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2000-07-25MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL - JULY 25, 2000 The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in regular session on Tuesday, July 25, 2000, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers at 5341 Maywood Road, in said City. Those present were: Mayor Pat Meisel; Council Members: Andrea Ahrens, Bob Brown, Mark Hanus, and Leah Weycker. Also in attendance were City Attorney John Dean, City Manager Kandis Hanson, City Clerk Frank Clark, City Planner Loren Gordon, and Recording Secretary Diana Mestad. The following interested citizens were also present: Ken & Sally Custer, Steve Wagner, Bruce & Patti Dodds, Lorrie Ham, The Laker; Tom Casey, Amy Cicchese, Lakeshore Weekly; David Greenslit, Barb & Ryan & Roy Stoll, Troy D. Hicks, Bart Roegin, Tim Hafagle, Marilyn & Derek Hostetler, Adam Greshowak, Pat Morrissey, Rick Roberts, Kevin Plann, Andrew Mahoney, and Wayne E. Ehlebracht. *Consent Agenda: All items listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Council and will be enacted by a roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member or Citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in normal sequence. OPEN MEETING - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Meisel opened the meeting at 7:43 p.m. and welcomed the people in attendance. The pledge of allegiance was recited. APPROVE AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Hanus stated that he had an issue with Item B that he wished to discuss at the end of the meeting. This would still allow payment of the bills. MOTION by Ahrens, seconded by Brown, to approve the agenda and consent agenda. The roll call vote was unanimously in favor. Motion carried. 5-0. *CONSENT AGENDA *1.0 APPROVE MINUTES: JULY 11, 2000, REGULAR MEETING. MOTION, Ahrens & Brown, unanimously. '1.1 PAYMENT OF BILLS. MOTION, Ahrens & Brown, unanimously. '1.2 APPROVAL OF LICENSES AND PERMITS MOTION, Ahrens & Brown, unanimously. 518 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 SET PUBLIC HEARING: '1.3 CASE #00-38 BRISTOL CLASSICS CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - 2642 COMMERCE BOULEVARD: AUGUST 8. MOTION, Ahrens & Brown, unanimously. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: · 1.4 CASE #00-36:4707 MANCHESTER - MINOR SUBDIVISION & VARIANCE RESOLUTION #00-71 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A MINOR SUBDIVISION AND VARIANCE TO CREATE ONE ADDITIONAL LOT FROM THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4707 MANCHESTER ROAD, LOTS 1, 2, AND 3, BLOCK 9, WYCHWOOD, PID #19- 11%23 32 0086, P & Z CASE//00-36 AND 00-37 Ahrens & Brown, unanimously. 1.5 COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT ABOUT SUBJECTS NOT ON THE AGENDA. (PLEASE LIMIT TO 3 MINUTES PER SUBJECT.) Linda Skorseth, 5648 Alder Road, voiced her concern regarding the second referendum question for the improvements to the athletic fields. She feels that the itemized list totaling $1.45 million is inflated, because the fields are currently operational. Ms. Skorseth identified the items currently on site that she felt would not need to be replaced or updated. She read from a letter provided to her by the Soccer Association stating that they currently maintain and will continue to maintain the field at the site. She further stated that the baseball association also feels that the cost is too high. Ms. Skorseth is concerned that the opportunity to purchase the fields will be lost because of the inflated costs associated with the second referendum question. Mayor Meisel stated that this information had been thoroughly reviewed at the previous City Council meeting and that the Council decided that the second question needed to be put on the ballot to let the citizens know that there are other costs beyond just acquisition of the property. Council Member Brown explained that this amount would allow the City to work within a range to improve the fields including only doing minimum improvements. He also pointed out that even though some areas of the athletic field are relatively new, there have been code changes since that time, which now require updating when a new owner comes in. Mayor Meisel stated that the concept of the City being able to spend within a range of dollars would be addressed in the Q&A that is going to be distributed to the public in the City Newsletter. 519 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES- JULY 25, 2000 The City Clerk confirmed that the referendum questions have already been sent in and no further changes could be made at this time. The City Manager stated that the Q&A would be distributed to the public in two weeks and would contain the exact language of the referendum questions. The Q&A will also discuss the process available for public input regarding the level of improvement made to the fields. Council Member Weycker inquired when the open house on this issue would be held. The City Manager stated the open house would be held on August 16, 2000 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Ms. Skorseth stated that she would be asking the various sports groups to attend the open house. Council Member Hanus stated that unless these groups had a bond to guarantee the work would be done, the City had to look at the situation as if there was no other way to do the maintenance. He also stated that the numbers for the itemization came from the actual costs incurred at other community parks. David Greensilt, 5046 Bayport, stated that in reference to the petition being distributed by the House of Moy, he felt that the public should have a choice. He stated that he saw a problem with an outside developer making money on the City and that he felt local businesses would suffer. He asked the Mayor whether she is running for re-election and why she excused herself during that presentation. Mayor Meisel stated that she felt there was a perceived conflict of interest and on the advice of the City Attorney, excused herself from the discussion. Mr. Greenslit stated that the point seemed to be that the election would show what the people think about the redevelopment issue. He felt that the energy spent on this for the last ten years could have been better devoted to help all of Mound. 1.6 PUBLIC HEARING: CASE #00-22 & 00-23: LANGDON BAY PUD AND STREET VACATION. The City Planner reviewed the project including the proposed setbacks. He stated that the average lot would be 60 feet with side yards of 10 feet and 6 feet for a total of 16 feet between lots. Council Member Hanus asked whether the proposed park land included the land for the trail. The City Planner confirmed that the trail land was included in the park land. Council Member Brown asked whether the cul-de-sac access road had been deleted from the plan. The City Planner confirmed that this was no longer part of the plan. The City Planner discussed the issues that were outstanding at the last meeting. In reference to the issues regarding the site lines and traffic flow issues on Lynwood; this has been 52O MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 resolved with the County. The developer will be grading back the right-of-way and installing a retaining wall in front of the Carlson property on the west side of Robin Lane. In addition, a left turn lane for westbound Lynwood traffic would be installed to alleviate traffic concerns. In reference to concerns about the Alwin homestead, the City Planner stated that an application to move the house to the Carlson property has been received. The Minnesota Historical Society has determined that the house does not meet landmark criteria and so is allowed to be moved. Council Member Hanus asked whether the wetlands would be subject to the buffer law that was currently under consideration? The City Planner stated that the buffers do not come into play on this, but that the wetlands would require approval from the Watershed District. Council Member Hanus asked if there was a wetland near one of the proposed homes. The City Planner stated that there was an edge that met up with a wetland, but that no deviation from the required setback was being suggested here. The City Planner stated that in reference to the bluff, some of the homes would not meet the 30 foot setback requirement. He stated that the Planning Commission had recommended maintaining the setback where possible and allowing a variance where necessary. The City Planner stated that this was an unresolved issue at this point. Mayor Meisel asked what the amount of deviation from the required setback would be. The City Planner stated that it was approximately 15 feet and that Staff is uncomfortable with this. The City Planner stated that in reference to the improvement of Westedge Road, Staff has indicated to the developer that this will need to be improved to a collector standard including curb and gutter on the Mound side and an asphalt edge and ditch on the Minnetrista side. The City Planner stated that Minnetrista has made it clear that they will not be contributing to the cost of improving Westedge and the City is challenged with finding the best way to cover the cost. Staff has proposed that the developer pay the cost for improvement minus the Hennepin County drainage improvement and minus the residential assessment to properties in Mound along the road. This would result in the developer paying ~/ of the cost with the remaining lA to come from the assessment. He stated that it is necessary to entertain and schedule the assessment. The City Planner stated that the new water main is necessary because this area currently has low pressure. The proposed new loop would provide adequate service. Staff suggested that the developer pay this cost with an area charge to each lot of $1,500. The developer has made a counteroffer of $1,000. The meeting was recessed at 8:30 p.m. because of inclement weather. The meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m. 521 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 Tim Whitten, Rottlund Homes, stated that he has previously presented the concept plan for this development to the City Council. In reference to the lot setbacks, Mr. Whitten stated that four lots would have a reduced setback of 20 feet if necessary after more study is completed. He stated that this is necessary because of the pond elevation in the area. Mr. Whitten stated that he felt they had good success with Hennepin County in resolving the issues regarding the site lines and left turn lane. Mr. Whitten stated that the park would include a gazebo and that the two acres of park land does not include the trail land. Mr. Whitten stated that the wetlands would fit comfortably into the proposed site and that a homeowner's association would be established to maintain these areas. Mr. Whitten stated that Rotflund is challenging their engineers to save as many trees as possible on the site. He further stated that Rottlund is now comfortable paying the water assessment fee of $1,500 per lot. Rottlund is comfortable with the plans for Westedge Road as presented by the City Planner and is neutral on the issue of the proposed sidewalk. Mr. Whitten stated that Rotflund wishes to begin construction on the model homes prior to the completion of the street improvement with the intention to finish both projects at the same time. He also stated that Rottlund would like to place temporary signs at the entrances of the development to direct people during the marketing period. Mayor Meisel opened the Public Hearing at 9:16 p.m. Joe Stepnik, Woodedge Road, Minnetrista, stated that he felt the paving and curbing of the road would have an impact on the wetland. He did not feel the City should give variances for bluff setbacks and should instead require the developer to work within the City standards. Mr. Stepnik questioned whether allowing the developer to use narrow streets would impact the turning radius in the cul-de-sacs. He also questioned whether the proposed path to the park on the Lake Langdon side would be crossing the railroad tracks and expressed a concern over safety with this plan. He further stated that he felt maintenance of the wetlands should be handled by an association and not the developer. Maryann Sales, Westedge/Lynwood, stated that she was concerned about allowing the developer 75 variances in order to develop this site. Bart Roglund, 2260 Westedge, stated that he felt there was no need for a sidewalk. He was concerned that the amount of proposed park land was undersized. Mr. Roglund stated that the developer should be held to the current standards and not allow a variance on setbacks. Mr. Roglund stated his concern about the impact of more homes on an area with low water pressure and wanted an analysis done to ensure that the loop would work. Council Member Brown confirmed that the City Engineer had studied this issue. 522 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 Mr. Roglund stated that he had safety concerns about speed and visibility on Westedge Road and was also concerned about dust control during the construction process. Mr. Roglund was not in favor of curb and gutter on only one side of the road and asked that the Council consider another alternative. Troy Hicks, 2255 Westedge, Minnetrista, stated that he was concerned that if the road was going to be widened, how would the property owners giving up land be compensated. He stated his concern is that raising the road could cause flooding problems. Mr. Hicks did not feel that the curb or the sidewalk was necessary. He also felt that the City should not give in to the developer's requests, but should instead hold the developer to the City's standards. Mr. Hicks suggested requiring that a percentage of trees on the site be saved. He also wondered when the issues of grading and pitch would be addressed and whether the natural pond water access was going to be cut off by this development. Mayor Meisel closed the Public Hearing at 9:30 p.m. Council Member Brown stated that the Planning Commission had recommended not installing the sidewalk. He further stated that in reference to the water flow issues, a storm sewer with holding ponds was planned for the site. The City Planner stated that drainage improvements and ponding are planned. There is still additional detail to be worked out, but the Watershed District is involved in this issue. Council Member Weycker asked whether the cul-de-sacs were in fact a reduced size. The City Planner stated that they were 90 feet in diameter, which is a standard size. The City Planner also stated that there is a need to better understand how the drainage at this site will work and that will be part of the Watershed District approval process. Mayor Meisel asked what the impact of having curb on only one side would be. The City Planner stated that this was a less than ideal solution from Staffs viewpoint. Council Member Hanus asked why the curb and gutter could not wait until Minnetrista was ready to develop. The City Planner stated that Minnetrista feels that their development side is already complete. Council Member Hanus confirmed that if the City waited to do the curb and gutter, they would not be able to assess the 75 new homes to contribute to the cost. The City Planner stated that this was true in that only adjacent homes could be assessed in the future. The City Manager stated there would be a lack of motivation to do this improvement in the future. Council Member Hanus asked what Minnetrista's plan was for traffic relevant to the Sanders North development. The City Planner stated that he did not know what the plan was but that he thought it was anticipated that there would be access across the railroad west of Westedge. 523 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 Council Member Hanus stated that the current knowledge was that Minnetrista's intent was to leave Westedge as a gravel road and wondered if it was Minnetrista's policy not to assess for road improvements. The City Planner stated that it was not Minnetrista's first choice to assess, but rather to look to the developer. The City Manager stated that there was a fundamental difference in that Mound would improve the road to an urban standard while Minnetrista improved roads to a rural township standard. Council Member Hanus asked who is currently maintaining Westedge. The City Planner stated that the two cities share the cost of maintenance. Council Member Weycker stated that she felt there was a need to go back to Minnetrista to further discuss this issue. Mayor Meisel stated that she did not feel it was fair to put the cost on the developer. Mr. Whitten pointed out that Rottlund is paying ~ of the cost, which would essentially cover the Minnetrista side of the road. Council Member Weycker asked whether curb and gutter on one side would affect the drainage and wetlands. Mr. Whitten stated that the intention was that the water flow would not change. Council Member Brown stated that the Planning Commission saw this as an opportunity to reduce the cost of improving this road. Council Member Hanus asked what additional right-of-way would be required on the Mound side. The City Planner stated that there is enough land in the existing right-of-way. On Robin road, 10 additional feet would be necessary on each side and the developer already has purchase agreements with the owners. Council Member Hanus asked whether there was also enough existing right-of-way to include the proposed sidewalk. The City Planner stated that according to the design there was enough land on the east side but that because the west side would have a ditch, there was still a question as to how much space would be necessary. Council Member Hanus asked what hardship was being used to grant the variances. The City Planner stated that the PUD allowed the opportunity to vary and did not require separate consideration of each home. Council Member Hanus asked if some homes were removed from the development, would the remaining meet existing setbacks. Mr. Whitten stated that the plan is to bring the houses closer to the street and that it is not an issue of more lots, but rather an issue of using the proposed architecture. Mayor Meisel asked what the specific plans were for keeping trees and replanting. Mr. Whitten stated that there would be two trees per lot planted in the boulevard. There would 524 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 also be a tree in each front yard. He further stated that keeping the houses closer to the road would save trees on the lot perimeter. Council Member Hanus asked whether the idea of saving a certain percentage of trees would be feasible. Mr. Whitten stated that it would be difficult to manage to a number. The City Attorney stated that frequently an inventory of trees is done and then the developer gives a good faith estimate on what can be saved. Council Member Ahrens stated that she felt the City Attorney's suggestion was more realistic and suggested identifying and tagging trees and also protecting the root systems. Mayor Meisel stated that Staff needs to work with the developer on this, as the lay of the land will make it difficult to save the trees. Mr. Whitten stated Rottlund's willingness to work with the City on this issue. The City Planner stated it would be best to look at the areas of the site that would not be heavily graded. Council Member Weycker asked how this could be worded for the resolution. The City Planner stated he had not brought a resolution before the Council tonight because there were still too many outstanding issues. Council Member Hanus expressed concern over the layout of the park land and questioned what the land on the south side of the railroad tracks was actually like. The City Planner stated that about one-half of that land was actually useable. Council Member Hanus stated that he wanted to see if the land was actually of value and that he would rather have one large area than two smaller areas. Mr. Whitten stated that Rottlund had met with the Park Commission who had come to the conclusion of the two smaller parcels. Council Member Weycker stated that access to the lake and the future trial were important pieces in the Park Commission's decision. Council Member Ahrens stated that she was more inclined toward one bigger park. Council Member Hanus stated that he preferred the 2.7 acres in one spot and that the developer could design around this. Mayor Meisel stated that she is not against this idea, but she does not feel it is fair to ask for the 2.7 acres in one piece. Council Member Hanus pointed out that to date the developer has been told to go in the direction of two smaller parcels and wondered if there had been exploration of one parcel. Rex Alwin, current property owner, stated that there is 20 acres of wetland and wildlife area that could be developed with community support. 525 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 Mr. Whitten stated that Rottlund would analyze and bring information back to Council on the condition of the land near the lake. Mayor Meisel stated that she felt that having curb and gutter on only one side of Westedge was still an issue. The City Planner stated that Minnetrista may not want or accept an urban style development on their side of the road. Council Member Ahrens asked whether the curb was only planned for one side in order to save money. Mr. Whitten stated it was an issue of fairness. Council Member Ahrens asked whether the improvement would change the water flow on the Minnetrista side. Mr. Whitten stated that it would not. Council Member Hanus stated that if a water flow problem was created, the City would be asked to resolve it. Council Member Brown asked whether the road could be slanted to collect water on only one side. The City Planner stated that this would be an engineering question, but he felt it was not a probable design for safety reasons. Mr. Whitten again stated that the drainage on the Minnetrista side would not change. Council Member Brown stated his concern about the sidewalk in that the Planning Commission saw no reason to put one in. The City Attorney questioned whether removing the sidewalk would allow the entire improved road to be located in Mound. The City Planner stated that he did not have an answer at this time, as the numbers were not available. Council Member Hanus asked the City Planner to provide an answer to the question of putting the entire road in Mound in the future, as this would eliminate the difficulties in getting approval from Minnetrista for the water main. Council Member Brown pointed out that the City Engineer had mentioned that using an alternative route for the water main would increase the cost. Council Member Ahrens asked whether the new loop for the water main would benefit the Minnetrista residents. Council Member Hanus stated that it would be a benefit to the ones who are currently receiving water service from Mound. Council Member Ahrens asked what direction Staff was looking for at this point. The City Planner stated that the current outstanding items were the park land issue, the bluff setbacks, the wetlands, the roadway design and drainage, and the sidewalk. Council Member Hanus added information on Minnetrista's traffic plan for the future. Mayor Meisel added tree saving measures and temporary signage for the developer. Council Member Brown added information on the impact of the elevation change at Lynwood and Westedge. Council Member Ahrens asked whether it was unusual for a developer to construct model homes prior to the road improvements. The City Planner stated this was a normal way to proceed. 526 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 Mayor Meisel asked what the developer planned for dust control during the construction phase. Mr. Whitten stated that Rottlund employed a standard dust control procedure during the development process. Mr. Whitten asked whether the issues listed as outstanding were all in need of more investigative work. Council Member Brown stated that the information would be brought back to Council at the same time as the resolution. MOTION, by Ahrens, seconded by Brown, to direct Staff to research the information for the outstanding issues and to put together a resolution for Council consideration. The vote was unanimously in favor. Motion carried. 0. 1.7 PROPOSAL FOR SKATE PARK BY AREA YOUTH. Council Member Weycker stepped down at this time, as she is personally involved with this issue. Ryan Stoll, 1210 Morningview Drive, Minnetrista, stated that his group was here tonight to address Council about building an in-line skate and skate boarding park. He stated that the Take 5 park had 300 members and that he felt this park would be very popular. Derrick Hostetler, 6168 Sinclair Court, stated that this would be a designed skate park that would not need to be staffed and would not raise the City's insurance rates. Andy Mahoney, 1400 Park Drive, Orono, stated that the group was asking for land, restrooms and drinking water. He stated that they would be asking various civic groups for support and donations. Pat Morrissey, 2601 Setter Circle, stated that Hopkins has a new skate board park and that they are asking for Council's help in getting a park for the Mound area. Council Member Brown confirmed that because a tier 1 park was proposed, it would not raise the insurance rates. Ryan Stoll stated that if the ramps were less than 3 feet the rates would not be raised and the park would not require supervision. leah Weycker stated that the information on the insurance rates came from the League of Minnesota Insurance Trust. Council Member Brown asked what the highest air was that could be achieved off a 3 foot ramp. Derrick Hostetler stated that it would be 5 feet from the top of the ramp. The group presented the Council with a petition that was currently being circulated for community support. The petition had 370 signatures at that time. 527 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTE8 - JULY 2.5, 2000 The group suggested the land behind Wolner field could be used for this park. Ms. Weycker stated that the Park Commission has suggested the old community center site and that the Council adopt a dollar for dollar matching fund to support this effort. Council Member Brown questioned whether an unsupervised park would allow the younger skaters an opportunity to use the park. The group stated that the older skaters were very supportive of younger skaters and that they had not had problems with this in the past. Council Member Hanus proposed that the park would need to be run by the City or have an organization or club to oversee its use. Ms. Weycker stated that the collaborative ran the Take 5 park and is willing to help oversee this park. She stated that because of insurance regulations, an individual couldn't own this type of park. Council Member Hanus asked what the size of the proposed park was. The group stated it was 75 x 100 linear feet. Council Member Hanus asked what type of flooring was involved. The group stated the park would be entirely cement. Council Member Brown stated that he felt there was an opportunity to put the park where the batting cages on Wolner field are currently located. The cages would then be moved between the fields. This would provide the skaters with access to the restrooms and concession stand already in place. Mayor Meisel confirmed with the group that the City Council is interested in this plan and would be willing to hear more about it in the future. 1.8 ACTION ON PARK AND OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR APPOINTMENT. Council Member Brown stated that he wished to pull this item from the agenda until the information on who the other applicants were could be provided. Mayor Meisel stated that the Park Commission minutes had just arrived that day and the Council had not had a chance to review the information. Council Member Hanus stated that there is an issue on how to deal with the interview process. Currently, the commissions want to do their own interviewing, but are actually only advisors in the process. The City Council was not being notified of the interviews, which they are supposed to be able to attend. MOTION, by Brown, seconded by Hanus, to table this item for the next meeting. The vote was 4 in favor with Weycker voting nay. motion carried. Council Member Brown stated that there is an issue with the community in that people are automatically reappointed and the public would like notice when a term is going to expire. Mayor Meisel asked what the notification time for an opening was. The City Clerk stated it was 30 to 60 days. 528 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES- JULY 25, 2000 The City Manager asked whether an ordinance was necessary to establish this process. City Clerk stated that the information should come from the City Attorney. The 1.9 STAFF RECOMMENDATION FOR ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ON AGENDA PUBLICATION. The City Manager stated that she is backing off on this item as after closer scrutiny, she feels the ordinance does not require publication but only notification. She stated that the publication standard is difficult to comply with as the amount and type of issues on the agenda can change dally. She would like to be able to amend the agenda as often as necessary up to the time of the meeting. Council Member Hanus suggested continuing to publish the agenda with a disclaimer that it may have changed somewhat by the time the meeting is held. Council Member Ahrens asked why it was necessary to change from the current procedure. The City Manager stated that she is concerned about putting the City at risk if last minute changes are made. The City Manager suggested that the disclaimer could include the City's website address and note that a complete agenda would be posted at City Hall. Council agreed with plan. STAFF REPORTS: 1.10 UPDATE ON STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN CONSIDERATIONS. The City Manager stated that there is still no resolution to this issue and they are preparing to go back in August to try to find some common ground. She is waiting for a response from the LMCD and is recommending an extension of this item to September 14, 2000. MOTION, by Ahrens, seconded by Weycker to grant a 60 day extension. The vote was unanimously in favor. Motion carried. 5-0. 1.11 UPDATE ON MEDIATION PROCESS FOR 2200 BLOCK OF COMMERCE BOULEVARD. The City Manager stated that this has been a very slow process to date. There are five to six people at each meeting, which makes it very difficult to coordinate calendars. To date, John's Variety and the sporting goods store have met with the mediator. The goal is to have a group meeting following the individual business meetings after which recommendations will be made. Mayor Meisel asked whether there was a feeling of cooperation among the participants. The City Manager stated that good ideas are coming out of the process. 529 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 1.12 UPDATE ON CORRESPONDENCE WITH B&D NETKA. The City Manager stated that there is a history of Staff communication and trying to arrange a face-to-face meeting. Council Member Hanus asked whether they are still interested in TIF and if it is not available, are they still interested in developing. The City Manager stated that because she has been unable to reach them, she does not know what their feelings are. 1.13 UPDATE ON OPEN SPACE REFERENDUM PROCESS. The City Manager stated that the open house would be held on August 16, 2000 from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Staff is recommending that this be an opportunity for people to talk about the issue in a non intimidating, comfortable and convenient environment. She stated that there would be stations with story boards set up with Staff assigned to each. There are news releases and a Q&A going out to publicize this event. The City Manager stated that the ground rule for the event was that this be treated as a polling place in that the various Commissions and the City Council should be listeners and hear the public input, but be neutral in their position. Council Member Hanus stated that he has discussed the issue of remaining neutral with the City Manager and the City Attorney and it was felt that if asked specifically for an opinion, it would be best to give the person your phone number and discuss it at a later time. Mayor Meisel brought up that during the citizen comment portion of tonight's meeting, it was mentioned that the various sports groups would be encouraged to attend and she felt they needed to know that this is not the correct format for them to address the public. The City Manager stated that they are asking people to keep politics out of this event. Council Member Ahrens stated that if people chose to lobby for their position, there was nothing the City could do about it. Council Member Weycker stated that it was the City Attorney's position that if the City sponsors the event; it has to be a neutral event. Council Member Hanus stated that the law says people can present their position, but the Council needs to remain neutral. The City Manager stated that Council Members who were uncomfortable with this format would not need to attend. 1.14 WORKSHOP CONTINUATION: CONDUCTING MORE EFFICIENT MEETINGS. This item was tabled for the next meeting. 530 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 This item was tabled for the next meeting. INFORMATION A. AMM FAX NEWS B. FINANCIAL REPORTS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2000. C. LIQUOR STORE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT THROUGH JUNE 2000. MISCELLANEOUS The City Manager stated that she had a correction to make to the Council brief where it was stated that the Livable Community Grant was $400,000. The correct amount is $900,000. At this time, Wayne Ehlebracht, 4873 Shoreline Drive, asked to address the Council. He asked what the specific booths at the open house would be. The City Manager stated that the booths would be: 1. The proposed site. 2. The wording for the referendum. 3. The financing. 4. The proposed site improvements which would be broken down into levels. 5. The school station. She stated that dollar ranges would be attached to all of the above. Mr. Ehlebracht asked where the figure of $1.45 million came from. Mayor Meisel stated that this information would be covered at the open house, but is an "up to" amount and the City would not be required to bond for all the money. The City Manager stated that there would be a sticker vote system at the open house so that the public could indicate which plans they favor. Council Member Ahrens stated that as a point of order this was not the time for citizen comment and the meeting needed to move forward. Council Member Brown agreed with this statement. At this time Council Member Hanus brought his concern from the Consent Agenda regarding the bills. He stated that in reference to the cost of the Hennepin County Assessor ($71,000) he felt that it might be less expensive for the City to have its own assessor rather than use the County Assessor. The City Manager stated she would keep an eye on this cost. 531 MOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 25, 2000 ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Weycker, seconded by Brown to adjourn the meeting at 11:50 p.m. The vote was unanimously in favor. Motion carried. 5-0. Attest: City Clerk Kandis Hanson, City Manager 532 PAYMENT BILLS DATE: JULY 25, 2000 BILLS ACCOUNTS PAYABLE BATCH # #0071 AMOUNT $299,890.04 TOTAL BILLS $299,890.04