CCM 06/08/2015
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF FRIDLEY
JUNE 8, 2015
The City Council meeting for the City of Fridley was called to order by Mayor Lund at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Lund
Councilmember Barnette
Councilmember Saefke
Councilmember Varichak
Councilmember Bolkcom
OTHERS PRESENT:
Wally Wysopal, City Manager
Darcy Erickson, City Attorney
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
James Kosluchar, Public Works Director
PRESENTATION:
Presentation by Eagle Scout Nathan Morris on the construction of a new boardwalk at the
Springbrook Nature Center.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
City Council Meeting of May 26, 2015.
APPROVED.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.Receive the Minutes from the Planning Commission Meeting of May 20, 2015.
RECEIVED.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 PAGE 2
2.Special Use Permit Request, SP #15-05, by Advantage Led, for Grace Evangelical free
rd
Church, to Allow an Electronic Message Center Sign, Generally Located at 755 – 73
Avenue N.E.;
and
Resolution Approving Special Use Permit, SP #150-0, for Advantage LED, on Behalf of
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Grace Evangelical Free Church, the Property Owner of 755 – 73 Avenue N.E.
(Ward 1).
APPROVED SPECIAL USE PERMIT, SP #15-05, AND ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO
2015-34.
3.Approve Change Order No. 1 (Final) for Water Treatment Plant No. 3 Filter Drain
Pump Improvement Project 459 (Ward 2)
APPROVED.
4.Claims 168530 – 168701.
APPROVED.
5.Licenses.
APPROVED LICENSES AS SUBMITTED AND AS ON FILE.
6.Estimates.
Municipal Builders, Inc.
17125 Roanoke Street NW
Andover, MN 55304
WTP #3 Filter Drain Pump Project No. 459
Estimate No. 3 (Final)…………………………………………………… $3,836.45
APPROVED.
Suram Construction, Inc.
th
20010 – 75 Avenue N
Corcoran, MN 55340
Main Street Bike/Walk Improvement Project No. ST2011-22
Estimate No. 4 (Final)……………………………………………………. $3,020.12
APPROVED.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 PAGE 3
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if Item No. 2 would not be approved until it is back behind the
right of way.
Scott Hickok
, Community Development Director, said they chose a position that does not need a
variance, and it is better. The new location creates a nicer site line.
Councilmember Saefke
asked if there was the capability to dim the sign if it was really bright.
Mr. Hickok
replied yes. Currently, the City does not have a measuring device to set a standard
for brightness in signs. The sign has to be a certain distance from residential and others to
address that issue. Sometimes new sign owners put a bright background and dark text but you
see the background and not text. The text looks better on a dark background with these types of
signs. As they work with the sign, they will find something that works. Staff has received no
complaints. Nearly every church has an electronic sign.
Roland Peterson,
235 Craig Brook Way, Chair of the Board of Elders, stated that the current
rd
sign is very old, broken and is no longer an asset to anyone. He said 73 Avenue is a busy street,
and a good place for the sign. They will be able to advertise food distribution and other events
happening at the church. The new location of the sign puts it further away from residents and
will be a good asset for the church and the City.
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to approve the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OPEN FORUM:
Pam Reynolds,
1241 Norton Avenue, has an issue with the new website. It looks like it is Civic
Plus, the same as Anoka County, and it is not very user friendly. She will learn how to use it but
the old design was much better to work with and easier to navigate.
Wally Wysopal,
City Manager, replied that it is Civic Plus. The benefits of the new website is
that when using it from a smart phone you can see the entire page. Staff has received positive
calls and emails about this design from people who access it on their smart devices. The old
website did not convert the webpage to the portable devices.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA:
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 PAGE 4
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC HEARING:
7.Consideration of a Proposed Text Amendment, TA #15-02, Amending Chapter 205.33
of the Fridley City Code Pertaining to Transit Oriented Development Overlay District.
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to open the Public Hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:21 P.M.
Scott Hickok
, Community Development Director, stated the purpose of the text amendment is to
incorporate the design criteria of the Northstar TOD Master Plan adopted by City Council on
December 8, 2014, into the City Code--lighting, benches, waste receptacles and bike racks, to
consider changing the electronic sign prohibition, to define “redevelopment” and to change the
Farmers Market reference.
Mr. Hickok
stated the current TOD Overlay Code prohibits electronic, changeable signs. The
Holiday Station Store and CVS Pharmacy obtained their signs before the creation of the TOD
Zoning District. The SA gas station on 57th Avenue wants an electronic gas price sign.
Typically, electronic signs are prohibited in TOD Areas, so Fridley followed that standard.
However, Fridley has many high speed roadways in the TOD area, where you typically see
electronic, changeable message signs.
Mr. Hickok
stated staff still finds that electronic wall signs are not pedestrian friendly, but
recognizes that free-standing signs are designed to be viewed by vehicle traffic from greater
distances. The purpose is to have a uniform look and pedestrian scale design. The text
amendment will incorporate the designs already approved into code.
Mr. Hickok
noted the Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 20, 2015. No one
from the public appeared at the hearing. The Commission approved the proposed amendment
language unanimously. The City Council must also hold a public hearing on text amendments.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if the lights were approved.
Mr. Hickok
replied yes. There was no motion made to take them out of the TOD standard.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if those were the lights that had to be used.
Mr. Hickok
replied they are looking for uniformity. The issue could be addressed and be
brought back for a new standard if needed. The light is downcast and shielded, plus it meets the
code requirement.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 PAGE 5
Pam Reynolds,
1241 Norton, asked about the benches and if the cutout of the grass was safe for
small children.
Councilmember Bolkcom
replied the children would not get hurt and it is a nice bench.
Ms. Reynolds
asked if the developer paid for the lights.
Mr. Hickok
replied yes.
Ms. Reynolds
asked on the first page of ordinance in Item No. 4, where it talks about when the
site is ready for redevelopment, is that was the same as someone tearing down a garage at an
apartment complex and putting something that is better in place.
Mayor Lund
replied her example would be considered a replacement of a deteriorated building
structure. This ordinance reads only for the TOD.
Mr. Hickok
added in her example, the principle structure is remaining and the accessory
structure is being removed; that is not redevelopment. Redevelopment is removing the entire
structure and starting over.
Ms. Reynolds
asked if Triland was a redevelopment.
Mr. Hickok
replied that was a PUD; so it is a different classification.
Ms. Reynolds
said that on 205.33.10(1) Landscaping, B, Item 3, there is a word or something
missing.
Mr. Hickok
will make a note of the ordinance and bring to Council.
Ms. Reynolds
asked on Item C, Water, what are green walls and filter strips.
Mr. Hickok
replied there are a number of advances in stormwater management. A green wall is
the framework to allow plants to grow and take the storm water into the wall and structure.
Filter strips are horizontal and slow down the water to help the water filter into the soil.
Ms. Reynolds
asked where the list of best management practices was listed in the street lighting
section.
Mr. Hickok
replied the best management practices go back to the standards to any new building
or lighting and have best management practices in the engineering and that will be pointed out in
the first reading.
Mayor Lund
asked if the changes Ms. Reynolds was referring to were changes or in the existing
ordinance.
Ms. Reynolds
replied that they are underlined as changes.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 PAGE 6
Councilmember Bolkcom
noted that Council did not have the entire ordinance; only the
changes.
Attorney Erickson
recommended keeping the public hearing open and proceeding to the first
reading.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to continue the Public Hearing. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED TO JUNE 22, 2015.
NEW BUSINESS:
8.Resolution Considering a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, CP #15-01, to Update the
Economic Redevelopment and Transportation Chapters of the Fridley 2030
Comprehensive Plan
Scott Hickok
, Community Development Director, stated the text changes are extensive due to
the numerous changes within the building of the Northstar Train Station and many new projects
in the TOD Zoning District. Recognition of the Northstar TOD Plan is critical for future City
Planning. Recognition of the Active Transportation Plan is essential for future trails/sidewalk
expansion.
Mr. Hickok
noted the Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 20, 2015 and no one
from the public appeared to testify. Staff will await feedback from surrounding jurisdictions (due
by July 18) before submitting the amendment to the Metropolitan Council. Once the Met
Council approves the amendment, it will come back to the City Council for final consideration.
Staff recommends forwarding Comprehensive Plan Amendment, CP #15-01, to the Metropolitan
Council.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if Council could see the neighboring communities’ comments
before it goes to the Met Council.
Mr. Hickok
replied that staff could create a document with comments if needed
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked how staff chose what to change and what not to change.
Mr. Hickok
replied they only added what is new to the Comprehensive Plan. They do not want
to change the entire plan.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what a road diet was.
Mr. Hickok
replied that a road diet reduces the roadway, making it narrower and more defined.
Councilmember Saefke
asked why St. William’s Park and Ride was crossed out.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 PAGE 7
Mr. Hickok
will check on it and get back to Council. Maybe that Park and Ride is not going to
continue.
Mayor Lund
replied if that is correct, the map needs to be changed as well.
Pam Reynolds
, 1241 Norton Avenue, asked why it was so important to go through this process
change if the Comprehensive Plan will be rewritten next year.
Mayor Lund
replied that the Comprehensive Plan rewrite starts next year. It will take about
three years to rewrite the entire plan.
Mr. Hickok
added the law reads to make amendments to update the Comprehensive Plan.
Mayor Lund
asked what was driving this item.
Mr. Hickok
replied the requirements of the Metropolitan Council.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 2015-35. Seconded by
Councilmember Barnette.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9.Motion to Receive the Fridley Columbia Arena Corridor Development Initiative
Summary Report and Final Recommendations.
Gretchen Nichols
, LISC, said she is honored to be part of this process which creates a better
understanding and looks at what is possible before a developer shows up with a proposal. It also
creates working relationships with stakeholders which lead towards efficient production. This
process engages a wide range of experts and there was a lot of community outreach and
communication.
Ms. Nichols
stated that the process involved four workshops and topics which were to gather
information, participate in a block exercise, have a developer panel, and frame the
recommendations. There are a lot of positive things about the site, and it is in a remarkable
location. Development ideas included creating a mix of uses like housing options, environmental
improvements and options for different age groups. Some concerns were not to start something
that cannot be finished, and to also include public amenities.
BarbaraRay,
Center for Policy and Performance, noted that most people have an emotional
connection to the arena. They would like to preserve some things but change will still happen.
They discussed what is important to preserve and what the opportunities are. People can get
excited about change if it is done well and people have advance notice of what is coming.
Ms. Nichols
noted that the Columbia Arena is an iconic symbol in the community. It took time
for people to accept that the building is not salvageable. A block exercise was done and people
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 PAGE 8
interacted to build different development scenarios. The areas used included the Columbia site,
the Columbia site plus the park and the Columbia site, the park and the Public Works site. All
three areas have various scales and potential and it can be difficult to calculate how much private
industry is needed to recoup the public investment.
Ms. Ray
noted there is a strong interest for public investment on this site which would increase
taxes so the conversation ended with a mix use.
Ms. Nichols
stated the third workshop was the developer panel which came up with a wide range
of ideas. There is a challenge to get the right balance, but it was agreed that a mix of housing,
small office and commercial would be best. Natural amenities were a strong interest for
residential uses. The last workshop is where the draft goals were developed. The challenge is to
determine what the right scale would be. Different options were discussed but there was a strong
support for Options B and C, with the majority for Option B.
Ms. Nichols
outlined the three goals:
1. To preserve and enhance the amenities of the area through greater connectivity.
2. To create an area that is unique and special that serves to provide new elements that
are not currently available in the community.
3. To make public use work, advance a public/private partnership that benefits the
community, which might include:
• Residential Development
• Small lot or townhome options
• Consider non-traditional types of housing such as senior coops
• A mix of mid-density housing options
• Space Dedicated for special uses such as farmer's markets, outdoor theater, or
music
• To serve as a buffer between the industrial area to the north and the rest of the
site, reconfigure the public works facilities and potentially relocate the City Hall
and other City services (Police and Fire).
• A multi-generational community center which could include rental spaces (this
is an option only if Scenario C expands the use of land for redevelopment,
although there is disagreement).
Ms. Ray
added they want to attract people to Fridley and it was a generational conversation.
There is interest in mass transit and different types of housing and to bring in something new that
people need which is not currently being addressed.
Ms. Nichols
continued that these recommendations can be used as marketing materials for new
developers and will help show a developer what the community is trying to create in this
location.
Ms. Ray
stated that a small percent of people filled out the evaluation forms. There was strong
support for the project and everyone’s voice was heard through this process.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 PAGE 9
Ms. Nichols
stated this was the highest participation they have ever experienced.
Mayor Lund
noted that there was a dynamic change to every meeting; including people
adamant this is owned by the City and they wanted to leave the entire area as public area. This
requires public and private partnership because of the cost and not to overburden the taxpayers.
It is a great opportunity and we want to get it right.
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to receive the Fridley Columbia Arena Corridor
Development Initiative Summary Report and Final Recommendations. Seconded by
Councilmember Varichak.
Mr. Hickok
stated that after the document is received by Council it will be on the website for
everyone to see and read.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10.Informal Status Reports.
Mayor Lund
announced ‘49er Days will be held at the end of June. It will start with the parade
on June 25, at 6:30 p.m. Check out the website to see the entire schedule. Most events will be
held at Commons Park
Wally Wysopal
, City Manager, shared the following:
Safety Camp sign-up is being held for 3rd or 4th graders in the upcoming school year.
Call Liz at 763-572-3626.
The National Trails Day celebration at Islands of Peace Park, last Saturday, June 6, was a
success.
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 8:31
P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krista Peterson Scott J. Lund
Recording Secretary Mayor