04/08/2002 - 00017288THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL
OF APRIL 8, 2002
The regular meeting of the Fridley City Council was called to order by Mayor Lund at 7:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Lund led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Lund, Councilmember Barnette, Councilmember Bolkcom,
Councilmember Billings, Councilmember Wolfe
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING:
Ms. Mary Smith, City Assessor stated that City Appraiser Lynn Krachmer and County Assessor
7anene Hebert were present at the meeting.
Ms. Smith stated that there are two meetings involved in the Board of Review with the first one
taking place tonight and the continuation on April 22. This meeting is held in accordance with
State Statute §274.01. The purpose is to establish an orderly and consistent appeals procedure
for property owners who want to challenge the 2002 estimated market value or classification of
their property. As the Board, the City Council can change values or classifications according to
State law. The Board of Review has three possible courses of action. It can affirm the current
value, reduce the value based on evidence presented, or increase the value based on evidence
presented. Previous years have indicated a need to hold the second meeting to resolve cases that
cannot be settled at the first meeting.
Ms. Smith stated that it is necessary that the majority of the Council members be in attendance.
If the board makes reductions to a property, the amount of the reduction cannot exceed one
percent (1%) of the city-wide assessment. If there is a case of undervaluation, the Board may
raise the valuation of the property, but must first notify the property owner. The Board must
adjourn 20 days from the time it convened. Each property owner appearing will complete the
property appeal form and give to staff. Each property owner may address the Board in order of
registration. Written appeals will be read at the meeting. The Board may address staff to
reappraise any property and report back at a reconvening meeting. The Board compares the
information presented by the Assessor with the information provided by the property owner and
makes the determination of what is the actual fair market value of the property. The local Board
has the opportunity of making a great contribution to the equality of all affected property in the
district. No other agency has the knowledge of the property within a district as do the individual
members of the local board.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 2
Ms. Smith stated that the number of sales that occurred from January 1 to December 31, 2001,
were 330 as of March 18. Of this number there were 240 residential single family homes, 63
townhomes, 5 double bungalows, and 22 condominiums. With these sales came a drop in the
City's sales ratio which takes into account the estimated market value and sales price. County-
wide increases of eight percent (8%) took place in the fall. Along with this increase, land values
needed to be adjusted. All properties experienced these increases with the net of that increase
ranging from 8-35 percent. The value increases ranged from $15,000 to over $40,000. The
average sales price of single family homes was $165,000. The average estimated market value
was $130,800 with the average ratio being 79.6 percent. The average selling price of townhomes
was $138,700, the average estimated market value was $112,400 and the average ratio was 81.2
percent. The average sales price of double bungalows was $176,800, the average estimated
market value was $120,000 and the average ratio was 67.5%. The average sales price of
condominiums was $69,900, the average market value was $52,700 and the average ratio was
78.8 percent.
Ms. Smith stated that there have been a total of ten calls made and one letter sent regarding the
2002 estimated market values. Six were to residential property owners and the other four were
to commercial industrial owners. She has made corrections in values to three of the commercial
industrial properties and one residential property. She said she also sent letters outlining these
changes to the owners. It was also noted in the letter that the appeals process still remains the
same if they want to appeal.
Councilmember Barnette asked if it was a fair statement to make that based on the sales of the
previous year, if you were to sell your house, the amount of money you would get for it would be
about 1/5 higher than the estimated market value.
Ms. Smith stated that is difficult to answer. We like to say our values are 94 percent of what the
selling price is. That is why the adjustments are done at year's end.
Mayor Lund stated that based on the charts the Assessor showed, it looks like the average for
residential is 79.6%.
Ms. Smith stated that it is a very good market right now.
Mayor Lund stated that it is good to sell, bad to buy.
Councilmember Billings stated that one letter of inquiry has been received and asked if it should
be presented tonight.
Ms. Smith stated that she has the letter, but was not sure if the property owners would come in.
She adjusted their residential value which included a home and an adjoining vacant lot.
Councilmember Billings stated that in order to keep their options open in terms of furtherance
with the County Board of Equalization and the State it would be prudent to receive the letter into
the record.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 3
Ms. Smith stated that it would be. The property address is 1509 Windemere Drive N.E.
MOTION by Councilmember Billings to receive the letter from the property owner of 1509
Windemere Drive. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Lund asked if the owners thought the adjustments were reasonably justified.
Ms. Smith stated that she never heard from any owners. She indicated that the letter was sent out
Tuesday, Apri12.
Councilmember Billings asked Ms. Hebert if that was an acceptable procedure.
Ms. Hebert stated that it was.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the letter stated that this meeting was tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Smith stated that it did.
MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to continue the Board of Review meeting to April 22.
Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Lund asked if they would accept any new questions from other property owners about
taxation at the second meeting.
Ms. Smith stated that they would not.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to approve the proposed consent agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
City Council Meeting of March 25, 2002
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 4
NEW BUSINESS:
1. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FRIDLEY CITY
CODE, CHAPTER 1, LEGISLATIVE BODY, PERTAINING TO WARD AND
PRECINCT BOUNDARIES:
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that redistricting was necessary as a result of the 2000
census. Redistricting was completed by the State Supreme Court. It requires redrawing
of precinct lines that fall in more than one legislative district. Staff recommends that an
area by Mississippi Street to the south, Rice Creek to the north, University Avenue to the
east, the railroad tracks to the west be moved from Ward 1 to Ward 3. To keep ward
boundaries roughly equal, the area bounded by 61st Avenue to the north, 59th Avenue to
the south, University Avenue on the east, Main Street on the west, be shifted from North
Precinct 3 to Ward 1 Precinct 3. Since a small part of Fridley is included in District 50-
B, we are required to give this area its own precinct. This area is bounded roughly by
Gardena Avenue on the north, Innsbruck Drive and I-694 on the south, the City limits on
the east, and Matterhorn Drive on the west. There are also several minor changes to the
precinct boundaries which staff recommends for Council's approval.
WAIVED THE READING AND APPROVED THE ORDINANCE ON FIRST
READING.
2. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF
MARCH 20, 2002:
RECEIVED.
3. SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST, SP #02-02, BY LONNIE LECLAIR, TO
ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITION TO AN EXISTING SHED,
GENERALLY LOCATED AT 234 - 69TH AVENUE N.E. (WARD 3):
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that Mr. LeClair requested he be allowed to build a 96
square foot addition to a 240 square foot shed. After debate, the Planning Commission
gave its unanimous consent at the meeting on March 20. Staff recommends Council
approval subject to four stipulations.
APPROVED SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST, SP #02-02, WITH THE
FOLLOWING FOUR STIPULATIONS: (1) THE PETITIONER SHALL OBTAIN
ALL NECESSARY PERMITS PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION; (2) THE
STRUCTURE SHALL NOT BE USED FOR A HOME OCCUPATION OR
LIVING AREA; (3) TOTAL SQUARE F009TAGE OF ALL ACCESSORY
STRUCTURES MUST NOT EXCEED 1,400 SQUARE FEET; (4) GARAGE
SHALL BE ARCHITECTURALLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE EXISTING
HOME AND FINISHED WITH A COMPLEMENTARY SIDE AND COLOR
SCHEME.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 5
4. APPROVE COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLAN FOR HILLWIND OFFICE
CENTER, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 941 HILLWIND ROAD N.E. (WARD 2):
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the owners of the Hillwind Office Center recently
applied for a sign permit and discovered that they never followed the comprehensive sign
plan for the structure. The plan was submitted and reviewed with no objections. Staff
recommended Council's approval.
APPROVED COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLAN FOR HILLWIND OFFICE
CENTER.
5. ESTABLISH A PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR APRIL 22, 2002, FOR THE
CONSIDERATION OF SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF THE
INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE FOR AMF BOWLING CENTERS, INC.,
DB/A/ MAPLE LANES, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 6310 HIGHWAY 65 N.E.
(WARD 2):
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that after review of the application, it was discovered
that Maple Lanes Bowling Center was out of the compliance with the City's food to
liquor ratio. As a result staff is requesting that Council establish a public hearing for
April 22 to determine if the license held by AMF Bowling Centers, Inc., of
Mechanicsville, Virginia, should be suspended.
ESTABLISHED A PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 22, 2002.
6. APPROVE 2002-2003 LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS:
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that based on police review, staff recommended renewal
of the liquor licenses for the establishments as listed in the agenda. This excludes Maple
Lanes.
APPROVED 20002-2003 LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS.
7. CLAIMS:
APPROVED CLAIM NOS. 104552-104765.
8. LICENSES:
APPROVED ALL LICENSES AS SUBMITTED.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the Agenda as presented. Seconded by
Councilmember Wolfe.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 6
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OPEN FORUM, VISITORS:
Ms. Susan J. Okerstrom and Angelique K. Frederiksen, 1601 Gardena Avenue N.E., read a
statement regarding the construction of their home on 6902 Benjamin Street. Construction began
on their home in late February, and representatives from the City of Fridley told the contractors
to remove the soil due to a steep slope and build a temporary access. No soil was allowed to be
put on the lower edge of the lot and no vehicles could be driven on that section. Their contractor
showed the City the construction plans. The City stated that they should vacate the 20-foot
utility easement and a 50-foot drainage assessment along the northern property line. No grading
or land alterations would be permitted within 50 feet of the north property line. The soil was
temporarily deposited and would have been removed without altering the grade. Nowhere in the
City's report which was prepared by engineering consultants did it state that the 50-foot easement
on the northerly edge of the lot had to be left pristine and untouched. They tried to reason with
Mr. Hickok, and questioned about mowing or landscaping to the area. Mr. Hickok stated that he
expected them to landscape the area and maintain it, and threatened to arrest them if they did not.
Mr. Hickok told them he was speaking of a promise he made to the neighbors.
Ms. Okerstrom stated that Mr. Burns refused to reverse Mr. Hickok's decisions. This 50-foot
easement is not reported on the plat at the County. The original agreement is understood to
satisfy neighbors who did not want the property developed. This does not violate any ordinance.
Several neighbors complained during the construction process and their builder was required to
put in a second silt fence. The soil pushed the silt down in one area and the neighbors
complained. She said they were required to push the fence back up and reinforce it. The
neighbors also complained of the bobcat used on the lower edge of the property. They had equal
opportunity to purchase the property themselves. The Millers who abut the lot to the north
appear to have privilege with the City's Planning Department. Mr. Miller drained the water from
his lot onto their land last summer. She said they complained about the digging he did, and the
City put in a new storm sewer and regraded the sides of Mr. Miller's property without any notice
given regarding the effect on their property. As a result of the unwarranted restrictions they had
to change their basement form and truck out each load of soil during excavation. Labor costs
were added due to the access to the back of our property. The current cost of misinterpretation
with Mr. Hickok is $10,004.75 including the excavation by their contractor.
Ms. Okerstrom stated that the retaining wall that is required is $6,000. She said they believe the
City is responsible for the $10,004.75 incurred and they would like to be reimbursed. If these
were elected positions, they would advocate removing Mr. Hickok and the City Attorney Mr.
Knaak from office. They believe they have been treated in a discriminatory, unreasonable
fashion. They feel they have gone far beyond meeting any City or State regulations regarding
this property.
Mayor Lund asked that a separate meeting be scheduled for Mr. Knaak and Mr. Hickok to talk
with them to discuss some of these questions.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 7
Ms. Okerstrom stated that she would be happy to do that.
Councilmember Wolfe stated that he thought one of the issues involving the bobcat was due to
getting kitchen windows up to the top level.
Ms. Frederiken stated that they needed the bobcat to help get the retaining walls on the side and
rock to reinforce it.
Mr. Hickok, Community Development Director, and Mr. Knaak, City Attorney, both stated that
they could meet Friday, April 19, at 8:00 a.m.
Mayor Lund thanked them for coming in.
Mr. David Raines, 1290 Cheri Lane N.E., stated that Council is getting a lot of negative press
about the sign issue. He said that the issue had nothing to do with the American flag, and he was
shocked when he saw Dr. Dahl and the members of the American Legion waving the flag. He
said Council needs to address how distracting the electronic readerboard sign is. He walks the
City a lot and many people drive too fast as it is. If they are watching a sign and not watching
where they are going it could be dangerous. There was a study done near Dr. Dahl's chiropractic
office. 1,000,000 vehicles passed that intersection. Three out that number were involved in a
collision and 1/3 had rear end collisions.
MOTION by Councilmember Wolfe to accept Mr. Raines' letter into the record. Seconded by
Councilmember Barnette.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Lund asked about the statistics Mr. Raines had given.
Mr. Hickok stated that he was very accurate about the 1,000,000 cars through the intersection in
26 days. A national study was done on the effect of a jumbotron-type sign at a stadium in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Out of 1,000,000 cars, initially there were three accidents per million
prior to a sign being installed. That jumped to four per million in the same location. They felt
this would warrant a further investigation whether the sign itself contributed to that e�tra number
of accidents. In an earlier meeting staff pointed out how many vehicles go through that
intersection. A closer look needs to be given to this.
Councilmember Wolfe asked if Dr. Dahl had been given a citation.
Mr. Hickok stated that he had. He said it has been handled in a proper legal process. Two
citations were issued prior to this matter becoming a flag issue. He said that the problem with
this sign is the flashing and movement on the fi�ture, and that the words change too fast. There
are two different arraignments scheduled for April 18 and May 2.
Mr. Burns, City Manager, asked if there were six citations.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 8
Mr. Hickok stated that there are six citations and twelve different counts amongst those citations.
Councilmember Billings asked if there was a video of the sign.
Mr. Hickok stated that there was and it was played on Channel9.
Councilmember Bolkcom stated that it was a bright hot pink color and a bright neon purple.
Mr. Hickok stated that the people are supposed to be watching red and green lights sitting at the
stoplight, but this contradicts the colors and that is a safety concern.
Councilmember Bolkcom stated that she could see the brightness from the sign while on
Mississippi Street going north.
Mayor Lund stated that this is not about displaying the American flag, or about patriotism. It is
simply a safety issue and is currently against the City's ordinance.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
9. CONSIDERATION OF AN INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE FOR
MINNESOTA SPORTS FEDERATION, DB/A SPIKERS GRILLE & BEACH
CLUB, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 7651 HIGHWAY 65 N.E. (WARD 2):
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to waive the reading and open the public hearing.
Seconded by Councilmember Billings.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 8:00 P.M.
Mr. Pribyl, Finance Director, stated that this hearing and the following one are due to changes in
ownership, not additional new licenses. Minnesota Sports Federation has acquired this facility
which is located at 7651 Highway 65. The restaurant is known as Spiker's Grille and Beach
Club. The only change is ownership of the property. The property will be managed by the same
managers. The new owner must acquire their own license and the business will still operate as
Spiker's Grille and Beach Club. The Public Safety department has reviewed the application and
found no reason to deny the request.
Councilmember Billings asked if there was any information on the food to liquor ratio.
Mr. Pribyl stated that they did receive information from the past management and they were in
compliance.
Councilmember Billings asked if they were close to the cut-off line or well within the guidelines.
Mr. Pribyl stated that they were well within.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 9
MOTION by Councilmember Wolfe to close the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Barnette.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 8:05 P.M.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the license would be approved at the ne�t meeting.
Mr. Pribyl stated that it would.
10. CONSIDERATION OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE FOR MN SEAN
CO. d/b/a/ SEAN'S GRILLE & PUB, (FORMERLY KNOWN AS K.J.'S
RESTAURANT AND BAR) GENERALLY LOCATED AT 8298 UNIVERSITY
AVENUE N.E.:
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to open the public hearing and waive the reading.
Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 8:06 P.M.
Mr. Pribyl, Finance Director, stated that this item is due to a change of ownership only. The
business will operate as Sean's Grille & Pub. The Public Safety Department has reviewed the
request and found no reason to deny it. Mr. Sean Tierney, the new owner, is here. One of the
big issues involved is the food to liquor ratio.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if he was aware of the food to liquor ratio.
Mr. Tierney stated that he was. He has not owned any restaurants, but has worked in the field.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked what kind of inenu he was going to have.
Mr. Tierney stated that they submitted a few menus to Council showing the Irish/Italian theme.
Councilmember Billings asked if there were any compliance checks with the former owner
relative to liquor ratios.
Mr. Pribyl stated that there were not.
Councilmember Billings stated that the food to liquor ratio at that establishment was very close
to the line before. The City of Fridley has a long established a policy that it wants the liquor
establishments first to be restaurants.
Mr. Teirney stated that he was aware of that and he will be managing seven days per week. He
has not managed before, but has done food preparation and cooking. He indicated that that was
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 10
why he was catering to the grille aspect. He has also done bartending and has chosen 8 to 12 staff
members who have been in the business for quite some time.
Councilmember Billings stated that as the former owner of a couple of on-sale liquor
establishments it will be a complex learning curve. He wished him luck.
Mr. Tierney thanked him.
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to close the public hearing. Seconded by
Councilmember Barnette.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 8:10 P.M.
Councilmember Bolkcom stated that this liquor license would come again before Council on
April 22.
NEW BUSINESS:
11. SPECIAL USE PERMIT, SP #02-03, BY AL-AMAL SCHOOL, TO CONVERT
THE PROPERTY INTO A LICENSED DAYCARE CENTER, GENERALLY
LOCATED AT 1413 GARDENA AVENUE N.E. (WARD 2):
Mr. Hickok, Community Development Director, stated that the existing home would be
converted to meet all County and State licensing requirements for a new daycare center. The
home is on the east side of the Al-Amal school. The property is zoned R-1, single family
residential. The existing home was built in 1949 before two additions were built in 1952 and
1996. The garage was built in 1987. The property is owned by the Islamic Center of Minnesota
and exists as a licensed family daycare. Code Section 205 requires a special use permit to allow
daycare centers located in places of worship, schools, and other buildings located on an arterial
or collector street in the R-1 zoning district.
Mr. Hickok stated that the code requires one parking space for every 100 square feet of usable
daycare area. The petitioner stated that 614 square feet of the home would be used to
accommodate the daycare center. According to the code requirement, six parking spaces are
required for the daycare center. The existing driveway and parking area provide enough space
for those six vehicles. Staff observed the property and noticed there are as many as three
vehicles parked in the driveway at any given time. Code requires a daycare center to have a
minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet. The dimension of the lot is 100 feet by 200 feet, which
is 20,000 square feet exceeding lot size requirements. The daycare center will accommodate 10
to 14 preschool age children and will operate Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m.
Mr. Hickok stated that the Planning Commission reviewed this and recommended approval with
two stipulations. Daycare centers are a permitted special use in the R-1 district, provided they
are located in places of worship, schools, or other buildings on arterial or collector streets. Staff
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 11
recommended approval subject to two stipulations. The petitioner was aware of the meeting but
is not present.
Councilmember Wolfe asked if the parking issue would be dealt with on a complaint only basis,
and whether or not a curb e�tension would be installed.
Mr. Hickok stated that they will do a curb e�tension if the Public Works Director wants them to
have it done. The Public Works Director wants to see how it is operating and then e�tend it if
necessary. He likes the idea of the buses pulling up in front of the school itself, but does not
know if it should be e�tended down to the residential property. The parking is intended for
children of people who work at the school.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked why Mr. Haukaas was not interested in having a curb e�tension.
Mr. Hickok stated that he would prefer to keep the arrangement in front of the school as it is. It
was designed to allow two buses to pull off the street. Mr. Haukaas lives near there and drives by
every day so he can monitor the situation. Also, there are power lines that would need to be
moved in order to do that.
Councilmember Bolkcom stated that in the past, there have been neighbors concerned about
drop-off traffic and there were issues with parking in that neighborhood. She asked if they could
increase the number of children if they have more staff. She is concerned that this would be
dealt with only on a complaint basis.
Mr. Hickok stated that any complaints would be investigated. After the original complaints with
the Al-Amal's request for the special use permit, parking was discontinued across the street at
Totino-Grace and the curb was widened in front of Al-Amal school. Staff has not received any
additional complaints and make their own observation as they are driving along that route.
Widening of the roadway would not be warranted and could be left open for discussion if
necessary.
Councilmember Bolkcom stated that the minutes read that parking was available at Totino-
Grace, but it was overflowing there.
Mr. Hickok stated that special use permits should be reviewed on an annual basis by staff and
can be brought back to Council at any point. Staff at Al-Amal know if there is a modification
made, it needs to be brought to the City's attention. Licenses need signatures from the City so if
they increase the number of children, the City would know. Totino-Grace and the Al-Amal
school meet their parking needs by using parking during off demand times for the other facility.
On weekends Totino-Grace is not being used. On weekends, the Al-Amal school is being used
for events in their gymnasium.
Mayor Lund asked if this was the second building the Al-Amal school used for daycare.
Mr. Hickok stated that a faculty member of Al-Amal school owns the house on the west side of
the school and lives in it. There is also a family daycare that fits all the family guidelines.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 12
Mayor Lund asked what is different for this daycare now than before when they were a family
daycare.
Mr. Hickok stated that they met the R-1 district guidelines for a home based daycare. They did
not have anyone living in the structure, so that is a distinction for the special use permit for a
daycare facility. They were doing what they thought was appropriate before and found out they
could not do this without someone living in the home and took it to the standard process.
Mayor Lund stated that the Al-Amal school is concerned about how their neighbors feel and they
are willing to put in expansion for parking. It is very heavily used so why not a turnaround in the
actual driveway so they are not backing out into the street.
Mr. Hickok stated that has never been looked at and is something that could be added. It would
not overburden them, but the only concern is that if it is an L shape and they are 3 deep and 2
across, it might be that cars may get in the way. Al-Amal School is open to what staff feels is
necessary to make it work right.
Mayor Lund stated that if the dropping off becomes a traffic hazard, at what point would the City
learn of it. The residents have repeatedly complained of traffic in the Totino-Grace and Al-Amal
School area.
Mr. Hickok stated that as they review the special use permits on an annual basis, they could
make a determination at that time, and build it into the ne�t street improvement project.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked how one staff inember would be in charge on monitoring this.
The 60-day action plan is up on April 15 and the ne�t meeting is not until Apri122. Mr. Haukaas
is not here to ask about the curb cut and the petitioner is not here to ask about the turnaround or
the curb cut. She asked who was liable if something happens. She asked how stipulations could
be changed if someone was not here to agree.
Mr. Hickok stated that e�tending the 60-day window is one option.
Mayor Lund stated that he has heard repeatedly from residents who have said the daycare center
was in operation over a year ago. It took them a long time to apply for the permit. He is
surprised no one is present.
Councilmember Wolfe stated that since the big issue happened over two years ago, he has not
heard one complaint from anyone about the Islamic Center or traffic. Mr. Hickok convinced him
that the daycare is not going to change the traffic because the people already park behind the
school.
Councilmember Bolkcom stated that there are issues there because there will be discussion about
parking.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 13
Councilmember Wolfe stated that it is regarding Totino-Grace because they are planning to
change their tennis courts into more parking. He stated that he has not received one single
complaint since the issue with the property maintenance and parking.
Councilmember Bolkcom stated that two Planning Commission members had concerns
regarding the traffic in the area.
Mayor Lund stated that it probably will not affect the Al-Amal School if this hearing is
continued since they are already operating the daycare.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked Mr. Knaak if they could use the language they have to e�tend
the permit process.
Mr. Knaak stated that under statute there is power to e�tend the process for an additional period
of time with written notification to the applicant.
MOTION by Mayor Lund to table Special Use Permit, SP #02-03, to ascertain the necessary
information to fully examine and study the request to the e�tent of the review period for the City
Council action an additiona160 days and notify the petitioner in writing of the 60-day e�tension
as soon as possible. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, COUNCILMEMBERS BOLKCOM, MAYOR LUND,
COUNCILMEMBER BARNETTE VOTING AYE, COUNCILMEMBER BILLINGS
AND COUNCILMEMBER WOLFE VOTING NAY, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED 3 TO 2.
12. INFORMAL STATUS REPORTS:
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that another City newsletter was coming out on April 12. A
conference meeting was scheduled for April 15 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Community
Development and Public Works Departments' sections of the Council/Commission survey. He
would suggest it start at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Burns stated that Sue Price resigned from the Parks and Recreation Commission and Carter
Hendricks resigned from the Charter and Human Resources Commission.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if there was a question regarding the street reconstruction
meeting.
Mr. Hickok stated that he received the final Environmental Impact Statement on the Northstar
Corridor. They are starting the 30-day response window that has been reviewed by the Federal
Transit Authority and is ready to be approved. There is one last window to make comment.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if they talked about having a neighborhood meeting on that site
itself.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2002 PAGE 14
Mr. Hickok stated that they are working on times and will have it soon. Staff's suggestions
would be offered for Council review. A public notice would be placed in the newspaper and we
would use our previous mailing list.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked how Mr. Hickok planned on notifying Council members about
the previous issues from the meetings.
Mr. Hickok stated that there is an executive summary document that would be made available to
Council, but Council is welcome to all the documents. The executive summary is about 45 pages
and will provide a summary of comments on the Fridley portion of the document.
Councilmember Bolkcom suggested we invite the State senators and representatives for the
public hearing.
Mr. Hickok stated that the 30-day hearing is May 6.
ADJOURN:
MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember
Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
APRIL 8, 2002, CITY COUNCIL MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:46 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Signe L. Johnson Scott Lund
Recording Secretary Mayor