10-11-05 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
October 11, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 6:32 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Sue Sandahl; Susan Rosenberg; Fred Wroge; and
Bill Kilian.
Staff Present:
Steve Devich, City Manager; Bruce Palmborg, Community Development
Director; Patrick Smith, Community Development Manager; Cheryl
Krumholz, Recording Secretary; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
M/Sandahl, S/Kilian to excuse the absence of Council Member RosenberQ from the
October 10. 2005 Special City Council Worksession.
Motion carried 5-0.
Elizabeth Arnold, 148 East 66th Street, addressed the City Council regarding the Open
Forum not being on cable television, establishment of a citizen board on financial accountability
and the bids received for the Cedar Point project. She said she's hearing from residents that the
costs are over budget on large projects and there should be closer monitoring. She mentioned the
Richfield school district received a budget award and they have a citizens group to monitor
finances.
City Manager Devich explained that the City has received budget and financial reporting
awards every year since 1983. He also explained the proposed special assessment process for
the 66th StreeU17th Avenue intersection improvement and that it is a standard practice.
Community Development Director Palmborg explained the developer selection process
resulting in Ryan Companies being chosen to develop the Cedar Point project.
Council Member Kilian explained the intersection project is separate from Cedar Point and
there is no "blown" budget.
Mayor Kirsch stated Richfield is very accommodating to residents with numerous open
houses and a thorough communication process.
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October 11, 2005
Michele Poore, 200 East 66th Street, stated her questions were answered in the earlier
discussion. She also has budgeting concerns and suggested a citizens group be created.
Council Member Sandahl encouraged Ms. Arnold and Ms. Poore to apply for an advisory
commission appointment during the upcoming annual recruitment.
Council Member Kilian added that each commission has a financial component.
Council Member Wroge said the City Council is in the process of prioritizing capital projects.
Mayor Kirsch led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
M/Rosenberg, SlWroge to approve the minutes of (1) Special City Council MeetinQ of
September 21. 2005; (2) Special Concurrent City Council/HRNPlanninQ Commission Worksession
of September 26.2005; (3) Special City Council Worksession of September 27.2005; (4) ReQular
City Council MeetinQ of September 27. 2005; and (5) Special City Council MeetinQ of September
28. 2005.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1
Susan Palmer, State Program Administrator Principal, Office of Traffic Safety, Safe and
Sober Program, explained the Safe and Sober Program and the City's participation resulting in the
new Police radar equipment.
The City Council thanked Ms. Palmer for the equipment.
Richfield Police Officer Bradley Drayna explained how the equipment operates.
Item #1 A
Bill McHale, Ryan Companies US Inc., provided an update on the site planning for the
Cedar Point project; including neighborhood home acquisition.
Council Member Wroge asked if any of the 39 homes have been purchased yet.
Mr. McHale said initial contact has been made with all properties, with one now under
contract.
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October 11, 2005
Council Member Wroge asked about the acquisition being further west along 17th Avenue
than the original development plan indicated.
Mr. McHale explained including the west side of 17th Avenue to 65th Street appeared more
logical so no commercial was by residential. Some additional property owners have approached
the company requesting to be purchased - the company has not sought additional homes.
Mr. McHale said opening is planned for fall 2006 to spring 2007, depending on weather and
the acquisition process. Target will take more time because of the grocery component. The Home
Depot will be conventional style inside.
Council Member Kilian asked about site grading yet this year.
Mr. McHale said that will not be until spring on their site.
Council Member Wroge asked about a gas station located on the site.
Mr. McHale stated they're reluctant to have that type of business because it does not fit the
image the project is trying to portray.
Council Member Wroge asked about small businesses being included in the development.
Mr. McHale said banks, restaurants and other service operations have shown interest but
nothing is signed.
Council Member Wroge asked about the tax abatement parameters since it appears now
the west side of 17th Avenue is included.
Community Development Director Palmborg explained the tax abatement area is fixed.
The tax increment area, which includes the west side of 17th Avenue, is fixed and is the larger of
the two. The development of the west side of 17th Avenue is consistent with the development of
commercial with housing. New construction housing is proposed north of 65th Street.
Mr. McHale stated the impact of the shifting of the intersection and greenway to improve the
residential area. Boundaries are not being pushed.
The City Council thanked Mr. McHale for the update.
Item #2
Council Member Kilian presented a proclamation designating October 2005 Toastmasters
Month in Richfield to Jeanette Bauch, District 6 Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training.
Item #3
Todd Nollenberger, Richfield School Board Member, made a presentation regarding the
proposed School District operating levy referendum.
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October 11, 2005
It m#4
Donna Drummond, Planning Commission Chair, reported on the Commission's 2005
accomplishments and 2006 goals.
Item #5
Council Member Rosenberg acknowledged Ellen Stinger, Arts Commission Member, as the
artist who painted the garden of Judy Aim, a participant in the second annual Richfield Beautiful
Home & Garden Tour.
Council Member Rosenberg announced the creation of a Loaves & Fishes program in
Richfield at Assumption Church starting in October 2005 to serve food to the needy.
Camillo DeSantis, Community Council, reviewed the Community Council's role in the
Loaves & Fishes program.
Edwina Garcia announced the Storefront Group garage sale on October 15 and 16 to kick-
off their United Way campaign.
Council Member Sandahl reported on the recent New York Times article featuring the Best
Buy project including the use of the eminent domain and condemnation process.
Item #6
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #7
A. Approved resolution authorizing amendment to Flexible Spending Account Benefit Plan
document S.R. No. 189
RESOLUTION NO. 9664
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO THE
CITY OF RICHFIELD HEALTH CARE AND DEPENDENT DAY CARE
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT PLAN
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9664 in Resolution Book No. 75.
B. Approved resolution authorizing agreement with Hennepin County for public entity waste
abatement incentive fund grant in amount of $1,050 S. R. No. 190
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October 11, 2005
RESOLUTION NO. 9665
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF THE PUBLIC ENTITY WASTE ABATEMENT
INCENTIVE FUND GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE WASTE ABATEMENT EFFORTS AT THE
URBAN WILDLAND HALF MARATHON AND 5K.
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9665 in Resolution Book No. 75.
C. Approved resolution revising just compensation for multi-family property at 6400 Cedar
Avenue (Airport Noise Acquisition Program and Cedar Point Project) S.R. No. 191
RESOLUTION NO. 9666
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING REVISED JUST COMPENSATION
AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 6400 CEDAR AVENUE
AIRPORT NOISE ACQUISITION PROGRAM
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9666 in Resolution Book No. 75.
D. Approved minor amendment to final development plan/conditional use permit for 6600 and
6640 Lyndale Avenue (City Bella) to allow on-site directional ground signs that do not
conform to sign ordinance S.R. No. 192
M/Rosenberg, S/Kilian to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #8
None.
Item #9
M/Sandahl, S/Kilian to approve the followinQ appointments to fill the vouth terms on the
City's advisory commissions:
ADVISORY BOARD OF HEALTH
Name
Thuy Nguyen- Tran
Term Expires
August 31, 2006
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Name
Samantha Olson
Sid nee Green
Term Expires
August 31, 2006
August 31,2006
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October 11, 2005
CELEBRATIONS COMMISSION
Name
Kayla Curtiss
Term Expires
August 31, 2006
ARTS COMMISSION
Name
Catherine Zumpano
Term Expires
August 31,2006
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #10
City Manager Devich reported on the recent PARTNER (Partnership for Air Transportation
Noise & Emissions Reduction) conference he attended in Chicago. Discussions during the
conference included low frequency noise impacts.
City Manager Devich requested the City Council approve his sending a letter to Congressman
Sabo regarding the progress of the low frequency noise study by MIT and potential missing pieces for
a complete, accurate review.
The City Council agreed that City Manager Devich should send the letter.
Council Member Kilian asked if the City's study conducted by Orfield Labs would be accepted.
City Manager Devich said no.
Item #11
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl that the followinQ claims and pavrolls be approved:
u. S. BANK
AlP Checks: 143554 - 143564; 145201 - 145489
PAYROLL 24353 - 24700; 41001 - 41010
TOTAL
$ 742,071.89
$ 444,441.59
$ 1,186,513.48
Motion carried 5-0.,
The City Council meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:03 p.m.
Council Meeting Minutes
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r11,2005
Date Approved: October 25, 2005
f'~~~
Cheryl Krum olz ~
Recording Secretary