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01/14/1974 - 00016067� �� �� THE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF 7HE FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL OF JANUARY 14, 1974 The Public Hearing meeting of the Fridley Council of January 14, 1974 was called to order at 7:33 p.m, by Mayor Liebl. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Liebl led the Council and the audience in saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ROLL CALL: MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Mayor Liebl, Councilman Utter, Councilman Nee, Counc�lman Breider, and Councilman Starwalt. None. Mayor Liebl said he had talked to some people who had expressed the desire to be heard during the V7sitor's section of the agenda, and he would like to add this to the agenda for this meeting, MOTION by Councilman Starwalt to adopt the agenda as amended by adding a Visitor's Section. Seconded by Councilman Utter. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lie61 declared the motion carried unanimously. MRS. LERRY HART: FRIDLEY AQUATIC SWIM CLUB: Mrs. Hart addressed the Council and indicated she was representing the Fridley and � Spring Lake Park Aquatic Swim Club which was in need of from $200 to $25D for an upcoming planned swim meet. She added, they hoped they could raise another $i,000 from the businesses in the area, but had been unable to do so and had contracted all of the 6usinesses. She questioned if it would be possible for the City to aid in the financial support on the meet either through the Council or another Department such as the Fire Department. � MOTION by Councilman Breider to allow the Council to pay for the ribbons and referees for the upcoming Fridley Aquatic Swim Club meet, not to exceed $200. Seconded by Couniclman Utter. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carr�ed unanimously. Mayor Liebl then gave a personal donation of $20 to Mrs. Hart for the swim meet and Councilman Starwalt presented her with $10. MR. OTTO G. TAUER, 5866 N. E. 2ND STREET: Mayor Liebl called Mr. Tauer forward and said he had discussed the matter with him in a phone conversation in which Mr. Tauer had indicated he had not attended the meeting when the matter had been considered because he had to take off work to do so. Mayor Liebl reviewed the circumstances of the matter saying Mr. Tauer had requasted the C�ty construct an eight foot fence between his property and the park which wou7d have been paid for solely by the City. He said the Council action on the matter was to authorize the construction of a four foot fence by the City and if any additional height was desired by Mr. Tauer, he would pay the additional cost for this added fenc�ng. Mayor Liebl pointed out that Mr. Tauer had discussed the matter previously with h�s ward Councilman, Mr. Nee. i�1r. Tauer addressed the Council and said his portion of the payment would involve a payment of $120 and continued to restate the situation of the four and eight foot fence proposals. Mr. Tauer presented the Council with a box of exhibits of the type of items the young people of the area had been throwing into his drjve- way from the park area. He explained the damage caused on several instances. He continued stating there are parks in other areas which do have the higher fenc�ng to allow for protection of private property and also for the protection of the area children. Counc�lman Nee expressed the view that this amount for the protection of an ad�oining property owner should be included in the budget for the acquisition of the land for parks. �� PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF JAfdUARY 14, 1974 PAGE 2 Councilman Nee said he had done all he could for Mr. Tauer's request, but had counted the votes, and this was all that cou7d be done. He said he did not know the difference in price at the time, but thought now that this may be about $225. Mayor Liebl said he would not want a toddlers park to look like a prison. He would like a slide, a wheel and other small recreational facilities for the toddlers. He added, usually the mothers accompany their children to the park, they should supervise their children to make a go of the park area. He pointed out there is , no attendant in a park of this size. He said if it is done in this area, it would have to be done in all other areas. Mr. Tauer indicated this is not the case and he has been able to view the park area from his window. Mayor Liebl said something should be done to prevent this situation from getting out of hand. Mr. Tauer said he did work and was away some of the time, but was able to review the area a great deal the past summer. He said on one instance he got involved with the young people when they broke down a tree and the police had to be called. He thought this was not the type of policing the park should need. Mayor Liebl said that Mr. Tauer would be able to sign a claim rather than discipline the children. Mr. Tauer said he had not hit the chtldren, and he did not like getting involved with the people and their children in this manner. Fle said he had no ob�ection to the park, but he did not think he should suffer damages because the park was not be�ng used properly. Mr. Tauer said he believed the acquisition of the fancing should be included in the price of the property as Councilman Nee had suggested. He thought this would be a necessary part of a park. He said he requested the Council to look into the matter a second time and possibly visit the area. Councilman Utter asked why there is a basketball backboard in the Toddler Park. ' He thought this should be removed and said no four or five year olds are shooting baskets. Mayor Liebl asked if the eight foot fence would solve Mr. Tauer's problems. Mr. Tauer said if the fence installed does not have holes small enough to stop the children from throwing things through, he would put up a fine wire fencing also. Councilman Starwalt asked Mr. Tauer about his reluctance to spend $200 for the remainder of the fence from the four foot level. Mr. Tauer replied, he did not think he should pay for the fence because it is not his fence. Councilman Nee explained, Mr. Tauer feels he is being assaulted by the City. MOTION by Councilman Nee to authorize the construction of an eight foot fence with the fenctng to be eight feet in the area where it would run adjacent to the Tauer building, and with the City assuming the entire cost of the fence. Mayor Liebl declared the MOTION DEA� FOR LACK OF A SECOND. MOTION by Counciman Utter to direct the Administration to review the matter again, and compare the situation with �l of the other toddler parks in the City. Seconded by Councilman Starwalt. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously. i�ayor Liebl said the item would be placed on the agenda again for further consideration. ' RECEIVING THE MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 1974: EST FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT SP. #73-13, BY A. DAVIDSON: TO PERMIT 7 The City Manager pointed out the area of consideration in the proposed used car lot on the map on the overhead projector. Ne stated the Planning Commission had recommended the special use permit be approved with the stipulation that this permit would have to be reconsidered or reviewed in the period of one year. lhe City Manager said he would like to add and recommend some stipulations. i= PUBLIC HEARING MEETTNG OF �ANUARY 14, 1974 PAGE 3 He suggested that some park land be provided, some screening be provided between the operation and the trailer court, that there be four light poles installed for security purposes, that the area be blacktopped and that some landscaping be provided on the west or T. H. #65 side. Mr. Davidson addressed the Council and stated their operation is the largest � in the Midwest with the Lyndale operation occupying 45,000 square feet of space. He explained the concept to be new in the area. Mr. Davidson said they would begin the oper�ton initially with the car lot and would consider the construction of show rooms and a service department in the future depending on the needs of the Fridley location. He firmly stated, they intended to stay a long time. Mayor Liebl suggested there be a 17mitation in the 7ength of time the facility is allowed to operate in the temporary structure before the permanent building is constructed. Mr. Davidson replied, he would like the period of one year to determine the the type of 6usiness 6ecause at the present time, he was unable to determine the type of building they would like to construct. Mayor Liebl questioned the construction and installation of the utilities and the agreement on this factor. Mr. Davidson assured ihe Counci7 that the Corporate Interests in the facility would dictate that this is done correctly. Mr. Davidson said the current investment would be approximately $100,000 and may reach a million dollars in the future growth of the facility. Councilman Utter questioned the statement in the minutes asking if the operation would be based on a 15q commission on sales and Mr. Davidson agreed. Councilman utter asked �f the cars would be recond�tioned before resa7e. Mr. Davidson said they would be. Councilman Utter said he had been in contact with the area property owners and they had indicated they would not be ooposed to the operation of a used � car lot, but would oppose the construction or installation of a service area. He further explained the people felt the service department and body shop would create problems and be more undesirab7e. Councilman Starwalt asked if there would be some fenc�ng on the north side of the property between the car lot and the tra�ler court. Mr. Davidson said there is some existing fencing 1n that area at the present time. Councilman Starwalt sa�d he thought there was a need to fence the area on the north side. Mr. Davidson said if the Council would feel this was necessary, it would be installed, He said it may be required for security reasons, Councilman Starwalt said if the Council would feel better, this would be done. Councilman Nee commented he was not opposed to the installation of the service facility as the City was �n need of additional service operations, He said at the area service centers, there is alway a wait and a line up. He said he did not think the installation of the service department would be detremental to the area 7f the work was not done outside. Mayor Liebl felt that this was a good fresh outlook on the used car market and would provide a good used product. He said it would be the obligat�on of the Council not to allow the facility to hurt the property owners in the area. Mayor Liebl said he agreed with Councilman Nee's statement, there is a need for service centers in Fridley. He said there is only one large center, and � this was Viking Chevrolet. He sa7dohe would like to see a auality permanent structure similar to what had been exhibited in the newspaper clipping provided by Mr. �avidson. Mr. Davidson explained for the last 45 to 50 years the used car business has had a bad reputation and he would like this fresh concept on the market to provide a quality used car product. He added if the customer is able to 6ring the car back for service after he has purchased it, this would aid �n ihis area. He referred to the new program in the State wh�ch would necessitate the installation of the service area being located on the site. Councilman Starwalt said he agreed with Mayor Liebl and Councilman Nee on the need for additional service needed in Fridley. He asked Mr. Davidson if the Planning Commission was aware of the extent of the Company's plans for the operatlon on the proposed site. Mr. Davidson said ihe Planning Commission was given a deta�led explanation of the plans for the future. � we PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1974 PAGE 4 Mr. Davidson said many of the area service stations are closing and there would be an additional need for service areas. Counci7man Starwalt asked Mr. Davidson where the service department would be located if this was installed. Mr. �7avidson pointed out it would he in the middle and east portion of the property. Mr. �avidson explained the fencing on the north or adjacent to the trai7er court had not been mentioned previously through a simple oversight. With the investment plans for $100,000, it is understandable to overlook the constructton of a privacy fence, he added. He referred to the Lyndale operation � and said this was in a highly residential operation and stated there had been no complaints about the operation there. The City Manager recommended approval of the special use permit for the period of one year as recommended 6y the Planning Commission stipulating that all the requirements for set back be met, that there be landscaping provided on the west side, that the area be blacktopped wtth curbing provided, and that four light poles be installed, that fencing be provided on the north side of the property if it is warranted, a six foot fence be installed on the north side and also, that the operation be reviewed before construction of any structures. Mayor Liebl said there should be some permanent bui7ding constructed after the period of about six to eight months. He stressed he thought the City wou7d be going backwards if they allowed the applicant to operate out of a trailer. The City Manager said this would be done for one year only. Counc�lman Breider said it had been the policy of the C9ty to tax the trailer or temporary structure as a permanent structure for the year it is on the site, or as long as it is there. Mr. Davidson said the Company is planning to build a building in the area, but at the present time, they did not know what type. He said the trailer , would be used for the first year, and this is why they requested approval of allowing the operation of the trailer. MOTION by Councilman Utter to concur with the recommendations of the Planning Commission and grant the Spec9al Use Permit for the period of one year, that the trailer be taxed as a permanent structure during its term of usage, that the area be blacktopped with curbing and the four security lights as suggested by the City Manager be installed, and that after the period of one year, af the applicant would come to the City for a building permit, the adjacent property owners would be notified about the request, and that there be landscaping on the west side and the fencing on the north side. Seconded by Councilman Starwalt. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unan�mously. LOT SPLIT. L. S. #74-07. BY AMERICAN AUTO LISTINGS: TO SPLIT The City Manager said the Planning Commission had recommended approval of the split which would follow the zoning lines. MOTION by Counciman Breider to approve the lot split as requested by American Auto Listings and as recommended by the Planning Commission. Seconded by Councilman Starwalt. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carMied unanimously. MOTION by Councilman Utter to receive the minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of January 9, 1974. Seconded by Councilman Breider. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously. REVIEW OF MODIFIED PRELIMINARY REPORT ON SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ON EAST RIVER ROAD FROM r rnn -rn nrrr rnrrv. Mayor Liebl said this would be taken care of later in the meeting. STATUS REPORT ON MOORE LAKE WATER QUALITY STl1DY: Ths was taken care of later �n the meeting. ' �� PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1974 PAGE 5 RECEIVING REPORT REGARDING FUNDING P05SIBILITIES FROM THE RICE CREEK WATER SHED DISTRICT ND OTHER GOVE NMENTAL B �IES E N UP RICE CREEK: Mayor Liebl said as all of the members of the Council and audience knew, Rice Creek and Locke Lake had received a great deal of concern because of the silting and pollution of the waters. Mayor Liebl said the conditions have rapidly become more severe in the last few years, but he had watched this process since 1961 and � no Council has taken any action to do anything about it. He said some action must be taken because the condittons are 6ecoming worse all of the t�me. Mayor Liebl referred to the work done by the young people the prev�ous summer and satd this work barely scratched the surface. He continued stating he thought the Council should instruct the City Administration to determine what financial support could be obtained from the Rice Creek Watershed District, from the Metro Council, and P. C. A. if any. He said he would like to see some steps taken to enab7e the City to cont�nue w�th the plans to create the Rice Creek nature trail. Mayor Liebl recalled the meeting of the Council that was attended by the Chairman of the Rice Creek Watershed District and said at that time they were advised t�ey must make a request as a City Council for any aid or funding. He pointed out if the other area comme�nities are involved, there would be more 7nput. He stressed the importance of the other communittes participating in the pro�ect because they are pushing material into the Creek and Lake. Mayor Liebl recommended that the Administration contact the P. C. A, and determine if this type of project would be within their jurisdiction, advocating there are other communities which are caus�ng the problems. He thought the var�ous governmental agencies could cooperate for the alleviation of the problems. He stated, only on a united basis could the enormous problems be handied. He questioned what criteria must be met on the City level to accomplish this aim. He suggested a study or analysis be done of the area to � determine where the problems extst and what can be done about this to get the pro,7ect started. He said he would also like a study on what could be done in the future to prevent Rice Creek and Locke Lake from accumulating materials. He said the City has become a catch basin and something had to be done about it. Counctlman Breider said all of the determintng factors must be discussed with relation to the pollution and erosion and this would include the use of the motorized vehicles on the tressel �n the Locke Lake area. He listed several conditions in this area which would tend to increase the seriousness of the problems and said the Council would have to make some firm decisions. He said there is also the question of bringing the lake back to its original form. He stated he sympathized with the people of the area, but did not think there was a lot the City could do to work their way out of the situation. He mentioned the steps taken the previous year and said this turned out to be "Breider`s Folly" Mayor Lie61 again stressed the importance of getting the other commum ties involved and stated because of the funnel in Fridley, the material is stopped in this area. He said he would like to know what is environmentally feasible and also what would be feasible in the engineering sense. He stated the City had not appointed an Environmental Quality Commission for front dressing, they should have some plans to get something underway. He said with the cooperation of the various groups, the Council, the staff, a positive proposal for the remedy of the situation should be obtained. Councilman Nee said he was not sure what Mayor L�ebl's proposal was. He continued � stating he was under the impression that the Rice Creek Watershed �istrict was in the process of preparing an engineering study on this type of problem and the solutions. He said he did not know what their interests are, but if they are not fiunctioning, something should be done about it. He added, they have the power to tax the Watershed area including part of the City of Fridley and should to the �06 they were organized to do. Counc�lman Nee recalled the work on the Watershed District organization began in 1963, and shortly after this , there was discussion by the C�ty Council about the storage basin east of Old Central. He said the prevlous Council did take some action and during the term that Mr. Jack Kirkham was Mayor, there was a proposal which may have been worked out with New Brighton. Councilman said this proposal faced political pressures and was defeated. Councilman Nee said if something is not being done by the District at the present time, the City should encourage them to do something. He did not feel the City had the power to make the necessary adjustment up stream and said he was referring to the construction of a ho7ding basin in the east portion �� PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1974 PAGE 6 of the City. Councilman Nee added, this proposal may not be feasible hydraulically or engineeringwise. He recalled at the time it was being discussed, it was not politically possib7e. Mayor Liebl repeated the direction the Council had received from the members of the Watershed District when they attended a meeting of the Council, stating the City would have to make a request. He directed the Council'a attention to Councilman Nee's Ward stating this is where the ma�ority of the problems are and he hoped to � gain the support for the proposal from Counci7man Nee. Councilman Nee stated, �f the Water Shed District is not doing something, let's make them to domething and now. Mayor Liebl asked the City Manager if he knew if there was any plans or actions in progress at the present time for the al7eviation of the problems of Rice Creek and Locke Lake. He said if not, the City would have to take the first step because they are not taking it. I�OTION by Councilman Nee to direct the Adm�nistration to determine if such a request for action has been made to the Rice Creek Watershed District for the alleviation of the problems on Rice Creek and Locke Lake, and if such a request has not been made, that one be prepared and submitted to the Council for consideration at the next meeting of the Council. Seconded by Councilman Utter for purposes of discussion. Councilman Utter referred to a similar prob7em in the City of Minneapolis on Shingle Creek. He said after much publicity in the newspaper about the filth and debris in the Creek, the area was cleaned up. He said a government official traveled the creek after the clean up and remarked on the wonderful �ob done. He stressed the Metro Council and also the P. C. A. had a great deal to do with this project. Councilman Utter said the Metro Sewer Commission should be contacted m addition to the groups mentioned earlier. He pointed out that the Metro Sewer Board had created a big problem for Locke Lake and Rice Creek. He said they should get out there and do something. He recal]ed they had been requested to do something the previous ' summer and had not done much. Mr. Andrew Kohlan, 236 Rive Creek Blvd., addressed the Council and said he apprec- iated the spirit of the members of the Council. He said he thought there may be more to the issue once it is dug into. Mr. Kohlan said hts home was built on the north side of the Creek and there was four feet of running water in that area in the back of his home, and the creek was once clean enough to swim in. He said last summer, there was only about six inches of water at this same point in the creek. He said it would not permit the passage of a canoe. He said there had been 3z feet of silt into that part of the creek in ten years. He suggested the City of Fridley not wait for some gigantic help from the various organizations. He suggested doing something at the present ttme on the City level to alleviate the problems. He suggested requiring money for the construction of additional structures on the creek at the time a building permit is requested. He explained this could be done in the same manner as money is required for the park system. He also suggested at the time of the application for the building permits that an easement for maintenance of the creek banks be required. He said many people would not allow the maintenance of the area of their yards ad�acent to the creek, they state it is private property. Mr. Kohlan also stressed the importance of prevention of the erosion into the creek water in the area. He mentioned the snowmobiles, motor bikes and other sources force eroded �aterial into the creek. He recalled a five foot area had been washed into the creek by the sewer pipe. He also referred to a hill by the Woodcrest Baptist Church which had been washed into the creek two or three times, and an area where the Highway �epartment had lost their fill into the creek. � Mrs. Helen Johnson, 6817 Hickory Street N. E., addressed the Council and expressed the thought that all the agencies possible should be employed to solve the problems. Mr. �onovan Schultz, 15 Rice Creek Way, addressed the Council and said he did not think the natural springs in the Lake could be restored and he is sure they are not running at the present time. He questioned how much fill the springs could take before 6ecoming inactive. I�r. Schultz continued stating most of the summer it is imposst6le for a canoe to travel down the creek because there has been so much filling in. He stated when the publicity was given the area for canoing, this was during a high water point. He said Rice Creek has become a drainage ditch and Locke Lake is now a cesspool. , UPON A VOICE VOTE, all vottng aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF �ANUARY 14, 1974 PAGE 7 MOTION by Councilman Nee to direct the Administration to set up a study session with the Board of the Rice Creek Watershed District. Seconded by Councilman Starwalt. A question was raised concerning the study session and whether it would involve all areas of the problems and their solutions. � Councilman Nee said he would like to find out what they are doing and �f they are not do�ng anything, he would like to know this also. Mayor Liebi asked if they had done anything in the last ten years. Councilman Nee said he did not know, and asked how long they have been �n effect. The City Attorney said this had not been longer than five years and could be as little as two to three years, The City Manager said he would say it was more like three years. Councilman Nee again stressed the importance of the meeting, stating the City of Fridley is in the dark and should know what is being done. I�ayor Liebl said he thought there should be some detailed study done before the Board is met with. He said they would need to be scha�led on the issue and become prepared, present a proposal and �ust�fy the proposed program. Counctlman Nee said he would withdraw the motion with the understand�ng that it would 6e determined in some way what the action or proposed action of the Rice Creek Watershed Distrtct may be. He stated he would not ignore the fact that they should be working for the dismissal of the problem. Councilman Breider said he thought the City should find out how far the County would want to go in the aid of this project. CounciTman Breider stated he thought the only way the problems in the City would he stopped would be to stop the traffic of the motorized vehicles, and whether � the Council would want to take action to this end must be decided prior to any request for action from an outside source. Mayor Liebl said this is why he had made this proposal. Councilman Nee again said he just wanted to know if the District is doing their �ob, he asked if they could just be asked about what they are doing. He said if they are not doing anything, the City of Fridley should sue them. He said then, the City would have the grounds for such a suit. Councilman Starwalt said the dates and involvement of the creation of the problems should be obtained. UPON A VOICE VOTE, Councilman Nee and Councilman Starwalt voting aye, Councilman Utter, Councilman Breider and Mayor Liebl voting nay, Mayor Liebl declared the motion FAILED. MOTION by Councilman Utter to authorize the City Manager to compile all of the necessary data on Locke Lake and Rive Creek and get it to the Council as soon as possible and if possible by the middle of March, listing the encounters which have caused the problems, recommendations from the staff to alleviate these conditions and a plan on what the positton of the City should be to protect Rice Creek and Locke Lake from further erosion in the future. Seconded by Councilman Nee. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, �ayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously. � RESOLUTION #16-1974 - AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO APPLY FOR FUNDS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF ISLANDS OF PEACE PARK PROPER Y UNDER THE PROVISIDN OF THE STATE NATURAL orcnnorGC riinin. AND: APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH THE ISLANDS OF PEACE FDUNDATION: AfVD: RECEIVING LETTER FROM MR. DAVID TORKILDSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION, ANOKA CO NTY: Mayor Liebl asked if the project wou7d receive the funds from the state. The City Manager said yes, the State had instructed the City to make appl�cation. �� F, , PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1974 PAGE 8 He explained the City had to make pre-applications before submittincr this application. He said this request would mean the City is eligible for funding. He said the letter of reply had instructed the Ltity to prepare a formal report and application. The City Manager explained the application would have to be submitted the next day, and this is why he would ask that the Council take action at the present meeting. He said this would be submitted to the State Planning Department, Parks and Recreation Division. Mayor Liebl asked a question concerning the parcel of land in the agreement which was � referred to as parcel #3. He asked if the City must purchase the land in order to receive the funds from the state. The City Manager said this was true. He said the City would become the property owner which would be similar to what is being done on Chase's Island. He aid there were two problems, the City would not purchase the land before the grant is made and the State would only provide one half of the appraised value and this would be $35,000. The City Manager expressed the hope that the Islands of Peace Foundation be successful in their fund drive to enable them to provide their share of the necessary funding. The City manager recommended the council approve the agreement and resolution to enable the work to be done and the app7ication submitted the next day. Mayor Liebl asked Mr.Andrew Hohlan, representing the Islands of Peace Foundation if the fund drtve had begun and if the Foundation would be able to provide the necessary funding to meet the obligation. Mr. Kohlan addressed the Council stating the ob7igation would be met. He indicated he is the Secretary of the Foundation and said the members of the Foundation are aware of the obligation that has to be met, and it would be met. Mayor Liebl said the City would meet the obligations in the agreement just as the Foundation had agreed to meet thetrs. Counctlman Breider said it would be fine with him as long as the Foundation said they would meet their obligation and the installment payments. Mr. Kohlan pointed out that the Foundation had already paid $15,000 and the payment of $8,000 plus the , interest would be coming up in May. Mayor Liebl indicated the $15,000 had been the down payment for the property. Mr. Kohlan repeated, the Foundation had a $15,000 investment in the property. The City Manager said this was true, and now the City is not to purchase the land until the application of the funding is approved. Mr. Kohlan said he was aware of this reguiation. MOTION by Councilman Starwalt to receive the letter from Mr. David Torkildson, Director of Parks and Recreation, Anoka County, dated January 10, 1974. Seconded by Counciman Utter. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously. Mayor Liebl read the letter from Mr. Torkildson aloud to the Council and audience. Councilman Starwalt questioned the acquisition of Parcel #3 or the Hayes River Lots, and asked what was the procedure for this and what would the terms be. Councilman Breider indicated this would be the terms of the agreement. Mr. Kohlan sa�d the City was under no obligation to complete the purchase. The City Attorney said the City had entered into an agreement to participate, not hy condemnation, but by agreement and the necesssry documents had been signed, P9r. Kohlan said the Foundation would carry the burden. Mr. Kohlan further explained that the State people had expressed a desire that this be a pilot project. MOTION by Councilman Breider to approve the agreement between the City and the � Islands of Peace Foundation as recommended by the Administration. 5econded by Councilman Utter. The City Manager said this agreement was for the purposes of satisfying the necessary documents for making application for the funding. He continued stating a larger and more complete agreement would also be drawn up for the undeveloped property. He said the Islands of Peace Foundation would agree to develop the property in a natural state and the City's ob7igation for the maintenance would be defined in detail. UPON A VOICE VOTE, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously. MOTION by Counc�lman Nee to adopt Resolution #76-1974, authorizing the Administration to apply for funds for the acquisition of "Islands of Peace" park property unc4er the PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1974 PAGE 9 c� e� i� �`5 provision of the State Natural Resource Fund. Seconded by Councilman Breider. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor LiebT declared the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Ed Wilmes, Originator of the Islands of Peace, addressed the Council and said he would like to talk about two matters unrelated to the present item. � Mr. Wilmes said he had met with the Chairman of the Foundation that day and the Chairman had rece�ved a communication from Commissioner Robert L Herbst, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources concerntng a tour of the Islands of Peace by himself and Mr. �on Davison, Director of the Minnesota Department of Parks and Recreation, December 28, 1973. Mr, Wilmes stated the reason for the tour was to determine what could be done by the State Departments listed previously, to aid in the pro�ect. He said they were also concerned about how the faci7ity could relate to the State facilities and take care of the future needs of the wildlife and natural areas. Mr. Wilmes said it is essential that this natural area for the disadvantaged and handtcapped have no boundaries for cooperation. Mr. Wilmes continued his presentation by quot�ng from various newspaper articles and Council minutes wh7ch pointed out the histroy of the project from the time of its origination by Mr. Wilmes to the present time. Mr, Wilmes concluded his presentation with a brief explanation of the benefits of public education on the activities of the handicapped and disabled. Ne cited an example of this type of progress as the construction of a shelter building within the State Fair Grounds for the handicapped and disabled, which was constructed by the Navy Seabees. REVIEW OF MODIFIED PRELIMINARY REPORT ON SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ON EAST RIVER ROA� FROM I. 694 TO RICE CREEK: Mayor Liebl said the problem areas at the present time are �n the stretch of Fast � River Road adjacent to the Georgetown Apartments, He said it was his apinion that the Council should have a study session on this proposed plan so they would be ab7e to go into detail when the presentation is made to the people of the area. The City Manager said some determination has to be made on what to present to the people. He said they would have to tell the people what �s proposed and why �t is proposed. He felt the improvements made at the intersect�on of M�ssissippi and East River Road had a favorable response from the people. He said now, the C7ty could take the next stop and present a modified plan to the people for the other areas. He said rf the improvements are not all done at one time, they could be done section 6y section, but since the area of Georgetown is the bad area, he suggested this be done first. He stressed the need to formulate a proposal for the publ�c. Mayor Liebl asked if the Admtnistration had been in contact with the property owners of the area and the City Manager said that contacts had been made, and they were in agreement with the present modified proposal in the area of Georgetown. Mayor Lie61 said he thought the plan �ould be ftnalized. lhe C�ty Manager said he would like to have a study session of the Counci] before this is done. Councilman Nee asked if the Planning Commission could be included in the study session. f+layor Liebl said they had not been involved in the discussion of the proposal last t�me it was being considered. Councilman Nee said if the meeting would include the Planning Commission, this would � bring in more points of view than if the Council would go over the matter alone before the people are brought in. The City Manager stressed the importance of d�minishing the problems on the East River Road and said they are not �ust going to go away, the Council would have to keep after them. Councilman Breider questioned if the structures of the area could be included in the map presented to the Council, he said it would be �mportant for the Council and the people to know where the roadway would be in relation to the structures. The City Manager said he would like the Council to approve the concept of the mod�fied plan. He sa�d the public did not like the f�rst plan, and he had tried to modify it and make it workable. F� � +V , PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1974 PAGE 10 Mayor Liebl suggested the study session on East River Road be conducted after the next evening's session on North Park. Councilman Utter said he had determined there would be many people present at that session, and questioned if it would become too late to begin a study session. The City Manager said the plan had been compromised considerably, engineeringwise. STATUS REPORT ON MOORE LAKE WATER QUALITY STU�Y: I�IOTION by Councilman Breider to receive the status report on the P400re Lake Water Quality Study dated �anuary 11, 1974. Seconded 6y Councilman Utter. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the mntion carried unanimously. EST FOR INFORMATION ON POSSIBILITY OF C Mayor Liebl stated he had received a call from Mr. Vic Leader, 5857 2z Street N. E., 560-3692, who questioned if the City could provide insurance for the people of the City who were elderly and needy. He mentioned the people who are forced into early retirement and are unable to obtain 5ocial Security have no means to provide for such insurance. He asked �f it would be possible for the local governments to work someth�ng out. The City Manager indicated the Administration would check into the matter and get in touch with Mr. Leader. ADJOURNMENT: ' MOTION by Councilman Starwalt to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilman Breider. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Liebl declared the motion carried unanimously and the Public Hearing Meeting of the Fridley City Counc�l of January 14, 1974 ad,7ourned at 11:36 p.m. � �'Res ectfully submitted, 'G�.�, �.�. Patricia Ellis Secretary to the City Council 7��.�-�-� �/ i 9 � / , � Date Approved ��-�C�. �1. Frank G. Liebl, Mayor ,