03-22-11 RegularJ
CALL TO ORDER
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
March 22, 2011
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present. Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Sue Sandahl; Fred Wroge; and Tom Fitzhenry.
Members Excused: Pat Elliott
Staff Present. Steven L. Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director;
Barry Fritz, Public Safety Director /Chief; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation
Services Director; John Stark, Community Development Director; Jeff
Pearson, Transportation Engineer; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant to City
Manager; Corrine Heine, City Attorney; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary.
M /Wroge, S /Sandahl to excuse Council Member Elliott from the March 22, 2011 Regular
City Council Meeting.
Motion carried 4 -0.
OPEN FORUM
None.
PRESENTATION OF COLORS AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Goettel led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes -2- March 22, 2011
M /Sandahl, S/Wroge to approve the minutes of (1) Special City Council /Richfield School
Board Worksession of March 7, 2011 and (2) Regular City Council Meeting of March 8, 2011.
Motion carried 4 -0.
Item #1 PRESENTATION OF RICHFIELD POLICE CANINE, IZZY, AND POLICE
CANINE PARTNER, OFFICER GREG PETERSON
Todd Sandell, Deputy Director /Deputy Chief, introduced Izzy and Officer Peterson and
presented a Richfield Police Department badge for Izzy.
Item #2 PRESENTATION OF 2010 POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD TO CITY
OF RICHFIELD POLICE OFFICER BILL STANGER
Public Safety Director /Chief Fritz presented the 2010 Police Officer of the Year Award to
City of Richfield Police Officer Bill Stanger.
Item #3 PRESENTATION OF MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNKEN DRIVING (MADD)
CERTIFICATE FOR OUTSTANDING LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES TO
POLICE OFFICER BRAD DRAYNA
Public Safety Director /Chief Fritz presented the Mothers Against Drunken Driving (MADD)
certificate for outstanding law enforcement services to Police Officer Brad Drayna.
Item #4 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MARCH 23, 2011 AS
"WE CARE DAY" IN RICHFIELD
Mayor Goettel read and presented the proclamation designating March 23, 2011 as "We
Care Day" in Richfield.
Item #5 PRESENTATION OF 494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT
Melissa Madison, representative, presented the 494 Corridor Commission Annual Report.
Item #6 PRESENTATION OF PENN CENTRAL ANNUAL REPORT (STAFF REPORT
NO. 64)
David Gepner, 6845 Penn Avenue, presented the Penn Central Annual Report.
Council Meeting Minutes -3- March 22, 2011
Item #7 COUNCIL DISCUSSION
• HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Willie Kusnier, Richfield resident, addressed the City Council regarding his Eagle Scout
badge project of collecting dental hygiene products for St. Joseph's Home for Children.
Council Member Fitzhenry announced the kick -off for the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
Campaign.
Council Member Fitzhenry acknowledged the emergency response to the 60th Street and
Nicollet Avenue gas line explosion last week.
Council Member Sandahl discussed a recent Star Tribune Minnesota Explorer 10 Great
Places to Explore" article that lists Wood Lake Nature Center.
Mayor Goettel announced the upcoming Real Estate Forum — Richfield Today in the
Richfield School District Board Room.
Mayor Goettel introduced the new Richfield Sun Current editor, Billie Jo Rassat.
Item #8 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Wroge, S /Fitzhenry to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 4 -0.
Item #9 CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration of approval of first reading of transitory ordinance authorizing planning,
design and rehabilitation of Logan Avenue Water Tower, 7420 Logan Avenue, at estimated
cost of $800,000 and scheduling public hearing and second reading for April 12, 2011 S.R.
No. 65
B. Consideration of approval of authorizing letter of support to Three Rivers Park District to
submit 2011 Legacy Grant to fund portion of Intercity Regional Trail through Taft Park S.R.
No. 66
C. Consideration of approval of resolution supporting The Cornerstone Group submittal of
application to Hennepin County for Transit Oriented Development Program grant funds for
redevelopment acquisition associated with 6400 Lyndale Avenue ( Lyndale Garden Center)
redevelopment project S.R. No. 67
RESOLUTION NO. 10493
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CORNERSTONE GROUP'S SUBMITTAL OF AN
APPLICATION TO HENNEPIN COUNTY FOR TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS FOR LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 10493.
Council Meeting Minutes -4- March 22, 2011
D. Consideration of approval of 2011 agreement with Hennepin County Human Services and
Public Health Department and City of Richfield Police for Police Cadet position S.R. No. 68
E. Consideration of approval of 2010 -2013 contract with Minnesota Department of Public
Safety /Homeland Security and Emergency Management relating to Citizen Corps Program
and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) S.R. No. 69
RESOLUTION NO. 10494
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE MN DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC SAFETY /HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (HSEM)
AND THE CITY OF RICHFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT /POLICE CERT
PROGRAM RELATING TO THE STATE'S CITIZEN CORPS PROGRAM
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 10494.
F. Consideration of approval of renewing 2011/2012 auction service contract with Adesa
Minneapolis for auctioning forfeited vehicles from Public Safety /Police S.R. No. 70
G. Consideration of approval of Richfield Municipal Center change order report for aggregate
net effect of $88,502 in items included in project budget S.R. No. 71
M /Goettel, S/Wroge to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried 4 -0.
Item #10 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
Item #11 PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING RESOLUTION GRANTING FINAL APPROVAL
OF PLAT FOR 6528 PENN AVENUE (STAFF REPORT NO. 72)
Mayor Goettel presented Staff Report No. 72.
M/Wroge, S /Fitzhenry to close public hearing.
Motion carried 4 -0.
M /Goettel, S/Wroge that the following resolution be adopted and that it be made part of
these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 10495
RESOLUTION GRANTING FINAL APPROVAL OF A PLAT FOR
6528 PENN AVENUE
Motion carried 4 -0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 10495.
Council Meeting Minutes -5- March 22, 2011
Item #12 CONSIDERATION OF SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING
RICHFIELD CITY CODE SECTION 925 BY ADDING NEW SUBSECTION
RELATED TO VACANT BUILDINGS AND RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE BYH TITLE AND SUMMARY
(STAFF REPORT NO. 73)
Council Member Wroge presented Staff Report No. 73.
Council Member Wroge expressed support for the ordinance because it gives staff the
ability to deal with blighted properties.
Mayor Goettel spoke in support of the ordinance because of the high number of
foreclosures and negligent properties.
Council Member Sandahl expressed support for the project because it addresses the
properties with maintenance concerns.
Council Member Fitzhenry spoke in support because it should make it easier to track
property owner.
Steven Lindgren, Richfield Chamber of Commerce President, requested the City Council
consider letting the realtor in the audience address them with their concerns.
Bill Gerst, Minnesota Area Association of Realtors, expressed concern regarding the re-
inspection before occupancy when a property is declared vacant, demolition language and no
exceptions (except snowbirds) for having a building vacant.
Council Member Wroge stated there is no issue if the property is properly maintained and
managed.
Public Safety Director /Chief Fritz explained the re- inspection is essentially the same as the
current point -of -sale inspection. He added demolition is not likely but is an option if the owner is
uncooperative or there are extreme circumstances.
Public Safety Director /Chief Fritz stated the proposed ordinance is presented at the City
Council's request.
John Periard, St. Paul Realtors Association, encouraged the City Council to allow more
time for review of the ordinance. He stated concerns regarding the demolition language and
believed the handling of maintenance issues is already addressed in current ordinances.
City Manager Devich stated the City needs an effective ordinance to deal with property
maintenance issues.
City Attorney Heine explained the demolition is the option in the worst possible scenario, if
warranted.
Pat Paulsen, realtor, 62nd Street and Vincent Avenue, expressed concern regarding the
demolition language and enforcement. He requested more time for review.
Richfield resident (did not sign Speakers Register and address not given) stated she owns
rental property and fixes up and sells properties and questioned having one category for all
properties as well as the vacancy time frame.
Council Meeting Minutes -6- March 22, 2011
Public Safety Director /Chief Fritz explained the City could waive a registration fee if a plan
is provided on the property.
M /Sandahl, S /Goettel that this constitutes the second reading of Bill No. 2011 -11 amending
Richfield City Code Section 925 by adding new subsection related to vacant buildings and that the
following resolution be adopted and that it be made pat of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 10496
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF BILL NO. 2011 -11
Motion carried 4 -0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 10496.
Item #13 CONSIDERATION OF 25 -MPH CURVE LAYOUT ALTERNATIVE FOR
RICHFIELD PARKWAY NORTH CONNECTION AS RECOMMENDED
BY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (STAFF REPORT NO. 74)
Council Member Fitzhenry presented Staff Report No. 74
Transportation Engineer Pearson reviewed the recommended layout.
Jupe Hale, WSB & Associates, explained the property impacts of a shift in alignment with
the different alternatives.
Council Member Wroge questioned sight lines.
Mr. Hale explained the traffic is moving slower and slight lines can be controlled.
Council Member Sandahl stated the layout is trying to keep traffic from the residential area
by encouraging the use of Richfield Parkway as the connection to the retail center.
Bernard Hurley, 6414 17th Street, spoke in opposition to the alternative because it placed
more traffic on his street.
Public Works Director Eastling explained the long -term plan for the area.
Item #14 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO CITY ADVISORY COMMISSION
(STAFF REPORT NO. 75)
M /Sandahl, S /Goettel to appoint Andrew Berg to Friendship City Commission with term
ending January 31, 2014.
Motion carried 4 -0.
Item #15 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
• Installation of light shelves in Municipal Center
City Manager Devich suggested discussion of the light shelves in the municipal center be
postponed to the next City Council meeting so all City Council members can be present.
Council Meeting Minutes -7- March 22, 2011
The City Council requested Steve Orfield, Orfield Associates, be invited to the City Council
meeting to participate in the discussion regarding the light shelves.
Council Member Sandahl stated she contacted Mr. Orfield and he stated the light shelves
will extend light in the building and if he had known they may not be installed he would have
recommended frosted glass in the upper windows.
City Manager Devich stated the 2010 census data indicates an increase in Richfield's
population.
Assistant to the City Manager Dmytrenko provided an update on the airport mitigation
program.
Item #16 CLAIMS AND PAYROLLS
M/Wroge, S /Sandahl that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 3/2212011
A/P Checks: 202051 - 202505 $ 2,169,644.75
Payroll: 73777 -74095 $ 551,604.57
TOTAL $ 2,721,249.32
Motion carried 4 -0.
OPEN FORUM
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting was adjOL
Date Approved: April 12, 2011
Cheryl K(umhot
Recording Secretary
City Manager