05-04-1987CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
May 4, 1987
MEMBERS PRESENT: Edwina Garcia, Mayor Pro-Tem; Ivan Ludeman;
and Michael Sandahl.
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich,
Administrative Services Director; Thomas P.
Ferber, City Clerk; Donald Fondrick;
Community Services Director; Byron Wallace,
Community Development Director; Pat Coughlin,
Assistant Fire Chief; Larry Miller, Principal
Appraiser; and Clayton LeFevere, City
Attorney.
OTHERS PRESENT: David Kennedy, .LeFevere, Lefler,Kennedy,
O'Brien~& Drawz.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMISSION: Karen Skwira, Emily Day, Emil Shipka, Don
Anderson, Michael Karnas, Daniel Thurber,
Betsy Asher, James Clinite, and Joseph
Sausen.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro-Tem Garcia at 7:04
p.m.
Item #1 DISCUSSION WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES
ADVISORY COMMISSION. S.3.L. NO. 15.
Community Services Commission Member Emily Day reviewed the
commission's discussions regarding the impact of insurance costs
on recreation activities in the city.
City Manager Prosser stated that the city must carefully
consider the degree of risk and how to minimize risk in
recreation programs through risk analysis and prompt reporting of
potential risks.
Council Member Ludeman reported that the bomanite walk at
65th Street and Nicollet Avenue needed repair.
Community Services Commission Member Dan Thurber reviewed
the commission's role in establishing no smoking regulations at
the ice arena and swimming pool, confidential pool pass
assistance program, and the new Teen Center.
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May 4, 1987
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the activities
and attendance at the Teen Center. He stated steps are being
taken to resolve the concerns of neighbors regarding noise
outside the building.
Community Services Commission Chairperson Don Anderson
reviewed the progress achieved on .the construction of Veterans
Memorial Park. He stated the park was an investment in the
future of the community and could well spur redevelopment on 66th
Street.
Council Member Ludeman asked if the park would provide canoe
and paddleboat activities.
Community Services Director Fondrick responded that the
water area was not large enough to provide adequate space for
these activities and would also deter wildlife activities.
Community Services Commission Member Emil Shipka stated that
three members of the Community Services Commission and three
members of the Planning Commission had been participating in the
meetings regarding the I494 and I35W Studies. He stated that if
I494 is widened it will impact Richfield by eliminating the
service road and changing traffic patterns of 76th Street and
77th Street.
Community Services Commission Member James Clinite asked
that the city council provide feedback to the commission when the
council does not follow the commission's recommendation on an
issue.
Council Member Ludeman stated that the council liaison to
the commission can provide that feedback.
Community Services Commission Member Karen Skwira stated
that the commission in the future will be working cooperatively
with other communities in areas such as handicap recreation
programs and working on goal setting.
Community Services Commission Chairperson Don Anderson
reviewed the commission's activity in reviewing the Capital
Improvement Program.
Lawrence Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, suggested that
the commission look at better identifying bikeways in the city
and the issue of pedestrian safety.
Mayor Pro-Tem Garcia thanked the Community Services
Commission for-their time and efforts in serving the community.
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May 4, 1987
Item #2 DISCUSSION OF OPTIONS FOR MILNER POND PROBLEMS.
S.S.L. NO. 16.
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter NO. 16
regarding the low water level at Milner Pond.
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the following
alternatives which had been examined to address the problem:
1) Clean only as budgeted for by a $15,000 appropriation.
2) Increase the size of existing pump at a cost of $35,000
plus $5,000 for energy charges.
3) Dredge and deepen the pond by two feet and add a new
seal at a cost of $100,000 - $125,000; or dredge to the
current water table at a cost of $150,000 - $250,000.
4) Maintain the water retention area as a dry bottom flood
area at a cost of $100,000 - $250,000.
5) Apply a clay seal on the bottom of the pond costing
$30,000 - $40,000.
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He then reviewed the relationship of Milner Pond to the
storm sewer system and other storm water retention areas.
City Manager Prosser recommended that Option 1 be accepted
and that the situation be reevaluated next winter. He stated
that. any of the other options would require appropriations not
budgeted and would have a negative impact on other programs.
Council Member Sandahl stated that the record dry weather
had exaggerated the problem and cautioned that rushing into a
solution which the weather may correct was not prudent. He
stated he opposed cutting other budget items to spend more than
the allocated $15,000 on Milner Pond.
Mayor Pro-Tem Garcia stated she supported Option 1.
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Council Member Ludeman stated that any solution must be a
long term solution and done right which may require future
budgeting. He stated his support of Option 1.
City Manager Prosser stated the city would keep the
residents informed regarding the Milner Pond issues.
Item #3 DISCUSSION OF BOARD OF REVIEW
. S.S.L. NO. 17
Larry Miller, Hennepin County Principal Appraiser for
Richfield, reviewed the methods of property appraisal, types of
appeals which may come before the Board of Review, duties and
Study Session Meeting Minutes 4 May 4, 1987
responsibilities of the Board, data regarding sales prices, and
sample property comparisons.
Administrative Services Director Devich discussed the
relationship of assessed value and the mill rate to tax revenue.
Larry Miller reviewed the relationship of the assessed
market value to actual sales prices.
Council Member Sandahl requested that the city council be
informed about the outcome of appeals at the county and state
level.
Item #4 DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED HOUSING MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE
STUDY SBSSION LETTER NO. 18.
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 18
regarding the operating costs and fees for the proposed ordinance
to license rental units and inspect homes at point of sale.
Assistant Fire Chief Coughlin reviewed the costs for
implementing the rental licensing and point of sale ordinance,
the anticipated number of inspections, and revenues.
Council Member Sandahl expressed concern that the city would
expose itself to potential liability by implying a warranty of
the inspected property.
City Attorney LeFevere reviewed the case law regarding the
liability issue.
-- - City Manager Prosser stated that the council must weigh the
potential community benefit against the potential risks. He
stated that the proposed ordinance would provide a tool in
maintaining the aging housing stock of Richfield.
Council Member Ludeman asked how the estimated wages were
determined.
City Manager Prosser stated that the wages were estimated
from the salaries of similar positions in other cities. He
stated that first reading of the proposed ordinance would be
scheduled for May 26, 19$7.
Item #5 DISCUSSION OF RBCODIFIBD CITY ORDINANCB CODB STUDY
S.S.L. NO. 19.
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City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session. Letter No.
19 regarding the recodification of the Richfield Ordinance Code.
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May 4, 198?
David Kennedy, LeFevere, Lefler, Kennedy, O'Brien & Drawz,
reviewed the procedures and methodology used in the
recodification. He stated that the recodification is an updating
and reorganization of code and does not include any
substantiative changes in the city ordinances.
City Manager Prosser stated that first reading for
consideration of the recodified city ordinance code will be
scheduled for a June council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro-Tem Garcia adjourn
Date Approved: May 11, 1987
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Thomas P. Ferber
City Clerk
ed the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
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Edwina Garcia
Mayor Pro-Tem
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Jame D. Prosser
it Manager