02-22-1993CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 22, 1993
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Michael Sandahl; Susan
Rosenberg; Russ Susag; and Don Priebe.
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; Barry Fritz,
Police Captain; William Fillmore,
Liquor Operations Director; and John Dean,
City Attorney.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENTATION OF COLORS AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kirsch led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to approve the minutes of the Joint
Meeting of Richfield CitX Council and Richfield School Board of
February 8~ 1993; and the minutes of the regular City Council
Meeting of February 8, 1993.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1 OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL
ON ANY ITEM NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA.
No one wished to address the Council.
Item #2 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING VOLUNTEERS OF
AMERICA WEEK IN RICHFIELD MARCH 7-14, 1993
Council Member Rosenberg read and presented a proclamation
designating March 7-14, 1993 as Volunteers of America Week in
Richfield to Peggy Sanders.
Council Meeting Minutes
-2- February 22, 1993
Item #3 PRESENTATIONS TO STUDENT DELEGATION AND CHAPERONES WHO
TRAVELED TO SISTER CITY HEREDIA, COSTA RICA.
Mayor Kirsch read and presented certificates to the student
delegation which traveled to Richfield's Sister City Heredia,
Costa Rica designating them as Junior Envoys Extraordinaire. The
following students made the trip:
Laura Boemer
Leslie Connell
Beni amin Duffey
Monique Farness
Kelly Gamble
Susan Kleinhaus
Cherelle Kohn
Anne Messerli
Mike Parten
Dai Thomas
Alirio Vanyo
Beth Wilkey
Judy Schulte, chaperone, reviewed the contacts made with
schools in Heredia.
Monique Farness summarized the experiences of the students.
Item #4 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #4 CONSENT CALENDAR
5A. APPROVED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF $15,000 FROM
RICHFIELD'S MUNICIPAL STATE AID CONSTRUCTION OFF-SYSTEM FUND
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PEDESTRIAN RAMPS IN COMPLIANCE WITH
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT C.L. 49
RESOLUTION NO. 7984
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF 515,000 OF RICHFIELD'S
MUNICIPAL STATE AID CONSTRUCTION MONIES OFF-SYSTEM FUND
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PEDESTRIAN RAMPS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
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This resolution appears as Resolution No. 7984 in Resolution
Book No. 62.
Council Meeting Minutes -3- February 22, 1993
B. APPROVED AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BRW, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 77TH STREET RIGHT OF
WAY CLEARANCE PLAN PROJECT FROM I-35W TO PORTLAND AVENUE IN
AMOUNT OF $52,194 C.L. 50
C. APPROVED RENOVATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY INDOOR FIREARMS RANGE
BY CASWELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AT COST OF 527,445.00
C.L. 51
D. APPROVED PURCHASE IN EXCESS OF $5,000 FROM KELLEY FUELS,
INC. FOR UNLEADED GASOLINE IN AMOUNT OF $6,343.21 C.L. 52
E. APPROVED PURCHASE IN EXCESS OF 55,000 FROM MTI DISTRIBUTING,
INC. FOR PURCHASE OF A TORO 325D MOWER WITH MULCHING DECK IN
AMOUNT OF 514,295 C.L. 53
F. APPROVED PURCHASE IN EXCESS OF $5,000 FROM TECH SALES
COMPANY FOR TWO ISCO STORM WATER MONITORING AND SAMPLING
SYSTEMS IN AMOUNT OF $11,816 C.L. 54
G. APPROVED ESTIMATE #3 PAYMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION
OF MINIATURE GOLF COURSE; OLYMPIC POOLS, INC.; $22,950.00
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to a~urove the consent calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #6 CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW AUTO REPAIR BUSINESS AT 7200 CEDAR AVENUE.
C.L. N0. 55
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 55
regarding a request from Steve Jensen for a conditional use
permit to allow an auto repair business at 7200 Cedar Avenue. He
stated the Planning Commission recommended approval of the
conditional use permit by a 7-2 vote. City Manager Prosser
further stated it was his recommendation that the Council deny
the request on the basis that it is in conflict with the
comprehensive plan.
Steve Jensen, 7620 Auto Club Circle, spoke in support of
granting the conditional use permit. He stated that the
transmission shop he operates at 6758 Cedar Avenue is an asset to
the community and has operated without detriment to the
neighborhood. Mr. Jensen said that the proposed business would
be a full service automotive shop and take some of the pressure
off of the transmission shop. He stated opposition to complying
with stipulation numbers 4 and 5 of the alternative
recommendation. Mr. Jensen added that if on-street parking or
the hours of operation became a problem they could be addressed
at that time.
Council Meeting Minutes -4- February 22, 1993
Bruce Schmitt, architect for the applicant, spoke in support
of Mr. Jensen's request for the conditional use permit.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Member Susag asked for clarification regarding the
1989 Comprehensive Plan amendment with which this proposal may
conflict.
City Attorney Dean summarized the Comprehensive Plan
amendment and the types of development allowed in the Mixed-Use-
District A.
Council Member Sandahl stated he remembered the intent of
the amendment was to address concerns about the separation of
commercial and residential uses and the potential changes to
Highway 77.
Council Member Susag asked about the boundaries of the
district.
Community Development Director Wallace stated the Mixed-Use-
District A encompassed the area between 68th Street and 75th
Street, and Cedar Avenue and 18th Avenue.
Council Member Priebe stated opposition to the conditional
use permit request because it conflicts with the Comprehensive
Plan. He stated that allowing this type of development would
hinder future larger and more desirable development.
Council Member Rosenberg stated opposition to the request
and concurred with Council Member Priebe's reasons.
Council Member Sandahl stated this proposal does not meet
goals for development and that auto repair shops sometimes are
not compatible next to residential neighborhoods.
Council Member Susag asked where such a use is allowable.
Community Development Director Wallace stated that it is
allowable on Cedar Avenue north of 66th Street and other properly
zoned commercial areas in the City.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to deny the request of Steve Jensen
for a conditional use permit to allow an auto repair business at
7200 Cedar Avenue South and to direct staff to prepare the
findings of fact for denial for adoption by the City Council at
the next City Council meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes
-5- February 22, 1993
Item #7 CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF BID MINUTES/TABULATION AND
AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR WATER SYSTEM EQUIPMENT FOR TOTAL
AMOUNT OF $1,054,067 TO:
-FLAHERTY EQUIPMENT CORPORATION FOR THREE GENERATOR
SETS AS SPECIFIED IN AMOUNT OF $231,641
-BRY-AIR COMPANY FOR FURNISHING DEHUMIDIFIER AS
SPECIFIED IN AMOUNT OF $32,611
-INFILCO-DEGREMONT, INC. FOR TWO UNITS OF LIME
SOFTENING REACTOR/CLARIFIER EQUIPMENT AS SPECIFIED
IN AMOUNT OF $732,165
-CHEMCO EQUIPMENT COMPANY FOR TWO LIME BEAKERS AS
SPECIFIED IN AMOUNT OF $57,750
C.L. NO. 56
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 56
regarding the award of contracts for water plant system
equipment.
Community Services Director Fondrick responded to questions
from the Council stating that:
• The water plant is 30 years old.
• The new lime softening reactor/clarifier equipment
will allow service to one unit while maintaining water
softening with the other.
• Funding for the equipment is provided by the Water Fund
cash balance.
• During construction water will not be softened. It is
anticipated this will occur for a period of three months
in late 1993.
• It is unlikely that the Metropolitan Council will become
involved in water production other than regulatory issues.
M/Susag, S/Priebe to approve the bid minutes/tabulation and
award of contracts for water system equipment for total amount of
51,054,067 to•
-Flaherty Equipment Corporation for three generator sets as
specified in amount of 5231,641;
-Bry-Air Company for furnishing dehumidifier as specified
in amount of 532,611;
-Infilco-Degremont, Inc. for two units of lime softening
reactor/clarifier equipment as specified in amount of
$732,165; and
-Chemco Equipment Company for two lime slakers as specified
in amount of 557,750.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes
-6- February 22, 1993
Item #8 CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE $500,000 FROM SPECIAL
REVENUE FUND FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF NICOLLET PARK IN
1993. C.L. NO. 57
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 57
recommending that the City Council authorize $500,000 from
Special Revenue Fund for redevelopment of Nicollet Park in 1993.
Council Member Sandahl asked what the tentative timeframe
was for redevelopment of the remaining neighborhood parks and the
number of children in their service areas.
City Manager Prosser responded that probably one park per
year could be completed with Council approval and designation
starting with Nicollet Park in 1993, Washington Park in 1994, and
Madison Park in 1995.
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the school age
child census of the park service areas. He noted that this is
not the only predictor of park use because of mobility and other
factors.
Council Member Susag asked about the park planning,
construction timeframes, and the 5500,000 funding level.
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the park
planning and construction process stating that if the planning
begins in February, most of the construction will be completed by
the end of the year. He stated that 5500,000 is the approximate
amount that has been necessary to redevelop most neighborhood
parks.
Council Member Rosenberg questioned the need to spend money
for a warming house building and skating rink at Nicollet Park
because of the proximity of the same facilities at Veterans
Memorial Park.
Community Services Director Fondrick stated that the
planning process addresses the park°s design and amenities, and
that the park buildings are not only used for skating but also
for summer programs. He noted that arterial streets sometimes
are barriers to park amenities such as the skating rink.
Council Member Sandahl stated neighborhoods usually request
a warming house.
Council Meeting Minutes -7- February 22, 1993
Council Member Priebe stated that children in apartments do
not have a backyard to play like those of single family homes,
therefore it is important to take that into consideration when
choosing parks to redevelop. He stated for that reason
Washington Park is important to redevelop as soon as can be done,
taking into consideration the 77th Street reconstruction.
Council Member Priebe stated that as of October 31, 1992 the
Liquor Fund had $1,165,000 in cash reserves. He stated he was in
favor of spending some of this reserve to start the preliminary
work on Washington and Madison Parks.
City Manager Prosser reviewed the status of the Liquor Fund
cash reserves indicating that $400,000 had been transferred for
park improvements as of December 31, 1992; 5300,000 was required
for operating cash, and that the remainder is reserved for store
improvements, Penn store replacement if necessary, or an
additional store.
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the difficulty
of redevelopment of more than one park in a year with the current
staff level.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to authorize 5500,000 from Special
Revenue Fund for redevelopment of Nicollet Park in 1993.
Motion carried 4-1. (Rosenberg opposed)
Item #9 CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO CONDUCT A 60 QUESTION
COMMUNITY CITY SERVICES SURVEY BY DECISION RESOURCES,
LTD. IN AMOUNT OF $7,200 PLUS $90 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL
SURVEY QUESTION. C.L. N0. 58
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 58
regarding a proposal to conduct a Community City Services Survey
by Decision Resources, Ltd. to gather information regarding the
perception of residents related to quality of life, quality and
variety of City services provided, identify emerging issues, and
address special topical concerns.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to authorize the City Manager to execute
an agreement with Decision Resources, Ltd. for a 60 question
community survey in the amount of $7200, plus S90 for each
additional survey question.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes
-8- February 22, 1993
item #10 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSON TO SISTER CITY
COMMISSION. C.L. NO. 59
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to approve the appointment of Armando
Lissarrague to the Sister City Commission to a term that will
expire on January 31, 1994.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #11 CONSIDERATION AS TO WHETHER TO HOLD A CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION ON MARCH 1, 1993. C.L. NO. 60
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 60
regarding consideration of whether to conduct the regularly
scheduled City Council Study Session of March 1, 1993.
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg ~o cancel the regularly scheduled City
Council Study Session of March 1, 1993.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #12 AIRPORT STATUS REPORT
City Manager Prosser stated that Legislative Auditor Jim
Nobles had issued a report evaluating the dual track process.
Mr. Prosser and Council Member Priebe summarized the major
findings as follows:
• Significantly overestimated current and future airport
delays.
• Used inappropriate methods for determining airport adequacy.
• Substantially overestimated benefits of capacity expansion
at either MSP or a new airport.
• Used a flawed analysis that overstated future noise
annoyances for communities around MSP.
City Manager Prosser reviewed the status of proposed
legislation regarding the following airport related issues:
1
• MAC Commissioner to represent Richfield.
• Restrictions on building near the airport.
• City/School impact aid.
• Funding for insulation of noise impacted schools outside the
LDN 65.
Council Meeting Minutes
II
Item #13 LEGISLATIVE REPORT
-9- February 22, 1993
City Manager Prosser reviewed the status of legislation
related to the~Governor's budget proposal and Representative
Myron Orfield's proposal to assist inner ring suburbs and
redevelopment in those communities.
Item #14 COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
Council Member Rosenberg announced that her first monthly
town meeting will be held at Sheridan Hills School on March 11
from 7-9 p.m.
Council Member Sandahl stated that the Richfield High School
Marching Band had received an invitation to perform at the
inaugural but had been unable to attend. He also stated that the
RHS Chamber Choir has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.
Mayor Kirsch stated that State Representative Garcia has
scheduled a town meeting on transportation issues for March 6 at
9:00 a.m. at Richfield City Hall.
Item #15 CLAIMS AND PAYROLLS
M/Sandahl, S/Priebe that the following claims and payrolls
be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
Checks 16510-16572; 37607-37869 S 817,258.89
FIRSTAR BANK
Checks 7267-7291 S 867,645.48
Checks 65257-65560; 65650-65689 $ 361,585.24
Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Date Approved: 3/8/93 ~~~~~ ~,
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T omas P. Ferber Jame D. Prosser
City Clerk Cit Manager