01-05-98 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Study Session
JANUARY 5, 1998
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, Recreation Services Director;
Michael Eastling, Public Works Director; Randy Hughes, Operations
Coordinator; Dan Scott, Public Safety Director; and Tom Foley,
Transportation Engineer.
Item # IDISCUSSION OF NEW MAINTENANCE FACILITY UPDATE.
S.S. LETTER NO. 1
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 1 regarding design and
funding issues for the proposed Public Works maintenance facility.
Public Works Director Eastling presented a brief overview of the project history. He
presented three potential bid alternatives:
Study Session Minutes-2-January 5, 1998
x
An elevator and stairway to the mezzanine,
x
A mezzanine space in the equipment maintenance bays, and
x
A possible link connection between the Water Plant and the Dewatering
Building.
He indicated that a traffic signal will be constructed at the intersection of 64th
Street and Portland Avenue. He indicated that there have been concerns expressed by
some residents regarding the removal of trees and the location of this facility at Veterans
Memorial Park of Richfield.
City Manager Prosser reviewed and answered questions regarding the
recommended funding sources which included land sale proceeds, Utility Fund, Central
Garage Fund, Pension Fund Reserves, Capital Fund, and a loan from the Self Insurance
Fund, which would be repaid by an increase in water and sewer fees of twelve cents per
thousand gallons.
Council Member Rosenberg stated a preference that the sale proceeds from the
existing garage site be used to lessen the utility fee increase used to repay the Self
Insurance Fund.
The City Council then accepted comments and questions from residents in the
audience.
Carol Prapotnik-Newby, 6400 11th Avenue, questioned why there was no public
hearing on converting park property to an “industrial” use and stated concern about the
loss of trees.
City Manager Prosser gave a brief overview of the site selection process.
Jack Swan, 6409 Second Avenue, spoke in opposition to the location of the
maintenance facility at this site and the size of the proposed facility.
Council Member Sandahl stated that other sites had been considered but this
appeared to be the best alternative.
Sid Zochert, 6501 11th Avenue, suggested that this issue be brought to a public
hearing so that residents who had just found out about the project could be heard. He
stated that locating the maintenance facility in the park would violate a State grant
agreement which restricted the use of the land to park purposes.
Donna Zochert, 6501 11th Avenue, stated she had papers from the DNR which
showed the restriction on the use of the park land for park purposes only and stated
concerns about the impact on the park.
City Manager Prosser reviewed communication efforts regarding the Public Works
facility project and apologized that some may not have been aware of the project.
Study Session Minutes-3-January 5, 1998
Don Wanschura, 7505 Dupont Avenue, noted that the trees were already gone and
that it was a bad idea to put the project on this site.
Ollie Hoffman, 6438 11th Avenue, stated concern about the loss of the trees and
spoke in opposition to putting the maintenance facility in the park. He referenced and
read portions of letters from Wayne Sames of the DNR to Recreation Services Director
Blank and former Community Services Director Fondrick regarding restrictions and
conversion requirements related to park land at Veterans Memorial Park.
Council Member Rosenberg discussed the need to improve communications and
address this issue.
Some audience members indicated they felt the City had not done enough to notify
residents about the project.
Carol Prapotnik-Newby, 6400 11th Avenue, stated she would like to see a public
hearing on the issue. She indicated that the City may not have been intentionally
deceptive but had not made it clear about the size of the building and impact on the trees.
Kristen Swan, 6409 Second Avenue, spoke in support of a public hearing on this
issue and in opposition to locating the Public Works Maintenance facility in the park.
Recreation Services Director Blank reviewed a map depicting park boundaries,
Water Plant property boundaries, and the proposed Public Works maintenance facility
site. She reviewed the wet land restoration and conversion to park land of water plant
land which would fulfill the DNR conversion requirement. She discussed the status of
communications with the DNR regarding this issue.
Discussion followed regarding the DNR conversion requirements.
Ernie Lindstrom, 7406 Fremont Avenue, referred to the letter from Wayne Sames of
the DNR stating that approval of a conversion is not guaranteed to be approved. He
stated that City officials sometimes make mistakes noting that many residents were
concerned about the cutting down of the trees. He stated that the DNR conversion
process has numerous difficult steps and it is a lengthy and expensive process. He
suggested the City go no further until they are sure about the conversion being approved
and not to make a bigger mistake by entering into a contract first.
Lawrence Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, suggested that because of the
proposed use, rezoning may be needed for the land. He asked the City Council to keep
an open mind to alternative sites. He suggested that the City acquire the Gleason
Mortuary and the three adjacent houses to expand the existing facility. He stated this
would provide adequate space at a lower cost. He questioned the need for five acres for
the facility. Mr. Wozniczka asked that the City Council hold a public hearing on this issue
and consider lower cost options.
Study Session Minutes-4-January 5, 1998
Discussion followed regarding the status of the project, the DNR conversion issue,
the schedule for approval of the project, communications, resident input, and alternatives.
Council Member Sandahl stated that the City Council would take further testimony
on this issue at the January 12 City Council meeting.
Council Member Susag request that staff provide at the next meeting a review of
the rationale for selecting this site and address the issue of the DNR conversion for the
Council before further action is taken.
City Manager Prosser indicated he would suggest options for the Council to
consider regarding proceeding on this issue.
Item # IIDISCUSSION OF CITY OF RICHFIELD RESIDENTIAL SURVEY RESULTS
CONDUCTED BY DECISION RESOURCES, INC. S.S. LETTER NO. 2
Bill Morris, Decision Resources, Inc. presented and discussed the Executive
Summary of the City of Richfield Residential Survey including:
x
Methodology
x
Residential Demographic Perspectives on Current and Future Residences
x
Neighborhood Perspectives
x
City Perspectives
x
Airport Noise
x
Public Schools
x
City Government and Staff
x
Park and Recreation Opportunities
x
New Community Center Facility
x
Public Safety Issues
x
Communications Channels
Mr. Morris stated the following conclusions:
1.Richfield again possessed one of the highest residential ratings in the
metropolitan area on City services, City government, and City staff. The Mayor
and City Council scored a 64 percent approval rating compared with a suburban
area norm of 50 percent. City staff was rated positively by 69 percent,
compared with a suburban area norm of 46 percent. On average, among those
expressing opinions, 85 percent approved of each service provided by the City;
this average rating was 13 percent above the Metropolitan Area suburban norm.
Study Session Minutes-5-January 5, 1998
2.Neighborhood ratings were generally high, and the vast majority of residents
believed neighborhood quality had not declined during the past few years.
3.Airport noise, a perennial problem in the community, has been displaced by
concerns about crime, particularly juvenile vandalism and burglary, and
growth/redevelopment.
4.Most residents still regarded Richfield as possessing a “small town ambiance” in
spite of its proximity to Minneapolis. Very high ratings were awarded to the
community on its cohesiveness, friendliness, and connectedness.
5.The tax climate remained relatively benign despite increased hostility in
neighboring areas. In fact, the value placed on quality City services for the
taxes paid was the highest in the Metropolitan Area.
6.Support for a Community Center was moderately positive. However, the
acceptable level of taxation may not equate with the full-service facility which
many residents envisioned.
7.Communications by the City to its citizenry was excellent. The reach and
respect of both the City newsletter and the “Sun-Current” were solid. Cable
television provided a good augmentation to the print media, while computer
processes may be a further future enhancement to be considered.
8.The City of Richfield remains among the top-rated communities in the
metropolitan area. At a time when evaluations of many institutions are tending
to become more and more negative, Richfield continues to be exceptionally
well-regarded by its residents.
City Manager Prosser stated that a communications plan would be developed
regarding the Residential Survey results.
Item # IIIDISCUSSION OF REPORT FROM CONSULTANT, GEORGE WATSON,
BRAUER AND ASSOCIATES, AND RECREATION ASSETS RELOCATION
PLAN S.S. LETTER NO. 3
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 3 regarding the
Recreation Asset Replacement Study.
George Watson, Brauer and Associates, presented and discussed the Executive
Summary of the Recreation Asset Replacement Study.
Discussion followed regarding ballfield configuration at Lincoln Field, that
reconfiguring existing park land to accommodate athletic fields will require the loss of
some neighborhood park improvements, parking adequacy at neighborhood parks, park
usage, and the amount of non-programmed space being converted to programmed space.
Jerry Millette, 6406 16th Avenue, representing East Little League, suggested that
instead of spending the money to reconfigure Lincoln Field and Roosevelt Park, the
money should be used to build 18 fields at Taft Park.
Study Session Minutes-6-January 5, 1998
City Manager Prosser stated that the Council could authorize Mr. Watson to
analyze this option, although the Task Force had considered it.
Rick Jabs, 6805 Knox Avenue, West Richfield Little League and Richfield Babe
Ruth, stated that the Task Force decided that the concept recommended in the report was
the best overall concept for everyone involved and it was created as a consensus of the
groups.
Scott Freeman, 6212 Bloomington Avenue, Richfield Girls Softball Association,
stated concern that the fields be ready when needed and thanked the City for involving
the various athletic groups in the planning process.
Eric W. Ingvaldson, attorney representing Tom and Mary Price, owners of
Woodlawn Terrace, questioned the City’s request for legislative funding for the acquisition
of Woodlawn Terrace when the Recreation Asset Replacement Study does not call for
any additional land acquisition.
City Manager Prosser stated that there has been no decision to acquire additional
land at this time but the funding request included acquisition in the legislative proposals.
He stated if Woodlawn Terrace was to be acquired, it would provide for a better layout for
Lincoln Field and the remainder of that land be redeveloped for replacement housing as
called for in the Lyndale South Study.
Discussion followed regarding the Task Force process and the potential acquisition
of the Soo Line Property.
Rick Jabs indicated that he did not think that additional parking spaces would be
needed at Lincoln Field. He stated it was too costly and that the current parking works
fine, although, tight at times.
Mr. Ingvaldson requested that the City not condemn existing housing nor
“bootstrap” the redevelopment of the Woodlawn Terrace property onto the ballfield issue.
Tom Price, 7421 Lyndale Avenue, asked about scheduling for the park projects and
for a copy of the legislative bill draft regarding funding.
City Manager Prosser stated that the City would seek funding in the next legislative
session and if funding is provided, complete the ballfields in phases over three years.
Steve Lindgren, 7141 Oak Grove Boulevard, Richfield Chamber of Commerce,
stated that the Chamber Board has taken a position in opposition to the acquisition of
Woodlawn Terrace property. He also requested a copy of the legislative draft bill.
The City Council acknowledged the efforts of the Task Force in preparing this
report and recommendations.
Study Session Minutes-7-January 5, 1998
Item # IVDISCUSSION OF MOVING PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL TO 67TH STREET AND
NICOLLET AVENUE. S.S. LETTER NO. 4
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 4 regarding the possible
relocation of a midblock pedestrian signal and redesigning of the 67th Street and Nicollet
Avenue intersection.
Traffic Engineer Foley presented the advantages and disadvantages of the
following two proposed layouts:
x
Combining the driveways to both Academy of Holy Angels (AHA) and St. Peter’s
Church at 67th Street and adding a traffic signal. Nicollet Avenue would remain
a four-lane undivided roadway.
x
Similar to the previous alternative for access to both AHA and St. Peter’s
Church but Nicollet Avenue would be converted to a three lane road with the
center lane designed as a two-way left-turn lane. The three lane section would
extend from 66th Street to 77th Street.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council that City staff explore the
three lane option and engage the neighborhood in the planning process.
Council Member Rosenberg left the meeting at this time (9:57 p.m.).
Item # VDISCUSSION OF INCREASED PARKING AVAILABILITY AT CITY HALL
AND HEREDIA PARK BY CONSTRUCTING ADDITION TO CURRENT
PARKING LOT. S. S. LETTER NO. 5
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 5 regarding the potential
expansion of the current parking lot adjacent to City Hall and Heredia Park.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council that City staff should
proceed to determine possible sources of funding for expanding the City Hall and Heredia
Park parking lot to include the property at 6734 Portland Avenue at this time and to
prepare an amendment to the 1998 Capital Budget for review by the Community Services
Commission to incorporate the expansion.
Item # VIDISCUSSION OF NEW LEGISLATION AFFECTING LOCAL BOARDS OF
REVIEW. S. S. LETTER NO. 6
Study Session Minutes-8-January 5, 1998
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 6 regarding new
legislation which allows cities that contract with the County for assessing services to
transfer Board of Review responsibilities to the County. He stated the City would be
required to use an alternative option, such as the “open book” process used in Dakota
County, for taxpayers in a city which would exercise this option.
Discussion followed regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the options. It
was the consensus of the Council that the Local Board of Review process works best with
the two local experts such as the property appraisers who currently serve on the Board.
However, because there is such a limited number of qualified individuals who are
residents in the City and are willing to serve, it may be difficult to find replacements in the
future. It was the consensus of the City Council that the Charter Commission be asked to
explore the possibility of changing the City Charter to allow qualified non-resident experts
such as property appraisers to serve on the Local Board of Review in order to avoid
having to transfer these duties to the County.
Item # VIIDISCUSSION OF RICHFIELD HOUSING CHOICES COMMUNICATIONS
PLAN. S. S. LETTER NO. 7
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 7 presenting a draft of the
Richfield Housing Choices Communications Plan. He invited input from the City Council
for completion of the final plan.
Item # VIIIDISCUSSION OF STATUS OF AIRPORT RELATED ITEMS.
S.S. LETTER NO. 8
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 8 regarding the status of
the following airport issues:
x
Runway 4-22 Litigation
x
Proposed Runway 17-35
x
Comments on MAC’s Seven Year Capital Improvement Plan
x
Comments on MAC’s Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Extension of
Runway 4-22
x
New Ford Town and Rich Acres Acquisition
Study Session Minutes-9-January 5, 1998
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:23 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. KirschMayor
Thomas P. FerberJames D. Prosser
City ClerkCity Manager