CCM 09/24/2012
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF FRIDLEY
SEPTEMBER 24, 2012
The City Council meeting for the City of Fridley was called to order by Mayor Lund at 7:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Lund
Councilmember-at-Large Barnette
Councilmember Saefke
Councilmember Varichak
Councilmember Bolkcom
OTHERS PRESENT:
William Burns, City Manager
Darcy Erickson, City Attorney
Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director
Scott Hickok Community Development Director
Darin Nelson, Finance Director
Kay Qualley, Planning Intern
Julie Jones, Planning Coordinator
PROCLAMATIONS:
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October, 2012
Fire Prevention Week: October 7-13, 2012
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
City Council Meeting of September 10, 2012
Councilmember Saefke
asked on Page 9, if the second sentence in Paragraph 8 could read: “He
knows they talked about this issue on prior proposed developments there.” On Page 10, he asked
if the second paragraph could begin with: “Councilmember Saefke asked if we…”
APPROVED AS AMENDED.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the City Code of the City of Fridley,
Minnesota, by Making a Change in Zoning Districts (Rezoning Request, ZOA #12-01,
by MDW Equity, LLC).
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 2
William Burns,
City Manager, stated this is the first reading of the ordinance providing for the
rezoning of the CITGO property. The owners, MDW Equity, LLC, have asked that the property
be rezoned from C-3 to C-2. Since current lot size and setback regulations in the C-3 section of
our code prevent the construction of a new building on this lot, and since C-2 requirements do
allow the construction of a new building in this location, staff recommends Council’s approval.
WAIVE THE READING OF THE ORDINANCE AND ADOPTED THE ORDINANCE
ON FIRST READING.
2.Resolution Directing Preparation of the Assessment Roll for the 2012 Nuisance
Abatement.
William Burns,
City Manager, stated the list includes forty properties owing a total of $31,698.
Staff recommends Council’s approval.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2012-66.
3.Resolution Directing Publication of Hearing on the Proposed Assessment Role for the
2012 Nuisance Abatement
William Burns,
City Manager, stated that the public hearing is scheduled for October 22. Staff
recommends Council’s approval.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2012-67.
4.Motion to Receive and Reject Bids for the Fridley Municipal Center AV Systems
Project
William Burns,
City Manager, stated the bids for replacement of audio and video systems in the
Council Chambers were opened on September 6. Only one of the three bids was complete;
however, the amount was higher than staff’s estimate. Staff is therefore recommending Council
reject all bids. As an alternative to re-bidding, staff is investigating the purchase and installation
of this equipment through a national purchasing cooperative known as the National Joint Powers
Alliance.
RECEIVED AND REJECTED BIDS FOR THE FRIDLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER AV
SYSTEMS PROJECT.
5.Claims (156642 – 156789).
APPROVED.
6.Licenses:
APPROVED THE LICENSES AS SUBMITTED AND AS ON FILE.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 3
7.Estimates:
Midwest Asphalt Corporation
5929 Baker Road Suite 420
Hopkins, MN 55345
2012 Street Rehabilitation
Project No. ST2012-01
Estimate No. 3……………………………………$203,142.06
Penn Contracting, Inc.
13025 Central Avenue Suite 200
Blaine, MN 55434
rd
53 Avenue Sanitary Sewer Repair
Project No. 420
FINAL ESTIMATE…………………………………$2,411.25
Penn Contracting, Inc.
13025 Central Avenue Suite 200
Blaine, MN 55434
2012 Miscellaneous Concrete Repair
Project No. 417
Estimate No. 3……………………………………...$19,533.28
APPROVED.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked on Item No. 4 what the next step would be for bidding out the
AV Systems Project.
William Burns,
City Manager, said the project will go out for bid again and staff will alter the
specifications for contractors.
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to approve the Consent Agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 4
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA:
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the Agenda with revised numbering. Item No.
12 becomes Item No. 8 and original Item Nos. 8 through 11 to follow in order. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OPEN FORUM VISITORS:
No one from the audience spoke.
NEW BUSINESS:
8.Approve Change Order No. 1 for 2012 Water Main Project No. 404 and Jackson Street
Improvement Project No. 413.
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director, stated this project contract is with GM Contracting in
the amount of $496,699.01. While GM Contracting provided the low responsive bid for the
combined projects, staff recognized that unit pricing was high for certain items and low for
certain items. Staff requested GM clarify its pricing, as it has an impact on utility funding and
application of special assessments.
Mr. Kosluchar
said GM Contracting provided adjustments to unit prices that are reflected in the
revised schedule of unit prices. This reflects actual costs of the storm sewer and water items and
allows the residences to be assessed accurately. Staff recommends Council move to approve
Change Order No. 1 to GM Contracting in the amount of $0.00. The amount of the total contract
remains unchanged. This change order will revise the unit pricing in accordance with the
attached schedule.
Councilmember Bolkcom
noted that the prices on page 45 changed and these were the revised
prices.
Mr. Kosluchar
said this price is based on estimates and the total project cost has not changed.
Gwen Nawrocki
stated she lives on Jackson Street and they love the improvements. They did
note that the quality of the grass seed that was used was not very good and a lot of quack grass
grew.
Mayor Lund
said this has been a problem all over the City because of the extreme heat and
drought.
Mr. Kosluchar
said CenterPoint has made efforts to correct the poor timing on the seeding but
this was the first he heard of an issue on Jackson Street. He will follow up on this area.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 5
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to approve Change Order No. 1 for the 2012 Water Main
Project No. 404 and Jackson Street Improvement Project No. 413. Seconded by Councilmember
Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC HEARING:
9.Consider the Proposed Assessment for Jackson Street Storm Sewer Project No. 413
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Barnette.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED
AT 8:05 P.M.
Darin Nelson
, Finance Director, stated this project came to about by a petition request from a
majority of the residents along the 7300 and 7400 blocks of Jackson Street. The assessment
pertains to the installation of a storm sewer pipe on each side of Jackson Street and the
connection of private sump pump service lines. The assessed portion of this project is
approximately $58,000.
Mr. Nelson
stated all property owners are contributing 50% of the storm sewer pipe and
installation costs. The City’s portion of the costs will be funded through the available Storm
Sewer CIP budget. Property owners were allowed to connect their existing sump discharge pipe
or extend a service line to their property, with the associated costs being equally shared by the
property owner and the City. Property owners were responsible for the costs of running the
service line to their house and any connections required. Property owners were presented with
the service line costs and had the option to select construction based on the contracted rate, or
obtain their own contractor for their portion of the work.
Mr. Nelson
stated the base assessment per property is $1,320 and the total number of properties
subject to this assessment is 22, with a total assessed cost of $31,800. Each property is proposed
to have an assessment in the range of $1,320 to $1,560, depending on what services were
performed by the City’s contractor. The assessment payback period is 10 years, and payments
are subject to a 5.25 percent interest rate. Property owners have until the close of business on
November 21 to pay all or a portion of the assessment interest free.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 6
Mr. Nelson
stated a deferral option for retired or disabled property owners is available for
homestead properties. Qualifying factors include:
Owner is at least 65 years old; or,
Owner is retired by virtue of permanent or total disability, and it would be a
hardship to make payment.
Application for deferral must be made within the first thirty days after the final
assessment rolls are approved by Council.
Following income guidelines are met: Special assessment exceeds 1% of AGI, or
household income is below the Very Low Income threshold as defined by CDBG.
Staff recommends the public hearing be opened for public comment.
Councilmember Saefke
asked if the assessment amounts were what staff told people they
would be. In other words, there will be no surprises to the homeowner.
Mr. Nelson
answered there is about a $5.00 difference, so the difference is not significant.
CouncilmemberBolkcom
asked if staff heard from any other homeowners about this
notification.
Mr. Nelson
answered no.
Jim Kosluchar
, Public Works Director, answered no.
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to close the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED
AT 8:09 P.M.
10.Resolution Adopting Assessment for the 2012 Jackson Street Storm Sewer
Improvement Project No. 413
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to adopt Resolution No. 2012-68. Seconded by
Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 7
11.Motion to Receive the Fridley Pedestrian and Bicycling Transportation Study and
Direct Staff to Proceed with the Creation of an Active Living Plan.
Kay Qualley
, Planning Intern, stated that Fridley has shown a steady increase in non-automobile
transportation. More Fridley (and other Twin Cities residents) are walking and biking to work,
school, shopping and parks. Increased use of city roads and walks by multiple modes of
transportation means safety issues will become more complex. Higher gas prices and a sluggish
economy are also factors.
Ms. Qualley
said Fridley has retained the same percentage of school age youths, so routes to
schools are still an area of emphasis. Along with Anoka County, the Fridley’s population is
aging and they may be health and mobility issues, but unlike Anoka County, the percentage of
households with children remained constant.
Ms. Qualley
stated the new State of Minnesota Department of Public Health guidelines advocate
increasing active living choices like biking and walking by incorporating them into daily
activities such as work, errands, and recreation. Most short trips by autos are taken within a ½
mile radius of home. The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grant allocated
Fridley funds in 2009. Fridley received and accepted a smaller grant ($18,000) for 2012-2013.
The SHIP GRANT from 2009-June 2011 was used to complete two action steps from the 2030
Comprehensive Plan. SRF (engineering research firm) consultants concentrated on two
thst
intersections selected from the Comprehensive Plan--University at 57 and at 61, based on
where Fridley might have a walkable city center or central business and commercial hub in the
future.
Ms. Qualley
stated the East River Road Corridor Study created biking action steps for the future
and an active living plan including walking action steps or policy statements and enforcing
crosswalk regulations. This would allow for ticketing of drivers who do not stop for pedestrians
in crosswalks and educate pedestrians about crossing against the light.
Ms. Qualley
stated it would be good to work with the Fridley school system and Anoka County
to implement Safe Routes to School education. Walkers want to be separated from fast-moving
bicyclists. Also, we could improve maintenance of walks by enforcing the city code requiring
adjacent property owners to shovel sidewalks and maintain bus stops. We could implement
short-term SRF suggestions for safety of pedestrian crossings at key intersections within a 1/2
mile of schools and shopping districts, and collaborate with county and state agencies.
Ms. Qualley
stated that Fridley should take advantage of existing programs like Safe Routes to
School. Progress was made as we transition into a more walkable and bikeable community, but
we have a long way to go to safely co-exist on city roads and walks. Future steps include
transition infrastructure to handle increased multi-modal uses (funding) and a pedestrian bridge
over I-694 on Main Street. We also need to educate pedestrians, bikers and drivers about safely
co-existing.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 8
Ms. Qualley
stated the next steps after the 2010-2012 City of Fridley Pedestrian and Bicycling
Transportation Study are for Council to make a motion to receive the study. This will allow an
opportunity for feedback and for including new data into future projects. A new smaller SHIP
grant is underway and will conclude in June of 2013. It will create an Active Living Plan for
Fridley, and adopt it into the City Zoning Code to guide where non-motorized transportation
amenities should be added by developers in future construction projects outside TOD.
MayorLund
thought it would be a good idea to incorporate a living plan into non-TOD areas
but it could be costly to an area other than the TOD.
Ms. Qualley
noted the ACCAP project incorporated bike racks into their development plan.
Julie Jones,
Planning Coordinator, stated currently the City does have some regulations in
zoning codes that suggest installation of bike racks, and some section of codes do require
sidewalks. The next step may be to make recommendations to make changes in the City Code,
and instead of suggesting bike racks, for example, it will be a requirement to accommodate those
who ride bikes. There are places where the City can make changes to improve the City Code.
MayorLund
agreed that businesses should partner and see that it is a good thing for a business
to make accessibility for other ways of transportation than just by car.
Councilmember Saefke
noted that Pages 103 and 104 of the pedestrian study are missing.
Ms. Qualley
answered that will be repaired prior to Council approving the final version.
Councilmember Bolkcom
also noted that there are a lot of typos; especially on Page 10.
Ms. Qualley
said in the final version she will spell out the descriptions in more detail and correct
the typos.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what commitment there would be if this is approved tonight as
it involves a lot of money. She suggested having a conference meeting to discuss this in further
detail before it is approved. She asked what the next process would be and who would maintain
all of this. It is a great plan if it could all happen, but she was concerned where the money was
going to come from.
Ms. Jones
noted that this is not a plan but a study. This is the ground work to start to put
together a plan. Staff has a lot to gather before they will be ready to put together a plan. Tonight
staff is asking Council to accept this as data and asking for approval to go forward with a plan.
Staff wanted a work session with Council prior to this meeting but the timing did not work out.
Councilmember Bolkcom
thought it made sense to accept the study tonight but before a plan is
on the agenda she would like a work session to discuss the study in more detail.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 9
Councilmember Bolkcom
stated people are asking for benches at bus stops, for example, and if
there are not a certain amount of people who use the bus, we do not get a bench. Then picking
up trash around the bus stop or shelter is also an issue. We need to work with Met Council. She
questioned Page 28 where it talks about a bike rack at Banfill-Locke. She does not think it is
there yet. Also, the 73 bike thefts are mainly in homes where garage doors were left open or
bikes were left in the front driveway. She did not know if those thefts were related to bike racks.
Also on Page 36, she asked if it was in the City Code that property owners were to maintain a
bus stop.
Ms. Jones
answered that property owners in a TOD district are supposed to maintain bus stops;
and it is a suggestion in the future to make that part of the City Code.
st
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked on Page 62 if the University and 61 improvements were done.
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director, answered no.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked on Page 36 what a central line was.
Ms. Jones
said that it would be a central bus rapid transit line; this does not exist yet, but is
proposed.
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to receive the Fridley Pedestrian and Bicycling
Transportation Study and Direct Staff to proceed with the creation of an Active Living Plan.
Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councilmember Saefke
asked if this would this be on the website or in the library for people to
read.
Ms. Qualley
replied yes, staff will edit and make it available for others to read at those locations.
12.Approve Change Order No. 1 for 2012 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST2012-1
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director, requested the change order for $16,269.00 or 1.6% of
the contract amount. Additional Storm Sewer work is needed and the contract completion date
will be revised. Additional work is to replace a 15” concrete pipe across 66th Avenue for
$11,913.00 and additional work to upgrade the undersized storm sewer piping across 67th
Avenue for $4,356.00. The completion date will also be extended to October 6, 2012.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated staff held off the contractor start date to review whether an alternative for
water main replacement that would have saved significant project dollars was feasible;
unfortunately, it was not. Staff recommends Council move to approve Change Order No. 1 to
Midwest Asphalt Corporation in the amount of $16,269.00. This change order will revise the
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 10
completion date of the project to October 6, 2012. The additional costs will be paid using Storm
Water Utility funds, and will have no bearing on special assessments.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if October 6 is doable.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied yes; the weather has been good.
William Burns
, City Manager, asked there would be any other change orders.
Mr. Kosluchar
presumed there would be other change orders. He said he was not aware of
anything significant, but there are usually adjustments. The water main break is the only thing
he could think of.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what is “significant.”
Mr. Kosluchar
replied $10,000.
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to approve Change Order No. 1 for the 2012 Street
Rehabilitation Project No. ST2012-1. Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
13.Informal Status Report
Scott Hickok,
Community Development Director, reminded the viewing audience of the
Recycling Drop-off Event scheduled for October 13 from 9-1. The price list for items is on the
website but many items are free. This is a great opportunity to get rid of outdated electronics.
William Burns,
City Manager, said the October news letter will be sent out shortly.
Councilmember Bolkcom
announced that Pumpkin Night in the Park is looking for volunteers.
MayorLund
said he is participating in the fourth annual Roof Raiser for the Lee Carlson
Center. If he raises enough funds, he will not have to camp overnight on the roof at Bob’s
Produce. The event is on October 12 around 4:00 p.m. Those interested in donating to the Lee
Carlson Center may do so on the website or can contact him directly.
Councilmember Varichak
said she attended the street project open house last Tuesday and
about 77 people attended. She thanked everyone for coming and hoped their questions were
answered. People should make sure they fill out the survey and call Jim or Layne if they have
any questions or concerns. The information is posted on the website.
MayorLund
said he attended the Landmark open house. It is a very nice place.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 PAGE 11
ADJOURN:
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:15
P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krista Monsrud Scott J. Lund
Recording Secretary Mayor