parcel. There is no vision or focus yet for Penn Avenue and he said he would want that
before having a moratorium. He added the City does not have a good record of keeping current
business when an area is developed.
Mr. Hanson replied that there is a concerted effort to retain current businesses in the
revitalization initiative.
Council Member Kilian expressed support for the moratorium which could be amended as
needed, because he would not want a development contrary to the overall area.
The City Council consensus was to direct staff to prepare a moratorium and bring it before the
City Council at a future meeting.
Item #2 DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPOSED SIGHT TRIANGLES ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT (COUNCIL MEMO NO. 112)
Interim Community Development Director Stark discussed the current code language. He
added parking restrictions and sight triangle distance at intersections are not in conformance. Vision
obstruction is open to staff interpretation. He suggested this ordinance be moved from the zoning
ordinance to the City code.
Special Worksession Minutes -3- July 8, 2008
Interim Community Development Director Stark reviewed the proposed revisions including:
?
Intersections that allow free-flowing traffic in no more than two directions
shall limit sight obstructions within a triangular area beginning at the corner and
extending back 30 feet along either curb, thence connecting.
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All other intersections
shall limit sight obstructions within a triangular area
beginning at the corner and extending back 50 feet along either curb, thence
connecting.
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For the purposes of these regulations, chain link, wrought iron or other fences with
less than 50 percent opacity shall not be considered sight obstructions.
Acting Public Safety Director Fritz stated the 50 feet at an uncontrolled intersection and 30 feet
at a controlled intersection are acceptable from a public safety viewpoint.
Mayor Goettel questioned the opacity issue and safety.
Acting Public Safety Director Fritz replied that a 50% opacity would probably be acceptable
without having had an actual demonstration.
Council Member Sandahl expressed support for the 30 foot sight triangle because it allows
residents more use of their yards and public safety is supportive.
Council Member Wroge questioned if the proposed change is based upon safety or aesthetics.
Interim Community Development Director Stark responded that it is trying to reach a balance.
Council Member Kilian expressed support for the change because it was more enforceable.
Mayor Goettel expressed support if the Public Safety Department found it acceptable.
The City Council consensus was to move forward with the ordinance amendment to be
considered at a future City Council meeting.
Item #3 FOURTH OF JULY REPORT
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer discussed the planning for the July 4 events, Fourth
of July Committee evaluation process, and the security plan, including additional Hennepin County
officers, Gang Task Force assistance, additional lighting, closing off a section of 66th Street/Portland
Avenue, and safe pedestrian access along the construction area. He concluded, in his opinion, the
event has outgrown the space available at Veterans Park, especially the activities the night of July 4.
He suggested downsizing to make it more manageable because it is too large for the committee to
handle and more volunteers are needed.
Acting Public Safety Director Fritz discussed the police efforts on July 4 including higher
visibility, proactive approaches to prevent incidents and closing the carnival at 11 p.m.
City Manager Devich stated that maintenance staff who worked the July 4 evening events
previously expressed concerns because of past incidents but mentioned this year there was a big
difference in increased safety.
Special Worksession Minutes -4- July 8, 2008
Mayor Goettel stated a clear message was sent to gangs and if the heightened security
continues for a couple of years, they may not try to be there.
Council Member Wroge stated he was impressed with the Police but expressed concerns that
there would be a need for Police to be present. each time because it portrays a problem. He suggested
the carnival be eliminated but not the street dance or parade.
Council Member Kilian stated the events were handled well.
Council Member Sandahl expressed her compliments to the committee and staff for an
excellent event.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that some of her family members were at the carnival and
did not feel unsafe.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer added that he has received mixed reviews on the re-
routing of the parade.
The City Council consensus was to have the Fourth of July Committee consider having the
parade on 70th Street for the future celebrations.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:55 p.m.
Date Approved: July 22, 2008
Cheryl Kfumholt - ~/ Stev~r~''L! Devich
Recording Secretary ~ y Manager