06-22-1953~ ~.
VILLAGE OF:RICHgTELD
REGULAR MEETING
JU11~ 22, 1953
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the council of the~Village~of Richfield
~t in regular session in the Village Hall, 6700 Portland Avenue, Monday, June 22,
1953 at 7:00 P. M.
Members present: Rose, Shields and Re11er
Members absent: Walters and Iverson.
The minutes of the regular meeting of June 8, 1953 were deferred until a quorum
of those present at that meeting should be present.
1. Reports.
Motion by Rose, seconded by Shields, that the Building Inspection Report for
May 1953 be accepted and assigned.Clerk's File No. C-701. Carried.
2, Petition - Storm Sewer.
Motion by Shields, sdc~nded h9 Rose, that the council accept and file the
petition of the Rose Holding Comparsy for a storm sewer at'-the Richfield Medical Center
and Snyder Drug Building. Carried.' Clerk's File No. C-705.
3. Petitions -Sanitary Sewer Laterals.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose, that the following petitions f or Sanitary
se~~r laterals be accepted and assigned Clerk's file numbers as indicated. Carried.
Petition # 42 - Richfield Medical Center Building. Clerk's File No. C-706
Petition # 50 - Oliver Avenue from 69th to 70th St. Clerk's File No. C-707
Petition # 51 - 10th Avenue S. from 66th to 67th St. Clerk's File No. C-708
Petition # 52.- 21st Avenue S from 65th to 66th St. Clerk's File No. C-709
Petition # 53 - 2nd Avnue from 76th to 77th St. Clerk's File No. C-710
Petition # 54 - Colfax Avenue from 62nd to 63rd St. Clerk's File No. C-?11
~.. • Licenses.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose that the Council grant the following
applications for licenses. Carried.
E. H. Renner & Sons We11 Co. 7700 Hwy. 7, Mpls. Minn. Well Driller
Fostin Beaudette & Son RFD #11, St.Paul, Minn. Well Driller
Mrs. Stanley N. Braun 7552 Lyndale Ave. South Food
Irving J. Carr Jr. 600 E, 78th St. Food, Cigarette,
• Soft Drink.
Edward J. Cronin 3851 Rhode Island Ave.
St. Louis Park, Minn. Rubbish Hauling.
Willis C. Michaelis 1918 W. 78th 5t, Dance
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose, that carnival licenses be granted to
Richfield Community Centers, Inc. for August 6,7,8 and 9, 1953 in Augsburg Park,
.and to West Richfield Business Association for July 10, 11, and 12, 1953 in
Fairwood"Park, and that, in each. case, the provisions of Section 6 of Ordinance No.
3.30 be waived. Carried.
~. P1ay~round Areas.
Mrs. henry Se~ipper, 6309 13th Avenue South, appeared Before the council to
request that provisions be made for a summer playground in the vicinity of 13th
Avenue South and 62nd Street. She suggested two properties which may be available.
Motion by Rose, seQOnded by Shields, that Councilman John D. Shields '!~
authorized to investigate properties in the vicinity of 13th Avenue South and 62nd
Street which may be available for ~ase as summer playgro~?nds. Carried.,
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6. Sanitary Sewer Laterals in Business Districts.
Mayor Keller read aloud a report from the Village Engineer relative to the
results of a postcard survey made to determine the percentage-of property owners
in favor of~installing~sanitary sewer laterals in various shopping centers.
Clerk's File No. C-712:
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose that the following resolution be adopted;
that it be spread in the resolution book and that it be made a part of these minutes.
RESOLUTION N0. 15S
RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE PREPARATION
OF PRELIMINARY PLANS AND COST ESTIMATES
ON SANITARY SEWER. LATERALS IN VARIOUS
BUSINESS DISTRICTS. VILLAGE PROJECT N0.27.d~..
Pofil of votest Ayes - Rose, Shields and Keller. Nays - none. Absent -
Walters and Iverson. Carried. This resolution appears as resolution No. 158 in
Resolution Book No. 1.
7. Bolen Plat,
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose that the hearing on the proposed new
plat of A. G. Bogen be continued until the next regular meeting. Carried.
8. Deeds for Streets.
Motion by Shields, seconded 'by Rose that the following deeds for street~§ be
accepted and assigned Clerk's file numbers as indicated. Carried.
(a) Mattson Builders Inc. 5th Avenue from 101' S of the S line of 71st
Steet to 167'.S of the S line of 71st Street. C-713.
(b) Fred Voetmann. E~ of 4th Avenue f rom 263' S of 71st Street to 329'
S of 71st Street, and 5th Avenue from lg7' S of 71st Street to 329'
S of 71st Street. C-714
{c) Fred Buttell. E2 of 4th Avenue f rom 76th Street to gg' S of 76th
Street. C-715.
(d) Independent School District #12. ' of Russell Avenue from 64th to
65th Street; the 1~`- of 65th Street from Sheridan to Russell; the E~
of Thomas Avenue from 64th St. to 65th Street, and part of Lot !~,
Richfield Gardens Addition. C-716.
{e) Independent School District #12. S 33' of 70th 'Street from Elliot
to 12th Avenue; the W 33' of 12th Avenue from 70th to ?1st Street;
the N 30' of 71st Street f rom Elliot to 12th Avenue; 60' of Elliot
Avenue from 71st to offset 71st Street. C-717.
(f) Lawrence L. Newhouse. W 30' of Chioago Avenue from 7gth Street to
20g' North of 7$th Street. C-71S.
9. Street Grading.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose, that the manager be instructed to
include in the sub-divider's contract of Bertil C. Monten, the grading of the street
in front of 7117 4th Avenue South, which grading shall b e a village expense,
and that removal of trees at this location shall be done by Village labor. Carried.
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].0, Report of Engineer.
Mayor~Reller read the progress report of the V317_age Engineer relating to
progress of the R. S. Wallace Construction Company on Contracts #137 and #142
which showed unsatisfactory progress on these contracts.
Motion by Rose, seconded by Shields, that the council accept and file the"
progress report of the Village Engineer. Carried. Clerk's File No. C-719 and C-720.
11. Division of Ianc~.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose, that the council approve the division
of the S 72' of the N 255' of Block 5, Richf'ields Addition, as requested by
F. W. Nordstrom, 6512 13th Avenue South. Carried. C-721.
Motion by Shields, seconded ~ Rose that the council a 11.ow the division of
part of the S~-of the W40 Acres of Lot 6, Section 34, Township 25, Range 24, as
requested by Elmer D. Kelley, 7329 Lyndale Avenu®, in asmuch as he has submitted
the petition requested at the council meeting of June $, 1953. Carried. C-722.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose, that the council approve the division
of lot 16, Block 17, Woodlake highlands, and Lot 2, Block 17, Tingdal'e brothers
Lincoln Hills 2nd Addition, as requested by Forney Bros. Construction Corp., X25
Metropolitan Life Building, M3.nneapolis, Carried. C-723.
12. Special~Use Permit.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose that the council refer to the Zoning
Commission for hearing July 21, 1953, the application of D. L. Snook, for a
special use permit ofl Lot 9, Block 25, Irwin Shords Addition, and that the Clerk
shall advertise such hearing. Carried.
13. Contract. Richard D. Tickner.
Motion by .Rose, seconded by Shields, that the Mayor and Manager be authorized
to execute oontract #173 with R. D. Tickner, 7320 4th Avenue S. Carried. C-729.
1/.. Street Improvement. Lyndale & 66th Street West.
Motion by Shields,ssa~nded by Rose, that the following resolution be adopted;
that it be spread in the resolution book, and that it be made a part of these
minutes.
RESOLUTION N0. 159.
RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE PREPARATION
OF PRELIMINARY PLANS AND COST ESTIMATES
OF PROPOSED STREET IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
LYNDALE AVENUE FND66th STREET.
Poll of votes: Ayes - Rose, Shields and Reller. Nays - none. Absent -
"Walters and Iverson. Carried. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 159
in Resolution Book No. 1.
~. County Aid - 66th Street.
Mayor Re11er read a report of the Direetot~ of Public Works re3ative to
proposed County aid for improvement of 66th Street. Clerk's File No. .C-730.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose, that the following resolution be adopted;
that it be spread in the resolution book and that it be made a part of these minutes.
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RESOLUTION N0. 160.
RESOLUTION REQUESTING COUNTY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE .
FOR STBEE~ IMPROVEMENT ON COUNTY ROAD.
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-Poll-of Qotess'-Ayes -- Rose, Shields and Reller. Nays = none. Absent
Walters and Iverson. 'Carried. This resolution appears as resolution No. 160 3,n
Resolution Book No. 1. -
~6. Building Permit. Woodlake Auto Ser~ce.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose, that the council grant a commercial
building permit for Woodlake Auto Service on Lot 9, Block 25, Irwin Shores Add.,
as requested by D. L. Snook, ?505 Lyndale Avenue South. Carried. C-724..
1'7. Buildins Permit. Cities Service Oil Comuanv.
Motion by Sh€~elds, seconded by Rose, that the council approve the building
permit of Cities Service 031 Company for a service station on the NE corner of
the intersection of Nicollet avenue and 70th Street, as requested by Cities
Service Oil Comparr~p, 500 Robert Street, St.Paul, sub3eet to the Engineer's
approval of plans for barrier curbs and driveways. C-725.
15. Btzildin~ Permit. Lawrence Newhouse.
Motion bv~5hields, seconded by Rise, that the council approve the building
permit of Lsnrrence Newhouse to erect a 6-unit Motel on the Nf~ corner of -
intersecti~n of 75th Street and Chicago Avenue, as requested by Mr. Newhouse,
7O5 E. 75th Street, subject to the Engineer's approval of plans, and it was
added that the applicant be informed in writing of the proper grades. C-726.
19. Concession - Au~sbur~ Park.
Moti on by Keller, seconded by Rose, that the council suspend the tales to
hear Herbert Olson and Byron Velander relative to sale of the concession building
and equipment at Augsburg Park. Carried..
Mr. Olson andMr. Velander appeared before the council with Geo. Doberstein,
3910 East 25th Street and Richard Solberg, 6036 Oak Lawn, Edina, prospective .
purchasers, to discuss the sale of concession building and equipment at Augsburg
Park. Mr. Velander stated that the agreed sale price was X2,700 and that th®y
ware informing the council of this since the Village has first option to buy the
building and equipment whenever it is sold. Discuss ion .followed.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Rose, that~the problem of the concession
building and equipment at Augsburg Park be referred to the Finance Committee at
its next meeting July 6, 1953. Carried.
Motion By Rose, seconded by Shields, that the manager be instructed to contact
the Recreation Director to ascertain i$ the Recreation Department would be
interested in operating the concession at Augsburg Park, and report Sts decision
to the Finance C ommittee. Carried.
20. Recess.
Motion b;T Shields, seconded by Rose, that the council recess. Carried.
Council reconvened. Councilmen Walters and Iverson took their chairs.
21. Tax Settlement - Northwest Airlines.
NIr. Scott and Mr. Osterberg representing Northwest Airlines Inc., appeared
before the council and spoke relative to settlement of back taxes of Northwest
Airlines Inc. The Village attorney reviewed the case and read a letter dated
June 18, 1953 from the office of the County Attorney, Hennepin County. Clerk's
File No, C-727.
Motion by Walters, seconded by Shields that the Council offers no ob3ection
to a settlement of theback taxes of Northwest Airlines Inc., as outlined in the
County Attorney~~~s Letter. Carried.
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22. Radio Alarm Unit„
Motion by Walters, seconded by Iverson that the council gra~t..permission to
Rayteetar inc., 931 Pillsbury Building, Minneapolis, to install for demonstration
an interceptor unit for theNorthwestern National Bank, Bloomin Eton Richfield, as
requested in their letter dated June 19, 1953. Carried, C-728.
23. Street Grades. Tho~,s Avenu®,
Motion by Walters, seconded by Shields, that the council refer to the
Engineering Committee the problem of street grades on Thomas Avenue from 67th Street
to 68th, and that Mr. Earl Sharp of Town Realty Companp be notified of the time and
place of the meeting. Carried.
_24.. ° Buildina.Limits, High School -
Motion by Shields, seconded ~ Walters that the council suspend the rules
to consider problems of the school board relative to the new high school. Members
~of the School Board and their architect discussed with the council the problem
of roof load limits of the proposed building code. ° °
Motion by Shields, seconded by Walters that the council refer to the Zoning
Commission the School Boards request for a special use permit at their meeting on
July 21, 1953, and'that the Clerk advertise a public hearing on the problem. .Carried.
Motion by Shields, seconded by Walters, that the manager be instructed to call
a meeting of the Building Code Committee to consider the School Boards request for
establishment of a ~0-lb. per square foot roof load limit. Carried. °
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2 Correction of Minutes.
r' The council discussed the minutes of the regular meeting of June 8, 1953 as I
related to the statements advanced by Councilman Rose•uertaining to t he qua]:ifieations
of.Isroy Trafton as Village Manager.
Motion by Walters, seconded by Iverson that the minutes of the regular meeting
of June 8, 1953 be amended to read that ~~the•eouncil had entered into disaussion
of the qualifications of I~roy Trafton, Village Manager and agreed to take up the
discussion at a later date". Carried. -
N,~tion by Walters, seconded by Iverson, that the minutes of the meeting of
Jbne 8th be approved as amended. Carried.
The council entered into a lengthy discussion pertaining to management -.
practices and policies of the Village. The following is a substance of the remarks
made by each councilman.
Councilman Rose: Councilman Rose stated that in his opinion Leroy Trafton was
not the man for the fob of Village Manager; that he wa.s setting up a dictatorship of
his own and had not adhered to council policy; that the loss of six or seven
employees shows employee ~clissatisfaction; that the conduct of the assessors office ~
is inefficient; that the hiring of a Minneapolis resident is illegal; and that the
residence rdquirement of the personnel ordinance is asinine. He also stated that he had
made no statements against the council, the village engineer or the village attorn®y;
that he has always tried to do a good fob far the village and that he will. apologize
if he is shown bo ~ wrong.
Councilman Iversons Councilman Iverson stated that Councilman Rose shau~~. °
prove himself right rather than proving Village A~anager Leroy Trefton wrong. lie ~
continued that Councilman Rose was going counter to the provisions of Optional. Plan
B. He stated that Leroy Trafton had coop®rated fully with the council, employees ~
and the union representatives and that accusations and°generalities reflect on the
Council. Councilman Iverson also stated that if the office of the village assessor
is not operating efficiently Councilman Rose owes it to the Council and the Village:
to inform them how and why it is not operating efficiently. ~
Councilman Shieldss Councilman Shields 3.ntedd ut° ~e p ration of Plan B
and read quotations from a publication of the ~ta~3onal ~iunicipa~ ~eague.
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He further stated that he has had no complaints from employees. He outlined
the grievance proceedure to be followed by employees feeling themselves aggrieved
and stated that he believed that the grievance committee was at fault rather than
the Manager.
Councilman Walters Councilmaxi'Walters discussed councils actions
benefiting. employees. He stated that he thought the grievance committee and the
advisory board will claim that they have done agood fob. He remonstrated with
Councilman Rose for interfering with administrative personnel. He stated that he
was under the impression that Councilman Rose was going to bring written charges.
to this meeting. He pointed out that it is illegal for councilmen to accept
depositions from employees. He concluded by expressing his regrets that it was
necessary to spenfl so much time in pointless discussion.
Motion by Iverson, seconded by Walters that the Village Clerk be instructed
to enter 3xi the minutes that there are absolutely no charges that can be brought
against Village Manager Leroy Trafton.
Po11 of votes: .Ayes - Walters, Shields, Iverson and Keller. Nay - Rose.'
Absent - non®. Carried.
Motion by Walters, seconded by Iverson that the council give Leroy Trafton
Village Manager, a vote of confidence. "
Poll of votest Ayes - Walters, shields, Tversori and Keller. Nay- Rose.
Absent - none. Carried.
Mayor Roller asked that the councilmen leave their differences in the council
chamber. He asked that the o~uncil exercise leadership and work unitedly for
the good of the village as a whole. He deplored th fact that the council had
spent so much time in argument which had comp to nothing.
27. Bids authorized on Motor Blade Grader.
Motion by Walters, seconded by Shields, that the Village Clerk be authorized
to advertise for purchase or purchase rental of a new or used motor blade grader
with trade-in of used-motor blade. grader. Bids to be received until 8 o~clockP.M.
July 13, 1953. Carried.
28. Part-time Accounting Clerk.
Motion by Walters, seconded by Iverson, that the Village Manager be authorized
to hire a part-time accounting clerk in the Finance Department at X1.36 per hour.
Carried..
29. Bids on Stairway authorized.
Motion by Walters, seconded by Iverson, that the Village Clerk be authorized
to advertise for bids on the installation on the stairway in the Public Works
Department leading to the basement. Bids to be received July 27, 1953. Carried.
30. Bids for raising manhole rings and covers authorized.
Motion by Iverson, seconded by Walters, that the Village Clerk be authorized
to advertise for bids for raising manhole rings and covers in the storm sewer system.
Bids to be received July 13, 1953. Carried.
31. Bids on Curb and Gutter Authorized.
Motion by Walters, seconded by Iverson, that the Village Clerk be authorized
to advertise for bids on curb and gutter around the Village Hall to be received
July 27, 1953. Carried.
32. Investigation of Storm Sewer System.
Motion by Walters, seconded by Shields,. that the Village Attorney be instructed
to consult with the firm of Fa~gre and Benson and Attorney Charles B. Howard, 3n
' regard to what claims can now be-taken against the firm of Mac Gregor and Davis and
the contractors for construction of_ the storm sew®r s~rstem which now appears to be i
faulty. Carried.
Motion by Walters, seconded by Iverson, that the Village Engineer be instruct ed
to submit to the council at the next regular meeting evidences of poor practices
in the construction of the village storm sewer system. Carried.
33• Ad'ournment.
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Motion by Walters, seconded by Iverson, that the council adjourn-until 8 P.M.
Monday June 29, 1953. Carried.
Meeting ad3ourned. Time 12:30 A.M.
ATTEST:.
FRED C. REELER
~'~~H. Hau n MAYO ai
Clerk
LEROY TON -
MAMA ER
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