1994-10-18MINUTES - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - OCTOBER 18, 1994
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. Members present: Mayor Johnson,
Councilmembers Ken Smith, Liz Jensen, Phyllis Jessen, Andrea Ahrens. Absent:
none. Also present: City Manager Ed Shukle.
An ordinance amending Section 350:760. Subd. 4 of the City Code relating to truck
parking in residential areas was discussed. The City Manager explained that this item
had been on the August 23, 1994 regular City Council meeting agenda and was sent
to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion to clarify the direction that the
City Council was to give to the Planning Commission. The Council consensus was to
have the Planning Commission review the photos that had been submitted as part of
the packet material for August 23rd, giving the examples of the different types of
truck vehicles, and to run through those and determine which types of vehicles were
acceptable. Discussion also focused on garaging of commercial vehicles in residential
areas, looking at no more than one vehicle per property. Councilmember Jensen was
directed to bring this matter to the Planning Commission for further discussion.
Guidelines for allowing plantings on commons/public lands were briefly discussed.
Direction to Councilmember Ahrens to take to the Park and Open Space Commission
was that the commission ought to take into account all of the commons areas and
that the word "shall" really means "must". Guidelines would mean "should" which
softens these standards into guidelines.
Ed Shukle, City Manager, reported on the Westonka Community Center Task Force.
The purpose of the task force, as defined by the Westonka School District Board of
Education is: "...shall be to determine the best use of the Westonka Community
Center and the wisest expenditure of funds to provide for the required code upgrades,
necessary maintenance and desired building modifications to meet school district and
community needs." He informed the Council that the task force would be meeting
between now and January 9, 1995 to come up with recommendations to the school
board on whether the present facility be retained and upgraded according to the
direction of voters on the 1993 referendum, demolish the building and build a new
community center or modify the existing building to accommodate programs and
activities along with the facilities being brought up to proper code as defined by the
Uniform Building Code and the State Fire Marshal. The City Manager wanted to
inform the City Council of the task force and its purpose and to solicit any input from
the City Council as to their thoughts and ideas on this matter. The City Council
suggested that the cities of Spring Park and Minnetonka Beach be invited to sit on the
committee as well. There was some interest by the Council in eliminating the pods
that exist within the community center facility presently, and also to consider
demolishing the building. The City Manager will keep the Council informed as to the
task force's work.
Goal Setting was discussed and briefly reviewed.
Minutes - Committee of the Whole - October 18, 1994- Page 2
The old SuperAmerica update was given by the City Manager. He indicated that he
was told by Norwest Bank, Wayzata, that plans were to sell the facility to a local
resident who is interested in purchasing the property for a commercial purpose. The
City Manager reported that he was told that the property would close within the next
30 to 45 days. He also explained to the City Council that he had informed Norwest
Bank, Wayzata, that if this particular sale did not come about, that the City of Mound
may be interested in purchasing the property.
The City Manager also reported on the speed reduction that was issued by the
Minnesota Department of Transportation for County Road 110 between 350 feet north
of Three Points Blvd. and County Road 151. Authorizes a speed limit of 45 miles per
hour between 350 feet north of Three Points Blvd. and Eastview Avenue, which is a
reduction from the present 45 mile per hour speed limit. The authorization of 45 miles
per hour between Eastview Avenue and County Road 151 represents no change in the
existing speed limit. The City Manager also reported that traffic signal warrants have
been met at the intersection of Commerce Blvd. (County Road 110) and Three Points
Blvd. He explained that a traffic signal estimated cost is $80,000. Hennepin County's
policy is now to only pay 25%, with the remainder of 75% being paid for by the City.
The City Council asked that this item be placed on the October 25, 1994 regular
meeting agenda for direction by the Council. The City Manager explained that any
construction of a traffic signal in this area would not take place until at least 1996,
since Hennepin County has not budgeted for it in 1995, but would consider it in 1996.
A list of reminders was reviewed by the Manager and the City Council. Aisc
discussed was whether the City Council should have a City Council meeting on
Tuesday, December 27, 1994. The consensus was to cancel it. Other business
included a report from the City Manager that the Minneapolis Star Tribune Home
Section will be doing a spotlight on the City of Mound in the October 22, 1994 issue.
Other discussion focused on domestic shelters and whether the city planner has
discussed this matter any further with the Planning Commission. The City Manager
will follow up on this. Aisc discussed was Teal Pointe and its status. The City
Manager will follow up on this matter item as well. There being no other business,
it was noted that the next meeting of the COW is scheduled for Tuesday, November
15, 1994 at 7:30 pm at Mound City Hall. Upon motion by Smith, seconded by
Jensen and carried unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ed Shukle
City Manager
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