10-23-00 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
October 23, 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; Susan Rosenberg; Russ Susag; and Sue
Sandahl.
Members
Not Present:Kristal Stokes.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to determine the absence of Council Member Stokes as an
excused absence for the October 23, 2000 Regular City Council Meeting.
Motion carried 4-0.
Staff Present:Samantha Orduno, City Manager; Steven L. Devich, Administrative
Services Director; Deborah Guiher, Deputy City Clerk; Dan Scott,
Public Safety Director; Bruce Palmborg, Community Development
Director; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
Council Meeting Minutes-2-October 23, 2000
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to approve the minutes of the (1) Special City Council Meeting
of October 3, 2000; (2) Special City Council Meeting of October 4, 2000; (3) Special City
Council Study Session of October 9, 2000; and (4) Regular City Council Meeting of
October 9, 2000.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #1PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO WINNERS OF THIRD GRADE
FIRE SAFETY POSTER CONTEST HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH
NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK AND RICHFIELD FIRE
DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
Acting Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Brad Sveum presented certificates to Brianna
Blunt, Rebecca Dean, Katelin Freeman, Daniel Grabow, Shawn McFadden, Jordan Miller,
Mallery Moen and Joshua Zoellmer.
Item #2RECOGNITION OF RICHFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT 1999 LIFE SAFETY
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED BY RESIDENTIAL FIRE SAFETY
INSTITUTE AND MINNESOTA STATE FIRE MARSHAL
Mayor Kirsch presented Acting Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Brad Sveum with the
1999 Life Safety Achievement Award.
Item #3OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON ITEMS
NOT ON THE AGENDA
Deb Nordmarken, 6933 Sheridan Avenue, distributed copies of a letter from the
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to Council Members regarding the size
of the Best Buy project for the amount of space available.
City Manager Orduno stated that another letter would be coming from MnDOT
negating the letter just distributed. She stated that MnDOT judged the project based on
9,500 employees and a larger square footage. The pending letter will be based on the
correct information.
Council Meeting Minutes-3-October 23, 2000
Connie McDonald, 6400 15th Avenue, asked that respect be shown for the
candidates’ political signs and also the yards in which they are placed. When the signs
disappear it is at a cost of $10-25 per sign.
Council Member Rosenberg asked Community Development Director Bruce
Palmborg to respond to questions regarding property taxes for Best Buy.
Community Development Director Bruce Palmborg stated that Best Buy will pay
taxes. It is estimated that the property will be assessed at $7 million per year compared to
the current $700,000.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that taxpayers will not be penalized by Best Buy.
Hennepin County, the Public School District and the City of Richfield will get the same
amount of tax money.
Council Member Susag welcomed Cub Scout Troop 344 from House of Prayer.
They came to see the presentation to the winners of the Fire Safety Poster Contest and
also for Citizenship Night.
Item #4 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #5 CONSENT CALENDAR
A.Approved designation of Council Member Russ Susag as City of Richfield official voting
delegate and City Manager Samantha Orduno as alternate voting delegate for the
National League of Cities annual Congress of Cities business meeting on December 9,
2000 S.R. No. 265
B.Approved extension of Contract No. A01384 with Hennepin County to allow continued
access to property information system beginning January 1, 2001 and ending December
31, 2001 S.R. No. 266
C.Approved just compensation for immovable fixtures at 6501 Cedar Avenue in amount of
$18,520 S.R. No. 267
D.Approved request from State of Minnesota to review renewal of currency exchange
license for Checks Cashed of America, LLC, d/b/a Money Xchange, 7620 Lyndale
Avenue S.R. No. 268
Council Meeting Minutes-4-October 23, 2000
E.Approved request from State of Minnesota to review renewal of currency exchange
license for Community Money Centers, Inc., d/b/a Monday Centers, 6525 Nicollet Avenue
S.R. No. 269
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to approve the consent calendar.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #6PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ISSUANCE OF NEW ON-SALE
INTOXICATING LIQUOR AND SUNDAY LIQUOR LICENSES FOR
WILTSHIRE RESTAURANTS, LLC D/B/A HOULIHAN’S RESTAURANT &
BAR, 6601 LYNDALE AVENUE S. R. NO. 270
Public Safety Director Scott reviewed Staff Report No. 270 regarding issuance of
new on sale intoxicating liquor and Sunday liquor licenses for Wiltshire Restaurants, LLC
d/b/a Houlihan’s Restaurant & Bar, 6601 Lyndale Avenue.
Mayor Kirsch asked if carding customers had been discussed with the applicant.
Public Safety Director Scott stated that someone from staff has discussed this issue
with them and a copy of the resolution explaining the policy has also been given to them.
Council Member Sandahl asked for clarification on the City policy for sales of food
compared to liquor.
Public Safety Director Scott responded that City policy requires at least 51% food
sales and no more than 49% alcohol.
Council Member Rosenberg asked when the restaurant would open.
Steve Kneeland, 3004 Fairway Drive, Chaska, stated that the restaurant would
open in early February 2001. He went on to describe the restaurant as “upscale casual”
with prices in the $13-14 range, serving lunch and dinner 7 days per week.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl to approve the issuance of new on-sale intoxicating liquor and
Sunday liquor licenses for Wiltshire Restaurants, LLC d/b/a Houlihan’s Restaurant & Bar,
6601 Lyndale Avenue.
Motion carried 4-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-5-October 23, 2000
Item #7CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING 2000 THROUGH 2002
LABOR AGREEMENT WITH RICHFIELD INTERNATIONAL UNION OF
OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 49 S.R. NO. 271
Administrative Services Director Devich reviewed Staff Report No. 271 regarding
consideration of a resolution approving 2000 through 2002 Labor Agreement with Richfield
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49.
Council Member Susag asked if the Education/Training Incentive was new. If so,
he was pleased with the addition.
Administrative Services Director Devich stated that the incentive was new. He also
clarified that a CDL license is a commercial driver’s license.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl 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. 8953
RESOLUTION APPROVING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF RICHFIELD AND
RICHFIELD INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 49
Motion carried 4-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 8953 in Resolution
Book No. 71.
City Manager Orduno stated that Administrative Services Director Devich requested
the record show that there is a 3% wage increase each year of this three-year contract.
Item #8CONSIDERATION OF FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED BETWEEN 76TH STREET AND I-494
AND PENN AND KNOX AVENUES TO PLANNED GENERAL
COMMERCIAL; BEST BUY CAMPUS PROJECT S.R. NO. 272
Community Development Director Palmborg reviewed Staff Report No. 272
regarding consideration of first reading of ordinance amendment rezoning property located
between 76th Street and I-494 and Penn and Knox Avenues to planned general
commercial; Best Buy Campus Project.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that according to Laurie Blake’s column in the
October 19 Minneapolis Star Tribune, traffic is flowing easier in the Penn Avenue/I-494
intersection because the meters have been shut off.
Council Meeting Minutes-6-October 23, 2000
Council Member Susag said that there is a five to six week study on meters being
shut off. He suggested the Council send a letter to those doing the review to let them
know how the City feels about the meters being turned off and how this is affecting traffic
in our community. Mr. Susag stated that depending on the results of the study, the City
should at least request a reduction in the cycle of the green and red lights.
M/Susag, S/Sandahl that this constitutes the first reading of this ordinance and the
Public Hearing and Second Reading of the ordinance be scheduled for the November 27,
2000 City Council Meeting.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #9CONSIDERATION OF NEW RESIDENTIAL KENNEL LICENSE FOR 6837
THOMAS AVENUE; THREE DOGS S.R. NO. 273
Public Safety Director Scott reviewed Staff Report No. 273 regarding consideration
of a new residential kennel license for 6837 Thomas Avenue.
Brenda Carlson, 6837 Thomas Avenue, stated that she owns three dogs. Two of
the dogs are 11 years old and one dog is three years old. Her three-year-old dog will bark
when it sees people. She stated that her dogs are not left outside all day long. When she
is able, she will put up a fence. Until then, she is willing to plant grapevines to provide a
visual barrier.
Council Member Rosenberg stated there is a need for a visual barrier at the back of
the property so the dog cannot see any activity.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the request for a new residential kennel
license for Brenda Carlson, 6837 Thomas Avenue.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #10CONSIDERATION OF COMMERCIAL KENNEL LICENSE RENEWAL FOR
GROOMING ONLY AND CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO
LICENSE THAT WOULD ALLOW BOARDING OF CATS FROM HENNEPIN
COUNTY ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY AT PETSMART, 1100 WEST 78TH
STREET S.R. NO. 274
Public Safety Director Scott reviewed Staff Report No. 274 regarding consideration
of a commercial kennel license renewal for grooming only and consideration of
amendment to license that would allow boarding of cats from Hennepin County Animal
Humane Society at PetsMart, 1100 West 78th Street.
Council Meeting Minutes-7-October 23, 2000
LeeKanov, 7741 Heritage Road, Eden Prairie, a PetsMart representative, stated
that an average of two to four cats (with facilities for up to six cats) would be boarded at
one time. No dogs would be boarded.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the renewal of a commercial kennel license,
for the purpose of grooming only; and, approve an amendment to the license that would
allow the boarding of cats from the Animal Human Society, for PetsMart, 1100 West 78th
Street with the following stipulations:
x
The proposed Luv-a-Pet area would be a separate glassed room of the store. It would
contain one bank of six dog kennels and one bank of six cat kennels.
x
The kennels in the Luv-a-Pet area would be locked when animals are inside and no
store personnel or Humane Society personnel are in the immediate area.
x
Only cats would be kept over night.
x
The average number of cats to be kept overnight would be four.
x
The Luv-a-Pet area would be used for the sole purpose of adopting out animals. There
would be no boarding of customers’ pets.
x
All cats left in the Luv-a-Pet area would be screened by the Humane Society.
Additionally, any cat thought to be sick will be checked by a veterinarian and/or sent
back to the Humane Society for treatment.
x
The Luv-a-Pet area is a donated space to the Humane Society. PetsMart collects no
fee from the Humane Society.
x
Trained PetsMart associates and Humane Society volunteers would be responsible for
maintaining the Luv-a-Pet area daily.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #11AIRPORT STATUS REPORT
City Manager Orduno reported that a response to the FAA Noise Abatement Policy
was faxed to the FAA today.
She also stated that legislative policies are currently being put together and will be
brought to the City Council the first week in January. The AMM Policy Committee meeting
is November 9, 2000; the League Policy Committee will meet after the AMM Meeting.
City Manager Orduno stated that the City is finishing up with the 24 homes that
were acquired with the $5 million and finalizing the report to the tax chairs of both the
Senate and the House. The 24 homes acquired are at the beginning of 18th Avenue at
Council Meeting Minutes-8-October 23, 2000
66th Street, and up and down the west side of 18th Avenue from north to south (66th
Street to 62nd Street). With additional funding from State, Federal and MAC funding
sources, the goal is to remove all houses within the 87db range.
Item #12HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REPORT
City Manager Orduno noted the following items were approved by the HRA at their
meeting of October 16, 2000:
x
Annual Public Housing Authority Plan for the Section 8 Housing Assistance
Program.
x
Modifications to the Richfield Redevelopment Project Area and the Gramercy,
Urban Village, Richfield Rediscovered, A-5 and B-5 TIF Districts.
x
Eminent domain proceedings within Interchange West Area.
x
Quick take procedure in pending condemnation actions within Interchange
West Area.
Item #10COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
Council Member Sandahl asked if there would be trees on Portland Avenue to
shade the street north of 66th Street.
City Manager Orduno responded that Public Works Director Eastling would check
into it. She also stated that the shrubs in front of City Hall were being removed because
they were overgrown and dying and they will be replaced.
Item #11CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Susag, S/Sandahl that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
INT Checks: 98598 – 101633$422,100.38
H/C102202 - 102556$1,455,356.74
PAYROLL20484 – 20500; 21844 - 22012$444,320.05
TOTAL$2,321,777.17
Motion carried 4-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-9-October 23, 2000
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:05 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. Kirsch
Mayor
Deborah J. GuiherSamantha Orduno
Deputy City ClerkCity Manager