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03-13-95 Regular CITYOFRICHFIELD, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING March The Council commenced the regular meeting of March 13, 1995 concurrently with the HRA. Mayor Kirsch and Chair Harms called the Concurrent City Council/Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL MEMBERS Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; and Russ Susag. Michael Sandahl and Don Priebe. HRA MEMBERS Tom Harms, Joan Helmberger, Russ Susag, and Vern Luettinger. HRA MEMBERS NOT PRESENT:Michael Sandahl. James Prosser, City Manager; Thomas Ferber, City Clerk; STAFF PRESENT: Donald Fondrick, Community Services Director; Byron Wallace, Community Development Director; Jack Erskine, Public Safety Director; William Fillmore, Liquor Operations Director; Bridget Walstrom, Finance Manager; Michael Eastling, City Engineer; Bruce Palmborg, Housing Redevelopment Coordinator; and Corrine Heine, Assistant City Attorney. ItemHRA CONCURRENT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL TO REVIEW REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF TAX EXEMPT REVENUE BONDS TO PURCHASE AND RENOVATE CENTURY COURT APARTMENTS. HRA LETTER NO. 18 City Manager/Executive Director Prosser reviewed HRA Letter No. 18 regarding the concurrent meeting with the City Council to review a request by Dominium Management Services, Inc. for the issuance of tax exempt revenue bonds to purchase and renovate the Century Court apartments. He stated that since preliminary approval on December 29, 1994 discussions have been held between staff and Dominium regarding the financial and rehabilitation packages. He indicated the following unresolved issues: The extent of the rehabilitation plan as compared to the savings from the ¦ issuance of tax exempt mortgage revenue bonds. The use of or amount of tax credits that may be issued. ¦ Type of assurance that bonds will be unparked. March 1995 between issuer’s fee and Amount and interrelationship compensation to the City ¦ and School District for loss of tax revenues from change in tax classification. Documentation of basic agreements. Agreements on management conditions. ¦ Amount of contribution to maintenance reserve. ¦ Chair Harms reviewed the status of the negotiations and the efforts of staff to measure possible benefits for the City, the level of reinvestment, and the impact of the issuance of the bonds. He stated further negotiation and information would be necessary before a final decision can be made. HRA Commissioner Luettinger stated concerns that this would set a precedent for other apartment owners to seek similar assistance and about benefiting the current owners, Harvey Ratner and Wolfenson. CityManager/Executive Director Prosser indicated the bond mechanism is an available tool for similar proposals depending on the project. HRA Chair Harms indicated the bonds could be considered a leverage vehicle rehabilitation of the apartments. Member Susag stated he felt the proposed improvements by Dominium were more of a maintenance nature rather than adding value. He stated he found it difficult to see reasons to support issuance of the bonds. ItemPUBLIC HEARING CONSIDERATION OF HOUSING PROGRAM AND ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS TO FINANCE PURCHASE AND RENOVATION OF CENTURY COURT APARTMENTS. C. L. NO. 68 Mayor opened the public hearing regarding the issuance of revenue bonds to finance the purchase and renovation of the Century Court apartments. Jack Safar, Dominium principal, reviewed the history of Dominium and involvement with the ownership and operation of apartments. He indicated that the Century Court apartments had been well kept up but now required replacement of some major mechanical systems, roofs, and appliances. He stated that it was the intention of Dominium to position Century Court to continue to fill the housing needs as it currently does with no major changes of the tenancy. In response to questions from the City Council and HRA, Mr. Safar indicated that Century Court was listed for sale and that Dominium looked at the revenue bonds as an economic tool to finance the purchase and renovation. He indicated that Dominium intended to manage and operate the buildings Mr. and that Mr. Ratner and Mr. Wolfenson would be minority limited partners. answered questions and discussed the possible eligibility for low-moderate income tax creditprogram. March 1995 Barbara Portwood, bond counsel from Holmes Graven, reviewed and answered questions regarding the tax credit program and the proposed bond sale. She stated for the pool expires. action must be taken by April 7 when the bonding authority S/Rosenberg to close the public hearing. S/Rosenberg to continue consideration of the issuance of revenue bo ds to finance the purchase and renovation of the Century Court Apartments to the March The HRA adjourned their concurrent meeting with the City Council by unanimous consent at p.m. Mayor Kirsch resumed the regular City Council meeting at p.m. PRESENTATIONOF COLORS AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kirsch led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES S/Rosenberg to approve the minutes of the regular City Council of 1995: the minutes of the City Council Study Meeting of March minutes of the Special City Council OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON ANY Item ITEM NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA. Doris Rubenstein, 6515 Emerson Avenue, read and discussed a resolution passed by the Minneapolis City Council regarding concerns about the I-35W Final Environmental Impact Statement (F.E.I.S.). She also indicated concern about how informed the citizens have been on this issue. Ms. Rubenstein suggested the City should study the issue furtherand consider adopting a resolution similar to Minneapolis. City Manager Prosser indicated that the City had submitted written comments on the based on direction from the City’s Traffic Committee recommendations and City Council direction. He discussed the City’s concerns that mass transit alternatives such as a High Speed Bus system be tested. Mr. indicated that LRT alone, without other improvements, would cause a dramatic increase in traffic on local streets. Council Member Susag reviewed Richfield’s opposition to LRT on the Soo Line and support for the I-35W interim HOV Third Lane. ItemPRESENTATION OF TWO AWARDS, GRAND AWARD PRESENTED BY CONSULTING ENGINEERS COUNCIL OF MINNESOTA AND SEVEN WONDERS OF ENGINEERING AWARD PRESENTED BY MINNESOTA SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, AND ACCEPTANCE OF DEDICATION PLAQUE FOR RENOVATION OF WATER PLANT. C.L. NO. 69 Mayor Kirsch acknowledged receipt of the following awards in recognition of the design and construction management of the Richfield Water Plant Renovation Project: Grand Award presented by the Consulting Engineers Council of Minnesota. ¦ Seven Wonders of Engineering Award presented by the Minnesota Society of ¦ Professional Engineers. MayorKirsch acknowledged staff from Orr-Schelen-Mayeron and Associates, Inc.; Bor-Son Construction, Inc.; Page Electric, Inc.; Laboratories; and the City for their efforts on the Water Plant Renovation Project. Jon Peterson, Project Engineer for Orr-Schelen-Mayeron and Associates Inc., narrated a slide presentation outlining the basis of the awards. Mr. Peterson presented a dedication plaque to the City for display at the water plant. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE Item INFINANCIAL REPORTING TO FINANCE MANAGER BRIDGET WALSTROM ON BEHALF OF GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION. C.L. NO. 70 March 1995 Council Member Susag read and presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded to the City by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) to Finance Manager Bridget Walstrom. ItemCOUNCIL APPROVAL S/Rosenberg to approve the agenda. Item CONSENT CALENDAR APPROVED RESOLUTION CONFIRMING CITY MANAGER’S APPOINTMENT OF LAWRENCE EMOND AND GLENN ERICKSON AS RESIDENT MEMBERS OF BOARD OF EQUALIZATION C.L. 71 RESOLUTION NO. 8234 RESOLUTION CONFIRMING CITY MANAGER’S APPOINTMENT OF RESIDENT MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8234 in Resolution Book No. 65 APPROVED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONDEMNATION AND QUICK TAKE OF 77TH PARTIAL TAKES C.L. 72 RESOLUTION NO. 8235 RESOLUTION CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS AND ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8235 in Resolution Book No. 65 APPROVED RESOLUTION APPOINTING PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR AND CITY MANAGER AS DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE TO HENNEPIN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION C.L. 73 RESOLUTIONNO. 8236 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE TO HENNEPIN COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8236 in Resolution Book No. 65 D. APPROVED RESOLUTION REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF PARAGON CABLE C.L. 74 NO. RESOLUTION REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF PARAGON CABLE This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8237 in Resolution Book No. 65 APPROVED BID MINUTES/TABULATION AND AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR 1995REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY TREE COMPANY IN TOTAL ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $80,188 75 APPROVED BID MINUTES/TABULATION AND AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR 1995 SEALCOATING PROJECT TO ALLIED BLACKTOP COMPANY IN TOTAL AMOUNT OF C.L. 76 APPROVED BID MINUTES/TABULATION AND AWARD OF CONTRACTFOR ROUTING AND SEALING OF IN ASPHALT PAVEMENT TO BERGMAN COMPANIES, INC. IN AMOUNT OF C.L. 77 APPROVED BID MINUTES/TABULATION AND AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR ONE NEW FLUSHER UNIT FROM SWEENEY BROTHERS TRACTOR, INC. IN AMOUNT OF $27,130 C.L. 78 APPROVED 1995 LICENSE RENEWAL: BLUE TAXI, ONE VEHICLE S/Rosenberg approve the consent calendar. PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF TRANSITORY ORDINANCE Item PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FROM SPECIAL REVENUE FUND. C.L. NO. 79 City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 79 regarding a proposed transitory ordinance to provide funding from the Special Revenue fund for the following capital improvement: Playfeature Improvements Fremont Park $20,000 March 1995 S/Rosenberg to close the public hearinq. S/Rosenberg that this constitute Second Readina of Bill No. Ordinance No, 17.59. that be the off newspaper and that it be made part of these Item CONSIDERATION OF FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 320,400 AND 405 OF CODE OF ORDINANCES, MODIFYING NOTICE AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN CODE VIOLATIONS. C.L. NO. 80 City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 80 regarding a proposed ordinance modifying the notice and appeal procedures for certain code violations. S/Rosenberg that this constitute First Readina of this ordinance Section 320. 400 and 405: and that the Public Hearing and Second Reading of ordinance be scheduled for the April 24. 1995 City Council Meeting. AIRPORT STATUS REPORT City Manager Prosser reviewed the following airport related issues: Extension of Runway 4-22 ¦ The F.A.A. Record of Decision (R.O.D.) on the Final Environmental Impact Statement has not been filed yet. Airport Legal Counsel Steve Pflaum has recommended Chuck Dayton of the law firm of Leonard Street and Deinard to be local counsel on this issue. NewFord Town/Rich Acres Acquisition ¦ Additional funding has been allocated for the acquisition. The total allocated far SO represents approximately 75% of the total necessary for the buyout. Noise Insulation Program ¦ The City has received several calls regarding scheduling of home insulation. Item 77TH STREET PROJECT STATUS REPORT Community Services Director reviewed the status of the 77th Street Construction Project. He indicated the City is continuing to seek approval of federal funding for the last phase of the project. He stated MnDOT had approved $275,000 for the Richfield Lake outlet pipe to Wood Lake. Mr. also reported that MnDOT will resurface the l-494 frontage road from Penn Avenue to Xerxes Avenue. Council Member Susag suggested that BRW submit the 77th Street Reconstruction Project for consideration in the Seven Wonders of Engineering Award competition. Item LEGISLATIVE REPORT City Manager Prosser reviewed the status of the High Speed Bus legislation and the Urban Strategies bill. ItemCOUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS Council Member Rosenberg invited the public to the dedication of the new Richfield Junior High School Auditorium at 2:00 p.m. on April 2, 1995. Council Member Susag invited the public to the Human Rights Commission meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on April 4, 1995 at which Sue Neis, Director of Cornerstone, will be guest speaker. He also invited the public to the Diversity Night event scheduled for March 16, 1995 from p.m. at Richfield High School. Council Member Susag reported on the March 9 Library Legislative Day at the State Capital indicating that the Augsburg Park Library had the largest delegation in attendance. He invited the public to submit letters by March 31 to the Augsburg Park Library about the value of the library to them. Microsoft will provide free encyclopedia software to the library if 25 letters are received. Manager Prosser reviewed an issue related to on buildings adjacent to City 77th Street. Alter discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that the staff prepare the alternatives for an ordinance amendment to address the issue. ItemCLAIMS AND PAYROLLS M/Rosenberg, that the followina claims and be RICHFIELD RANK TRUST CO. NORWFST BANK 1 o,ooo.oo Check: 1227 BANK Checks: 8475-8499 Payroll: 84669-84966 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at p.m. Date Approved: Mayor Martin J. James D. Prosser Thomas P. Ferber City Manager City Clerk