04-07-97 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Study Session
April 7, 1997
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Michael Sandahl; Susan Rosenberg; Russ
Susag; and Kristal Stokes.
Staff Present :James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich, Administrative
Services Director; Thomas Ferber, City Clerk; Bruce Palmborg,
Community Development Director; William Fillmore, Liquor
Operations Director; Gretchen Blank, Acting Recreation Services
Director; Michael Eastling, Acting Public Works Director; Betsy
Christensen, Health Administrator; Steve Sutter, Fire
Marshall/Assistant Chief; Tom Foley, Transportation Engineer; and
Larry Miller, Principal Appraiser.
Item #1 ANNUAL MEETING WITH RICHFIELD ADVISORY BOARD OF HEALTH
AND PRESENTATION OF 1996 ANNUAL REPORT. S.S. LETTER NO. 11
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 11 regarding the annual
meeting of the City Council with the Richfield Advisory Board of Health.
The following Advisory Board of Health members were present:
Mary Jane Markkula, ChairBill Swanson
Cindy DubanskyDavid Delzer
Janet PiersonLaVonne Seemann
Judy ThulElisabeth Kingdon
Scott Durand
Study Session Meeting Minutes-2-April 7, 1997
Mary Jane Markkula, Chair of the Richfield Advisory Board of Health, reviewed and
presented the 1996 Annual Report of the Advisory Board of Health.
Betsy Christensen, Environmental Health Administrator, reviewed the status of the
Richfield Coalition Against Family Violence and the proposed ordinance amendment
related to tattoo businesses.
Item #2REVIEW OF BOARD OF EQUALIZATION PROCEDURES
S.S. LETTER NO. 12
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 12 regarding the
procedures for the 1997 Board of Equalization.
Larry Emond, a resident member of the Board of Equalization was also present for
this item.
Larry Miller, Hennepin County Principal Property Appraiser, presented information
and answered questions regarding the following:
x
Revaluation areas by assessment year
x
Richfield residential value growth 1978-1997
x
Assessed value to sales price ratio
x
1996 MLS sales report
x
Subject property data sheet
x
Sales comparison/adjustment grid
x
Summary of legal duties and responsibilities for local boards
Mr. Miller indicated that staff had responded to 530 phone calls and performed 70
property reviews related to the 1997 assessment.
The City Council requested that if possible before the meeting staff provide a copy
of the data on the subject property and comparables to property owners who appeal their
value prior to the meeting when possible.
The Council also suggested that copies of the article on the Board of Equalization
process in the Your City newsletter be available at the meeting.
Item #3DISCUSSION OF DRAFT FINAL REPORT ON 76TH STREET DOWNSIZING
STUDY. S.S. LETTER NO. 13
Study Session Minutes-3-April 7, 1997
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 13 regarding
presentation of the draft final report on the 76th Street Downsizing Study.
The following 76th Street Task Force members were present:
David Gepner
Dick Walker
Ron Glaub
John Barnes
Transportation Traffic Engineer Foley provided an overview of the public
involvement process, public comments, and the recommended preferred design contained
in the draft final report.
The Task Force members discussed their observations and perceptions derived
from the public involvement process at the two open houses. Major issues appeared to
be cost, parking, the need for any changes, snow storage, funding source (Municipal
State Aid funds) and whether the bus route should stay on 76th Street or be on 77th
Street (MCTO decision).
Task Force Member Ron Glaub indicated he had not received the notice for the last
Task Force meeting. He reviewed the City of South St. Paul’s experience with parking
bays which showed that they did not cause problems with snowplowing. He suggested
that if the project is done in segments, it should start on the east side to avoid conflict with
the possible redevelopment of the 76th Street and Lyndale Avenue area. He stated
concern about the costs and funding for the project noting that in a June 5, 1996 memo it
was stated the project would not exceed $1 million and now it was estimated at $2.3
million. He suggested that maybe there is a way to create the same affect with less cost.
Mary Barnes, 7544 Bryant Avenue, spoke in opposition to the project stating that
spending that much money was not justified and that the project would not benefit the
whole community.
Discussion followed regarding the need to improve the I-35W pedestrian crossing
at 76th Street.
Transportation Traffic Engineer Foley recommended that the City Council refer the
76th Street study to the Planning Commission for recommendation and request the
Planning Commission develop a strategy to make Richfield a bicycle and pedestrian
friendly community.
Council Member Sandahl requested that the City keep pressure on MnDOT for
pedestrian safety improvements at 76th Street. He stated that he felt that the
recommended 76th Street should be built in stages to provide for adjustments from what is
learned in the first phases.
Study Session Minutes-4-April 7, 1997
Task Force Member John Barnes stated it was recommended the project start on
the west side to coordinate with the 76th Street and Lyndale Avenue redevelopment.
City Manager Prosser stated the City would again approach MnDOT regarding
improving pedestrian access on 76th Street across I-35W with possible partial funding by
the City.
Council Member Stokes stated she supported referring this report to the Planning
Commission and suggested that Community Services Commission also be asked for
input.
Council Member Rosenberg spoke in opposition to the recommended project
stating she did not see it as a good use of the money at this time.
Council Member Sandahl, Council Member Susag, and Mayor Kirsch stated their
support for referring the issue to the Planning Commission and Community Services
Commission for review and recommendation before the City Council decides whether or
not to go ahead with the project.
Mary Barnes, 7544 Bryant Avenue, asked the cost of the study.
Mr. Foley stated the cost was $45,000.
Item #4DISCUSSION OF PARKING PROBLEMS ON 7600 BLOCK OF KNOX
AVENUE AND SURROUNDING STREETS. S.S. LETTER NO. 14
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 14 regarding on-street
parking issues related to this area and options to address these issues.
Discussion followed regarding on-street parking adjacent to the Fountainhead
Apartments, Minnesota Taxi, and the automobile dealerships. Future parking restrictions
in these areas may be required for traffic and safety reasons. It was the consensus of the
City Council that City staff continue to monitor the area; that the Traffic Control Committee
continue to make decisions and recommendations regarding on-street parking and that
the Council be kept informed regarding these actions.
Item #5DISCUSSION OF COLFAX AVENUE ENTRANCE TO SHOPS AT LYNDALE
S. S. LETTER NO. 15
Study Session Minutes-5-April 7, 1997
Transportation Traffic Engineer Foley reviewed Study Session Letter No. 15
regarding the following remaining work which may improve traffic flow at the Colfax
Avenue entrance to the Shops at Lyndale:
x
The signal at the Meridian Crossings entrance on 77th Street may create
additional gaps in eastbound traffic.
x
The signal at the Meridian Crossings entrance on 77th Street may encourage
additional drivers to use the northwest exit from the Shops at Lyndale parking
lot to travel west on 77th Street.
x
The wiring for the detector loops on eastbound 77th Street at Lyndale Avenue
still needs to be installed as part of the right lane project this spring.
He also presented and discussed the following options to improve access to
westbound 77th Street from the Shops at Lyndale:
x
Signage in the parking lot directing westbound traffic to the exit to Market Drive
(the frontage road to the signal at 76th Street entrance ramp to I-35W or to the
Emerson Avenue exit (the future Meridian Crossings exit).
x
Installation of a No Turn on Red sign for southbound Lyndale Avenue traffic to
go westbound on 77th Street to create additional gaps.
x
Refinement of the signal timing at 77th Street and Lyndale Avenue once all
wiring is installed for the loop detectors using the Integrated Corridor Traffic
Management technology.
x
Observation of turning movements and overall traffic patterns to determine other
methods to create adequate gaps in traffic.
x
Redesign of the Colfax entrance to prohibit the left turn egress movement.
x
Redesign of the Shops at Lyndale parking lot to encourage westbound traffic to
use other exits.
City Manager Prosser stated that City staff will continue to monitor the traffic
situation and work with CSM to find solution for the traffic issues.
Item #6DISCUSSION OF ITEMS TO BE COMPLETED FOR PHASE II OF SHOPS
AT LYNDALE. S. S. LETTER NO. 16
City Manager reviewed Study Session Letter No. 16 identifying the following work
to be completed by June 30, 1997:
x
Install five bike racks (the bike racks have arrived and will be installed once
snow removal is no longer an issue).
x
Screen gas meters on the north wall.
x
Complete all landscaping (CSM was unable to complete landscaping last year
because of installation of the right turn lane).
Study Session Minutes-6-April 7, 1997
x
Locate, uncover and bring to grade two manholes located adjacent to Emerson
Avenue.
x
Extend the irrigation system approximately 100 feet and replace the sod in the
center median of 77th Street.
x
Place three pedestrian ramps at the area of 77th Street and Colfax.
x
Repair damage to 77th Street caused by removal of the south curb.
x
Construct a masonry trash enclosure for the in-line shops.
x
CSM also agreed to construct a pedestrian walkway linking the two phases
unless, following a safety study, it is determined that a crosswalk is not
warranted because of adverse safety considerations.
x
CSM is required to replat the land for both phases of the development. A
preliminary plat is in the process of being developed and will be submitted to
City staff for review this spring.
Discussion followed regarding the location and screening of trash containers,
shopping cart enclosures, and the sidewalk on Lyndale Avenue to the south.
Item #7DISCUSSION OF FINAL ACTION TO COMPLETE CONSOLIDATION OF
RICHFIELD FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION WITH PERA POLICE AND FIRE.
S. S. LETTER NO. 17
Administrative Services Director Devich reviewed Study Session Letter No. 17
regarding the consolidation of the Richfield Fire Relief Association with the PERA Police
and Fire Fund.
Steve Sutter, Secretary of the Richfield Fire Relief Association (RFRA), reviewed
the process and actions over the past two years the RFRA and the City have undertaken
to accomplish the consolidation.
Greg Knaeble, President of the Richfield Fire Relief Association, discussed the
consolidation process and proposed legislation to permit a change in the benefit structure
of the Richfield plan to provide an incentive for the currently retired individuals to vote in
favor of consolidation.
Administrative Services Director Devich indicated the projected cost reduction to
City for the first year of $25,000 and approximately $100,000 per year in the future.
City Manager Prosser stated that timing for the process is critical and official action
will be required in the month of April to complete the consolidation in a timely manner.
Study Session Minutes-7-April 7, 1997
Item #8DISCUSSION OF STATUS OF AIRPORT RELATED ISSUES.
S. S. LETTER NO. 18
City Manager reviewed Study Session Letter No. 18 regarding the status of the
following airport issues:
x
Runway 4-22
Runway 4-22 will not be used as extensively this summer as previously
anticipated because the start for reconstruction of the south parallel runway has
been delayed one year until 1998. A drop literature piece is being prepared on
this issue.
x
Termination of Lease Agreement
A proposed settlement has been negotiated for approval by the MAC and City
Council. The basic terms of the settlement include:
The MAC would agree not to retake the ballfield portion of the lease
premises until October 31, 1998 at the earliest.
The MAC would provide the City with a phasing plan which would outline the
timeframe for retaking portions of the lease premises. The phasing plan
would also provide for potential continued use of portions of property such
as the golf course and ballfields during some utility construction work.
The MAC would withdraw its notice of lease termination.
The City of Richfield would agree to change the term of notification from 18
months to 90 days.
The MAC would agree to not retake the lease premises until all EIS activities
are completed or 90 days prior to the start of construction, whichever is later.
It was the consensus of the City Council that consideration and council action on
this issue be scheduled for the April 14 City Council meeting.
x
Termination of Lease Agreement: Relocation of Recreational Aspects
Acting Recreation Services Director Gretchen Blank reported that the ballfield task
force has developed three sets of replacement alternatives. These alternatives will
be reviewed by the schools and then the general public. The reviews are expected
to be completed by mid-May. A final decision by the City Council would be
required by mid-June. This time schedule would permit bid document to be
prepared and bids let so that work could begin in October 1997. If this schedule is
maintained construction would be completed by September 1998. Maturation of
turf requires one year, so fields would not be available until September 1999. She
stated that the Met Council, Department of Natural Resources, National Park
Service, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Department and Richfield Recreation
Department continue to brainstorm alternatives to using excess land in the area. A
memorandum of agreement is being prepared for this consortium to pursue surplus
federal land.
Study Session Minutes-8-April 7, 1997
x
MAC Part 150 Sound Insulation Program
Dawn Weitzel, Communications/Special Projects Assistant, reported that the
results of MAC Indoor Air Quality tests indicate that many of the unsafe (ventilation)
conditions listed in the Star Tribune’s October 5, 1996 article are pre-existing and
are not a result of Part 150 modifications. She stated that based on these findings
homeowners who do not meet the program house tightness standard will be
required by MAC to:
make additional ventilation modifications;
correct the venting systems from water heaters, furnaces and space heaters;
correct all water heater, furnace, space heater and oven deficiencies necessary
to meet the standard prior to entering the sound insulation program.
The MAC has indicated that, “homeowners will assume full responsibility to reduce
the impact of the contaminant sources and may be required to provide
modifications as required prior to entering the Part 150 Program.” Assuming
responsibility of modifications requires financial input by homeowners which will
result in a public outcry.
x
New Ford Town and Rich Acres Acquisition
Dawn Weitzel gave the following status report for acquisition and relocation:
1.Phase V: The acquisition and relocation process has begun for Phase V
business owners. Seven initial interview meetings have been held as of March
17. This completes the Phase V initial interview process for owners of
businesses and multi-family dwellings located on 66th Street East. Initial
interview meetings are anticipated to begin with tenants between April 14 and
July 4, 1997.
2.Eighth House Auction: The eighth public house auction was held on Thursday,
March 13. Thirty-five houses were sold.
City Manager Prosser gave a status report on the north/south runway mitigation
plan indicating the City has asked the Met Council for help in obtaining ground noise
information from the MAC.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:31 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. KirschMayor
Thomas P. FerberJames D. Prosser
City ClerkCity Manager