05-26-98 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
May 26, 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; Susan Rosenberg; Russ Susag; and Kristal
Stokes.
Members Not
Present:Michael Sandahl.
M/Susag, S/Stokes to determine the absence of Council Member Sandahl as an
excused absence.
Motion carried 4-0.
Staff Present :James Prosser, City Manager; Thomas Ferber, City Clerk; Bruce
Palmborg, Community Development Director; and William Fillmore,
Liquor Operations Director.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes-2-May 26, 1998
M/Susag, S/Stokes to approve the following minutes:
x
Regular City Council Meeting of May 11, 1998.
x
Special Metropolitan Airports Commission Planning and Environment
Committee Meeting with Richfield Residents, City Council and Planning
Commission of May 13, 1998.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #1OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON
ANY ITEM NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA.
No one wished to address the Council.
Item #2 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Susag, S/Stokes to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #3 CONSENT CALENDAR
A.APPROVED REQUEST FOR AMENDED OFF-STREET PARKING PERMIT TO
ALLOW TRUCK RENTAL AS ACCESSORY USE TO MINNESOTA MINI
STORAGE, 200 WEST 78TH STREET C.L. 120
B.APPROVED AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ASTECH CORPORATION ASPHALT
SURFACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR 1998 SEALCOATING PROJECT IN AMOUNT
OF $186,026.25 C.L. 121
C.APPROVED AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ASTECH CORPORATION ASPHALT
SURFACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR ROUTING AND SEALING CRACKS IN
ASPHALT PAVEMENT IN AMOUNT OF $74,199.07 C.L. 122
M/Susag, S/Stokes to approve the consent calendar.
Motion carried 4-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-3-May 26, 1998
Item #4PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AMENDMENT TO
APPENDIX B OF RICHFIELD CITY CODE TO ADD SCHOOLS, CHURCHES
AND DAY CARE FACILITIES AS CONDITIONAL USES IN MULTIPLE
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS AND ADD DAY CARE
FACILITIES AS CONDITIONAL USES IN SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS AND APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
PUBLICATION OF SUMMARY OF AMENDMENT.
C.L. NO. 123
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 123 regarding a proposed
ordinance amendment to Appendix B of the City Code which would add schools, churches
and day care facilities as conditional uses in multiple family residential zoning districts
and to add day care facilities as conditional uses in single family residential zoning
districts.
M/Susag, S/Stokes to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0.
M/Stokes, S/Rosenberg that this constitutes Second Reading of Bill No. 1998-10
amending Section 521, that it be published in the official newspaper and that it be made
part of these minutes.
Motion carried 4-0.
M/Stokes, 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. 8576
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO
SUBSECTION 521 OF APPENDIX B OF THE RICHFIELD CITY CODE
Motion carried 4-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8576 in Resolution
Book No. 68.
Item #5PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF TRANSITORY
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FOR BALL FIELD
REDEVELOPMENT PER STATE GRANT. C.L. NO. 124
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 124 regarding the proposed
transitory ordinance to authorize expenditure of the $2 million state grant to develop and
improve ball fields at various parks to replace ball fields which will be lost to the
Metropolitan Airports Commission.
Council Meeting Minutes-4-May 26, 1998
Gerald Millette, 6406 16th Avenue, President of the East Richfield Little League,
requested expediated action to assure that the replacement ball fields will be ready for
next spring and questioned the need for soil testing of the ball field improvement sites.
City Manager Prosser indicated that the soil testing will occur only if needed. He
discussed issues related to fast tracking the project, bidding climate, timing, and cost
implications.
Council Member Rosenberg asked if there was flexibility for the East Richfield Little
League organizations to share some facilities in the short term if necessary due to
construction timing.
Rick Jabs, 6805 Knox Avenue, West Richfield Little League, indicated that there
was limited availability of ball fields but that some sharing was possible along with the use
of some neighborhood parks in order to meet the needs for space.
Mr. Millette discussed the potential for adjusting the starting times for softball to
accommodate the Little League.
Mr. Jabs indicated that the Richfield Ball Field Replacement Task Force would
work on these issues.
Council Member Susag discussed the possibility of the use of the airport fields for a
part of 1999 if they were still available.
City Manager Prosser suggested the Ball Field Replacement Task Force develop a
contingency plan.
Mr. Millette suggested that revenues from the golf course be used to assist in
funding the first phase of the ball field replacement.
City Manager Prosser stated that funding alternatives beyond the state grant would
be reviewed after bids are received and the costs are known.
Jim Blomgren, 6905 Chicago Avenue, stated concern that the ball field replacement
occur. He stated that he favored having the fields all in the same area.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that the City Council is committed to providing
the replacement ball fields.
Gordon Larson, 6841 Washburn Avenue, stated that the Ball Field Replacement
Task Force recommends that the East Richfield Little League be at one site. He stated
the new field will be as good or better as the current facilities.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, requested a summary of the Task
Force recommendations.
Council Meeting Minutes-5-May 26, 1998
Council Member Rosenberg read the following Richfield Ball Field Replacement
Task Force recommendations:
1.The City should make improvements at the Academy of Holy Angels field to
provide an adequate football/soccer field and Babe Ruth baseball field. Both
fields would be administered by the Richfield Recreation Services Department
during the summer months.
2.Four new youth baseball fields should be added at Roosevelt Park, eliminating
a soccer/football field.
3.Richfield Junior School site, upgrade the three existing youth slow pitch softball
fields and the space used in the summer as soccer field and add one slow pitch
softball field.
4.A new football/soccer field should be built at Donaldson Park.
5.Lights should be added and the dugouts replaced on the upper Donaldson
Park, Babe Ruth field.
6.Upgrading the two existing softball fields and space used as a soccer field in
the summer at the Richfield Intermediate School.
If there is money left over the following projects should be completed:
x
Adding an irrigation system on the soccer field at Washington Park.
x
Adding a T-ball complex at Taft Park.
x
Adding lights on the high school baseball field and electrical access for a score
board.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, stated concerns about the impact of
the changes at the Academy of Holy Angels field on the adjacent neighborhood including
parking, traffic, debris control, and pedestrian access. He questioned whether the
Roosevelt Park neighborhood had been notified about the potential changes to that park.
Mr. Jabs responded that these issues where considerations discussed by the Task
Force. He reviewed how the Task Force had conducted neighborhood meetings at
various locations, received resident input on the plans, and responded with revisions as a
result of their input. He stated that the plans are not final and the Task Force is open to
further input and conducting more meetings.
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0.
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg that this constitutes Second Reading of Bill No. 1998-11
Transitory Ordinance No. 17.81 approving a Capital Improvement Project, that it be
published in the official newspaper and that it be made part of these minutes.
Motion carried 4-0.
Mayor Kirsch acknowledged the Task Force for their work.
Council Meeting Minutes-6-May 26, 1998
Council Member Susag suggested the Task Force send a letter to the MAC
requesting that they allow use of the existing ball fields for as long as possible to ease the
transition.
Scott Freeman, 6212 Bloomington Avenue, stated that he had asked MAC for that
assurance at a recent community meeting, however, it seemed apparent that the MAC
desired to terminate the use of the fields by October 1, 1998.
Item #6CONSIDERATION OF REPORT ON STATUS OF INTERCHANGE WEST
REDEVELOPMENT STUDY AREA. C.L. NO. 125
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 125 regarding the status of the
Interchange West Redevelopment Study Area.
Nancy Welsh, facilitator from the Mediation Center, provided the following
chronology of the Interchange West Process:
July 1997Meeting held involving area residents, City staff and CSM.
Sept. 1997Interviews conducted involving selected residents to determine process
and informational needs.
Recommendation made for two facilitated informational meetings
focusing on pre-identified issues.
Dec. 1997With significant input from selected residents regarding substance and
timing, two informational meetings held. Agenda included information
regarding:
x
Comprehensive Plan and its relevance to area.
x
Transportation issues.
x
Process for decision-making (by City and CSM) regarding possible
redevelopment in area.
x
Concept designs for commercial and/or residential redevelopment.
x
Likely impacts of commercial redevelopment and mitigation
possibilities.
x
Compensation issues.
Hot line established to answer residents’ questions.
Jan. 1998Letter sent updating residents on recent developments.
Feb. 1998With significant input from selected residents, survey hand-delivered to
allhomeowners living south of 76th Street in Interchange West area.
March 1998Survey data compiled. Memo regarding results sent to homeowners.
Results included:
x
50% of residents preferred commercial and residential redevelopment
(Option B)
x
36% preferred commercial development with only ten homes removed
to allow for buffer and looped streets (Option A)
x
10% preferred commercial development with no removal of homes
Council Meeting Minutes-7-May 26, 1998
x
Those who preferred Option B were firm in their decision; those who
preferred Option A indicated likely change of mind depending upon
level of compensation and effect of commercial redevelopment on
property values.
Liaison Group for Interchange West Area established. Meeting held to
discuss next steps.
April 1998Informational meeting held for homeowners living south of 76th Street.
Information focused on:
x
Compensation issues - meaning and calculation of fair market value,
premium that could be paid by CSM, calculation of relocation
expenses.
x
Impact of commercial development on property values, crime and
quality of life.
Letter sent updating all residents on recent developments.
Follow-up survey hand-delivered to homeowners living south of 76th
Street.
May 1998Survey data compiled. Memo regarding results sent to homeowners.
Results included:
x
70% of responding homeowners preferred Option B
x
30% preferred Option A.
Ms. Welsh answered questions regarding development impacts regarding quality of
life, traffic, crime and real estate values. She gave an overview of general parameters
regarding assessed value to sales price, regarding purchase premiums from the
developer, and relocation benefits.
Mike Triggs, 7639 Penn Avenue, gave an overview of the Interchange West
neighborhood involvement process. He stated that the process provided the opportunity
for residents to get good information and make informed choices.
Jim Bergin, 7627 Oliver Avenue, summarized his feelings and observations of the
process. He reviewed how he had started out trying to organize people to fight any
redevelopment, the stages of the neighborhood involvement process, the survey of
residents and the sharing of information. He stated now it is his belief that the Option A
redevelopment is the best choice for the City as a whole because it will provide
replacement housing in a number greater than the number removed and they will be
designed to be compatible with the new commercial area. He suggested current residents
be given priority option for the new townhomes.
Murray Kornberg, CSM Corporation, indicated that would be a reasonable request
for consideration.
Council Meeting Minutes-8-May 26, 1998
Tom Mead, 7620 Morgan Avenue, stated he did not want to move and indicated
that just replacing the car dealers with hotels and office commercial development would
not change the neighborhood too much. He expressed concern that the redevelopment
would create a traffic problem four times as bad as it is now. He stated he wanted to see
the existing homes remain.
M/Rosenberg, S/Susag to accept the status report on the Interchange West
Redevelopment Study Area.
Motion carried 4-0.
Council Member Rosenberg stated she shared Mr. Mead’s concerns about traffic
and that she had reservations about the use of T.I.F. for the project. She stated that many
questions remain and more information will be needed before a decision can be made on
this issue.
Mayor Kirsch thanked the resident liaisons for their input and Nancy Welsh for
facilitating the neighborhood involvement process. He asked about a timeframe regarding
the possible redevelopment.
CommunityDevelopment Director Palmborg stated that the next step is to answer
questions regarding the feasibility and financing of the redevelopment. He stated Mr.
Kornberg would address the HRA regarding the status of the proposal on June 15 and the
HRA may consider negotiating a development agreement with CSM.
Item #7CONSIDERATION OF EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AGREEMENT
WITH RYAN COMPANIES US, INC. FOR PENN AVENUE AND 66TH
STREET REDEVELOPMENT AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
PROJECT AREA. C.L. NO. 126
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 126 regarding consideration of a
proposed Exclusive Development Rights Agreement with Ryan Companies US, Inc. For
the undertaking of a redevelopment feasibility study for the Penn Avenue and 66th Street
Redevelopment and Tax Increment Financing Project Area (PASSS).
Kent Carlson, Vice President of Ryan Companies, gave a presentation and
overview about the Ryan Companies organization and experience in redevelopment
projects. Mr. Carlson stated that the PASSS redevelopment would be expected to occur
over a long time frame. He stated that Ryan Companies is committed to a similar
neighborhood involvement process to that which was used for the Interchange West
Redevelopment Study Area.
City Manager Prosser discussed the potential for a long time frame for
redevelopment, opportunities for public input, a communications plan, and tax increment
financing.
Council Meeting Minutes-9-May 26, 1998
M/Rosenberg, S/Stokes to direct the City Manager and Mayor to execute the
Exclusive Development Rights Agreement with Ryan Companies US, Inc. for the
undertaking of a redevelopment feasibility study for the area indicated on Appendix A of
the Agreement, known as the Penn Avenue and 66th Street Redevelopment Project area.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #8CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL MEMBER APPOINTMENT TO SOUTH
HENNEPIN REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
C.L. NO. 127
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 127 regarding the request from
the South Hennepin Regional Planning Agency (SHeRPA) to appoint a Council Member
to the new advisory committee.
M/Stokes, S/Kirsch to appoint Council Member Rosenberg to the new South
Hennepin Regional Planning Agency Advisory Committee as a representative.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #9DISCUSSION OF 1998 NATIONAL ORGANIZATION TO INSURE A SOUND
CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT (N.O.I.S.E.) CONFERENCE.
City Manager Prosser suggested that a council member consider attending the
National Organization to Insure a Sound Controlled Environment (N.O.I.S.E.) Conference
July 22-24 in Colorado. He stated that it would provide a forum for discussion of low
frequency noise issues and noise as a public health problem.
M/Kirsch, S/Susag to designate Council Member Stokes to represent the City at the
1998 Aviation Noise Symposium.
Motion carried 4-0.
City Manager Prosser suggested that the City Council also consider designating a
representative to attend the National League of Cities (NLC) Conference later this year.
Item #10AIRPORT STATUS REPORT
Council Meeting Minutes-10-May 26, 1998
City Manager Prosser provided a status report on the following airport related
issues:
x
Response and comments to the North-South Runway EIS are due June 15.
x
The City’s airport legal and noise consultants will be in town this week regarding
the EIS.
x
The City will continue to work with the Environmental Quality Board, Met
Council, and federal agencies regarding EIS concerns.
x
Mitigation Plan finalization is scheduled to occur by June 8.
x
Discussions continue with MAC staff regarding mitigation issues.
x
The CARE group is active in communicating and coordinating mitigation
discussions.
Item #11LEGISLATIVE REPORT
City Manager Prosser stated that local legislators will attend the June 22 City
Council meeting to discuss legislative initiatives and policies. He stated special
recognition will be given to Representatives Edwina Garcia and Mark Mahon for their
service to the City of Richfield during their legislative terms.
City Manager Prosser discussed the status of the federal funding bill which
includes the completion of the 77th Street Underpass of Highway 77.
Item #12COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
Council Member Susag invited the public to participate in the Spartan Foundation
Invitational Golf Tournament, June 23 at Rich Acres Golf Course.
Item #13CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Rosenberg, S/Stokes that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
Checks: 75310-75337$38,135.00
H/C: 76870-77223$611,783.45
Council Meeting Minutes-11-May 26, 1998
Payroll: 5462-5765$421,082.54
Motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:56 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. KirschMayor
Thomas P. FerberJames D. Prosser
City ClerkCity Manager