05/04/1998 - 00000202THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL
OF MAY 4, 1998
The Regular Meeting of the Fridley City Council was called to order by Mayor Jorgenson at
7:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Jorgenson led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jorgenson, Councilman Barnette, Councilman Billings,
Councilman Schneider and Councilwoman Bolkcom
MENIBERS ABSENT: None
PROCLAMATIONS:
Veterans' Buddy Poppy Day: May 15, 1998:
Mayor Jorgenson read and issued a proclamation declaring May 15, 1998 as Veterans'
Buddy Poppy Day in the City of Fridley. She urged residents of Fridley to recognize the
merits of this cause by contributing generously to its support by purchasing buddy poppies
and wearing them as evidence of their gratitude to the men and women of our country
who risked their lives in defense of freedom which we continue to enjoy today.
Ms. Ma�ne Nystrom, Poppy Chairman, and Ms. Sarah Erickson, Poppy Queen of the
VFW, were present to accept this proclamation.
Public Works Week: May 17 - 23, 1998:
Mayor Jorgenson read and issued a proclamation declaring the week of May 17 through
May 23, 1998 as Public Works Week in the City of Fridley. She asked residents and civic
organizations to recognize the contributions that the Public Works Department makes to
the health and safety of citizens of the community.
Mr. John Flora took this opportunity to introduce the four Division Supervisors of the
City's Public Works Department. Jim Saefke, Water Supervisor; Ken Holmstrom, Streets
Supervisor; Jim Brindley, Sewer Supervisor; and Dave Lindquist, Parks Supervisor. Each
gave a brief overview of their departmental service and expressed gratitude to the Council
for their support and for providing them with the equipment necessary to provide for
efficient service to the residents of Fridley.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 1998 PAGE 2
1. BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING:
MOTION by Councilmember Schneider to re-open the Board of Review Meeting.
Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor
7orgenson declared the motion carried unanimously and the Board of Review Meeting was
re-opened at 7:40 p.m.
Mr. Surendra Chaudharv, 5640 N. Danube Road:
Mr. Chaudhary provided Council with copies of the updated market analysis of his
property at 5640 N. Danube Road, completed by Mr. Gordon Denham of Edina Realty.
Mr. Denham suggested a listing price range of $175,000 to $185,000 based on its current
condition. He suggested a number of improvements to make the home more marketable.
Such improvements included a new roof, new carpeting, replacement of three sliding glass
doors, painting of interior and e�terior, and refinishing of the decks. The estimated cost of
these improvements would be $20,000. Recovery of the cost of the improvements would
be appro�mately fifty percent ($10,000) with an estimated listing price at that time of
$185,000. The comparisons used by Mr. Denham are the same ones used by the
Assessing Department. However, Mr. Chaudhary noted that the square footage for
comparables listed in the assessor's review are inaccurate and that two of the homes have a
considerable higher finished square footage. Furthermore, one of the homes is a two-story
home and not comparable to a split foyer home such as his which is less marketable and
sells for considerably less. Mr. Chaudhary explained that the house has not appreciated
much in the past several years.
Councilmember Schneider noted that on Page 2 of the Market Analysis, the 1998 Market
Value is listed as $191,400. The City's assessed market value was $188,200. Therefore,
it is evident that the City's assessed market value is consistent with the value placed on the
property by Mr. Denham.
Mr. Chaudhary stated that he believed the 1998 value should be no more than $175,000.
Councilmember Schneider stated that, based on information he has received, he could not
justify a reduction in the value to $175,000. Councilmember Bolkcom agreed.
MOTION by Councilmember Schneider to affirm the City Assessor's value at $188,200
for the property at 5640 N. Danube Road. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried
unanimously.
Councilmember Barnette encouraged Mr. Chaudhary to bring this item before the County
Board. Mayor Jorgenson noted that he will need to contact Anoka County to schedule a
time to appear before the Board of Equalization, should he desire to take this complaint
further.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 1998 PAGE 3
MOTION by Councilmember Schneider to adjourn the Board of Review Meeting at
8:03 p.m. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom.
Councilmember Billings requested that Mr. Hervin, Assessor, review the information
provided on the comparables prior to the meeting of the Anoka County Board of
Equalization, and verify that the information is correct. Mr. Hervin agreed to do so. He
noted that a Real Estate Estimate of Market Value is not the same as an appraisal and that
a certified appraisal provides a more accurate value of the property.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the Board of Review
meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
Representative Alice Johnson, Senator pon Betzold and Senator Steve Novak were
present and provided a brief update on the 1997-98 legislative session. Senator Betzold
provided information with regard to some of the issues discussed including the K-12 bill,
Human Services, Tornado Relief, Crime Prevention and Tax Increment Financing.
Representative Johnson provided information in regard to her work on the Tax Committee
over the past two years. She noted that she has taken the position that levy limits are not
necessary for cities and that elected officials should set the amount of taxes that can be
collected.
Senator Novak provided an update in regard to the 7obs Energy and Community
Development Finance package, the continuation of the North Suburban Planning Corridor,
the Fridley Historical Society funding, transitional housing, and the redevelopment of
polluted land properties.
Councilmember Billings stated that he felt the imposition of levy limits by the legislature is
something that poses a hardship on the cities that have consistently tried to hold their
taxes down by spending down reserves and using other various mechanisms. Mayor
Jorgenson noted that any reductions in the taxes require the City to make necessary
adjustments in another area.
1997 CITY OF FRIDLEY BUSINESS SURVEY:
Mr. Bill Morris of Decision Resources was present to provide Council and staff with a
summary of the business survey conducted in the City of Fridley. He presented data
collected in the survey including opinions about the City's services, crime and policing,
appearance and image, code requirements, redevelopment projects, housing programs, and
recycling programs. One of the areas of irritation for businesses appeared to be the
stringent enforcement of City codes with a lack of understanding of some of the code
requirements. In summary, however, it was felt that dissatisfaction was very low and that
City services were rated rather high.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 1998 PAGE 4
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
COLTNCIL MEETING - Apri120, 1998:
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve the minutes of the Apri120, 1998 City
Council Meeting as presented in writing. Seconded by Councilmember Schneider. Upon
a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor 7orgenson declared the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
OLD BUSINESS:
2 RESOLUTION # 28-1998 IN SUPPORT OF A CHARITABLE GAMBLING
PREMISE PERMIT FOR THE CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE
CONCEPTION (TABLED 4/20/98):
Mr. Burns, City Manager, explained that at the Apri120 Council meeting clarification was
requested for this application. This is the second application for a charitable gambling
permit at the Knights of Columbus Hall to come before Council this year. The City Clerk
has indicated that there is no restriction in our local code or in State law which would
prevent the licensing of two organizations at the same location, as long as the
organizations are using separate space for their operations. In this case, the Knights of
Columbus and the Church of the Immaculate Conception conduct charitable gambling
activities at the Knights of Columbus Hall at alternate times. This arrangement has been in
e�stence for appro�mately four years. Staff has found no problem with the operation of
either organization and recommends that Council renew the lawful gambling license for
the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION # 28-1998.
NEW BUSINESS:
3. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 2
FOR THE HACKMANN AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT:
Mr. Burns explained that this change order is for the replacement of si�teen water service
lines and valves and for the replacement of sanitary sewer lines. The water service lines
and valves were found to be deteriorated or inoperable at the time of reconstruction of the
Hackmann Avenue water main. A section of sewer line was impacted by the water line
and valve replacement. The cost of the this additional work is $9,327.13. Staff
recommended approval in the above amount to the benefit of Forest Lake Contracting,
Inc.
APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NO. 2, FOR THE HACKMANN AVENUE
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. ST. 1998-1.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 1998 PAGE 5
4. RESOLUTION NO. 29-1998 ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC HEARING RE-
GARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS ON OLD
CENTRAL AVENUE:
Mr. Burns explained that Anoka County is proposing to upgrade Old Central Avenue from
Rice Creek to the northern limit of Fridley. The project will include a new storm sewer,
concrete curb and gutter, and a bike path along the west side of the roadway. In
accordance with City policy, the curb and gutter will be assessed to abutting property
owners on a front foot basis at a cost of $11.00 per front foot. Mr. Burns stated that staff
requested that Council establish a public hearing for May 18, 1998 in anticipation of this
assessment.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 29-1998.
5. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE FRIDLEY ACTIVITY
CENTER:
Mr. Burns stated that the Fridley Activity Center , located at 6085 Seventh Street, has
been a cooperative project by the City of Fridley and School District No. 14. While the
upper level of this facility has been in use since last Fall, the lower level remains
unfinished. With a grant from the State of Minnesota, the City would like to proceed with
the finishing of the lower level to accommodate many of the youth programs and to
expand opportunities for community use of the facility. The improvements have been
designed with the help of youth as well as the input of all age groups and include a
dance/exercise room, a game room and a lounge area. It is estimated that these
improvements will cost $364,169. Of this amount, $280,250 is available with grant
proceeds, $55,380 will come from contributions raised by the community fund raising
campaign, and $28,539 will come from the City's Liquor Operations Funds.
AUTHORIZED ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF
THE LOWER LEVEL AT THE FRIDLEY COMMUNITY CENTER.
6. CLAIMS:
APPROVED THE PAYMENT OF CLAIM NOS. 80376-80564.
7. LICENSES:
APPROVED THE LICENSES AS SUBMITTED AND AS ON FILE IN THE
LICENSE CLERK'S OFFICE.
8. ESTIMATES:
APPROVED THE ESTIMATES AS FOLLOWS:
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 1998 PAGE 6
Hardrives, Inc.
14475 Quiram Drive
Rogers, MN 55374
Central Avenue Bikeway/Walkway
Project No. ST. 1994-9
FINAL ESTIMATE: $ 2,944.80
Forest Lake Contracting
14777 Lake Drive
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Hackman Avenue/Hackman Circle Street
Reconstruction Project No. ST 1998-1
Hackman Avenue Water Main Repair
Project No. 317
Estimate No. 2 $79,487.77
Newquist & Ekstrum, Chartered
301 Fridley Plaza Office Building
6401 University Avenue N.E.
Fridley, MN 55432
Services Rendered as City Prosecuting
Attorney for the Month of February 1998: $17,287.00
Frederic W. Knaak, Esq.
Holstad and Larson, PLC
3535 Vadnais Center Drive
St. Paul, MN 55110
Services Rendered as City Attorney
for the Month of April 1998: $ 4,250.00
No persons in the audience spoke regarding the proposed consent agenda items.
MOTION by Councilmember Schneider to approve the consent agenda as presented. Seconded
by Councilmember Barnette. UPON A VOICE VOTE, all voting aye, Mayor 7orgenson declared
the motion carried unanimously.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
MOTION by Councilmember Schneider to approve the adoption of the agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared
the motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 1998 PAGE 7
OPEN FORUM, VISITORS:
There were no questions or comments from the public.
Councilmember Barnette noted that at one of the last Council meetings, a discussion ensued in
regard to the renewal of gambling licenses. In defense of WAABI who was being displaced in
two of the establishments, he believes he spoke incorrectly. He stated at the meeting that WAABI
had given the largest scholarship to the scholarship fund at Fridley High School. He intended to
state that WAABI gave the two largest SINGLE scholarships (two $1,500 scholarships). The
Lion's Club has, for many years, given ten $500 scholarships for a total of $5,000 per year. He
wished to correct the error and to give credit to all of the service organizations for what they have
done for the City of Fridley.
PUBLIC HEARING:
9. APPROVAL OF BEER LICENSE FOR GREAT LAKE CHINESE RESTAURANT
(7890 UNIVERSITY AVENUE N.E.)(WARD 3):
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to open the public hearing at 9:02 p.m. Seconded by
Councilmember Billings. UPON A VOICE VOTE, all voting aye, Mayor 7orgenson declared the
motion carried and the public hearing was opened at 9:02 p.m.
Mr. Burns stated that a beer license has been requested by the owner of the Great Lake Chinese
Restaurant at 7890 University Avenue N.E. The Police Department has performed the required
background investigation and has not found any reason to deny the request.
Mr. Tim Vo, Business Manager for the Great Lake Chinese Restaurant, was present to answer
any questions in regard to this request. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the applicant was
aware of the food/liquor ratio which will need to be met. Mr. Vo responded in the affirmative.
He provided a brief summary of the restaurant, including hours of operation, menu options, etc.
With no further questions, there was a MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to close the public
hearing at 9:08 p.m. Seconded by Councilmember Schneider. UPON A VOICE VOTE, all
voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried and the public hearing was closed at
9:08 p.m. She noted that the request for a beer license for the Great Lake Chinese Restaurant will
be on the May 18 City Council agenda for consideration at that time.
OLD BUSINESS:
10. VARIANCE, VAR #98-06, BY NORTHWESTERN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS
PARTNERSHIP, LLP, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PARKING STALLS AS
REQUIRED BY CITY CODE TO ALLOW AN EXPANSION WITHIN THE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 1998 PAGE 8
EXISTING BUILDING FOOTPRINT, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 8290
UNIVERSITY AVENUE N.E. (TABLED 04/20/98)(WARD 3):
Ms. Barbara Dacy, Community Development Director, explained that the petitioner has indicated
that they are going to pursue the construction of a parking ramp on their property rather than seek
a variance request and rely on parking space available across the street. Staff is asking for formal
Council action on this request, and recommending denial of the variance.
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to deny Variance Request #98-06. Seconded by Council-
member Schneider. UPON A VOICE VOTE, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the
motion carried unanimously.
11. VARIANCE REQUEST, VAR. #98-09, BY KIM MILLER OF MILLER
FUNERAL HOME, TO ALLOW THE REDUCTION OF THE SIDE YARD
SETBACK FROM 80 FEET TO 37 FEET FOR A BUILDING ADDITION AND
CANOPY, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 6210 HIGHWAY 65 (WARD 2):
Ms. Dacy explained that Kim Miller of Miller Funeral Home is requesting a side yard setback
variance request to allow the expansion of their facility at 6210 Highway 65. The request would
reduce the setback from 80 feet to 37 feet from the right-of-way. This will allow for the
construction of a 30.5 foot by 66 foot building addition and a 12 foot by 24 foot canopy. Both
structures will be located on the west side of the e�sting facility. With the location of the canopy
e�tending into the e�sting utility and drainage easement, staff is recommending that a hold
harmless agreement between the petitioner and the City be executed.
The request has minimal adverse impacts on adjacent properties because the proposed addition
will have a similar right-of-way setback as the e�sting building and will not increase drainage
from the parcel. Staff recommended that the Appeals Commission approve the variance request
with the following stipulations: 1) the e�terior of the building addition shall match that of the
e�sting principal building, 2) the canopy e�end no further than 10 feet into the drainage utility
easement. 3) the design of the canopy must be approved by the Engineering Department, 4) the
property owner must enter into a hold harmless agreement with the City with regard to the
structure in the drainage utility easement and the agreement must be recorded with Anoka
County, 5) the canopy shall not be enclosed with garage doors, and 6) the petitioner shall grant a
10 foot utility and drainage easement adjacent to the existing easement as described in VAR
#98-04.
Mayor 7orgenson noted that Council would like to be assured that the building finish on the west
side of the garage be consistent with the e�sting building. Ms. Dacy stated that this was a
stipulation in the previous variance that Council approved at the Apri16 meeting.
MOTION by Councilmember Schneider to approve the Variance Request, VAR #98-09, by Kim
Miller of Miller Funeral Home, to allow the reduction of the side yard setback from 80 feet to 37
feet for a building addition and canopy generally located at 6210 Highway 65 with the stipulations
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 1998 PAGE 9
as outlined above. Seconded by Councilmember Billings. UPON A VOICE VOTE, all voting
aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried unanimously.
15. INFORMAL STATUS REPORTS:
Ms. Dacy noted that at the last City Council meeting, during Open Forum, a resident inquired as
to the possibility of using larger waste containers for yard waste. Currently, the ordinance allows
for a 32 gallon container. Waste Management was offering a 96 gallon container for yard waste.
Ms. Dacy provided the Council with a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of
larger containers. She noted that this issue was included in a recent resident survey and 37
percent indicated a desire for larger containers. Several concerns were addressed by Council, and
a question was raised as to whether all of the waste haulers could accommodate the larger
containers. If not, it would limit the number of waste haulers serving the Fridley area. It was the
general consensus that the survey indicates that there is no compelling need for immediate change.
Ms. Dacy provided information in regard to two vision meetings which have been scheduled for
May 28, 1998 and June 25, 1998. The City will be hiring a consultant to assist staff in re-writing
the Comprehensive Plan. As a part of the process, the consultant would like to have the two
vision meetings made up of homeowners, businesses, tenants, apartment owners, churches,
schools, etc. The purpose of the first meeting will be to help define what Fridley is today and find
out from the community what they would like to see in the year 2010 and 2020. The second
meeting will define what the City's benchmarks for success will be. The meetings could be held in
the cafeteria or gymnasium of the middle school, but no final plans have been made at this point.
Ms. Dacy noted that anyone who lives or works in Fridley is encouraged to attend the meetings.
Councilmember Bolkcom suggested that Ms. Dacy look at child-care options for those who have
small children and wish to attend. Mayor 7orgenson suggested that the meetings be held in a
facility with air conditioning.
Councilmember Bolkcom noted that the ne�t Fiftieth Anniversary Task Force meeting will be held
May 14, 1998 at 5:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Municipal Center. If anyone desires more
details they can contact the City Manager's Office.
Mayor Jorgenson noted that the Loyalty Day Parade was a success.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION by Councilmember Schneider to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember
Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 1998 PAGE 10
unanimously and the Regular Meeting of the Fridley City Council of May 4, 1998 was adjourned
at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tamara D. Saefke Nancy J. Jorgenson
Recording Secretary Mayor