10-06-97 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Study Session
October 6, 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; Kristal
Stokes ; and Russ Susag (arrived at 7:08 p.m.).
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, Recreation Services Director;
Michael Eastling, Public Works Director; Tom Foley, Transportation
Engineer; Betsy Christensen, Health Administrator; Steve Sutter,
Fire Marshall/Assistant Chief; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
Item #IDISCUSSION OF MODIFYING I-35W NOISE WALL BETWEEN 68TH
STREET AND 73RD STREET. S. S. LETTER NO. 34
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 34 regarding the issue of
the I-35W noise wall between 68th Street and 73rd Street.
Traffic Engineer Foley presented the record of public comments and a report on
consideration of noise wall modifications in the area west of I-35W between 68th Street
and 73rd Street.
Mr. Foley then invited the audience to speak to the City Council in an Open House
forum and to ask questions.
Study Session Minutes-2-October 6, 1997
Some of the issues, concerns, suggestions, observations, and questions raised by
the audience during the one hour open forum included:
x
The four alternatives being considered:
1.Do nothing (no new noise wall).
2.Extend the wall to match the wall on the east side of I-35W.
3.Provide a short safety wall or barrier in the area with a lake view.
4.Provide a continuous noisewall of 15 feet to 20 feet in height.
x
The Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL) recommendation that a noise wall be built
on the east side of I-35W to protect the Wood Lake Nature Center from highway
noise.
x
The status of spruce trees adjacent to the existing fence at 6839 Humboldt
Avenue if a noise wall was built.
x
The preference that the design of the proposed wall be more like that on 77th
Street or the new Highway 169 in Bloomington.
x
Consideration of the pristine beauty of the view of Wood Lake rather than being
boxed in by a wall.
x
The location of where the noise level readings were taken.
x
The federal noise standards.
x
The state noise standards.
x
The noise analysis which shows a 15 foot wall would meet the federal standard
and a 20 foot high wall would meet the state standard.
x
Whether the federal and state noise standards require a noise wall or whether
there is cause for a variance.
x
Interpretation of statutory requirements regarding noise standards and
mitigation.
x
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA) standards.
x
Protection of communities from noise.
x
Questions as to the accuracy of the representation of resident positions
contained in the report.
x
Several residents asked Mr. Foley to include in the report their respective
positions for and against the wall.
x
Suggestion for more polling of the opinions of those who have not expressed
their opinion or attended a meeting.
x
Concerns that the recorded positions do not represent the majority in the area.
x
The existing noise wall is unattractive.
x
That the noise has gotten worse over the years.
x
That a noisewall is not very effective and an eyesore to those who live next to
them.
x
That the noise, dirt, and fumes from the freeway make a wall desirable.
x
That the additional lanes and traffic will have a negative impact if a wall is not
built.
x
That all that is needed is a short safety wall barrier.
x
A suggestion that additional lanes be added, the speed limit be reduced to 45
mph, and that a double 6-foot safety wall topped with trees be put on both sides
of the freeway.
Study Session Minutes-3-October 6, 1997
x
Concerns that the noise wall would not help the second story of houses or those
on the hill.
x
That the noise wall is only effective at “ground level.”
x
Whether more “weight” or consideration should be given to those who are
immediately adjacent to the wall.
x
Concern that the freeway noise creates a safety hazard for children and
pedestrians in the area which would be lessened by a noise wall.
x
That a decision look forward to the future and not just the present.
x
A suggestion that the wall be built and pedestrian overpass be included to link
the area to the Wood Lake Nature Center.
City Manager Prosser indicated the Council would be asked to make a decision at
their October 27 meeting.
Traffic Engineer Foley continued to meet individually with residents to receive and
record comments.
Item # IIDISCUSSION OF PROPOSED NEW I-35W BRIDGE OVER 66TH STREET
AND POSSIBLE CITY RESPONSE. S. S. LETTER NO. 35
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed Study Session Letter No. 35 regarding
design option issues related to the proposed new I-35W bridge over 66th Street, and the
possibility of studying additional improvements for 66th Street between Newton Avenue
and Rae Drive. He recommended that the consulting firm of Short, Elliot, Hendrickson,
Inc. (SEH) conduct this study. He presented and discussed the following issues:
1.STATUS
x
March 27, 1997 - Richfield City Council approved I-35W layout.
x
Details of the I-35W bridge to be determined during design phase.
x
City staff recommending:
-
Systematic Development of Informed Consent Process with SEH as
consultant.
-
Planning Commission role.
2.I-35W Bridge over 66th Street
An Opportunity:
x
to Create a Gateway
x
to Evaluate the function of 66th Street
x
to Improve the capacity of 66th Street
3.Issues
AT THE BRIDGE
x
Left turn lanes
x
Wider sidewalks
x
Transit accommodations
x
Bikeway
Study Session Minutes-4-October 6, 1997
TRANSITION TO 66TH STREET
x
Narrow Right of Way
x
Sidewalk width/on curb
x
Capacity/accidents
x
Urban design
x
Land use
4.Staging
x
SHORT TERM - MnDOT is asking for information sufficient to construct the
bridge in 2000.
x
LONG TERM -A long range plan for 66th Street will help MnDOT, Hennepin
County, and the City make a responsible decision for the bridge and the
transition.
It was the consensus of the City Council that the vehicular, pedestrian, and bike
access, lighting and aesthetics underneath the new bridge were important elements to
help better connect the east and west sides of the freeway.
Council Member Rosenberg discussed waiting to see the potential reductions of
traffic on 66th Street from the I-35W/62 Crosstown improvements before looking at
changes on 66th Street beyond the I-35W bridge area.
Council Member Sandahl stated concern that the bridge issue be addressed first
and that the vision for 66th Street be addressed at a later time. He stated that there
should be attention to the issue of not precluding future 66th Street changes by design
choices at the bridge. He stated the design process for 66th Street beyond the bridge
area is a different task, and it’s too early to start that process.
Public Works Director Eastling discussed reasons for initiating an urban planning
discussion process regarding 66th Street between I-35W and Penn Avenue.
Council Member Susag stated that the design issues related to the bridge should
be addressed now, but that he would like to see the options for the remainder of 66th
Street developed prior to presenting the issues to the neighborhood in the future. He
stated that he would like to see Hennepin County fund any improvements since 66th
Street is a county road.
Council Member Stokes stated that the Planning Commission should be involved in
the process of looking at the options for 66th Street.
Item # IIIREPORT FROM FOURTH OF JULY COMMITTEE.
Cathy Sulla, 1998 President of the Richfield Fourth of July Committee, Inc. reported
on the financial status of the Richfield Fourth of July Committee, Inc. She indicated that
Study Session Minutes-5-October 6, 1997
the utility bill solicitation insert had been very successful resulting in $5,100 of donations
and that Richfield bank & trust had made a significant donation this year. She stated that
a Fund Raising Committee has been established to implement a fund raising plan. She
stated that the City’s 1997 contingency fund budget for the celebration was $15,000 and
that the Committee is requesting a contingency fund of $8,000 for 1998.
Discussion followed regarding the best utility billing cycles to utilize for the insert.
City Manager Prosser discussed the possibility of exploring the use of Tourism
Board funding instead of the City’s General Fund for the contingency fund.
It was the consensus of the Council that the Fourth of July Celebration was a very
important community event and to support the committee’s request for continued use of
utility bill inserts and a 1998 contingency fund of $8,000.
Item # IVDISCUSSION OF STATUS OF AIRPORT RELATED ITEMS.
S. S. LETTER NO. 36
City Manager Prosser reviewed the results of the BBN Technologies social survey
of community response to low frequency aircraft noise which was undertaken in El
Segundo neighborhood which is in a geographic position relative to an operating runway
at Los Angeles International Airport similar to Richfield’s position with respect to the
proposed north/south runway at MSP. He presented data regarding the following:
x
Estimated low frequency aircraft noise levels in contour intervals.
x
Cumulative percentages of respondents who noticed aircraft-induced vibration
or rattle in their homes, who were annoyed in any degree with such noise, and
who were highly annoyed with such noise, all with respect to outdoor low
frequency noise levels at their residences.
x
Comparison of the portion of the residential area to the west of Cedar Avenue in
which low frequency sideline noise is expected to exceed 85 dB due to
operations on proposed Runway 17/35 at MSP, and the area with (A-weighted)
noise exposure in excess of Ldn = 65 dB due to operations on the same
runway.
City Manager Prosser stated that Steve Pflaum is reviewing the 15,000 pages of
the Administrative Record regarding the Runway 4-22 project and has asked the Eighth
Circuit Court of Appeals for an extension of time for this review.
City Manager Prosser stated that the City has been meeting with its legislators to
discuss legislative funding for the replacement of the ballfields and assistance in working
with the various agencies regarding a golf course alternative.
Study Session Minutes-6-October 6, 1997
Council Member Stokes stated residents that she talked to while delivering airport
information literature had indicated stated they were comfortable with the City’s efforts and
communication on airport issues.
Council Member Susag reviewed his discussions with Walter Rockenstein, an
attorney who is working for the MAC on property acquisition related to the North/South
runway. Council Member Susag suggested the possibility of the establishment of a task
force to dialogue with the MAC about mitigation development options along the Cedar
Avenue corridor for the relocation of airport related businesses. He stated that this type of
mitigation may also open up the possibility of justification of funding the 77th Street
underpass. He stated that he noticed in the S & I that the Community Stabilization Group
may be looking at these issues.
City Manager Prosser stated that the Community Stabilization Group has discussed
potential actions to mitigate the adverse impacts of the airport, and included: noise
mitigation programs in noise zones, compensatory programs in noise zones, housing
rehabilitation and renovation in noise zones, housing programs independent of noise
zones, revitalization of commercial areas in noise zones, and development of replacement
public facilities. He indicated that at this time, the “scope” of community stabilization is
very narrow and Richfield would like a more broad approach to keeping the City vital while
still being under the influence of negative airport impacts.
Item #VDISCUSSION OF TRANSIENT MERCHANT SALES THAT OCCUR IN
RICHFIELD AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS. S. S. LETTER NO. 37
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 37 regarding transient
merchant regulation and licensing requirements.
City Attorney Thomson summarized and answered questions regarding regulatory,
licensing, enforcement, and constitutional issues related to transient merchant sales.
Council Member Susag stated he opposed all transient merchant sales and would
favor an ordinance as restrictive as possible.
Discussion followed regarding constitutional limits related to “home grown”
products enforcement, reasonable regulation, zoning, and possible further restrictions on
transient merchant activities such as extending the time for processing applications,
parking, property owner responsibilities, and limitation of allowable locations.
Pat Harris, Richfield Floral and Gardens, Inc., 811 East 66th Street, raised
questions regarding transient merchant activities and enforcement of the existing
ordinance.
Study Session Minutes-7-October 6, 1997
City Attorney Thomson reviewed and answered questions regarding the provisions
of the existing ordinance.
City Manager Prosser stated that staff would evaluate the issues discussed to draft
potential ordinance amendment and enforcement changes.
Item #VIDISCUSSION OF CITY FACILITY NEEDS AND FINANCING CONSIDERATION.
S. S. LETTER NO. 38
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 38 regarding the
following projects, their estimated costs, and potential funding options:
PROJECTCOST ESTIMATE
Multi-Purpose Activity Building
1.$5,000,000
May include indoor pool, gym, fitness facilities,
meeting room, & program spaces for all ages.
Soo Line (Highway 62 to I-494)
2.$ 550,000 (land)
Purchase for Soo Line track through Richfield
and ‘make whole’ costs.$ 450,000
(trail
development)
Richfield Outdoor Pool
3.$1,000,000 -
Major overhaul of existing facility, including bath house.$2,300,000
Ball Field Replacement
4.$2,800,000 +
Lost to MAC for proposed north/south runway.$3,000,000 (land)
City Maintenance Facility
5.$5,600,000
Combines maintenance operations in one facility.
Public Safety Training Facility
6.$ 500,000 (Richfield)
Richfield, Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie and MAC
joint training facilities for public safety operations.
City Hall Remodel/Updating
7.$1,300,000
More space in Public Safety and greater security;
reconfiguration of inspection services;
reconfiguration of offices and support area in lower level
due to available space with potential move of Public
Works and Recreation staff to new maintenance facility.
Study Session Minutes-8-October 6, 1997
Fire Station Improvements
8.$ 80,000
Radio system, ramp repair, apparatus bay painting,
carpet, and interior painting.
Facility Repair and Replacement
9.$ 100,000-
Repair of City’s aging existing infrastructure.$ 200,000/yr.
City Streets
10.$16,000,000
Overlaying Richfield’s residential streets.
Council Member Sandahl suggested that a ten year plan and project priority be
established.
City Manager Prosser discussed packaging some project funding needs such as
the Public Works facility and Multi-Purpose Building to issue $5 million in debt backed by
Liquor Store profits as one funding option. He invited the Council to submit ideas, input,
and options regarding these issues.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:07 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. KirschMayor
Thomas P. FerberJames D. Prosser
City ClerkCity Manager