07/24/2000 - 00008641THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL
OF JULY 24, 2000
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 Flag.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor 7orgenson, Councilmember Barnette, Councilmember
Wolfe, and Councilmember Bolkcom
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Billings.
STATEMENT OF MEETING CONDUCT:
Please be reminded that those present at today's meeting may hold a variety of views and
opinions regarding the business to be conducted. The exercise of democracy through
representative local government requires that ALL points of view be accommodated at these
proceedings. It is further expected that a standard of mutual courtesy and respectfulness be
exercised by all in attendance, through our individual expression, manner of speaking, and
conduct. Therefore, please receive the views of others with the same degree of courtesy and
respect which you desire to be given your views and opinions. Any departures from this
standard will be addressed by the Presiding Officer through whatever means are deemed
appropriate. Thank you for your attendance at today's meeting, and your agreement to abide by
these standards of personal conduct.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve the proposed consent agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Wolfe.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
City Council Meetin o.°� f July 10, 2000
APPROVED.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2000 PAGE 2
NEW BUSINESS:
1. RESOLUTION NO. 54-2000 APPROVING A PLAT, PS #99-04, TO CREATE
TWO RESIDENTIAL LOTS, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 520 DOVER STREET
N.E. (WARD 3):
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that this resolution was to approve a plat that creates two
lots at 520 Dover Street. Council approved the preliminary plat for this address on
September 15, 1999. Anoka County would not, however, accept the plat as Torrens
property unless the owner agreed to create an additional lot. The proposed action would
create a separate parcel for the driveway at this address. Staff recommended Council's
approval.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 54-2000.
2. APPROVE TEMPORARY TRAILER LICENSE FOR LOMBARDI BROTHERS
MEATS, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 7501 COMMERCE LANE N.E.
(WARD 3):
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the trailer would house sales staff for a period of
one year. This would allow time for Lombardi Brothers to construct a permanent
building addition. Staff recommended Council's approval.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked Ms. Dacy, Community Development Director, if this
trailer license was for only one year even though the application lists one to two years.
Ms. Dacy stated that it was for only one year.
APPROVED TEMPORARY TRAILER LICENSE FOR LOMBARDI
BROTHERS.
Mr. Jan Bjorke, from Lombardi Brothers Meats, stated that in the last year they have
added staff and need more space. That was the main reason for the trailer.
3. RECEIVE BIDS AND AWARD CONTRACT FOR RICE CREEK WEST
WATERMAIN REPAIR PROJECT NO. 334:
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that three bids were received for this project. The low
bidder was W.B. Miller, Inc. at $59,564.25. Staff recommended that the bid be awarded
to the low bidder, W.B. Miller, Inc.
RECEIVED BIDS AND AWARDED CONTRACT TO W.B. MILLER, INC.
4. RECEIVE BIDS AND AWARD CONTRACT FOR TH 47 WEST DITCH
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. ST. 2000 - 6.:
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that eight bids were opened on July 19 for this project.
The project provides for the installation of drainage culverts from 81st Avenue to Rice
Creek The project would make mowing the University Avenue corridor easier. Staff
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2000 PAGE 3
recommended that the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Park Construction Company, in
the amount of $93,928.25.
Councilmember Wolfe asked if the ditch improvement project included 83rd Avenue.
Mr. Burns stated that there is about 50 feet of work north of 81st Avenue, but the culvert
to be installed will be south of 81st Avenue.
RECEIVED BIDS AND AWARDED CONTRACT TO PARK CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY.
5. MOTION TO APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF AN INTERNALLY
ILLUMINATED STREET SIGN AT 49TH AVENUE AND UNIVERSITY AVENUE
N.E. (WARD 3):
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the City of Columbia Heights has requested that
Fridley join them in completing the installation of internally illuminated street name signs
along University Avenue. Since the City has installed these signs at each of the
intersections from 53rd Avenue north, this would mean installing signs at one additional
intersection, the 49th Avenue intersection. Staff recommended agreeing to Columbia
Heights' request to cover the estimated $10,000 cost from the City's State Aid funds.
APPROVED THE INSTALLATION OF AN INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
STREET SIGN AT 49TH AVENUE AND UNIVERSITY AVENUE N.E.
6. APPOINTMENTS - CITY EMPLOYEES:
Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that these positions include two street maintenance
workers and a sewer maintenance worker. They are replacements for individuals who
have terminated employment and/or transferred within the division. The proposed street
maintenance workers are Scott Bradseth and Greg Skogen. Scott has been employed by
Safetran systems for 24 years as a lead worker. Greg has been employed by Burlington
Northern Santa Fe as a night track maintenance worker for the last four years.
Mr. Burns stated that the proposed sewer maintenance worker is Gary Ellestad. Gary has
been employed by the City of Fridley Streets Section during the past nine months. Staff
recommended Council's approval.
APPOINTED SCOTT BRADSETH AND GREG SKOGEN AS STREET
MAINTENANCE WORKERS. APPOINTED GARY ELLESTAD AS SEWER
MAINTENANCE WORKER.
7. CLAIMS:
APPROVED CLAIM NOS. 94317 THROUGH 94619.
8. LICENSES:
APPROVED ALL LICENSES AS SUBMITTED.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2000 PAGE 4
9. ESTIMATES:
APPROVED ESTIMATES AS FOLLOWS:
Allied Blacktop Company
10503 - 89th Avenue North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
2000 Street Improvement (Sealcoat) $ 148,002.81
Project No. ST 2000-10
Estimate No. 1
OPEN FORUM,VISITORS:
Mr. Max Thompson, representing Metricom, stated that he was requesting a work session to
present more information about Metricom. Metricom would like to bring a new wireless service
to the metropolitan area. Some neighboring communities have signed a right-of-way use
agreements with them. Metricom staff worked with City staff last November regarding this
wireless service. The work session Mr. Thompson would like to hold would include information
on what the company does and alternative data service it provides. The service recently became
live with the high-speed data system in San Diego.
Mr. Thompson said that he has an executive summary of the agreement that he could leave for
Council and the City Attorney. Metricom's contract includes things that already e�st in the
ordinances and makes them a contractual obligation between parties.
Mr. Thompson stated that about five to seven of their radios per square mile in Fridley could be
mounted on e�sting poles where it would be able to interface with power. Metricom would pay
the City $60.00 per pole per year if the pole belongs to the City. Metricome can tailor changes
for the City. Their service allows access to e�sting databases and the Internet through a dial-up
modem that is wireless and gives true speed.
Mr. Thompson stated that Police and Fire could use this and could quickly retrieve information
on an actual person they are looking for. It can download diagrams of buildings and area so fire
trucks can find where the nearest hydrant is and how to get into the building.
Mayor Jorgenson stated that the City has a telecommunication ordinance.
Ms. Dacy, Community Development Director, stated that this matter is a zoning issue, as well as
a right-of-way issue. The City's overlay telecommunication district controls the location of any
type of wireless facility on private or public property. The code amendment is not to amend the
right-of-way portion of the City code, but to amend the zoning code. Staff suggested that
Metricom file an amendment to the overlay of telecommunications district to define the
technology that they are proposing and submit a map of where this would be located. The code
amendment does not affect the right-of-way agreement. This code amendment could be
accomplished in si�ty days. She did not think the City would miss this opportunity for the
service, it is just a matter of amending the ordinance. The definition of a telecommunications
facility does not depend on the number of customers on the type of customer.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2000 PAGE 5
Mr. Knaak, City Attorney, stated that this issue was addressed as part of the overall analysis that
was done by staff two years ago. This technology e�sted in Europe and was brought to staff's
attention. At that time it was too early to be enacted in certain provisions to anticipate this
technology when it came. The process is in place for the ordinance to examine the technology,
respond, and react to it. This was anticipated. The adjustment of the ordinance is possible for
each new piece of technology.
Ms. Dacy stated that Fridley's approach was to look for placement of wireless communications
facilities on sites intended to speed the process for providers and to provide fle�bility for use in
industrial districts. She suggested that this matter should go to the Planning Commission, that a
public hearing should be held, and then it should be acted on by Council. Holding a workshop
first would only slow down the process.
Mr. Thompson stated that in the gathering point location for the pole top signals, the company
complied with Fridley's existing code and ordinance. Metricom felt that no code amendment is
required or needed because it delays what 52 other cities have done.
Councilmember Bolkcom stated that there is not a conference meeting until August 21, so it will
still be one month until the meeting. She said she would like Metricom to submit the application
to avoid discussing for months whether the te�t amendments need to be done.
Mr. Burns stated that he thought this could have been accomplished by now because this was
initially brought forward in May.
Mr. Thompson stated that they spend a great deal of time working with cities that are faster in
their processes. He honors Council's decision and will complete a code amendment request if he
has time.
Mayor Jorgenson stated that she did not think that it was a question of whether Fridley's
processes were slow. She explained that this is a two-stage process, and the City must first
amend the telecommunications ordinance. She said she is very proud that the City has many
locations that can service multiple telecommunications at one site.
Mr. Thompson stated they have no requests to build any new towers.
Mayor Jorgenson stated that she would encourage him to look at the zoning te�t amendments.
She said staff would work ardently with him to get this to the Planning Commission as soon as
possible.
Mayor Jorgenson asked Mr. Flora if the telecommunications poles are owned by the City or the
utility companies.
Mr. Flora stated that they are owned by Northern States Power Company.
Mayor Jorgenson asked Mr. Thompson about the franchise fee.
Mr. Thompson stated that there is no franchise fee because you have to something to franchise.
This is a case of frequencies that are given out by the FCC and e�sting structures that are owned
by others. The one percent (1%) fee is a management reimbursement fee.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2000 PAGE 6
Ms. Dacy gave Mr. Thompson an application.
14. INFORMAL STATUS REPORTS:
Councilmember Bolkcom stated that on August 2 at 7:00 p.m., in the Community Center
gymnasium, a meeting about commuter rail will be held by the Northstar Corridor Development
Authority.
Mayor Jorgenson stated that it is not too late to sign up for National Night Out on August 1.
Contact Rosie Griep at 572-3638 if interested.
Councilmember Wolfe stated that he apologized for not being able to attend National Night Out.
ADJOURN:
MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember
Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE
JULY 24, 2000, CITY COUNCIL MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Signe L. Johnson Nancy J. Jorgenson
Recording Secretary Mayor