1996-09-17MINUTES-COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE-SEPTEMBER 17, 1996-7:30 P.M.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Members present: Mayor Bob Polston;
Councilmembers: Ahrens, Hanus, Jensen and Jessen. Also present: Tom Reese, LMCD
Representative; Bruce Chamberlain, Economic Development Coordinator; and Ed Shukle, City
Manager.
Lineal Footage Breakdown for LMCD..Commercial Dock License
Tom Reese, Mound's Representative to the LMCD was present to answer questions related to the
City of Minnetonka Beach and a private resident of that city relating to public docks adjacent to the
individual's property. The Council was concerned about the uncertainty that may exist regarding
the total lineal footage of the City of Mound's docking program as it relates to what is permitted
under LMCD regulations. Reese assured the Council that he believes that the City of Mound's
program is not in jeopardy and that the LMCD was not going to conduct an investigation on the total
lineal footage estimated by the City of Mound. Councilmember Hanus stated that he wants a
reasonable set of numbers and it was suggested that the City study this matter in whatever way they
choose to assure everyone's anxiety relating to the total number of lineal footage in the dock
program.
Other LMCD Issues
Reese discussed the Bil Hawks houseboat/boathouse issue occurring in Mirmetrista.
Mound Visions Project-Relocatio_n of the Mound Post Office
Ed Shukle, City Manager, presented two methods the Postal Service uses in locating or relocating
post office facilities. He indicated that in one method, the Postal Service advertises, through public
solicitation, that they are receiving proposals and interested developers can "bid" on the project based
upon the Postal Service's plans and specifications. The Postal Service will conduct a two phase
bidding process to select a site and a developer/property manager. In the second method, the City
becomes directly involved. The City would purchase a site, selling it the USPO or a developer. The
developer is selected by the USPO on a competitive bid basis.
Bruce Chamberlain, Economic Development Coordinator, answered questions regarding what sites
were being looked at for possible relocation of the post office. Following that discussion, the City
Council indicated, by consensus, that they were in support of the second method and would prefer
to become directly involved in the site location. With regard to the actual site, they did not indicate
which site they ultimately favor but asked that Chamberlain develop a list of objective criteria related
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September 17, 1996
Page 2
to each site discussed and to bring that back to the November 19, 1996 Committee of the Whole
meeting.
Lost Lake Improvement Project - Possible Workshop Meeting with MCWD. EDC, Consultants
and City. Staff
Bruce Chamberlain and Ed Shukle, presented the idea of holding a workshop meeting with the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, the Economic Development Commission, Consultants and
City Staff with the purpose of discussing concerns that have been expressed by the MCWD relating
to the Lost Lake Improvement Project. The workshop would hopefully diffuse some of these
concerns prior to holding a public hearing on the Environmental Assessment (EA), the federal
environmental step in the permitting process for this project. The City Council agreed to setting a
special workshop meeting and it was scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 1996, 7:30 p.m. at Mound
City Hall. They also agreed to set the EA public heating for Tuesday, November 12, 1996, 7:30
p.m., Mound City Hall.
Letter and Enclosures from Bill Darling, Vice-Chair, Parks and Open Space Commission
A letter from Bill Darling, Vice-Chair, Parks and Open Space Commission was reviewed along with
enclosures that he had sent to some of the City Council. The Council reviewed the enclosures and
addressed each issue. The Council directed the City Manager to write a letter to Mr. Darling and the
Parks and Open Space Commission indicating the Council'.s response.
Update on Housing and Redevelopment Authority_ (HRA)
City Manager Ed Shukle presented some information from the City Attorney's office regarding the
conversion of the existing HRA to the Mound City Council. Phyllis Jessen will communicate to the
existing HRA board the City's intentions and ask the HRA board to indicate to the Council when
they wished to resign to allow the City Council to be appointed pursuant to the Attorney's letter.
Information on I-IRA's, Economic Development Authorities (EDA's) and Port Authorities
CPA's)
Ed Shukle presented some information from the City Attorney's office regarding these entities and
asked that the Council review them and they can be discussed in more detail at a later date.
1996 Fall Leaf Pickup/Other Recycling Issues
Ed Shulde indicated that the City was receiving many phone calls regarding a leaf pickup for this
fall. Also, the City is being asked if it is going to hold a Cleanup Day this fall. Shukle indicated
that 80 cu.yd, bins could be brought in so that leaves and other yard waste could be deposited and
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Committee o£ fl e Whole Minutes
September 17, ! 996
Page 3
picked up. The leaf disposal would be open to Mound Residents Only. The Council agreed that
there is a need for a leaf pickup program and asked that the Lost Lake site be used the last two
weekends in October for this purpose. The Council emphasized again that there will not be a fall
cleanup day.
Annual Christmas Party_
Ed Shulde presented a memo from Linda Strong, Acting City Clerk, regarding a new approach for
the annual Christmas Party. Strong suggested that the dinner be held at A1 & Alma's on a Sunday
evening with a dinner and program. The use of a disc jockey has not been successful and Strong
believes that deleting that part of the program w/Il provide the extra dollars to use on a dinner at A1
& Alma's. The Council consensus was to hold the Christmas Party on Sunday, December 15, 1996.
The Council, in addition to inviting the normal list of guests, suggested inviting the Commons Task
Force as well. The Commons Task Force, present and past members will be added to the guest list.
~Consent Agenda"
Ed Shukle indicated that the Council has recently been adopting resolutions on planning items on
a consent basis and wondered if the Council would like to implement a Consent Agenda. The
consensus was to try it and see how it works.
Other Business
Ed Shukle indicated that Peter Meyer wishes to be on the 9/24/96 City Council agenda to discuss
the proposed outdoor skating rink on the Westonka Schools property. The City Manager indicated
that the item would not be on the agenda until the School Board decides what they are going to do
with the Westonka Community Center property. A decision is expected by October 15. The City
Council was in agreement that this makes sense and agreed not to consider the item at its next
meeting.
Councilmember Jessen indicated she was receiving phone calls regarding weeds growing on the
sidewalks along County Road 15 and County Road 110. The City Manager will follow up on this
matter.
Councilmember Ahxens expressed her concern about a phone call she received from Ron Johnson,
Dorchester Road, regarding the City's tree trimming practices. The City Manager explained that he
had also received a call from Mr. Johnson. He and Greg Skinner, Public Works Superintendent
viewed the property and Shulde indicated to Johnson that the City would come out and chip up the
brush left by Johnson who had done some cleanup after the City's crews had done their work. Two
other property owners were also mentioned as complaining about the City's tree trimming practices.
The City Manager is following upon these complaints.
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September 17, 1996
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It was noted that the next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for October 15, 1996, 7:30
p.m., Mound City Hall. The only item on the agenda will be a detailed discussion of the 1997
Proposed Budget.
There being no further business to discuss, it was moved by Polston, seconded by Jensen and carried
unan/mously to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Manager
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