07-01-96 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Study Session
July 1, 1996
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Michael Sandahl; Russ
Susag; and Don Priebe.
Staff Present :James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich, Administrative
Services Director; Jack Erskine, Public Safety Director; Thomas
Ferber, City Clerk; Randy Hughes, Operations Coordinator; Jamie
Verbrugge, Media Assistant; Gretchen Blank, Leisure Services
Coordinator; Michael Eastling, City Engineer; William Fillmore,
Liquor Operations Director; Bruce Nordquist, Housing Supervisor;
Chris Regis, Finance Manager; and John Dean, City Attorney.
Community Services
Commission Members
Present:Elayne Gilhousen, Arnie Auchstetter, Maureen Scaglia, Tom Ticen,
and Todd Anondson.
Item # IMEETING WITH RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION.
S. S. LETTER NO. 26
Elayne Gilhousen, Chair of the Community Services Commission, stated that the
Commission would like to discuss the repair, replacement and rehabilitation of aging
parks and facilities, Veterans Memorial Park of Richfield, and the Master Park Plan. She
asked the City Council for direction regarding possible changes to the Master Park Plan.
Study Session Minutes-2-July 1, 1996
Council Member Sandahl stated that in the past, the Community Services
Commission has reviewed the Master Park Plan, conducted community meetings on the
plan, and then made recommendations to the City Council.
Community Services Commission Chair Gilhousen stated the Commission wanted
to get rid of the amphitheater idea for Veterans Memorial Park.
Arnie Auchstetter, Community Services Commission Member, asked how the
amphitheater could be removed from the Master Park Plan.
Council Member Sandahl indicated that the Community Services Commission is
responsible for developing a vision with input from residents as to what should be in the
Master Park Plan.
Community Services Commission Chair Gilhousen stated that the Commission
wanted input from the Council before a consultant tells them what to do.
City Manager Prosser stated that a consultant should only be providing information,
not directing them. He suggested that a consultant may not be necessary to update the
Master Park Plan.
Todd Anondson, Community Services Commission Member, stated that a
community vision is needed for the Master Park Plan.
City Manager Prosser noted that it appears the Community Services Commission at
least desires to change the Master Park Plan regarding Veterans Memorial Park. He
suggested several techniques to receive community input.
Community Services Commission Chair Gilhousen discussed surveys, e-mail,
cable tv, the Your City newsletter and distribution of a questionnaire as potential methods
to gather information.
City Manager Prosser stated that the City conducts a community survey every
three-four years. He discussed the potential for a community survey similar to what was
last conducted in 1993. He indicated that the Community Services Commission could use
the survey to gather information relating to the Master Park Plan.
Discussion followed regarding the use and design of a community survey.
City Manager Prosser stated he would also inquire if other commissions may also
be interested in utilizing a community survey.
Item # IIDISCUSSION OF EXTENSION OF 1-35W HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE
LANE FROM I-494 TO 46TH STREET. S.S. LETTER NO. 27
Study Session Minutes-3-July 1, 1996
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 27 regarding the
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) proposal to extend the High
Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-35W from I-494 to 46th Street.
Adam Josephson, I-35W Project Manager of the Minnesota Department of
Transportation, made a presentation and answered questions regarding this MnDOT
proposal and its impact on the I-35W/62 Crosstown commons section. He summarized
issues regarding the project as follows:
Why are projects being considered?
x
$1.2 billion I-35W Reconstruction Project is unfunded
x
Unmet needs in corridor
Condition
Safety
Transit
Congestion
Why 35W/62 Common Section?
x
Heavy traffic
x
Poor geometrics
x
Accidents
What is planned?
x
Preservation projects
x
I-35W/Highway 62 improvements
x
HOV lane (I-494 to 46th Street)
Tom Foley, Transportation Engineer, stated that a preliminary review by City staff
indicates the project will:
x
enhance safety in the 62 Crosstown section by separating traffic on 62
Crosstown from the traffic on I-35W;
x
keep regional trips on the regional highway network and off of local streets;
x
require some right of way acquisition;
x
promote public transit and carpooling; and
x
recognize that this proposal will not correct all I-35W deficiencies.
Mr. Foley stated City staff has some concerns about the proposal that include:
x
acquisition of land needed for storm water ponding;
x
right of way implications for Richfield and Minneapolis;
x
the trade off between eastbound 62 access to Lyndale Avenue versus
additional right of way;
x
economic impact resulting from the elimination of access to northbound I-35W
at Lyndale Avenue;
x
options for a transit hub in the Crosstown area since the Minnegasco site will
not be acquired for a transit hub;
Study Session Minutes-4-July 1, 1996
x
the need for improvements along 66th Street in the vicinity of I-35W;
x
traffic impacts on local streets in response to the proposed improvement;
x
the potential for bike/pedestrian trails crossing I-35W at the Soo Line, at 66th
Street and at Portland Avenue, and along I-35W on surplus land, especially
west of Portland Avenue;
x
the importance of sensitive design of noise and retaining walls; and
x
the potential for redevelopment opportunities.
Planning Consultant Tom Martinson introduced redevelopment concepts that could
be used to address the impacts of the proposed project and take advantage of the
opportunities that change may produce in the Richfield Lake area. Mr. Martinson
described four possible responses to the I-35W Project:
1.Do nothing
2.Baseline improvements
3.Comprehensive infill
4.Sweeping transformation
Mr. Martinson discussed and answered questions regarding conceptual drawings
depicting possible baseline improvements and comprehensive infill improvements which
could be envisioned for the area.
Al Bachman, representing Bachman’s on Lyndale Avenue in South Minneapolis,
spoke in support of providing the eastbound 62 Crosstown access to Lyndale Avenue.
Item #IIIDISCUSSION OF 1995 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT.
S.S. LETTER NO. 28
Steven D. Dahl and Sachin D. Shah, representing the firm of Deloitte & Touche
LLP, the City’s auditors, presented a report on the results of their audit of the City’s 1995
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Mr. Shah presented that following observations and recommendations on
administrative and operating matters:
Cash Management
Observation: During 1995, the City expended approximately $1,379,000 for preliminary
engineering, construction engineering, and other professional services related to the 77th
Street Project. The City had not requested reimbursement from the state and federal
governments for these expenditures in the amount of approximately $91,000 and
$366,000, respectively, as of December 31, 1995.
During 1994 and 1995, the City expended approximately $1,059,481 and $8,263,022
under the ILN Development Project that is to be reimbursed by the contractor completing
the project. We noted that the contractor is not being billed on a timely basis, thus
Study Session Minutes-5-July 1, 1996
delaying the receipt of reimbursement on expenditures incurred. Furthermore, the City
does not monitor outstanding reimbursements due from the contractor.
Recommendation: The City should streamline the monitoring process over expenditure
reimbursements to ensure all reimbursement requests are made on a more frequent and
timely basis.
77th Street Project
Observation: During our review of the 77th Street receivable balance at December 31,
1995, we noted that $471,306 of right-of-way expenditures are included in the balance
that have not been approved based on the original agreement with the federal
government. These expenditures appear to be valid, reimbursable costs included within
the approved budget for the 77th Street Project; however, reimbursement cannot be
received until a supplemental right-of-way agreement is submitted to the federal
government.
Recommendation: We recommend that the appropriate City personnel complete the
supplemental right-of-way agreement for additional funding and promptly submit it to the
federal government to allow reimbursement on these expenditures.
Status: On June 3, 1996, the City submitted a revised right-of-way agreement to the state
which requests reimbursement on the $471,306 receivable.
HRA Accounting
Observation: We observed a lack of communication between the HRA and the Finance
Department in determining who is completing financial schedules for HRA projects.
Recommendation: We recommend the City develop a responsibilities chart that
communicates the duties for each department in developing financial data on HRA
projects.
Internal Control
Observation: We noted that the City does not maintain accounting procedural manuals
that outline the responsibilities of each individual within finance.
Recommendation:
We recommend that the City develop accounting procedural manuals that outline the
responsibilities of each individual within finance to facilitate job rotation and to utilize in
the event of employee separation.
Mr. Dahl reviewed the status of the 1994 recommendations regarding a strategic
plan, cash management, and investments indicating they have been accomplished with
cash management process continuing to be streamlined. He then presented the Federal
Financial Assistance Schedule Report for 1995.
Mr. Dahl reviewed and discussed graphs and charts regarding the following:
Study Session Minutes-6-July 1, 1996
x
Unreserved general fund balance
x
Unreserved general fund balance compared to annual expenditures
x
General fund revenues
x
General fund expenditures
x
Productivity measures
x
General fund revenues/expenditures per capita
x
Enterprise funds income before operating transfers
x
Debt service schedule
x
National General Obligation Bond ratings
x
Fire Relief Association Retirement obligation
x
Management practices to avoid
x
Federal government revenue sources
x
Where your federal tax dollars go
x
Where your state tax dollars go
x
Credit rating indicators
x
The next five years
Lawrence Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, asked questions and requested
information regarding comparison of the property tax levy to other cities and the impact of
the reduction of intergovernmental revenues.
Mr. Dahl stated he did not have the property tax levy information. He reviewed
strategies to respond to reductions in federal and state aids including reductions in
services, raising property taxes, fees for services, and other cutbacks. He stated the City
must address these decisions and developing a five year business plan can help frame
these decisions.
Item #IVDISCUSSION OF TRAFFIC CALMING ON 70TH STREET BETWEEN PENN
AVENUE AND XERXES AVENUE. S. S. LETTER NO. 29
City Engineer Eastling reviewed Study Session Letter No. 29 regarding traffic
issues on residential streets. He discussed the following policy implications of traffic
calming measures.
x
“My car, my street, I can go where I want!”
x
Neighborhood decision-making
Council/staff
Mobility vs. access
x
Maintenance and Public Safety - need for flexibility
Snow plowing and sanding streets
Response time vs. neighborhood control
x
Selective use vs. widespread application
600 traffic circles in Seattle
One city vs. collection of neighborhoods
Study Session Minutes-7-July 1, 1996
Traffic Engineer Foley stated that residents of 70th Street have experienced the
highest volumes of through traffic on a local street in Richfield. He stated that in response
to a stop sign request at 70th Street and Thomas Avenue by residents, City staff have
agreed to investigate traffic calming measures to address residents’ concerns.
Mr. Foley stated that if Council endorses the use of traffic calming, City staff will
begin the study on 70th Street in late July or August of this year, with corrective measures
taken in September or October. He stated the study will emphasize neighborhood
involvement to ensure its success. He discussed the following issues regarding this
proposed action:
1.City Engineering staff is convinced that a typical response of additional stop signs
will not correct the traffic problems on 70th Street.
2.Traffic calming has the potential to correct the traffic problems and enhance the
residential character of 70th Street.
3.Effective traffic calming may require physical improvements that are expensive and
may not be accepted by all affected citizens.
4.Traffic calming, if done improperly, may shift traffic to another residential street
creating a new problem.
He reviewed several traffic calming designs.
Robert and Marilyn Hanson, 6944 Sheridan Avenue, described the negative
impacts they experience from the 70th Street traffic.
Discussion followed regarding the use of traffic calming on 70th Street and its
possible impact on adjacent streets, costs, funding, and signage.
It was the consensus of the City Council that the staff proceed with the traffic
calming study regarding 70th Street between Penn and Xerxes Avenue.
Discussion followed regarding the importance of developing criteria, costs,
standards, and funding alternatives regarding all traffic calming requests.
Item #VDISCUSSION OF ANTENNA LEASE FOR LOGAN WATER TOWER.
S. S. LETTER NO. 30
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 30 regarding the issue of
the moratorium and study of the development of communications towers in the City. He
stated that City staff had been negotiating for several months a lease arrangement for an
antenna to be placed on the Logan water tower. He stated that staff is asking the City
Study Session Minutes-8-July 1, 1996
Council to consider exempting the placement of antenna on the Logan water tower from
the moratorium discussed at the June 24, 1996 Council meeting.
City Engineer Eastling reviewed pictures of examples of antenna located on water
towers in other cities. He presented a drawing depicting the antenna proposed for the
Logan water tower.
City Manager Prosser discussed and answered questions regarding zoning,
marketing, and revenue issues related to telecommunication towers.
It was the consensus of the Council that consideration of this issue be scheduled
for the July 8, 1996 City Council meeting.
Item #VISTATUS OF CITY MAINTENANCE FACILITY. S. S. LETTER NO. 31
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 31 regarding the status of
the City’s maintenance facility.
City Engineer Eastling and Operations Coordinator Hughes discussed the following
issues:
x
Several developers have expressed interest in the City maintenance facility and
old Lampert Lumber property located on the I-494 frontage road.
x
City staff has been looking at alternative locations for a maintenance facility.
The best alternative for a relocated facility is in the vacated New Ford Town or
Rich Acres neighborhoods.
x
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is interested in
constructing a maintenance facility in the Richfield area to replace facilities they
are losing to redevelopment and road projects. They are interested in building a
joint facility with Richfield. A study has been initiated by MnDOT and the City of
Richfield related to a combined maintenance facility.
x
MnDOT has worked out a preliminary agreement with the Metropolitan Airports
Commission (MAC) to construct a facility in the vacated New Ford Town
neighborhood.
x
A City maintenance facility has been part of the long range Capital Improvement
Program for many years. The proposed 1997 Capital Improvement Budget
identifies $4.773 million for construction, without land costs, of a City
maintenance facility.
City Manager Prosser stated that the comparative costs of a shared facility with
MnDOT and an independent facility must be determined for the alternatives.
Study Session Minutes-9-July 1, 1996
City Engineer Eastling stated that staff will continue studying the alternatives to
determine comparative costs and to identify funding sources.
Item #VIIDISCUSSION OF POLICY AND STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
AIRPORT RELATED ISSUES. S.S. LETTER NO. 32.
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 32 regarding the
following airport issues:
x
Runway 4-22 community survey results
x
Noise redistribution implications and impacts
x
MSP Mitigation Committee/MSP expansion
x
Metropolitan Aircraft Sound Abatement Council (MASAC)
x
New Ford Town and Rich Acres acquisition
x
Airport impact zone brochure
x
Airport issue guest editorial
x
North/South Runway Environmental Impact Statement
x
Resident contact report
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:11 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. KirschMayor
Thomas P. FerberJames D. Prosser
City ClerkCity Manager