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08-02-1993 Study SessionCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION August 2, 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 Ferber, City Clerk; Donald Fondrick, Community Services Director; Byron Wallace, Community Development Director; Bruce Palmborg, Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator; and William Fillmore, Liquor Operations Director. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m. Item #I DISCUSSION WITH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGARDING CONCURRENT USE OF SOUTH PART OF CLOVERLEAF SITE FOR CONCRETE BATCH PLANT AND ROAD MATERIAL STORAGE AND RECYCLING AREA FOR THE 77TH STREET PROJECT. S.S. LETTER NO. 19 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 19 regarding the temporary use of the Cloverleaf site by Shafer Contracting Co., Inc. for a portable concrete batch plant, stockpiling of concrete, asphalt, and topsoil, and the recycling of road materials. George Mattson, President of Shafer Contracting Co., Inc., reviewed the company's request for use of the HRA owned Cloverleaf site for operations related to the 77th Street Construction Project. Mr. Mattson responded to questions from the City Council and the HRA relating to noise, material stockpiles, batch plant operations, screening, and material recycling. Tim Hansen, Safety Manager of Shafer Contracting Co., Inc., reviewed his contact with the adjacent apartment manager and residents related to construction operations and safety issues. HRA Chair Harms expressed concerns about safety issues related to children playing on the stockpiles and suggested the possibility of fencing around that area. HRA Commissioner Wozniczka asked if any trees would be lost on the site because of stockpiling of materials and whether any additional land other than what was previously approved would be used. Community Services Director Fondrick indicated no trees would be lost nor additional land needed to accommodate the stockpiling/recycling operation. Study Session Minutes -2- August 2, 1993 Discussion followed regarding insurance issues related to the use of the site. The HRA approved a motion directing staff to include storage and recycling of road materials in the agreement with Shafer Contracting Co., Inc. for use of the south portion of the Cloverleaf site and further stipulated that the contractor provide fencing around the area for security and safety. Item #II DISCUSSION OF ALLOCATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS RECEIVED BY THE CITY FOR HOUSING PROGRAMS. S.S. LETTER NO. 20 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 20 regarding the issues related to the allocation of Community Hlock Grant (CDBG) funds for housing programs. Mr. Prosser also stated that some funding would also be needed for structural modifications needed to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). HRA Chair Harms requested that staff provide an updated map depicting the status of the condition of housing stock in the City and a report on the impact of the existing housing programs. Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator Palmborg indicated that the map would be completed for the October HRA meeting. HRA Commissioner Wozniczka raised questions related to the eligibility constraints and qualifications used for the CDBG funded rehabilitation loan and scattered site New Home Programs. Council Member Priebe stated that utilization of a greater percentage of the CDBG funds for the rehabilitation loan program would benefit a greater number of people. Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator Palmborg reviewed the CDBG loan payback provisions of the two housing programs. Council Member Priebe noted that the housing rehabilitation loan program provided a greater payback to the City and, therefore, would be more beneficial to the City. Discussion followed regarding program funding, operation, and impact on the neighborhoods. Council Member Priebe discussed the Brooklyn Park Apartment Rehabilitation Program. City Manager Prosser reviewed funding availability issues related to that program. Study Session Minutes -3- August 2, 1993 Council Member Susag stated support for the current split of the CDBG funding between the loan rehabilitation and New Home Programs, noting that future rehabilitation loan paybacks will provide increased funding for rehabilitation. Council Member Sandahl stated the importance of receiving the updated housing stock information before making a policy decision on CDBG housing program funding allocations. HRA Chair Harms discussed the possibilities of the HRA being more aggressive in creating rehabilitation loan opportunities by initiating some type of equity loan interest buy down program. Item #III DISCUSSION OF POLICY AND STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AIRPORT RELATED ISSUES. S.S LETTER N0. 22 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 22 regarding airport policy and strategy. • MAC Part 150 Acquisition/Relocation Program The Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) submitted a proposal to the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) to provide acquisition and relocation services for the Part 150 Acquisition/Relocation Program. On July 26, Nigel Finney, MAC Deputy Executive Director, contacted staff concerning the City's proposal. Mr. Finney asked the City to withdraw its proposal because the MAC was concerned that the proposal would preclude the Commission from requiring the successful contractor, if other than Richfield, from cooperating and coordinating their acquisition efforts in Richfield with the City. In response, the City sent a letter to Nigel Finney on July 28 stating that it would not withdraw its proposal. On July 28, the City received a letter from the MAC stating that the Richfield HRA was not selected to be interviewed by the Commission's .Planning and Environment Committee for the project. The three firms selected to be interviewed by MAC Committee on August 3 include: W.D. Schock Company; O.R. Colan Associates; and, Moreland, Altobelli Associates. HRA Chair Harms and City Manager Prosser stated that they would be meeting with MAC Executive Director Jeff Hamiel on August 5 to stress the importance of the residents interests in the process and to seek a formalized role for the City/HRA in the acquisition/relocation process. He stated that they would negotiate in a manner as not to delay or ~eopordize funding for the buyout. Study Session Minutes -4- August 2, 1993 City Manager Prosser reviewed a draft letter to the MAC regarding the City's concerns on this issue. Council Member Sandahl stated the reasons the City submitted a proposal was to control the process and act to protect the interest of the residents and the City. HRA Commissioner Wozniczka asked if a list of the City's interests had been made. City Manager Prosser indicated the City's interests related to the appraisal process, relocation and assistance process, demolition schedule, land use, and services during relocation. HRA Chair Harms reiterated the importance of the "people" issues of the residents in New Ford Town/Rich Acres. Bill Schatzlein, Housing Consultant, stated the importance of these resident issues because the project funding is likely to be over a three year period. Mike Gallagher, New Ford Town/Rich Acrea Neighbors Advisory Committee, stated agreement with the concerns expressed caith working with MAC and the consultants. Discussion followed regarding strategy and the approach to this issue. HRA Commissioner Wozniczka stated concern that time be taken to formalize a written list. Discussion followed regarding the content of the letter drafted by City Manager Prosser and HRA Chair Harms regarding the City's position and desire to have a significant role in the process. Council Member Rosenberg had to leave the meeting at this time (8:30 p.m.). Item #IV DISCUSSION OF I-35W TRAFFIC CORRIDOR STUDY AND RELATED ITEMS. S.S. LETTER N0. 23 Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the status of the proposed I-35W Interim Third Lane Project related to the environmental review process and scheduling. Community Services Director Fondrick then reviewed and answered questions regarding a MnDOT draft plan layout for the I- 35W/62 Crosstown commons area. Study Session Minutes -5- August 2, 1993 1 Item #V DISCUSSION OF SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL AND MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES. S.S. LETTER NO. 24 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 24 regarding sidewalk snow removal and maintenance responsibilities. Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the current sidewalk snow removal and maintenance program. He reviewed the proposal of the Community Services Commission that the City discontinue snow removal on the 18 miles of non-curbside sidewalks on residential type streets. He indicated the snow removal would become the responsibility of the adjacent homeowner. The City Council discussed the following issues regarding sidewalk snow removal and maintenance: • The historical philosophical basis of the sidewalk snow removal policy • Equity • Sidewalks on corner lots • Responsibility to the community to maintain sidewalks • Homeowner resistance to the original sidewalk installation • Vacation/abandonment of sidewalks • Legal implications • Costs • Homeowner resistance to mandatory assumption of snow removal responsibility • Community expectations • Sidewalk usage • Discontinuing snow removal services without requiring homeowners to take on the responsibility The City Council indicated the need for additional information regarding the legal implications of reverting sidewalk snow removal to the owner, not performing or requiring sidewalk snow removal, and the opinions of homeowners adjacent to these sidewalks. Item #VI PRELIMINARY BUDGET DISCUSSION FOR 1994 FISCAL YEAR. S.S. LETTER N0. 21 City Manager Prosser outlined a proposed 1994 Proposed Budget calendar of events and dates as follows: Study Session Minutes -6- August 2, 1993 o Distribute Draft Budget - August 16 • City Council Budget Meetings - September 1 and September 8 • Adopt Preliminary Levy and set hearing dates - September 13 • Submit Preliminary Levy and hearing dates to Hennepin County - September 15 deadline • Truth in Taxation Hearing dates - early December • Certify Final Levy - December 28 deadline City Manager Prosser outlined the 1994 Proposed Hudget mayor initiatives as follows: • Competitive Quotations for Selected Services • Business Plans for Enterprise Operations • Combine Water and Sanitary Sewer Funds • Fourth Liquor Store • Hold General Fund Increase to at or below Inflation • Implement Comp Worth Adjustments City Manager Prosser outlined the 1994 Proposed Budget unresolved budget issues as follows: • Governor's Unallotment Process • Funding for Street Maintenance Program • Property Maintenance Inspection Program - Cost and Fees • Health Insurance Costs • Contract Settlements ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:10 p.m. ~-- Date Approved : 8~ 9~ 93 G~~~ Martin J. K h Mayor Tomas P. Fer er Ja es D. Prosser City Clerk Ci y Manager