05-11-98 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
May 11, 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; Gretchen Blank,
Recreation Services Director; William Fillmore, Liquor Operations
Director; George Atkinson, Engineering Supervisor; John Melin,
Community Development Manager; and Corrine Thomson, City
Attorney.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Stokes, S/Susag to approve the following minutes:
x
Regular City Council Meeting of April 27, 1998
x
Richfield Board of Equalization Meeting of May 4, 1998
Council Meeting Minutes-2-May 11, 1998
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY 18-22, 1998
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK IN RICHFIELD.
Mayor Kirsch read and presented a proclamation designating May 18-22, 1998 as
Small Business Week in the City of Richfield to Catherine Gray, Board Chair of the
Richfield Chamber of Commerce.
Catherine Gray announced that the Butler Law Offices and The Print Shop will be
honored as Richfield Small Businesses of the Year at the May 21 Chamber Small
Business Appreciation Luncheon.
Item #1APRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY 10-16, 1998
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEK IN RICHFIELD.
Council Member Susag read and presented a proclamation designating May 10-16,
1998 as National Law Enforcement Week in Richfield to Public Safety Director Dan Scott.
Item #2OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON
ANY ITEM NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA.
Kathy Heyda, Richfield High School Long Distance Track Coach, and Colleen
Ramm, Richfield Public Safety employee, coordinators for the Spartan 5K and One Mile
Fun Run Event, invited the public to this special event to be held on Saturday, May 16 at
Richfield High School. They stated the event is being held to raise funds to help support
the Girls Track and Field Team at Richfield High School and to also promote health and
physical fitness for the residents of Richfield.
Lawrence Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, requested that Consent Calendar
items #5A and #5G being removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Mayor Kirsch stated that consent calendar Item #5A “Consideration of Approval of
Award of Contract to McNamara Contracting, Inc. for reconstruction of 70th Street
between Chicago Avenue and Bloomington Avenue in amount of $364,819.39” would be
placed on the regular agenda for consideration as Item #11A. and that Consent Calendar
Item #5G. “Consideration of Approval of On-Sale 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor License for G&S
of Richfield, d/b/a King Oscar’s, 1120 East 66th Street” would be placed on the regular
agenda for consideration as Item #11B.
Council Meeting Minutes-3-May 11, 1998
Item #3 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #4CONSIDERATION OF SELECTION OF DESIGN ALTERNATIVE FOR NEW
I-35W BRIDGE AT 66TH STREET. C. L. NO. 106
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 106 regarding selection of a
design alternative for the new I-35W bridge at 66th Street.
Community Development Manager Melin introduced landscape architect Michael
Schroeder of the Hoisington Keogler Group who worked with the Aesthetic Design Review
Committee on the design concepts. He stated that the citizen representatives on the
committee were David Gepner, Roger Gordon, and Joe Capetz.
Mr. Schroeder reviewed a summary of the design process and concepts including
the following:
x
The bridge as a gateway and landmark
x
Garden theme
x
The bridge and surrounding area as a place rather than an object
x
Arches, columns, and landscape basic elements
x
Transit access
x
Pedestrian safety
x
Lighting
x
Aesthetic details
x
Cost estimates
Mr. Schroeder reviewed drawings of the following design concepts:
Committee Alternate A - The Arch Bridge:
x
Concrete arch, with a keystone, linking each end and projecting away from the
bridge face.
x
Separate and distinct pedestrian walkways. Covered “portals” at each entryway
project away from the bridge face.
x
Planters above each of the portals.
x
Columns and arches in a repeating pattern at the pedestrian entryways and
along the road next to the sidewalk.
x
Decorative column/arch pattern in the abutment wall along the sidewalk.
Council Meeting Minutes-4-May 11, 1998
x
Columns have the appearance of large, cut stone rather than plain concrete
piers.
x
Three tiered planters along the abutments.
x
Decorative lighting.
x
Bus shelters.
Committee Alternate B - The Trellis Bridge:
x
An arching, painted steel trellis linking each end and attached to the outside of
the bridge face.
x
Separate and distinct pedestrian walkways. “Portals” at each entryway project
away from the bridge face and covered with a painted steel lattice/trellis
structure.
x
Columns and arches in a repeating pattern at the pedestrian entryways and
along the road next to the sidewalk.
x
Decorative column/arch pattern in the abutment wall along the sidewalk.
x
Columns have the appearance of large, cut stone rather than plain concrete
piers.
x
Three tiered planters along the abutments.
x
Decorative lighting.
x
Bus shelters.
Mr. Schroeder stated that the committee recommended Alternate A.
Adam Josephson, MnDOT I-35W Project Manager, reviewed drawings of the
following design concept:
MnDOT Alternate C - The MnDOT Bridge:
x
An arched pattern in a facia panel attached flush with the bridge face.
x
Pedestrian and vehicle traffic are not physically separated.
x
Decorative column/arch pattern in the abutment wall along the sidewalk.
x
No articulation along the front of the bridge.
x
Plain concrete columns.
x
Two tiered planters along the abutments.
x
Standard lighting.
x
Bus shelters.
He stated that MnDOT allocates an amount equal to 7% of the cost of the bridge for
aesthetic treatments with the local community responsible for any additional costs.
Council Member Stokes asked about the soundwalls.
Mr. Josephson stated the existing walls would remain except for changes in the
area of the bridge.
Council Meeting Minutes-5-May 11, 1998
Mr. Schroeder indicated that the soundwalls which terminate at the base of the
freeway ramps, can be treated with forms and materials similar to the bridge.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that the residents on Girard Avenue have
concerns about noise, especially after the house is removed on 66th Street. She stated
their desire is for some type of soundwall and landscaping.
Mr. Josephson stated that it would be possible to wrap the soundwall around the
corner. He stated he is aware of the issue and will work with City staff to address it.
Council Member Susag asked if the portal columns would create snow removal
problems.
Public Works Director Eastling indicated that they would have a minimal impact on
snow removal.
Council Member Stokes asked if Minneapolis and St. Paul have contributed to
additional costs for design enhancement for freeway bridges.
Mr. Josephson reviewed various examples in Minneapolis and St. Paul where
additional design enhancements had been funded by local funds.
Discussion followed regarding the Lyndale Avenue and Nicollet Avenue bridge
designs.
Council Member Susag requested clarification regarding a particular pointed
architectural element depicted in the concept drawings.
Mr. Josephson responded indicating that this architectural element was the bus
shelter which maintained the same design and location in all three alternatives.
David Gepner, 7503 18th Avenue, spoke in support of the committee’s
recommendation for Alternate A. He reviewed the importance of the bridge as a link to the
east and west, a gateway, and entrance to the Richfield Lake area. He stated his desire
that MnDOT contribute a greater amount due to the major impact the freeway has on the
community. Mr. Gepner responded to questions regarding the practicality of some of the
planters and landscaping and related maintenance costs.
Discussion followed regarding costs and funding issues.
Community Development Manager Melin stated that the City share for Alternate A
was estimated at $396,400; however, he stated that staff felt it could implement
modifications to reduce the costs to $260,000 while still maintaining the major concept
elements.
David Gepner stated he was confident that with some changes the concept can still
be achieved at a reduced cost.
Council Meeting Minutes-6-May 11, 1998
M/Susagto approve the Committee Alternate A Design Concept and to direct staff,
the Aesthetic Design Review Committee, and the landscape architect, to take the
necessary steps to implement modifications of the I-35W at 66th Street bridge Alternate A
to reduce the estimated costs of the City from $396,400 to $260,000, or 65% of MnDOT’s
preliminary cost estimate.
Roger Gordon, 6345 17th Avenue, stated that money is not always the most
important issue. He stated this bridge will stand for the next 40 years as a gateway to
Richfield and a link between the east and west. He stated it should be a place and not
just a structure. He urged approval of Alternative A.
Council Member Sandahl stated opposition to arbitrarily using $260,000 as the
figure to reduce the cost to because this may require loss of essential concept elements.
He stated support for allowing City staff and the design committee to see what they can do
to reduce the costs without giving an arbitrary cost number. He stated $260,000 could be
used as a goal.
After discussion about rewording the motion, Council Member Susag restated the
motion:
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to approve the Committee Alternate A Design Concept for the
I-35W at 66th Street bridge and to direct city staff, the Aesthetic Design Review
Committee, and the landscape architect to take the necessary steps to implement
modifications to Alternate A to reduce the $396,400 estimated cost to the City, with a goal
of reducing the cost to $260,000.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #5 CONSENT CALENDAR
A.Removed from the Consent Calendar and placed on the regular agenda for
consideration as Item #11A.
B.APPROVED CONTRACT TO LINDAHL & CARLSON, INC. FOR 1998 ANNUAL
CURB AND GUTTER, SIDEWALK AND MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE REPAIR
IN AMOUNT OF $43,584. CL. 108
C.APPROVED OFF-STREET PARKING PERMIT TO ALLOW 1,400 SQUARE FOOT
BUILDING ADDITION AT 607 EAST 77TH STREET. C.L. 109
D.APPROVED CONSULTING CONTRACT WITH SRF CONSULTING GROUP, INC.
FOR SERVICES RELATED TO PARK DESIGN CONCEPT PLANS FOR
MONROE AND FAIRWOOD PARKS IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $8,220.
C.L. 110
Council Meeting Minutes-7-May 11, 1998
E.APPROVED RESOLUTION MAKING APPLICATION TO MINNESOTA AMATEUR
SPORTS COMMISSION FOR MIGHTY DUCK GRANT OF $250,000 FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND ICE SHEET AT RICHFIELD ICE ARENA.
C.L. 111
RESOLUTION NO. 8575
RESOLUTION OF LOCAL SUPPORT FOR MIGHTY DUCK
GRANT APPLICATION
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8575 in Resolution Book No. 67.
F.APPROVED NEW RESIDENTIAL KENNEL LICENSE; 7433 EAST PLEASANT
AVENUE, THREE DOGS AND TWO CATS C.L. 112
G.Removed from the Consent Calendar and placed on the regular agenda for
consideration as Item #11B.
M/Susag, S/Stokes to approve the consent calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #6PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ACCEPTANCE OF PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND DIRECTION FOR STAFF TO ADVERTISE FOR
BIDS FOR EXPANSION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF CITY
HALL/HEREDIA PARK PARKING LOT. C.L. NO. 114
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 114 regarding the proposed
plans for expansion and reconstruction of the City Hall/Heredia Park parking lot.
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed and answered questions regarding the
site plan, trees, layout, storm water drainage, and house removal related to the proposed
parking lot expansion.
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Susag, S/Stokes to accept the plans and specifications as presented and to
authorize City staff to advertise for bids to expand and reconstruct the City Hall/Heredia
Park parking lot by adding 28 new parking spaces.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-8-May 11, 1998
Item #7PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ISSUANCE OF 1998 SECONDHAND
GOODS DEALER LICENSE FOR GROW BIZ INTERNATIONAL, INC., DBA
COMPUTER RENAISSANCE, 720 WEST 78TH STREET. C.L. NO. 115
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 115 regarding the application of
Grow Biz International, Inc. d/b/a Computer Renaissance, 720 West 78th Street, for a
secondhand goods dealer license.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to approve the issuance of a new 1998 secondhand
goods dealer license to Grow Biz International Inc., d/b/a Computer Renaissance, 720
West 78th Street.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #8PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING REQUEST FROM STATE OF
MINNESOTA FOR ISSUANCE OF NEW CURRENCY EXCHANGE LICENSE
FOR YOUNGE, POTTS, WIEZER, & COMPANY, INC., 7620 LYNDALE
AVENUE. C.L. NO. 116
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 116 regarding a request from
the State of Minnesota for the issuance of a new currency exchange license to Younge,
Potts, Wiezer & Company, Inc., 7620 Lyndale Avenue. He answered questions from the
Council regarding the previous use for this site and the applicability of the sign ordinance
to the new tenant.
Council Member Susag stated that he intended to vote affirmatively on this issue
but he objected to the terminology contained in the Council Letter stating the City
approves the state issuance of the license. He stated his preference is for indicating that
the City does not object to the state issuance of the license.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Sandahl, S/Stokes to approve state issuance of a currency exchange license to
Younge, Potts, Wiezer & Company, Inc., 7620 Lyndale Avenue.
Council Meeting Minutes-9-May 11, 1998
Discussion followed regarding the wording of the motion. Council Member Susag
suggested alternative wording for the motion. Council Members Sandahl and Stokes
accepted Council Member Susag’s alternative wording for their motion. The motion was
restated:
M/Sandahl, S/Stokes that the City Council does not object to state issuance of a
currency exchange license to Younge, Potts, Wiezer & Company, Inc., 7620 Lyndale
Avenue, that the Richfield Public Safety Department has conducted a background
investigation of the applicant and found no known criminal record.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #9PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT RELATING TO COUNCIL SALARIES. C.L. NO. 117
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 117 regarding a proposed
ordinance amendment providing for a 3% increase that would adjust the Mayor’s salary to
$7,995 per year and Council Member salaries to $6,206 per year effective on January 1,
1999.
Council Member Sandahl discussed the expenses of serving as a Council Member,
reasons to adjust the salary on a regular basis, and noted that no one serves as a Council
Member for the money.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Sandahl, S/Stokes that this constitutes Second Reading of Bill No. 1998-9
amending Section 210 of the ordinance code, that it be published in the official newspaper
and that it be made part of these minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #10FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO SUBSECTION 511
OF ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW LIMITED EXPANSION OF
NONCONFORMING RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES. C.L. NO. 118
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 118 regarding a proposed
ordinance amendment which would allow limited expansion of nonconforming residential
structures.
Council Meeting Minutes-10-May 11, 1998
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 June
8, 1998 City Council meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #11FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO SUBSECTION 511
OF ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW LIMITED EXPANSION OF
NONCONFORMING RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES. C.L. NO. 119
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 119 regarding a proposed
ordinance amendment which would allow property owners to add porches onto the fronts
of single and two family homes that encroach on the front setback.
M/Susag, S/Stokes that this constitute the First Reading of this ordinance; and that
the Public Hearing and Second Reading of the ordinance be scheduled for the June 8,
1998 City Council meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #11ACONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AWARD OF CONTRACT TO
MCNAMARA CONTRACTING, INC. FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF 70TH
STREET BETWEEN CHICAGO AVENUE AND BLOOMINGTON AVENUE
IN AMOUNT OF $364,819.39. C.L. NO. 107
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 107 regarding consideration of
award of a contract to McNamara Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $364,819.39 for the
reconstruction of 70th Street between Chicago Avenue and Bloomington Avenue.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, stated concerns about the costs of the
project and the deterioration of other streets in the City. He suggested the possibility of
using a reduced specification such as mudjacking and resurfacing.
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed and discussed the following issues:
x
The costs for the reconstruction work are appropriate and as expected.
x
Ongoing sealcoating and patching maintenance programs prolongs the life of
the pavement.
x
Municipal State Aid funding.
x
70th Street problem is unique due to unstable soils under the outer portions of
the pavement and the failure at the curb.
x
Mudjacking would be ineffective due to the underlying unstable soils.
Council Meeting Minutes-11-May 11, 1998
Mr. Wozniczka suggested that the City seek legislation to allow Municipal State Aid
funds to be used on other streets.
M/Sandahl, S/Stokes to accept the bid minutes/tabulation and award a contract to
McNamara Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $364,819.39 for the reconstruction of 70th
Street between Chicago Avenue and Bloomington Avenue.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #11BCONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF ON-SALE 3.2 PERCENT MALT
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR G&S OF RICHFIELD, DBA KING OSCAR’S, 1120
EAST 66TH STREET. C.L. NO. 113
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 113 regarding consideration of
the application of G&S of Richfield d/b/a King Oscar’s, 1120 East 66th Street, for a on-
sale 3.2 percent malt liquor license.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, questioned whether this was a renewal
license, whether the license was appropriate with a Montessori school to be built next
door, and whether there should be a public hearing.
City Manager Prosser stated that this was a new license, not a renewal.
Council Member Sandahl stated that on-sale liquor and on-sale wine licenses
required a public hearing but a on-sale 3.2 license did not.
Dennis W. Manson, 6901 Park Avenue, asked why the applicant wanted this
license.
Sarah and O’Neal Hampton, 7501 Humboldt Avenue, the applicants, stated that
they are responding to the requests of their customers in seeking this license.
Mr. Wozniczka stated his concerns that King Oscar’s might change into a place like
the Frenchmans.
Council Member Susag stated that King Oscar’s is a credit to Richfield and he
would support this license request.
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to approve the issuance of a 1998 on-sale 3.2 percent malt
liquor license to G&S of Richfield, d/b/a King Oscar’s, 1120 East 66th Street.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-12-May 11, 1998
Item #12AIRPORT STATUS REPORT
City Manager Prosser reported on the status of the following airport related issues:
x
The Dual Track Final Environmental Impact Statement has just been released
buy the MAC. Copies will be available for review at City Hall and the Augsburg
Park Library.
x
A Special Meeting of the MAC Planning and Environment Committee with
Richfield residents, City Council, and Planning Commission is scheduled for
May 13, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. at the Richfield High School Auditorium.
x
City staff has additional meetings scheduled with the MAC staff to discuss noise
issues.
Council Member Stokes reported on MASAC’s request for additional noise
monitors.
City Manager discussed and encouraged additional questions from residents
regarding airport issues.
Item #13LEGISLATIVE REPORT
City Manager Prosser stated that the comprehensive summary of the results on
legislative initiatives and policies has not been completed yet.
Item #14COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
At the request of Mayor Kirsch, Public Works Director Eastling gave a report on the
visit of a delegation of public works professionals from Heredia, Costa Rica.
Council Member Stokes stated that several residents had asked about the cable
television replay of the airport issues panel discussion. She provided the following
schedule:
Tuesdays through May 26 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays through May 3010:00 p.m.
Sundays through May 31 7:00 p.m.
Council Member Sandahl reminded staff that the Council agenda packets should
include maps and graphics drawings.
Council Meeting Minutes-13-May 11, 1998
Council Member Susag reminded residents that the Christian Park Peace Site
dedication event had been rescheduled to May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Council Member Susag discussed the City Council’s participation in the 4th of July
Parade.
Mayor Kirsch reminded residents that the April Your City publication has been
delivered and for further information residents should call City staff.
Item #15CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Sandahl, S/Susag that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
Checks: 75287-75309$ 76,914.95
H/C: 76495-76868$583,960.77
Payroll:9442-9728$431,003.23
Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Dennis W. Manson, 6901 Park Avenue, informed the City Council that he had
talked to the owners of King Oscar’s regarding future menu changes.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:58 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. KirschMayor
Thomas P. FerberJames D. Prosser
City ClerkCity Manager