04-24-00 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
April 24, 2000
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; Sue Sandahl; Susan Rosenberg; Russ Susag;
and Kristal Stokes.
Staff Present:Samantha Orduno, City Manager; Thomas Ferber, City Clerk; Bruce
Palmborg, Community Development Director; Mike Eastling, Public
Works Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Dan
Scott, Public Safety Director; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to approve the minutes of the Special City Council Study
Session of April 10, 2000 and the Regular City Council Meeting of April 10, 2000.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-2-April 24, 2000
Item #1PRESENTATION OF POLICE OFFICER OF YEAR AWARD FOR 1999 TO
RICHFIELD POLICE OFFICER JOSEPH GRIFFIN
Public Safety Director Scott presented the Richfield Police Officer of the Year Award
for 1999 to Police Officer Joseph Griffin. Public Safety Director Scott read the citation and
the reasons for the recognition of Police Office Joseph Griffin.
Item #2PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING RICHFIELD’S
OBSERVANCE OF CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION ON MAY 6 AND 7,
2000
Council Member Rosenberg read a proclamation designating Saturday and Sunday,
May 6 and May 7, 2000, for Richfield’s observance of Cinco de Mayo. Council Member
Rosenberg stated that Richfield’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will be held on these
days from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Taft Park including music, dancing, food, basketball
and soccer tournaments.
Item #3PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY AS ARBOR
MONTH IN RICHFIELD
Council Member Stokes read and presented a proclamation to Public Works
Director Eastling designating May as Arbor Month in the City of Richfield.
Public Works Director Eastling presented a short photographic depiction of typical
Public Works day-to-day operations related to each of the Public Works proclamations.
Item #4PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING NATIONAL
DRINKING WATER WEEK, MAY 7-13, 2000
Council Member Sandahl read and presented a proclamation to Public Works
Director Eastling designating National Drinking Water Week, May 7-13, 2000, in the City of
Richfield.
Council Meeting Minutes-3-April 24, 2000
Item #5PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING NATIONAL PUBLIC
WORKS WEEK, MAY 21-27, 2000
Council Member Susag read and presented a proclamation to Public Works Director
Eastling designating May 21-27, 2000, as Public Works Week in the City of Richfield.
Item #6OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON ITEMS
NOT ON THE AGENDA
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, indicated he was not satisfied with the
explanation of a balanced budget requirement issue he asked about at the March 27 City
Council Meeting. He quoted City Charter Sections 7.06 and 7.08 regarding the annual
budget indicating that he believed these provisions were being violated. He also stated
concern about the transfer of funds for airport related costs. He stated this issue deserves
a response from an independent auditor.
City Manager Orduno invited Mr. Wozniczka to meet with City staff and the auditor
to respond to his questions. She stated that the City budget is balanced but the reporting
mechanism that are required to be used are sometimes misleading.
Mr. Wozniczka stated he found this not to be an acceptable answer. He requested
an answer from the City Council because it is the Council who would hire and employ an
independent auditor.
Sarah Parsons, 6637 Sheridan Avenue, requested City Council endorsement for the
Tri-City Partners for Healthy Youth and Communities for the Together We Stand campaign
for preventing the use of alcohol by teenagers.
M/Rosenberg, S/Kirsch to endorse the Tri-City Partners for Healthy Youth and
Communities Together We Stand campaign.
Motion carried 5-0.
Earl A. Grindheim, 6844 17th Avenue, asked about the status of the Low Frequency
Noise Study.
City Manager Orduno summarized the following schedule regarding to Low
Frequency Noise Study Report:
x
The City’s revisions have been completed and forwarded to the MAC.
x
MAC’s Planning and Environmental Committee will review the report and
forward it to the MAC Board.
Council Meeting Minutes-4-April 24, 2000
x
MAC Board will consider the report on May 20, who will then forward the LFN
StudyReport to the FAA.
x
Once the MAC forwards the study to the FAA, the FAA will conduct their own
joint study. The technical analysis would first be conducted at the district office
here in Minnesota, then forwarded to the regional, then onto the DC office for
conclusion and development of nation-wide policy standards to mitigate LFN.
x
FAA stated that the best case scenario for completion of the analysis and
development of standards is 6 months, the worst case timeline is 12 months
from the time they receive the final report from the MAC.
The standards are required as LFN mitigation is not currently an accepted noise
impact and without analysis and standards that can be applied nation-wide,
mitigation anywhere can not occur.
x
Summary of costs of the study.
Mr. Grindheim asked if the City would receive the data from the report.
City Manager Orduno stated that all three volumes would be available including the
technical data, findings, summary and recommendations.
Alfred Johnson, 6813 Cedar Avenue, stated concerns about highway noise and
impatience that nothing has been done yet.
Stan Cromer, 6833 16th Avenue, stated concerns about the loss of homes to
redevelopment and the airport.
Paul Nelson, 6633 16th Avenue, stated concerns about the delays for release of the
Low Frequency Noise Study.
Don Cederholm, 6214 Fifth Avenue, stated he felt that the City Council showed no
respect for taxpayer citizens by giving tax breaks to big businesses like Best Buy.
Paul E. Hansen, 7245 18th Avenue, stated he did not want to see any more homes
or businesses destroyed. He also stated concerns about school funding and tax increment
financing.
Robert Hall, 7309 Oliver Avenue, praised the Richfield Rediscovered Program. He
noted that the City Manager and Department Directors do not live in Richfield. He
suggested that perhaps the City Council should give priority to the City Manager and the
Department Directors in getting a Richfield Rediscovered house so they can live and work
in Richfield. He stated concerns about financing of the sidewalk project.
Audrey Hansen, 7233 Lyndale Avenue, stated concerns about the loss of the
Masonic Lodge location at 76th Street and Logan Avenue due to the Interchange West
redevelopment with no place identified for relocation. She reviewed the community
contributions of the Lodge’s activities.
Council Meeting Minutes-5-April 24, 2000
Item #7 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Kirsch stated that Item #12 would be moved up on the agenda to be the first
hearing after the consent calendar.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #8 CONSENT CALENDAR
A.APPROVED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONDEMNATION OF COMMERCIAL
PROPERTY AT 1710 EAST 78TH STREET FOR 77TH STREET PHASE III,
UNDERPASS PROJECT S.R. NO. 107
RESOLUTION NO. 8873
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR STREET PURPOSES
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8873 in Resolution Book No. 71.
B.APPROVED REVIEW APPRAISER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
RUPPERT AND RUPPERT ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR 66TH STREET AND TRUNK
HIGHWAY 77 INTERCHANGE PROJECT S.R. NO. 108
C.APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH LIESCH ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR 66TH STREET AND TRUNK
HIGHWAY 77 INTERCHANGE PROJECT S.R. NO. 109
D.APPROVED PURCHASE OF MODEL 270 JD SKID STEER LOADER FOR USE BY
UTILITY DIVISIONS FROM JOHN DEERE COMMERCIAL WORKSITE PRODUCTS,
INC. IN AMOUNT OF $25,540.77 S.R. NO. 110
E.APPROVED BID MINUTES/TABULATION AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ACE
BLACKTOP, INC. FOR MILLING AND BITUMINOUS OVERLAY WORK IN 2000 IN
AMOUNT OF $104,766.35 S.R. NO. 111
F.APPROVED BID MINUTES/TABULATION AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MIDWEST
ASPHALT CORPORATION FOR INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT 67TH
STREET AND NICOLLET AVENUE IN AMOUNT OF $256,040.63 S.R. NO. 112
Council Meeting Minutes-6-April 24, 2000
G.APPROVED ITINERANT PLACE OF AMUSEMENT, ITINERANT FOOD AND
TEMPORARY INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSES FOR DON PABLOS, 980 WEST
78TH STREET, FOR CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION ON MAY 5, 2000 S.R. NO. 113
H.APPROVED COMMUNITY EVENT CELEBRATION LICENSE WITH FEE WAIVER FOR
RICHFIELD RECREATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR EVENTS TO CELEBRATE
CINCO DE MAYO AT TAFT PARK, 6200 18TH AVENUE ON MAY 6 AND 7, 2000 S.R.
NO. 114
I.APPROVED NEW RESIDENTIAL KENNEL LICENSE AT 7201 LOGAN AVENUE;
THREE DOGS S.R. NO. 115
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to approve the consent calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #9PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION
APPROVING TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF KBL CABLE SYSTEMS OF
THE SOUTHWEST, INC., CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISEE,
RESULTING FROM MERGER OF TIME WARNER, INC. AND AMERICA
ONLINE, INC. INTO AOL TIME WARNER, INC. (CONTINUED FROM
MARCH 27, 2000) S. R. NO. 116
City Manager Orduno reviewed Staff Report No. 116 regarding consideration of a
resolution to approve the proposed transfer of control of KBL Cable Systems of the
Southwest, Inc. resulting from the merger of Time Warner, Inc. and America Online, Inc.
into AOL Time Warner, Inc.
M/Stokes, S/Rosenberg to close public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Susag, 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. 8874
APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF CONTROL
OF KBL CABLE SYSTEMS OF THE SOUTHWEST, INC., THE
CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISEE, RESULTING FROM
THE MERGER OF TIME WARNER, INC. AND
AMERICA ONLINE, INC. INTO AOL TIME WARNER, INC.
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8874 in Resolution
Book No. 71.
Council Meeting Minutes-7-April 24, 2000
Item #10DISCIPLINARY HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF CIVIL
ENFORCEMENT FOR GODFATHER’S PIZZA, 2 WEST 66TH STREET,
WHO RECENTLY UNDERWENT ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE CHECK,
CONDUCTED BY RICHFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY, AND FAILED BY
SELLING ALCOHOL TO UNDERAGE YOUTH S. R. NO. 117
Public Safety Director Scott reviewed Staff Report No. 117 regarding consideration
of civil enforcement disciplinary action for Godfather’s Pizza, 2 West 66th Street, as a
result of a recent alcohol compliance check conducted by Richfield Public Safety staff.
Bill Brown, Area Manager of Godfather’s Pizza, admitted that the violation occurred.
Terry Harper, new General Manager of Godfather’s Pizza, reviewed his experience
and training. He stated his intentions that Godfather’s Pizza have no more compliance
violations.
M/Susag, S/Stokes to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to suspend Godfather’s Pizza license to sell alcohol for five
consecutive days and to levy a fine against the establishment in the amount of $1500 for
this second violation with the Public Safety Director to select the five consecutive days of
the suspension; to require that Godfather’s Pizza meet with the Public Safety Director; and
to conduct a mandatory alcohol and sales awareness training session with all of their
employees.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #11PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW USE OF PORTION
OF BUILDING AT 7145 HARRIET AVENUE AS DAY CARE FACILITY FOR
UP TO 50 CHILDREN S. R. NO. 118
Community Development Director Palmborg reviewed Staff Report No. 118
regarding consideration of the request of Lasantha and Miriam Fernando, owners of
Sheranees Montessori, for a conditional use permit to allow the use of a portion of the
building at 7145 Harriet Avenue as a Day Care Facility for up to 50 children.
Dennis W. Manson, 6901 Park Avenue, questioned what type of building the facility
would be located within.
Mayor Kirsch stated it is the Central School Building located next to he Richfield
High School.
Council Meeting Minutes-8-April 24, 2000
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
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. 8875
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
7145 Harriet Avenue South
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8875 in Resolution
Book No. 71.
Item #12PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION
APPROVING AMENDMENT TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHANGING
DESIGNATION OF PROPERTIES IN INTERCHANGE WEST AREA FROM
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL AND HIGH DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL TO REGIONAL COMMERCIAL/OFFICE AND AUTHORIZE
SUBMITTAL TO METROPOLITAN COUNCIL S. R. NO. 119
Community Development Director Palmborg reviewed Staff Report No. 119
regarding a public hearing and consideration of a resolution approving an amendment to
the Comprehensive Plan that would change the designation of properties in the
Interchange West Area from neighborhood commercial (C-N) and high density single
family residential (R-SFH) to regional commercial/office (R-C/O) and authorizing submittal
to the Metropolitan Council.
City Manager Orduno presented an amended staff report and resolution indicating
that only preliminary approval of the comprehensive plan amendment would occur tonight
and then it would be forwarded to the Metropolitan Council. She stated final approval of
the amendment by the City Council must take place after Metropolitan Council action to
approve the amendment.
Howard Bunce, 7608 Sheridan Avenue, stated he was not against redevelopment
but was against the taking of property to replace it with another business.
Paul Walser, 4609 Browndale Avenue, Edina, owner of Walser Automotive at 2100
West 78th Street, stated that the redevelopment process over the last 2 ½ years had been
very damaging emotionally and financially. He reviewed how Walser had built their
business over the last 20 years, bought an old adjacent strip mall and replaced it with a
new building, and invested a million dollars over the 20 years in improving the site. He
stated Opus is now offering less than what was paid for the site. He stated opposition to
using tax increment financing dollars to choose one business over another. He announced
a campaign to lobby the legislature to change the law so cities can’t use the process this
Council Meeting Minutes-9-April 24, 2000
way. He stated Walser has a retail auto mall concept for redevelopment of the site that
would not take any homes nor require any tax subsidy. He stated a survey shows that
70% of those responding favor Walser’s plan for the area and 15% favor the Best Buy
plan. He reviewed the terms of the previous redevelopment proposal with CSM which
would have allowed Walser to have a BMW dealership at the site and an adequate
settlement to relocate the other dealer facilities. He stated Opus will not allow the BMW to
stay at the site and offered 1/3 of CSM’s settlement offer. He stated that if Walser cannot
stay at this site it wants a replacement property and facility so that the jobs and business
can be preserved. He questioned the responsibility of the City and developer in assuring
that businesses and homeowners be treated fairly in this process. He stated
condemnation would not allow the time to relocate. He questioned the fairness of the
process and the benefits of the Best Buy development since it will result in the loss of
homes, viable businesses, jobs and will create traffic problems. He suggested the City
conduct their own poll to see what residents think of the proposals. He stated he would
pay all the costs to explore his redevelopment concept and offered to pay all the
homeowners property taxes. He suggested at least a 60-day delay in Council action to
explore Walser’s concept.
Cindy Triggs, 7639 Penn Avenue, spoke in support of the Best Buy proposal citing
benefits of jobs, highest and best use of the property, and putting an end to the uncertainty
for the area.
Jack Walser, 4700 Meadville Street, Minnetonka, described how he had located the
Buick dealership on the site 20 years ago and built it into a $200 million business which
sold over 4000 cars last year. He stated opposition to a law that would now consider the
business a blight and subject to condemnation. He indicated Opus had given them an
insulting offer of $24 per square foot for the property.
Terry Ahlstrom, 7600 Morgan Avenue, reviewed the process that the neighborhood
went through with the Mediation Center to determine what type of development was
favored for the area and 70% did not want an auto mall. He stated it had been a long
process and he wants it to move forward with the Best Buy proposal.
David Bjorklund, 7101 Penn Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Best Buy proposal
citing lack of benefit to the City, traffic congestion concerns and the loss of homes.
Dick Ziemer, 6400 Vincent Avenue, Vice-President of the CARE Team, stated the
group is not only interested in airport issues. He discussed his concerns and opposition to
tax increment financing. He stated the City Council should slow down and listen to
Walser’s proposal and the residents that they serve.
Dave Bakke, 7601 Morgan Avenue, stated that residents in the area have had their
lives disrupted for three years and want to move on with their lives. He stated Opus
should be reasonable and treat everyone fairly with the HRA and City being responsible to
assure this happens in a timely manner.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that the City wants the process to be fair and the
HRA and City expects Opus to negotiate in such a manner.
Council Meeting Minutes-10-April 24, 2000
Robert Hall, 7309 Oliver Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Best Buy proposal
citing traffic impacts and impacts on the schools. He suggested the HRA buy out the
homeowners to solve their problem and then they can sell them whenever a decent
development comes along. He discussed traffic impacts on adjacent areas.
Gerald Herman, 7300 14th Avenue, President of Teamster Local 974, stated
concerns about the loss of jobs if Walser is put out of business. He stated support for the
Walser concept.
DeWayne Fietsema, 6724 Vincent Avenue, stated he was an employee of Walsers
and as a resident he was very concerned about the traffic congestion that already exists
and Best Buy would make it much worse. He suggested Best Buy could be located in the
Cedar Avenue Redevelopment Area.
John W. Moe, 7044 Knox Avenue, stated concerns about the loss of the Masonic
Lodge and their financial ability to relocate if the Best Buy plan goes forward. He stated
support for consideration of the Walser concept.
Tom Penney, 7608 Morgan Avenue, stated that this is an emotional issue for all
involved and stated distress that CSM did not live up to their promises. He stated Walser
should receive a fair offer to preserve their jobs and business. He spoke in support of the
Best Buy proposal stating it would be good for property values, create jobs and that the
traffic issue will be addressed.
Coleen Fowler, 8698 Pheasant Run Road, Woodbury, discussed her employment
experiences with Walser and stated concern that Walser be treated fairly in this process.
She stated it is not fair to pick one business over another. She stated the Council should
listen to the voices of the people who are going to be here afterward since those who will
be bought out will be gone.
Jim Bergin, 7627 Oliver Avenue, stated that his experiences living behind the car
dealerships showed him residential and car dealers don’t go together. He reviewed
various noise, parking, trash and related problems created by Walser over the years. He
stated support for the Best Buy proposal.
Richard Whitmer, 7627 Blaisdell Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Best Buy
proposal. He discussed issues related to the development of several lots on the 7600
block of Nicollet Avenue. He suggested that the City buy the houses of those who want to
sell and resell them.
Don Houlding, 7145 13th Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Best Buy proposal
stating no business should be favored over another one.
Roger Green, 2409 West 65th Street, owner of Southtown Citgo at 7744 Penn
Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Best Buy proposal. He reviewed the history of his
business on this site since 1972. He discussed concerns about the Best Buy proposal and
discussed traffic concerns. He suggested the City Council pay attention to the concerns of
people and make a good decision.
Council Meeting Minutes-11-April 24, 2000
Norman Grant, 7633 Thomas Avenue, stated concerns about the use of tax
increment financing in Richfield being provided to very successful businesses.
Marilyn Nienkirk, 7227 Park Avenue, stated concerns about what type of corporate
citizen Best Buy will be and subsidizing a company whose CEO can afford to give $50
million to St. Thomas University. She suggested the City Council take a poll of residents
about what they favor.
Reuben Tulikangas, 7614 Newton Avenue, stated that the Walser plan doesn’t exist
and that there should be no delays in moving forward with the Best Buy proposal.
Bill Topero, 7645 Oliver Avenue, spoke in support of moving forward so that the
homeowners can be bought out.
Minou Hussain, owner of Pioneer Plastic, 7635 Logan Avenue, stated the desire
that this issue be resolved quickly for the sake of his employers and customers.
Bruce K. Wetternach, 7614 Morgan Avenue, stated support for moving forward with
the Best Buy proposal.
Bob Shotwell, 7333 Upton Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Best Buy proposal
discussing current and future traffic congestion issues and the need for car dealership
services in this area.
Giles Bayley, 4409 East 44th Street, Minneapolis, spoke in opposition to the Best
Buy proposal questioning the financial and monetary aspects of subsidizing a big
company.
Mike Dillon, 6521 Fifth Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Best Buy proposal stating
that government should not be involved in condemning property and that the free market
should decide.
Sharon Glennon, 2000 West 76th Street, stated support for the Best Buy proposal
and stated concern about traffic.
Ely Wolfe, 7610 York Avenue, Edina, spoke in opposition to the Best Buy proposal
saying Walser is a good business and good place to work.
Bill Topero, 7645 Oliver Avenue, stated that Walser was happy with the CSM deal
and now are being greedy. He spoke in support of being bought out.
Dick Ziemer, 6400 Vincent Avenue, stated sympathy for the homeowners in the
buyout area, but stated that most of those people will leave the City and concern should be
shown for those who will remain. He stated that the Best Buy proposal would be of no
benefit to Richfield.
Leonard Hardie, 7608 Newton Avenue, stated support for the Best Buy proposal.
Council Meeting Minutes-12-April 24, 2000
Paul Walser, 4609 Browndale Avenue, Edina, stated he had concern for the
residents of the area and encouraged a process to mutually participate with the City in
finding an acceptable solution for everyone.
David Bjorklund, 7101 Penn Avenue, suggested a vote on the issue.
Earl Grindheim, 6844 17th Avenue, suggested that the TIF money be used to buy
out the residents.
Council Member Susag suggested that the issue be continued two weeks to May 8
to allow the City Council to consider the comments received and receive further
comments.
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to continue the public hearing and consideration of a
resolution granting preliminary approval to an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan that
would change the designation or properties in the Interchange West area from
neighborhood commercial (C-N) and high density single family residential (R-SFH) to
regional commercial/office (R-C/O).
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #13CONSIDERATION RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HENNEPIN PARKS
FIRST-TIER TRAILS, GREENWAYS AND PARKS PLAN S. R. NO. 120
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer reviewed Staff Report No. 120 regarding
consideration of a resolution expressing support for the Hennepin Parks first tier system of
trails, greenways and parks plan. He explained the program, the process by which
detailed plans would occur and potential routes.
Discussion followed regarding the desirability of having a trail on the Soo Line.
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. 8876
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE HENNEPIN PARKS
FIRST-TIER TRAILS, GREENWAYS AND PARKS PLAN
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8876 in Resolution
Book No. 71.
Council Meeting Minutes-13-April 24, 2000
Item #14SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS REGARDING CITY MANAGER SIX-
MONTH PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Mayor Kirsch stated that the City Council had met at 5:30 p.m. in Closed Executive
Session for the purpose of conducting a six-month performance evaluation of City
Manager Orduno. Mayor Kirsch stated that the Council is pleased with her performance
and that there is no salary increase as a part of the six-month performance evaluation.
Item #15CONSIDERATION OF DRAFTING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND
ADVERTISING FOR BIDS TO MOVE SIDEWALKS AWAY FROM COUNTY
ROADS NEAR VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK OF RICHFIELD S. R.
NO. 121
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed Staff Report No. 121 regarding
consideration of Community Services Commission recommendations that:
1.Sidewalks near Veterans Memorial Park of Richfield (VMPR) be moved away
from the street (proposed for Council action at this time),
2.Northern States Power Company (NSP) be directed to underground existing
overhead utilities near VMPR and at I-35W and 66th Street (proposed for
Council discussion at this time), and
3.Unfunded costs related to undergrounding be paid by NSP rate payers
(proposed for Council discussion at this time).
Discussion followed regarding NSP policy regarding their standard of maintaining
overhead utilities in developed communities.
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed issues regarding undergrounding of utility lines,
funding and finance options.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl direct staff to draft plans and specifications and advertise for
bids to move sidewalks away from County roads near Veterans Memorial Park of Richfield
and to request that the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing to receive input and
consideration of the option of allowing NSP to collect the unfunded portion of
undergrounding costs by assessing Richfield rate payers.
Motion carried 5-0.
The City Council requested that staff provide to the Council the specific sections of
the City’s Comprehensive Plan that address the issue of underground utilities.
Council Meeting Minutes-14-April 24, 2000
Item #16AIRPORT STATUS REPORT
City Manager Orduno discussed the status of the following airport issue:
x
Low Frequency Noise Study
Item #17HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REPORT
City Manager Orduno reported on the following Housing and Redevelopment
Authority issues:
x
Lyndale Gardens Center Redevelopment concept and agreement with Lakes
of Lyndale, LLC, for exclusive cooperation with the HRA in exploring
feasibility of redeveloping the northwest quadrant of Lyndale Avenue and
65th Street.
x
Master Budget for Cedar Avenue Airport Redevelopment Area as a guide for
fund raising and fiscal control of project activities.
Item #18LEGISLATIVE REPORT
City Manager Orduno discussed the status of the tax increment financing
legislation.
Item #19COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
Council Member Rosenberg discussed the idea of having an independent auditor or
City’s auditor explain the budget issues to Mr. Wozniczka to clear up any
misunderstandings.
Discussion followed regarding the fact that the City’s auditors are currently
completing their audit work and will be meeting with the Council next month.
It was the consensus of the Council that the City’s auditing firm review these issues
and respond to the Council when they present the 1999 audit to the City Council next
month.
Council Member Rosenberg requested that staff be open to discussion with Walser
and making sure everyone’s needs are met in the process.
Council Meeting Minutes-15-April 24, 2000
Council Member Susag invited the public to attend the annual Friends of Wood
Lake (FOWL) fundraising dinner on April 28.
Item #20CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
INT Checks: 95140 – 95171$68,187.22
H/C96986 - 97316$691,377.46
PAYROLL18854 - 19052$481,014.31
TOTAL$ 1,240,578.99
Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:56 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. Kirsch
Mayor
Thomas P. FerberSamantha Orduno
City ClerkCity Manager