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HRA 07/21/1997 JOINT - 29801JOINT HRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 � . The Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Fridley City Council met in a joint conference session on July 21, 1997. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Master Plan and the contract for exclusive negotiations for the Fridley Executive Center. Those in attendance were: Nancy Jorgenson, Robert Barnette, Steven Billings, Dennis Schneider, Ann Bolkcom, John Meyer, Jim McFarland, Duane Prairie, Virginia Schnabel, William Burns, Barbara Dacy, John Flora, Jim Casserly, Dave Jellison, and Leslie Jowett. Ms. Dacy, Community Development Director, stated that there were two issues to be discussed regarding the Fridley Executive Center. These issues are whether the City should continue to market the site as proposed in the current Master Plan; and if the City should continue a contractual relationship with MEPC.American Properties. Site Development: Ms. Dacy presented a video tape on "tech flex" buildings in Golden Valley, Eden Prairie, and an operation center Energy Park in St. Paul. The complex in Golden Valley is 90,000 square feet, 16 feet to 18 feet in height and occupied by Cyber Optics and Work Station International. The video showed the exterior, as well as the interior offices. The 90,000 square foot complex in Eden Prairie, adjacent to the Vikings training camp, is currently under construction and the majority of the committed tenants previously occupied Class A office buildings. The operations center in St. Paul is 100,000 to 150,000 square feet and is a two-story building. Ms. Dacy stated that at Centre Pointe in Roseville a 100,000 square foot tech flex building is being constructed by Ryan Construction. Mr. Weir developed this one-story office building which houses a day care center. Ms. Dacy stated that a lot of the same information Fridley has about the market was given to our counterparts in Roseville. Roseville had to go through a decision making process to take advantage of what is marketable at this point in time or wait for an opportunity to develop the site for corporate offices. The decision was made to develop a portion of the site as tech flex. They are in the process of closing on two sites for hotels, and they still have 16 acres available to market as corporate office space. Mr. Jellison, MEPC, stated that CSM is developing the Roseville site, but they did not want to look at Lake Pointe. The Marriott people said it was too premature, and there was not enough service areas to make it work. Ms. Dacy presented four options or scenarios for development of the � Fridley executive center (formerly Lake Pointe). Option A is for a Corporate Office Park, represented in the existing Master Plan, of FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 2 � 582,000 square feet in four office buildings. There is 90,000 square feet of retail and service uses included in this option, as well as all three other options. Option B is for an operation center/office building with a 185,000 square foot multi-story office building and 261,800 square feet in two operation center buildings (these are two, two-story buildings). MEPC has a proposal pending with a company for this use. Option C is a mixed use park with 250,000 square feet in two multi- story office buildings and 100,000 square feet in two, one-story "tech flex" buildings. Tech flex means a one-story research and development facility with a higher'grade appearance than a typical one-story office/showroom facility.. Option D is all "tech flex" of 240, 000 square feet in two or more tech flex, one-story buildings. Ms. Dacy summarized the financial impacts of each of the options in terms of the amount of annual taxes and the present value of tax increment. They are as follows: Option A, $2,687,513; $8,529,938 (TIF) ; Option B, $l, 974, 588; $7, 124, 357 (TIF) ; Option C, $1, 462, 278; $5, 071, 479 (TIF) ; and Option D, $738, 835; $3, 485, 934 �--� ( T I F ) . Ms. Dacy stated in Options A and B it is assumed that all the land is written down to zero. Options A, B, and C assume that all of the parking ramp expenses are assumed by the HRA (and paid for with tax increment). Option D assumes land sales and no parking ramp expenses because the proposed development is en.tirely one story with surface parking. Options C and D also assume revenue from a land sale for the one-story building. Councilman Schneider asked if the cost for a parking ramp was $7.5 million dollars. Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the cost is $7,500 per parking space. The ramp at the municipal center was $5,000 per parking space. Ms. Dacy stated that the cost for a new ramp is $6,500 to $8,000 per parking space depending on the height. Mr. Meyer stated that $7,500 to $8,000 per parking space is the going rate when you have multi-level parking. Ms. Dacy stated that "tech flex" is a growing market, as companies are downsizing and looking for less expensive lease rates. �--� Mr. Prairie stated that Options B, C and D would not be as attractive as Option A. � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 3 Ms. Dacy stated that in Options A and B, all of the parking is in ramps, with the exception of 15 percent surface parking. In Option C, half the site is "tech flex" and all that parking will be surface parking. There is, however, 250,000 square feet of office buildings which involves about a 1,000 car parking ramp. Councilman Schneider asked why Option A could not proceed. Ms . Dacy stated that the City has received comments about the CEO appeal, and there is concern about Fridley's image. Mr. Jellison stated that over $35,000 was spent in attempting to have Lawson 5oftware locate on this site. The corporate headquarters building was redesigned with a high tech innovative image, as well as a research and development building. There were two buildings proposed for a total of 340,000 square feet. Lawson, however, did not envision Fridley as their corporate headquarters and they relocated in St. Paul. Ms. Dacy stated that it is still possible to proceed with Option A, but it may be some,time before this would occur. The question is how long should the City wait. Councilman 5chneider felt that waiting would not change the City's image. Mr. Burns asked if there were fewer companies looking for corporate space. Mr. Jellison stated that companies today want greater flexibility. He felt that "tech flex" does provide this alternative, and the trend is growing. He cannot think of any corporate campus being constructed in the Twin Cities at this time. Mr. Meyer stated that H.B. Fuller was expanding their campus. Councilman Schneider felt that companies start as "tech flex." If they are successful and grow, they look at a corporate campus. This opportunity may be provided in the mixed use. Mr. Jellison stated it is their hope that this would happen. He stated that when companies grow to a certain point they want that corporate image. Some other companies approached for the possible use of the site were U.S. WEST, Pentair, Target, and Piper Jaffray. All have found other facilities, with the exception of Piper Jaffray which will not make a decision until later this summer. Their interest would be in an operations center. ---� Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Jellison if he has heard any criticism of the ,-� s i t e . FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 4 �� Mr. Jellison stated that the access has been a concern, but there is the new plan for upgrading the intersection. He knows that the City would like to have Option A, but companies are more concerned about bottom line and flexibiiity than upgradinq th�ir image. Councilman Billings felt that Lawson would not have changed their mind regardless of what Fridley offered, as they wanted to locate in downtown St. Paul. Councilman Billings stated that the buildings constructed on this site will last longer than the TIF district. He stated that City should look at the impact of the taxes after the district expires after twenty years. One-sixth of the annual taxes was considered as the City's portion, the net would be: $5,400,000 for Option A; $5, 800, 000 for Option B; $7, 400, 000 for Option C; and $10, 900, 000 for Option D. The point is that the City should be looking for something beyond the life of the TIF district. Councilman Billings stated that the question is priority. Should a larger amount of taxes be generated for the good of the community (the school district and county as well as the city) or should the City be looking at how much taxes can be generated for the City? Councilwoman Bolkcom felt that constructing a fancy building would �-.1 not change the City's image. This is a blue collar suburb, and Fridley is not Minnetonka or Eden Prairie. This is not a negative, and there is nothing wrong with our City, but Fridley is an oTder community. Communities like Eden Prairie and Maple Grove are relatively new. Councilman Barnette felt that what was envisioned was a Radisson for the comznunity. If this type of development occurs it would enhance the City's image. Councilman Schneider stated that he did not care if the City waits several years if, in fact, this is an image issue. Mayor Jorgenson stated that she does not foresee a major hotel built on the site, as the market is not here for such a facility. She does not necessarily favor a service center but felt a technical center would be good for the site. Councilman Barnette asked if Fridley's image was different from Roseville's. Mr. Jellison stated it was, in that Roseville has Rosedale Shopping Center, newer homes, and more retail. Mr. Prairie stated that there is not a shortage of land adjacent to the freeway in the north and west areas, as Plymouth and Maple n Grove have land available. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 5 ^ Ms. Schnabel stated that Roseville also has major freeways to the downtown areas. Councilman Billings felt that the City has to look at what is feasible based on all the factors in the market place. If Option A could be developed in the short term, this would be the way to proceed. This, however, does not seem realistic, and other options may need to be considered. He questioned how viable is Option B. Mr. Jellison stated that there is probably a 25 percent chance of proceeding with Option B. A company would still have to be convinced to locate in Fridley. The greater viable avenue is Options C or D with a high tech building. He would go to their board to construct a s�eculative building without a lease. High tech buildings are hig;i quality facilities that most cities are happy with. He felt t��at there needed to be some development in order to get momentum going. Ms. Dacy asked if there is a legitimate chance of attracting a hotel and restaurant if Option C is pursued and "tech flex" is in operation. Mr. Jellison felt that a Fairfield Inn or a Hampton Inn would fit in nicely on this site. ^ Ms. Schnabel felt that it was time to begin development of this site. She would fav�r Option C. Councilman Schneider felt that there was a consensus for Option C. Mr. Meyer asked if the site would require major soil remediation. Mr. Flora stated that the majority of the areas were cleaned up, and the soil was re-compacted. Councilman Billings asked if sites 1 and 2 were developed under Option C, if it may be possible to market sites 3 and 4 for offices. Mr. Jellison stated he cannot answer that question but would do everything he could to market this as an office site. It is more likely that they would find tech users than multi-story office users. However, once sites 1 and 2 are developed there is a much better chance of attracting other companies. Ms. Dacy stated that there is some time available to the City Council and HRA to market the balance of the site for office while sites 1 and 2 are being developed. Mr. Burns stated that the City was asked by an existing company in ,-� the City that needs multi-story office space to put together a proposal for their company. The City was asked w�at incentives FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 6 � would be provided for a 250,00 square foot building. Option C could accommodate this request. Mr. Jellison stated that the only building they would try to construct speculatively would be the high tech. The two-story buildings would be built to suit. Mr. Casserly stated that this existinq company is at the planning stages. The earliest they could respond to a proposal would be in nine to twelve months. Councilman Billings asked how soon the City would know if an operations center is feasible. Mr. Jellison stated that he should know in the next 30 to 45 days. In the meantime, he would start firming up the tech space and obtain some preliminary figures. Councilman Schneider stated that he would favor proceeding with Option C but would not like to eliminate the request from the existing company in Fridley. Ms. Jowett stated that if development could proceed on the site this might change people's thoughts 'to take a second look and n locate on the site. Mr. Jellison stated that it was a pleasure working with the City and its staff. The lack of development on the site has nothing to do with staff's lack of enthusiasm. Councilman Billings asked what time period MEPC would be looking at for an extension of their contract. Mr. Jellison stated that if the City decided to continue to pursue Option A, MEPC may or may not wish to extend the contract, depending on their board. If the City pursues other options, they would probably start developing a plan for the office service building and then take it to their board in September for approval. They would expect the contract would be extended for a reasonable time to construct and market the building, probably about twelve months. Councilman Billings stated that, as he understands, MEPC would want a commitment for sites 1 and 2, under Option C and then would re- evaluate the rest of the site around the first of the year. Mr. Jellison stated that MEPC would be awfully disappointed if there was board approval for sites 1 and 2, and then the City let someone else come in and build the same type of product on the balance of the site. Normally, if a company was going to locate on � the site they would go through them. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 7 � � At this time, Mr. Jellison and Ms. Jowett left the meeting. Councilman Billings stated that he was willing to eliminate Option A because he did not know if it would ever happen. MEPC has done a good job for the City. He would be willing to work with MEPC for a few more months to see what plans they develop for the operations center. Perhaps the City could sell them the land to construct a one-story building. M�. Casserly stated that if the City proceeds with the flex space, the question is how long does the City hold on to the balance of the site. There is also the question if the existing company in Fridley would be comfortable going to MEPC. The question is if the City wants to force the existing company or any multi-users to work with MEPC. He does not have an answer and felt thi:; needed to be discussed further with MEPC. ' Ms. Dacy stated that in a telephone conversation with Mr. Commers on Monday, his comments were that he would like the City to contact the existing company in the immediate future and explain the City's plans for the site. He felt that if Option A were to occur it would probably be with this company. If not, Option C and D may be the way to proceed. n Councilman Schneider would agree that if there is a chance with the existing company in Fridley it should be pursued. Mayor Jorgenson stated that even if the City meets with them, is the City willing to wait for them? Mr. Casserly felt that the tone of the meeting with tYiis company was that the City is doing high quality tech space. If this fits in with the company's plans half the site can be reserved for a certain period of time. Councilman Schneider felt that it would be beneficial to have a meeting before making a decision regarding MEPC. Councilman Billings asked if the existing company has expressed an interest in the entire site. Mr. Burns stated that they have approached the City in the context of a five-year planning process. Councilman Schneider felt that someone on the CEO's staff of this company should be contacted. Mr. Casserly stated that if MEPC were only allowed to develop half the site, they would have to make a decision. However, if there was only a certain amount of time the site would be held for this n existing company, MEPC may be willing to proceed and develop the site. It would be good to contact this existing company before an FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 8 �� agreement is signed with MEPC. The City should advise this company about the plans and that if they want to exercise an option with the site, it needs to be.done in a certain period of time. Ms. Schnabel stated that the question is how much control MEPC wants over the development of the operations center or possibly a hotel. Ms. Dacy felt that, in summary, there was a consensus on pursing Option C. Second, the City should contact the existing company as soon as possible and discuss their future plans. Third, to begin negotiations on a contract with MEPC to give them the rights to build two, 50,000 square foot one-story tech flex buildings within ninaty days after approval is executed. Finally, Council and the HRA' would consider a proposal for the operations center, and if in the next 30 to 45 days, the pending proposal is accepted by the company. There also is a preference to preserve the east part of the site for a multi-story office. Councilman Billings stated that his personal feeling is that if the operations center proceeds, it would take the space where the tech building would have been constructed. Ms. Dacy stated that in regard to the Master Plan, it has been �=°"approved by the HRA, City Council and Planning Commission. If ��' there is a lower density on the site it can be interpreted that no adjustments are needed. The other interpretation, because it is a different approach, can be to require amendments to reflect Option C. Councilman Billings felt that the interpretation that should be taken is one that allows the flexibility of proceeding or not proceeding with the office building. This gives the City the ability to construct less density. The neighborhood did not want a six-story building where people could look down into their yards. The immediate neighborhood would not have objections to taking this interpretation. In terms of those that live farther from the site, their concern may be the financial impact. They may have preference for the other interpretation. This interpretation would require a public hearing every time there is a modification of the direction. The first interpretation gives more flexibility. Mayor Jorgenson felt that the neighborhood wanted less density. Councilwoman Bolkcom felt that residents would be happy with some development on this site. The City should take the first interpretation. Causeway Lighting: n Mr. Burns felt that it may be appropriate at this time to discuss the causeway lighting on Highway 65. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 9 /`� Councilman Barnette felt that this was a good idea. Fridley needs some identity. He listened to the residents .at the hearing. No one was in favor. Several persons have contacted him and are in favor of it. Comments were that the lake should be cleaned rather than spend money on lighting. That is not the issue, as funds have been earmarked for this project and could not be used to clean up the lake. Councilman Schneider stated that he has heard only from residents that are opposed. He really did not know if the liqhting would change the City's image. If the City is serious about their .image, hire someone in this field to come up with a plan on how to turn the City's image around. Ms. Schnabel stated that she would rather spend the funds to have University Avenue mowed. Councilman Billings asked the HRA members if they would be willing to spend the $60,000 for causeway lightinq. Mr. Meyer stated that he would be willing to spend funds for this lighting. Mr. Prairie felt that there were other places where they should use � these funds such as University Avenue. He does not necessarily disagree with the lighting, but it would be down on the list of priorities. Ms. Schnabel stated that it would be nice to have new guardrails on Highway 65 along Moore Lake. 5he was not in favor of the lighting, as she felt lighting would detract from the lake. This in itself creates an image for Fridley. Ms. Dacy stated that staff could investigate replacing the guardrails. Mayor Jorgenson felt that this was the state's responsibility. Ms. Dacy said that the state could be asked to replace them. Mr. McFarland stated that he would be in favor of the lighting. Ms. Dacy stated that the image is very important. The City is building on the concepts addressed many years ago. There are a lot of projects proceeding that address some of these issues, and the fence on University Avenue may just take some time. Councilwoman Bolkcom suggested asking the residents what can be done to improve the City's image. Councilman Billinqs stated that the only way the state would remove the fence along �University Avenue was if the City entered into a � hold harmless agreement. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 10 � Ms. Dacy stated that it is important to have a decision on the causeway lighting item was originally scheduled for July 28. Councilman Schneider stated that he did not know if he would be at this meeting, but he would let staff know if he is not at the meeting, the item should be scheduled for August 11. TIF Assistance• Councilman Billings stated that he has submitted a memorandum to the HRA regarding his concern about providing funding to Mr. Paschke. Mr. Prairie asked if the request was made before the building was started. , Ms. Dacy stated that the actual �authorization to prepare the development contract occurred after issuance of the building contract. From a legal standpoint, it is to be discussed prior to establishing the district. From a policy standpoint, the HRA has not provided TIF assistance after a project has begun. Ms. D�.cy stated that the soil reports have been verified. There is a history of that development receiving TIF assistance in the past. Mr. Paschke submitted a letter that outlined his costs for soil � correction and the soil reports. As part of the development contract, Mr. Paschke would need to make a certification that he, in fact, did incur those costs and the project would not have proceeded without TIF assistance. Councilman Billings stated that in this case, his personal feeling is that staff has gone overboard because Mr. Paschke comes off as brash and argumentative and that he is entitled to this assistance. The City did a project with him on this site several years ago and had to work hard to get him to conform to the building contract and what he was supposed to do on the pond. There are rumors that even on the addition he, is not building it to code and is taking shortcuts. Several years ago, staff put together a packet because he stated that staff was not treating him nicely. This packet included all that he was not doing. Here again, he wants more money and has a history of not being cooperative with the City saying he is entitled to it. Councilman Billings doesn't think we should give him money if he is not going to play by the rules. Councilman Schneider stated that he started installing streets wherever he wanted them. Ms. Schnabel asked what value this adds to the property. Ms. Dacy stated that the construction value is $304,000 or about $25 per square foot and a$12,000 increase in taxes. � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 11 � Ms. Dacy stated that in the storm that occurred on July 1, the Chief Building Official reported to her that when he went to inspect the damage the walls had fallen down and the core fill had not been installed. Mr. Paschke is not calling for his inspections so now he will be forced to dig up the sewer and water. The architect is saying that Mr. Paschke is not constructing the building according to the plans. The City's Chief Building Official is seriously considering revoking the building permit which has never been done in the City. No certificate of occupancy will be issued at this point in time. The development contract always requires a certificate of occupancy. The HRA is under no legal obligation to approve the resolution to authorize the development contract. It is entirely within their discretion. Councilman Billings stated that he is not trying to give direction to the HRA. He would appreciate it; however, if they would reconsider the plan to provide any funding. Perhaps including a clause in the agreement that all building will be done in conformance with the building code. He wanted to bring to their attention the fact that Mr. Paschke has not performed in the past without a tremendous amount of work on the part of staff to get him to perform. Personally, he takes exception to giving someone money who gives staff a bad time when they are trying to do their job. � Ms. Schnabel state resolution, the Chie meeting. Ms. Dacy report provided. d that at the time the HRA considers the f Building Official should probably come to the stated that this could be done or a written Mr. Meyer stated that this work may need more red tags or staff should talk to the architect. At this time, 10:35 p.m., the HRA members left the joint meeting. Code Enforcement: Councilwoman Bolkcom asked what was happening to repeat offenders who violate the City Code. Ms. Dacy stated that tablets have been distributed to City personnel out in the field who can report code violations. The City is trying to take care of repeat offenders. Councilwoman Bolkcom felt tha approach on those who have not City could pursue what other problems and repeat offenders. Locke Lake: t the City needed to take a strict complied with the code. Perhaps the communities do with these types of n Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that he has written a memorandum regarding proposed actions on Locke Lake issues. Staff is trying FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 12 � to deal with the homeowners regarding repairs and/or modifications to retaining walls. Mr. Haukaas met with several of the homeowners regarding the retaining walls. Several options are being suggested. Mr. Burns stated that in order to facilitate the rebuilding process, each abutting Locke Lake property owner would be sent a letter advising them that the level of the lake would be lowered and that they would have an opportunity to repair and/or make modifications to retaining walls. Further, the City would advise that the water level would be restored to the 821 foot level next spring. The City Attorney indicated that he would feel comfortable defending these decisions. Mr. Burns stated that the City will receive a r-ebate of about ` $10,200 from the Rice Creek Watershed District. Perhaps this money could be used to assist property owners for modifications to the retaining walls to allow them protection from the water level of 821 feet. . Mr. Burns stated that Mr. Hovey from the Department of Natural Resources felt that this was a reasonable approach, but he could not guarantee they would approve a new operating permit at the 821 elevation. The City should submit this request. � Mr. Flora stated that the biggest problem is with Mr. Halvorson's property. When the lake went down the retaining wall cracked. When the water was raised to 821 feet it topped the concrete, and water saturated the fill behind the wall. The City offered to give him rock to support the wall, but he does not want the riprap. He wants the wall replaced with concrete. Councilman Schneider asked the cost to replace the wall with concrete. Mr. Flora stated that the lake would have to be completely drained, and the cost would be about $75,000 to $100,000. Councilwoman Bolkcom stated that whether the lake is 820.3 feet or 821 feet Mr. Halvorson is still having problems. Mr. Flora stated that at 820.3 feet he is in limbo, as the wall is tipping and is cracked. The soil in back of it becomes very wet and increases the weight. Ultimately, the wall �till collapse. Councilman Schneider asked if the wall could be built up. Mr. Flora suggested that this be done, but Mr. Halvorson does not want to do it. There is a gap between Mr. Halvorson's property and the dam. The City replaced that with riprap to tie into the dam � and to keep his wall as vertical as possible. �1 � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 13 Councilman Schneider stated that even if the lake level is at 820.3 feet he still would not be satisfied. Mr. Flora stated that Mr. Halvorson said if the City installs riprap over his wall he would lose sale price value because it would look bad. He does not like the rock, and he does not want it. Councilman Barnette stated that the only thing that will make him happy is if the City rebuilds the wall. Mr. Flora stated that he will not let the City take down the fence to do the riprap. He wants the water level kept at 820.3 feet. Mr. Burns stated 'that there is a concern that if the DNR lets the City put the wall back up they want pre-treated timbers. Mr. Flora stated that the DNR will give a permit for riprap. Anything else is difficult to obtain. Councilman Barnette stated that it sounds like Mr. Halvorson may eventually sue the City. Mr. Halvorson may wait until the City raises the�water level and the wall collapses. Then he will sue. Mr. Burns stated that he may sue the City anyway under the existing circumstances. Councilman Schneider asked if the City did damage. Mr. Burns stated that he did not believe so. Mr. Halvorson's argument is that.we damaged his property when we let the dam collapse. We should have been more vigilant. Mr. Halvorson said that he even gave us warning. Councilman Schneider asked if there were issues with the other property owners. Mr. Flora stated that they did not give definite answers as to the riprap rock. . Mr. Flora stated that riprap could be placed on the top of Mr. Halvorson's wall which would preserve it for about another ten years or so. Mr. Burns stated that if the City is under the threat of a lawsuit funds can be spent without establishing a precedent for the other properties. Councilman Barnette stated that if other property owners saw the City working on Mr. Halvorson's property they may ask what the City can do for them. �1, � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21 1997 PAGE 14 Councilwoman Bolkcom stated it might be looked on that the City is trying to offer more protection for the dam. Mr. Burns stated that he would probably talk with Mr. Halvorson personally. If Mr. Halvorson is willing to go with the riprap proposal and to sign a release, Mr. Burns questioned if the City should proceed. The estimated cost is $6,500. Mr. Burns confirmed that it was acceptable to send the proposed letter to the property owners. Mayor Jorgenson and Councilman Schneider indicated that they would support the offer to Mr. Halvorson. Councilwoman Bolkcom abstained from a vote, and Councilman Billings remained neutral. Mr. Flora answered questions by Councilman Schneider on the Locke Lake summary and the allocation of the $59,936 from the Locke lake Dam account to the Stonybrook Creek project. Vacancies: Mr. Burns stated that there were three vacancies to be filled. He requested permission to fill these positions. There were no objections raised. Councilwoman Bolkcom commented on the memorandum from Dave Sallman regarding the Crime Prevention Specialist position. So far, staff has been able to survive while this person is on disability leave. Councilwoman Bolkcom felt that perhaps other members of the staff could take up some of the slack for this position. Mr. Burns stated that Mr. Sallman could discuss this further at a Council meeting if Council so desires. Mayor Jorgenson stated that there is a request for a proclamation for Blue and White Sunday: Mr. Burns felt that perhaps the proclamation was self-serving. Mayor Jorgenson felt that it could be reworded, and the last three "whereas's" eliminated. Councilman Barnette stated that the school board wished to use the City's facilities permanently. Perhaps the only cost to them might be for Brian Strand's time. Mr. Burns stated that this could be done, as the City has used their pools and gymnasiums. Every effort would be made to accommodate their meetings which may be in conflict with the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission. Some chanqes may be needed in the meeting times or rooms. - � �, � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL/HRA MEETING OF JULY 21, 1997 PAGE 15 Meeting was adjourned at 11:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carole Haddad Secretary to the City Council