08-01-1994 Study SessionCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
AUGUST 1, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Michael Sandahl; Susan
Rosenberg; Don Priebe.
MEMBERS NOT
PRESENT: Russ Susag
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich,
Administrative Services Director; Thomas
Ferber, City Clerk; Jack Erskine, Public
Safety Director; Donald Fondrick, Community
Services Director; Byron Wallace, Community
Development Director; Mike Eastling, City
Engineer; and Tom Foley, Transportation
Engineer.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:05 p.m.
Item #I REVIEW OF RESULTS OF 76TH STREET WEST OF I-35W STUDY
S.S. LETTER N0. 23
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 23
regarding the 76th Street West of I-35W Study.
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the history of
the study and the alternatives evaluated by the study. He stated
that the Ad Hoc Traffic Committee had recommended Alternative #3
(widening 76th Street) with one modification. Mr. Fondrick stated
that an inadvertent error on the mailing list resulted in some
area residents not receiving notice of the original meetings on
the study. He stated subsequent contact with these residents has
revealed a difference of opinion on what should be done east of
Penn and west of Penn. People living west of Penn Avenue are
generally supportive of the Ad Hoc Traffic Committee's
recommendation to widen 76th Street. In contrast, people living
east of Penn Avenue oppose widening the street and think all that
should be done is to repair the existing surface.
Joseph Krzyzaniak, 1920 West 76th Street, stated concerns
about not being originally notified and spoke in opposition to
Alternative #3. He stated that traffic is not a problem to him,
reducing the setback to the street would reduce property values,
and it was the consensus of the neighborhood to oppose widening
and support resurfacing only.
Community Services Director Fondrick noted the road surfaces,
side yard verses front yard setbacks, and other issues
differentiate 76th Street east and west of Penn Avenue. He
indicated it would be appropriate to explore these issues further
and gather more information before a final decision.
Elaine Brown, 1912 West 76th Street, spoke in opposition to
Alternative #3 and questioned the safety of a bike path on 76th
Street.
Study Session Minutes -2- August 1, 1994
Bob Otness, representing the Colony Apartments, stated his
concerns about maintaining the setback and access to the Colony.
He indicated the City had not considered the negative impact to
the Colony that would be caused by Alternative #3.
Tim Vincent, 7538 Logan Avenue, spoke in opposition to
Alternative #3 indicating repaving is all that is necessary.
City Council discussion followed regarding the future impact
on 76th Street of the 76th Street/Penn Avenue intersection
project, the 77th Street project, the different issues relating to
the street west of Penn Avenue and east of Penn Avenue and the
time needed to complete further analysis of these issues. It was
the consensus of the Council that more time was needed to gather
information, study the alternatives, and study splitting the east
and west sections into two separate issues.
Lynn Heber, 7545 Sheridan Avenue, spoke in support of
Alternative #3 and a quick decision for the west side of Penn
Avenue to address the environmental and traffic impacts to
residents on 76th Street west of Penn Avenue.
Discussion followed regarding truck weight restrictions on
76th Street between Xerxes and Penn Avenue. The Public Safety
Department will review the sign location and enforcement issues.
Community Services Director Fondrick stated staff will
communicate to residents that further review of the issues will be
occurring regarding 76th Street alternatives.
Item #iI DISCUSSION OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL KENNEL
LICENSING PROCESS CURRENTLY USED BY CITY. S.S. LETTER
NO. 25
Public Safety Director Erskine reviewed Study Session Letter
No. 25 regarding the residential and commercial kennel licensing
process used by the City.
Ron Glaub, 7209 12th Avenue, addressed the City Council on
several issues related to kennel licenses including the following:
o staff authority regarding the licensing process,
• definition of problem kennels,
• interpretation of City Ordinance Section 905,
• kennel license definition clarity regarding number of
animals,
• letters to kennel license applicants,
• letters to kennel license applicants neighbors,
s statements made by a Community Services Officer, and
• the kennel license application and notification procedures.
Study Session Minutes -3- August 1, 1994
After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council
that staff do the followings
1. Prepare a comprehensive Council Memorandum summarizing kennel
licensing procedures.
2. The City Attorney will review Section 905 of the ordinance
regarding kennel license for change or clarification
regarding the number of animals.
3. The letter to neighbors of kennel license applicants will be
revised to eliminate the implication that a kennel license
causes problems.
Ron Glaub, 7209 12th Avenue, reviewed the AKC Canine Good
Citizen Program. He suggested that the City consider a reduction
from 59.00 to 55.00 in the dog license fee for those dogs who have
achieved this status.
City Manager Prosser stated staff would review this issue.
Item #III DISCUSSION OF I-35W AND I-494 TRAFFIC CORRIDOR-STUDIES
AND RELATED ITEMS. S.S. LETTER NO. 24
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the status of
preparation of the I-494 and I-35W Environmental Impact Statements
(EIS).
City Manager Prosser indicated there appears to be a
consensus among communities for the I-494 improvements, however,
no such consensus is near on the I-35W improvements. Therefore,
it may be the best strategy for the City to concentrate on seeking
quicker resolution to I-494 (including the I-494/I-35W
interchange).
Mr. Prosser reviewed the status of the high speed bus
proposal and Richfield's strategy in the future on this issue.
Discussion followed regarding the indirect and direct benefits to
Richfield of a high speed bus concept.
Item #iV DISCUSSION OF POLICY AND STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
AIRPORT RELATED ISSUES. S.S. LETTER NO. 26
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 26
regarding recent developments related to the airport issues of the
New Ford Town and Rich Acres Acquisition, the proposed Extension
of Runway 4-22, and the Part 150 Sound Insulation Program.
Study Session Minutes -4- August 1, 1994
Council Member Priebe asked if information is available
tracking the comparison of assessed valuation to the buyout price
for New Ford Town houses.
City Manager Prosser stated that if that data is easily
obtainable from the acquisition/relocation costs, it will be
provided to the Council.
Council Member Sandahl questioned at what point the City
Council must decide whether or not to initiate litigation
regarding the 4-22 Environmental Impact Statement.
City Manager Prosser reviewed strategies being pursued
prior to litigation and potential litigation strategies. He
indicated litigation must be initiated by October 1.
Ron Glaub, 7209 12th Avenue, reviewed recent changes
regarding the advisory for the MAC noise complaint hotline related
to the use of the complaint data..
ADJ®iDRNt1E~+YT
Public Safety Director Erskine discussed the National Night
Out activities scheduled for August 2.
Community Services Director Fondrick stated bids had been
opened for Phase II of the 77th Street Project and Schafer
Contracting is the apparent low bidder.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:37 p.m.
r
Date Approved: 8~8~94 ~ G~v~ ,
// ~ a J. rsc ayor
Thomas P. Ferber ames Prosser
City Clerk 'ty anager