10-07-96 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Study Session
October 7, 1996
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Michael Sandahl; Russ
Susag; and Don Priebe.
Staff Present :James Prosser, City Manager; Thomas Ferber, City Clerk; Randy
Hughes, Operations Coordinator; Michael Eastling, City Engineer;
Bruce Palmborg, Community Development Director; Jack Erskine,
Public Safety Director; Tom Foley, Transportation Engineer.
Item # IDISCUSSION ON 76TH STREET EAST OF I-35W DOWNSIZING STUDY.
S. S. LETTER NO. 39
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 39 regarding the status of
the 76th Street East of I-35W Downsizing Study.
Traffic Engineer Foley reviewed and answered questions regarding traffic statistics
for 76th Street for 1992-1996.
City Engineer Eastling reviewed the public comments from the first open house on
the study.
David Gepner, 7503 18th Avenue, a member of the 76th Street East Task Force,
stated that he saw 76th Street East as an opportunity to provide an amenity to the
residents by narrowing the road and enhancing it for the neighborhood. He indicated that
many people who expressed opposition were concerned that a change would mean an
increase in taxes.
Study Session Minutes-2-October 7, 1996
John Barnes, 7544 Bryant Avenue, a member of the 76th Street East Task Force,
stated that the open house had not gone as well as planned because:
x
the absence of a background report on the study prior to the open house;
x
some residents expected, but did not receive, a presentation at the open house;
x
too many alternatives confused residents; and,
x
the absence of a clearly defined problem as opposed to a vision or opportunity.
He suggested addressing these problems before the next open house would help
the process. He also suggested that the entire community could be involved with the
study.
Ron Glaub, 7209 12th Avenue, a member of the 76th Street East Task Force,
discussed his observations from the open house indicating that not everyone understood
all the issues, especially the funding for any changes to 76th Street.
City Manager Prosser stated that resistance to any change is an understandable
valid perspective of some residents.
Council Member Priebe indicated that all of the calls he had received were in
opposition to any change beyond taking down the no parking signs. He stated that they
liked the idea of the street reverting back to a residential street. He stated these residents
would have to be convinced regarding the ideas for the change if it were to occur.
City Manager Prosser stated that the Task Force plans to adjust the format of the
second open house to meet the public’s expectations. He stated the next open house is
planned for mid-November.
Item # IIDISCUSSION OF IMPROVEMENTS FOR 76TH STREET, SHERIDAN
AVENUE TO XERXES AVENUE. S.S. LETTER NO. 40
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 40 regarding the status of
improvement plans for 76th Street, Sheridan Avenue to Xerxes Avenue.
City Engineer Eastling reviewed the discussions with residents regarding
improvement designs and issues. He discussed and answered questions regarding the
following alternatives:
x
Replace both sets of stop signs with a traffic signal at Upton Avenue ($135,000)
x
Alignment Options:
Option 1- Reconstruction and widening the roadway by two feet on both sides of
the road ($507,000). Service life 20 years.
Option 2 - Resurface roadway at current width ($180,000). Service life five to
seven years.
Study Session Minutes-3-October 7, 1996
Mr. Eastling stated another open house for residents would be held for
neighborhood review and comment on the proposed alignment and traffic control issues.
Item #IIIDISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES FOR
NEIGHBORHOOD SOUTH OF 76TH STREET BETWEEN I-35W AND PENN
AVENUE. S.S. LETTER NO. 41
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 41 regarding proposed
traffic calming measures for the neighborhood south of 76th Street between I-35W and
Penn Avenue. He stated it is important to remember that traffic calming measures need to
remain in place for at least several months at a time to allow motorists to adjust to the new
traffic patterns and to evaluate their impact.
City Engineer Eastling stated that the SEH consulting firm has begun collecting
traffic data in the area east of Penn Avenue and south of 76th Street. He stated a
meeting with the residents has been scheduled for October 15 where several traffic
calming approaches will be submitted to the neighborhood for their review.
Mr. Eastling indicated that an initial traffic calming solution can be installed on a
temporary basis in a matter of weeks after the October 15, 1996 public meeting. He
stated ongoing evaluation of traffic calming will occur over several years and refinements
can be made based on neighborhood reaction to the steps taken.
Mark Jepson, SEH, reviewed and answered questions regarding traffic calming
measures such as traffic diverters which may address some of the neighborhood traffic
concerns.
Discussion followed regarding proceeding with the process of using traffic calming
measures as a plan in addressing the traffic concerns of residents in the neighborhood.
Item #IVDISCUSSION OF ORDINANCE REQUIRING LICENSED APARTMENT
HOUSES AND RENTAL HOMES TO TAKE ACTION ON PERSONS WHO
CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN DISORDERLY MANNER. S. S. LETTER NO.
42
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 42 regarding the
possibility of proposing an ordinance that would provide for licensed apartment houses
and rental homes sanctions on owners who take no action regarding constantly disorderly
residents.
Study Session Minutes-4-October 7, 1996
Public Safety Director Erskine reviewed and answered questions regarding the
proposed ordinance, police calls, and the responsibility of owners to take action and work
with Public Safety regarding problem tenants. He stated the proposed ordinance provides
three opportunities to correct violations:
x
If a tenant or a tenant’s guest begins to show a pattern of acts that constitutes a
violation of one or more of these laws, the City Manager will give notice to the
owner of the building directing them to take steps to prevent further violations.
x
If violations persist within four months, the owner will have to file a written plan
which outlines the remedies they intend to take.
x
If violations continue after this, within the next four months, the rental license of the
owner can be fined, not renewed, denied, suspended or revoked after a hearing
before the City Council.
David Smith, RAMA Board Member representing Century Court, 7437 Lyndale
Avenue, asked questions regarding how the ordinance would be enforced and
circumstances related to enforcement. He discussed concerns regarding identification of
the problem unit in the police reports he receives.
Ruby Steele, RAMA Board Member, representing New Orleans Court, discussed
the advantages she could see with having such an ordinance.
Prudence Meyer, RAMA Board Member, representing 7536 Oliver Avenue
discussed issues related to unlawful detainers and enforcement.
Discussion followed regarding presentation of the proposed ordinance to RAMA
members before consideration by the City Council.
Item #VPOLICY AND STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AIRPORT RELATED
ISSUES. S. S. LETTER NO. 43
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 43 regarding recent
developments regarding airport issues.
Mayor Kirsch and City Manager Prosser summarized the recommendations that
were approved by the MSP Mitigation Committee on October 7:
x
Noise insulation for schools, homes, and other residences in the 60 decibel noise
level based on flight paths in 2005.
x
Nighttime hours should begin at 10:30 p.m. instead of 11 p.m. and only newer,
less-noisy Stage III planes should be permitted to fly out of the airport between
10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
x
Penalties for using older, noisier Stage II planes during nighttime hours should be
written into airline leases.
x
The newly lengthened Runway 4-22 should be brought into routine use to
redistribute noise.
Study Session Minutes-5-October 7, 1996
x
The new north-south runway should be built as quickly as possible with probable
start of construction in 1998 and completion by 2003.
x
More noise monitors should be placed in neighborhoods.
x
Community stabilization programs, including tax breaks for home improvements in
noise zones, should be adopted.
Mr. Prosser stated that Richfield voted in opposition to the 4-22 and north-south
runway recommendations. He discussed the need for more information on the impact of
the north-south and 4-22 redistribution of noise mitigation. He reviewed the issues
regarding the north-south EIS, potential litigation, the status of mediation with the MAC on
the 4-22 runway, and strategy.
Public Safety Director Erskine reviewed building safety issues related to a recent
newspaper report on noise insulation. He indicated the City would inspect any home at
the request of a resident.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:23 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. KirschMayor
Thomas P. FerberJames D. Prosser
City ClerkCity Manager