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CP02-01 DENIED t � City of Fridley Land Use Application CP#02-01, PS#02-03, ZOA#02-01 September 4, 2002 GENERAL INFORMATION SPECIAL INFORMATION Applicant: 9/23/02 /9/30/02 Brandes Place Ltd. Partnership Public Utilities: 61-205 th Street NE Water and sewer are available at/near the site. Fridley, MN 55432 Physical Characteristics: Requested Actions: Relatively flat, typical suburban landscaping. Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change SUMMARY OF PROJECT Future Land Use Map designation from Petitioner is requesting to amend the City's Public/Semi-Public to Housing. Future Land Use Plan, designating this site for Rezoning of Property from R-2 & C-3 to R-3. housing, allowing a Rezoning of the property to Plat of property into 2 lots. R-3 Multi-family. The Plat is being requested Purpose: to create a new parcel for the construction of 16 To create lots with the proper zoning to allow townhome style multi-family units. the construction of 16 units of multi-family SUMMARY OF ANALYSIS housing. City Staff recommends approval of the Existing Zoning: Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Commercial C-3 &Residential—R-2 -Comp. Plan does encourage a mix of housing. Location: City Staff recommends approval of the Rezoning 61205 1h Street NE Request. Size: -Proposed rezoning is an extension of existing Total Area: 306,868 square feet 7.05 acres R-3 zoning district. Lot 1: 51,315 square feet 1.18 acres City Staff recommends approval of the Plat. Lot 2: 255,553 square feet 5.87 acres -Lots meet or exceed all zoning requirements. Existing Land Use: Church of St. William Surrounding Land Use & Zoning: N:Moon Plaza, C-3 ; Norwood Sq., R-3 E: Single Family Homes, R-1 S: Single Family Homes, R-1 W: University Ave, gas station, C-3 Comprehensive Plan Conformance: Site currently designated as Public/ Semi- Public on Future Land Use Map. Zoning Ordinance Conformance: Proposed lots meet or exceed all zoning requirements. Zoning History: View of Site From South Land has been home to St. William since 1964 Existing Legal Description of Property: Staff Report Prepared by: Paul Bolin Refer to attached Plat. Council Action/ 60 Day Date: CP#02-01, ZOA#02-01, PS#02-03 OVERVIEW The requests: Brandes Place Limited Partnership is requesting three separate land use actions from the City of Fridley in order to construct 16 townhome style multi-family units at 6160 5th Street. The three actions being requested are a Plat, Comprehensive Plan amendment, and a Rezoning. All three items will be examined individually in this report. The Plat is being requested to create a new parcel for the construction of 16 townhome style multi-family units on the parcel. The Comprehensive Plan amendment is to change the City's Future Land Use Map, designating the property at 6160 5th Street for future use as multi-family housing, thus allowing a Rezoning of that property and the remaining St. William property to R-3 Multi-family. Proposed Project: Brandes Place is a proposed townhome development for working families. The 16 units proposed will be comprised of 9 two-bedroom units and 7 three-bedroom units. The townhomes have been designed to fit into the neighborhood. The architect, Peter Kramer, took advantage of the grade differences on site to design a townhome project that will mimic the height and size of the homes across 5th Street. Landscaping and parking in the rear of the building will also add to the "curb appeal" of these units. The Brandes Place development has been a cooperative effort between the Church of St. William, Catholic Charities, and the Community Housing Development Corporation. The Church of St. William donated a portion of their property to Catholic Charities, in 2000, for the purpose of developing housing. Catholic Charities has partnered with Community Housing Development Corporation, the state's largest provider of affordable multi-family housing, to form the Brandes Place Limited Partnership to be eligible for tax credits and other financing tools. The Brandes Place LP has already obtained financing commitments from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA), Anoka County HOME funds, Wells Fargo Bank, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. a a x: rx � air uhYt,t.ao 1" , Proposed Lot 1 ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS Plat Request #02-03 Brandes Place LP is seeking a Plat to divide the current St. William property into two separate parcels. The Plat will create the lot descriptions necessary for transferring the property from St. William to Brandes Place LP. The creation of the second parcel will allow the lot area needed to construct the proposed townhome units. The proposed lots both exceed all zoning code requirements in regards to lot size and lot width. The proposed Lot 1 (Brandes Place) is 1.17 acres and the proposed Lot 2 (remaining St. William campus) is 5.8 acres in size. Further, the proposed Plat will not create any non-conformities for the existing Church of St. William campus. Currently, portions of 5th Street, 61 st Avenue, and the East Frontage Road are owned by the Church of St. William and are available for roadway use through a series of street and utility easements. Through this Plat process, the Church of St. William will dedicate these portions of roadway to the City. City Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat for PS#02-03, with stipulations found at end of this report. Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA#02-01 In 1998, the City of Fridley began updating the City's Comprehensive Plan. The City's Comprehensive Plan describes itself as a "tool intended to guide future growth and development of the community. It is comprehensive in that it ties together the various a elements that make up 'the city' including land use, housing, transportation, environment, public facilities and parks and recreation. It is intended to be both a physical and social plan, covering such topics as the locations and character of commercial or residential development (land use) to the affordability of housing (life- cycle housing) and the diversity of jobs". The Comprehensive Plan sets the overall vision for the City's future. The future land use plan and map, a vital piece of the Comprehensive Plan, visually displays the desired land use pattern for the year 2020. The St. William / Brandes Place property is designated as Public / Semi-Public on the future land use map. The Public/ Semi- Public designation is placed on nearly all institutional type uses within the City, including: churches; schools; Unity Hospital; and City buildings. Brandes Place LP is seeking to amend the future land use map of the Comprehensive Plan, designating the new Brandes Place parcel (proposed Lot 1) as Multi-Family Residential in the year 2020. The City's Zoning Ordinance is the mechanism that helps the City achieve the vision laid out in the Comprehensive Plan. State Statutes, the State Constitution, the US Constitution, and relevant case law give the City the authority to "zone" property and place use restrictions on a property, so long as the zoning is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. Prior to the Brandes Place parcel being rezoned from a mix of C- 3 and R-2 to R-3, the future land use designation on the site must be changed to Multi- Family Residential in order for the rezoning to be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. In short, the Comprehensive Plan is the basis for all rezonings. As the petitioner has stated in their application for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (attached), the proposed project meets many of the goals spelled out in the Plan. The design and location of the development will help provide for a positive community image and will provide for "the development of affordable housing for all age groups". Due to the fact that the proposed project helps the City further a number of goals from the Comprehensive Plan, staff recommends approval of this request. City Staff recommends approval of Comprehensive Plan Amendment#02-01, with stipulations found at end of this report. Rezoning Request ZOA #02-01 The St. William Campus and the proposed Brandes Place lot are currently a mix of R-2 (Two Family) and C-3 (General Shopping Center) zoning districts. Brandes Place LP and the Church of St. William are seeking to rezone both of the proposed parcels to R-3 (Multi-Family). The R-3 designation is necessary for the Brandes Place development and is not an uncommon zoning designation for church property in Fridley. As stated earlier in this report, the City's Zoning Ordinance and official Zoning Map are the mechanisms that help the City achieve the vision laid out in the Comprehensive Plan. The law gives the City the authority to "rezone" property from one designated use to another, so long as the zoning is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. The success of the zoning request is dependent upon the success of the Comprehensive Plan amendment. The petitioner has stated that this site is desirable for the development due to the proximity to jobs, parks, and transportation option. The size of the site allows a "positive mixture of housing with open green space will be created with this development". The rezoning request meets the standard "litmus test" that City Planners use to determine if a rezoning should be granted. The granting of this request will not result in "spot zoning". Furthermore, the granting of this request would be an expansion of the existing R-3 zoning just to the North of this property (Norwood Square). There is very little developable land in Fridley. Developable multi-family sites are non-existent. This site is unique, in that it borders existing R-3 property and presents an opportunity to expand housing options in Fridley. City Staff recommends approval of Rezoning Request ZOA #02-01, with stipulations found at end of this report. STIPULATIONS Staff recommends the following stipulations be attached to the approval of all land use requests, above. 1). Petitioner to dedicate street ROW as indicated on Preliminary Plat drawing. 2). Petitioner to obtain all necessary permits prior to construction. 3). Petitioner shall identify ponding area and provide easements for stormwater run-off and management. 4). Storm pond maintenance agreement must be filed prior to issuance of building permits. 5). Petitioner shall obtain any required NPDES Permit and NURP ponding for entire site. 6). City Engineering staff to review and approve grading and drainage plan prior to issuance of building permits. 7). Code required refuse and recycling enclosures must be installed. 8). Landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by City Staff prior to issuance of building permit. 9) Petitioner to pay any required Park Dedication Fees. 10) Provide proof that any existing wells or individual sewage treatment systems located on the site are properly capped or removed. 11). Property owner of record at time of building permit application, to pay required park fees prior to issuance of building permits. 12). Property owner of record at time of building permit application, to pay all water and sewer connection fees prior to issuance of a building permit. Comment[RCI]:This is the I• CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM good letterhead for memos for the 10/25 MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, agenda. ng this fo their agenChar da items. about using this for their agenda items. If they don't or they forget,don't worry. CITY OF2002 It's not absolutely necessary for their FRIDLEY agenda items to be on this. Date: September 16,2002 To: William Burns, City Manager From: Scott Hickok, Community Development Director Paul Bolin, Planning Coordinator Subject: Public Hearing For Comprehensive Plan Amendment, CPA#02-01, Brandes Place, LP M-02-108 INTRODUCTION Brandes Place LP is seeking to amend the future land use map of the Comprehensive Plan, designating the new Brandes Place parcel (proposed Lot 1)as Multi-Family Residential in the year 2020. The Comprehensive Plan sets the overall vision for the City's future. The future land use plan and map, a vital piece of the Comprehensive Plan, visually displays the desired land use pattern for the year 2020. The St. William/ Brandes Place property is designated as Public/Semi-Public on the future land use map. The Public/Semi-Public designation is placed on nearly all institutional type uses within the City, including: churches; schools; Unity Hospital; and City buildings. Prior to the Brandes Place parcel being rezoned from a mix of C-3 and R-2 to R-3, the future land use designation on the site must be changed to Multi-Family Residential in order for the rezoning to be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. In short, the Comprehensive Plan Amendment is needed to provide the basis for all the proposed rezoning. Changes to the Future Land Use map will aid the City in meeting other goals spelled out in the Plan. The design and location of the development will help provide for a positive community image and will provide for"the development of affordable housing for all age groups". PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION At the September 4, 2002, Planning Commission meeting, a public hearing was held for CPA#02-01. A number of residents, both for and against the Brandes Place building spoke. After discussion by the Planning Commission, a motion was made for the approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, with the stipulations as presented. THE MOTION TO APPROVE FAILED ON A 3-3 TIE VOTE. PLANNING STAFF RECOMMNEDATION City Staff recommends approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, as the changes to the Future Land Use map will aid the City in meeting other goals spelled out in the Plan. The design and location of the development will help provide for a positive community image and will provide for"the development of affordable housing for all age groups". Due to the fact that the proposed project helps the City further a number of goals from the Comprehensive Plan, staff recommends approval of this request. STIPULATIONS 1). Petitioner to dedicate street ROW as indicated on Preliminary Plat drawing. 2). Petitioner to obtain all necessary permits prior to construction. 3). Petitioner shall identify ponding area and provide easements for stormwater run-off and management. 4). Storm pond maintenance agreement must be filed prior to issuance of building permits. 5). Petitioner shall obtain any required NPDES Permit and NURP ponding for entire site. 6). City Engineering staff to review and approve grading and drainage plan prior to issuance of building permits. 7). Code required refuse and recycling enclosures must be installed. 8). Landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by City Staff prior to issuance of building permit. 9) Petitioner to pay any required Park Dedication Fees. 10) Provide proof that any existing wells or individual sewage treatment systems located on the site are properly capped or removed. 11). Property owner of record at time of building permit application, to pay required park fees prior to issuance of building permits. 12). Property owner of record at time of building permit application, to pay all water and sewer connection fees prior to issuance of a building permit. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 5 Ron Kassa Construction 6005 -250' St. East Elko, MN 55020 2002 Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Project No. 344 Estimate No. 5 $9,235.09 ADOPTION OF AGENDA: MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. OPEN FORUM, VISITORS: No visitors in the audience spoke. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that the train whistle meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, 2002, will be rescheduled to a later date. Mayor Lund stated thanked all the sponsors and participants in the 9/11 tribute in Fridley. He said he thought it was very successful. PUBLIC HEARING: 13. CONSIDERATION OF A PLAT REQUEST, PS #02-03, BY BRANDES PLACE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, TO REPLAT PROPERTY INTO TWO LOTS, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 6160 FIFTH STREET N.E. (WARD 1). 14. CONSIDERATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT, CPA #02-01, BY BRANDES PLACE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, TO CHANGE A PORTION OF THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN IN ORDER TO ALLOW HIGHER DENSITY ON THE PROPERTY, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 6160 FIFTH STREET N.E. (WARD 1). 15. CONSIDERATION OF A REZONING REQUEST, ZOA #02-01 BY BRANDES PLACE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM R-2, TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND C-3, GENERAL SHOPPING, TO R-3, GENERAL MULTIPLE UNITS-RESIDENTIAL, IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE 16 MULTI- FAMILY HOUSING UNITS, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 6160 FIFTH STREET N.E. (WARD 1): FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23 2002 PAGE 6 MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to open 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 OPENED AT 7:53 P.M. Mr. Knaak, City Attorney, stated that when there are multiple requests, the legal duties of the City Council stem from the basic legal background of what it is they are required to do. This includes preparing, creating, and adopting a comprehensive municipal plan and amending it from time to time as necessary. The plan is enforced through the zoning code which is required by law to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan being adopted. Assuring compliance with the plan through its subdivision regulations (platting) is the final legal requirement. Mr. Knaak stated that Council can either review the plat and approve, enact and amend the Comprehensive Plan, and rezone. The information Council can properly consider in its hearings are concrete, objective facts and qualified opinions that will assist in evaluating the proposal from the viewpoint of the health and safety of Fridley residents. Examples are traffic studies, engineering reports, planning reports, and information relating to the proposal. Mr. Knaak stated that information that cannot be considered in reaching a decision includes information that concerns an applicant or group of individuals, either as to income, race, age, or personal characteristics, attitudes or purported behavioral characteristics. While neighborhood opposition to a proposal can be noted on the record, under Minnesota law, neighborhood opposition cannot be the sole or primary objective reason for a denial. The Council's decision on any of these matters must be based on the facts presented at the public hearing. It is normally required that the Council articulate the basis for its decision in findings of fact stated in the recorded minutes of the meeting. In Fridley, the practice has been to provide for action on a matter to occur in the meeting following the final public hearing. Mr. Knaak stated that the comprehensive plan sets the overall development goals for the City. Plats are specific, recorded land configurations that must conform to the plan and ordinances. The procedure includes the preliminary review and approval of the plat and determining whether any dedications are needed and whether conditions are needed to protect public welfare and safety. Mr. Knaak stated that the final approval of a plat requires only one hearing, but Fridley holds two. Once preliminary approval is granted, Council must determine whether final approval is consistent with earlier conditions and the general welfare and safety. If ordinance conditions are met, they must be approved. Mr. Knaak stated that the Comprehensive Plan is the basic document for development in the City. It requires lengthy study and Metropolitan Council review and approval. All other land use controls are subordinate to the policies and mandates of the Comprehensive Plan. No zoning or subdivision regulation can alter it. The Comprehensive Plan is considered to be a legislative function of the City Council. Council bases its determination for any changes based FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 7 on reasonably reliable information and studies made available. Any changes require affirmative majority vote and are not final until review has occurred by the Metropolitan Council. Zoning codes are the specific structural, placement and use regulations adopted to enforce the Comprehensive Plan, and to protect public health and safety. Changes in Comprehensive Plans must be reflected in the zoning code. When a change has or will occur in the Comprehensive Plan, a City must modify its zoning code to conform. Changes can occur with a simple majority vote based upon reasonable factual information that could "allow an ordinary person to reach a conclusion consistent with the adoption of the amendment." Information for an amendment should be based on public testimony and documentation submitted into the record. Council members are allowed to use their own actual knowledge and experience, but should state the basis of their conclusions. Mr. Knaak stated that the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), is a Federal statute and mandate on all cities. It applies in cases in which a land use regulation may impose a burden on a "religious use or exercise," particularly in cases in which the use receives Federal financial assistance. Mr. Knaak stated that at one time, a party challenging a City's decision in a zoning, platting or comprehensive plan matter has a heavy burden of showing that the City acted improperly. The law creates a presumption that the City acted appropriately if there is any reasonable basis at all in the record to justify the decision, regardless of whether a reviewing Court agrees. RLUIPA now seems to shift the burden to the City to show, on the record, that the decision was in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and it was the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. The applicant must show that the decision imposes a "substantial burden" on the applicant. Mr. Knaak stated that numerous challenges to RLUIPA are working their way through the Courts. For the time being, RLUIPA is the law. Under RLUIPA, if an application on a land use matter is pending from a religious organization, any denial must be based upon sound evidence in the record and that it furthers a compelling public interest in the least restrictive means possible. Councilmember Wolfe stated that the memorandum from Mr. Knaak to Councilmembers stated that: "It is important to note that no court has yet construed this particular provision against a city in this manner. Moreover, there has been strong criticism of this language and a constitutional challenge in the courts is virtually inevitable." Mr. Bolin, Planning Coordinator, stated that the petitioner and property owner of this request is Brandes Place Limited Partnership. The petitioner is requesting three separate items in order to construct sixteen townhome-style multi-family units at 6160 Fifth Street. The plat request is to create a new parcel for the construction of sixteen townhome-style multi-family units on the parcel. The Comprehensive Plan Amendment is to change the City's future land use map designating the future use of the newly created parcel as multi-family housing. The rezoning request is to change the zoning from R-2 to R-3 which would allow the construction of townhouses on that site. The property involved is on the Church of St. William's campus. It is bordered on the south by 61St Avenue, the east by Fifth Street on the east side, the west by FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 8 University Avenue, and the north by Norwood Square. Moon Plaza is located northwest of the property. Mr. Bolin stated that the petitioners are seeking a plat to divide the current St. William's property into two separate parcels. The plat creates the lot descriptions necessary for transferring the property from St. William's to Brandes Place Limited Partnership. The creation of the second parcel will allow the lot area needed to construct the proposed townhome units. The proposed Brandes Place lot on the preliminary plat is referred to as Lot 1, and the remaining St. William's parcel is referred to as Lot 2. The proposed lots both exceed all zoning code requirements with respect to lot size and lot width. The proposed Lot 1 is slightly over one acre in size and the remaining St. William's parcel is nearly 6 acres in size. The church's building still meets all setback requirements, so there are no non-conformities to the plat process. Also the Church of St. William's actually owns portions of Fifth Street, 61"t Avenue and the east University Avenue Frontage Road. The City has a right to use those streets for a roadway easement. It is more common for the City to own the streets where the right-of-way is. The City will get the easements from the Church through a dedication as part of this plat process. Mr. Bolin stated that staff recommended approval of the preliminary plat with stipulations. Mr. Bolin stated that in the plat amendment request, the future land use map of the Comprehensive Plan for Lot lis sought to be changed to multi-family residential in the year 2020. A rezoning cannot be done without first changing the future land use map of the Comprehensive Plan. The future land use plan and map visually displays the entire land use plan for 2020 and both properties are currently designated as public/semi-public. That designation is placed on all institutional types of development within the City of Fridley including churches, schools, Unity Hospital, and City buildings. Mr. Bolin stated that the petitioners are seeking with this request is to simply change the portion of the Brandes Place lot to multi-family housing. The remainder of the St. William campus would stay as public/semi-public designation. The proposed Brandes Place project meets many of the guidelines for the comprehensive plan. The design and location will help provide for a positive community image and development of affordable housing for all age groups. The proposed project helps the City further a number of goals for the comprehensive plan. Staff recommended approval of the Comprehensive Plan amendment request with stipulations. Mr. Bolin stated that the third and final request is to rezone both of the proposed parcels and the remaining St. William campus to R-3, multi-family. These properties are currently a mix of the R-2 and the C-3 zoning districts. The St. William's Church does not have plans to convert its property to commercial any time in the near future. Mr. Bolin stated that if the rezoning is successful, the entire parcel would become R-3. This would be an extension of the Norwood Square property to the north which is already R-3. The law gives the City authority to rezone property from one use to another as long as the rezoning is in conformance with the comprehensive plan. The granting of the request will not result in spot zoning as it will be an expansion of the existing R-3. There is very little developable land in Fridley and the R-3 sites are non-existent. This site is unique in that it borders existing R-3 FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 9 property. An expansion of that current zoning district would provide an opportunity for some more housing options in Fridley, would present a positive image, and would help further the goals identified in the Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommended approval of this rezoning request with stipulations. Mr. Bolin stated that the stipulations for the three requests are as follows: 1. Petitioner to dedicate street ROW as indicated on Preliminary Plat drawing. 2. Petitioner to obtain all necessary permits prior to construction. 3. Petitioner shall identify ponding area and provide easements for stormwater run-off and management. 4. Storm pond maintenance agreement must be filed prior to issuance of building permits. 5. Petitioner shall obtain any required NPDES Permit and NURP ponding for entire site. 6. City Engineering staff to review and approve grading and drainage plan prior to issuance of building permits. 7. Code required refuse and recycling enclosures must be installed. 8. Landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by City staff prior to issuance of building permit. 9. Petitioner to pay any required park dedication fees. 10. Provide proof that any existing wells or individual sewage treatment systems located on the site are properly capped or removed. 11. Property owner of record at time of building permit application, to pay required park fees prior to issuance of building permits. 12. Property owner of record at time of building permit application, to pay all water and sewer connection fees prior to issuance of a building permit. Mr. Bolin stated that at its meeting on September 4, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on these items. Many residents came to voice their opinion. All three motions failed on a 3 to 3 tie vote. Council does not act on the items at the hearing tonight. The 60-day date has been extended to November 27. Prior to the Planning Commission, the City received a petition with 234 signatures and 89 letters of support for the project. There was only one letter against the project. As of last Wednesday, 178 letters addressed to the Council were received in support, and 68 letters against. Those are included in the Council's packet. Another petition with 42 signatures in support of the project has been received, and there have been numerous telephone calls and e-mails. Councilmember Billings asked Mr. Knaak to explain the difference between an easement and a dedicated right-of-way, and if there is significant advantage to the City one way or the other. Mr. Knaak, City Attorney, stated that a roadway that is dedicated and accepted by the City is a trust for the benefit of the public. A vacation process is the reverse process and takes the dedicated easement and restores it to the property owners. When the City receives an easement by way of a plat such as this, it is essentially the same thing. Councilmember Billings stated that whether or not the City approves the replatting, it will have no significant effect on the roadways. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23.2002 PAGE 10 Mr. Knaak stated that is correct. Councilmember Billings asked how different the current R-2 zoning is from the R-3 zoning. Mr. Bolin stated that R-2 zoning is single family homes and duplexes. The R-3 zoning allows single family, two family, and multi-family units based on a square footage requirement. The proposed lot with R-3 designation allows 17 units to be placed on the property. Councilmember Billings stated that none of this is zoned R-1, single family. He said it is permissible to build single family housing where duplexes are allowed but you cannot build duplexes where single family housing is allowed. He has received many calls regarding senior housing to be used in this area. He asked what that would require. Mr. Bolin stated that to get a higher density, it would need to be rezoned to R-3. Councilmember Billings stated that the action is to rezone it, adjust the Comprehensive Plan, and replat. If this were going to be senior housing, it would require the exact same actions of the City Council. On 7t' Street and 63`a Avenue, there are a number of single family homes that are rented and owner-occupied. Once the zoning is in place, the owner has the opportunity to use it in whatever fashion meets that particular zoning. Mr. Bolin stated that is correct. Councilmember Wolfe asked if the petitions included only Fridley residents. Mr. Bolin stated that 32 signatures on the most recent petition were not Fridley residents. Councilmember Barnette asked why Brandes Place Limited Partnership is requesting this rather than the owner of the property. Mr. Hickok stated that it is a partnership formed for monetary reasons and to take advantage of tax credits for this type of housing. It is not unusual for a petitioner to come forward that is the developer for a project. Tonight we see the petitioner and the landowner standing together as a team and this partnership represents the entire group of Wells Fargo Bank and the developing committee and the MHFA. The committee and the developers are partners in this. The development corporation is a non-profit while Wells Fargo is for profit and can take advantage of the tax credits. The development committee can utilize the capital of Wells Fargo, in this case about $1,400,000, for the project. Councilmember Barnette asked if the current owner of the land, St. William's Church, makes a rezoning request that passes, when and how does the title of the land change. He asked who then owns the land and who pays taxes. Mr. Hickok stated the land could not be transferred until a plat is approved. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 11 Councilmember Barnette asked if the request fails, would the title of the land stay with St. William's or is there a contractual agreement that leaves the land ownership up in the air. Mr. Hickok stated that it is all concurrent. A positive action on the part of the City Council would make the project work or the land will remain as it is in the hands of St. William's Church. Councilmember Barnette asked if Catholic Charities was a C-3 non-profit corporation. Mr. Knaak stated that is not a question answered by the courts. You have to look at the function and what it describes itself to be. The area is getting grayer and grayer as churches redefine what their missions are. When this was in Congress, the question was asked at what point does the activity of an outreach program, for example, of a church, become something other than a religious activity. There is no answer. If it declares itself to be a religious institution, we have to consider it to be that. Councilmember Barnette asked if Catholic Charities assumes ownership of the land if they would manage the property or hire a management firm. He asked if Catholic Charities could sell the land after the units were built. Mr. Hickok stated that this is a tax paying parcel. The transfer of property and what the stipulated arrangement is between the different entities would be deferred to the petitioner. Councilmember Bolkcom asked what the process is when the developer comes forward. Mr. Bolin stated that any developer will telephone staff about the proposed project. We ask them to come in and meet informally with Planning, Engineering and Fire Department staff. We look at the merits and define areas where they may need a variance, special use permit, plat or rezoning. With St. William's, a similar process was followed. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that this would have come before the City Council no matter what the vote was on the Planning Commission. Mr. Bolin stated that was correct. Councilmember Bolkcom asked Mr. Bolin to explain what NPDES and the NURP stand for. Mr. Bolin stated that the Engineering Department stipulates that and it is basically the federal requirements for run-off and storm water management. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that the Comprehensive Plan did not go through and change a lot of zoning in many of the rest of the areas of the city to be developed. W. Bolin stated that the plan is meant to be revisited at the request of the petitioners. Councilmember Bolkcom asked what goals in the Comprehensive Plan this proposal meets. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 12 Mr. Bolin stated that in the housing section, there are a number of points about providing more affordable housing for families. There is a lack of three bedroom units in Fridley and Anoka County. Councilmember Bolkcom asked about spot zoning and what it means. Mr. Bolin stated that it goes into particular neighborhoods and picks one particular lot right in the middle of the larger block to be a different zone. Generally when rezoning is done you look for larger blocks where it makes sense to rezone. Here, there is a parcel to the north that is already zoned R-3 as all multi-family units are. This rezoning is simply an extension of the district. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if traffic counts were done in this area. Mr. Bolin stated that staff has not conducted any traffic counts. We would be looking at an extra 32 cars with 16 units. That would not have a great impact on 5a' Street. Mr. Hickok stated that a national engineering study indicates that for a townhouse development, each townhouse will generate 7 cars per day. That is what you can anticipate for a 16 unit based on a national study. This roadway can handle that because it has a wide street and is heavy in terms of its construction. It does border the back of commercial and redevelopment properties that anticipated traffic like this. Councilmember Wolfe asked if this passes and they do pay taxes, is the property still considered a religious property. Mr. Knaak stated that it is not uncommon for religious organizations to pay taxes or make payments in lieu of taxes. Councilmember Wolfe stated that we are assuming that RLUIPA will be in effect here. Mr. Knaak stated that it is in effect. The issue is whether it would continue to be in effect over a period of time. Councilmember Billings asked if the stipulations are similar to most redevelopment stipulations. Mr. Hickok stated that they are. Councilmember Billings asked if a "John Smith" construction company came in to do the same thing, would anything be done differently. He asked if we were giving this proposal any favored treatment. Mr. Hickok stated that the City was not giving any favored treatment. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 13 Ms. Janet Pope, Asset/Developer Manager for Community Housing Development Corporation, stated that in answer to Councilmember Barnette's question, there is a purchase option now on the property that Catholic Charities has with the Church of St. William. It is a donation from the church. The partnership is made of the CHDC and the Wells Fargo Bank to form Brandes Place. This is not a non-profit organization and is the entity that will own the land and the development. The property will then be leased to Catholic Charities who will provide property management and support services to the residents in the development. This arrangement has been made with Catholic Charities on other properties. Catholic Charities has a good record for property management. Ms. Pope stated that CHDC is the largest provider of multi-family affordable housing in Minnesota, and has over 2,300 units. They have various financing mechanisms and have found that the key is to cooperate with the local community. They met with staff and worked hard to make the rezoning work. They are asked to provide housing that will meet the needs of the work force housing in communities or to take over properties that are in trouble. They have taken time to raise funds for Brandes Place and propose to build quality units. The MHFA has committed funds, the Anoka County Home Program, the HUD program and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The total development cost is about $2,500,000 and the private contribution is just over $1,400,000 from Wells Fargo and the Sister of St. Joseph's funds. Excellent property management is key also. They are working basically with three property managers because they have to rely on excellent property management, careful tenant screening, move-in inspections, follow-up inspections on housekeeping issues, and light maintenance. They are very committed to keeping on top of preventative maintenance. They have learned that they need substantial replacement reserves to keep the property looking good. Ms. Pope stated that the property will be transferred at the real estate closing. Once Brandes Place Limited Partnership owns the property, there are a variety of restrictions that mean that they need to keep the property as affordable housing for 30 years and get money contingent on doing that. The properties they work with end up being assets to the community. She said she does understand the concerns of the neighbors about property values. Two studies that have been done in the Twin Cities area that showed that property values in neighborhoods close to affordable housing went up faster after the development was built. Councilmember Barnette asked if the tenant does not pay more than 30 percent of their income towards the rent, who would subsidize the other part of the rent. Ms. Pope stated that they received Section 8 for 15 of the 16 units from the Metropolitan Council which is a HUD program. Mayor Lund stated that he does not know that it is 30 percent of the tenant's income that goes for rent because the income could be a wide range. Ms. Pope stated that it could be close to what the rent is depending on income. Councilmember Billings asked if Ms. Pope could describe affordable work force housing. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 14 Ms. Pope stated that it could include people pursuing education or other training. Other people may be administrative assistants, dental hygienists, daycare providers, beginning teachers, and service front-line people. Councilmember Billings asked if an acquaintance of his family whose husband was killed by a drunk driver and who has two small children would qualify. There was not any life insurance and she makes a little over $22,000 with two small children. Ms. Pope stated that that family would qualify. MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to receive the article called "A Study of the Relationship Between Affordable Family Rental Housing and Home Values in the Twin Cities" by Maxfield Research Inc., dated September, 2000. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTIN CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The attorney for Community Housing Development Corporation stated that the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination against families with children. There have been reports that Brandes Place is okay for seniors but not okay for children. Mr. Peter Kramer, Architect, Roark, Kramer and Kowalski Architects, stated that he wanted to show what they were proposing in terms of building height. The 16 units are located along Fifth Street on the piece of property that has been identified as Lot 1. They propose to locate the two story townhouses along Fifth Street at the break of the hill. The property slopes down and allows the design of a two-story configuration with a walk out at the back. Parking, trash enclosures, and play areas are located at the lower level behind the townhouses with the access drive from Fifth Street to the center of the property. The buildings are grouped in four, with a walkway between the pairs. The materials are quality and long-term and somewhat maintenance free. Masonry will be used around the foundation areas. The site will be fully landscaped to conform to the standards of the City. The building plans have been reviewed by the building inspector. He said they are in the process of finalizing the ponding behind St. William's Church. The units have a basement and a walk-out with landscaping in the front. The stipulations attached are not pediments. Councilmember Bolkcom asked how big the play area was. Mr. Kramer stated that it is about 1,200 square feet. Mr. Burns asked if the development costs are included in each unit. Mr. Kramer stated that the construction costs are about $125,000. Father Larry Snyder, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, stated that he subs at St. William's. Friendly Fridley is a true spirit he experienced at the church. Catholic Charities is recognized as a separate non-profit organization and provides FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 15 help and hope, especially in the areas of child welfare and those struggling with housing. He said Catholic Charities is committed to being a good neighbor. This is named for the former St. William's exemplary priest John Brandes. Ms. Allison Boisvert, Assistant Director; Emergency, Housing and Transitional Services, Catholic Charities, stated that they know how to provide a wide continuum of housing. They support people who are struggling. They have 304 units of permanent housing under management and manage 780 units of transitional and sheltered beds. She said they have a track record for well maintained buildings inside and out. The operating budget for Brandes Place will be financed through resident rents, Section 8 rent subsidies and private fundraising by Catholic Charities. Currently, they manage Dupont Residence for families with HIV in south Minneapolis. They also manage 55 family members in Maplewood at a shelter for a thirty-day program at the Family Services Center. The Evergreen on Glenwood Avenue is well maintained with nice landscaping. Mary Hall houses approximately 180 people everyday in St. Paul at 438 Main Street. She said they will screen people from this area. The families who apply will be interviewed with thorough background checks and those with serious criminal records will not be accepted. Councilmember Billings asked if Section 8 vouchers were issued and if there was a waiting period or if it was at the discretion of Catholic Charities. Ms. Boisvert stated that it is at the discretion of the management team and they have a deeper screening than most. There is a team of people who interview. Councilmember Billings asked what kind of screening process would be used at the proposed facility. Ms. Boisvert stated it would be multi-person screening. She said they have an advisory board that consists of people from St. William's. Councilmember Billings asked if this type of property generates more police calls. Ms. Boisvert stated that the unit most like the one proposed here in Fridley had 5 police calls in the last year. There are 6 units there. One call was for a parking issue and one for a child missing. Councilmember Bolkcom asked how many children can live in one unit. Ms. Prober stated that there can be two per bedroom. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if there could be two families of single mothers with children living in one unit. Ms. Tracy Berglund, Assistant Administrator, Minneapolis Services of Catholic Charities, stated that two single mothers could not sign a lease together. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 16 Councilmember Bolkcom asked how long the similar six-unit building has been under their management. Ms. Boisvert stated about 7 years. Councilmember Wolfe asked about the vouchers that would be needed for Section 8. Ms. Boisvert stated that they would need project vouchers. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if there are restrictions when there is Section 8 with respect to eviction because of multiple police calls to a unit or illegal activities. Ms. Boisvert stated that well managed properties do not have those issues. There will be 24-hour per day, 7 day a week coverage. Councilmember Barnette asked if a family is creating problems, what kind of procedure must occur pursuant to Section 8 rules for eviction. Ms. Berglund stated that they are allowed to use a month-to-month lease and if the residents are not following the guidelines they could be asked to move. If they do not leave, the next step would be court and possibly help from the police. Ms. Marilyn Wegscheider, Director of Social Justice and Outreach for the Church of St. William and Coordinator of the Brandes Place Project as representative of St. William, stated that Norwood Square is listed as 202 Section 8 housing 100 percent subsidized based on the income of the residents. Family housing is needed equally as much. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $916. People cannot afford anything else beyond housing. St. William's is trying to respond to that need. Food shelves provide food, but people can only use that once per month. She said it is not a rich parish and giving the land was a sacrifice. It was done as part of the parish's jubilee celebration. Father Joseph Whalen, Pastor, Church of St. William, stated that they have heard from the federal government that faith-based initiatives are part of local responses to social outreach needs. He said that "Families Moving Forward" is a program that asks local churches to host families who have no homes for a period of one week at a time. The families stay in churches for one week and then go to another local church for one week. St. William participates and hosts families about four weeks per year. These are people who are working and cannot afford market rate rents. He said the decision to donate the land was made prior to his arrival at St. William's. St. William is the caretaker of the land and in the eyes of God, none of us own or possess anything. This project will be affordable and dignified. MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to allow Fridley residents to speak first, and then people from other communities. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that people deserve the same amount of attention and it is not only a City of Fridley issue. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 17 Mayor Lund stated that there maybe two individuals from other cities. Councilmember Billings asked if all the cards contained cities where people live. Mayor Lund stated that they did. Councilmember Billings stated that they are probably going to spend more time discussing this than necessary. UPON A VOICE VOTE, COUNCILMEMBERS BARNETTE AND WOLFE VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND, COUNCILMEMBER BOLKCOM VOTING NAY AND COUNCILMEMBER BILLINGS ABSTAINING, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION FAILED. Ms. Louia Thompson, 6270 7t' Street N.E, stated that she is opposed and would much rather see a low income senior unit. Ms. Ellen Raeker, 451 Rice Creek Terrace, stated that she is a physician at Unity Hospital and attends St. William's Church and is in favor of Brandes Place. She said there is a need for affordable housing in our suburb. Working people can easily end up homeless making less than $14 per hour and these are people she depends on every day. St. Mary's Clinic treats people without health insurance. Many of these clients are low wage families with children. There may be a possible impact on the schools. People who live there will be screened. She thought the Brandes Place handbook for rules and regulations to be extensive. The Comprehensive Plan calls for housing to be provided for all people. Brandes Place fits the bill. Mr. Daniel Garcia, 6471 Fifth Street, stated that he lives in the HUD subsidized housing right by City Hall. Just drive through there on a weekend, with the Police Department across the street there is noise and fast traffic. Under Section 8, it is very hard to evict someone. He used to be a manager for Anoka County ACCAP. He used to see all the problems and could not do anything about it as it had to go through the office. They were told that they had to have visual proof, and if they are doing anything illegal, they have to have video and pictures. The seniors who live there are scared to come out of their houses because of the young people who live there who come out at night and on weekends. We have on-site management who are there from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and then leave. He encourages Council and the Mayor to drive by this area on a Friday or Saturday night. Mr. Roger Avery, 6010 Glencoe Street N.E., stated that he thinks there are other ways we could spend the money and put the effort into the people who made Fridley and Anoka County--the elderly. There would probably be an additional 112 cars per day more than there is now. We are adding two more police officers. The school system is overloaded. We cannot afford our taxes to subsidize this project. Ms. Kathy Freichels, 6051 Sixth Street N.E., stated that she is a member of the Parish Council and the Brandes Place Advisory Committee at St. William's. She supports Brandes Place. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 18 Affordable housing for families is crucial for success in communities. Fridley should be a city of opportunity and each citizen is important. Ms. Dee Larson, 6161 Fifth Street, stated that her driveway will be across from where the new driveway will be. She is concerned that she will be across from all the traffic. She said they noted the multitude of cars going by in front of their house when they first moved in, and would not let the kids play in front of the house. There was an accident near their driveway. The pond at Norwood Square did not do its job because her ex-husband's business in Moon Plaza had problems with water on three occasions and there was damage to his business. Brandes Place would be built into the slope. She is against Brandes Place. She has been fighting financial battles for many years and will soon be homeless. It is easier for her as a 35-year-old woman to get a job and start over than senior citizens. Seniors do not have as many resources. Ms. Pat Dufresne, 6121 Fifth Street, stated that she is directly affected and can see the site out her front windows. She said people are judging many families with children who they have never been met solely on their income level. That is disturbing. She has met many families seeking affordable housing and most are sincere and hard working. Their hopes and desires are not any different than ours. She believes stability for families is important and to do unto others as we would have others do unto us. We have an opportunity to be kind and generous to our fellow man. Fridley could be a model for other communities to follow. Mr. Don Mahr, 6181 Fifth Street, stated that a senior center would be better to avoid many problems. Most of us here today tightened our belts and built up. Let these people go to work. Ms. Connie Metcalf, 860 Moore Lake Drive, stated she did a study of affordable housing on behalf of the League of Women's Voters last year. She is disturbed by some of the fears expressed by people. This project will be well supervised and these fears will be removed. She said if there was any difference with the zoning applying to senior or affordable housing or if they are required to be supportive to either one in the vote? Councilmember Billings stated that R-3 would apply to multi-family or multiple unit housing and could be affordable or senior housing. Any decision Council makes has to be made on the land use issues not on who the actual occupants of the property are going to be. Ms. Metcalf stated that since there is senior housing already, she cannot think of any other better use of this land than for families and children who need a secure home. She votes "yes". Mr. Bob Mickelson, 6320 Seventh Street states that the Section 8 housing near City Hall which his yard backs up to is "hoodlumville." The City is not doing a very good job keeping that area quiet and he said he thinks similar problems will happen with Brandes Place. He said there is enough Section 8 housing in this area. Mr. Joe Menth, 147 Chesney Way, stated that he was a trustee at St. William's. He said this would make affordable housing available to needy people. He did not know whether to say yes or no at first, but the turning point for him was the rule book put together by Catholic Charities FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 19 for the Dupont project. The people at Catholic Charities know what they are doing and are professionals. He is recommending Council say"yes." Ms. Jean Hegberg, 5881 Second Street N.E. stated that she lives around many low-income people. She said there is enough of this housing in Fridley. Building a senior place would be much better. Ms. Gina Overacker, 1088 Hackman Circle, stated that when they first moved here ten years ago, they moved three times in one year to find affordable housing. Her son and his family cannot afford rent. She said they pay $1,200 per month for a three bedroom apartment. Her daughter who was the Fridley Princess has a job, makes good money, is going to college and cannot afford her own place in Fridley. She would love to have her own apartment but she cannot. She lives at home. This is admirable St. William is going to give this property and there is a need for this type of housing. Getting a job is not the answer and not everyone is equipped for college. If this does not pass, all we are doing is losing affordable housing to offer people. We hired two police officers because two left, not because there is so much crime. Crime is not necessarily where low income people live. Mr. Ray Peters, 6021 Central Avenue, stated that the law is on Council's side to vote yes. If that does not work there is always RLUIPA, which is unconstitutional and does not define any separation between church and state. Vote "no" for the following reason: Why should this neighborhood be forced to absorb any more high-density housing. He asked if Mayor Lund was a member of St. William. Mayor Lund stated that he is. Mr. Peters asked how the Mayor could vote on this issue. If the vote is a tie, the City should but it up for a vote by the residents. He said it is a high density housing on a neighborhood that is already overburdened. Mayor Lund stated that he is a member of the parish and this is not inconsistent with him being part of this community like anyone else. His position in this endeavor is to vote after hearing all input from both sides and do what is best for Fridley, not his own personal beliefs and feelings. Mr. Barney Buss, 6050 Fifth Street, asked how long this would be there. He asked if the land was given to Norwood Square in the same manner. The flyer that went out pertaining to this matter was anonymous and originated from a concerned citizens group. He said they held a neighborhood meeting and decided to put an ad in the paper and send out a flyer to the community. The neighbors did not know about the project, and they wanted to let the people know what was happening. His wife is a parishioner of St. William's and the parishioners were not given a vote. It seemed that when this did happen, they were led to believe that this was a done deal and they did not have a chance to fight it anymore. The objections at the few meetings the church did schedule appeared not to hold any weight, so the people stopped fighting it. The Focus would not put an ad in the paper to let the people know of the Planning Commission meeting. He expected something to be in the paper following the Planning Commission meeting. There was nothing. No one knew about it so the neighborhood sent out a flier. The flier did not FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 20 say who it was from. It did not say how people should vote. He said they did it as a service to the community. People thanked them for letting them know. He thanked the people who walked the streets distributing the flyer. When a person said "yes," they honestly recorded that person's desire. Their result was 391 against this project and 37 in favor. He asked if Council would accept the reporting. Mayor Lund stated that they would. Mr. Buss stated that Council will give preference to individuals coming in over the residents in Fridley who have been there many years. Mayor Lund stated that he is not saying that at all. Mr. Buss asked if they should continue the petition then. Mayor Lund stated that they have accepted a couple of other petitions. Mr. Buss stated there has been an overwhelming number of people who do not want this project. He asked if they should continue. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that Council was trying to receive all the information they possibly could and would not encourage or discourage Mr. Buss to go forward. She said she would like to hear other information. She would like reasons to base their decision on. Councilmember Barnette stated that voting on everything would be an excellent way. A referendum will probably not happen either. He was elected to make the decision himself, but all of this is helpful. Councilmember Bolkcom asked Mr. Knaak about the legal issues on how to go about this. She said there are statutes that help Council make their decisions. Mr. Knaak stated that Arden Hills was faced with a request by Northwestern College to expand their facility. The neighbors showed up and there was unanimous opposition to the expansion. The City Council turned down the proposal. The Minnesota Supreme Court enunciated the law stated earlier that this was illegal. Property owner opposition cannot form a basis for an adverse determination. Opposition alone cannot serve as the sole and primary basis in any kind of decision according to Minnesota State law. MOTION by Councilmember Wolfe to accept the petition. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Albert Narog, 6720 Quincy Street N.E., state the he has lived in Fridley since 1958. He has met many people who are for or against this. He said we are talking about people, some we like, FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 21 and some we do not. That is why we have war and we should like the new people that would live across the street. Ms. Janet Kreutter, 5916 Second Street, stated that she lives by a low income area. She bought the house as a single mom. She worked really hard. She does not want to go out in the street any more. There are kids in a pack like wolves and they will not move out the street when you are driving. They spit at you and look at you and tell you to move. She likes her house and wants to stay here, but if this continues she will not. People are selling their homes to get out, and she lives by a park. It is a horror story and she would love to see the park demolished. Needles are all over it and all over the empty lot near her house. There are vehicles parked on the grass with no tabs that have not been moved in over a year. The police tell them there is nothing they can do. They have enough of a low income area. Friendly Fridley is wonderful but give lessons on how to be a good neighbor and not run the streets until 4:00 a.m. Rocks are thrown at the houses and cars. The police come but they are gone already and then they come back. Problems do not go away fast. She worked two jobs and sent her kids to college. Anyone can do that. Give this to the seniors. We will all be there someday. Father Jon from the Church of the Resurrection of Christ at 1201 Hathaway Lane in Fridley, said that he knows the good work that Catholic Charities does, and he thinks it would be a great thing to have them manage this place. Mr. Tom Guza, 6221 5'i' St. NE, stated that this matter could be liable for a lawsuit and RLUIPA is another lawsuit waiting to happen. It seems like a threat. You thanked the community for attending the September 11 celebration but this process seems to be getting stomped on. His father is 85 and was in World War II and worked hard. His neighbor is 93 and her husband was killed in 1931. She had two children and she pulled herself up and sent her kids to college on her own without help. The problems occurring in this country are that we are empowering people who make mistakes to stay in the same situation. You represent the people of Fridley and you must listen to people. Ms. Jeanette LeBlanc, 4856 Madison Street N.E., Columbia Heights, stated that she has lived in Anoka County for 30 years. She had four children and is a single parent. She said she does not know where all this negativity is coming from. She has been a parishioner of St. William's, and this proposal is much more positive than what is being portrayed. She is proud to be a parishioner and will continue to be a parishioner. Mr. Ronald Anderson, 6331 Washington, stated that he has lived in Fridley since 1963. If you go to any stores in the area, you will see a sign saying no more than 2 kids in the store at one time. If they put in this low-cost housing, the kids run wild. Nobody seems to care. This is not right. He said it should be put on the ballot and let the City of Fridley residents vote on this. Mr. Earl Newburg, 6598 Clover Place, stated that he has lived in Fridley since 1956. Before coming to the meeting, he called the Anoka County Social Services and asked if there was a need for this type of housing. They said that there definitely was. He asked about Catholic Charities and they said they do an excellent job. This has been a good neighborhood, and the new people will be evaluated to see if they would be good citizens. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23 2002 PAGE 22 Mr. Jack Kirkham, 430 - 67t' Avenue stated that it is not fair that the petitioners got an hour and half to speak. The "no" people should have an hour and a half. Anytime someone is making a proposal there will be many promises made that cannot necessarily be kept. A good example is Mr. Garcia's comments. Catholic Charities states that three strikes and you are out. Mr. Garcia can testify that it is very hard to remove someone. How are they going to screen, when the attorney states that discrimination is not allowed. The neighbors on the other side of the street are R-1, so this zoning is more of an issue than a small chunk of land going from R-2 to R-3. Mr. Hickok stated that we need more three bedroom units and that would be the reason for voting for this proposal. The plans only call for seven three-bedroom units out of 16. RLUIPA is an issue too. He said zoning is a good thing and citizens deserve to expect that once something is zoned a certain way, it should remain that way. The neighbors in close proximity to this are against the rezoning. Ms. Sue Watlov Phillips, 1355 Hillcrest Drive, stated that her family has lived in Fridley since 1955. She bought the house she grew up in. The Comprehensive Plan clearly states that one of the goals in the City of Fridley is to provide affordable housing. More three-bedroom units are needed. Housing has become very expensive in this community. To rent a one-bedroom apartment in this community you would need to make $13.71 per hour. To rent a two-bedroom you would need to make $17.54. To rent a three-bedroom you would need to make $23.71 or $49,320. We are not creating these types of jobs. The majority of jobs are paying less than $10 per hour. It is imperative that we follow the plan. We do have a great need for affordable housing. Right now if she was graduating from high school she could not rent and many people's kids and grandchildren cannot rent unless they are makin $20 to $30 per hour. A vast majority of people living in Fridley right now are 2° , 3�d, and 4` generation immigrants. We need to continue the welcoming committee as we have new people moving in. Her property value has doubled over the past two years. We do not screen homeowners and never tell people whether they are good enough to live in this community. There have been major changes for Section 8 on the federal level and if there is a month-to-month lease, it is easier to evict people. Seventy-five percent of all subsidy that goes to people is to homeowners. It is a mortgage interest write-off and a property tax write-off. The City has signed the Comprehensive Plan and the dollars awarded to this project are based on Council agreeing with that plan. She said that the attorney stated that the issue of how the water is going to run-off needs to be addressed. This project, on land which was donated to meet one of our City's goals, makes a great deal of sense. Mr. Tom Myhra, 6360 Able Street, stated that he lives in a rambler on a modest lot. He was the last speaker's teacher and has been around. He has access to a lawyer and she said these cases are in total flux. One was a catholic church that wanted to put in a cemetery on private property. People said no and the courts said that they had the right to put it in. Fridley's zoning does not work in the religious exercise of a purpose. The second part is discrimination in churches if the law is not compelling. Sometimes you have to put your foot down and say this is not a religious purpose. If the people of St. William's really wanted people, why did they have to rezone it R-1. They could get four families in there and have St. William's sponsor them. He said he hoped that Council would vote"no." FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 23 Mr. Jerome Tiller, 1555 Gardena Avenue, stated that he has been a resident for 54 years. He was going to talk about the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Comprehensive Plan and how well this fits, but he is just going to say he is very much in favor of this and that it is good for the City. Mr. Edmond Sworsky, 491 - 61"Avenue N.E., stated that stated that he has been a resident for 45 years. Kids are now having a hard time because the referendum recently failed, which proved that people do not want more taxes. He said our schools are built on state aid. He stated that if you want to see traffic, live on the corner of 61' and Seventh Street. In the morning, it is bumper to bumper from Mississippi to 61st and goes on to the Conoco station. There is no place for the kids. He said it bothers him that we talk about all this but nobody is willing to do anything about it. Mr. Terry Overacker, 1088 Hackmann Circle, stated that he moved here in 1992 and paid $50 per month rent. That was twice what his house payment was in Oklahoma before he came here. He does not consider that affordable housing. One year later he moved over on East River Road at $950 per month and that is not affordable housing for a family of five. They try to help people who come to the church for help. He has helped with every angle. He has yet to meet one of these people that he would not have as a neighbor. They have children who are the future of America and what better way to help them than to become a better person. There are catholic services available for any of these people who have problems. Many of these people have gifts and talents to offer Minnesota and the United States. He said his own house has appreciated over $100,000 and when he was 25 years old he could not afford that. He cannot think of a better place to help these people than friendly Fridley, or maybe it is not as friendly as it used to be. Ms. Jean Koyle, 6271 Sixth Street, stated that she has lived in Fridley for 42 years. She said she checked to find out if Fridley was neglecting the homeless and low income. She said Fridley is over the quota for housing for low income but below in housing for seniors. There is a two to five year waiting period for getting into a senior high-rise. It is not fair to put developments like this with all the noise and congestion next to a senior high-rise right now. Those of use who are going to St. William's are wondering why we did not have a vote on this. Father Jim Radde, S.J., 5820 East River Road, said he is a Jesuit priest who has been a Fridley resident for five years now. He is part of the Alliance for Violence Free Anoka County. Brandes Place would be a big change for neighborhood residents and families who desperately need a place to live. Change is a normal part of life. It can, however, produce fear of losing something you are comfortable with. A place to live is a basic human need we all have. Ms. Corrine Hawkinson, 6311 Washington Street N.E., said she has been here for 42 years. She said there is low income east of the river. There is a crime consideration for Norwood Square residents when parking outside. She is a member of St. William's and was a single parent for quite awhile. There are ways to receive help. Helping 15 families may or may not help much in the real scheme of things. We do not have jobs that pay a livable scale with health insurance. The seniors cannot walk at night anymore in this area, it is too dangerous. Mr. Dan Hetman, 230 Craigbrook Way, stated that he is Catholic himself and moved to Fridley from St. Paul six years ago to get away from this. He said when he lived in St. Paul he lived near FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23,2002 PAGE 24 a six unit building that invested in landscaping. He watched as people pulled out the bushes and cut down the trees. The building next to him was a halfway house that had caretakers living in the building. They did not even smell a man who had passed away in the building due to alcohol poisoning. There are many run down homes in Fridley that could be refurbished and there are other options. There is a need for housing but Fridley has enough on its plate. He knows someone who will be submitting a letter stating that Catholic Charities did not keep up their properties. The people did not even park where they were supposed to. He would urge Council to say "no" to this. Mr. Tom Rodgers, 6420 Squire Drive, stated that he has only been a resident of Fridley for four years. For 32 years he grew up in a suburb of south Los Angeles in the City of Carson and he has seen what low income housing can do when it goes wrong. When they rezoned his aunt's neighborhood in Eaglewood, California, it was not long before her mother Ms. Luella Perry was murdered over a $50 television set by a transient. A transient murdered his sister's sister-in-law. His cousin's son was jumped by a group of gang members and he was crippled. They rezoned a trailer park between his house and the high school and his sister was sexually assaulted three times walking to and from school. He is not a bigot or wants to deny someone a home. He does not want to come home to find his wife murdered like Mrs. Perry. He submitted an article on Stevenson's Village regarding the killings, rapes, and violent crimes. He cannot say if this is going to work or not. Catholic Charities should give the people of Fridley some kind of liability contract that protects the people around their homes. Mr. Lee Switzer, 5870 Seventh Street, stated that he has lived in Fridley for 39 years. He is opposed to this. There will be somewhere between 30 to 60 children in this project. This places an additional burden on the schools they should not have to carry and cannot afford. The taxpayers of Fridley will have to pay for this additional burden since Catholic Charities is only paying $18,000. We are a government of representative democracy. The residents chose the Mayor and Council and gave them the responsibility. There is a strong vote of"no" here and he hopes that Council will not turn their backs on the people who placed their trust in them. If this is rezoned, there will be ramifications for many years. There is a lawsuit for turning down the request. If we all stopped in our tracks for a possibility of a lawsuit life would cease to exist. Ms. Cindee Weber, 6021 Sixth Street N.E., stated that there are too many kids at Hayes right now. There are too many cutbacks for proper staff. Ms. Jody Gambel, 6020 Sixth Street N.E., asked if the petition from St. William is a legal document. Mr. Knaak stated that it has been received and does not need to be notarized. Ms. Gambel stated that in a two-mile square radius there is the highest percentage of high density housing than in any other part of Fridley. She asked if Council remembered the amount of money that was paid to evict the tenants across from Holly Center when they built the townhomes. Roads can handle the extra traffic, but the people cannot with all the little children near the roads. She said a covenant should be added restricting this to people who could serve the community. She hopes Council does not approve this request. A police report from Village FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23,2002 PAGE 25 Green at the beginning of the year is interesting to read. Please table this to allow more time for Council to conduct studies and investigate Catholic Charities and crime statistics. See if you would like to live one block from this site. Ms. Gwen Vierkant, 1040 - 67th Avenue N.E., stated that she works in the western suburbs and they feel sorry for people who live in Fridley. She said she keeps assuring them that it is a safe place. Ms. Katy Vechell, 6001 Fifth Street N.E., stated that she lives directly across from Norwood Square. She was told by the City that the petition needs to be notarized to be legal documentation. MOTION by Councilmember Wolfe to accept the petition. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Vechell stated that she sent letters to Council. These townhomes are going to be two stories high, but the neighborhood is mostly single family ramblers. The street is not equipped for more cars or housing. Maybe someone should sit on Fifth Street two days in a row and look at the traffic backed up. She asked if this site was built if there would be access for fire and emergency vehicles. The 7t`grade will not accept more children because there is no room. She asked where the children would be sent. Some of the Fridley taxpayers will have to pick up the bill for the rezoning. She said that 1.7 acres is not a lot of property for this. There would be about 70 people living in that project. Some of the Norwood seniors have a dangerous time walking down the street. Before you vote on this, look at all of us who voted for you to represent the City of Fridley, and vote no for the rezoning. Mr. Phil Hofstad, 234 Mercury Drive, stated that he would not be at the meeting if not for the notice that went around to the neighborhood. He is concerned about the notice opposing the Brandes Place. Declining home values do not apply if the project has been well built and is not shoddy. Statistics that low income people commit more crime may be true nationally, but he would like to see more statistics that support this. This notice assumes the new neighbors are guilty until proven innocent. Neighbors would be more compassionate to older residents. That is saying it is easier to be supportive of older people, but much harder to care for older immigrants, minorities, and poor people. Older people are less likely to "make trouble" so it is okay to let them into our neighborhood. That message is discriminatory. We are all immigrants or descendants of immigrants and American citizens deserve the rights we all share. One of the many civil rights is the right to privacy, and the results of the screening checks are none of our business. I hope we welcome newcomers who are not as fortunate as the rest of us. Mr. Joe Weber, 6021 Sixth Street, stated that he has not heard his neighbors express a point of view yet. He lives a block away. Charity is moral and Christ said "when you do this to the least of my brothers, you did this to me." He said their decision to buy a home in Fridley was due to a sense of direction they felt they were headed in. Christianson Crossing came at a great expense FRIDLEY CI_TY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 PAGE 26 to the City of Fridley and each of those residents received $5,000 as part of a class action lawsuit. Charity is not tax breaks and dipping into federal funds and imposing your idea upon someone else's neighborhood. This neighborhood carries its burden for multi-family units and will carry another when commuter rail starts up with the station on the other side of University Avenue. He said we need to stick with a vision for Fridley and not modify it under a threat. Mr. Pete Eisenzimmer, 6535 Oakley Drive N.E., stated that he feels there are enough low income properties in this city. Let us build something for senior citizens. He said that they cannot leave their building without getting attacked. These petitions have to be notarized to be legal petitions. The City Clerk presents the petitions to Council. You do not know what it is like driving through that area at night and it is not safe to walk through that section. This is no longer a City of Fridley with all the townhomes. This should go for the seniors. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the petitions had to be notarized. Mr. Knaak stated that what evidence you receive in a public hearing is whatever you choose to receive. He said this is different than the kind that is necessary for referendums in which you need notarized voter lists. Mr. George Carline, 5705 Jackson Street N.E., asked what the waiting list is like right now for Section 8. Mayor Lund stated that two options are available but the list is closed. The other option is Section 8 vouchers to pay for private rental property, but that is also closed. Mr. Carline stated that this is a government subsidy thing that is discriminatory. Many people on SSI and welfare cannot make it on what they get. He does not like Section 8 because it is not inherently fair. Catholic Charities tells us they will screen but he used to own apartment buildings and has seen when you accept Section 8 you accept the rules. He said he doubts they will screen at all because a person who is accepted by Section 8 will be entitled to come here. When you have to subsidize 80 to 90% of this, this is not affordable. There is no such thing as a single mother, they all have a boyfriends and ex-husbands. They come with other baggage they cannot screen. The level of affordable housing keeps being raised. Ms. Mary Schwartz, 5836 Washington Street N.E., asked how much it would cost to rezone this. Mayor Lund stated that there is no cost to the City to rezone this other than staffs time. Councilmember Billings stated that this is not a City project. The petitioner paid for the rezoning. Ms. Schwartz stated that the referendum did not pass, and if there is City money to do this, they can give it to the schools. There are many people in Fridley who need homes. He said we do not need to go searching for these families and children. They are here. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23. 2002 PAGE 27 Mr. Scott Huber, 6381 Monroe St., stated that the water problem at Moon Plaza was mentioned. He said that Mr. Tim Keenan, the owner of Moon Plaza was at the Planning Commission meeting. There may be an opportunity for senior housing. If they rezone this for residential, what is to stop Mr. Keenan from rezoning his commercial property and have more low income housing there. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that she would like some traffic counts done before the next Council meeting, receive more information on crime rates in relation to the surrounding housing and other housing, check into the high density and Section 8 percentages, receive more information on the Second Street issues, the situation that the woman talked about when she called the police a week ago, the question of Hayes School with almost half of the students there from outside rental property, and also of 7h graders not being accepted into the school. Councilmember Barnette stated that ponding behind Norwood Square could be looked at also. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that we need to know if we are at capacity in the schools. Councilmember Barnette stated that 7th grade at the Middle School is still accepting. Mr. Hickok stated that Dave Sallman did prepare comparison of crime rates between the Rice Creek Townhomes and Village Green and that information is available. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that she did not have that information to refer to. Mr. Hickok asked about the Section 8 memorandum that was in the packet. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that people do need to understand the difference between the housing percentage and it should be part of public record. Councilmember Wolfe stated that the total amount of Section 8 in Fridley is less than one percent. MOTION by Councilmember Billings 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 12:45 P.M. Mr. Hickok stated that the next action on these items would occur on October 14. the AGENDA ITEM!' comment[memosfrthe10/ . letterhead for memos for the 10/25 good CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 agenda. ng thisrcy,forJulieanagendd Char aiems. about using this for their agenda items. If Fthey don't or they forget,don't worry. LCITY OF It's not absolutely necessary for their FRIDLEY agenda items to be on this. Date: October 9, 2002 To: William Burns, City Manager From: Scott Hickok, Community Development Director Paul Bolin, Planning Coordinator Subject: First Reading of Comprehensive Plan Amendment, CPA#02-01, Brandes Place, LP M-02-120 INTRODUCTION Brandes Place LP is seeking to amend the future land use map of the Comprehensive Plan, designating the new Brandes Place parcel (proposed Lot 1) as Multi-Family Residential in the year 2020. The Comprehensive Plan sets the overall vision for the City's future. The future land use plan and map, a vital piece of the Comprehensive Plan, visually displays the desired land use pattern for the year 2020. The St. William/ Brandes Place property is designated as Public/Semi-Public on the future land use map. The Public/Semi-Public designation is placed on nearly all institutional type uses within the City, including: churches; schools; Unity Hospital; and City buildings. Prior to the Brandes Place parcel being rezoned from a mix of C-3 and R-2 to R-3, the future land use designation on the site must be changed to Multi-Family Residential in order for the rezoning to be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. In short, the Comprehensive Plan Amendment is needed to provide the basis for all the proposed rezoning. Changes to the Future Land Use map will aid the City in meeting other goals spelled out in the Plan. The design and location of the development will help provide for a positive community image and will provide for"the development of affordable housing for all age groups". PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION At the September 4, 2002, Planning Commission meeting, a public hearing was held for CPA#02-01. A number of residents, both for and against the Brandes Place building spoke. After discussion by the Planning Commission, a motion was made for the approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, with the stipulations as presented. THE MOTION TO APPROVE FAILED ON A 3-3 TIE VOTE. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION The City Council held a public hearing for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment at their regular meeting held on September 23`d. Five hours of public testimony both for and against the Brandes Place project was heard. As a result of the Public Hearing and Council discussion, additional information in the areas of crime statistics, traffic, stormwater management, and subsidized housing was requested. That additional information has been attached for your convenience. RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS DURING THE HEARING PROCESS Crime Statistics Obviously, there are no statistics available for Brandes Place as a project. Though there has been citizen speculation about additional crime being tied to approval of this 16-unit project. There has been no credible data to support that speculation. In the absence of any Brandes data, Dave Sallman and the Fridley Police Department have prepared two different analyses of existing Apartment complexes in Fridley. In one example, they compared Village Green Apartments (A Project Based, Section 8 building)with the Rice Creek town home development. Development selection was made for this comparison by virtue of similar project size. Dave points out that the Village Green complex is a subsidized development, while the Rice Creek town homes are market rate, with no subsidy. Dave also points out that number of calls alone do not mean much. The type of calls is a better indicator than raw numbers. Rice Creek Town Homes 141 units Village Green Apartments 196 units Robbery 0 1 Assault 1 1 Warrant Arrest 4 3 Family Assist 17 24 Miscellaneous35 52 Disorderly 6 18 Damage 17 1 Theft 13 4 93 104 Total * Medicals, suspicious persons, etc. An important thing to note about the "Miscellaneous" category, as it related to Village Green, is that a portion of the building is age restricted for seniors and senior related medicals contribute to a higher number of miscellaneous in this complex. The second comparison made by the police department was a comparison of identical buildings, but with different management. Dave reports the following results: Dr. Burns directed us to provide a comparison between a well-managed apartment and one that has historically had problems. The best comparison that we can make in the City is the buildings at 5430 and 5460 1h St. they are exactly the same designed buildings, side by side and both contain 32 rental units. They have different owners and different management. As you can see by the comparison below, there is significant difference in the number of crimes reported at each. The time period is about the first 9 1/2 months of 2002. 5430 Seventh 5460 Seventh Assault 4 1 Burglary 1 1 Disturbing the Peace 18 1 Criminal Sex. 2 0 Conduct Theft 5 2 Other Crimes 11 1 Total 41 6 The statistics show that management of a complex can make a difference in police calls. Hyde Park- Needles in Park Neighborhood Resource Officer Bob Stevens reports: 1 spoke with Mark Kreutter, husband to Janet Taylor-Kreutter regarding the complaint of hypodermic syringes in the neighborhood. Mark explained to me that some needles (and used condoms) were found while Mark and his neighbor were cleaning some brush in a vacant lot south of [a known drug users] old house about seven months ago. According to Mark it was fairly common to find needles in the alley behind this persons house while she lived there. That person has now moved out, no new needles have been found. This matter appeared to be tied to an individual who is no longer in that neighborhood. This is in no way connected to the proposal for Brandes Place that is before the Council. Section 8 Housing (Pat Wolfe reports the following) Location of Voucher Units a) In terms of the number and locations of"voucher units" in Fridley, I'm hesitant to supply the locations. Data Privacy prevents me from supplying the locations of my clients for public use. As previously stated in my memo to the Council and Planning Commission the Section 8 tenant based participants are located throughout the City of Fridley and are living in privately owned rental property. Section 8 is not concentrated in any particular area of the city. The Section 8 participants make up less than 1% of the entire rental population within our city. Currently the City of Fridley has 182 tenant based Section 8 within the community. Location of Project Based Section 8 Units b)Village Green would be considered a project based Section 8 building. My earlier memo has the break down regarding the number of units in terms of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms. I believe the majority of the units are one bedroom. Norwood square may also have some project-based ties however; I'm not familiar with their funding. Other than that there are no other project based buildings in Fridley. Section 8 Screening Process c) For Tenant Based Section 8 tenant screening; we do not perform this duty. Because the private landlord is the leaseholder it is his/her responsibility to screen as they would a perspective unassisted tenant. We as a city have no control over the private landlord screening or not screening their perspective residents. Project Based on the other hand does a thorough tenant screening for all perspective tenants. They do rental, credit and criminal history. They check the last ten states the perspective tenant has lived in and they hold 7 years of poor rental, criminal and credit history against the perspective tenant. Section 8 Eviction Process d)As far as"Hard Data" concerning the Section 8 eviction process, I'm not really sure what is being asked. There is not a Section 8 eviction process for tenant based Section 8. The landlord is to deal with evictions the same for unassisted and assisted tenants. This would be through the Unlawful Detainer process that takes place through the court system. It is my understanding the Project Based buildings such as Village Green must also go through the legal system to evict. Housing Density Staff prepared an analysis of the City of Fridley in '/2 mile segments. This map is based on the City of Fridley Section Maps and was prepared in combination with very specific Geographic Information System Data on land use in each of the '/z mile segments. A statement was made during the public hearings regarding this area being the highest density area in the City of Fridley. You will note that that statement is not true based on an analysis of land area dedicated to housing types. The 'h mile segment where the Brandes project has been proposed contains 7.57 acres of R-2, two dwelling unit zoning, and 7.10 acres of R-3, Multi-family zoning. It also contains 133.98 acres of single family and 11.5 acres of Christiansen Crossing, S-2, Redevelopment District zoning (a mix of single and multiple family units). An important point to focus also is the fact that this ''/2 mile segment also includes one of the City's largest parks and has a large acreage devoted to School uses. By comparison, the south half of Section 24 (NW Quad of 694 and Central) has only 111.9 acres of R-1, Single Family Residential, 6.79 acres of R-2, Two Family, and 70.27 acres of R-3, Multiple-Family Residential. If taken in two-mile blocks (as one speaker suggested at the hearing)the acreages average out. This process would still not result in the proposed project area having the highest 2-mile segment. The other land uses (like park land) in that particular segment average the densities out. Overall, the City of Fridley has 1.33% of its land dedicated to R-2, Two-Family Dwellings and 3.95% dedicated to R-3, Multiple Family Units. A map is available for your convenience in the Council Reading File. Engineering (as Jon Haukaas reports) Ponding I looked at the Brandes place property and its relationship to Moon Plaza in regards to drainage. The designers for Brandes Place will be required to deal with the storm water runoff through a retention and treatment pond so as not to impact the adjacent properties. We have seen a preliminary sketch of their ponding area but no calculations as yet. I believe it would be physically impossible for a development at Brandes Place to flood Moon Plaza due to the elevation differences. There are two low areas between the two properties that would take storm water before it went to the Moon Plaza property. One is the ponding area for Norwood Square and the other is the storm sewer inlets next to the St. Williams Church. The main problem with the Moon Plaza property is its lack of storm water controls for its own runoff. This property is nearly all building or asphalt parking lots with no ponding or other storm water retention/treatment, which creates flooding problems for it and the neighboring properties Traffic Counts and 5th Street Design Issues Fifth Street is a Minnesota State Aid (MSA) Roadway. It was designed to collector standards, though it does not carry the number of cars one might normally find on a collector. It is not unusual to find 4,000 (or more)trips daily, on a collector roadway. The following information has been provided to show historic trip data on 5th Street. 5th Street Traffic Count History Year Mississi pi to 63rd 63rto 61st 2001 2600 1300 1997 3200 1450 1995 4600 1450 1991 3200 1550 1985 3250 1370 Average 3370 1424 Affordable Housing In the Fridley/Columbia Heights demographic report it showed that in 1999, the metro area median value of home was$150,000. At that same time, only 8% of Fridley's homes were valued over that$150,000 mark. The source of this information was the Minneapolis Association of Realtors. As you know, the latest"affordable"single-family figure (as posted by the Metropolitan Council) has jumped to$162,000. Our values have also risen at a rate that has dropped our rating from over 90% single family affordable to a new ranking of 68%. As you know Livable Communities Funding and Federal TEA 21 Roadway Funding depend on the City being able to successfully answer the question; what are we doing to address the affordable housing issue in our community? Note the question is what are we doing - not what do we have for housing. In the resent past, we dropped in ranking. We had post-war ramblers that were affordable. The strong housing market has placed those out of reach for a large percentage of those who live and work in the community. As a result, there is a portion of the housing market that we as a City do not accommodate. This fact strikes a contrast with the City's recently adopted Comprehensive plan indicates that the City will continue to work to maintain its existing housing stock, while working to provide a diversified stock of housing options for those who chose to live in the community. Majority Vote(according to Fritz Knaak's Statutory Summary) The particular statutory change that occurred in 2001 amends the provisions of Section 462.357, which is the underlying authority for the adoption of zoning codes by municipalities. Subdivision 2 used to contain the following language: "Subject to the requirements of subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, the governing body may adopt and amend a zoning ordinance by a two-thirds vote of its members." That same section now reads: "(b) Subject to the requirements of subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, the governing body may adopt and amend a zoning ordinance by a majority vote of all its members. The adoption or amendment of any portion of a zoning ordinance which changes all or part of the existing classification of a zoning district from residential to either commercial or industrial requires a two-thirds majority vote of all members of the governing body." A state statute always superceded an inconsistent municipal ordinance. In this case, the ordinance was clearly modeled on the older state statute. If, in this instance, the measure were to pass by a 3-2 majority, but declared by the City to have failed for want of a two-thirds majority, there is little doubt in my mind about the outcome of a declaratory judgment action against the City seeking interpretation of the vote in a manner consistent with State law. Impact to Schools (according to Jim Fisher, Fridley Schools Finance Director) If we had 25 additional pupils this school year, our revenue could be expected to increase approximately$6,420 per student(includes Capital, Compensatory, Referendum, etc.). Therefore, total revenue would be increased by$156,000. However it is also likely that these additional students would require an additional teacher and related expenses. If these cost s would average $65,000, then marginal proceeds to the district would equal$91,000. Obviously this analysis does not include physical space limitations. PLANNING STAFF RECOMMENDATION Based purely on the land use merits of the petition before us, City Staff recommends approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, as the changes to the Future Land Use map will aid the City in meeting other goals spelled out in the Plan. The design and location of the development will help provide for a positive community image and will provide for"the development of affordable housing for all age groups". Due to the fact that the proposed project helps the City further a number of goals from the Comprehensive Plan, staff recommends the Council approve and hold the first reading of Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP#02-02, with the stipulations as presented. STIPULATIONS 1). Petitioner to dedicate street ROW as indicated on Preliminary Plat drawing. 2). Petitioner to obtain all necessary permits prior to construction. 3). Petitioner shall identify ponding area and provide easements for stormwater run-off and management. 4). Storm pond maintenance agreement must be filed prior to issuance of building permits. 5). Petitioner shall obtain any required NPDES Permit and NURP ponding for entire site. 6). City Engineering staff to review and approve grading and drainage plan prior to issuance of building permits. 7). Code required refuse and recycling enclosures must be installed. 8). Landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by City Staff prior to issuance of building permit. 9) Petitioner to pay any required Park Dedication Fees. 10) Provide proof that any existing wells or individual sewage treatment systems located on the site are properly capped or removed. 11). Property owner of record at time of building permit application,to pay required park fees prior to issuance of building permits. 12). Property owner of record at time of building permit application, to pay all water and sewer connection fees prior to issuance of a building permit. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 9 Mayor Lund replied that the only question he had is why we are picking alternates. Mr. Haukaas replied that may change who ends up with the award. If we take Spectra Building with all alternates, the amount is at $731,950. There is only a $1,450 difference if you do it with all alternates. The roof screening is on a number of buildings. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if anyone else has been asked to use the screening. Mayor Lund asked if the roof screening was to protect from the sun and elements. Mr. Haukaas answered it is visual screening. He said when they were first putting the project together they looked at it as being more than just a personnel issue but also looked at the entire facility for storage of vehicles and maintenance of vehicles. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if this project was also being done because of OSHA requirements. Mr. Haukaas answered those were some of the issues that were involved. MOTION by Councilmember Billings to award the construction contract for the Municipal Garage Expansion Project No. 343, with all alternates, to CM Construction in the amount of $730,500. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 13. RESOLUTION APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT, CPA #02-01, TO CHANGE LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM PUBLIC/SEMI- PUBLIC TO MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL IN THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 6160 FIFTH STREET N.E. (WARD 1). 14. 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 #02-01, BY BRANDES PLACE LTD. PARTNERSHIP) (WARD 1). 15. APPROVE PRELIMINARY PLAT REQUEST, PS #02-03, BY BRANDES PLACE LTD. PARTNERSHIP, TO REPLAT PROPERTY INTO TWO LOTS, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 6160 FIFTH STREET N.E. (WARD 1). Mr. Hickok, Community Development Director, stated that Brandes Place Limited Partnership is recommending three separate land use actions in order to construct a 16-unit townhouse style multi-family development at 6120 Fifth Street N.E. The actions being requested are a plat, comprehensive plan amendment, and a rezoning. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 10 Mr. Knaak, City Attorney, spoke of two issues in particular that he had. He stated at the last meeting a majority vote was necessary. This has raised questions because the City's ordinance, which is was based on the previous state statute that has been since amended, states that a two- thirds or four-fifth's vote is required. In these instances, state statute will prevail. He referred to the Attorney Generals Opinion (provided to Council) that addresses this exact same point with another charter city to whom the question was directly asked. Mr. Knaak said that the second issue he wanted to address was the presence in this case of potential application of the Religious Land Use and Institutional Persons Act (RLUIPA). In this case, there are two provisions of that Act which have to do with the fact that it is unlawful for the City to impose a substantial burden upon the religious exercise of a person putting in a religious assembly or institution. Regarding the question of whether or not the applicant's case is a religious institution for purposes of the Act and whether this particular activity is a religious exercise for the purposes of the Act, Mr. Knaak stated that no direct case law directly on point in this instance. But it is no different here, since both of these are being served and present in this case and we are dealing with a non-profit church-affiliated organization in addition to the fact that he cannot definitively say that the provision of affordable housing is not a religious exercise. Mr. Hickok stated the plat is being requested to create a new parcel for the construction of 16 townhome style multi-family units on the parcel. The Comprehensive Plan amendment is to change the City's Future Land Use Map, designating the future land use as a newly created parcel as multi-family housing. Finally, the rezoning of the new parcel to R-3 multi-family residential will allow the construction of the townhomes. Brandes Place is on St. Williams' property in the northeast corner of the campus. Brandes Place is seeking plat to divide the current St. Williams property into separate parcels. The plat will create the lot descriptions necessary for transferring the property from St. Williams to Brandes Place Limited Partnership. The creation of the second parcel will allow the lot area needed to construct the proposed townhome units. Mr. Hickok stated that the proposed lot for Brandes Place is 1.17 acres and proposed Lot 2, the remaining campus is 5.8 acres. The proposed plat will not create any non-conformities for the existing church on St. Williams' campus. Mr. Hickok stated that staff recommended approval of the plat with the following stipulations: 1. Petitioner to dedicate street ROW as indicated on Preliminary Plat drawing. 2. Petitioner to obtain all necessary permits prior to construction. 3. Petitioner shall identify ponding area and provide easements for stormwater run-off and management. 4. Storm pond maintenance agreement must be filed prior to issuance of building permits. 5. Petitioner shall obtain any required NPDES Permit and NURP ponding for entire site. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 11 6. City Engineering staff to review and approve grading and drainage plan prior to issuance of building permits. 7. Code required refuse and recycling enclosures must be installed. 8. Landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by City staff prior to issuance of building permit. 9. Petitioner to pay any required Park dedication fees. 10. Provide proof that any existing wells or individual sewage treatment systems located on the site are property capped or removed. 11. Property owner of record at time of building permit application, to pay required park fees prior to issuance of building permits. 12. Property owner of record at time of building permit application, to pay all water and sewer connection fees prior to issuance of a building permit. Mr. Hickok, Community Development Director, reported that Brandes Place is seeking to amend the future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan designating the new Brandes Place parcel, Lot 1, to a multi-family residential property. He said that prior to the Brandes Place parcel being rezoned, future land use designation on the site must be changed to Multi-Family Residential in order for the rezoning to be in conformance. Mr. Hickok said that the Comprehensive Plan is the vision for the City's future. Some of the public designations placed under all conditional type uses within the City include churches, schools, hospitals and city buildings. The design and location of the development will help provide for a positive community image and will provide for the development of affordable housing for all age groups. Due to the fact the proposed project helps us further a number of goals in the Comprehensive Plan, staff recommended approval of the request with the twelve stipulations. Mr. Hickok said that there is also a rezoning request. Brandes Place Limited Partnership and Church of St. Williams are seeking to rezone both of the parcels to R-3 Residential. St. Williams' campus and the proposed Brandes Place project are currently a mix of R-2 (Two Family) and C-3 (General Shopping Center) zoning districts. This designation is necessary for the Brandes Place development and is not an uncommon zoning designation for church property in Fridley. Mr. Hickok stated the City authority can rezone property from one designation to another so long as the zoning conforms with the Comprehensive Plan. The granting of this request would not result in "spot zoning." The granting of this request would be an expansion of the existing R-3 zoning just to the north of the property (the Norwood Square property). There is very little developable land in Fridley. Undeveloped multi-family sites are non-existent. This site is unique in that it borders existing R-3 property and the expansion of this zoned district presents an FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14. 2002 PAGE 12 opportunity to expand housing options in Fridley. He said that staff recommended approval of this as well with 12 stipulations as outlined above. Mr. Hickok stated there were nine hours of public hearings between the Planning Commission and the City Council. There was much testimony received and we have sought to answer the questions that came up through that process. He said that there was one comment about having enough affordable housing. He replied that the Comprehensive Plan addresses housing diversity and affordability. Specifically, this comes directly from the Comprehensive Plan. In high demand are affordable units with three or more bedrooms. Recent figures obtained through the Anoka County Housing Coordinator for the Metro HRA indicate that there were 125 Anoka county families for rental assistance since September 1999. Of the families waiting for three-bedroom units, 19 or 60 percent were for Fridley units. Mr. Hickok stated that answering the inquiry about crime, the Police Department has prepared two different analyses of existing apartment complexes in Fridley. He said there are 141 units in the market rate development and the subsidized development has with 196 units. For robberies the market rate had 0, and the subsidized had 1. For warrant arrests, the market rate had 4 and the subsidized had 3. For family assistance, the market rate had 17 and the subsidized 24. "Miscellaneous" calls included medical, first responder-type calls. He wanted to point out that the subsidized development is one-third senior. For Disorderly Conduct, the market rate had 6 and the subsidized 18. For damage to property, market rate had 17 and subsidized had 1. For thefts, market rate had 13 and subsidized 4. This example gives us a sense that crime exists and it is not all at individual, subsidized or market rate units. It is important to know there are other factors that influence some of the calls. Mr. Hickok stated that the second comparison made by the Police Department was a comparison of identical buildings with different management. The buildings are exactly the same design, are built side-by-side but have different owners and different management. There is a significant difference in the number of crimes. The time period was from the first nine and one-half months of 2002. Assaults, 4-1; Burglary 1-1, Disturbing the Peace, 18-1, Criminal Sexual Conduct, 2-0; Theft, 5-2; Other Crimes, 11-1 (Total 41-6). Mr. Hickok thinks this really indicated that an important factor is management. With respect to Project Based Section 8 development, the last ten years of information are looked at, including information from previous states people have lived in, previous credit information, previous crime information, and previous towns lived in. Mr. Hickok stated it is an important thing to understand that management can make a difference in crime statistics. Mr. Hickok said that answering an inquiry that Fifth Street cannot handle additional traffic, the street is a Minnesota State Aid (MSA) roadway. It was designed to collector standards. He presented a visual chart of the Fifth Street traffic count history, for the Years 2001, 1997, 1995, 1991, 1985 and the average trips for two different segments, "Mississippi to 63rd" and "63rd to 615`." He pointed out that the road was designed to collector standards allowing well over 4,000 trips. He said there and there are 2,600 to 4,600 in the segment of Mississippi to 63`d but there is also the use by the Target employees. From 63`d to 61" the numbers drop incredibly from 1985 through the year 2001 and have stayed there pretty much consistently; there was a difference of FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 13 1,550 to 1,450 cars on an average daily basis. We are looking at about 1,300 on that roadway segment in 2001. Remember that each one of these units have the expectation of generating 7 trips(for 12 units)for the development each day. Mr. Hickok proceeded to comment on the impact to schools. He said it was mentioned that the schools are "swollen and that they can't afford these students." Mr. Hickok stated they have asked the School District to respond to them and they have not taken any stance on this matter.. However, they have indicated the following: If 25 new students are added, an additional revenue of$156,000 would be received by the school. An additional teacher may be required at the cost of approximately $65,000, leaving $91,000 for additional school district funds based on 25 new students. Mr. Hickok stated that with respect to the comment about the area having too much multi-family housing density, he provided an analysis of the City in half-mile segments which showed very specific GIS data of the land use in each segment. He said that in each one of the areas, they use mathematical and scientific information to determine the information. He stated that by looking at the areas, 2 percent of the land is dedicated to R-2, 12 percent is dedicated to R-3 and 7 percent of the overall land area is dedicated to R-2 or R-3 residential. He said it is important to understand that density is relative to location and as you lay out a land use plan, there are areas that are truly higher density than some neighborhoods. But one of the factors that makes higher density work and is the higher capacity roadways that allow people to leave the development, not travel through a single-family neighborhood. Mr. Hickok pointed out that by looking at the map, we can see that there is higher density and more concentrated land use of commercial land along those roadways because it allows for people to get in and out of those developments without traversing where larger single-family developments are. Mr. Hickok said that in answer to the comment that this development will flood Moon Plaza, the designers of Brandes Place will be required to deal with storm water runoff, retention and a treatment pond. It will be physically impossible for the development at Brandes Place to flood Moon Plaza due to the elevation differences. The main problem with the Moon Plaza property is its lack of storm water controls for its own runoff. This property is nearly all building or asphalt parking lots with no ponding or other storm water retention/treatment opportunity which does create its own problem. Mr. Hickok stated that staff recommended approval of the rezoning request with the outlined stipulations. Councilmember Wolfe asked about the crime study and if there were any comparisons done including residential single family. Mr. Hickok replied it was requested that it be done using multi-family. Councilmember Billings recalled the cooperative agreement between St. Williams and Catholic Charities. He said that Brandes Place Limited Partnership, however, comes into this as an entity. He said it was his understanding that the federal holder of the property would be Wells Fargo FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 14 Bank and they would then lease the property to Catholic Charities. He asked if the loan could be sold, what type of lease it was, and who the titleholder would be. Mr. Knaak replied that the question is in the context of RLUIPA since that is the issue and that changes somewhat the burden ultimately that the City agree with any of these applications. Specifically, if this passes into the ownership of a third party that is more obviously a religious institution, does that somehow mean that RLUIPA in those terms still applies. He stated he believed the answer to the question is, no, it does not mean that. For example, school districts routinely will lease space to religious organizations and communities for the purpose of conducting religious services. No one argues that as a result of that, those are no longer religious services or activities and that the school district owns the church. The issue as far as RLUIPA is concerned is the nature of the activity itself, not necessarily who owns the property. It is his understanding we are concerned right now with the present application. Any arrangements and assurances that can provided by Catholic Charities are unknown. For purposes of RLUIPA the fact that it is owned by a non-religious institution really is irrelevant; it is what is going on there, that it is a religious exercise, and whether it involves the participation of a religious institution. Dr. Burns asked about the connection with RLUIPA. Mr. Knaak replied if Catholic Charities or some other organization were to provide free housing as part of a ministry, would that or would that not be is the speculative argument. An argument can certainly be made that this is part of their ministry. Mr. Hickok stated he does have somewhat of an understanding from discussions with the petitioner about the relationship with St. Williams Church and Catholic Charities, the Community Housing Development Corporation, and the bank. There is a complex financial arrangement that depends on a 30-year relationship. The land is being given from St. Williams to the new landowners with the specific stipulations that the land does not change ownership and that agreement is drawn very tight. The bank and the federal funds depend on this also staying at the current use. So, the funding package only works if there is a commitment to keep moving in the direction that they are to provide affordable housing. On top on that understanding is that the development corporation would not want to get the funds and turn around and contradict the arrangements that were made. He stated that he has had their assurances that there is no intention to turn it into another use or turn it over to another landowner. Councilmember Barnette asked if they could sell the property. Mr. Hickok explained that the arrangement is very much like many other religious institutions across the country, that do not have their own method of financing a church so that they go to the bank to do that. There are many, many churches that are funded through banks and institutions. It does not in any way make them a church. It also puts them on the line as the debtor to the bank as it gives them a commitment to repay the mortgage on that property. Ms. Janet Pope, Asset/Developer Manager for the Community Housing Development Corporation, approached to provide an answer to the question. She stated that Brandes Place FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 15 Limited Partnership would be the title owner, Wells Fargo would be a limited partner and would have very limited duties such as to invest funds based on the use that Brandes Place will be put to, and that is affordable housing. Wells Fargo would pay penalties if the housing is used for anything different than affordable housing or it is sold to anyone else who uses it for anything else other than this specific use. The Community Housing Development Corporation will be the managing general partner. The company has done this for I I years and has never sold any of its property. They will have a lease agreement with Catholic Charities whereby they will essentially operate, manage, and provide the services to residents of the property. Councilmember Barnette asked how the Community Housing Development Corporation would still hold the title. Ms. Pope replied that the Community Housing Development Corporation and Wells Fargo formed a third entity called the Brandes Place Limited Partnership which will actually own the property. This is all according to federal law. Councilmember Barnette asked if the request for rezoning portion of this should fail, does the whole procedure at this point stop or would there be a second reading two weeks from now. Mr. Hickok replied that if the motion to approve this project fails, there is a process by parliamentary procedure to create an opportunity to amend the motion. Councilmember Barnette asked if the land would change hands at that stage. Mr. Hickok responded that it is all tied together. If one fails, they all fail. Councilmember Billings asked if someone could review the policies for screening tenants for the proposed site. Mr. Hickok replied that the screening procedures are for project-based Section 8 housing and are contained in the packet. Section 8 tenant screening has a stricter process than many market-based developments. The City has no control over the private landlord screening or not screening their prospective residents. On the other hand, project-based goes through a tenant screening for all prospective tenants, including rental, credit and criminal history. The last ten states the prospective tenant has lived in are checked and 7 years of poor rental, criminal and credit history are held against the prospective tenant. Councilmember Billings asked would do the screening for the project. Mr. Hickok responded that is part of the management project and is tied into the funding and management arrangement. In this case it would Catholic Charities. Councilmember Billings asked if they could explain the process of what they would do and how it would work. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 16 Ms. Tracy Berglund, Assistant Administrator for Catholic Charities, stated that they do the regular screening that Mr. Hickok talked about and also have a panel selection. Councilmember Billings asked her to explain a little more about the panel selection. Ms. Berglund replied that generally the panel is made up of senior management, property management staff, staff from Catholic Charities and also staff from the local community. Councilmember Barnette stated he was asked whether the buildings are accessible under the Americans With Disabilities Act. He asked for an explanation of what measures have been made and why they have to be made. Mr. Hickok replied that two units that are required to be accessible in a 16-unit development such as this. One is a physical accessibility unit which addresses physical challenges and the other is for hearing or sight challenges. On the model there are two buildings side-by-side which were identical. Those presumably would be the two northernmost buildings. The southern buildings, particularly the building closest to the existing administration building on the church campus has one unit that is a one-level unit, so the building would be designed in a way to allow a one-level unit in a group of four to exist. That is the unit for the physically challenged. Councilmember Wolfe asked if the Section 8 screening could be more restrictive for Brandes Place. Mr. Hickok replied that the project-based screening process is the one described and, in this case, is the one Catholic Charities would be responsible for. It would necessitate going back and looking at the applicant's history, checking back ten states, checking the crime record and checking the credit rating. That is a standard process. For a tenant lease situation, it is truly up to the management of that complex. If they choose not to screen tenants, you may have a system where a tenant has not been well screened and have problems because of that. Councilmember Bolkcom said the City does have a rental ordinance and they will have to have a permit to rent these properties. There is a conduct of code in the ordinance. There are provisions in the rental ordinance about behavior of tenants. She said she knew they worked and she also thought it was an opportunity for a landlord to get rid of a so-called problem tenant. Mr. Hickok replied that that was true. He said that this is way the process is identical. Whether it is a unit that has a subsidy or whether it is a market rate unit, there is truly an eviction process that will eliminate the bad tenants. There is inspection of the units. We also have a code of conduct in that ordinance that really keeps the management on their toes. If they get to a point where they have a series of repeat offenses of a certain type, their license can be recalled. Ms. Janet Kreutter, 5916 Second Street, stated she grew up in Coon Rapids and was a number. She moved to Fridley where the schools are a small size. According to Minnesota state law, there should only be 19 students in an elementary classroom. The first grade has four sections, four teachers, and 24 kids per section. Second grade has three sections, three teachers, and 24 kids FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 17 per section. Third grade has four sections, four teachers, and 26 kids on the average. Fourth grade has three sections, three kids, and 30 kids for an average. The seventh grade is full. She said she wished that a senior development would be built. She said she believed that the estimate of adding 47 kids would be too many for the schools. Mayor Lund stated that with respect to her request that a senior center be built, the Council cannot vote for senior housing as that is not the request before them. He said that asking for senior housing would still result in a rezoning request. Ms. Kreutter said she is talking about the schools. She graduated with over 900 kids and her daughter graduated with 198. She said she believed that we're going to lose it. Mayor Lund replied that the rezoning issue is currently being discussed. The property is now R-2 and the petitioner is asking for it to change to R-3. He said that what Ms. Kreutter is asking for would also require an R-3 rezoning. Mr. Dick Snyder, 5901 Second Street N.E., said he had lived in Fridley for 39 years and brought up two kids. He feels there is a lot of affordable housing. His big concern is safety and the water runoff situation. Mr. Hickok replied that the Brandes Place project will be required to hold its own water. The law requires that pre-imposed development water runoff needs to meet certain standards. The project will not move forward with permits until a satisfactory solution for ponding has been created. As for ponds in developments, it is not an unusual thing. As a matter of fact it is state law that ponding occur on sites for all developments to exist. We do not fence in ponds for the protection of children. That is not a typical standard; they are created typically in the amenities of the development. Mayor Lund replied that when the Community Center was expanded, there was no ponding originally there. When the City made a joint deal with the school district and added onto the community center, a ponding area was created to take into consideration additional runoff of the increased parking lot and increased impervious surfaces. Councilmember Wolfe commented that we cannot separate seniors and other ages. That is something the City cannot do. He knows a lot of people want a senior center, but the City is unable to discriminate based on age. Mr. Ed Sworsky, 491 - 61`t Avenue N.E., stated that when he went to school he was taught that he lived in a democracy and they elected representatives who did your will and the majority would rule. It seems to him that somewhere down the line the majority does not rule. He thinks that we need to remember that Council is elected and they are representing the residents. We have listened to more people who want it than people who don't want it. Ms. Jody Gambel, 6020 Sixth Street N.E., asked if they used the same screening for the people that live in other Catholic Charities buildings. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 18 Councilmember Billings asked for clarification of the question, asking if she wanted to know if they use the same type of screening for the same types of facilities. They have several types of facilities throughout the metropolitan Twin Cities area. Ms. Gambel confirmed she was asking about similar facilities and if they use the same screening. She also commented that on the traffic issue and that the road can handle the traffic. The question is if the people, not the road, can handle all the traffic. She stated that we're talking about a huge complex and she is a little frustrated that they keep answering the question about the road, and that they're talking about the road, not the "people." She stated if you're talking about Village Green, they have a lot problems and you can call them up and ask them yourself. She said the ordinances do not always work and Village Green management can tell them that. She said she thought this project was too overwhelming for their neighborhood. Ms. Pope replied they do have tenant screening for similar type of buildings. They do have a very broad range of facilities to give shelter. They have very strict screening for this type of facility. Councilmember Bolkcom inquired if traffic counts are done on roadways for any type of rezoning. She asked if they looked at the number of the cars that might go up and down any of the streets, whether residential or feeder streets, and the increase in numbers. She asked whether we are doing anything different when evaluating the traffic counts in this area compared to any other project. Ms. Hickok replied no. He said that this is a uniform development standard that is used. He said that everyone has their own perception of what development will do and what traffic will do, but the numbers are what are utilized. Mr. Mary Peters, 6220 Sixth Street N.E., asked if the Council received a packet sent out by his son. Mayor Lund confirmed that they had. He stated there are questions and facts in the packet. He stated he is a landlord. He said when Catholic Charities stated that they would be screening tenants, that does not always work. He said it is difficult to You do not get factual information. When you call another landlord and ask for references, if it's a bad tenant, they will say, yeah, he's a pretty good one. He stated he could talk for hours about the difficulties he has had with different tenants. He had two private investigators do his screening and it does not always work. You only get certain information. He has also had trouble with gang members, and not knowing they were gang members because he could not get that information. Keep that in mind. Ms. Katy Vechell, 6201 Fifth Street N.E., approached and commented on the traffic. She stated she conducted her own study on Monday, September 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. She said that within 30 minutes, 71 vehicles went by her house, and within one hour, 101 vehicles. She stated that a total of 322 vehicles in three hours passed by her house, not counting 6 police officers that went by, 2 community officers, 2 school buses, three large vehicles such as UPS and Metro Mobility, three motorcycles, 14 people on bicycles, and 14 people walking. She stated that was an average of one vehicle per second. She stated that sometimes she cannot even get out of FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 19 her driveway. She replied that there is a retirement home on her block and the residents walk up and down the street with their walkers. Mayor Lund asked Mr. Hickok if the traffic counts are required every four years. Mr. Haukaas replied that traffic counts are required by MnDOT for state aid streets. He said that right now they are on a four-year cycle. A lot of the fully developed communities elect to go to a four-year cycle because traffic counts haven't changed much. He replied that Ms. Vechell probably had very valid counts. A majority of the traffic occurs during the day. He said they could put out a traffic counter strip and get another number. However, he feels safe guessing it would be within the range they are talking about, 1400 cars a day. Dr. Burns commented it should be pointed out that the last one done was in 2001. Councilmember Wolfe inquired if the studies are done like MnDOT where they count cars per hours. Mr. Haukaas replied they use a rubber hose that goes across to a mechanical counter. Mayor Lund asked how long they leave the hose to traffic count in a specific area. Ms. Haukaas stated they will do it for a 48-hour period. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if it was only during the week. Mr. Haukaas replied that is correct. Mayor Lund commented regarding the traffic count charge that from 63`d to 61St, it is actually down and the average appears to be around 1,400. He said that it also states that Fifth Street is a Minnesota State Aid Roadway and it is designed as a collector and as a collector it is not unusual to find 4,000 or more vehicles on the roadway. Mr. Pete Eisenzimmer, 6535 Oakley Drive, stated he would like to know if Council would like the Section 8 area across from them. He thinks that putting in senior housing would be better. Mayor Lund commented to Mr. Eisenzimmer that he is bringing up the same issue that was brought up earlier. Mr. Eisenzimmer replied the people in that area do not want that project it in there. He said Council should go back to the property owner and see if a senior center could be built there.. Mayor Lund commented that if they were to ask for a senior citizen building, it would require the same type of zoning that is being requested. Ms. Jean Hegberg, 5881 Second Street N.E., stated that 80 percent have said that they do not want it. She said she has decided to run for City Council. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 20 Ms. Sue Watlov Phillips, 1355 Hillcrest Drive, asked if anyone has asked the organization how the rent was going to be utilized? She also asked if this property is going to be treated any differently than other similarly zoned property. Mr. Hickok replied that it would not. Mayor Lund replied they are giving them due process. Councilmember Billings stated he believes it depends on what questions remain. He asked if City staff asked different questions than they have for a similar project. He asked if the criteria was the same as it would be for another project. He said the answer is yes. The City is not just city staff or the City Council. The city is the people that live in the city. There are a number of people who are asking a number of questions. He said that the City Council is trying to respond to those questions and give Catholic Charities and St. Williams Church an opportunity to respond to the questions of the neighborhood. So in the broader sense, is the petitioner being asked to respond to questions that they might have otherwise been asked to respond to? Probably so, based on the emotional feelings of the neighborhood, but he does not think, in terms of the legislative process that the City Council and city staff are going through, that they are asking different questions than they would normally ask the petitioner. Mr. Roger Avery, 6010 Glenco Street N.E., states he would like to be sent a copy of the density drawing. Father Joseph Whalen, Pastor of the Church of St. William, stated that when they went through the process in the winter and early spring of 2000, several open meetings were held not only for parishioners of the parish but for neighbors as well, to discuss the donation of land. In the course of those hearings, several questions arose about whether the land should be sold or used differently. He said he thought the discussions were extensive, comprehensive, and met all of the questions that were raised. During the process, it was determined that the land should be donated to Catholic Charities. Mr. Don Mahr, 6181 Fifth Street N.E., stated he lives right across the project and with respect to what the priest just said, nobody informed him about it. He also believed it was all cut and dry before the meeting. Mr. Rusty Quinn, 6271 Sixth Street N.E., stated he has lived in Fridley for well over 40 years and attends St. Michael's parish. He states the parishioners were not advised of this and were not asked. He stated to his knowledge, 85 percent of the parishioners are against it. Mayor Lund reminded Mr. Quinn that is a question for the church. Councilmember Wolfe stated they have no say with how the church operates. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 21 Ms. Joanne Zmuda, 6051 Fourth Street N.E., commented on the safety of the holding pond. She read an excerpt from RLUIPA stating that no government shall impose an incident of land use regulation in a manner that imposes a financial burden on religious exercise of a person. To date 12 land cases have been decided under RLUIPA and not one case pertaining to land being used for any other purpose other than religious worship or schools. For example, RLUIPA applies by allowing an establishment of a place of worship such as allowing worship services in homes or malls not zoned for such purpose. She states that is a big difference than what is being discussed presently. Mr. Haukaas, Public Works Director, replied that he did not know of any holding pond in the City that has fences around it. That may be a decision of the property owner. The majority of the ponds are considered dry ponds -- they only hold water immediately after it storms. There is no requirement for fencing. Mr. Avery asked is this a profit or non-profit corporation? Ms. Pope approached and stated that ownership entity will be a for profit corporation, Brandes Place Limited Partnership who will have to carry a non-profit corporation to manage the property and provide services to the residents. Community Housing Development Corporation is the general partners of the limited partnership that are one partnership -- that entity is non-profit. Mr. Avery asked if it was a for profit organization? Ms. Pope replied that it was a for profit organization that owns the land. Mr. Joe Weber, 6021 Sixth Street N.E., approached and commented on the city map and noticed some of the statistics. He said if you were to draw the map a little differently and start with Fifth Street to the corner of Fridley, there is no question that this is where all the multi-units are. He commented on the Village Green statistics and the definition of the road. Mr. Hickok stated that if someone wants a copy of the map, they are welcome to it. The City is broken up already into one-mile sections and for purposes here they were broken down into one- half sections. He pointed out that the roadways are there and this area is next to a major transportation route and certainly would fit the land use tenants. Mayor Lund stated there was another comment about the street being designated as a collector street, that it is more of a thoroughfare since Sixth Street does not go all the way to Mississippi.. Mr. Kirkham approached and stated he had a few things he wanted to address. One was about the splitting up of the segments showing the traffic on the roadway. He stated to Mr. Hickok he knew he had put in a lot of work into the presentation and asked him who was paying him, Catholic Charities or the City of Fridley. Councilmember Billings replied that Mr. Hickok had provided the answers to the questions that the neighborhood and City Council asked. He said he thought he has done it in a fair and FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 22 objective manner. He said he thought Mr. Kirkham's comment was totally, completely inappropriate and out of place and requested that Mr. Kirkham apologize to him. Mr. Kirkham apologized to Mr. Hickok. Mr. Kirkham stated he had a question about the easement and right-of-way for the area of the map indicated by the purple. At the last council meeting someone asked what the difference was. Mr. Hickok replied that it is most typical in a plat to have the street surrounding the plat dedicated as right-of-way. It does not at all change the way we serve the property in terms of street cleaning and maintenance. Mr. Kirkham commented how the property in question was properly zoned R-2. He said he thought the correct comparison would be to compare R-3 multiple housing statistics to R-1 and R-2. Councilmember Bolkcom stated there is a lot of talk about whether there is more crime at places that have Section 8 than at those places that do not accept Section 8. She stated she did believe that Mr. Hickok did answer the question. What they did try to do was compare an area that does have Section 8 and one that does not. She commented that there are some single-family homes that are rental properties that we have issues with. Ms. Mary Vasecki, 6909 Hickory Drive N.E., asked how many possible uses there could be without any variation from building codes. She said that according to RLUIPA you do not have to vote for it if it causes hardship to the community. She stated she would contest that putting many units on that property would cause hardship to the community because of the schools. She said that it is a proven statistic that lower-income students require more resources in the school district. She stated she believed affordable housing is good but added if you go through the newspaper you will see that Fridley has more affordable housing than any of the other communities around. She stated that she has her own rental property. Mr. Ed Sworsky, 491 - 61" Avenue N.E., approached and stated he wanted to say that the roads in Fridley are beautiful. He commented that after the State pays for a portion of the paved roads, so do the residents. Mr. Eisenzimmer commented about the holding ponds containing a lot of mosquitoes and that the more ponds, the more breeding there is, which in turn, brings in more medical problems. Mayor Lund pointed out the Attorney General's opinion that adopting an amendment of a certain zoning amendments would require a majority of voting members. In other words, a 3-2 vote would prevail. Councilmember Wolfe stated the citizens' input does count. Council received a lot of petitions. He said goes by what he has seen. It is very clear to him people are concerned about the drop in property value. Also, health and welfare was a concern. He commented on the statement that we need more housing, and stated according to statistics the percentage of Fridley residents who own or occupy homes is 66. Rental homes are occupied by 34 percent. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 23 Councilmember Bolkcom stated that she thought this is a tough emotional issue. She stated that a lot of people were unable to comment, no one came to her home with a petition, and there was no citywide telephone survey. She said she thinks they are placing judgment on people who are not as fortunate as we are and we do not have all the facts. She said that people are making assumptions that suddenly since there are 16 townhomes, they are going to be overrun with traffic and crime. She said if the project does go through the Church and Catholic Charities should be held responsible for their tenants. Just like we need to hold our other landlords responsible. She said we need to judge based on the facts. Councilmember Wolfe commented he thought the concept is wonderful. He just believed that the neighborhood is overwhelmed--mathematically, 16 1/2 to 1. Councilmember Bolkcom asked him if legally, we can base this solely on the opposition from the neighbors. Councilmember Barnette commented that with respect to the issue of senior housing, unfortunately they are not dealing with it at this time. He said they have heard about the politics within the church and that is none of their business. He thinks this particular neighborhood has its share of multiple housing. He was a councilmember back in the 70's and 80's and they had some of these same kinds of issues come up at that time. They had a request from Anoka County to provide four units for handicapped adults on 54`h and Fifth Street and they heard some of the same arguments at that time and he voted in favor. Also in 1980, he was on the Council when the Village Green request was made and he voted for that also. He was also the chairman of the committee formed when the Medtronics Corporation built their site between Fridley and Columbia Heights. They had an independent study done of the housing in Fridley and they found at that time about 75 percent of all Fridley properties fell at or below the affordable housing limit set by the Metropolitan Council. At that time he thought the figure was $144,000. He asked himself, does Fridley have its share or more of its share of rental units and affordable housing. In relationship to contiguous districts and communities around Fridley, he personally thought the answer is yes. He asked if this rezoning request was a good fit for what he sees as the future of Fridley. He felt he had to answer no. He thought the fact of the school district is a mute point. He asked if this request had the support of the local neighbors, which is no. But, he said, we do not know what the other 27,000 people in Fridley thought. Finally, as Mr. Sworsky brought up, we live in a representative form of government. We cannot have a public hearing or town meeting on every issue that comes up. That it why the Council is elected. Mayor Lund commented he looked at what he thought was best for the City of Fridley. The current zoning appears to be appropriately zoned as R-2. He said he would vote for it to remain that way. He stated that because of the negative comments he sometimes felt compelled to vote differently. Councilmember Bolkcom commented that we have a responsibility to have affordable rental homes. She said that five years from now there won't be the impact that people think is going to happen. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2002 PAGE 24 Councilmember Billings commented that there has been a tremendous amount of telephone calls, etc., regarding this issue. He appreciated the willingness of the people to address the issue. He said he has been telling everyone since day one that he makes his decisions based on fact, state statutes, city ordinances, the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and City Charter. He has said all along that his decision was going to be based on the facts, not on emotions. They as a City Council are specifically looking at whether they should split the property into two parcels and specifically whether they are going to rezone the property. He is not basing his decision on the specific use that the property owner is planning on using the property for. He is basing his decision on whether or not R-3, whether used for senior, low- income, or market rate housing, is an appropriate use of the property. He said that as far as he was concerned RLUIPA has no impact on what he is about to vote on and may or may not apply to this case. He said he is voting on what he sees are the facts and laws before him. There are a number of other laws that impacted his decision. One is the state law that we cannot let the Council in any issue cannot be arbitrary and capricious. They have already zoned a small portion just north of this property R-3. Although there were not as many people that were opposed to Norwood Square project than there are in this land use, they were hearing some of the same arguments that it was going to be too much traffic, too dense, etc. The different this time is that the arguments are based on a tremendous amount of fear. He said he is not very happy about that and feels it is totally inappropriate. We had similar concerns back in the early eighties when Community Action wanted to put in a facility on, he believes Fifth Street at the 5400 block. Now some 15 years later, the people down the road think they are some of the greatest neighbors they got and have more problems with neighbors that live in single-family homes. He has to consider the responsibility he has to all the citizens of Fridley plus the financial responsibility he has. There are any number of reasons a property owner who receives a decision of the City Council that they don't like can seek litigation. The church is not threatening us with litigation, but he always has to keep in mind that if the petitioner disagrees there is that possibility. He believes in this case, if he were to vote against it and the petitioner would disagree, he thinks it highly likely that it would end up in court. In the Community Actions case, the City Council voted against the project. Community Actions did not like the decision of the City Council, went to court. He said he encouraged those in the neighborhood to contact Catholic Charities and the church and see if they would consider senior housing. He is going to be voting in favor of all three items as the responsibility of a member of the City Council. MOTION by Councilmember Billings to approve preliminary Plat Request, PS #02-03, by Brandes Place Limited Partnership to replat property into two lots, generally located at 6160 Fifth Street N.E. with twelve stipulations. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, COUNCILMEMBER BILLINGS AND COUNCILMEMBER BOLKCOM VOTING AYE, AND MAYOR LUND, COUNCILMEMBER BARNETTE, AND COUNCILMEMBER WOLFE VOTING NAY, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION FAILED. MOTION by Councilmember Billings to approve the resolution approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, CPA #02-01, to Change Lane Use Designation from Public/Semi-Public to Multi- FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14 2002 PAGE 25 Family Residential in the City's Comprehensive Plan, generally located at 6160 Fifth Street N.E. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, COUNCILMEMBER BILLINGS AND COUNCILMEMBER BOLKCOM VOTING AYE, AND MAYOR LUND, COUNCILMEMBER BARNETTE, AND COUNCILMEMBER WOLFE VOTING NAY, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION FAILED. MOTION by Councilmember Billings, to approve the first reading of an ordinance to amend the City Code of the City of Fridley to make a change in zoning districts pursuant to Rezoning Request, ZOA#02-01 by Brandes Place Limited Partnership with 12 stipulations. UPON A VOICE VOTE, COUNCILMEMBER BILLINGS AND COUNCILMEMBER BOLKCOM VOTING AYE, AND MAYOR LUND, COUNCILMEMBER BARNETTE, AND COUNCILMEMBER WOLFE VOTING NAY, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION FAILED. 16. INFORMAL STATUS REPORTS. None. ADJOURN: MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE OCTOBER 14, 2002, CITY COUNCIL MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:36 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Denise M. Letendre Scott J. Lund Recording Secretary Mayor