05-29-01 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
May 29, 2001
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; John Enger; Gertrude
Ulrich; and Sue Sandahl.
Staff Present:Samantha Orduno, City Manager; Steven Devich, Administrative
Services Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Bruce
Palmborg, Community Development Director; Jim Topitzhofer,
Recreation Services Director; Dan Scott, Public Safety Director;
Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary; Tom Foley, Transportation
Engineer; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council Member Enger stated the Board of Equalization minutes of April 30, 2001
indicate his absence as not excused. He said he informed the City Manager that he was
going to be out of town. Mr. Enger requested that his absence be an excused absence.
M/Sandahl, S/Ulrich to determine the absence of Council Member Enger from the
April 30, 2001 Board of Equalization as an excused absence.
Council Meeting Minutes-2-May 29, 2001
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the minutes of the (1) Regular City Council
Meeting of April 23, 2001; (2) Richfield Board of Equalization Meeting of April 30, 2001; (3)
Special City Council Meeting of May 8, 2001; and (4) Regular City Council Meeting of May
14, 2001.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1PRESENTATION TO RICHFIELD EXPLORERS
Public Safety Director Scott explained the Explorer Scouts program and the
requirements needing to be met for the awards.
Richfield Police Officer Matt Steen presented to the Richfield Explorers, four awards
that were recently received at the Explorers Annual Conference for their performance on
police-related activities.
Item #2SWEAR-IN TWO RICHFIELD POLICE OFFICERS
Public Safety Director Scott administered the oath of office to the following new
Richfield Police Officers:
x
JosephOgren
x
Andrew Landon
Item #3PRESENTATION BY I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION
Jim Hovland, Chair of the I-494 Corridor Commission and current Edina City
Council Member, provided a report on commission activities. He said Richfield is in the
eye of transportation and commended the City for being a great neighbor to Edina and the
region.
Ross Thorfinnson, Legislative & Policy consultant and former Eden Prairie City
Council Member, provided a legislative update on transportation issues. He said he will be
developing a program to be actively involved at the Legislature.
Council Member Ulrich said she was an original member of the commission and
that the commission has accomplished a lot.
Council Meeting Minutes-3-May 29, 2001
Sue Sandahl, current Richfield City Council representative on the commission,
thanked the presenters. She said the long term effort of the commission is to raise
awareness of transportation issues.
Item #4PRESENTATION BY CITY MAINTENANCE FACILITY TASK FORCE
Dave Gepner, Chair of the City Maintenance Facility Task Force, provided
background related to the need for a new maintenance facility and an update on current
activities. The task force confirmed their recommendation regarding the site selection at
66th Street and Hwy 77.
Council Member Enger asked the size of the current maintenance facility site and
the proposed site.
Public Works Director Eastling answered less than three acres at the current site
and three and a half acres at the proposed site.
Mayor Kirsch thanked Mr. Gepner and the other task force members for their work.
Item #5COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
Council Member Rosenberg expressed concern about inaccurate information on the
Richfield Care Team website related to the taking of homes along I-35W near 76th Street
for the purpose of accommodating Best Buy. She clarified that these homes are not for
the Best Buy project. The 76th Street ramp plan happened before the project. She
wanted to make sure residents knew the statements on the website were untrue.
Council Member Sandahl said that if anyone has questions or hears rumors, they
should check with City staff and/or the Council Members.
Council Member Enger suggested that future Council Study Sessions be conducted
at the dais so they can be recorded on audio tape for the public record.
Council Member Rosenberg said that City Council protocol, including Mr. Enger’s
suggestion, will be discussed at the June 26 Study Session.
Council Meeting Minutes-4-May 29, 2001
Item #6OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON ITEMS
NOT ON THE AGENDA
Robert Hall, 7309 Oliver Avenue and officer in the Care Team, said that when the
inaccurate CARE Team website information was brought to his attention, it was changed.
He commended the CARE Team for making the change. Mr. Hall commented on the May
30 Richfield Sun Current letter to the Editor from Council Member Sandahl. He also
expressed concern about how Hennepin County uses the sale price of homes in the
Interchange West area and the possible impact of taxes on surrounding homes.
Council Member Enger called a point of order stating the Council meeting is the
Mayor’s meeting and it is not Council Member Rosenberg’s job to direct the Mayor on how
to address people at the podium.
Paul Nelson, 6633 16th Avenue, said that on behalf of Ward 3, he thanked Council
Member Enger for asking questions pertaining to what is going on in the City.
Ted Schuler, 7503 Fremont Avenue, expressed concern about the potential loss of
homes in the area of Humboldt and Girard Avenues. He was also concerned about
several traffic issues.
Sharon Glenning, 200 West 76th Street, expressed concern about vandalism in the
Interchange West area vacant homes.
Council Member Rosenberg asked that the police presence be in the area day and
night.
City Manager Orduno said she would call Tim Murnane at Best Buy and request
Opus to provide security guards at their expense.
Council Member Enger said that Opus/Best Buy should be required to board up the
homes when they’re purchased. He said Opus should be billed for City costs for security.
City residents should not bear these costs.
Item #7COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Kirsch moved Item 13 to Item 8A because several people in the audience
were present for this discussion.
Robert Hall, 7309 Oliver Avenue, called point of privilege. He requested that the
15-minute period for residents to address the Council be placed at the end of tonight’s
agenda so he can finish making his comments.
Council Member Sandahl said she did not have any objections to Mr. Hall’s request.
Council Meeting Minutes-5-May 29, 2001
Mayor Kirsch amended the agenda to add Item 17A as Opportunity for Citizens to
Address the Council on Items not on the Agenda.
M/Ulrich, S/Rosenberg to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #8CONSENT CALENDAR
A.Removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for
consideration as Item 16A
B.Approved bid minutes/tabulation and award of contract to Ron Kassa Construction,
Inc. for 2001 annual curb and gutter, sidewalk and miscellaneous concrete repair in
amount of $36,345 S.R. No. 110
C.Approved award of contract to ARI Mechanical Services, Inc. for furnishing and
installation of replacement rooftop condenser for rink one at Richfield Ice Arena in
amount of $14,309 S.R. No. 111
D.Approved award of contract to Blue Earth Environmental for demolition of nine
houses and fourteen foundations on 18th Avenue in amount of $93,400 S.R. No.
112
E.Removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for
consideration as Item 16B
F.Approved resolution approving Stipulation of Final Settlement on Parcel 8, Harold
Toupin/Affordable Car Rental, 6405 Cedar Avenue S.R. No. 114
RESOLUTION NO. 9035
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A STIPULATION OF FINAL
SETTLEMENT FOR 6405 CEDAR AVENUE
(66TH STREET/TRUNK HIGHWAY 77 INTERCHANGE PROJECT)
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9035 in Resolution Book No. 72.
G.Approved resolution approving Stipulation of Final Settlement on Parcel 1, Dr. Blaine,
6301 Cedar Avenue S.R. No. 115
RESOLUTION NO. 9036
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A STIPULATION OF FINAL
SETTLEMENT FOR 6301 CEDAR AVENUE
(66TH STREET/TRUNK HIGHWAY 77 INTERCHANGE PROJECT)
Council Meeting Minutes-6-May 29, 2001
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9036 in Resolution Book No. 72.
H.Approved resolution increasing Richfield Tourism Promotion Board from three to five
director positions and appointing new directors S.R. No. 116
RESOLUTION NO. 9037
RESOLUTION APPOINTING REPRESENTATIVES
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE RICHFIELD TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD, INC.
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9037 in Resolution Book No. 72.
I.Approved authorizing lease agreement with Qwest Wireless for monopole wireless
communications antenna tower at Madison Park S.R. No. 117
J.Approved first reading of ordinance repealing cable television ordinance for
WideOpenWest, LLC and setting public hearing and second reading for June 11,
2001 S.R. No. 118
K.Approved first reading of ordinance amendment to City Code Section 416 regarding
sign regulations in high density residential areas and setting public hearing and
second reading for June 25, 2001 S.R. No. 119
L.Approved first reading of ordinance amendment to City Code Section 416 regarding
sign regulations at outdoor sports arenas and complexes and setting public hearing
and second reading for June 25, 2001 S.R. No. 120
Council Member Enger requested to have Items 8A and 8E removed from the
Consent Calendar and placed on the regular agenda.
Mayor Kirsch stated that Items 8A and 8E would be removed from the Consent
Calendar and placed on the regular agenda as Items 16A and 16B.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the Consent Calendar as amended.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #8ACONSIDERATION OF RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR I-494/I-35W INTERCHANGE INCLUDING 76TH
STREET RAMP S.R. NO. 125
Mayor Kirsch requested that Item 13 be changed to Item 8A.
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed Staff Report No. 125 regarding the City’s
response to the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the I-494/I-35W interchange
Council Meeting Minutes-7-May 29, 2001
including the 76th Street ramp. Mr. Eastling stated this action is not related to the
proposed Best Buy project.
Mayor Kirsch asked about the rationale for the increase in the 76th Street ramp
length.
Mr. Eastling explained the length and that the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT) has not discussed cutting the ramp size down.
Council Member Rosenberg said she did not want to lose any more homes.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to send a letter to MnDOT requesting that they work with
the City of Richfield to minimize the right of way impact and the loss of homes on
Humboldt Avenue and the Shops at Lyndale for the I-494/I-35W interchange including the
76th Street ramp.
Ken Meter, 7415 Humboldt Avenue, speaking on behalf of the Humboldt and Girard
neighbors, discussed the citizen involvement on this issue. He said MnDOT has stated
they will revise the plan because there wasn’t a lot of fore thought about the impact on
these homes. Mr. Meter read aloud a resolution prepared by the neighbors. Mr. Meter
urged the Council to adopt this resolution.
Council Member Ulrich said that the original plan approximately 50 years ago did
not include the 76th Street ramp. She opposed the ramp access. She said she was not
adverse to one of the suggestions from the neighborhood group.
Tom O’Keefe, Area Manager of MnDOT, was not familiar with the original plan. He
said he welcomed an opportunity to work with the City and the neighborhood.
Council Member Ulrich asked how wedded at this point MnDOT was to the 76th
Street ramp.
Mr. O’Keefe said he believed it was more important to the City than to MnDOT but
there were no plans to close the ramp.
Council Member Enger said he fully supported the neighborhood resolution. He
said there would be a financial impact because of the loss of tax revenue related to the
loss of homes. He said MnDOT does not need more lanes at the ramp, other than one
regular lane and one HOV lane. He would like to see the ramp eliminated.
Mr. Enger mentioned interest in the neighborhood’s idea of eliminating the
northbound access on 76th Street and going down Girard Avenue to make a south loop
around the Minnesota School of Business. This idea would save homes in the area.
Mr. Enger asked for a copy of the City’s comments on the Draft I-35W
Environmental Impact Statement in 1992.
Council Member Sandahl said she trusted MnDOT to work with the City and moving
forward with the project.
Council Meeting Minutes-8-May 29, 2001
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Member Rosenberg thanked the residents for working together on this
issue.
Mayor Kirsch also thanked the neighborhood for their effort.
Council Member Enger suggested that the interchanges of Lyndale Avenue and I-
35W along I-494 and Penn Avenue and 76th Street be reviewed at the same time to see
how they all work together. He said the original I-494 and I-35W plan should be looked at
and see if traffic problems can be solved, not create a new one.
Item #9CANCELLATION OF PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF
CABLE TELEVISION ORDINANCE FOR EVEREST CONNECTIONS
CORPORATION S.R. NO. 121
City Manager Orduno reviewed Staff Report No. 121 regarding cancellation of a
public hearing and second reading of the cable television ordinance for Everest
Connections Corporation.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to cancel the public hearing and second reading of the
cable television ordinance for Everest Connections Corporation.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #10PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING CAPITAL EXPENSE PROJECT FOR
800 MEGAHERTZ PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM WHICH COULD
EXCEED $500,000 S.R. NO. 122
City Manager Orduno explained that this public hearing was informational only and
not legally required for the building being built behind City Hall. She said a first reading
followed with a public hearing and second reading will occur when there is an actual
expenditure of funds.
Public Safety Director Scott reviewed Staff Report No. 122 regarding the 800-
megahertz public radio system project.
Council Member Ulrich asked about the compatibility with other radio systems.
Public Safety Director Scott explained the need for the radio system and the
compatibility issues.
Council Member Enger asked how long it would be before Hennepin County had a
megahertz system.
Council Meeting Minutes-9-May 29, 2001
Public Safety Director Scott answered it should be within a year.
Council Member Enger asked the size of the storage building behind City Hall for
the Sprint antenna and radio equipment.
Public Safety Director Scott answered 12’ x 12’.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #11CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION GRANTING DRAINAGE EASEMENT
BETWEEN EMERSON AVENUE AND RICHFIELD LAKE AS REQUESTED
BY MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION S.R. NO. 123
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed Staff Report No. 123 regarding a resolution
granting drainage easement between Emerson Avenue and Richfield Lake as requested
by Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Council Member Sandahl asked if this was a title or construction issue.
Mr. Eastling answered it was a title action only. If not for this action, the project
could not be constructed as planned.
Council Member Enger asked how pollutants surrounding Richfield Lake affect it as
an amenity.
Mr. Eastling answered that is trying to be managed and a change should not be
noticed. He said the appearance would be similar to Wood Lake.
Council Member Enger asked if the heavy metal content is monitored and what is
the level today.
Mr. Eastling said there is a monitoring program in place. He said the level varies
widely, but no additional or dangerous levels are anticipated.
Council Member Enger asked if MnDOT helps with the cost of dredging.
Mr. Eastling said this is part of the City’s normal maintenance program. He said
MnDOT does participate in any major dredging work.
M/Rosenberg, S/Ulrich that the following resolution be adopted, that it be spread in
the resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
Council Meeting Minutes-10-May 29, 2001
RESOLUTION NO. 9034
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DRAINAGE EASEMENT ACROSS PARKLAND
SURROUNDING RICHFIELD LAKE TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO
EXECUTE THE EASEMENT DOCUMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9034 in Resolution
Book No. 72.
Item #12CONSIDERATION OF DELAY OF RECONSTRUCTION OF LYNDALE
AVENUE BETWEEN 76TH STREET AND 77TH STREET S.R. NO. 124
City Manager Orduno reviewed Staff Report No. 124 regarding the delay of the
reconstruction of Lyndale Avenue between 76th Street and 77th Street. She said the
delay was the result of CSM’s inability to secure a lease agreement with Walgreens on the
west side of Lyndale Avenue.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to accept the bid minutes/tabulation, reject all bids for
roadway improvements in the 7600 block of Lyndale Avenue and authorize staff to re-
advertise when the developer has control of the necessary properties.
M/Enger, S/Sandahl to amend the previous motion to change “the” developer to “a”
developer.
Motion carried 4-0. (Ulrich abstained.)
Council Member Enger requested that the City conduct a Request for Proposals
(RFP) for this site. He said interest should be drawn for this area because of the proposed
Best Buy project. He said he’d like to see a development including shops to serve the
neighborhood and more senior housing.
Council Member Sandahl said she was not in favor of additional senior housing.
She said she’d like housing available to all ages because of the Best Buy employees.
M/Enger, S/Rosenberg to direct City staff to develop an RFP to attract developers
for a mixed-use development for the 7600 block of Lyndale Avenue.
Motion carried 4-0. (Ulrich abstained.)
Council Member Sandahl requested the Chamber of Commerce be provided with a
copy of the minutes related to tonight’s actions for development on the 7600 block of
Lyndale Avenue.
Council Meeting Minutes-11-May 29, 2001
Item #14CONSIDERATION OF PLANS, ORDERING PROJECT AND
AUTHORIZING AD FOR BIDS FOR ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS IN
VICINITY OF 76TH STREET AND PENN AVENUE S.R. NO. 126
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed Staff Report No. 126 regarding the plans
ordering project and authorizing ad for bids for roadway improvements in the vicinity of
76th Street and Penn Avenue.
Mike Kotila, SEH representative, reported on the proposed 76th Street
improvements including the existing and proposed roadway, existing and proposed
buildings, bus stops and signals, and re-routing of utilities. He reviewed the traffic staging
for the 76th Street closure from Penn Avenue to Knox Avenue and the detour route.
Council Member Sandahl asked if the bus stops are signs or shelters.
Kevin Kawlewski, SEH representative, there will be shelters on the north and south
sides of Penn Avenue, the others are curb signs.
Council Member Ulrich said the shelters need to be properly maintained.
Council Member Rosenberg asked if a barrier could be used to stop the use of
Newton Avenue to enter Best Buy. She was concerned about the traffic on neighborhood
streets.
Mr. Kotila said no barrier was planned.
Council Member Sandahl asked if the entrance onto 76th Street, not a ring road,
was what the local residents wanted.
Mr. Eastling answered this was what the residents wished.
Mr. Eastling said the two new signals should provide a slow down of traffic.
Council Member Enger asked if there was a signal at the intersection of I-35W and
76th Street.
Mr. Kotila said yes, it was omitted on the map.
Council Member Enger asked if the entrance to Galyans was different.
Mr. Kotila answered the driveway is the same as today.
Council Member Enger asked if Century Courts still planned to remove the tennis
courts.
Mr. Eastling said they were close to signing an agreement for the removal.
Council Meeting Minutes-12-May 29, 2001
Mayor Kirsch asked if the roadway south of that building would be moved up.
Mr. Eastling answered yes.
Council Member Enger asked if condemnation proceedings on Knox Avenue were
settled with Best Buy.
City Manager Orduno said the proceedings were near final, but not completed.
Council Member Rosenberg said the City will work with the residents along 76th
Street. She said a commitment was made to ease any issues that may arise when the
Best Buy development is complete.
City Manager Orduno confirmed that the door is open to mitigation.
Robert Hall, 7309 Oliver Avenue, expressed concern about Newton Avenue being
used as an alternate route to Best Buy.
Council Member Sandahl asked if adjustments to traffic flow can be made when the
development is up and running.
Mr. Kotila answered yes, but adding arrows can take away right of way.
Council Member Enger asked if the City pays to replace the garage at
Fountainhead Apartments.
City Manager Orduno answered the City pays.
City Manager Orduno asked if there is a problem if the cross signal at 76th Street
and Newton Avenue is eliminated so there is no entry to Best Buy.
Mr. Kotila said yes, it does present a problem because exclusive pedestrian
crossing times would be provided which causes an inefficient operation.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve plans for roadway improvements in the vicinity
of 76th Street and Penn Avenue, order City Project 401-30-513 and authorize staff to
advertise for bids.
Motion carried 4-1. (Enger opposed.)
Item #15UPDATE ON STATUS OF JOINT FIRE/POLICE TRAINING FACILITY
Public Safety Director Scott provided background information on the joint fire/police
training facility which includes Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie, MAC and Richfield. He
also explained the financial history and economic impacts for Richfield related to the
facility. He said staff is requesting that Richfield no longer be a part of the joint training
Council Meeting Minutes-13-May 29, 2001
facility for economic reasons. The joint facility includes a firing range which the other
communities participating in the facility do not have, but Richfield does.
Council Member Sandahl asked if vacant buildings are used for training.
Public Safety Director Scott answered yes and explained areas that have been
used.
City Manager Orduno said Best Buy has given permission for the SWAT Team and
Fire to use homes for training.
M/Ulrich, S/Rosenberg to direct staff to do the proper paperwork to disengage from
the joint fire/police facility group and not participate any further.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #16CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CITY MANAGER’S
CANDIDACY FOR LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES BOARD OF
DIRECTORS S.R. NO. 127
City Manager Orduno reviewed Staff Report No. 127 regarding a resolution
supporting the City Manager’s candidacy for League of Minnesota Cities Board of
Directors.
Council Member Sandahl said she strongly supported the City Manager’s
candidacy.
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. 9038
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CITY MANAGER’S CANDIDACY FOR LEAGUE OF
MINNESOTA CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9038 in Resolution
Book No. 72.
Council Member Ulrich stated she is a member of the Association of Metropolitan
Municipalities Transportation Policy Committee.
Council Meeting Minutes-14-May 29, 2001
Item #16ACONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF BID MINUTES/TABULATION AND
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO VALLEY PAVING, INC. FOR 2001 MILLING
AND BITUMINOUS OVERLAY WORK IN AMOUNT OF $128,566.91 S.R.
NO. 109
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed Staff Report No. 109 regarding the award
of contract to Valley Paving, Inc. for the 2001 milling and bituminous overlay project.
Council Member Enger asked to have Bloomington Avenue checked for a void that
causes the street to depress when buses go past his home.
Mr. Eastling said staff would follow up on his concern.
M/Rosenberg, S/Enger to accept the bid minutes/tabulation and award a contract to
Valley Paving Inc. in the sum of $128,566.91 for milling and bituminous overlay work to be
done in 2001.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #16BCONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
FOR CITY PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS, ORDERING CITY
PROJECTS FOR COMMUNITY CENTER, DONALDSON PARK, WATER
PLANT AND CEDAR/JENSEN; AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT
FOR BIDS S.R. NO. 113
Council Member Enger asked who owned the Cedar/Jensen property for the
proposed parking lot.
Public Works Director Eastling said MnDOT owns the property. He said the
Transmission Shop, owned by Steve Jensen, is handling the cost of improvements.
Council Member Enger asked how the Transmission Shop is incorporated with the
concept for development along Cedar Avenue.
City Manager Orduno said it doesn’t fit. She reviewed the types of buildings that
should withstand the kids of vibrations expected from the runway. She said the
Transmission Shop will not be consistent with the types of buildings planned for the area.
Council Member Enger said he was concerned about attracting prime development
in the 63rd Street and Cedar Avenue area because of the view of the MnDOT building.
City Manager Orduno said she and Steve Devich met recently with MnDOT
representatives to discuss this concern. Two improvements were suggested: detailed
Council Meeting Minutes-15-May 29, 2001
painting of the west side of the MnDOT building and landscaping along the fence line. She
said MnDOT is working very well with Richfield on this issue.
Council Member Enger said he would like the City to make a plan to offer a site to
the Transmission Shop in the redevelopment area. He said they are a pretty good
business and the City should try to keep them in Richfield. He said he believes the City’s
maintenance facility should be at 63rd Street and Cedar Avenue if it doesn’t stay at its
current site.
Mr. Enger said the Transmission Shop is responsible for all maintenance and
insurance for the parking lot. He asked if the Transmission Shop is eligible for relocation
benefits for the parking lot when their business is moved. He does not want to build
something that costs Richfield money in the end when it’s torn down.
City Manager Orduno answered they will be eligible for no relocation benefits.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the plans and specifications for City parking lot
improvements, order City Projects 402-30-555 (Community Center and Donaldson Park),
501-30-569 (Water Plant) and 917-25-957 (Cedar/Jensen), and authorize advertisement
for bids.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #17AIRPORT STATUS REPORT
City Manager Orduno provided the following airport report:
x
The 3% increase in car rental fees may be decided in this legislative session.
The increase will be used for noise mitigation in the 87dB area.
x
MAC and City staff meet on May 30 to discuss the use of the $10 million
earmarked by Congressman Sabo and the additional $2 million from MAC.
x
Reviewed the impact of the hook road on the homes because of increased traffic
on 18th Avenue between 66th and 68th Streets.
Council Member Enger said he was in favor of removing homes quickly in east
Richfield. He said he would like to see Longfellow Avenue open for trucks only.
City Manager Orduno said the City would approach MAC again regarding
Longfellow Avenue. She said the truck traffic burden should be for less than six months.
She said there is concern about long-term traffic related to the MnDOT facility and the
MAC cargo facility.
Council Meeting Minutes-16-May 29, 2001
Item #17AOPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON ITEMS
NOT ON THE AGENDA
Council Member Enger said he spoke to Robert Hall about making a request to
speak at the end of the meeting. Mr. Enger said he requests that the 15 minute
Opportunity for Citizens to Address the Council be officially put back on the agenda at the
end of the Council meetings.
Council Member Rosenberg said this request will be included in the Council
protocol discussion at the June 26 Study Session.
Robert Hall, 7309 Oliver Avenue, commented on the actions of Mayor Kirsch and
Council Member Rosenberg at the May 8 Special Council meeting. Mr. Hall asked about
City Council protocol when there are two Council Members at a CARE Team meeting and
a third Council Member shows up.
Council Member Sandahl said that if two Council Members are present, the third
Council Member would come back later. She said if it is known in advance that three
Council Members will be present, the City Manager’s office is notified and a meeting notice
is posted.
Mr. Hall said he hopes mitigation of traffic at the schools and church in the Best Buy
area will not be delayed until someone is hurt or killed.
Mr. Hall commented on the 10% property tax reduction for businesses passed by
the Legislature. He expressed concern about how this reduction will affect Richfield
related to Best Buy’s tax increment financing and other tax increment programs underway.
City Manager Orduno said when the final legislative action is completed, this issue
will be brought before the Council as part of the legislative summary.
Paul Nelson, 6633 16th Avenue, asked the City to consider conducting a community
pickup/cleanup day.
Mayor Kirsch asked staff to investigate costs associated with this type of project and
provide a report to the City Council for their consideration.
Item #18CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Rosenberg, S/Enger that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
Council Meeting Minutes-17-May 29, 2001
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO. 5-14-01
INT Checks:102099 - 102156$159,056.72
H/C106724 - 107173$1,575,826.65
PAYROLL24372 - 24716$1,073,488.18
TOTAL$2,808,371.55
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO. 5-29-01
INT Checks:102157 - 102178$288,267.95
H/C107351 - 107695$802,672.02
PAYROLL24784 - 24959$469,422.86
TOTAL$1,560,362.83
Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:59 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. Kirsch
Mayor
Cheryl KrumholzSamantha Orduno
Recording SecretaryCity Manager