03-23-98 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
March 23, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENTATION OF COLORS AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kirsch led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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; Dan Scott, Public Safety
Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; William Fillmore,
Liquor Operations Director; Steve Sutter, Fire Marshall/Asst. Chief;
Tom Foley, Transportation Engineer; Al Payne, Ice Arena Manager;
Karen Schragg, Acting Recreation Services Director/Nature Center
Manager; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council
Meeting of March 9, 1998; the minutes of the Joint City Council/Richfield School Board
Council Meeting Minutes-2-March 23, 1998
Meeting of March 16, 1998; and the minutes of the Special City Council Study Session of
March 16, 1998.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1INTRODUCTION OF STATE CHAMPION, GIRLS 12 AND UNDER, B
HOCKEY TEAM
Dave Buzicky, 6933 Stevens Avenue, recognized and introduced the State
Champion, Girls 12 and Under B Hockey Team from Richfield.
Item #2PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO RICHFIELD
OPTIMISTS FOR DONATION TO WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER’S 1997
HALF HAUNTED HALLOWEEN PROGRAM.
Mayor Kirsch read and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Richfield
Optimists President Arnie Odefey in recognition of the Optimists for donation to the Wood
Lake Nature Center Half Haunted Halloween Program.
Wood Lake Nature Center Manager Shragg thanked the Optimists for their support
of this community event.
Item #3PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO GIRL SCOUTS, ALONG WITH
FAMILY AND FRIENDS, FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AS HYDRANT
MARSHALS FOR WINTER SEASON.
Public Safety Director Dan Scott and Fire Marshall/Asst. Chief Steve Sutter read
certificates acknowledging the assistance of the following Hydrant Marshals during the
winter season: Tamra Bernier, Diana Bernier, Bill Johnson, Sean Bernier, Elizabeth
Goschey, and Kris Johnson.
Item #4OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON
ANY ITEM NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA.
No one wished to address the Council.
Council Meeting Minutes-3-March 23, 1998
Item #5 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #6 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Prosser requested that Items 6A and 6D be removed from the
consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for discussion.
Mayor Kirsch stated Item 6A. “CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THREE YEAR CONTRACT WITH FORTIS INSURANCE
COMPANY FOR LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES C.L. 63 and Item 6D. “CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF
SETTING APRIL 13, 1998 FOR PUBLIC HEARING FOR ISSUANCE OF NEW
SECONDHAND GOODS DEALER LICENSE FOR GROW BIZ INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
D/B/A COMPUTER RENAISSANCE, 720 WEST 78TH STREET C.L. 66” would be placed
on the regular agenda for consideration as Items 13A and 13B.
A.Removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for
consideration as Item #13A.
B.APPROVED RESOLUTION REQUESTING MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION TO PREPARE OFFICIAL RIGHT-OF-WAY MAP FOR I-494.
C.L. NO. 64
RESOLUTION NO. 8562
RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TO PREPARE AN OFFICIAL RIGHT-OF-WAY MAP FOR I-494
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8562 in Resolution Book No. 67.
C.APPROVED AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ASPLUNDH TREE EXPERT
COMPANY FOR 1998 REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES ON PRIVATE
PROPERTY IN TOTAL ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $54,574 C.L. 65
D.Removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for
consideration as Item #13B.
E.APPROVED REQUEST FOR ITINERANT PLACE OF AMUSEMENT LICENSE
WITH FEE WAIVER FOR RICHFIELD WOMEN OF TODAY TWELFTH ANNUAL
Council Meeting Minutes-4-March 23, 1998
RICHFIELD COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT AT AUGSBURG PARK ON
APRIL 5, 1998 C.L. 67
M/Stokes, S/Susag to approve the consent calendar as amended.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #7PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING SECOND INDOOR ICE SHEET REQUEST
AND SELECTION OF ARCHITECT TO PREPARE PLANS AND
SPECIFICATION FOR ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR
CONSTRUCTION. C.L. NO. 68
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 68 regarding consideration of
issues related to a second indoor ice sheet request and selection of architect to prepare
plans and specification for advertisement for bids for construction if the City Council
decides to proceed. He discussed the following issues:
x
Need for more ice time
x
Consequences of not providing more ice time
x
Project costs
x
Financial issues
x
Site locations
x
Community Services Commission recommendations
x
Selection of architect
John Easterwood, 7121 Morgan Avenue, Richfield ICE Group, spoke in support of
the second ice sheet and the need to move forward as soon as possible for the following
reasons:
x
Current need and future need for ice time
x
Importance to community
alleviate shortage of ice time
expand opportunities for youth
competition with other communities to attract and keep families
x
Costs and bonding information is conservative
x
Additional costs reductions possible
revenue from liquor store profits for a period of time
profit from advertising on dasher boards
profit from redesigned concession area
reduce bonding by $1 million
increase hours rented out
He compared the ice arena to other City parks indicating no park is self supporting
and there are no field use charges. He stated that without debt service the second ice
sheet is profitable.
Council Meeting Minutes-5-March 23, 1998
Mr. Easterwood reviewed ice sheets of neighboring cities most having two ice
sheets and Edina and Bloomington having three ice sheets. He stated the demand for ice
will only continue to grow.
Dave Buzicky, 6933 Stevens Avenue, stated support for the second sheet of ice for
the following reasons:
x
Hockey is an athletic activity that is valuable to youth development
x
Sponsors are available to help families with the costs of participation
x
Current programs can continue
x
Investment in our community
x
Investment in our children
x
Investment in our future as it related to our park & recreation vision statement
He read a letter from a young girl who participated in the youth hockey program
with the help of a sponsorship.
Larry King, 7036 Harriet Avenue, spoke in support of the second ice sheet as an
investment in the community. He stated he is not a member of the ICE Group but has
daughters in figure skating.
John Clay, 6600 Columbus Avenue, spoke in support of the second ice sheet but
stated concern about the location within the park, aesthetics of the building, and the need
for community input. He stated he was against using a metal shed or dome.
Camillo De Santis, 6508 Newton Avenue, discussed concerns about how the
decision will be made regarding the second sheet of ice and the other infrastructure needs
of the City. He discussed the following issues:
x
Special interest group pressure on the City Council
x
Criteria to decide priorities
x
Decrease in population
x
Children represent less than 20% of population
x
Large number of people do not participate in hockey due to cultural, economic,
and racial factors
He stated the following as more important priorities than the second sheet of ice:
x
Maintenance Facility
x
Community Recreation Facility
x
Senior Center
x
City Hall Facility
He suggested that the City Council consider the second sheet of ice in conjunction
with these other needs of the City.
Council Meeting Minutes-6-March 23, 1998
Dan Linnihan, 6845 Logan Avenue, stated this is the only indoor facility Richfield
operates and the parks and recreation facilities are not built to show a profit. He stated
the need to have the same amenities as neighboring suburbs in order to compete and
market the community. He indicated the need for leadership to reinvest in the City in
order to retain and attract families.
Ron Schwartz, 7020 Third Avenue, asked about Academy of Holy Angels (AHA)
and Richfield High School (RHS) partnership in funding this request and the role of the
City in providing facilities for the schools. He discussed the Lindberg Community Center
city/school partnership in Minnetonka. Mr. Schwartz suggested all agencies should be
involved in a partnership for such a facility.
Vince Costelluzzo, 1314 West 66th Street, stated concern about ice availability for
youth and spoke in support of the second ice sheet.
Steve Quam, 6421 James Avenue, spoke in support of the second sheet of ice to
address one community need in a positive way. He stated this is an opportunity to build
community for a quality future. Mr. Quam agreed with Mr. DeSantis that the hockey
program should strive to include a mix of ethnic backgrounds and increased opportunities
through sponsors. He indicated that RHS currently pays for ice time and AHA allows
community use of the Star Dome, and soon a baseball field. He indicated both schools
have indicated a desire to help pay for locker rooms. He reviewed the number of
meetings and articles for publicizing this issue.
Connie McDonald, 6400-15th Avenue, suggested because of the importance of the
issue, it should be voted on in a referendum.
Dennis Manson, 6901 Park Avenue, stated a project of this large cost should be
decided upon by more people. He discussed democracy and taxes. He questioned the
funds needed for the proposed maintenance facility and recreation center and how this
will increase taxes.
Pam Duffey, 7333 Garfield Avenue, stated this was a difficult decision but there is
also an impact on youth in delaying a decision. She stated the park referendum was
defeated which delayed improvements to the neighborhood parks and now their children
and foster children are too old to enjoy the updates finally made.
Mike Elliot, 6714 Girard Avenue, stated support of the project. He stated he pays
the Edina ice arena for his daughters figure skating but would rather pay to his own
community. He felt the second sheet of ice would be a positive asset to the City.
Darrel Esala, 7323 Clinton Avenue, President of Richfield Hockey Association,
stated the City Council are elected leaders to make decisions in our representative
democracy system and asked that the decision happen now.
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-7-March 23, 1998
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to select Delano Erickson Architects as the architect for the
second ice sheet and to direct the City Manager and Mayor to execute a contract for
services upon the following conditions:
a)Project fees shall range between 5.8% - 6.5% of total project cost depending upon
the scope of the project (excluding civil engineering services, if needed.)
b)Services and Fees will be phased in accordance with the following:
x
Schematic Design - 20% = 1.2% (credit for study - .20%)
x
Design Development - 15% = .9%
x
Contract Documents - 35% = 2.1%
x
Bidding - 5% = .3%
x
Construction Administration - 25% = 1.5%
c)Final form of contract is approved by the City Manager and City Attorney.
Council Member Susag reviewed the partnership between the City and schools
with the soccer dome, ballfields, golf course, and ice arena. He stated the needs of the
community include all ages not just senior citizens. Mr. Susag stated the need to plan for
the future and educate children and organized sports teach discipline and teamwork for
life. He stated he supports the second sheet of ice selection of an architect, study of the
alternatives, tours of similar facilities, and staking out the location in the park.
Council Member Rosenberg recognized the Community Services Commission and
the ICE Group for their commitment and hard work. She agreed with Mr. DeSantis
regarding the opportunity needs of all children. She requested staff to look at the
following issues:
x
Funding options - i.e. Mighty Ducks grants, liquor store profits
x
Marketing plans
x
Fund raising- commitment from ICE Group
x
Flexibility in building needs
x
Commitment to diversity in participation
x
Partnerships with Academy of Holy Angels and Richfield High School
x
Mediation to work with groups
Council Member Sandahl stated the community deserves a facility that looks nice
and the importance of aesthetics. He supported the second sheet of ice to give youth the
opportunities they deserve and to support gender equity for girls.
Council Member Stokes thanked everyone for their comments. She stated she has
had numerous contacts regarding this issue and many other groups also want things. She
stated this is a question of priorities and not of need. She stated she does not plan to
support the second sheet of ice project because of the need to look at all of the priorities
together.
Council Meeting Minutes-8-March 23, 1998
Mayor Kirsch thanked the ICE Group for all the hours put into the process. He
stated the need to provide facilities for youth. He stated support of the project because it
is a good investment for the community and the City needs to continue to maintain high
standards in its facilities.
Mayor Kirsch asked for a roll call vote on the motion before the Council.
Kirsch - AyeRosenberg - Aye
Susag - AyeStokes - Nay
Sandahl - Aye
Motion carried 4-1. (Stokes opposed)
City Manager Prosser summarized the following direction given to staff:
x
Identify alternative construction options
x
Review locations and stake out the park
x
Explore funding options
x
Develop a marketing plan
x
Support cooperative fundraising efforts
x
Initiate mediation regarding ice time
x
Assure a diversity strategy for youth program participation
Item #8PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AMENDING
1998 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET. C.L. NO. 69
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 69 regarding consideration of a
resolution adjusting the 1998 Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) by adding the following
projects:
ProjectProject ExpenditureSource
Second Indoor Ice Sheet (Veterans Park) Bond$2,700,000Rev. Bond
Expansion of City Hall Parking Lot Fund 212,000General
I-494 Integrated Corridor Traffic Mgmt. 25,000MSA
66th Street Reconstruction at I-35W 600,000MSA/Federal
Traffic Signal @ 77th St. (Shops At Lyndale) 135,000MSA
69th & Penn Avenue Stormwater Improvements 300,000User Fees
Council Member Sandahl requested information regarding the aesthetic options for
the 66th Street improvements and an estimated cost if the MnDOT allotment is exceeded.
Transportation Engineer Tom Foley stated $600,000 was allocated for the 1998
Capital Improvement Budget for the right of way acquisition. He indicated the estimated
costs for the aesthetic/landscaping plan have not been determined.
Council Meeting Minutes-9-March 23, 1998
City Manager Prosser stated the City Council will be notified by Friday of the date
the estimated amount will be determined and what the options might be.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, asked if the ice arena second sheet of
ice project would require a referendum.
City Manager Prosser stated that there are several bond options but this type of
project is usually funded by revenue bonds which do not require a referendum.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, asked why the developer is not funding
the 77th Street/Colfax Avenue traffic light instead of MSA funds.
City Manager Prosser stated there are different methods to fund traffic signals. He
stated the developer could fund the traffic signal, but no commitment was made by them
to fund this traffic signal. He indicated it would be more appropriate to be funded by MSA.
M/Susag, S/Stokes to close the public hearing.
Council Member Rosenberg suggested the City should see if the costs for the
traffic light at 77th Street and Colfax could be partially funded by the developer.
Motion carried 5-0.
City Manager Prosser indicated approval of this resolution gives the ability to
proceed with the traffic light project. He indicated the benefits would be identified to the
developer and the option of making it a special assessment would be explored.
Council Member Stokes stated she supported all the projects included in the
amended 1998 Capital Improvement Budget except the Veterans Park second indoor ice
sheet and therefore, would vote against the resolution based on that principal.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag that the following resolution be adopted, that it be spread in
the resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 8563
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 1998 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET
Motion carried 4-1. (Stokes opposed) This resolution appears as Resolution No.
8563 in Resolution Book No. 68.
Item #9PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING
LAYOUT FOR 66TH STREET BETWEEN LYNWOOD BOULEVARD AND
HUMBOLDT AVENUE AS PART OF I-35W PROJECT TO EXTEND HIGH
OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANE. C.L. NO. 70
Council Meeting Minutes-10-March 23, 1998
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 70 regarding consideration of
layout for 66th Street between Lynwood Boulevard and Humboldt Avenue as part of the I-
35W Project to extend the high occupancy vehicle lane.
Transportation Engineer Foley presented and reviewed the following project
information:
x
Draft layout of 66th Street at I-35W intersection
x
Council’s options:
- Approve widening 66th Street
- Rebuild 66th Street “as is”
- Modify two alleys
- Provision for transit
x
Aesthetic consideration
x
Transit Design:
- Bus pullouts/shelters
- Pedestrian crossings
- Possible purchase of additional home
x
ROW acquisition - City to administer process
x
Drainage at Humboldt Avenue/66th Street
x
Meeting with residents of Emerson Avenue on alley vacation
x
Meeting with residents of affected properties
x
Mailings to project area
x
Public meeting on February 26
x
Press releases, cable TV, City web site
Council Members Susag and Rosenberg asked questions regarding storm water
drainage issues.
Public Works Director Eastling indicated the majority of storm water drainage would
go to Wood Lake as a result of the reconstruction of the intersection.
Council Member Stokes asked if the Emerson Avenue alley would become a dead
end.
Transportation Engineer Foley stated staff recommended the alleys be realigned to
exit onto Girard Avenue instead of 66th Street. He stated this would require acquisition of
a home.
Fred Cress, 6524 Emerson Avenue, questioned if his alley would be vacated.
Transportation Engineer Foley stated only the alley on the south side of 66th Street
is involved in the alley vacation question.
Vince Castelluzzo, 1314 West 66th Street, asked what kind of relocation
assistance there was from MnDOT or the City.
Council Meeting Minutes-11-March 23, 1998
City Manager Prosser suggested that Mr. Castelluzzo meet with Community
Development Director Palmborg to discuss relocation benefits.
Herb Nygren, owner of 1314-16 West 66th Street, asked if there was a property
exchange program because he had capital gains issues. He stated he would be
interested in owning another rental property in Richfield.
City Manager Prosser stated there was no property exchange program but there
were tax laws allowing additional time for reinvestment in this case. He recommended Mr.
Nygren also meet with Community Development Director Palmborg.
Dave Brashorr, 6620 Girard Avenue, indicated concern about buffering from the
widening of 66th Street including landscaping and a sound wall.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that the aesthetics and buffering issues are part
of the gateway design concept.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, stated concern about traffic issues
related to using one lane on 66th Street during construction.
Transportation Engineer Foley indicated the total construction time is 18 months.
He stated the reduction in lanes is due to the new bridge pier. Mr. Foley stated the project
will be coordinated with the Public Safety Department and a schedule will be available
soon.
Council Member Susag requested the construction schedule be publicized.
Transportation Engineer Foley indicated when the design plan is finalized by the
Aesthetic Design Review Committee, it will be presented to the neighbors and City
Council.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Susag, S/Stokes that the following resolution be adopted, that it be spread in the
resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 8564
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LAYOUT FOR 66TH STREET
BETWEEN LYNWOOD BOULEVARD AND HUMBOLDT AVENUE
AS PART OF THE EXTENSION OF HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANE ON I-35W
FROM I-494 TO 42ND STREET IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8564 in Resolution
Book No. 68.
Item #10PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF NEW ORDINANCE
Council Meeting Minutes-12-March 23, 1998
SECTION 1187 REGULATING AND LICENSING PAWNBROKER
BUSINESSES WITHIN CITY OF RICHFIELD. C.L. NO. 71
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 71 regarding a proposed new
ordinance regulating and licensing pawnbroker businesses in the City and related
changes in the license fee structure.
Council Member Stokes asked about the Automated Pawn System (APS) and
checking of information when it is received electronically.
Public Safety Director Scott stated investigators will be checking the information
and the fees should cover the costs.
City Manager Prosser indicated if the costs exceed the estimated fee amount, there
may be a need to increase the fees.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag that this constitutes Second Reading of Bill No. 1998-4, that it
be published in the official newspaper and that it be made part of these minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag that the following resolution be adopted, that it be spread in
the resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes and that it be published in
the official newspaper:
RESOLUTION NO. 8565
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF
BILL NO. 1998-4 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8565 in Resolution
Book No. 68
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to approve the following amendment to Appendix D License,
Permit and Miscellaneous Fees, Section 8 Commercial Business and Trade Licenses and
Permits:
TYPE OFSECTION
PERMIT ORREQUIRING DESCRIPTION FEE
LICENSE
(17) Pawnbroker1187(a)Pawnbroker1 year $2,500.00
(b)Owner investigation fee1 year $1,500
(nonrefundable)
Council Meeting Minutes-13-March 23, 1998
(c)Manager investigation fee1 year $500.00
(nonrefundable)
(d)Employee investigation fee1 year $50 per
(nonrefundable)employee
(e) Transaction fee$1.50 per transaction
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #11FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE TO RICHFIELD CITY CODE RELATED
TO PARKING LOT STANDARDS. C.L. NO. 72
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 72 regarding a proposed
ordinance amendment related to parking lot standards. He stated the changes to Section
800 were recommended for the following reasons:
x
To clarify the requirements
x
To update standards
x
To strengthen the ability to enforce the requirements
M/Sandahl, S/Susag that this constitute the First Reading of this ordinance; and
that the Public Hearing and Second Reading of the ordinance be scheduled for the April
27, 1998 City Council meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #12FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO SECTION 1181 WHICH
REGULATES AND LICENSES TRANSIENT MERCHANTS, PEDDLERS,
WAGON PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS WITHIN CITY OF RICHFIELD. C.L.
NO. 73
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 73 regarding a proposed
ordinance amendment which regulates and licenses transient merchants, peddlers, wagon
peddlers and solicitors within the City of Richfield.
Council Member Susag stated he is frustrated that there is a statutory exemption
for the sale of home grown products from transient merchants in the City.
City Attorney Thomson stated prohibiting transient merchants from selling home
grown products would violate State Statutes and the Minnesota State Constitution. She
stated she would provide the Council the State Statute citation regarding this issue.
Council Meeting Minutes-14-March 23, 1998
M/Sandahl, S/Stokes that this constitute the First Reading of this ordinance
amendment to Section 1181 relating to Transient Merchant activities; and that the Public
Hearing and Second Reading of the ordinance be scheduled for the April 27, 1997 City
Council meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #13CONSIDERATION OF REPLANTING SALVAGED TREES FROM RICH
ACRES/NEW FORD TOWN AT VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK OF
RICHFIELD ALONG PORTLAND AVENUE. C.L. NO. 74
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 74 regarding consideration of
replanting appropriate salvaged trees from New Ford Town/Rich Acres at Veterans
Memorial Park of Richfield. He stated the proposed arrangement with the Metropolitan
Airports Commission (MAC) would provide for reimbursement of the street light and sign
removal by trading for trees which the City will move to parks. Mr. Prosser indicated the
trees would be planted as soon as weather permits.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, questioned the funding and felt MAC
should give the trees to the City at no cost. He also felt $300 per tree was very
expensive.
Public Works Director Eastling stated $300 per tree is a good deal and generally a
four inch tree costs more than $500.
City Manager Prosser stated the City has met with MAC regarding this issue and it
appears they will not donate the trees.
M/Sandahl, S/Stokes to authorize replanting of appropriate salvaged trees along
Portland Avenue in a manner which does not interfere with any future landscape for the
area as recommended by the Community Services Commission.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #13ACONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
THREE DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN FULL-TIME
EMPLOYEES. C.L. NO. 63
Council Meeting Minutes-15-March 23, 1998
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 63 regarding selection of a long-
term disability insurance carrier to continue the LTD benefit for certain full time
employees.
City Attorney Thomson reviewed the potential conflict of interest issue related to
Council Member Stokes employment with Fortis Insurance. She recommended that
Council Member Stokes abstain from voting and discussion of this item.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to approve permission for Council Member Stokes to
abstain from voting and discussion of this item.
Motion carried 4-0. (Stokes abstained)
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg that the following resolution be adopted, that it be spread
in the resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 8566
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH
FORTIS INSURANCE COMPANY FOR
LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS
Motion carried 4-0. (Stokes abstained) This resolution appears as Resolution No.
8566 in Resolution Book No. 68.
Item #13BCONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF SETTING APRIL 13, 1998 FOR
PUBLIC HEARING FOR ISSUANCE OF NEW SECONDHAND GOODS
DEALER LICENSE FOR GROWBIZ INTERNATIONAL, INC., D/B/A
COMPUTER RENAISSANCE, 720 WEST 78TH STREET. C.L. NO. 66
City Manager Prosser stated this item should be deleted from the agenda and no
action is requested at this time.
Item #14AIRPORT STATUS REPORT
City Manager Prosser reviewed the status of the following airport issues:
xx
North-South Runway
City staff presented concerns regarding Metropolitan Airport Commission’s
failure to respond to Richfield’s low frequency noise concerns to the
Council Meeting Minutes-16-March 23, 1998
Environmental Quality Board on March 19. The EQB requested their staff to
provide recommendations to address Richfield’s concerns.
xx
Ball Field Replacement
MAC is lobbying the House of Representatives to delete references to the ball
field refunding replacement which may put the MnDOT facility in jeopardy.
xx
Public Meetings
The City’s community organizers are in the process of scheduling neighborhood
meetings. It is anticipated there will be a press conference, two open houses,
and three neighborhood meetings taking place before April 19. Residential
input will be used to develop a mitigation report. The report will be completed in
conjunction with the completion of the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Item #15LEGISLATIVE REPORT
None.
Item #16COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
Mayor Kirsch stated there are six additional questions that have been submitted
regarding the issue of the maintenance facility in Veterans Memorial Park.
Council Member Sandahl stated he will prepare the answers and bring them back
to the City Council for a consensus.
Council Member Susag reported on the Blue Water Commission meetings
regarding Lake Hiawatha and Lake Nokomis water quality issues. He stated Richfield
actions at Legion Lake and Taft Lake have contributed to an improved level of
phosphorous in Lake Hiawatha and Lake Nokomis.
Item #17CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Rosenberg, S/Stokes that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
Checks: 74586-74599; 75207-75212$39,507.08
H/C: 75402-75710$457,693.40
Council Meeting Minutes-17-March 23, 1998
FIRSTAR BANK
Payroll: 111600-111631; 111751-112022$469,102.94
Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:02 p.m.
Date Approved: 4/13/98
Martin J. Kirsch, Mayor
Thomas P. Ferber, City Clerk
James D. Prosser, City Manager