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03/03/1997 - 00001544' THE MINUTES OF THE REGUI�AR MEETING OF THE FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL OF .,,..,�., � , �.,-, The Regular Meeting of the Fridley City Council was called to order by Mayor Jorgenson at 7:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Jorgenson led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the F1ag. ROLL CALL: MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jorgenson, Councilman Barnette, Councilman Billings, Councilman Schneider and Councilwoman Bolkcom MEMSERS ABSENT: None PRE5ENTATION: PASTOR AL SCHOONOVER - VALUES FIRST PROGRAM: Pastor Al Schoonover reviewed the Values First Program and felt it was significant to the health and life of the community. Seven core values have been defined which are responsibility, � nonviolence, self-control, citizenship, integrity, respect and caring. Ae said that 15 to 25 percent of students have no way of identifying the core values, and it is everyone's responsibility to rebuild these values. Their vision is for a safe and healthy community which involves neighborhoods, faith communities, city and county services, businesses, schools, health care, and senior, community, and youth organizations. Pastor Schoonover stated that children watch television for more hours than they spend in school, and he does not like the values seen on television. It is hoped that this can be changed through the Values First Program. He pointed out some significant things that have happened in our community, as well as others. One event was the donation of roses by Schaaf Floral which were to be shared with others. Pastor Schoonover reviewed some of the accomplishments of the Values First Program. This movement is growing rapidly, and Pro�ec� Safety Net is a great asset. Grants have been received from Allina Foundation, Medtronic Foundation, Juvenile Justice, Mercy/Unity Hospitals, Norwest Foundation, and Northeast State Bank. In addition, in-kind administrative services are being contributed to this program through the school districts, cities, and Anoka County. On April 30 and May 1 there will be a concert � for kids scheduled by KARE 11. If anyone is interested in the Values First Program, additional lnformation can be obtained by calling 636-5694. ' ' FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: COUNCIL MEETING, FEBRUARY 24, 1997: MoTION by Councilman Schneider to approve Seconded by Councilwoman Bolkcom. Upon aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion APPROVAL OE PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA: OLD BUSINESS: PAGE 2 the minutes as presented. a voice vote, all voting carried unanimously. 1. ORDINANCE N0. 1091 TO AMEND THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIDLEY, MINNESOTA, BY MIIKING A CHANGE IN ZONING DISTRICTS (REZONING REQUEST, ZOA #96-02, BY KELLER STRUCTURES)(WARD 3): Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that this rezoning is from CR-1, General Office, to M-1, Light Industrial to a11ow the construction of a 22,945 square foot warehouse. The first reading was approved on February 24 with stipulations, and staff recommends approval of the second reading. 2 WAIVED THE READING AND AAOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 1091 ON THE SECOND READING AND ORDERED PUBLICATION. ORDINANCE N0. 1092 TO AMEND THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIDLEY, MINNESOTA, BY MAKING A CHAIQGE IN ZONING DISTRICTS (REZONING REQUEST, ZOA #96-01, BY AL SCHRADER) (WARD 2): Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that this rezoning is from C-3, General Shopping Center, to M-1, Light Industrial to allow the construction of a 30,455 square foot self-storage facility. This is an "L" shaped property located at the intersection of 73-1/2 Avenue and Highway 65. The first reading was approved by Council on February 24 with stipulations, and staff recommends approval of the second reading. WAIVED THE READING AND ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO SECOND READING AND ORDERED PUBLICATION. NEW BUSINESS: 1092 ON THE 3. RESOLUTION N0. 22-1997 ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 14, 1997, TO MODIFY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT N0. 1 AND TIF DISTRICTS NOS. 1-3, 6, 7, 9-14, AND TO CREATE TIF DISTRICT NO 15 (MINNESOTA COMMERCIAL RAILWAY COMPANY) (WARD 1)• � Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that this property is in the Northco Business Park along University Avenue. The TIF request is for a$125,000 grant and a$125,000 loan to be used for soil correction. This pro�ect involves the construction � � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 3 of a 57,980 square foot building for use in transferring steel from rail cars to trucks. Staff believes the pro�ect will benefit several other Fridley industries such as Onan and Kurt Manufacturing, who are ma�or steel users. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-1997. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 23-1997 ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 14, 1997, TO MODIFY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT N0. 1 PND TIF DISTRICTS NO5. 1-3, 6, 7, 9-15, AND TO CREATE TIF DISTRICT N0. 16 (LINN PROPERTY HOLDINGS, L.L.C.) (WARD 3): 5 6 Mr. Burns, City Manager, �stated that this district would encompass five lots located on the north side of 57th Avenue near the intersection with Main Street. The proposed pro�ect would renovate the former Dick's Wheel and Tire building for use as a Goodyear Tire Service Center. The pro�ect would also involve an 8,000 square foot strip retail center on what is now residential property to the west of the store. Mr. Burns assistance currently stated that the owner is requesting $200,000 in TIF for land assembly and demolition. Staff is evaluating this request. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-1997. ESTABLISH A PUBLIC HEARING FOR MARCH 31, 1997, FOR SIDCO FOOD Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that Sid Applebaum recently acquired the grocery operations now being run by Holiday Companies. Although these operations will continue to bear the Holiday name, the transfer of ownership requires the transfer of the 3.2 off-sale beer license currently held by Holiday. It is necessary to conduct a public hearing for this beer license. SET THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THIS BEER LICENSE TO SIDCO FOOD COMPANY FOR MFIRCH 31, 1997. RECEIVE BIDS AND AWARD CONTRACT FOR SANITARY AND STORM SEWER REPAIR PROJECT NO. 304: Mr. Burns, Crty Manager, stated that four bids were received for this pro�ect, and the low bid was from Insituform Central, Inc. in the amount of $159,856. The Capital Improvements budget includes $100,000 for sanitary sewer repairs and $150,000 for storm sewer repairs. Of this total bid, $87,808 is for sanitary sewer repairs, and $72,048 is for storm sewer repairs. � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 4 Mr. Burns reviewed the sanitary pro�ects on Seventh Street and 57th Place and the storm sewer pro�ect on Van Buren Street. He recommended that the bid be awarded to Insituform Central, Inc. in the amount of $159,856. RECEIVED THE FOLIAWING BIDS FOR SANITARY AND STORM SEWER REPAIR PROJECT NO. 304: INSITUFORM CENTRAI�, INC., $159,856; T•n�'TTI & SONS, INC., $172,983; MCTNICIPAL PIPE TOOL, INC., $192,103; AND VISU-SEWER CLEAN & SEAL, INC., $199,718. AWARDED THE CONTRACT TO INSITUFORM CENTRAI,, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $159,856. 7. MOTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR 1997 PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT PROJECTS: Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that playground equipment replacement is scheduled for Altura Park, Commons Park, and Moore Lake Park as a result of a five-year parks equipment replacement plan adopted in 1995. The City is also advertising for equipment for Stevenson School in con�unction with School District No. 14. Mr. Burns stated that the dollar amount for each park will be advertised, and the vendors will be asked to identify pro�ects � they are willing to build for that specific amount. Bids will be reviewed by staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and by residents served by the playground through special neighborhood meetings. A recommendation will then be submitted to Council for purchase and installation. $192,000 has been budgeted for these equipment upgrades. AUTHORIZED THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE 1997 PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT PROJECTS. 8. RESOLUTION N0. 24-1997 SUPPORTING THE TRUNK HIGHWAY 10 (TH 10) NNLTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT: Mr. Burns, City Manager, requested that this item be removed from the consent agenda and placed on the regular agenda. REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND PLACED ON THE REGULAR AGENDA. 9. APPROVE REAPPOINTMENTS TO CITY OF FRIDLEY COMMISSIONS: Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the following individuals are seeking reappointment to the following commissions: Diane Savage, Planning Commission; Carol Beaulieu and Terrie Mau, � Appeals Commission; Bradley Sielaff and Richard Svanda, Environmental Quality and Energy Commission; Jeanne Raffesberger, Human Resources Commission; David Kondrick and Marcy Sibell, Parks and Recreation Commission; Robert Scott � � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 5 and Joseph Kerner, Cable Television and Telecommunications Advisory Commission; John Hinsverk, Police Commission; and Jim McFarland, Housing & Redevelopment Authority. Mr. Burns stated that all terms, except the HRA appointment, are from April 1, 1997 to April 1, 2000. The HRA appointment is from June 9, 1997 to June 9, 2002. Staff recommends approval of these reappointments. APPROVED THE P.BOVE REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE VARIOUS CITY 10. CLAIMS: AUTHORIZED PAYMENT OF CLAIM NOS. 72847 THROUGH 72986. 11. LICENSES: APPROVED THE LICENSES AS SUBMITTED AND AS ON FILE IN THE LICENSE CLERK'S OFFICE. 12. ESTIMATES: APPROVED THE ESTIMATES, AS FOLLOWS: Lunda Construction Company P.O. Box 228 Little Chute, WI 54140-0228 Locke Lake Dam Restoration Pro�ect No. 211 FINAL ESTIMATE . . . . . . Newquist & Ekstrum, Chartered 301 Fridley Plaza Office Building 6401 University Avenue N.E. Fridley, MN 55432 Services Rendered as City Prosecuting Attorney for the Month of December, 1996 . Frederic W. Knaak, Esq. Holstad and Larson, P.L.C. 3535 Vadnais Center Drive St. Paul, MN 55110 $ 5,080.29 $12,061.85 Services Rendered as City Attorney for the Month of February, 1997. ......$ 5,367.50 No persons in the audience spoke regarding the proposed consent agenda items. I�� � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 6 MOTION by Councilman Barnette to approve the consent agenda items, with the exception of Item 8 to be removed and placed on the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilman Schneider. Upon a voice vote, a11 voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried unanimously. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: MOTION by Councilman Schneider to adopt the agenda with the addition of an item, as follows: Resolution Requesting Representation from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for Appeal. Seconded by Councilwoman Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried unanimously. OPEN FORUM, VISITORS: There was no response business. NEW BUSINE55: from the audience under this rtem of 13. MOTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE CENTRAT AVENUE BICYCLE PATH PROJECT: Mr. Flora, Public Works Director, stated that plans are currently being prepared to re-advertise for bids for the bike path on Central Avenue. The cost would be $130,000, and funds would be available from State Aid. Staff has been working with the state regarding the construction of a bridge over Rice Creek. A bridge designed for a bike path can be constructed rather than a highway bridge. Mayor Jorgenson asked the dimensions of this bike path bridge. Mr. Flora stated that it would be 8 feet wide by 110 feet long. Councilman Schneider asked if the plan for the bike path was the same as previously discussed, as there was concern about the trees and shrubs. Mr. F1ora stated that the bike path will be installed on the west side of Old Central Avenue, north of Mississippi Street, within the County right-of-way. A neighborhood meeting will be held with the residents along Old Central to review the plan. There would be no assessment for this bike path, and the plans would be submitted to Council. � MOTION by Councilman Schneider to authorize the advertising of bids for the Central Avenue bike path. Seconded by Councilman Barnette. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried unanimously. � � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 7 14. RECEIVE PROPOSALS AND AWARD CONTRACT FOR CURBSIDE RECYCLING SERVICES: Ms. Julie Jones, Recycling Coordinator, commended the Council for their commitment to recycling. She presented proposals for the curbside program. The largest portion of the tonnage is from the curbside program, but the participation rate is only 45 percent, which is an area of concern. This figure is from SuperCycle's records on the number of stops. In 1996 there was a sharp drop from 1995, in the number of stops. The goal in 1997 is to increase the participation leveis in the curbside program. Ms. Jones stated that another goal is to exceed the City's 1997 tonnage goal set by the County by at least eight percent. This is critical because of the City taking over the operation of the recycling center. Aluminum revenues from the recycling center need to be reported, and it will affect how the City can spend 5CORE funds. When the City reaches 108 percent of the goal level, there is more liberty on the use of SCORE funds. The program should also be cost-effective for Fridley residents. Ms. Jones stated to the residents service, and the were added to the textiles. that participation could be raised by convenience , weekly pickup, same day garbage and recycling collection of additional materials. If plastics recycling program, it would add more tonnage than Ms. Jones stated that staff and the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission are recommending that Council accept the proposal from Waste Management for a bi-monthly service for multi-family buildings at a rate of $2.15 per unit and a weekly service for single family dwellings at a rate of $2.15 per unit. Ms. Sones stated that a key point to consider is that the curbside monthly participation should be more like 70 and not 45 percent. The City also needs the freedom to spend SCORE funds on otherwise ineligible uses, if the tonnage increases by at least eight percent. Adding plastics to the program will increase participation and add tonnaqe. Weekly service will increase the pounds collected per household, and a commingled collection system (plastics and cans together) solves the issue of possibly having to provide another recycling bin for plastics. Ms. Jones explained the costs of weekly service and the amounts that would exceed the 1997 and 1998 budgets. She explained that staff recommended that the City Council consider increasing the SWAP fee from $4 per quarter to $5 per quarter, which would need to be done by ordinance amendment. Mayor Jorgenson asked if telephone books could be recycled. Ms. Jones stated that they are included in the City's recycling program and should be included with the mixed mail materials. � � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE B Mayor Jorgenson questioned the reason for the decrease in curbside recycling. Ms. Jones stated that this could be weather related or residents could be using the drop-off center. Many residents are taking their plastics to friends and relatives in other communities where they have plastic collections. Councilman Schneider stated that as far as garbage and recycling materials being collected on the same day, the City has multiple haulers for trash pick-up and questioned how this could be accomplished. Ms. Jones stated that Council could review this issue; however, this issue may take care of itself. Residents may keep their current hauler or elect to change to a hauler that would pick-up their trash on the same day as their recycling. Councilwoman Bolkcom asked when residents would be notified of the program. Ms. Jones stated that staff would send out information to residents about ten days before the program goes into effect. Councilwoman Bolkcom stated that part of the program is to get more people in the apartment complexes involved in recycling. Ms. Jones stated that she plans to meet with many of the apartment managers and owners to find out how the City can assist them. Mr. Tom Glander, President of SuperCycle, stated that he appreciated the opportunity to serve the City over the years and thanked Council for their business. SuperCycle would like to continue to serve the residents of Fridley. Mr. Glander stated that he perceived the City as practical. He designed the program as it was in the past when it was determined that it was too costly to recycle plastics. Council has a choice to make between weekly or bi-monthly collection. The City's cost per ton collected has been about $80 compared to neighboring communities with a weekly program of about $102 to $108 per ton. From the standpoint of cost per unit collected, obviously weekly collection is more expensive. Mr. Glander stated that the City collected 35.6 pounds per household per month, and cities with weekly collection collected 37.8 pounds per household per month. In comparison, other cities collected five or six percent more tonnage for an increased cost of about 25 percent. He felt this was a very poor value. These programs have not done as well as Fridley's. Converting to a weekly program will not necessarily increase participation. 1 FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 9 Mayor Jorgenson asked the size of the garbage containers used in cities that have a weekly collection. Ms. Dacy, Community Development Director, stated that staff has completed a survey. Information is on file, but she does not have the information available this evening. Councilwoman Bolkcom stated that several communities have gone to a weekly collection so there must be a reason for it. It would be simpler to have both the recyclables and trash collected on the same day. Ms. Jones stated that there is no doubt a weekly collection would increase the cost. If there is only 45 percent participation and the City is paying for 100 percent, it is a costly program. Council wi11 have to make the decision on what is more cost- effective for residents. Councilman Schneider stated that the point is will participation increase if recyclables are collected weekly. Ms. Jones stated that she felt the tonnage would increase to 500 pounds per household, rather than 400 pounds. It takes about a � year for residents to become accustomed to a new system. She felt that the residents would be in favor of the collection of plastics. Councilman Schneider stated that the data presented by the County indicates that Fridley is at a recycling level of other communities . � Ms. Jones stated that Fridley is about in the middle as far as amounts recycled per household. Councilman Schneider asked if the County's figures per household include the tonnage brought to the recycling center. Ms. Jones stated she understands that it does, but the 400 pounds per household is strictly the curbside recycling. Councilman Schneider stated that if there was a weekly collection, from a cost standpoint, is convenience really what is being provided rather than increased tonnage. Mayor Jorgenson stated that quite a few people who are not residents of Fridley use the recycling center. They wi11 continue to bring their recyclables to the center. Ms. Jones stated that the goal for the recycling center is to promote recycling with the businesses and apartment owners to boost tonnage. This should supplement the curbside service. 1 FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 10 MOTION by Councilwoman Bolkcom to direct staff to accept the proposal from Waste Management for $2.15 per unit for weekly single-family service (1-4 units) and $2.15 per unit for bi-monthly multi-unit (5-12 unit buildings) service and negotiate a contract for consideration at the March 31 Council meeting. Further, to prepare an educational brochure and define the collection zones so that it can be mailed to residents prior to the start of the new program in April. Seconded by Councilman Barnette. Mr. Jerry Sampson, representing Waste Management, stated it is proposed that the collections be Monday through Thursday. Since April 1, 1997, is a Tuesday, he suggested instead of starting the program on Monday, April 7. Council agreed with his suggestion. He predicts a minimum of 42 to 45 pounds per household per month and possibly up to 56 pounds per household. Mr. Burns, City Manager, asked Mr. Sampson if he felt it was feasible that the City could experience a 25 percent increase in tonnage. Mr. Sampson replied in the affirmative. UPON A VOICE VOTE TAKEN ON THE ABOVE MOTION, all voted aye, and Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried unanimously. � 15. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT RECODIFYING THE FRIDLEY CITY CODE, CHAPTER 119, ENTITLED "ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLES," BY AMENDING SECTION 114.01, "POLICY:" Ms. Dacy, Community Development Director, stated that the purpose of this amendment is to remove the "sunset date" clause from Chapter 114, Section 114.D1, which stated that "these amendments shall be effective for any violation which occurs through March 30, 1997, at which point the amendments to this section will have no further force and effect unless a further amendment is enacted." Last year Council amended the ordinance to establish a five-day tag and tow process to remove unlicensed or inoperable vehicles from private property. Ms. Dacy stated that to date, 106 inoperable vehicles have been placarded throughout the City using the modified ordinance. Of the vehicles placarded, 94 have been returned to operational condition, placed in a garage or removed, six have been impounded by the City, and six are pending final inspection. The owners of these vehicles have been extremely cooperative, and the ma�ority of the vehicles tagged are due to expired tabs. A high percentage of vehicles are removed voluntarily. Councilman Barnette questioned the "sunset date." � Ms. Dacy stated that this "sunset date" was included in the ordinance last year to provide an opportunity for staff to come back to Council with a report on how this ordinance has progressed. Staff is now recommending this "sunset date" clause be removed so � � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 11 it will be a continuing practice. The amount of complaints have remained the same, but the ordinance prompted more interest in compliance. MOTION by Councilman Schneider to waive the reading and approve the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by Councilwoman Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried unanimously. 8. RESOLUTION N0. 24-1997 SUPPORTING THE TRUNK HIGHWAY 10 MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT: TH 10 Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that representatives from Anoka County have asked for the City's support for a feasibility study of multi-modal transportation improvements along a section of TH 10 that extends through twelve cities between St. Cloud and Minneapolis. The study would investigate the impact of establishing a commuter rail service, along with highway improve- ments and recreational trails. Mr. Burns stated that the County, along with other counties in the corridor area, are seeking $5 million in Federal ISTEA funding for the study. In addition to lending its support, the City is being asked to appoint an elected representative to work with other elected officials to develop a �oint powers agreement. The agreement is viewed as a mechanism for addressing the need for transportation enhancements, congestion relief, improved safety and systematic land use planning. The City is also being asked to declare its intent to enter into this agreement sub�ect to examination of the details that are developed by the elected officials' task force. Staff recommends approval, and Mr. Tim Yantos is here from the County to answer any questions. Mr. Tim Yantos, Anoka County, stated that this corridor is known as the Northstar Corridor which is a shorter name for the T.H. 10 multi-modal transportation corridor study. He provided copies of the application that was submitted to the federal government for funding. Representative James Oberstar is the primary sponsor, and 24 governmental entities are being asked to participate in the �oint powers agreement. Mr. Yantos stated that this corridor is the fastest growing, and there are problems with safety. It is necessary to look at a variety of multi-modal enhancements and how to improve the land use along this corridor. Mayor Jorgenson stated that she understood this request is for $5 million in funding; however, the letter from Representative James �berstar states it is $6 million. � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 12 Mr. Yantos stated that it is a$6 million request for funding for the study. As more information was gathered the figures have changed. Mayor Jorgenson asked if there would be matching grants by the cities and counties involved. Mr. Yantos stated it is anticipated that it will be an in-kind participation so that all the work the communities wi11 be contributing will go into their portion of the cost. Mayor Jorgenson asked if most of the proposed system and stations would be along Highway 10 and then proceed into Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mr. Yantos stated that is one of the improvements proposed; however, the study wi11 review a variety of options for highway and corridor improvements. The rail system is �ust one of the many modes and will be part of the study. Mayor Jorgenson stated that St. C1oud is outside the metropolitan area so it is interesting that this is being proposed. � Mr. Yantos stated that the Metropolitan maintain growth in certain areas, and corridor are very concerned. In Sherburne of building permits being applied for, and for growth from Anoka into the metropolitan is generated from suburbs to the north, and at planning for that type of growth. Council is trying to the people along this County there are a lot the County is planning area. A lot of traffic this is one way to look Councilman Schneider asked when the County would know if the grant was received. Mr. Yantos stated that, currently, there are ISTEA funds available, and more funds available this fall. He felt there was a good chance that these funds would be obtained. Mr. Yantos stated that Anoka County is working with Sherburne County, but it would be the Joint Powers Board that receives the grant and determines the work that would be performed by the consultant. Each community alonq the route would be asked to voice their concerns. Mr. Burns, Crty Manager, questioned if, down the road, the City may be asked for some organizational funding. Mr. Yantos stated that there have been preliminary discussions that � if the Joint Powers Board wants to proceed before the funds are available perhaps there could be a funding mechanism based on population. A community of over 10,0000 would provide $2,000 in funding, and this amount would be reduced based on population. � � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 13 Councilman Billings asked if the Anoka County Rail Authority has given any thought as to where this train may run, particularly in the Fridley area. Mr. Yantos stated that a commuter train would use the Burlington Northern tracks. Because there is a double track it makes the use of this rail system very attractive. Councilman Billings asked Mr. Yantos how this proposal would benefit Fridley residents. Mr. Yantos stated that he could not address the issue at this time because that is what the study would encompass. He is not aware of all the problems along Highway 47 or I-694, but he does know congestion is very bad on Highway 47. Each community has its own concerns and opportunities. Mr. Yantos stated that another application, and not a part of this application, is from the Metro Regional Railroad for consideration of light rail transit along Hiawatha Avenue to the Mall of America and airport with another line to be studied. Councilman Billings stated that for Fridley residents to access a future commuter system on the Burlington Northern tracks they would have to go to Northtown. Mr. Yantos stated that he is not sure where the stations would be located. Possibly Highway 47 right-of-way would be utilized from Northtown to downtown Minneapolis. Mr. Burns stated that the City would benefit by opening up a broader resource for Fridley businesses. Councilman Billings asked if this study would replace the work done by the Anoka County Regional Rail Authority several years ago when Highway 47 was identified as a potential corridor for light rail. Mr. Yantos stated that this information would be expanded on the best way to move traffic. Mayor Jorgenson asked if the study would encompass traffic both east and west. Mr. Yantos stated that this study would primarily stress Highways 10 and 47 and does not expand to the east or west at this time. Councilman Schneider questioned the expense of the study. Mr. Yantos stated that there are a lot of technical issues for all cities and counties involved regarding railroad crossings, bridges, highway improvements, land use, and those studies are expensive. � L� � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 14 An environmental impact statement is also required to proceed into an implementation stage. Mayor Jorgenson stated that the light rail plan was studied several years ago. She questioned if this study will be competing with the light rail transit plan from Minneapolis to the Mall of America and airport. Mr. Yantos stated that it is not competing, but it is one proposal, and this is only a small portion of it. Councilman Billings asked if it locks the City into funding if this resolution is adopted. Mr. Yantos stated that there is no anticipated funding that the City would be locked into at this time. Councilman Billings stated that if there was to be local funding and Fridley did not want to participate, he wanted to make sure that there was no obligation on the City's part. Mr. Yantos stated that the �oint powers agreement should address this issue. There wi11 be a section in the agreement that would allow municipalities to not participate, if they so desired. Councilman Billings stated that as he understands, the City can choose to participate at no direct cost to the Fridley taxpayers and would have the opportunity to withdraw, depending on how the �oint powers agreement is drafted. One of the Council members would be a member of the Joint Powers Board. Mr. Yantos stated that those participating may be asked for some minimal contribution up to $2,000; however, this would be decided by the Joint Powers Board. Councilwoman Bolkcom stated that by adopting the resolution Council is not committing to the $2,000. Mr. Yantos stated that the resolution only supports the study and the appointment of one of the Council members to serve on the Board. He stated Fridley's elected official appointed to the Soard would work with other elected officials to draft the �oint powers agreement. Representative Oberstar would like to see the Joint Powers Board in place in the next several weeks. Mr. Burns asked if this proposal has support and input from the State. Mr. Yantos stated he understands that Elwyn Tinklenberg has had several conversations with the state. The Department of Transportation will be an ex-officio member of the Joint Powers Board. � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 15 Councilman Barnette stated that he did not believe there is any risk in getting involved. Everyone is aware that traffic is a ma�or problem. He suqgested that Councilman Billings be appointed to serve on this Joint Powers Board. Councilman Billings stated that he served for two Anoka County Rail Authority, and he does have a schedule. If it is Council's pleasure, he would serve as Fridley's representative. years on the flexible work be willing to MOTION by Councilman Barnette to adopt Resolution No. 24-1997 and appoint Councilman Billings as Fridley's representative to work with the elected officials from communities along the corridor to develop a �oint powers agreement. Further, to change the March 15 date in the resolution to March 31. Seconded by Councilman Schneider. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried unanimously. 15A. RESOLUTION N0. 25-1997 OF MINNESOTA CITIES INE TING REPRESENTATION FROM LEAGUE n Mr. Knaak, City Attorney, stated that this resolution was forwarded to the City by the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust which is the City's insurer. This resolution relates to a lawsuit the � City is in as one of the 36 members of the Minnesota Police Recruitment System (MPRS). One of the reasons for the litigation was a disagreement over the MPRS's examination for police officers. Mr. Knaak stated that the League has actually made it quite easy for the City by agreeing to conduct the appeal for the City with no deductible. The League further agrees to pay all costs associated with the appeal and to pay all damages awarded as the result of the appeal beyond those in Judge Solum's award as allocated among the cities. He recommended that Council adopt this resolution. MOTION by Councilman Billings to concur with the City Attorney's recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 25-1997. Seconded by Councilman Schneider. Upon a voice vote, a11 voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried unanimously. 16. INFORMAL STATUS REPORTS• Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that one item to be discussed in the conference session is industrial lots near residential areas. Councilwoman Bolkcom asked Mr. Burns to summarize Council's recent meeting with the School Board of District No. 14. � Mr. Burns stated that the City Council, School Board, and Super- intendent, met last Thursday evening to discuss the Community Education Center pro�ect. One of the main topics was a name for this facility. Both the City Council and the School Board felt the � � � FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1997 PAGE 16 new facility should be called the Fridley Community Center. Construction should begin in June and, hopefully, be finished by September. Councilwoman Bolkcom stated that on Apri1 14 Council will conduct a public hearing on the Linn development for a strip mall on 57th Avenue. There will be a neighborhood meeting on March 18 regarding this issue. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Councilman Schneider to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilwoman Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Jorgenson declared the motion carried unanimously and the Regular Meeting of the Fridley City Council of March 3, 1997 ad�ourned at 9:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, / y - /� . .'�L �r`-�-r( � l�'� Carole Haddad Secretary to the City Council /��,,�u" c:_�L j /�r�C,cU�� � // � � i Nancy J. Jorgenson Mayor