Loading...
12/02/1991 - 00006327� � � THE MINIITEB OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRZDLEY CITY COUNCIL OF DECEMHER 2, 1991 The Regular Meeting of the Fridley City Council was called to order at 7:42 p.m. by Mayor Nee. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nee led the Council members and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ROLL CALL: MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Nee, Councilwoman Jorgenson, Councilman Billings, Councilman Schneider and Councilman Fitzpatrick None SPRING LAKE PARK FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS DAY. DECEMBER 3, 1991: Mayor Nee issued a proclamation proclaiming December 3, 1991 as Spring Lake Park Football Champions Day in the City of Fridley and encouraged all citizens to join in, at least in spirit, for the final pep rally of the season. Mayor Nee presented this proclamation to Mr. Jackson, the coach of Spring Lake Park's football team, and several team members. He stated that the City was very proud of their accomplishments in winning the State Championship. HOME HEALTH CARE WEEK, DECEMBER 1- 7, 1991: Mayor Nee issued a proclamation proclaiming the week of December 1 through 7, 1991 as Home Health Care Week in the City of Fridley. CUB SCOUT PACK. #20. THE FLAMING ARROWS: Councilwoman Jorgenson stated �hat she wished to recognize Cub Scaut Pack #20, the Flaming Arrows, who are present at the meeting this evening. She stated that these Cub Scouts are working on their good citizen award. Mayor Nee and the Council members welcomed the Cub Scouts to the meeting. Mayor Nee stated that Mayor Pro Tem Schneider will be conducting the rest of the Council meeting. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 2 � Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated that the City Manager, Mr. Burns, has been called out of town on a family emergency, and Jim Hill will be the Acting City Manager during Mr. Burns' absence. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: COUNCIL MEETING. NOVEMBER 18, 1991: MOTION by Councilman Billings to approve the minutes, with correction of the typographical error on Page 4, the first paragraph, line 3, changing ��Grand" to "Grant." Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. ADQPTIQN OF AGENDA: MOTION by Councilwoman Jorgenson to adopt the agenda as submitted. Seconded by Councilman Fitzpatrick. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion oarried unanimously. QPEN FORUM. VISITORS: Mr. Pete Eisenzimmer, 6535 Oakley Drive, stated that he would like � to retract the statement he made at the October 21, 1991 council meeting pertaining to information Mr. Brickner gave to the buyers of his homes on 67th Avenue in regard to the assessments. He stated that he was in error and would like to publicly apologize to Mr. Brickner. Mr. Eisenzimmer stated that he was advised at the October 7, 1991 council meeting that a letter would be sent to the churah advising them that the City had no plans to complete the connection between Oakley Drive and 67th Avenue. He asked if this had been done, as he has not received any correspondence. Councilman Billings stated that he would check this further, as a letter was sent to the church with a copy to Mr. Eisenzimmer. Mr. Eisenzimmer stated that it seems the church drive is plowed faster than oakley Drive. Councilman Billings asked staff to check i£ the City was plowing the church's drive and send a memo to Council. Mr. Larry Zimmerman, 5380 4th Street, asked that Council consider an ordinance to ban overnight parking on City streets so that the plows have a chance to get the streets cleared. � Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated that there was a survey done, and a lot of people would be affected by an overnight parking ban. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 3 � Councilman Fitzpatrick stated that an overnight parking ban would create a problem for those who have no other place to park. Councilwoman Jorgenson asked how many snowbirds were ticketed in this last storm. Mr. Hill, Acting City Manager, stated that in cheoking the summary, it did not look like there were a lot. He stated that there is an extensive file on the issue of overnight parking. He stated that back in the late 60's or early 70's there was a restriction on overnight parking, and there are a lot of pros and cons, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider felt that this material should probably be distributed to Council in order to decide if it should be pursued further. Mayor Nee stated that he received a lot of calls, and one caller stated the City did a great job of plowing. He stated that he complimented the personnel on the exaellent work anfl, in comparing Fridley's plowing with Minneapolis, stated that he would never say another word against Fridley's snow removal. He stated that, however, on the other hand, he received many calls which were not complimentary. � Councilwoman Jorgenson stated that she monitored the snow removal operation on her scanner and felt the Public Works personnel did a wonderful job. She stated that in addition to the snowplowing there was also a water main break which City personnel had to handle. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated that he knows the Public Works personnel were working very hard. OLD BUSINESS• 1. ORDINANCE N0. 980 REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 974. ENTITLED "AN INTERIM ORDINANCE PLACING A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL USE PERMITS FOR AUTO BODY REPAIR BUSINESSES AND PROHIBITING THEIR LOCATION WITHIN THE CITY WHILE THE MORATORIUM IS IN EFFECT:" MOTION by Mayor Nee to waive the reading and adopt Ordinance No. 980 on the second reading and order publication. Seconded by Councilman Fitzpatrick. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. 2. ORDINANCE NO. 981 RECODIFYING THE FRIDLEY CITY CODE, CHAPTER 601, ENTITLED "MUNICIPAL OPERATION OF LIpUOR," SECTION 601.06. HOLIDAYS: � MOTION by Councilman Billings to waive the reading and adopt Ordinance No. 981 on the second reading and order publication. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2. 1991 PAGE 4 � Seconded by Mayor Nee. Upon a voice vote, Councilman Billings, Mayor Nee, Councilman Schneider, and Councilman Fitzpatrick voted in favor of the motion. Councilwoman Jorgenson voted against the motion. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried by a 4 to 1 vote. 3. ORDINANCE NO. 982 RECODIFYING THE FRIDLEY CITY CODE, CHAPTER 602, ENTITLED "BEER LICENSING," BY AMENDING 602.09.01, HOURS• MOTION by Councilman Billings to waive the reading and adopt Ordinance No. 982 on the second reading and order publication. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. 4. ORDINANCE NO. 983 RECODIFYING THE FRIDLEY CITY CODE, CHAPTER 6D3, ENTITLED "INTOXICATING LIOUOR," BY AMENDING SECTION 603.11.01. HOIIRS OF OPERATION: MoTION by Mayor Nee to waive the reading and adopt Ordinance No. 983 on the second reading and order publication. Seconded by Councilwoman Sorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. � 5. ORDINANCE NO. 984 RECODIFYING THE FRIDLEY CITY CODE. CHAPTER 606, ENTITLED "INTOXICATING LIOUOR ON-SALE CLUBS" BY AMENDING 606.11.01, HOURS OF OPERATION: MOTION by Councilwoman Jorgenson to waive the reading and adopt Ordinance No. 984 on the second reading and order publication. Seconded by Councilman Fitzpatrick. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: 6. APPROVAL OF 1992 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FRIDLEY AND THE FRIDLEY COMMIJNICATIONS WORKSHOP fETC): Mr. Flora, Public Works Director, stated that this is the proposed 1992 agreement between the City and the Fridley Communications Workshop (ETC). He stated that the agreement includes a five percent increase for a total amount of $36,750. MOTION by Councilman Fitzpatrick to authorize the Mayor and City Manger to enter into this agreement with the Fridley Communications workshop for 1992. Seconded by Mayor Nee. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried � unanimously. �, � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 5 7. RESOLUTION NO 95-1991 IN SUPPORT OF AN APPLICATION FOR A MINNESOTA LAWFUL GAMBI,ING PREMISE PERMIT TO THE SHADDRICK LABEAU AMERICAN LEGION POST #303: MOTION by Councilman Fitzpatrick to adopt Resolution No. 95-1991. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. 8. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 13. 1991: A. SPECIAL USE PERMIT, SP #91-12. BY UNITED STORES, TO ALLOW UNSCREENED EXTERIOR STORAGE OF MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT, ON LOT 3. BLOCK 1. TARGET ADDITION. GENERALLY LOCATED AT 785 53RD AVENUE N.E.: Ms. Dacy, Community Development Director, stated that this is a request for a special use permit to create a 23 by 25 foot outside storage area for the storage of canoes. She stated that United Stores received a special use permit and variance in 1986 to add a warehouse addition. Ms. Dacy stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval � o£ this special use permit subject to two stipulations pertaining to the height of the fence and submission of retaining wall plans, if one is required. Councilman Billings asked if the barbed wire on the fence proposes any hazard to people in the area. Ms. Dacy stated that there are other locations in the City that have this type of fencing, and she stated she is not aware of any problems. Councilman Billings stated that if a retaining wall is constructed, 2�ecause of the steepness of the bank, he could envision that the barbed wire would be within £our feet of tiie upper ground elevation and this would be his concern. He asked if there is a need for a retaining wall. Mr. Benjamin Rischall, representing United Stores, stated that there is no need for a retaining wall. He stated that there is a partial wall in place and part of the fence would be built on top of this wall. He stated that from the qround level it would be eight feet in height. He felt that the concern about the barbed wire would not really apply in this case. MOTION by Councilman Billings to grant Special Use Permit, � SF #91-12, with the following stipulations: (1) the height of the fence, including the rows of barbed wire, shall not exceed 8 feet in height; and (2) if a retaining wall is required, retaining wall FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECBMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 6 � plans shall be submitted to the Engineering Department for review and approval prior to the construction of the fence. The height of the fence shall be measured from the qround level, not from the top of the retaining wall, not to exceed 8 feet. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voiae vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. Councilman Billings stated that if a retaining wall needs to be constructed and, as a result, the petitioner is unable to put in a six foot chain link fence, this should be brought to staff's attention to consider modifying this special use permit. He stated that he is concerned about a fence that is greater than the code allows and that there is a short fence on top of a wall which may create a problem. Mr. Rischall stated that the odds of a retaining wall being constructed are very low. He stated that the fence can be placed on the existing pad without building a retaining wall. B. SPECIAL USE PERMiT, SP #91-13, BY MCGLYNN BAKERIES, INC. TO ALLOW COMMERCIAL RETAIL WITHIN AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, WITH THE USE OCCUPYING NO MORE THAN 5,000 SQUARE FEET. GENERALLY LOCATED AT 7350 COMMERCE LANE N.E.: � Ms. Dacy, Community Development Director, stated that this special use permit is to allow a commercial retail use in an industrial building for a portion of the old Pillsbury frozen food processing plant. She stated that McGlynn Bakeries is proposing a retail bakery outlet at this location which will occupy about 3,o�0 to 5,000 square feet. She stated that this outlet will feature bakery products, as well as other items such as milk, pop, and fresh fruit, which will be coming £rom other locations. Ms. Dacy stated that this zoning, M-2, allows a permitted accessory use of retail facilities but it is for products made or stored on the premises. She stated that a special use permit is necessary for commercial services if these are for the public at large. Ms. Dacy stated that under this particular section of the code, there are six standards which must be met prior to the issuance of a special use permit. She stated that the maximum floor area is limited to 30 percent of the total floor area of the building or 5,000 square feet. She stated that the total square footage for this outlet is between 3,00o to 5,00o square feet. Ms. Dacy stated that another standard which must be met is for the parking, and there is adequate parking on the site for both employees and customers. � Ms. Dacy stated that only wall mounted signs shall be permitted. She stated that the petitioner will be replacing the "Pillsbury" sign with a"McGlynn" sign on the building. She stated that in FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 7 � addition, the property would be entitled to an 80 square foot free- standing pylon sign. Ms. Dacy stated that another standard which must be met concerns the traffic and a proposed use shall be permitted only when it can be demonstrated that the operation will not generate levels of traffic, which reduce "the existing level of service." She stated that Commerce Lane was reconstructed in 1989 to industrial standards and widened to provide adequate room for industrial trucks and to handle increased levels of traffic. She stated that the bakery retail outlet would not generate traffic beyond the capacity of the roadways. Ms. Dacy stated that the proposed use must be compatible with the area. She stated that because McGlynn intends to sell products manufactured at this plant and at other McGlynn plants, and intends to sell products not manufactured by McGlynn, staff has required the petitioner to apply for this special use permit. Ms. Dacy stated it should be noted that this special use permit is considered on an individual basis. She stated that the petitioner is aware the property is zoned industrial and that the retail outlet is an accessory to the processing function of the facility. � Ms. Dacy stated that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of this special use permit. Councilman Billings stated that at the Planning Commission meeting there was concern raised regarding the traffic at Commerce Lane and 73rd Avenue. He stated that staff was to check on the possibility of a stop sign being placed on eastbound 73rd at the intersection with Commerce Lane. Ms. Dacy stated Mr. Flora, Public Works Director, has stated that the Minnesota Department of Transportation is anticipating a signal improvement at 73rd and University to permit left turn movements. She stated that this would clear the intersection and reduce the amount of stacking on 73rd Avenue. Councilman Billings stated that Mr. Naughton, who attended the Planning Commission meeting, suggested a four-way stop at 73rd Avenue and Commerce Lane, and asked if this suggestion was considered. Mr. Flora stated that it would only be a three-way stop as Commerce Lane does not extend beyond 73rd Avenue. He stated that staff discussed this traffic issue, and there could be a potential problem at quitting time because of the traffic coming from West Commerce Circle. He stated that the Minnesota Department of � Transportation is looking at signalization at this intersection to provide for left turns and allow vehicles to make their proper movements without a delay of on-coming traffic. Ae stated that FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMHER 2. 1991 PAGE 8 � this should alleviate backing up on 73rd Avenue. He felt that this improvement should be completed before McGlynn's begins their operations. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider felt that the intersection traffic should not be any different than when Totino's was in operation. Councilman Billings stated that the point Mr. Naughton was making was that there was a problem when Totino's was in operation, and he wanted the City to review the issue. He stated that Mr. Naughton was advised this would be reviewed prior to the item coming to Council. Mr. Flora stated that it was discussed at staff level, and with the improvements at University, the traffic on 73rd should improve substantially. He stated that once these improvements are completed, it can be determined if additional improvements are needed. MOTION by Mayor Nee to grant Special Use Permit, SP #91-13. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Councilman Billings stated that, traditionally, Council has reviewed all items pertaining to a particular piece of property at � the same time. He stated that in the future Council will be considering whether they wish to approve the establishment of a tax increment financing district involving this property. He stated that if the tax increment district is not established the special use permit would not be needed. He stated that he would like to consider all the related items at that time, MOTION by Councilman Billings to table this item. Seconded by Councilman Fitzpatrick. Mayor Nee stated that this issue should have been raised when the agenda was adopted. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider ruled the motion to table as out of order. MOTION by Councilman Billings to appeal to the Chair. Seconded by Mayor Nee. Councilman Billings stated that many times items are on the agenda, and they are tabled by Council. Mayor Nee was in agreement, and the Chair stood corrected. UPON A VOICE VOTE TAKEN ON THE MOTION TO TABLE, Councilman Billings and Councilman Fitzpatrick voted in favor of the motion. � Councilwoman Jorgenson, Mayor Nee, and Mayor Pro Tem Schneider voted against the motion to table. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the MOTION FAILED. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 9 � UPON A VOICE VOTE TAKEN ON THE MAIN MOTION to grant SP #91-13, Councilwoman Jorgenson, Mayor Nee, and Mayor Pro Tem Schneider voted in favor of the motion. Councilman Billings and Councilman Fitzpatrick voted against the motion. Mayor Pro Tem 5chneider declared the motion carried by a 3 to 2 vote. C. RESOLUTION NO. 96-1991 APPROVING A LOT 5PLIT, L.S. #91-03. BY MCGLYNN BAKERIES. INC., TO SPLIT PROPERTY INTO TWO SEPARATE PARCELS, PARCELS A AND B, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 7350 COMMERCE LANE N.E.: Ms. Dacy, Community Development Director, stated that McGlynn has submitted this application for a lot split so they may expand in the future and to insure they can meet the parking and lot requirements. She stated that the Planning Commission discussed several issues involving this lot split. Ms. Dacy stated that one of the issues was the non-conforming parking area. She stated that north of the existing building is an area where Totino used to store trailers. She stated that the new lot line will run through the south part and create a non- conforming parking situation. She stated that McGlynn and Pillsbury are working to correct this situation. � Ms. Dacy stated that the property is split between two school districts, and when the additional acre is added it would need to match the appropriate school district. Ms. Dacy stated that the drainage issue was discussed as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority is considering assistance for storm water improvements. She stated that plans are to pump the water, which collects behind the Totino facility, to the Surlington Northern Railroad ditch, which then flows to the south and into the Community Park and Rice Creek. Ms. Dacy stated that the problem with flooding of Commerce Lane has not been addressed, as noted in a memo from the Public Works Director,,Tohn Flora. She stated s�aff is recommending that if the vacant property maintained by Pillsbury is developed, that the runoff be incorporated into the overall drainage plan. Ms. Dacy stated that another issue involves a 1981 easement agreement, which permitted the City to use all parking areas on site to gain access to the drainage pond. She stated that the proposed agreement would restrict the access to the northern side of the McGlynn lot. She stated that the agreement also clarifies that the railroad spur track was intended to serve both Lots 3 and 4. � Ms. Dacy stated that it was determined a stop light was not warranted at osborne Road and Commerce Lane. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2. 1491 PAGE 10 � Ms. Dacy stated that proposed future expansion is the northwest corner of the property, and additional parking area would probably be along the north side of the existing parking lot and located over the existing drainage easement. Ms. Dacy stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval of this lot split with three stipulations, and staff is recommending two additional stipulations. She stated that these stipulations are attached as Exhibit A ta the resolution approving this Lot Split, #91-03. MOTION by Mayor Nee to adopt Resolution No. 96-1991, including the stipulations contained in Exhibit A, as follows: (1) an agreement between the property owners outlining how and when the nonconforming parking area shall be corrected shall be executed prior to filing the lot split; (2) the parcels shall be combined for tax purposes in separate school districts; (3j an amended drainage plan shall be submitted; (4) if the parking area on the now vacant parcel is used at the time of the property's development, the City's storm water requirements must be met; and (5) the Pillsbury Company shall execute the Amendment to the Easement Agreement prior to tiling the lot split. 5econded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. � Councilman Billings stated that he is concerned about future drainage looking at the piece of property as a whole. He stated that there is a drainage problem in the area, and he wants to make sure any stipulations that need to be attached to the north piece of property are included with the easement or recorded with the County. He stated that he is very concerned with splitting the property and with someone buying the north portion to build on it and exaggerating the drainage problem. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider asked how the problem would be exaggerated. Councilman Billings stated that the area is now open, but if someone constructs a parking lot there would be additional runoff. He felt that Council should be looking at the potential drainage problems now and placing restrictions on the property, if necessary, before it is split. Mr. Flora stated that the current ordinance requires when property is developed that the water leaving the site, after construction, should be of no greater quantity or of lesser quality than before the construction. He stated that this means there would have to be some type o£ detention facility so that the water could be detained and released at a lower rate. Councilman Billings stated it is his understanding that the water � leaving the area already is high volume and poor quality. ' � r—� � � _. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMHER 2. 1991 PAGE 11 Mr. Flora stated that he cannot speak of �he quality, but water into the Commerce Lane drainage system does have a tendency to back up in heavy rains. Councilman Billings asked if this was strictly the Commerce Lane area or also included this property. Mr. Flora stated that the water coming from 73rd and Osborne Road joins and goes into a culvert underneath the Burlington Northern railroad tracks. Councilman Billings asked where the water drains that leaves the south portion of this property. Mr. Flora stated that it now drains into this system through a culvert underneath the railroad tracks. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated that his question is what difference does it makes if there are one or two parcels when the same drainage issues exist. Councilman Billings stated that the lot is currently owned by one person. He stated that if the drainage on the south portion is not adequate, there is space on the north portion to correct it. He stated that once the lot is split and a portion sold, the option to correct the drainage problems would not exist. He stated that if there are drainage problems, he wants to make sure the current owner addresses these problems before the lot is sold and the City left to correct the problems. Mayor Nee felt that the stipulations cover Councilman Billings' concern. Counoilman Billings felt that the same circumstances apply here as in the case with the special use permit, and all the items pertaining to this property should be considered at the same time. MOTION by Councilman Sillings to table this item. Seconded by Councilman Fitzpatrick. Upon a voice vote, Councilman Billinqs and Councilman Fitzpatrick voted in favor of the motion. Councilwoman Jorgenson, Mayor Nee, and Mayor Pro Tem Schneider voted against the motion. Mayor Pro `Pem Schneider declared the MOTION FAILED. UPON A VOICE Resolution No Mayor Pro Tem Billings and Mayor Pro Tem vote. VOTE TAKEN ON THE MAIN MOTSON for adoption of 96-1991, Councilwoman Jorgenson, Mayor Nee, and Schneider voted in favor of the motion. Councilman Councilman Fitzpatrick voted against the motion. Schneider declared the motion carried by a 3 to 2 �. J � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMHER 2, 1991 PAGE 12 Mr. Mark Rasmussen, representing McGlynn Bakeries, Inc., stated that they want to resolve the drainage issue. He stated that the negative votes do concern him. Councilman Billings stated that he had questions he felt were not answered and wanted the item tabled until he received these answers. Ae stated that Council has, in the past, considered all related items at the same time, and he stated that he did not feel he had adequate time to review these issues. He stated that if facts come out that this is not a good project, he could vote against it. Councilman matter. He are usually member. Fitzpatrick stated that it is largely a procedural stated that the items Council voted on this evening highly discretionary on the part of the Ward Council Mr. Rasmussen stated that if there are specific questions any members of Council wish to address, he would be happy to answer them. He stated that if the concerned members wish to call him, he is available at any time. He stated that McGlynn would like to move forward, become a member of the community and resolve any of Council's concerns. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated that both the special use permit and the lot split were approved by a 3 to 2 vote of Council, and he hoped the project proceeds forward. MOTION by Councilwoman Jorgenson to receive the minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of November 13, 1991. Seconded by Councilman Billings. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. 9. MOTTON TO WRITE OFF TWO OUTSTANDING CHECKS FROM 1990: Mr. Pribyl, Finance Director, stated that Council is requested to write off two outstanding checks from 1990, as City staff has not been able to oontact these two persons. MOTION by Councilman Billings to write off the following outstanding checks: Check No. 31171 dated March 8, 1990 to Cindy Adolphson in the amount of $5.00 and Check No. 31974 dated May 3, 1990 to Charlene Ferraro in the amount of $25.00. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider dealared the motion carried unanimously. 10. RESOLUTION N0. 97-1991 AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN COMPENSATION FOR FRIDLEY CITY EMPLOYEES FOR THE 1992 CALENDAR YEAR: MOTION by Councilman Fitzpatrick to adopt Resolution No. 97-1991. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. �, ,� � � � _J FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 13 Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated that this resolution authorizes a 2.5 percent general increase in City employees' salaries, except for Council where there was no increase. He stated that there is also a moderate increase in the City's contribution to the health plan. UPON A VOICE VOTE TAKEN ON THE ABOVE MOTION, Councilman Fitzpatrick, Councilwoman Jorgenson, Mayor Nee, and Mayor Pro Tem Schneider voted in favor of the motion. Councilman Billings voted against the motion. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried by a 4 to 1 vote. 11. MOTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION NO. 84-1991 AND APPROVE AMENDED 1992 CALENDAR OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES: MOTION by Councilman Fitzpatrick to approve the amendment to Resolution No. 84-1991 changing the Council meeting scheduled for Monday, September 28, 1992 to Tuesday, September 8, 1992 and the Council meeting scheduled for Monday, December 21, 1992 to Monday, December 14, 1992. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorqenson. Upon a voice vote, a11 voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. 12. INFORMAL 5TATUS REPORTS: Mayor Nee suggested that Mr. Flora, Public Works Director, comment on the snowplowing from the storm over Thanksqiving weekend. Mr. Flora stated that on the evening of November 30, 1991, Public Works personnel started plowing streets at 4:00 in the morning. He stated that 126 center lane miles were plowed for 22 continuous hours to open the streets and intersections and to sand the stop sign and curve areas. He stated that there was a lot o£ work involved in removing the snow, and plows had a difficult time in pushing it off the roads. Mr. Flora stated that the City has ten plowing districts, and each district has four alternate starting points. He stated that each time the plows go out, they begin at a different starting point and rotate these starting locations. He stated that the City has a red line system and opens up the various neighborhoods by plowing emergency streets £irst. He stated that once these red line streets are open, the remaining streets in the district area are plowed. He stated that the City crews were able to open up all the streets by 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, which was a considerable effort by the small crew. Mayor Nee asked how this snowfall compared to a typical snowfall. Mr. Flora stated that in a typical snowfall, it generally takes about five hours to clear the red line system, and this time it .� FRIDLSY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2. 1991 PAGE 14 � took eight hours. He stated that normally, all streets are open in fourteen to sixteen hours, and this time it was 22 hours. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated that the calls he received were not so much that the crews were not working hard but why they had waited so long to begin. He also questioned if perhaps the policy of going curb to curb rather than making one pass should be reviewed. Mr. Flora stated that the policy is Council's decision. He stated that the plows were out at 4:0o a.m., and the snow stopped at 4:30 a.m. He stated that in 1982 throuqh 1984, the City did make one pass and open up eight to ten feet of the road, and people cleared their driveways ten feet into the street. He stated the problem is that when the plows come through to plow the full width, residents have to do the shoveling all over again. He stated it was felt that it was better to clear the roads full width rather than making only one pass. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated in cities that did make one pass, residents were able to get out, but in the City of Fridley's case, unless you had a four wheel or front wheel drive vehiole, you could not move until Sunday morning. � Mayor Pro Tem Schneider questioned if an outside contractor could be brouqht in for large snowfalls to make one pass and then the City crews plow curb to curb. Mr. Flora stated that such a contract would probably have to be for the entire winter and a policy established when this would be augmented. He felt that this may be quite costly, as heavy equipment would be involved. He stated that it is very di£ficult and expensive to have graders available on call. Councilman Schneider stated that it seems unreasonable for a person to have to be in his home for 22 hours. Mayor Nee questioned that if the offset for not having overtime in a normal snowfall would pay for an outside contractor. Mr. Flora stated that a contractor would want tio make the best use of his resources and contract for the entire winter season. He felt that to contract only for a particular event there just would not be that much equipment available which was not already committed someplace else. Councilwoman Jorqenson submitted a map of the Madison Street area. She stated that the red line streets were plowed, but nothing was plowed internally. She stated that at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday � nothing shown in the cross-hatched area of the map had been plowed. FRIQLEY CITY COIINCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 15 � Mr. Flora stated that four primary trucks clear the red line streets. He stated that once these are done, the plows go into the snow plowing districts. He stated that there is one major piece of equipment for each district. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider asked if it would be possible to consider alternatives, so that everyone could get to the main thoroughfares within twelve hours. Mr. Flora stated that this was a major snow event over a holiday weekend, and a majority of the people were home. He stated that six of the neighboring cities had their streets opened by Sunday evening, and Fridley had theirs open by 2:00 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated that Fridley is in line with everyone else as far as the time to complete the plowing. He stated that the question is if they should do one pass when the snowfall exceeds, £or example, eight inches. Mr. Hill, Acting City Manger, stated that it appears Fridley has excellent plowing capabilities and, in normal conditions, seems to be ahead of other cities in their plowing efforts. He stated that this particular snowstorm had unique circumstances. He stated that most of the residents in neighboring cities had streets plowed, but � the City's system for plowing did not change because of the nature of the storm. He stated that in this particular isolated situation, the City was still plowing to full width as the plows went through. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated that he is willing to consider additional cost items such as wing plows. Mr. Hill stated that the equipment the City has is appropriate for a city of our size. He stated that a secandary consideration is the ability of the public to get the information they need. He stated that the Police Department was flooded with oalls. He stated that one employee alone received 130 calls Friday, and the employee on duty Saturday evening received 86 calls. He stated that there are a lot of people with questions, and they do not want to talk to the police. He stated that the main thing they wanted was plowing information. He felt that one suggestion is to chanqe the phone recorder so that it can be changed remotely by designated personnel if there is a snow emergency. He stated that this may suffice or perhaps even have an employee in Public Works explain to the residents what district they are in and when they can expect to be plowed. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider felt that perhaps there could be a separate snow plowing number to call and the recording updated every several � hours. � � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 16 Councilman Fitzpatrick stated that if there was an efficient way to handle this issue, he felt the money would be well spent. Councilwoman Jorgenson stated that in the calls she monitored, it seemed the residents were satisfied with obtaining information. She stated that she called the City garage and talked to Jim Bates. He told her that one problem they encountered was people calling in as an emergency situation. She stated that there was no way to tell if this was the truth and wondered if there was a way to identify these people. Mr. Hill stated that generally hospitals make provisions in advance to get emergency people to the faaility. Mayor Pro Tem Schneider asked that staff review some options and report back to Council before spring. Councilman Billings stated that he had a few phone calls from residents who were displeased that their street was the last to be plowed. He stated that in all but two cases he has found that Fridley's snowplowing is above other cities, and the fact that we had two unusual snowfalls made residents more willing to accept the situation. He stated that several callers thought the City had eliminated the snow plowing, and once they were assured this was not the case they seemed more content. He stated that maybe Council is the victim of their own policy in that they try to open up streets full width. He stated that he can appreciate the desire to make one or two passes down the street initially to open up the street. He stated that Fridley is not like Minneapolis and St. Paul where the radio station is telling everyone what they are doing. He felt that if the City does something different in an eight-inch snow£all than what is done for a two-inch snowfall, there would be a communication problem in residents not knowing what the City is doing. He stated he is concerned that in an effort to make life easier for people the City may, in fact, complicate the issue. He stated that he does not believe there are any easy answers and awaits staff's report. 13. APPOINTMENT: CITY EMPLOYEE: MOTION by Councilman Fitzpatrick to concur with the following appointment by the City Manager: Name Charlotte Zimmerman Position Secretary Non-exempt Grade D Step 1 Starting Salarv $4.40 per hour $1,635.76 per month Starting Date Dec. 9, 1991 Replaces Teresa Shields FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2. 1941 PAGE 17 � Seconded by Councilman Billings. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider dealared the motion carried unanimously. 14. CLAIMS• MOTION by Councilman Billings to authorize payment of Claim Nos. 40412 through 40577. Seconded by Mayor Nee. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. 15. LICENSES• Mayor Pro Tem Schneider stated staff has requested that the license for GBN, Inc, be deleted. MOTION by Councilman Billings to delete the on-sale and on-sele Sunday liquor license for GBN, Inc., 3720 East River Road. Seconded by Councilman Fitzpatrick. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Sahneider declared the motion carried unanimously. MOTION by Councilwoman Jorgenson to approve the licenses as submitted, with the exception of the license for GBN, Inc., and as � on file in the License Clerk's Office. Seconded by Councilman Fitzpatrick. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously. 16. ESTIMATES: MOTION by Councilman Fitzpatrick to approve the estimates as submitted: Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. 20D Coon Rapids BouleVard Suite 400 Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Services Rendered as City Attorney for the Month of October, 1991 .......$ 3,996.40 Newquist & Ekstrum, Chartered 3�1 Fridley Plaza Office Buildinq 6401 University Avenue N.E. Fridley, MN 55432 Services Rendered as City Prosecuting Attorney for the Month of oatober, 1991. ..$11,091.50 ' ' � � FRIDLEY CITY COIINCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1991 PAGE 18 HNTB 6700 France Suite 260 Minneapolis, Avenue South MN 55435 Inspection of the 1.5 MG Elevated Water Reservoir Project No. 202 Partial Estimate . . . . . . . . . . W.B. Miller, Inc. 16765 Nutria Street Ramsey, MN 55303 Street Improvement Project No. ST. 1991 - 1& 2 Estimate No. 12. . . . . . Northdale Construction Co., Inc. 14450 Northdale Boulevard Rogers, MN 55374 Skywood Lane Water Extension Project No. 220 Estimate No. 4 . . . . . . . . . $ 1,335.91 $11,942.28 $ 4,590.93 Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the mo�ion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT• MOTION by Councilman Billings to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mayor Nee. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Pro Tem Schneider declared the motion carried unanimously and the Regular Meeting of the Fridley City Council of December 2, 1991 adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Respec�fully submitted, Carole Haddad Secretary to the City Council Approved: � William J. Nee Mayor