04/10/1972 - 00017516�
�
THE MINUTES Or THE SPECTAL P�BLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
The Special Public Hearing rIeeting of the Fridley City Council was convened at
7:35 P. M., April LQ, 1472.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Liebl led the Council and the audience in saying the Pledge of A1legiance
to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
MEM&ERS PRES�NT
MEMBERS ABSENT:
ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
Lieb1, Utter, M7�ttelatadt, ]3reider
None
Mayor Liebl said there was one item to add as follows;
Receiving Report from the City Manager by the Screening Commrttee for Che
Position of Assistant City Manager/Public Safety ➢irector
MOTION by Couacilman Mittelstadt to adopt the Agenda as amended. Seconded by
Gouncilman Utter. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the
motion carried unanimously,
Mayor Liebl read the public hearing notice aloud and the Engineering Assistant
showed the two areas involved on the screen, and said that the pro�ect was for
the Burlington Northern Industrlal pLat and the A1 Rose Addition. Mayor Lieb1
asked if there had been any ca11s in regaxd to the construction and the Engineez-
ing Assistant replied no, no calls. Mayor Lieb1 asked if there was anyone on
the Council or in the audience that wished to comment, with no response.
MOTION by Councilman MittelstadY to close Che puUlic hearing on the assessment
ro11 for Sanitary Sewer, Water and Storm Sewer Improvement pro�ect �f105.
Seconded Uy Councilman Breider. Upon a voice vote, a11 voting aye, �fayor Lieb1
declared the motion carrled unanimously and the hearing cLosed at 7:4Q P. M.
JL -
STORM
fE�i
MOTION by Councilman Mittelstadt that, iaasmuch as tliere are no ob�ections
from property owners or questions from the Council, Resnlution ;k4S-1972 be adopted.
Seconded by Councilman Breider. Upon a voice vote, al1 voting aye, Mayor LieU1
declared the motion carried unanLmously.
SPEC7AL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OP APRIL L0, 1972
YIJISLIG ti�HK1NG VN 1{r;LUN1IVG 1U:ljUP,Jl GUH 1F/G-VL ISY HLVILV A
R�ZONE FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAIIILY DWELLING) TO R-3 (GENERAL
DWCLLINGS) - 6591 MAIN STREET N, E„ FRIDLEY, MINNESOTA:
PAGE Z
Mayor Liebl read the public hearing notice and the �ngineering Assistant
showed the location on the overhead pro�ector, and reported the Planning
Commission's recommendation for denial is found in the Council Agenda. Sust
to the south of this parcel is City park land. The City ttaded some land w�.th
Mr. Nitschke to add to the park. The City gave more land than Mr. Nitschke
did, so he paid us an additional $250. After the trade Mr, Nitschke ended up
with an 80 foot parcel of Land. Directly to the north is a single family
dwelling �ust being completed, then a double bungalow, thett the rest to the
north are single family homes. He showed the plan on the easel and said that
the I�ouse is situated toward the back of the lot with the garages toward the
front with a courtyard in between. The three unrts would have separate yards.
Mr. Nitschke had asked for a special use permit about a year ago to build a
double bungalowy which was approved, hotiaever, the pezmit was never exercised.
L.__J
I
Mayor Liebl satd he believed across Main Street the land is all industrial Erom
Alississippi to Rzce Creek. The Engineerzng Assistant sa.td yes, and added from
Main Street to the tracks. Designware is located to the south and �ust west of
this parcel. Mayor Lieb1 said he recalled giving permission for the duplex
�ust tu the north, and he felt it Looked very nice. The Engineering Assistant
said that that duplex is two stories high and this construction would be
similar in height. Mayor Lie61 said that he felt that if this request was
approved, it should be contingent upon some sort of screening on the south side �
between this parcel and the park. He asked if a redwood fence would be satis-
factory. The �ngineering Assistant said the special use permit was sub�ect
to a redwood fence being installed along the south 1ine. He sa�,d he felt tE�at
a chain liak fence would be better than a redwood fence, because there caould
be baseballs hit in the park, etc., and the children would be climbing on the
redwood fence, and a chain link fence would be more durable.
Mayor Liebl asked if there were aay ob�ections at the public hearing before the
Plann1ng Commission and the Engineering Assistant replied no, Mayor Liebl asked
Mr. Nitschke why 6e did not build the duplex he had requested over a year ago.
Mr. Nitschke said that he had talked to several contractors about the best use
of the land and they Le1t that with the industrial zoning across the street,
that the best use for the Land c,� a1d be for two - three units. He added he
has owned this parcel for about 1� years, Mayor Liebl asked if Mr. Nitschke
lived in FridLey. Mr. Nitschke replied no, but if this rezoning is approved,
he pLans on living in one of the units. This is not a speculative venture,
it would be his home, and he wo�ld want rt to look nice. He said he has lived
in apartments and he realizes people value a degree of privacy, and he thought
his plan was a good one with this rn mind. Mayor Liebl asked if this rezoning
xs graated, would Mr Nxtschke live up to stipulations imposed by the Couacil.,
such as a fence� Mr. Nitschke said yc�, he would agree to the cyclone fence, and
had thought of perhaps putting in a privacy fence inside it because a cedar fence
would add more aestetically. He agreed the cyclone fence along the park would
probahly be a better choice than �ust a redwood fence. ,
Tlie EngLneering Assistant said [hat having the garages in frunt uf the dwelling
is a new concept somewltat, and would eliminate a long driveway. There �aould
be four garage stalls for the three unies. The code requires lz parking places
per ane bedroo¢i unit,
SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972 PAGE 3
� Mayor L1eb1 asked Mr. Nitschke if he wouLd follow through as proposed and
Mr. Nitschke replied yes, he would meet a11 the City stipulations. Mayor Liebl
asked what was the setback and the Engineering Assistant said it was 35 feet
from the garages to the right of w ay. Mayor Liebl asked if there would be any
green area in the back and pointed out that it is R-1 behind him. Mr, Nitschke
said yes, the entire back yard would be lawn, This is why he chose this plan,
it allows a minimum of blacktop and a11 the rest of the area can 6e used as
green area. He felt everyone would rsther look at green areas rather than a
long expanse of blacktop, He added that the 1ot is 80' x 136' Mayor Lieb1
asked if he would meet the square footage requirement and the Engineering
Assistant said yes. Councilman Breider asked, with 80' front footage, could
he build this building without a sideyard variance� The Engineering Assist<�nt
replied yes, each unit is 20' for a total of 60'. Councilman Breider asked if
there were any plans for the interior of the building. Tlie Engineering Assistant
said no� �ust this plot plan. Mr, Nitschke added that many townhouses use the
basements as living areas but his plans wi11 have two floors plus the basement,
Councilman Breider asked what was the square footage of the Living space,
TYr. Nitschke said they would aaerage about 1200 square Leet per unit, plus a
fu11 basement.
The Engyneering P,ssistant said, in regard to the parking requirements, that he
would meet the code if he provided six stalls for the three two-bedroom units.
Mr. Nitschke said lze could get another one on the side, and added that as he
wi11 be the owner and liviag there, he would prefer small families, and would
not be putting in more than two bedrooms per unit.
� Councilman Utter asked, if he were to put �n another garage to allow fox a
third two-bedroom unit, would he sti11 have �nough room on the sideyard The
Engineering Assistant said yes, figuring an average garage is 20' wide, there
would still be 10 feet on each side, since the garages are located in front of the
house.
Mayor Liebl said that he had driven past this site this A.M. and had talked to
the Ward Councilman, He informed Mr. Nitschke tihat the Council would talce no
aceion tonight, but that it would be back on the Agenda April 17th There are
four votes required to rezone property, and he Chought, if this triplex were
to be as nice and tidy as the duplex just to the nortLz, it would be a nice
addition. He said he could not see how this property could be developed as R-1
with industrial zoning across the street and this plan would seem to be Lhe best
use of the land. It would also be more advantageous from a tax standpoint, as
the City would get more in taxes from a triplex. He asked how much of an investment
this would be. Mz. Nitschke said upwards of $60,000 in �ust construction costs,
Mayor Lieb1 asked Mr. Nitschke if he would stay with one one-bedroom unit and
two two-bedroom units, Mr. Nitschke said that as he said, he would Like sma11
families. He said he would work on the plans, and bring them in as soon as
they are completed. Mayor Liebl pointed out that the duplex to the north of
him has some brick, and he asked him to take this into consideration. He also
suggested showing the plans to his Ward Councilman when they are done, He said
the first reading of the rezoning ordinance couLd Ue held, but the second would
� not be held until the plans are approved.
Mayor Lieb1 asked if there was a�ayoae in the audience who wished to comment on this
rezoning, eLther for or against, with no response
SPECIAL PUBLIC 1�ARING N�ETZNC OP APRIL 10, 1972 PAGE 4
MOTION by CounciLman NIittelsLadt to close the public hearing on the rezoning �
requesL 70A i�72-01 by Alvin Nitschke. Seconded by CounciLman Breider. Upon a
voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lieb1 declared the motion carried unanimously
and the hearing closed at 8;05 P M.
PUBLIC I�ARING ON VACATION R�QUEST SAV -0�72-01 BY RUSSELL HEDGE, GENERALLY LOCATED
AT 649 - 53RD AV�NUE N. E.: (Madison Street)
Mayor Liebl said, with the Council in agreement, that the reading of the hearing
notice could be waived. Ttie �ngineering Assistant showed the location on the
screen and said the request was for the vacation of a short stub of Madison Street
�ust north of 53rd Avenue. The Planning Commission recommended approval sub�ect
to retaining the northerly 10 feet for utility and drainage, the southerly 25 £eet
for a Standard Oil Company pipeline, a dedication of the westerly 4 feet of Lot l,
B1ock 2 for an old existing watermain, dedication of the southerly 6 feet of
B1ock 1 and Lot 1, Block 2 for a water line, and the dedication of the northerly
10 feet of Block 1. The easterly z oi the vacated Madison Street would go to
Gerral Herringer and the westerly z to Russell Hedge, The lot split already
approved wouLd add the easterly 2 of Lot 3 to the SocLal Dynamics Corporation
and the westerly z would be combined with the easterly z of Madison Street to
make residential 1ot.
Mayor Liebl asked if there were any comments from the audience or questions from
the Council, with no reply.
MOTION by Councilman Mittelstadt to close the public hearing on the vacation �
request SAV �k72-01, Russell Iledge, Seconded by Councilman Breider, Upon a voice
vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously, and
the hearing closed at 8;07 P, M.
Mayor Lieb1 said this item wouLd be back on the Council Agenda April 17, 1972.
PUBLIC HEARING ON VACATION R�QUEST SAV �k72-02, JOSEPH LAURENT, GENERALI,Y LOCATED
AT 1312 SKYWOOD COURT:
Mayor Liebl said, with the Council concurring, that the reading of the notice
could be dispensed with. The Engineering Assistant showed the location of the
request on the overhead pro�ector and said that there is a 15' storm sewer easement
along the westerly boundary of his property. Mr. Laurent wants to add a garage
on the side aad use the existing tuck-under garage as living area, The Planning
Commission recommended approval sub�ect to his putting the top of the footings
at the same elevation as the bottom of the storm sewer. He said the Staff also
recommends approval sub�ect to the footings being at that depth, which would
be about 6' deep. Mayor Liebl asked Councilman Utter what his recommendation
would Ue, since it is his Tdard, and Councilman Utter replied that he would approve
t6e request. Mayor Lieb1 asked if there was anyone that wished to comment, with
no repLy.
MOTION Uy Councilman Mittelstadt to close the public hearing on the vacation
request SAV 4k72-02 by Soseph Laurent. Seconded by Councilman Breider. Upon a
wice vote, a11 voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously �
and the hearing closed at 8•10 P. M.
SPEC7AL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
PAG� 5
� REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION OF SIGN YERMIT POR A 51GN AT BUIi'S YttUllUC�: KAivCri
APPROVED AT THE COUNCIL MEETING OI' APRIL 3, 1972:
The City Manager explained, at the request oL Mayor Lieb1, that at the last
Council Meetiag, a request was made, and granted, for a variance for an addition
to their sign. There was some discussion that the message on the sign shoula not
6e changed moxe than oace a day, although that was not part of the motion. He
has had some discussion with the salesman from American Sign and Iadicator Corpora-
tion, caho indicated that the whole concept of the sign was that it could Ue changed
more often than once a day. I-Ie said he had asked Bob Schroer to be present at
the meeting and noticed hlm in the audience.
Mr. Schroer said this sign would not be a turning, changeable sign such as the
"Time and Temp" signs used downtown. Each letter would be put in and the soord
spelled out along with the price, and the message could be changed from inside
the buildiag whenever they would see fiC. An item and the price could Ue put on
the board a certain amount of time, then changed when they wanted to. He felt
the siga was very nice and would dress up the area.
Mayor Lieb1 said that the Council was not really aware of what type oi sign he
was talking about at the last meeting. He said he noted that Ho11y Shopping
Centex is also considering this type of sign. He said he did not believe this
type of sign would interfere with anyone. Councilmaa Breider asked iI Mr. Schroer
was Looking for a deletion of the sentence referring to only changing the message
once a day and Mr Schroer said yes, and explained that if they had a specia�.
� sa1e, had the sign up, then ran out of that commodity, they could not change the
sign to something else, NIayor Liebl read the motion Irom the excerpt of the rough
draft and said that it does not say the message cannot be changed Councilman
Mittelstadt said that it says the Council concurs with the Board of Appeals which
could be interpreted to incLude that stipulation. Councilman Mittelstadt said
that last Monday night there was some discussion about the signs of both Bob's
and the Green Giant having to be taken down, but how can the Council stipulate
that Green Giant has to take their sigas down� Mr. Schroer expLained that he
ha5 talked to Green Giant and they wish to use the sign a1so, so have agreed
to take their wa11 sigas down.
MOTION by Councilman Breider to amend the Council unappro�ed rough draft of
the Council PYinutes of Apri1 3, 1972 to delete Lhe sentence� "It is recommended
that the message not be changed oftener than once a day." The motion was
seconded and upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lieb1 declared the motion
carried unanimously.
REPORT EROM CITY ATTORNEY ON SKELLY OIL STATION AT 79TA WAY AND EAST RIVL�R ROAD•
(FALKGNSTEIN VS CITY OF FRIDLEY) (Tabled Apri1 3, 1972
The City Attorney reported that the court hearing was scheduled to be very soon,
however, P1z. Falkenstein has requested a continuance until May 5, In talking
with Mx. Fudali, he understood that he and Mr Falkenstein are negotiating toward
an agreement on the use of the 1and. He said he did not believe there would be
� anything coming up between now and May Sth, and that he would bring this item
bask when there was any action to report.
Mayor Lieb1 told Mr Fudali that the Council tabled this item last week because
he had been in Europe. He said he would most sCrongly urge coming to an agree-
ment out of court, and he feLt that people would work with him to reach a solution
SPECIAL PUPLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
PAGE 6
agreeable to both parties. IIe said he felt that Mr. Fudali could help the City '
and the people that own the surrounding property by buying the land and using
it Eor his pro�ect, When Mr. Pudali's property was rezoned, this small
triangle should have been considered at that time, He said he had talked to
some of the people on 79th Way and they do not want any more traffic problems
created T3y putting in a service station� it could add to the traffic
problems they have now, He said, in his opinion, putting in a service station
on [his corner would be contrary to the type of neighborhood it is now. To the
wesC and north the land is residential and Mr. Fudali's property �ust to the south
is multipLe.
Mr. Fudali said he would certainly do his best. It seems Lhat the City of Fridley's
interest and his are exactly the same. He said he had had sevetal discussions
with Mr. Falkenstein on the development of this corner, but it is too early at
this point to predict whether they can come to some sork of an agreement, but
he would make every effort.
Mayor Lieb1 said iL- seemed this could be tabled until there is something to
report, or in the event this matter is resolved out of court, rt would not have
to come back before the Council.
MOTION by Councilman Mittelstadt to table this item indefinitely. Seconded by
Councilman Breider Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the
motlon carried unanimously.
RECONSIDERATION OF ISSUANCE OF GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE - MILES CONSTRIICTION '
COMPANY•
Mr. Ed Orwall, Attorney for Mi1es Construction Company, introduced himself and
said that he appreciated the Council tabling this license request until he could
be presenl. He said he had received a Letter from the City Manager indicating
two problems in a building inspection report and he could be happy to try to
answer the Council's questions,
The City Manager said, concerning the property at 6731 4th Street N. E., that
Miles took out a garage permit for this address on Sune 3, 1971. The Building
Inspector found during an inspection that alterations were being done at this
address by Mi1es without a permit. The owner came in and took out a permit on
December 3, 1971, and was charged double as a penalty and on January 24, 1972, an
inspection was made to linal out the permit and the work was not completed.
Mr. Orwa11 said that the conrract to build the garage was handled by a former
salesman Por Mi1es. He got the permit, then, as he is also in the home improve-
ment lnusiness, as a Iollowup he entered �nto a contract to do some alterations
which �m not done through Mi1es Construction. The garage was a Miles contract,
but the alterations were not. He said that he understood that the former sales-
man paid the double fee, so the home owner did not suffer. The salesman is no
longer emplc+yed by Mi1es.
Mr. Orwa11 continued, the second complaint, 7530 Tempo Terrace, Mr, and Mrs. �
IZenneth Western, was their fault. They did have a number of prohlems in their
management, and the permi[ was overlooked. The matter came to Iight last
Sanuary He said he did not have anytlung to say as to how rt happened, he
�ust did not know, but when it was brought to their attention, it was taken
care of.
SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972 PA� 7
� Councilman Breider noted that Mr. Western was in the audience and asked him if
the survey was done, and if Mi1es paid for rt Nir. Western said the survey was
done, but Miles Construction Company thought that they should pay for it.
The original contract was 2z years ago and included in the contract the statement
that Miles was to pay for the survey. In talking with the Building Inspection
Department, at that time they did not enforce this requirement, however, Lhey
do n�w, and he did not feel he should have to pay for it. The survey would not
have had to be done when the contract was taken out.
�
�
P1r. Orwalls aid he would agree wrth Mr. W�stern, and the Westerns' should not
have to pay for the survey. In all garage contracts it states that the su7-vey
expenses are Co be borae by the homeowner. Mr. Western is correct that when tlie
contract was entered into, the survey was not required, but when the permrt was
taken out it was. He said the file has been killed and Mr. Western is not
expected to pay for the survey. Mr. Western said that Mi1es had the survey doae
and he received the bill. Mr. Orwall said the biliing is done clerically because
it is the routin� thing to do, but when this was brought to his atCention, the
file was killed and Mr. Western should not be billed any more, the bi11 has
been paid by Miles.
Mayor Liebl asked if the quality of construction was satisfactory. P'ir, tidestern
said he had copies of letters he had writtea to the Better Business Bureau and
the Attorney General if the Council would wish to see them He said the Building
Inspector came out to check his compla�nts on such things as wide cracks in the
siding and snow coming in around the doors. A contractor was sent out and the
deficlencies were corrected. Mr. Western commented that tliis a11 came up when
the Assessor was out to his place and did not know he had the garage. Mr. Western
said he told the Assessor that he has had it for two years, but it seems because
there was no permit, the Assessor had no record oF it.
MOTION by Councilman Breider to reissue
Construction Company, with the comment
to temporarLly suspend the license, and
paid by Miles and the repairs made, he
Seconded by Councilman Utter.
the General Contractor License to Miles
that, inasmuch as he had made the motion
since it appears the survey has been
should be Lhe one to make this Motion
Mayor Lieb1 told Mr. Orwa11 that a license is a priviledge within this City
and should be respected. When a contract is entered into, there is a responsi-
bility on both sides. H e said he realized that some people are more fussy than
others, but if there is some serious question in regard to a license holder, it
is the Council's responsibility to see that the homeowner is treated fairly
The City Manages asked Mr. Orwa11 if steps have been take❑ within Lhe Compaay to
ensure that all the employees know Fridley's requirements and Mr. Orwa11 said
yes, he is their counael, and they a11 know the requirements
Mr. Jim Gibson said he would like to commenl on the wording of some of these
contracts. A young couple came into his office to have their contract notorized
for a garage with another firm. In reading the sma11 print he fouad that if they
defaulted in their payments that the firm could take their property. He advised
them to see their attorney before they entered into this contract, which Lhey did
They came back and thanked him, and said they did not sign the contract on their
attorney's advice. He felt that the type of contracts some oi these companies
use should be looked into.
THE VOTE UPON THE MOTION, being a voLCe vote, a11 voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared
the motion carried unanimously
SPL�CIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OP APRIL 10, 1972
PAGE 8
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO USE NEW BUILDING CODE WHICH BECOMES EFP'ECTIVE: �
SULY l, 1972 - INNSBRUCK NORTA QUADRAMINIUMS - VIEWCON: (Tabled Apri1 3, 1972)
The Cngineering AssLStant reported that the State Code which becomes effective
on July lst will be substantially different than Fridley's Code and Viewcon
would Like to use the new Code, rather than Fridley's. Their main ob�ection
was that they did not want tlieir models to be different from the rest of the
buildings.
Mayor Liebl said that �ahen the Viewcon pro�ect was presented, the great emphasis
was on quality The Council would like to see what they are now in the process
of developing. The Council has been requested 6y the Building Standards - Design
Control to write a letter to the State �uilding Administrator spelling out
our ob�ections to the State Code, but he did not know how successful Fridley wi11
be in getting our input into the State Code. Using the State Code would be taking
a step backwards zn Fridley, aad he felt would definitely be the wrong way to go,
He said the Council must listen to the people in the trade and recognlze their
thoughts and ideas. The Building Standards - Design Control is made up of
people familiar with the building trade. He quest�oned what impact this would
have on the qualrty. The Engineering Assistant said that the main item is that
the Pridley Code does not a11ow single wa11 construction and requires some
sheathing, the State Code does not. Mr. Ken Norduane, Architect for Viewcon,
agreed.
Mr. William Tonco, Building Standards - Design Control said that he ;�nad made the
motion ior approval of the plans if the State Code goes into effect, but Lhat ,
dow not mean he approves of the State Code, only that he did not feel they
had the authority to deny it because if the Code goes into effect they would be
within their rights to build. He said that 3/8" plywood is not adequate
bracing and the way the State Code is, he felt, there would be syphoaing of
water. There wouLd be water driven in when it hits the horizontal members.
There may be a savings now, but taking a$40,000 house over a 40 year period, it
would not amount to much. Mr. Nordaune said there would be between $250 -$350
difference. Mr. Tonco said, what is that over 40 years� Ni11 There would not be
adequate insulation for Minnesota winters and if the wa�er does get in, it would
run into the house rather than back out as it does now.
PYr. ILen Nordaune said he has talked to the State Building Inspector and asked
their advice and if PridLey wants to hold to this and the State Building
Inspector agrees, Viewcon wi11 comply, but if they do� they want their competitors
to do likewise.
Mayor Lieb1 said that this is the nicest property that has been rezoned in the
last few years. Viewcon presented a plan on the complex before the rezoning
went through and there were commitments made, and a man is as good as his word.
He felt thexe were commitments made two years ago, and the City did a selling �ob
on the people who live in that area telling them this would be a very high
q uality pro�ect, and he would certainly hope Viewcon wi11 live up to it.
Councilman Breider told Mr. Norduane that Fridley �.ntends to go before the State �
Building Commission before the July lst date hoping that they will understand
our problems, to ask that the Code be amended to include some of the things
Mr. Tonco is concerned about.
SPECIAL PUSLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
PAGE 9
' Mayor Liebl said he wanted to see the building built the way it was approved.
Former Councilmaa Harris and Mayor Kirkham were very much concerned about the
quality of construction., and it is the duty of this Council to follow through
on this pxo�ect as proposed. There are very nice expensive homes 2n this
area. He commented that it took four rezoning hearings before a company was
successful in rezoning this property
Mr, Nordaune said that he has been on this pro�ect for two months, and was
not in on the onset two years ago. He said he would check with Mr. Chuck Van
Eeckhout on what was promised at the onset. He added LhaC Mr Van Eeckhout was
tied up tonight.
Mayor Liebl said he�felt it would be downgrading the quality of his pro�ect to
go along wi�h the State Code. The Council must maintain Che pledge given to
the people two years ago, Councilman Utter said that if this raquest is
granted to Viewcon, the Council would also have to grant Che same request to
a11 the contractors, and he felt they would �ust have to wait until Juiy 1st
to see what was going Co happen with the StaLe Code.
MOTION by Councilman Bieider to deny the request by Viewcon to use the State
Building Code before Suly 1, 1972. Seconded by Councilman Utter, Upon a voice
vote, a11 voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Liebl asked Mr. Nordaune if the buildings would be built according to
Fridley's code and Mr. Nordaune replied yes.
� RECESS:
Mayor LieU1 declared a recess at 9;00 P. M. The Pleeting was reconvee�d at 9;10 P. M.
CONSIDERATION OE LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS:
Mayar Liebl read a portion of the memarandum from the Gity Maaager dated
April 7, 1972, which states that the four applications received are from•
Sandee's Cafe, P'ireside Rice Bowl, Fridley Recreation and Service Company-
Maple Lanes, and Howard ,Tohnsons Restaurant. The applications have been
reviewed by the Finance Director and have been checked out by the Chief of
Police. The Council passed a resolution Last year reserving one liquor license
for a hotel/motel complex. Ma�o, Liebl said Ordinance �k435 sets forth the
guidelines ior issuance of intoxicating liquor licenses and was passed after
a referendum vote approved private liquor. Ae called upon the City Attorney
to of£er any comments.
The City Attorney said that the City has four applicants and there are two
liquor licenses that can be issued. There is a procedure set out in the
ordinance the Council must follow which requires a public tiearing notice be
published which would set forth the name of the applicant to be considered, the
location, the nature of the business and other information the Council may wish
to include. In view of the fact there are more applicants than licenses available,
� he would avggest letting each applicant make a presentation before the Council
descrxbing theu business, the premises, the size and seating capacity and what
plans they may have for any remodeling or additions, aad any other information
they feel would make the Council look favora6ly upon their request. Aiter
hearing the statements, a Council decision should be made as to which of these
SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972 PAGE 10
applicants the Gouncil would desire to hold a public hearing on for granting ,
the license. That decision would be based partly on the statements made
tonight and also on the Council's personal knowledge of the applicant and the
place of busLness. The presentation would be the preliminary step toward making
the decision on which ones to have the public hearing on and would give each
applicant a chance to appear before the Council to make their statement. He
added that as he reads the ordinance, the publication for the hearing need only
be published once.
The Cil-y Manager said there is no particular order ln which the applicants are
to be heard, so they wi11 be called upon in the order they appear in the book
containing the applications. He said first the Council wi11 hear from Mr. William
Weiss.
Sandee's Cafe, 6490 Central Avenue N. �., Mr. William Weiss
Mr Weiss said he did not know the square foot figures for the restaurant but
he was sure he exceeded the 900 squre foot requirement, and he had about 165
seating capacity. �e said lie has been in this business for about 35 years and it
has been family owned. Since his father died he and his sister have been running
the restaurant. The 1and, building and Pixtures amount to approximately $200,000
in valuation. He said, ii necessary, he would enlarge and improve his property.
Mayor Lieb1 said he remodeled not too long ago and asked when that was. Mr. Weiss
said in 1967. Mayor Liebl asked if he was thinking of some different kitchen
facilities. Mr. Weiss said yes, he had in the back of his mind to add on, as �
sometimes it is inadequate for their business. Mayor Liebl said according to
Lheir figures, he had 4,085 square feet. He asked Mr. Weiss if he would comply
with the ordinance and Mr. Weiss answered yes,
The City Manager said Sandee's is now open at noote onLy for special luncheons,
and asked iY he would change his hours of opexation, Mr. Weiss said yes, if he
felt it would be profitable, Several companies surrounding him have asked him
why he was not open for lunch, but with his present operation, he does not feel
it would be profitahle.
Mayor Liebl asked how much parking capacity he had and Mr. Weiss said he did not
know, maybe for 60 cars. The Ciry Attorney asked how much land he had and
Mr. Weiss replied two acres, but he only occupies 2/3 of the property and owns
some to the south.
Tridley Recreatzon and Service Center (Maple Lanes Bowling Center)
6310 Highway 9k65, Donald Savelkoul, Attorney;
Mr. Donald Savelkoul said the legal name is Fridley Recreation and Service
Company, Uut it is better known as Maple Lanes, This is a Minnesota corporation
and has Ueen in business since 1955. The corporation is owned z by William
Gottwaldt, President, and 'z by myself as secretary. The other officer in the
corporation is his wife and she is Vice-President and Treasurer. There are 32
lanes in the bowling center, and in addition to the bowling area, there is also
a restaurant and he has the necessary City, State,and now, County licenses �
He has also had a 3.2 beer license and a license to sell set-ups, so this type
of business is not fireign to him. He said he has Lived in Fridley since 1949
SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MErTING OF APRIL 10, 1972 PAGE 11
� and has been in business since 1955. He said their investment is well in excess
of $600,000 in building and fixtures, not including the 1and. He said they
have been paying about $20,000 in taxes a year excLusive of al1 the licenses and
permits he is required to have. If this is mu7tiplied by 17 years, you get an
idea of their contribution to the communyty and the schools. He said they have
an immediate short term plan for the restaurant and could add about 3000 square
feet. They also have a long term plan for the upstairs which would add an
addit�onal 8000 square feet approximately, This could be used as a banquet
room for functions that FridLey citizens now have to go out of Pridley for.
He sa�d his business has grown as has the City of FrLdley. He said he looks
at his competitors, to the south in Hilltop you have Bolero, they have a liquor
license, the same is true of Arden Hills and North Minneapolis. He felt he
could better compete with his competitors and would be able to saLisfy the
demands of the community aad his customers by receiving a liquor license.
Mayor Liebl said their information indicates that there would be 2,448 square
feet for the restaurant area with a seating capacity of i44. Mr. Savelkoul said
yes, the present restaurant is in the southwesL' corner and there is an additional
3000 square feet to the east which could be used for serving food Mayor Liebl
asked if they would continue Maple Lanes mainly as a bowling center, or would
tlie emphasis be on the restauraat and liquor operation. Mr. Savelkoul said
the food would be the important thing, although they are not going to give up
the bowling. More and more of the attention would be devoted to tlze food
activity and if successful, the second fLoor could be added on for Lhe food
business.
� Mayor Lieb1 said he helped to draft this ordinance and he wanted it understood
that the pr�me business is to be restaurant/liquar. He said he could not really
see having three different businesses. The intent ol the ordinance was for a
restaurant which serves liquor. If the emphasis is to continue on the bowling
center, this is not the interpretat2on of the ordinance as he understood it_
Mr. Savelkoul offered Hafner's in St. Paul as an example. The ma�ority of their
business is in food and liquor, but they also operate about a 24 lane bowling
alley. Sust because a bowling center is operated, does not mean any neglect
of the restaurant operation, �t �ust goes along with it. Mayor Liebl said that
if the Council considered this request, there would have to be consideraUle
improvement in quality, and there would have to be different kitchen facilities
than what is there now, and the ma�or emphasis could not be on bowling. He
felt it order to be eligible, there would have L-o be a ma�or investment and
the business would liave to cater to the xestaurant operation.
Mr. Savelkoul said that they have already invested $614,000 in this business.
When he first came to Fridley� it was only a village, and it has grown and their
business has grown along with it. When they first started, they had 10 lanes,
then 20, and now 32 lanes, and he feLt they had a good track record. He said lf
the Council put some faith in them, maybe they could do rt, It would be ridiculous
to say that they would immediately put on the second floor and spend $500,000.
They have tried to submit a reasonable proposal. Tliey would be spending aa
, additional $100,000 to do what they have already proposed The second floor
would have to be done over a period of time. He said they would have as big an
investment in the CLty of FridLey as anyone when they get done.
Mayor Liebl said that when the City sold the two municipal lounges, the Council
insisted the buyers had to spend over $1D0,000 apiece to put in the kitchen
facilities necessary to meet the criteria, He said rlr Savelkoul mentioned an
SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
PAGE 12
investment of $600,000, however, according to the Tax Assessor the value of
the present building is $180,000. He said the Council was very strict
with the bupers oP Shorewood and the East Rivex Road Lounge and Mr. Savelkoul
would have to do some extensive remodeling.
The City Attorney said that perhaps he and Mr. Savelkoul should go over the
ordinance and his plans. He said he, too, is concerned that unless some
change is made, whether he could meet the criteria set out in the ordinance.
He said he is not saying it could not be done, only that perhaps he would like
to see what he would have to do. There could be a bowling alley in con�unction
with a restaurant, but it would have to be a r�staurant principally, with the
bowling alley as a supplementary service to the austomers. It could not be
a bowling alley with the restaurant as an added service to the bowlers,
Perhaps a physical partitzon could be considered.
Mr. Savelkoul said he did not see any problem. As with Hafner's, it would be
two businesses and would not necessarily have to be integral. His plan in-
dicates a complete physical separation. Councilman Breider said that the
ordinance requires a 50-50 split between food and liquor, yet with 32 lanes,
there would be a lot of people bowling that would only be served liquor and
would not eat there. He questioned how long it would be be£ore the 50-50
break-even point would be reached. Mr. Savelkoul said he hoped it would not
be too long with the expanded Pood operation. He said they would probahly
have to expand into a noon operation and maybe also breakfasts.
Howard Johnson Company, 5277 Central Bvenue N.E „ Bruce Burton, Attorney
Mr. Burton introduced himself as the attorney representing f3oward Johnson's
in the Minneapolis - St. Pau1 area. They feel that the Howard �ohnson
establishment could be upgraded and made more profitable by changing inta
a Ground Round The most recent conversion in the Midwest was at Har-Mar
Mall in Roseville where the Howard Johnson's was converted into a Ground
Round. He said they have filed all their plans etc., and he understood that
if their liquor license application is approved, they could get their building
permit very soon. It has already been approved by the Health Inspector. I£
approved there would be $100,00D additional capital investment 1n the improve-
ment of the building. There would be a new roof, remodeling of both the
interior and exterior. They would have approximately 5000 square feet and
seating capacrty for about 220. Their corporation is a multi-million dollar
operatiun wrth 600 liquor licenses in the United States. Each Howard Johnson
is oriented toward the local neighborhood, and in each community there is
close cooperation with the local officials for the liquor license. This
conversion would mean 30 new �obs in the City of Fridley, it would have local
management, their manager has been with Howard Sohnson's for 10 years, has
had experience, and is the present manager o£ the Ground Round in Roseville.
They do not own the land but have a long term land lease. Under the terms
of their lease, they can use the parking in the Skywood oarkitig lot as over-
flow parking for the restaurant. They £eel this conversion would be a
definite benefit to Skywood and would help upgrade that area, and bring new
li£e to it. The Ground Round in Roseville has helped upgrade Har-Mar, and
is good for the other merchant's businesses. He added a distinctive Peature
of the Ground Round is the free peanuts and the shells are thrown on the
floor. FIe then introduced Mr. Barry Goughan, Regional Director £or the
Ground Round.
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SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
PAGE 13
� N1r. Goughan came forward and presented the Council with some visual aids and
copies of the Ground Round menu. Mayox Liebl asked what was their present
investment and Mr. Goughan replied $35�,0�0 which does not include any land.
He added they are prepared to invest an additional $100,000. Mayor Liebl
asked if they would then gain additional seating capacity and Mr. Goughan
said yes, the interior would be stripped and the exterior would get a cos-
metic �ob. The building would be given an English ef£ect and it would have
a soft sell quality as opposed to what it is now. Mayor Liebl asked if they
would mostly sexve broiled fooc3 and Mr. Goughan said yes. Mayor Liebl asked
if the customex can see the food being prepar�d and Mr_ Goughan said it
would not be in the direct vision, but it conld be seen. Mayor Liebl asked
what comprises a good kitchen capable of ineeting today's operational standards
and the health stanclards and has the appearance to attract customers� Mr.
Goughan said he could not pin-point that. He is familzar with the Ground
Round kitchens, but is not familiar with the more elaborate kitchens such as
a hotel would have. Ground Round specializes in hamburger, hotdogs and £ish
dishes. The City Managex asked if they had a drink menu and Mr. Goughan said
no, they would serve the customary drinks and they are served either by the
mug or by the pitcher. The beer and soft drinks are also served by the mug
or pitcher. He added that they would use TifPany glass fixtures, all the
accents would be nostalgic, suah as red and white checkered tablecloths, and
rough sawn cedar in the dining room. They woulc� also have older ircusic on
�he �uke box, and mentaoned Al Jolsen.
� The City Manager asked if he meant 30 additional employees. Mr. Goughan said
they have about 10 employees now, and they would probably need about 40 i£
they had the liquar operation. Mayor Liebl asked what was the average business
value £or the Ground Round and Mr. Goughan replied between $370,000 to $500,000.
Mayor Liebl said that it seems this is a specialized business. Mr. Goughan
said that their concept is built around a.family fun type restaurant whzch
would cater to the local businessman and housewives during the day, young
families in the evening and some have entertainment an the evening. On
Sundays they have a clown. Mayor Liebl asked what was the most expensive
item on the menu and Mr. Goughan said he believed a.t was a steak sandwich for
$2.99. Councilman Breider asked if they would only convert to a Ground Round
iE they got the liquor license and Mr. Gouyhan said yes. Councilman Mittel-
stadt commented that this would seem to be a unique establishment.
Fireside Rice Bowl, 7440 Central Avenue N.E., Glenn F. Wong:
Mr. Wong said that he would appreciate it if the Council would delay one liquor
license until he presented a de£inite plan. He said he has, through discussions
with his contractox, xeached the conclusion that a remodeling o£ his old building
is not feasible and that it would be better to relocate somewhere in Fridley.
He said he would appreciate any guidance the Council could give in regard to
a location that would meet with their approval.
Mayor Liebl asked how long he had been a restaurant�ur in Fridley_ i�ir. Wong
said, together with his father, 17 years. Mayor Liebl said that from their
1 figures, Mx. Wong has a little less than 6000 square feet o£ eating area. Mayox
Liebl said that Mr. Wong came be£ore the Council on a previous occasion making
a commitment tha't he would remodel for a certain amount o£ m�ney if it was
feasible £rom an architectural standpoint. This amounted to about a quarter of
a million dollars and the Council indicated they would consider him for a
liquor license i£ he would live up to that commitinent, and that he would
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SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
PAGE 14
probably be successful in receiving it. Now Mr. Wong is asking for a delay �
and wants an opportunity to come in with a new plan. He asked if he would
relocate in Fridley and Mr. Wong replied yes. Mayor Liebl asked how many
acres he has now and Mr. Wong replied 2.7 acres. He said even if he re-
modeled his old building, he would not be proud of it, nor would the City.
He would lake to put an a different type of building. Mayor Lieb.t asked if
his menu would be both Chinese and American and Mr. Wong said they would
specialize in Cantonese £ood, but they would have a complete menu. He said
it would be about the same size, 60D0 square feet at least. Mayor Liebl
asked how many people he could handle now, and Mr. Wong said about 500
people for something such as a banquet. Councilman Breider asked how he
envisioned his new building and Mr. Wong said he would want it to be more
elaborate, with more atmosphere. He said Howard Wong's in Bloomington has
the atmosphere, he has the food, but he wants the atmosphere too.
Councilman Breider asked what time frame ne is working wa.thin for his new
plans. Mr. Wong said at this point he has been looking at many sites. When
he finds one, he would like a hearing to see if the people would want him
to located there, as he had no wish to qo against the people`s will and locate
where he is not welcome. It is hard to give an exact timetable, but he will do
his best to get it done as soon as possible. He said he wanted to put in a
Class A operation. Councilman Breider asked how much he is anticipating
spending for his new building and Mr. Wond said $300,000 or more. For the
kitchen it would be about $100,000. Councilman Breider asked him i£ he had
shelved his plans for his kitchen that were approved by Council not too long '
ago. Mr. Wong said his contractor advised him that it was not a good idea to
spend that much money and still end up with an old building. He said he has
given him encouragement to relocate.
Mayor Liebl said thank you to the four applicants for their presentations and
said -that this Council must come to a fair conclusion and proceed as the City
Attorney has explained. The Council should consider the additional invest-
ments that are proposed and also which businesses would render the most service
to the City. There have also been services rendered to the City by some o£
the applicants on a voluntary basis in the past. He said it was very .�m-
portant for the Council to be consistent. He would want to see a restaurant
atmosphere that would �erve the citizens of Eridley and also attract customers
from outside of Fridley. The Council must consider the investment the appli-
cants are will�ng to make and whether they will best serve the citizens iz� the
years to come. He said he would recommend to the Council that some action
be taken to start the screening procedure.
The City Attorney said that the Council will have to determine whether they
wish to consider one or two licenses and to whom. Then the notice o£ the
hearing must be published and all people that wish to be heard £or or against
will have a chance to speak. After the hearing the Council would be authorized
to issue a license on the business stated in the notice, unless something came
up at the hearing that would cause the Council not to grant a license to that
individual.
Mayor Liebl said that the Council is obligated to insist on the same level of �
standards as was done with Shorewood. He asked if the Council could require
an applxcant to comply with a request made by the Council in regard to thezr
improvements. The City Attorney said that first they must meet the minimum
`�q�
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SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRSL 10, 1972
PAGE 15
, requirements of the ordinance and if they do not they are not entitled to a
license. Second, the Council will have to use discretion to determine �ust
which one, or more, would be the most advantageous to the City of Fridley.
He said he thought 'the Council could require that an applicant meet standards
and would not see anything wrong in applying the same standards used before.
The license could be issued sub�ect to certain conditions. The applicant
could be told they will be granted a license if they meet the plans and speci-
fications submitted. The completion o£ the facila.ties and addrtions or re-
modelings could be a prerequisite to getting the license.
MOTION Hy Councilman Breider that the Council consider Sandee's Cafe, 6490
Central Avenue N.E., owned by William Weiss and the Fireside R�.ce Bowl,
7440 Central Avenue N.E., owned by Glenn Wong at a public hearing May 8,
1972, with the stipulation that the Fireside Rice Bowl would not receive
a la.quor license until the plans and specifications are approved by the
Building Standards - Design Control and the Council. Seconded by Councilman
Mittelstadt.
The City Attorney asked, i£ the Fireside license would be held until such time
as the new £acility is £inished and xeacly to be occupied? Councilman Breider
said that the land acquisition is under way, and as he envisioned it, the
new building should be ready to move into within a year.
THE VOTE UPON THE MOTION, being a voice vote, al1 voting aye, Mayor Liebl
' declared the motion carried unanimously.
AWARDING CONTRACT FOR SANITARY SEWER, WATER AND STORM SEWER PROJECT #106:
(Bids Opened April 3, 1972, 11:30 A.M.)
���
RECEIVING EASEMENT REPORT AND DISCUSSION REGARDING CHANGE ORDER -
AND
CONSIDERATZON OF RENEWAL OF FShIAL PLAT AND AGREEMENT - BRIARDALE, RICHARD
MILLER HOMES: (Time Limit has Expired)
(NOTE - Sids listed in Minutes of April 3, 1972)
The Engineering Assistant said that all three of these items are interrelated.
Project #106 is a water and sewer pro�ect to serve Briardale, with 47 lots
within the plat boundaries. The bids were submitted as a base bid with Alternate
#1 being for the storm sewer outfall for the Briardale plat. The outfall would
take the water from the Briardale plat, aaross Rice Creek Road to the ponds
north of lttce Creek Road on property ownec. by Mr. & Mrs. Ted Gonsior. The
Alternate #1 could be awaxded with the contract, but it may or may not have
to be deleted depending on whether the City can get an easement from Mx.
Gonsior, who has to date refused to give the easement. Alternate #2 is for the
� transportation of excess dirt to other sites near Arthur and Gasdena where it
is needed. There is a letter from Comstock and Davis, Inc., Consulting
Engineers, in the Agenda recommenda.ng awarding the bid with both Alternate
r�l and #2 to the low ba.dder.
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SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10� 1972
PAGE 16
The Engineering Assistant continued that the second item .for oonsideration is '
found on Page #lOD. This is a map showing the Ted Gonsior property and the
location of the necessary easement for the Briardale outfall. On Pages #l0E
and #lOF is a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Ted Gonsior voicing their ob7ection to
giving the easement. This letter was written in response to 'the City's
request for them to voice their opinions. They feel the City should pur-
chase the retention pOnds located on their property i£ we are going to use
them. This problem is related to the approval o£ the Briardale plat. One
condition in the agreement is that five lots in Briardale are to be used as
a temporary sump and the City is to agree to take steps to get the easement
for the storm sewer out£all.
Mayor Liebl said that this �'ea has a conszderable amount o£ storm sewer
problems, and the development has been bogged down in this area because o£
this. The City has, at various times, tried to sell the people on putting in
the Full storm sewer system. The Engineering Assistant said that about 1'�
years ago there was a rezoning considered for the Gonsior property, but the
stoxm sewer problems were too great and the developer abandoned the thought
and dzd not purchase the property. Mayor Liebl said that the people were
very aroused at that time and did not feel they could afford a stornt sewer
assessment. They £elt that a developer could work around the problems and
the development could proceed slowly, If the plat is accepted, it would
be a step in the right direction.
The �ngineering Assistant said that the plat was approved about a year ago with �
the stipulation that the developer would sign an agreement. He was to agree
to escrow $800 per lot for the storm sewer and provide 5 lots in the plat
for retention until a more permanent outfall could be arrangecl. Mr. Miller
and his attorney have made two changes to the agreement. One is that the
City is to take unmediate steps to negotiate or condemn for the outfall, and
the other is not to escrow the $800 per lot for each permit, but to show it as
a pencling assessment if anyone asks £or an assessment search. Mayor Liebl
asked if in the original agreement, the assessment would be included in the
price of the home and the Engineering Assistant said yes, because the developer
would have paid it.
The City Attorney said that he had met with Mr. Miller and his attorney and he
thought it was resolved. The suggestion Por change is in Item #3 in the agree-
ment, to remove the word :immediately"and Znsert "timely". This would give the
City more time to come up with a more permanent solution to the storm sewer
problem than storing the water inthe 5 lots a.n the Briardale plat. The developer
could proceed wzth the development of his plat, and the City could, within a
reasonable amount of time, attempt to provide the permanent solution. Until
that time the water would be temporarily stored wa.thin the plat. The solution
may be to acquire the drainage basin with an out£all when it becomes too full.
The City would then have to determine what amount of property would have to be
acquired for this purpose, and that would depend upon what type of system is
to be developed. He suggested a decision should be not later than 1973, so
the necessary easement could be obtained and the system at least started. �
The City Attorney continued, as to Item #4 in the agreement, assuming the Council
will award Pro7ect #106, the suggestion is that the $6.77 £igure (based on the
perliminary assessment roll) be adopted as a preluninary figure and a pending
assessment, or an ad7usted figure using the bid prices, Generally the cost
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SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARTNG MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
PAGE 17
, would be less than �hat after -the pro�ect is completed. If this is adopted
as a pending assessment, then when the £inal cost is known, the difference
between the final £igure and the $8.D0 per 100 square £eet is to be escrowed
by the builder at the time the house is ready £or occupancy or when the water
meter is installed in the house.
Mayor Liebl said Project #106 would be a preliminary step, and not a final
solution and asked if it would still fit in when the total syst�m is com-
pleted and the Engineering Assistant replied yes, it would take the water from
the Briardale plat and from some of the surrounding areas and retain it in the
ponds on Gonsior's property. Mayor Liebl said it would not be fair to the
Gonsiors' to use their land for ponding withouY. reimbursement. He would like
to see the easement negotiated. He asked how much water can be stored
without endangering anyone? He said he would like some assurance when it is
anticipated that the ponding area can be drained and the property would be
developed. This, he thought, would depend upon the City getting Federal funds.
The Enqineering Assistant said that the Engineering Staff can engineer the
pro7ect, and does have preliminary plans drawn, but that doesn't get the pipe
in the ground. There was at least one attempt to get Federal £unds, but Fridley
received a negative answer. He understood the Federal government had money
available at the time they applied, but were not granting it to be used for
storm sewer pro�ects. In answer to Mayor Liebl's question, the Gonsior ponds
are probably about 15 acres, and he did not believe Pro7ect #106 could af£ord
� to buy 15 acres o£ property. The ponds could be made deeper and smaller in
size. It is possible that a developer could come in with a plan using ponds
within his pro7ect. Mayor Liebl asked if the ponds were dee�ened, how much
of the Gonsior land could be saved? The Enga.neering Assistant said that the
City of Fridley has xesurfaced streets, which causes more run-off, and so
has New Brighton, and their water is directed toward these same ponds. The
water as not only from Project #106, that is only a small portion of the total
water in the ponds. He saa.d it seems that to the Gonsiors', this is the
"straw that broke the camel's back".
Mayor Liebl said that as to a stoxm sewer assessment, some people would have
had to pay a$3,000 -$4,000 assessment. He asked if the City could condemn
and the City Attorney said yes, but he would agree that it would not be £air,
and probably not leqal to run a pa.pe on someone's property without compensation.
There should either be a temporary or permanent arrangement for the storage
of water on Gonsior's property ancl the outfall should not be opened up until
that is taken care of, either by negotiation or condemnation. This should be
ea.ther this summer or next siuncner with the temporary holding pond in Briardale,
and beyond that, would not be fair to Mr. Miller. He said he had a client in
his oPfice interested in the Gonsior property interested in rezoning and
he would be willing to dedicate a poxtion of the pxopexty £or the storage of
the +dater, but obviously it could not be a pond as large as it is now. He said
he thought the Engineering Staf£ should look into making the pond deeper and
reducing the size. This is what a developer would want to know. IP at some
future time someone comes in with a proposal to develop the property, it
, could be made a condition on the permit that the City would require an ease-
ment £or the storm sewer line and some sump storage
Mayor Liebl questiQned whether it would be feasible to buy the Gonsior pro-
perty, then when a.t is dry, a.t could be resold and the Crty would get rts
money back? The City Attorney said yes, but the next question of course,
r: �
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SPECTAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
PAGE 18
is where is the money to come from? It could not come .from Pro,7ect #106 '
because there would have to be some intermediate way to get the money until
the whole storm sewer system is assessed. The F'inance Director said this has
been done on some small pro7ects. For instance, there is a crossing under
Central Avenue that was put in then it became part of a future project. 2£
it is not a tremendous sum, there is a revolving fund, then the amount could
be assigned when the pro�ect goes in.
MOTION by Councilman Mittelstadt to receive the coc[¢nunication £rom Mr. & Mrs.
Ted Gonsior, 1601 Rice Creek Road dated March 2H, 1972. Seconded by Councilman
Utte�. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion
carried unanimously.
Mayor Liebl said he was concerned about the size of the pipe, and said there
is a very steep hill. Nlr. Paul Vanderlinde said the outfall pipe would be
36" and would take care of the entire area south of Rice Creek Road. Mayor
Liebl asked if the size of the pipe was based on the average run-o££ and Mr.
Vanderlinde replied pes. Mayor Liebl asked that the City Attorney and the
Engineering Depar�ent work on acquiring the easement. The Engineering
Assistant said that so Par they have not been successful, they have 60
days to work it out, and if they cannot do it, it will have to be deleted
from the pro�ect, and rescheduled for 1973.
Mayor Liebl asked if the Engineering Department concurs in the recommendation
found on Page lOG from Comstock and Davis. The Engineering Assistant ex-
plained fhis would be changing the direction of the flow £or the sanitary �
sewer line from connecting onto the line in Central, to connecting onto the
line in Ben�amin. This was brought about by a change in the Heather Hills
plat by Mike O'Bannon which has been approved by the Planning Commission.
They would utilize a cul-de-sac rather than run their road out to Central
Avenue. This line going toward Ben�amin would have to be deepened and would
work by gravity and would add a cost of approximately $750.
h4ayor Liebl said he had gone up to Heather Hills and he was concerned that
�the force o£ the water would damage the streets. The Engineering Assistant
explained that the catch basins were sandbagged during the construction to
prevent the construction material £rom gettinq into the storm sewer lines.
Mr. 0'Bannon added that the system is working fine now.
The Engineering Assistant said that both Mr. O'Bannon and the church to the
west have agreed on Mr. O'Bannon's ylat as now proposed with the cul-de-sacs.
If the Council agrees with this small change, a change order could be brought
back after the May Sth Meeting when the public hearing is scheduled far the
plat.
MOTION by Councilman Utter to concur with the recommendation of the Consulting
Engineers, Comstock & Davis, Inc. dated April 6, 1972, changing the direction
of the flow for the sanitary sewer line. Seconded by Councilman Mittelstadt.
Upon a voice vote, all ayes, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Liebl asked the Council if they agreed with rewriting the agreement �
as proposed by the City Attorney. The City Attorney said he would work with
Mr. Miller's attorney and the plat can be approved contingent upon their
signing the agreement. Councilman Utter asked why he speci£ied at the time
� �j
SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972 PAGE 19
' the water meter is installed rather than when the building permit is taken out_
The City Attorney said that then the aontractor would have to £inance this
out of his pocket, but when the meter is installed, the mortgage has been
completed and the contractor has been paid. This will help the contractor
by not having to come up with so much cash and the City will be protected.
MOTION by Councilman Mittelstadt to approve the agreement founcl on Pages #lOH
and #l0I changing the word "immediate" to "timely" in paragraph #3, and hold
open paragraph #4 until it can 6e rewritten by the Ca.ty Attorney along the lines
he has mentioned. Seaonded by Councilman Utter. Upon a voice vote, al1 voting
aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unana.mously.
MOTION by Councilman Mittelstadt to award the contract for Sanitary Sewer,
Water and Storm Sewer Improvement Pro�ect #106 to the low bidder, Austin P.
Keller Construction Company, 481 Front Street, St. Paul, in the amount o£
$87,559.29 plus Alternate #1 in frie amount of $9,329.00 and Alternate #2 in
the amount of $4,000, with the work to commence on or be£ore May 15, 1972 and
completed within 90 days. Seconded by Councilman Breider. Upon a voice vote,
all ayes, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously.
REPORT BY CITY MANAGER ON RECRUTTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT CITY
MAIQAGER/PUBLIC 5AFETY DIRECTOR:
The City Manager saa.d that on February 14, 1972 the Council approved a re-
' organizatzon plan for the Police Department which included a new posrtion of
AssiStant City Manager/PUblic Sa£ety Director. He reported he and Councilman
Breider have been screening a number o£ candidates for this position and they
have had a number o£ intexviews. They now feel they have the field narrowed
down to one candidate, and he has submitted the memosandum dated Apra.l lOth
as a progress report. He said at this point his recommendation is to further
znvestigate this applicant by visita.ng h�.m in Virginia and checking fur�her
on his re£erences and his present employment A£ter this is done, providing
he still meets all the qualifications and checks out favorably, he would be
zn a position to recommend that he be appointed to the position. He said he
should be able to have tha.s information in one week and ready to make his
recommendation next week. Mayor Liebl asked Councilman Breider if he con-
curred in the City Manager's recommendation and Councilman Breider replied
he did.
MOTION by Councilman Breider to authorize the City Manager travelling to
Alexandria, Virginza to discuss contract terms with Mr. James Hill. Seconded
by Councilman Utter. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared
the motion carra.ed unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS.
WILLIAM HOFFMANI�3. ANIN.iAL CONTROL MEASURES:
MOTI�JN by Councilman BYeider to receive the communication from Mr. William
' C. Hof£mann dated April 5, 1972. Seconded by Councilman Mittelstadt
Councilman Mittelstadt said he has received several calls about dogs running
loose in the City of Fridley and has talked to the City Manager about th�.s.
��
SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARSNG MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1972
PAGE 20
The ordinance states the dogs must be leashed or retained on private property
The newsletter the City will be sending out will reestablish this £act. If
the City does not get some action as the result o£ the newsletter, perhaps
a more forceful tactic will have to be taken. It seems that evexyone that
loves their dog £eels that everyone else should too and he did not buy this.
Everyone must obey the law, and that law states that the dogs must be on a
leash or on the owners private property.
THE VOTE UPON THE MOTION, being a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl
declared the motion carried unan�n'tously.
ADSOUR[QMENT •
There being no £urther business, Mayor Liebl declared the Special Public Hearing
Meeting of Apri1 10, 1972 ad7ourned at 11:30 P.M.
R/esp� �ctfully submitted,
!� y,lGlT `�' �L%r.""c.'�.'Ci
Juel A. Mercer
Secretary to the City Counail
��� . �
�
Frank G. Liebl
Mayor
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