02-07-1984 SpecialCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1984
6:00 P. M.
Mayor John Hamilton called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. City Manager
John Cartwright noted that all members of the city council were present for the
meeting. In addition, the following staff members were present: Don Fondrick,
Mike Eastling, Rick Jopke, Dennis Kraft and John Cartwright.
1. Discussion of MTC Subregional Bus Proposal
City Planner Rick Jopke summarized Council Letter No. 53 which reports on
a proposal by MTC to initiate east-west bus service in Richfield.
The city council consensus was that they •support the MTC proposal for
East-West service on 76th Street. Tn addition, the council indicated they
would also support the elimination of midday service to Minneapolis on Nicollet
provided MTC adds new East-West service that would run on Nicollet and 66th
Street connecting Southdaie with the charter facilities at the airport. City
staff was authorized to inform the appropriate agencies of the council's position.
2. Discussion Regarding Regional Parks
Don Fondrick, Community Services Director, reviewed Council Letter No. 51,
which explained two major issues now being discussed about regional parks. The
Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission is studying the funding for the
operation and maintenance of regional parks in the seven-county metropolitan
area. They are seeking input from interest agencies and persons. The council
consensus was that Richfield should oppose any additional millage for the seven-
county park maintenance and development activities.
The second matter discussed was the proposed Hennepin County Park District-
Minneapolis-Bloomington proposal to seek millage to help fund regional parks.
The city council concluded that they could support a one mill increase in the
City Council Study Session -2- February 7, 1954
levy for regional parks in Hennepin County provided Richfield was also eligible
to receive funds for Wood Lake Nature Center which has a high nonresident usage.'
Council members agreed with the three points contained in Council Letter No. 51
which reads as follows:
1, There should be standards established to determine what
open space qualifies as a regional park (size, nonresident
us-age, etc.);
2. Local control should remain with the unit of government
where the park is located; and
3. Funds from any special tax levy for regional parks should
be shared with cities which operate facilities which meet
regional needs and standards.
3. Discussion Item: Watershed Management Organization (WMO) Organizational
Meetin~February 13, 1984
Don Fond-rick, Cocaunity Services Director, reviewed the bylaws which will
be considered at the joint Bloomington and Richfield Water Management organizational
meeting to be held on February 13, 1984. The council consensus was that the bylaw
were acceptable. Mayor John Hamilton will contact the Mayor of Bloomington to
discuss possible appointments to the positions of Chairman, Vice-Chairman,
Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director.
4. Discussion of Traffic Problems Concerning Penn Avenue/76th Street/I-494
Mike Eastling, City Engineer, reviewed with the council the conceptual
design alternatives that are being discussed by Bloomington, Richfield, Hennepin
County and Minnesota DOT (Department of Transportation) for improving traffic
flow on Penn Avenue at various intersections between 76th Street in Richfield
and 80th Street in Bloomington, including the widening of the Penn Avenue bridge
over 494 to four lanes.
5. Consideration of Alternative Street Lighting Improvements and Methods of
Financing for 66th Street Between Penn Avenue and Xerxes Avenue
Don Fondrick and Mike Eastling reviewed with the council the proposed
City Council Study Sexsion -3- - February 7, 1984
improvement project for Penn Avenue and 66th Street intersection and the
improvements for 6bth Street between Penn and York Avenues. The consensus
of the council was that the staff's recommendation for financing the sidewalk
and street lighting improvements should be by FAUS and motor fuel tax monies,
and not by special assessment.
6. Stoma Water Control Planning and Financing Improvements and Maintenance
Don Fondrick, Community Services Director, summarized Council Letter No.
50 which covered the need for planning and the need for financing future
improvements and maintenance within the three water management organization
districts in Richfield.
The consensus of the city council was that it was acceptable to use the
$20,000 in the Sanitary Sewer Utility Fund earmarked for storm sewer projects
to conduct the necessary engineering studies for all three water management
organization districts. The council then discussed the various alternative
methods for financing maintenance activities and future capital improvement
projects in the water management organization districts. The council favored
either a combination of general fund and utility tax type financing, or just
utility tax type financing to meet the financial obligations for future
maintenance and capital improvement activities. The Community Services Director
was instructed to work up some proposed cost figures for the council that
would show how much different classifications of property would pay with a
utility tax to finance maintenance activities.
7. Adjournment
Howard Bunce made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Council
Member Kirsch. Mayor John Hamilton declared the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectful l~iR~~ted,
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( john G. Cif tw~igh t C